Hear My Song: A Musical Revue at Bell Theater

Adriella Ann Goncalves - 15 yrs old, is excited to perform with APAA on the Bell Theater stage for the first time. She fell in love with the stage at the age of eight, and since then she has had such wonderful experiences in theater, voiceover, and television. Some of her favorite roles have been: Little Anastasia/Alexei (2nd National Broadway tour of Anastasia), Regional Theater: Amanda Thripp (Matilda), Molly (Annie). You can also hear Adriella’s voice in various voiceover projects such as Wonder Pets: In the City (AppleTV+, S2Ep11/Jells1) Sally in the Take Care with Peanuts PSAs (YouTube, S2,S3), and as the voice match for Skye in various Paw Patrol ancillary products (2022-current, toys/video games etc.). Adriella also had a recurring role as Amelia Santos in the final season of Blue Bloods (CBS). In her free time she loves to bake, spend time with friends and family, and play tennis. IG @adriellaann_official IMDB: Adriella Ann Goncalves

Charlie Costa - is thrilled to share the stage again with his talented castmates at APAA. You may have spotted him onstage recently in Seussical (Horton, APAA), Scrooge: The Musical (Premier Theatre Company), The Little Mermaid Jr (King Triton, APAA), Beetlejuice Jr (Charles Deetz, APAA), School of Rock (Billy, Playhouse 22), Moana Jr (Chief Tui/Tamatoa #2, APAA), Freaky Friday (Fletcher, APAA), Matilda (Bruce, Spotlight Players), and The Wizard of Oz (Mayor Munchkin, Phoenix Productions). In his free time he enjoys playing basketball, video games, surfing, treasure hunting in antique shops, and whale-watching at the Jersey Shore.

Chloe Carone - is 12 year old. Hear My Song marks Chloe’s seventh production with the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy. Her past credits include: Annie The Musical (Annie, Memorial Middle School); The Little Mermaid (Flounder, Phoenix Productions); The Little Mermaid Jr. (Flounder, APAA); Dare to Dream, Jr., A Disney Musical Revue (Player 5, APAA); Beetlejuice, Jr. (Sky, APAA); Alice in Wonderland, Jr. (Petunia, APAA); Moana, Jr. (Chief Ancestor, APAA); Ragtime The Musical (Ensemble, u/s Little Girl, Phoenix Productions); The Polar Express (Ensemble, APAA); A Christmas Carol The Musical (Ensemble, Phoenix Productions) and The Wizard of Oz (Lullaby League Munchkin, Phoenix Productions). Chloe welcomes the opportunities to perform on stage for her loving family, amazing friends and fans of the Arts!

Darren Freeman - is grateful to be performing in this musical revue with Axelrod Performing Arts Academy. He has developed a strong passion for performing and truly values every opportunity to continue growing as both a vocalist and performer within such an inspiring and supportive community. Being part of Axelrod has been a meaningful experience for Darren, and he is excited to keep learning and evolving with this company.

Jordan Fournier - is thrilled to be returning to the Bell Theater stage in Hear My Song. Some of her recent credits include Godspell (Saint John Vianney HS), Scrooge (Premier Theater Company), Atina in The Little Mermaid Jr (Axelrod Academy), Gabriella Montez in High School Musical Jr (Middletown Arts Center), Miss Argentina in Beetlejuice Jr (Axelrod Academy) and Bird Girl in Seussical (Spotlight Players). Jordan has trained in voice, dance, and acting at Kick Performing Arts and 5 Melody Music, and is a proud member of the 5 Melody Broadway Bound program and Axelrod Academy’s Musical Theatre Ensemble

Joseph Campasano - is a 7th grader at St. Benedict School. This is his third show with APAA, previously appearing in The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Ensemble) and Beetlejuice, Jr. as Maxi Dean, the Priest, and understudy for Adam. His past show credits with SBS include Frozen, Jr. (Ensemble), Moana, Jr. (Ensemble), and Finding Nemo, Jr. (Tad) and emceeing the school talent show for the last two years. Joseph also plays piano and works with 5 Melody Music. When not entertaining on a stage, Joseph finds joy in serving others through the SBS Garden Club that he initiated, as well as National Junior Honor Society.

Julia McPherson - is looking forward to being in Hear My Song! Julia has loved theater since she was a young child and enjoys being in both school and community productions. She has been lucky enough to be in many shows that have helped her grow as a performer. She has played a variety of roles in the past, including performing in the Children’s Ensemble in Middletown High School North’s production of Les Misérables, which won the 2023 Outstanding Production of a Musical Basie Award. She also enjoyed playing Nemo in Finding Nemo Jr. at Leonardo Grade School. Julia has also been part of several APAA productions, including Beetlejuice Jr., Dare to Dream Jr., The Little Mermaid Jr., and Seussical.

Kate Pontoriero - is an 8th grader from Holmdel and is so excited to be in another APAA production! Some of Kate's favorite past credits include Seussical (Sour Kangaroo), The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Ariel), Fiddler on the Roof (Sima), Dare to Dream, Jr. (Player 3), Shrek (Teen Fiona), Newsies (Les), Frozen, Jr. (Anna) and Alice in Wonderland, Jr. (Alice). Kate has performed at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and alongside Dionne Warwick. Kate is a student at 5 Melody Music and a member of their Broadway Bound productions.

Mariele Trombino - is so excited to perform in Hear My Song! She is a 16 year-old girl from Wall Township attending Red Bank Catholic High School as a sophomore. Mariele started taking singing lessons at The Music Place with Alyssa King from 2020-2026 and recently started taking lessons with Anne Brummel at The Prep. Last year, she participated in APAA's Show Choir as Student Music Director. Mariele also is part of the BroadwayEvolved alumni as she goes to their intensives throughout the year. She participated in Wall Intermediate School's Choir and Competition Choir as well as participating in the Wall High School Choir and Vocal Ensemble. When Mariele was younger she took dance lessons including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip Hop for 7 years and also took Musical Theater with our very own Miss Nat at Count Basie in the fall. As a 6th grader, her first show she performed in was Matilda Jr. in Ensemble and has continued performing on stage since. Mariele's other credits include Footloose Jr. (Urleen), Bye Bye Birdie (Penelope Ann), High School Musical Jr. (Jackie Scott), Shrek the Musical Jr. (Princess Fiona), Beauty & the Beast Jr. (Madame de la Grande Bouche), The Addams Family: School Edition (Dead Bride). Her show credits with APAA include Beetlejuice Jr. (Lydia), Dare to Dream Jr. (Player 10), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Allana), and Grease (Pink Lady).

Nadia Rose Konozenko - has actively been involved with APAA for over two years now; most recently, she had the honor of playing the lead role of the Cat in The Hat in Seussical! It all began with Moana Jr, continuing training in many dance classes, then performing alongside Dionne Warwick at APAA’s GALA and at the Library of Congress Benefit in Washington DC, & many opportunities including APAA’s Show Choir and Dance performances. Aside from APAA Nadia has also worked with Stagedoor Manor, Villagers, Howell PAL, Playhouse 22, and JAM. Infinitely grateful to everyone at APAA that has helped her grow into the performer that she is today. From all of this experience, Nadia can proudly say that her biggest accomplishment thus far is being accepted into the FPAC Dance Magnet High School Program beginning this Fall!

Noelle Schaneman - is a 13 year old student at St Benedict School and is thrilled to be a part of APAA’s Hear My Song! Noelle loves APAA and has done two showcases with them as well as five musicals; Dare to Dream Jr. (Player 7), Seussical (Mayzie La Bird) The Little Mermaid Jr. (Sebastian), Beetlejuice Jr. (Ensemble), Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Ensemble). Other productions include; Finding Nemo Jr. (Peach), Moana Jr. (Mini Tamatoa) and Frozen Jr. (Ensemble). She has also made an appearance at The Prep for their Intensive Triple Threat Summer Program. Noelle is a vocal student at 5 Melody Music.

Olive Ryan - is a 14-year-old eighth grader at Oak Hill Academy who majorly caught the theater bug in summer 2024 and never looked back. Since joining the Axelrod/APAA crew, she’s traded in her shy-girl era for full-on stage energy, appearing in Beetlejuice Jr, Alice in Wonderland Jr, Dare to Dream Jr, The Little Mermaid Jr and even making it to Radio City Music Hall.

Paige Della Universita - is a NY/NJ based triple threat who sings, acts, and dances. Recent credits include Seussical (Yertle the Turtle/Ensemble), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Scuttle), Dare to Dream (Player 3), Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Dodo Bird U/S, Ensemble, and Moana Jr. (Chief Ancestor, Moana U/S, Dance Captain) at Axelrod Performing Arts Center. Other stage credits include Seussical the Musical and Matilda with Spotlight Players. Paige has also performed with professional ballet company Ballet Rêve. She appeared with APAA for the opening of the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.

Reese Corrigan - has a deep love for theater and music and truly shines when she’s performing. She has taken on many roles she is proud of, including Annie in Annie Jr, Lucy in The Peanuts, and Violet in Willy Wonka Jr. Reese especially loves Wicked and Stranger Things, and feels incredibly grateful to be part of her AAPA family. She is happiest on stage and is excited to continue growing and performing.

Siena DeFilippis - After appearing as Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical this spring, Siena is excited to be singing again with APAA in Hear My Song. When not on stage, Siena enjoys spending time with her friends, eating good food, and seeing shows on Broadway. Other favorite musical theatre appearances include: Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. (Player 13), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Allana), Matilda Jr. (Mrs. Phelps), and Frozen Jr. (Middle Anna).

Skylar Tait - is extremely excited to be a part of APAA’s production of Hear My Song! Some roles that Skylar has played are Mal in Descendants the Musical, Anna in Frozen Jr, Peter Pan in Peter Pan Jr, and more.

Sophia Jadach - is so excited to be part of Hear My Song! Her previous show credits include Charlie Brown, A Thanksgiving Story, Seussical, The Little Mermaid, and Annie Jr. Through these experiences, she has discovered a new love for theatre and enjoys being on stage, working with her castmates, and bringing stories to life.

Valerie Beatty - is excited to take the stage in Hear My Song with APAA! She was recently seen in APAA’s Seussical in March. A New Jersey based performer, she fell in love with theater thanks to her mom and her first production at Indian Hill School. She has played the over-the-top Mrs. Gloop in Willy Wonka Jr., the sharp Pulitzer in Newsies Jr., and River in Life Is Like a Double Cheeseburger, where she explored emotional depth. Beyond these standout roles, Valerie has appeared in many additional productions. She has performed at Radio City Music Hall, appeared in Frozen Jr. at William R. Satz School, and previously served as a Beetlejuice understudy at APAA, where she grew immensely as an actor. She is grateful for every opportunity to continue growing as a performer and storyteller.

Justin Christopher is a NJ based theatre artist. He has an extensive theatre background that includes directing, choreography, music directing, set design, lighting design, sound design, costume design, prop design, producing, stage management, production management and performing. He is the founder and artistic director of Theatre@Home: Save The Arts and Junior Theatre Productions. In 2022, Justin Christopher was nominated for multiple NJACT Perry Awards for his production of The Wizard of Oz in April/May 2022 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts (Outstanding Direction of a Musical, Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical, and Outstanding Musical Production). Alongside being nominated for the NJACT Perry Awards for The Wizard of Oz, he was also nominated for the Broadway World 2022 Regional Awards (Best Direction of a Musical, Best Sound Design of a Musical, and Best Production of a Musical). In 2024 Justin Christopher won the Basie Award for Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical for Les Miserables presented by Neptune High School. A few show credits include Once On This Island, The Prom, In The Heights, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Mamma Mia, Disney’s Descendants the Musical, Les Miserables, Legally Blonde, The Music Man, The Wizard of Oz and A Christmas Carol The Musical. For APAA, Justin teaches musical theater and has directed/choreographed Moana Jr, Alice in Wonderland Jr., Beetlejuice Jr., Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr., The Little Mermaid Jr, and Seussical the Musical. Justin Christopher has worked on many productions in the Monmouth and Ocean County area and is recognized for his dedicated work in helping young theatre artists to create and grow. He is a proud advocate for the arts and is very dedicated to keeping the arts alive.