Fri & Sat, August  15 - 30, 2025
The Gateway Playhouse
 
The SpongeBob Musical
Who's Who
 

Isla Brady  (Sardine 3) is excited to make her second MainStage performance at The Gateway in The SpongeBob Musical, Y/E! She has been taking Gateway School for the Performing Arts classes for the last two years and has performed in Aladdin Kids, Finding Nemo Kids (Anchor the Shark and Breeze), Aristocats Kids (Amelia Gabble) and Seussical Kids (Mayzie LaBird). She would like to thank ALL of her family for supporting and encouraging her through her whole acting career. She would also like to thank all the friends she’s made in these many productions, and all the teachers, teacher apprentices, and directors as well as any stage crew who have worked hard to make all of these productions possible.
 

 

Sofia Da Costa-Wilson  (Electric Skate 3)  is going into her third year with The Gateway. Recent performances include Young Elsa in Disney’s Frozen, Susan in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Bielke in Fiddler on the Roof, the Holiday Spectacular On Ice with Nancy Kerrigan, the Children's Choir in Evita, Lavender in Matilda Jr, and Violet in Willie Wonka Jr. Sofia has also danced in The Nutcracker with Eglevsky Ballet and specializes in traditional Portuguese Folklore dancing. Sofia is thankful to be working with such a fun cast and dreams to be on Broadway someday!
 

 

Noah DaSilva  (Patrick Star)  is so happy to be part of this conservatory production of The SpongeBob Musical: Y/E. Noah’s credits at Gateway include: Ensemble in Finding Nemo Jr, and Grimsby in The Little Mermaid. Noah also participates in his school plays and musicals such as Rev. John Hale in The Crucible and Mysterious Man in Into The Woods.
 

 

Lydia DeJesus  (Electric Skate 1)  starred as Brigitta in The Sound of Music Global Tour, and as Jane Banks u/s in Mary Poppins at the Ellen Theatre and Tuacahn Center for the Arts. She also originated the role of Poppy in the pilot production of DreamWorks’ Trolls! Other favorites: Narrator in Into the Woods, Ensemble in Joseph…Dreamcoat, and Sally Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Big thanks to Rachel, Kaitlyn, Amy, Paul, and my parents.
 

 

Erin Faulkner  (Karen Plankton)  is so grateful to be a part of this amazing production. Erin came to The Gateway in 2020 and has been performing and taking classes ever since. Recent credits are: Bonsai in The Lion King Jr, Mrs. Beauregard in Willy Wonka Jr, Flotsam in The Little Mermaid Jr, Grandma in The Addams Family, Mayzie LaBird in Seussical, Rajah in Aladdin, Ensemble in The Prom, and was the stage manager of The Gateway’s Alice by Heart. She would like to thank her friends, family, and the incredible cast and crew for supporting her and giving her the opportunity to be in this amazing production!
 

 

Ryan Joseph Gutierrez  (Squidward)  is a 16 year old aspiring actor from Long Island, New York. He is an upcoming senior at Bellport High School, taking AP classes and a proud high honor roll awardee. Ryan has had a love for acting since he was a young boy, often reenacting scenes from his favorite movies. Recently, Ryan has performed in his high school's productions (including Perch Perkins in the Broadway version of The SpongeBob Musical, Kevin G in the Mean Girls, and more). Ryan continues to sharpen his skills attending classes at The Gateway that culminate in performances, expanding and showcasing his talents. Ryan also takes tap classes at Stage Door School of Dance where he has been performing in their yearly recitals since 2021. In addition to acting, he enjoys drawing, creative writing, and listening to music. Ryan hopes to eventually become a versatile performer that will land him major roles on Broadway and in movie theaters across the globe.
 

 

Molly Hart  (Mayor, u/s Sandy)  is so beyond thrilled to join the cast of The SpongeBob Musical, Y/E here at The Gateway! This is her third conservatory show here, but she has done many more outside of The Gateway! She has been involved in theater and music since a very young age and some of her favorite roles outside of The Gateway at Center Moriches High School include Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Gabriella in High School Musical, Mayor Matilda in All Shook Up, and Mush in Newsies! She hopes you all enjoy the show and thanks you all for supporting!
 

 

Samantha Hayes  (Sandy Cheeks)  is super excited to be a part of this wonderful production of Spongebob The Musical: Y/E at The Gateway. Samantha has been a student at Gateway for the past ten years, and will be attending Long Island University in the fall to get her BFA in Acting! Go Sharks! Samantha has been a part in numerous regional productions in the past including, Youth Ensemble/Elf in The Gateway's Holiday Spectacular On Ice, with Nancy Kerrigan, Teen Ensemble in Disney's Frozen at The Gateway, and Child Guardian u/s in In The Heights, at The Gateway. She was also most recently seen as Rafiki in The Lion King Jr at The Gateway, and you can catch her this August as a Teen Ensemble member and designated Child Guardian in Phantom right here at The Gateway as well. Samantha would love to thank Rachel, Kaitlyn, and Director Amy, along with the Cast and Crew involved with this amazing production, and for The Gateway itself for being her home away from home this past decade. Follow her journey on Instagram: @real_sammyh
 

 

Rosalie Kubacki  (French Narrator)  has been a student at Gateway for the past four years. She is excited to be back at The Gateway Conservatory this summer. Last year she played a Mersister in The Little Mermaid Jr. She also loves being an actor in The Gateway's Haunted Playhouse.
 

 

Cole Lafler  (Old Man Jenkins)  is thrilled to be part of his first—and final—Gateway Conservatory production. Some of his favorite past roles include Juror #8 in 12 Angry Jurors, Bunsen in Newsies, and the unforgettable Drunk in Guys and Dolls. Cole has also appeared in The Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse and Not-So-Scary Haunted Playhouse. He has trained at Stage Door School of Dance for the past four years, where he is grateful to have learned under the guidance and care of Ms. Mary Giattino. One of his most meaningful experiences has been serving as a weDance Shadow dancer for the past five years. Cole sends heartfelt thanks to his parents, grandparents, and siblings for their constant support—and a special shoutout to Amy, for giving him this opportunity to play the cranky old man/fish version of himself, something he wears with pride!
 

 

Aidan Lane  (Sheldon J Plankton)  is excited to be playing Plankton in his favorite show, The SpongeBob Musical: Y/E! He has taken acting classes at The Gateway School for the Performing Arts for 3 years, with this being his first time in a conservatory show. Previous roles include: Simba in The Lion King, Pinocchio in Shrek the Musical, and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. Aidan would like to thank The Gateway School for the Performing Arts for providing such a wonderful experience. Aidan would also like to thank his parents & grandparents for all their support & encouragement. He will be attending college this fall and will be sure to continue acting for the future.
 

 

Julius Lovelace  (Larry the Lobster)  Julius is so excited to be playing Larry the Lobster in The SpongeBob Musical,Y/E! This is his fourth conservatory at The Gateway. He was most recently seen in The Gateway’s The Lion King Jr. His past credits include: Flotsam in The Little Mermaid Jr., Cave Guardian & Prince Malik in Aladdin Kids, Marlin in Finding Nemo Kids, Cheshire Cat #1 in Alice In Wonderland Jr., Ensemble in The Little Mermaid Jr., Mike Teeave in Willy Wonka Jr., Edgar in Aristocats Kids, and Horton the Elephant in Seussical Kids. Julius was also a part of the youth ensemble in The Holiday Spectacular On Ice starring Nancy Kerrigan! This June, Julius also received his eight-year dance trophy for tap at Stage Door School Of Dance. Julius would like to thank Ms. Rachel, Ms. Amy, and Ms. Kaitlyn. He wishes his cast the best of luck!
 

 

Lilyanna Moston  (Sardine 1)  comes from a musical and acting family and loves to sing, dance, and act. She has appeared as Alex in Madagascar and Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan at The Gateway, and has been part of many school productions over the years. She is excited to be part of The SpongeBob Musical: Y/E and bring her love of performing to the stage!
 

 

Charlotte O'Leary  (Ensemble)  is thrilled to be part of this production at The Gateway. Previously, she has played Violet in Willy Wonka, Jr, as well as Ensemble in Frozen Jr for her Middle School productions. Some of her favorite roles were here during Gateway production classes, Alice in Alice in Wonderland Jr, Thomas O’Malley in Aristocats Kids, Gertrude in Seussical Kids, and Dory in Finding Nemo Kids. This is her second conservatory here as she was Ensemble in The Lion King Jr. this past July. Charlotte is very excited to perform with this amazing cast!
 

 

Rivers O'Neal  (SpongeBob)  is thrilled to be performing again at The Gateway, having previously charmed audiences as the mischievous Pugsley Addams in The Addams Family Musical. He is simultaneously portraying a Town Boy in the mainstage production of Phantom, also at The Gateway. Additional theater credits include Cheder Boy in Fiddler on the Roof, Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka Jr, and Bagheera in Jungle Book Kids. He recently played a Theater Kid in the short film Can't You See I'm Trying. He is currently the principal in a national commercial for Feeding America and is in a commercial for Povison Furniture. Rivers is deeply grateful for all the support he's received from everyone at The Gateway, especially his teachers at the The Gateway School for the Performing Arts, and his agents at Stewart Talent. Enjoy the show!
 

 

Alex Pavel  (Mr. Krabs)  is back and he's channeling his inner Mr. Krabs like your wallet depends on it. Whether he's flipping invisible Krabby Patties or belting out a crusty tune, Alex is about to turn The Gateway into Bikini Bottom with a Broadway budget (well, almost). Legend has it, Alex’s love for acting began before he could say “I’m ready!” and now he's diving back into the spotlight with claws full of charisma and a treasure chest of comedic timing. After sharpening his chops in The Gateway School for the Performing Arts’ advanced acting class and probably practicing Krab-walks in his sleep, he's cooked up a performance tastier than a triple-stack Krabby Patty. Get ready for a show that’ll leave you laughing, dancing, and possibly shouting “money money money!” right along with him.
 

 

Abigail Pirozzi  (Electric Skate 2)  has attended The Gateway’s School for the Performing Arts since she was four years old. Recently she was young Anna in The Gateway production of Disney’s Frozen. She has also enjoyed being in Willy Wonka Jr, The Little Mermaid Jr, The Gateway’s Holiday Spectacular on Ice with Nancy Kerrigan, Finding Nemo Kids, Matilda and Evita. Abigail had the pleasure of doing some background work on Can't You See I'm Trying and Love in Storytown. ‘Gail’ loves the stage and is excited to be cast in SpongeBob. Abigail would like to thank all of her family and friends who support her and have come to see the show!
 

 

Mia Rofrano  (Perch Perkins u/s Patrick & Squidward)  is excited for her sixth conservatory production! Mia has been a proud student at The Gateway School for the Performing Arts for seven years. Past regional credits: Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, Jonathon in A Christmas Carol the Broadway Musical. Past Conservatory credits: Ensemble u/s Rafiki in The Lion King Jr, Tad in Finding Nemo Jr, Ensemble u/s Erica & Amanda in Matilda Jr, Ensemble u/s Chip in Beauty & the Beast Jr, and Coroner in The Wizard of Oz. Special thanks to her family for their love and support, her voice teacher Michelle Cosentino, and her Gateway family, especially Amy, Keira, Albert, Kaitlyn, Rachel, and the entire cast and crew!
 

 

Ella Rogacki  (Sardine 2 u/s Perch Perkins)  is so excited to be a part of her second conservatory show at The Gateway and to continue doing what she loves! Ella has been in Gateway’s School for the Performing Arts since she was five years old. Ella has had a love for musical theatre since before she could remember, and dreams to be on Broadway one day. Recent credits include: Ensemble in The Lion King Jr, Mayzie LaBird in Seussical Kids, Sarabi in The Lion King Jr, Duchess in Aristocats Kids, Cheshire Cat in Alice In Wonderland Jr, Ensemble in Little Mermaid Jr, Dory in Finding Nemo Kids. Ella has taken several intermediate acting and musical theatre classes. She would like to thank her family, friends, Amy, Kaitlyn, and Rachel for supporting her with all of her work. Ella is so happy that she is able to work with this amazing cast and crew.
 

 

Kierstan Schafer  (Pearl)  is a singer and actress who is thrilled to be playing Pearl in Gateway’s conservatory production of The SpongeBob Musical, Y/E! Kiersten has been a student at The Gateway School for the Performing Arts for several years, and currently performs in the Main Stage production of Phantom in the Ensemble. She recently won the 2025 East End Arts Teeny Award for Best Supporting Actress in her role as Janis Sarkisian in Mean Girls at Patchogue-Medford High School. Some other favorite credits include Duchess in Alice by Heart at The Gateway and Mrs. Greene in The Prom at Patchogue-Medford High School. Thank you to all the family, friends, and teachers who made this possible and have helped me shine. Socials: @kiersten.063
 

 

Moon Sossich  (Mrs. Puff)  is so excited and honored to be in this production of Spongebob. Moon has been doing classes at The Gateway since they were ten. This is their second conservatory at The Gateway. Moon was last on the Gateway stage as Grandma Georgina in Willy Wonka Jr last August. Some of Moon’s recent credits include King Triton in The Little Mermaid, Bruce in Finding Nemo, Mrs. Phelps in Matilda, and Lion/Kiki in When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors. Moon has been training in dance since they were five! They also have been taking vocal lessons at Musical Journeys for the past two years. Moon would like to thank the entire cast and crew for their work on this production!
 

 

Bree Wilkens  (Ensemble)  started at Gateway in June 2022. Since then she has appeared in her production classes as a Storyteller in Frozen Jr, Zazu in The Lion King Jr, Ensemble in The Little Mermaid Jr, Ensemble in Aladdin Jr, Nemo in Finding Nemo Kids, Jojo in Seussical the Musical, Amelia Gabble in Aristocats Kids, and Penny in 101 Dalmatians. Bree was in the Main Stage production of Evita and Holiday on Ice Spectacular with Nancy Kerrigan at Gateway. She also played Squirt in Finding Nemo and an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka Jr. in the Gateway conservatory. Bree is excited to continue to grow as an actress in the Gateway program. “Thank you to my family for always supporting me. I would also like to thank the Gateway teachers for helping me be a better actor.”
 

 
Staff
 

Amy Woschnik (Director) is a Long Island based director, teacher, actress, developer and collaborator. Previous credits include: Finding Nemo Jr., Beauty and The Beast Jr., Legally Blonde, 13! The Musical (The Gateway), Election Day, North Carolina (James Lipton Theatre), What Happened Was (New York Theatre Festival), Almost Maine, Tape, The Lover, Glamping (ASDS). Amy has been teaching and directing for The Gateway School for the Performing Arts for eleven years. Thank you to my wife Steph, my parents, my team, my cast and my crew. To Quinn, being your mom is the best gift. www.amywoschnik.com
 

Keira Ballan (Choreographer) could not be more honored to be choreographing her first Conservatory show! Keira was a student of the Gateway Acting School from 2012-2023 and just graduated from the Institute for American Musical Theater (IAMT). She has been choreographing for the Acting School production classes alongside Amy since 2019, and couldn’t be happier to be working on Spongebob together! She’d like to thank everyone on the creative team for being so so awesome and the kids for being so wonderful! Special thanks to Rachel and Paul for this amazing opportunity. So much love!!!
 

Chris Daly (Production Stage Manager) This is Chris's first production with The Gateway and they're so grateful to have been welcomed in! Previous stage management work includes The Glass Menagerie (Gloucester Stage Co.), Out of The Earth (Mitu Theatre), and Devil Girl (The Tank/Limefest). After their Gateway getaway, they'll return to NYC to help out on Chess: the Musical as a Technical Assistant. Their thanks to the whole SB team!
 

AJ Hansen (Scenic Design, Technical Director) is thrilled to be Scenic Designer and Technical Director for The Spongebob Musical Jr. edition. This marks their second design for the theatre and their first time creating a world for children's theatre. AJ's creative vision has previously been realized in productions such as Beautiful: A Carole King Musical at The Gateway, Pump Boys and Dinettes at Okoboji Summer Theatre, and The World Goes Round at Macklanburg Playhouse. AJ extends heartfelt gratitude to their family and friends for their unwavering love and support.
 

Dustin Lawson (Wigs & Makeup Design) is a Tennessee native and is excited for another show at The Gateway! Some of his favorite Gateway productions include Rock of Ages, Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, 42nd Street, and most recently Pretty Woman: The Musical (Regional Premiere). Other Gateway credits include the Children’s Theatre’s The Lion King Jr. He previously was the Makeup and Hair Team Lead at Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center for five years, where he designed Evil Dead: The Musical, High School Edition (Workshop), as well as Mean Girls: The Musical, High School Edition (Workshop). Dustin’s passion for theater and artistry drives his dedication to creating transformative experiences through makeup and hair design. He’s thrilled to continue contributing his craft to the magic of live theater and to work alongside such talented collaborators. Thank you to his family and friends for their undying love and support. Instagram: @double.take.sfx
 

Janine Loesch (Costume Design) is a New York-based Costume Designer. Other costume designs include: Welcome to the Big Dipper (The York, Off-Broadway World Premiere), Evita, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, Jimmy Buffet's: Escape to Margaritaville, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (The Gateway, Broadway World Best Costume Design Nominee), The Addams Family, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Fiddler on the Roof (The Gateway), Romeo and Juliet, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson (South Shore Experience), King Lear (South Shore Experience, Broadway World Best Costume Design Nominee), A View from the Bridge (BACCA), The Mikado (New York Tour) Finding Nemo, Jr, Matilda, Jr, The Little Mermaid, Jr, Willy Wonka, Jr (The Gateway Conservatory), Legally Blonde, Teen Edition (The Gateway Conservatory). Janine was the Wardrobe Supervisor on the World Premiere Off-Broadway Production of The Last Supper: Musical, the Original Off-Broadway Premiere of Americano, and the Off-Broadway Production of Fiddler on the Roof: In Yiddish with English Supertitles. She also most recently Costume Coordinated The First National Tour of The Cher Show; A Broadway Musical, and the National Tour of Little Women; The Broadway Musical.
 

Leonardo Mignola (Co-Sound Design, Audio Engineer) has been working with The Gateway for almost three years and has done a variety of work, including building animatronics for The Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse, as well as working with audio and automation in several of The Gateway's latest theatrical productions. You may recognize them from their performance as the legendary FAN MAN in The Gateway's The Wedding Singer, or as the iconic GUITAR TECH in Gateway's Rock of Ages! Leo is grateful for the opportunity to help bring The SpongeBob Musical: Y/E to life on the Gateway stage as the audio designer.
 

Ben Takitch (Co-Sound Design) is from Cleveland, Ohio. Previous Sound Design credits at The Gateway include: In The Heights, Rock of Ages, Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, The Addams Family, Disney’s Frozen, 42nd Street, and Pretty Woman: the Musical. They are concurrently Sound Designer for The Gateway’s Phantom. Their other sound design credits include: Mamma Mia! (Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse), Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville (Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse), The Outsider (Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Circa ‘21 Speakeasy), Trans Am (Hangar Theatre), Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play (Center for the Arts at River Ridge), Breaking Shadows (Karamu House), and Little Women (Peach State Summer Theatre).
 

Justino Tesoro (Music Director) (he/him) is so thrilled to be making his return to The Gateway as the MD for The SpongeBob Musical: Y/E! Justino is a Performer/Composer based in NYC. His compositions have been performed at Sony Music Hall, Power Station, Bruno Walter Auditorium, and various off-off Broadway venues. Justino is a graduate of Wagner College Theatre (BA) and Berklee NYC (MA) where he is currently a student fellow. Justino has recently completed the first draft of his first full length musical MARLISE! The (Unauthorized) Story: book/lyrics Jesse Ayala, music/lyrics Justino Tesoro, which follows a star framed for murder and her number one fan. He’d love to thank the creative and design teams for their support and hard work, the cast of young aspiring talent, as well as his mother and two sisters who came to visit during his time here.
 

Albert Jack Peterson (Stage Management Apprentice) (he/him) is thrilled to be back for his final children’s theater production, closing out a decade at The Gateway. Regional credits include: A Christmas Story the Musical (Flick u/s performed), The Sound of Music (Friedrich), Beauty and the Beast (Youth Ensemble), Gypsy (Newsboy). Other Gateway credits include: A Chorus Line (Don Kerr), Les Miserables (Courfreyac), Pierglass Park (Jackson). Some of Albert’s favorite children’s theatre roles include: The Wizard of Oz (The Cowardly Lion), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Finding Nemo the Musical (Marlin), Madagascar the Musical Adventure (Skipper), Mary Poppins (Michael Banks), and his first and favorite show Peter Pan (Michael Darling). Albert would love to thank his Mother, Maddie, Lukas, Chachi, Amy, and Rachel. A very special thanks to Joe, Peter, and Steph for being the amazing team that first worked with him on Peter Pan ten years ago.