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Disney's Newsies, Jr. |
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| The Secret Theatre, 10-10 44th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 | |
Follow Us:
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Directed, Adapted by, and Starring Richard Mazda
The Secret Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol features a brand-new adaptation by our Artistic Director Richard Mazda, who also takes on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Though not a musical, this fresh take on Dickens’ timeless tale weaves in beloved Christmas carols performed live, bringing warmth and spirit to the stage.
On a cold Christmas Eve, Scrooge is his usual miserly self—snapping at his clerk, scorning charity, and rejecting his nephew’s invitation to celebrate. But when he returns home, he’s confronted by the ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley… and then by three more unearthly visitors: the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
Together, they take Scrooge on a haunting journey through his life—his lonely childhood, the love he lost to greed, the family he overlooks, and the grim future awaiting him if he does not change.
By dawn, Scrooge awakens transformed. Filled with newfound joy and generosity, he celebrates Christmas with open arms—proving it’s never too late to rediscover the true spirit of the season.
Sponsors
Sponsors
Cast
Georgina Bates
Director, Choreographer
Julianna May Goldman
Racetrack
Madi Lawrence
Production Stage Manager
Chris Ramos
Davey Jacobs
Chris Ramos
Davey Jacobs
Scarlet Campeanu
Medda Larkin
Valentina Pepe
Katherine Plumber
Logan Hernandez
Pulitzer
Christopher Burke
Tommy Boy/Police Officer
Marina Materasso
Jack Kelly
Saya McGowan
Albert
Hugo Adler
Oscar, Pat, Snyder
Clare Reynolds
Muriel, Olive, Dorothy
sarah diaquoi
Hazel
Sol Baigorri Wight
Jo Jo, Nancy, Les understudy
Ruby Kaplan
Pigtails & Hannah
Xavier Burns
Crutchie
McKayla Tortora
Morris Delancey/ Bill/ Woman
Nathanael Gallegos
Romeo
Aisulu (Icy) Rakhimova
Specs, Seitz, Ethel
Alex Janger
Wiesel, Bunsen, and Ensemble
Actor's Equity
Actors' Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 50,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence.
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Meet the Company
Georgina Bates
Director, Choreographer
Georgina Bates is a NY & CT based choreographer, director, and movement artist. Recent work: TRU Love Benefit Concert (Asst. Director, The Green Room 42), “Umbilical Walk” (in collaboration with artist January Yoon Cho, PS 109 ElBarrio’s Artspace), “Annie Jr.” (Secret Theatre), "Trasharella" (Theater 86). Ms. Bates’ dance film "Unstoppable" was selected from the #mydancefilm campaign and screened at theFilm Society of Lincoln Center for the Dance Films Association’s Dance onCamera festival 2018. Other festivals: DANCE SHORTS, produced by The Physical Plant, Directed by Women: Shorts of AllSorts, Greenboro Dance Film Festival, Stay Home Festival (“Empress”). Bates also choreographed “Cloud Kumo,” winner of numerous short film awards, including a Student Academy Award (2016). She has presented work and performed at venues such as HERE Arts, Dixon Place, Robert Moss Theater, Triskelion Arts, The Martha Graham Theatre, Skirball, Lincoln Center, City Center. M.F.A in Dance, NYU, Tisch School of the Arts,B.A. Theatre Performance, MMC. Member of the SDCF Observership Class 2016-2017.
Julianna May Goldman
Racetrack
Julianna May Goldman is a young actress from Woodside, Queens with a deep love for singing, acting, dancing, and performing. She has delighted audiences through multiple semesters of Junior Musical Theater and appearances in feature productions including Josie’s Dream, The Lost Girls, Seussical Jr., and Annie Jr.
Julianna especially enjoys the teamwork and creativity that bring a production to life and is always eager to learn and take on new challenges. In Annie Jr., she not only performed her own role but also stepped in as an understudy for additional roles—even while performing with a broken wrist! Julianna is incredibly grateful for the support of her family and friends as she continues her artistic journey.
Madi Lawrence
Production Stage Manager
Madi is thrilled to be working with The Secret Theatre on another amazing production. Their previous credits include: Queens Short Play Festival (Production Stage Manager), One Act Play Festival (Production Stage Manager), Urinetown (Stage Manager), My True Love: The Musical (Assistant Stage Manager), The Oresteia (Assistant Stage Manager). Enjoy the show!
Chris Ramos
Davey Jacobs
Chris Ramos (he/they) started his passion for musical theatre last March after ending his 5-day run as Wickersham Brother #3 in the Louis Armstrong Middle School's production of Seussical Jr. He then went on to perform with the Seussical Jr. cast in the Queensborough Arts Festival 2025 at Queens College. His dedication to theatre clearly shows in his TikTok covers of various Broadway songs and dances, earning him more than 1,000 followers and 100,000 views over the past 6 months. He is currently starring in The Secret Theatre's production of Newsies Jr. as Davey Jacobs and rehearsing for an Off-Broadway production of Matilda. He would like to thank his biggest theatre inspirations and mentors: Ben Fankhauser, Jeremy Jordan, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Ben Cook, Jason Schmidt, Brogan Nelson, and Michael Verre to name a few. @chris.crowded_ on TikTok and @chrisramos_nyc on Instagram.
Chris Ramos
Davey Jacobs
Chris Ramos (he/they) started his passion for musical theatre last March after ending his 5-day run as Wickersham Brother #3 in the Louis Armstrong Middle School's production of Seussical Jr. He then went on to perform with the Seussical Jr. cast in the Queensborough Arts Festival 2025 at Queens College. His dedication to theatre clearly shows in his TikTok covers of various Broadway songs and dances, earning him more than 1,000 followers and 100,000 views over the past 6 months. He is currently starring in The Secret Theatre's production of Newsies Jr. as Davey Jacobs. He would like to thank his biggest theatre inspirations and mentors: Ben Fankhauser, Jeremy Jordan, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Ben Cook, Jason Schmidt, Brogan Nelson, and Michael Verre to name a few. @chris.crowded_ on TikTok and @chrisramos_nyc on Instagram.
Scarlet Campeanu
Medda Larkin
Scarlet Campeanu (Medda Larkin) is an 8th grader at I.S. 126 Albert Shanker Middle School and is thrilled to be part of Newsies Jr. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring Medda Larkin to life on stage. Scarlet’s previous roles include Miss Hannigan in Annie Jr., Sour Kangaroo in Seussical Jr., and Maureen in Honk Jr. She loves performing powerful, expressive roles and being part of The Secret Theatre family.
When she’s not on stage, Scarlet enjoys karaoke, skiing, and ice skating. She would like to thank her parents for their endless love, support, and belief in her dreams.
Valentina Pepe
Katherine Plumber
Valentina is incredibly grateful to be starring as Katherine Plumber in the Secret Theatre’s production of Newsies JR.! After her debut as Grace Farrell in Annie JR., she is happy to be rejoining the Secret Theatre and her fellow cast members, as well as new friends. She would like to thank Georgina Bates for being an incredible director for both Newsies and Annie, Miles Messier for his equally incredible music direction, Michael Verre for being an excellent tap instructor and teacher, Madi Lawrence for keeping everything organized, and Richard Mazda for making the show possible. Most importantly, she would like to thank her parents, who raised her to be who she is today, providing their unwavering support every step of the way, and her sister, who’s always there to listen to her talk about theatre, rehearsals, or whatever else, even if it doesn’t interest her.
Logan Hernandez
Pulitzer
Logan Hernandez is beyond excited to be taking the stage in this production! A passionate performer, Logan loves everything about theater—acting, singing, and the incredible energy of live performance. He has appeared in numerous productions, including Annie, where he brought President Roosevelt to life, and Shrek the Musical, where he delighted audiences as the unforgettable Donkey.
Logan dreams of one day performing on Broadway and pursuing a full career in musical theater. He is deeply grateful for the supportive community he has found at The Secret Theater and for the friends, mentors, and encouragement that have helped him grow as both an artist and a person.
Christopher Burke
Tommy Boy/Police Officer
Christopher Burke is a 7th grader at Sunnyside Middle School. He loves history and prides himself on his ability to recite all the Presidents of the United States, as well as the European countries in alphabetical order. Chris loves to read and is an advanced chess player. Chris played Michael in the Secret Theatre's production of "Matilda Jr. "(2022) and also performed as a Cratchit child in the Player’s Theatre’s "A Christmas Carol"(2024). Chris sang a solo, “It’s Neat to be a Newsboy” in his school’s Arts Academy's production of “Working.” (2024). "Newsies" is one of his favorite musicals, so he is happy to join the cast of "Newsies Jr." Chris would like to thank his mother and father and his sister, Clara for their support.
Marina Materasso
Jack Kelly
Marina is thrilled to “seize the day” as Jack Kelly in The Secret Theatre’s production of Newsies Jr., making this her first leading role. She is incredibly grateful for the support she has received especially from her family, and her mom for helping her every step of the way. She would like to thank director/choreographer Georgina Bates for directing the best show, music director Miles Messier, Michael Verre with a extraordinary skill of tap, Madi Lawrence, and Richard Mazda for making this production possible; she has previously performed in various school and community productions, including Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Donkey in Shrek Jr., along with roles in The Wizard of Oz Jr. and Seussical Jr. She hopes to pursue a future in acting though if all else fails, she’ll just head to Santa Fe.
Saya McGowan
Albert
Saya McGowan(Albert)
is a 12 year-old performer who loves STA! Previous credits include Annie Jr.(July) and Honk Jr.(Cat) and voicing the character of Young Ochiba in the Hulu TV series Shogun. Saya is passionate about singing, drawing and watching broadway musicals. She would like to thank her family, STA teachers, staff and voice teacher Hayley for their support.
Hugo Adler
Oscar, Pat, Snyder
Hugo is a 13 year old boy living in Long Island City and a proud member of the production Newsies. He is a talented actor and writer as well as a die-hard fan of anime and manga, or just anything Japan related. Besides Newsies, he is currently writing a novel, singing, and //REDACTED// as well as other top-secret endeavors. His favorite book series is Artemis Fowl, and his favorite anime/manga is My Hero Academia (Don't worry, he's not involved in the fandom). He once famously said, "Life is like leaping off a building headfirst. You don't know what's going to happen, but you sure know it's going to be interesting."
Clare Reynolds
Muriel, Olive, Dorothy
CLARE REYNOLDS (Muriel, Olive, Dorothy) is thrilled to be "carrying the banner" on stage in "Newsies Jr.!" This marks her exciting return after her Secret Theatre debut as Sandy in "Annie Jr." Clare's training in choir, gymnastics, tae kwon do, and jiu jitsu, ensuring she's ready to "seize the day" with true newsie, New York grit. She sends heartfelt thanks to her family, friends and the entire "Newsies Jr." cast and crew for this truly "extra! extra!" special experience.
sarah diaquoi
Hazel
Sarah is thrilled to be in this production of newsies as Hazel! This is her second time doing a show at the secret theater. Last year was her first production that she did at the secret theater playing Drake in Annie jr.
in previous years Sarah has also been in her Dance studio production of High School Musical as Ms Darbus! She has also been in her middle school musical production of Bye Bye Bridie as a news reporter/ Ensmble. Sarah is thankful for her family and friends for being her role models!
Sol Baigorri Wight
Jo Jo, Nancy, Les understudy
Sol is 11 years old and is a 6th grader at Eastside Middle School. She has been in previous productions such as Seussical (Who), Christmas Carol (Sally), and in two different productions of Annie (Kate, Duffy). When she isn’t acting she enjoys reading, dancing, skiing, and playing softball. She’s thrilled to be part of Newsies and hopes you enjoy the show!
Ruby Kaplan
Pigtails & Hannah
Ruby Kaplan is thrilled to be making her Secret Theatre debut in Newsies, playing the parts of Pigtails and Hannah. Other stage credits include PS 78’s productions of The Lion King (Zazu) and Frozen (Elsa), as well as Matilda in KJK Productions Theater Camp’s Matilda. A native of Long Island City, Ruby has attended several Secret Academy Musical Theater courses and camps and is a longtime student of Sing LIC's vocal program. Ruby would like to thank all of her acting and voice coaches, her mom and dad, and her brother (provided he attends at least one performance).
Xavier Burns
Crutchie
Xavier is excited to return to The Secret Theatre stage after recently playing Turkey Boy & Caroler in A Christmas Carol here. Some favorite past roles include: The Village Light Opera Group (VLOG): A Tale of Two Cities/Little Gaspard; Unity Stage Company: Shrek/Gingy, Annie/Rooster, Oliver/Mr. Bumble, Dear Edwina/Bobby, (upcoming) The Little Mermaid/Prince Eric; PS150Q: Bye Bye Birdie/Harry McAfee; The New York Theatre Festival, dir Kendall Grady: ALWAYS/Young Luke. He balances acting with baseball, e-sports and hanging out with friends.
McKayla Tortora
Morris Delancey/ Bill/ Woman
McKayla is a 13 year old musical theatre lover and performer who is exited to be doing her first musical, here at Secret Theatre. Previous credits include Peter Quince in her schools production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. McKayla enjoys seeing broadway shows and spends most of her time at singing classes, acting classes, and spending time with family. She would like to thank her voice teacher Carla, her acting teacher Emily, and her loved ones for all the support.
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Nathanael Gallegos
Romeo
Nathanael is an extremely active 10 year old with a wide range of activities he enjoys partaking in. When he isn’t tap dancing he spends his time playing basketball and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. His favorite food is a skirt steak with some chimichurri sauce and he has aspirations of being an NBA player someday like his two favorite players Jalen Brunson and Lebron James.
Aisulu (Icy) Rakhimova
Specs, Seitz, Ethel
Aisulu ( Icy ) Rakhimova very glad to be in the cast of NEWSIES jr at the secret theatre in the roles of Specs, Seitz, and Ethel. Icy is known for her previous roles as Annie in a Secret Theatre production of Annie jr, Ida in a Secret Theatre production of HONK! Jr, her appearance in the United Nations celebration for Kazakhstan's Nawruz holiday, her appearance in a Queens Chronicle newspaper article, her participation in the New York International Competition for performing arts in NYC 2026, and her role as The Cat In The Hat, in a Secret Theatre production of Seussical jr. When she is not on stage, Icy continues her passion for art, because she recently got invited to show her art in the Manhattan Borough Art Festival in June. Enjoy the show!
Alex Janger
Wiesel, Bunsen, and Ensemble
Alex is thrilled to return to Secret Theatre in The Newsies as Bunsen, Wiesel, and a member of the ensemble. He has previously appeared in numerous junior productions and spent four years performing as Boy Scrooge, Peter Cratchit, and Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol.
A fourth grader at PS 217 – The Roosevelt Island School, Alex enjoys cooking, crafting incredibly detailed travel itineraries, studying languages (he is fluent in ASL), and reading classic literature. He has recently discovered a passion for writing and exploring maps.
He hopes you enjoy the show as much as he enjoys being a part of it.
From Our Family to Yours
To our wonderful audience, thank you for joining us and sharing in the joy, wonder, and magic of the season. Your presence, your laughter, and your applause make every performance shine.
To the parents and families, thank you for nurturing the creativity and courage of our young performers. Your love, encouragement, and support are the heart of every show.
To our community, thank you for being part of our story. Your partnership, enthusiasm, and belief in The Secret Theatre allow us to dream boldly and bring timeless tales like A Christmas Carol to life.
And to all our supporters, donors, volunteers, alumni, and friends: thank you for believing in our dream. Your generosity keeps our doors open, our lights bright, and our stages alive with the magic of theatre.
From all of us at The Secret Theatre, thank you for being part of this celebration. May the spirit of the season fill your hearts, and may we see you again for more stories, more laughter, and more magic.
As Tiny Tim says, "God Bless Us, Everyone!"
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