School of Rock Broadway Cast Update
November 2016
Dewey Finn becomes a substitute teacher of a strict elementary private school, only to try and turn it into a rock band. The musical is based on the 2003 film School of Rock. The film itself was produced on a budget of $35 million, earning over $131 million in global box office receipts. The plot followed struggling rock singer and guitarist, Dewey Finn, who is kicked out of his band No Vacancy and subsequently disguises himself as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school.After witnessing the musical talent in his students, Dewey forms a band of fifth-graders to attempt to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands.
New Cast
Eric Petersen – Dewey
Broadway: Shrek: The Musical (Shrek Standby), Peter & The Starcatcher (Ted). 1st National Tours: Shrek: The Musical(Shrek), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Barfeé). Television: “Kirstie”(series regular), “Big Bang Theory”, “Modern Family”, “NCIS”, “CSI”, “Law & Order”, “Law & Order: SVU”, “GCB”, “The Brittany Murphy Story”, and the Disney Channel shows “Jessie”, “Kirby Buckets” and “Pair of Kings”. Regional: La Jolla Playhouse, Barn Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Barrington Stage, Engeman Theatre. Graduate of Bradley University. Proud member of Actors Equity. For my family Lisa, Sophia and Miles. www.EricPetersenOnline.com @ericpetersen44
Jenn Gambatese – Rosalie
Jenn Gambatese originated the Broadway roles of Jane in Tarzan and Natalie in All Shook Up (Outer Critics Circle nom), played Glinda in the national tour of Wicked, and was on Broadway in Hairspray, Is He Dead?, A Year with Frog and Toad, and Footloose. Regional work includes Carrie in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Carousel, Maria in Lyric’s The Sound of Music, and her award winning Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun for Goodspeed Musicals. Favorite Off-Broadway: Fiorello! and Stairway to Paradise (Encores!), and The School for Lies (CSC). Curtis Cregan and our 2 daughters Rock My World! Social Media: @jenngamby
Steven Booth – Ned
Broadway: Glory Days, Avenue Q. Off-Broadway: Dogfight (Second Stage). National Tours: Kinky Boots (Charlie Price), Happy Days (Richie Cunningham). Web: “Submissions Only” (Season 2). StevenBooth.org. Love and thanks to family and friends, CGF, and Mollz.
Becky Gulsvig – Patty
Becky Gulsvig is ready to rock!! Broadway: Hairspray (Amber Von Tussle) and Legally Blonde The Musical(Original Cast, Elle u/s). 1st National Tours: Legally Blonde The Musical (Elle Woods) and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Cynthia Weil). Off-Broadway: Disenchanted(Cinderella). Regional: How To Succeed…(Rosemary), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie), 9 to 5 The Musical (Doralee) and Les Miserables (Eponine). Big shout out to Stewart Talent and many thanks everybody at School Of Rock. So much love to Tyler and Hazel! www.beckygulsvig.com. @beckygulsvig.
Will Blum – Dewey Alternate, Adult Ensemble
Broadway: The Book of Mormon, Grease. National Tour: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, HAIR, Elf, Grease, Seussical. Regional: Harmony, Little Shop of Horrors, The 25th Annual… Spelling Bee, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sweet Charity, Big River, Floyd Collins. BFA from The Boston Conservatory. CGF Talent. This one is for my Mama. Instagram: @willblum
Terrance Bell, Jr. – Mason
Born and raised in a musical family, Troy has been playing instruments since he was a toddler, beginning with the drums at the age of 3. He soon started playing the piano and later added cello, bass guitar and clarinet to his repertoire of instruments. He is extremely excited to make his Broadway debut in the School of Rock.
Paul Luke Bonenfant – Swing
Having performed in local theater and rock bands half his life, Luke is thrilled to debut on Broadway in School of Rock. Big thanks to Merri, Corey, Bob, David, Villagers friends, School of Rock cast, Lakehouse, parents and sibs!
Chloe Bryan – Madison
Chloé is a dynamic 10 years old artist from Northern Virginia. She is grateful to make her Broadway debut in School of Rock – the Musical! Many thanks to her mom and dad; Nancy C., Walker, Catrina, and family & friends near and far for supporting her in this journey.
Olivia Chun – Summer
Broadway: The King and I of LCT (Original Cast, Royal Twin & u/s PY) Workshops: Annie Kidz (CAA), DoogeunDoogeun Hangul(KCC), Bway Prep (JCC) Short Film: Curbside Waltz. Grateful to M.Sugarman of Tara Rubin Casting, Telsey & Co., LCT and B.Sher, Abram Artist Agency, Black Coffee Production, Amelia, Deb, Glenn, J.Guan, E. Nammour, S.Innocenzi, J.D.Reamy, NJ Chodae Church, family, friends and Pablo. Twitter: @oliviachun, Insta: @oliviachunofficial
Emily Cramer – Ms. Sheinkopf, Adult Ensemble
Broadway: Les Miserables, Mary Poppins. National Tours: Shrek(First National), Mary Poppins. NYU Tisch BFA, Boston native. Thank you so much to our creative team, everyone at Tara Rubin, and Nicolosi & Co. Always for Linda and John. Asheghetam. Instagram: @emily.cramer
Ava Della Pietra – Swing
Ava is thrilled to make her Broadway debut in School of Rock ! Previously: Little Cosette in national tour of Les Misérables ; Susan Waverly in National Tour of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Thanks: Nancy, Badiene, Walker, Richard, Tara, Merri. www.avadellapietra.com
Natalie Charle Ellis – Adult Ensemble
Natalie is ready to ROCK! Broadway: Les Miserables (Revival). Off-Broadway: School of Rock (Gramercy Theatre), Forbidden Broadway Alive and Kicking (Available on iTunes). National Tours: 9 to 5 The Musical. TV: “Master of None” (Aziz Ansari). Huge thank you to the creatives, Tara Rubin Casting, The Mine, and of course my family. Twitter: @natalieeinnyc, Insta: @natsycharle
John Arthur Greene – Theo, Adult Ensemble
Thrilled to “rock out” with this cast! Broadway: Matilda, West Side Story. TV: “American Idol” Season 15, “Peter Pan Live!.” My single “Easy” is out on iTunes. Love & thanks to God, family, creatives, Tara Rubin, and my wonderful team! johnarthurgreenemusic.com
Gabby Gutierrez – Sofia
Broadway debut! Previously played the title role in the First National tour of Matilda. Other credits: Grinch (Tour/MSG), South Pacific (Paper Mill Playhouse). Grateful to Mara Entertainment and CESD. Love to Mom, Dad and Laurianne. To God be the Glory!
Gianna Harris – Shonelle
Gianna is ecstatic to make her Broadway debut! Big thanks to DBA, Debra, NJGT, Natalie & YHS for helping me achieve my dreams. Much love to my family for always believing in me and supporting me during this incredible journey. Insta: Giannaharris04
Merritt David Janes – Bob, Mr Hamilton, Cop, Adult Ensemble
U. Maine and Circle in the Square graduate from Colchester, VT. National Tours: Phantom Of The Opera, Sweeney Todd (Sweeney), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Wedding Singer (Robbie Hart), Shrek (Farquaad), Catch Me If You Can (Hanratty). Regional: Little Shop (Dentist), Two Gentleman Of Verona (The Duke), Works Of Shakespeare Abridged (Adam). www.merrittdavidjanes.com, @MDavidJanes, Insta: mdjtanner
Nehal Joshi – Gabe Brown, Mr Sanford, Jeff Sanderson, Adult Ensemble
NEHAL JOSHI Broadway: Les Miserables (Original Revival), ThreePenny Opera (Roundabout). Off-Broadway: Working (Drama Desk Award), Falling for Eve, Whose your baghdaddy…Regional includes: Arena Stage, Dallas Theatre Center, ATL. TV: The Wire (HBO), Game: War of Warcraft: Catacylm. Thank you Mom & Dad
Rachel Katzke – Katie
Rachel is grateful for this opportunity to make her Broadway debut! Previously: Cindy Lou Who (Grinch), Pearl (Scarlet/NYMF). Tremendous thanks to Al, Lisa, Barry, Janine, Merri, Tara, Libby, Chris, Trapper, Badiene, Jillian, Dan, Amelia, Kidz Theatre, and Random Farms. Love to Talia, Ba, and Eima. Insta: rachelkatzke
Ellie Kim – Swing
ELLIE KIM (Swing, u/s Summer, Marcy, Shonelle, Madison, Sophie) is grateful to God and overjoyed to be making her Broadway debut! Ellie plays piano, violin, and bass guitar and loves hip hop, tap, and ballet. Previously: Dream Street (KOTA), Nutcracker (AYDT), Uniqlo print, commercials. Huge thanks to Eddie (Take 3), Bob Marks, Retters, Badiene, KOTA, BAA, DMO, A Class Act, AYDT, Denise, Dan K. (Replay), Tara Rubin
Jason Kisare – Swing
Jason is excited to be making his Broadway debut in School of Rock! Huge thanks to God, Mom, Dad, Lauren, extended family, my school, and Tara Rubin Casting for all their support in making my dreams come true!
Lulu Lloyd – Swing-Asst Dance Captain
Broadway Debut! World Premiere: School Of Rock (Gramercy), Bright Star(Old Globe), Jekyll and Hyde (Ovation Nomination), 9 to 5 (Judy), Always… Patsy Cline (BWW Critics Pick). Thanks 9Muse, Merri, Tara, JR and Family! For Dad. www.lululloyd.com @lululloyd
Jaygee Macapugay – Mrs Hathaway, Adult Ensemble
Broadway debut! Off-Broadway: School of Rock (Gramercy); Here Lies Love (Imelda Marcos, Public Theater); Hello, Dolly! (Irene Molloy, Signature). Regional: Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Brenda, Maltz Jupiter), Miss Saigon (MUNY, 5th Avenue, Casa Manana), The King & I (KC Starlight). International: Where Elephants Weep.
Bobbi Mackenzie – Tomika
Blessed with a big voice and a spirit to perform, 11-year old Bobbi MacKenzie is destined to inspire and entertain. After singing the U.S. National Anthem for NBA/NFL teams, Bobbi is thrilled for her Broadway debut and ready to illuminate the stage. Bobbi thanks God for this gift, her family, friends and CESD for ALL the support. IG: @thebobbimackenzie www.bobbimackenzie.com
Raghav Mehrotra – Freddy
A passionate drummer and an aspiring musician, Raghav has been performing since age 4 and was the youngest School of Rock All Star, touring various cities. Shout out to Princeton SOR and family for their unconditional support. YouTube: Raghav Drummer
Brandon Niederauer – Zack
Brandon is stoked to make his Broadway debut with School of Rock. A true guitar prodigy, appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”; mentored by Jon Batiste; inspired by Derek Trucks and The Allman Brothers; appearances include New Orleans Jazz Festival; Barclays Center; performed with Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, George Clinton, Gary Clark Jr, Neville Brothers, Scorpions and others. www.brandonniederauer.com
Cassie Okenka – Adult Ensemble
Broadway: Bonnie and Clyde. National Tours: Wicked, The Wizard of Oz. Regional: The Last Five Years, Urinetown, Brooklyn, Side Show. Proud AEA member. Baldwin Wallace Grad. Love and thanks to my favorite rockstars: my family, friends, KMR, and Ricky.
Patrick O’Neill – Assoc Choreographer, Dance Captain, Swing
Broadway/Tour: On A Clear Day…, Chicago, Oklahoma!. Film: The Producers, Across The Universe. Regional Favorites: Harmony, The Nutty Professor, Bat Boy (Helen Hayes Nomination). Training: Catholic University. Proud member: AEA, IATSE 764. For Mom & Dad.
Luca Padovan – Billy
Luca is honored to be originating the role of Billy in SOR ! Broadway: Disney’s Newsies (Les). TV: “Super Wings“ (Jett). Cast Recording: James and the Giant Peach (James). Thanks SOR creative team, Innovative, Jackie Reid, Jane Burgess, Laura Ware, Amanda Flynn, Rob Rokicki and Kevin Allen. Love to Mom, Dad, Valentina, family & Stella! lucapadovan.com @moreorlesluca
Morgan Rose – Swing
Broadway Debut! Off Broadway: Dear Edwina (DR2 Theater) National Tours: Evita (Revival 1st Nati’l), Shrek the Musical (1st Nat’l). Favorite regional: Pirates of Penzance (Barrington Stage Co.), A Chorus Line (Maine State Music Theare), Funny Girl (Westchester Broadway). BFA MT FSU! Proud AEA member. Endless thanks to the whole SoR family for welcoming me into the cast with open arms. For Dustin. All my love to Mom, Dad and Trey.
Jersey Sullivan – James
Young L.A. rocker plays drums, guitar, bass and piano—and he’s thrilled to be rockin’ his Broadway debut! Check out his band Detoure at ReverbNation.com/ DetoureBandLA. Thanks to School of Rock, WLA. Love to Tupelo, Walden, Mom & Dad.
Walden Sullivan – Lawrence
This L.A. native has dreamed of being on Broadway for most of his young life, and is crazy-excited to make his debut in School of Rock. Heartfelt gratitude to Carol Hart, teacher extraordinaire. Huge hugs to Liza Monjauze. Thanks also to Merri Sugarman and Rachel Altman, who believed. Big love to Mom, Dad, Big Brother Jersey, and Stand-out Sister Tupelo.
Jesse Swimm – Swing
Broadway: Mary Poppins (u/s Bert). Tours: Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady, West Side Story. Thanks to Family, Creative Team, Tara Rubin Casting, & The Mine. Jesse is the proud owner of a rescue dog. jesseswimm.com, IG: @jswimm1
Josh Tower – Snake, Mr Mooneyham, Adult Ensemble
Most recently Berry Gordy, Motown the Musical: Broadway/First National Tour. Favorites: Simba, The Lion King (Broadway, 2002-2007); Ragtime (Broadway); Langston In Harlem (AUDELCO nomination); Murder Ballad; Superstar; Miss Saigon; Dreamgirls; Clybourn Park; Les Mis; Joseph… Peace & Love World!
Annabelle Wachtel – Marcy
Annabelle is beyond happy to make her Broadway debut at just 10 years old! National Tour: Annie (role of Molly). Huge “thank you” to Kaitlin, Walker, Catrina, Janine, Rachel, Tara Rubin Casting, Nancy, my school and School of Rock. Special Love and Kisses to my parents and Coco. Thank you for making my dream come true, Mom & Dad! Let’s Rock!”
Joel Waggoner -Stanley, Mr Williams, Adult Ensemble
Joel is beyond grateful to be making his Broadway debut! Off-Broadway: Southern Comfort (Public Theater, Barrington Stage Co.) MFA from NYU Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program. Composer, Songwriter, Vocal Coach, Pianist, Violinist. Love to Merri, Anne, Leo, Mom & Dad, and Joanna! www.joelwaggoner.com @jaywags85
J. Michael Zygo – Doug, Mr Spencer, Adult Ensemble
Broadway: Once (original cast, Emcee, u/s Guy/Billy, Dance Capt., Assoc. Cond., Cast Album) Tours: Bridges of Madison County 1st Nat., Rock Of Ages 1st Nat., The Wedding Singer (Robbie Hart), Annie (Rooster), Oklahoma!1st Nat. (Will Parker). Film/TV: Unforgettable, Rock Of Ages, Tony Awards 2012, 2013 (opening line!) For Jill & Maizy. www.thezygos.com.
More School of Rock at Theatregold DataBase
