HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – This summer, Centenary Stage Company (CSC) presents their summer musical series featuring “Rock of Ages” and “Seussical the Musical.”
The cast of “Rock of Ages” will include Centenary University students, alumni, CSC veterans and a few brand-new faces. The cast includes Deanna Elisa Beaucher, Jeremy Ashton, Brandon Conti, Andre Williams, Lou Steele, Emily Rose, Johnathan Lindeblad, Danny Sims, Maria Alessi, Matthew Green, Annie Wogisch, Sabrina Olivieri, Molly Davison, Crystal Ann Bennett, Jasper “DJ” Scott, Sarah Shea Mabes, Mark Squindo, Zach Orr, Claire Finegan, Jordan Sievert, Alexandra Koch, Kylie Smith, Mackenzie Castle and Madison Rhine.
Directing this production of “Rock of Ages” is Michael Restaino. Michael is a multi-hyphenated creative with a diverse background in working on theatrical experiences world-wide. Currently serving as the manager of creative production integrity at RWS Global, Michael oversees all productions at sea, internationally. In addition to his role at RWS, Michael is the esteemed founder of Michael Anthony Theatrical, one of the leading cabaret companies in New York City. Michael’s leadership extends to The Actors Studio of New Jersey, an emerging professional theater company focused on becoming a hub for artistic expression and innovation. As an advocate for the arts, Michael actively works to mentor emerging talent by being dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming theatrical environment, prioritizing inclusivity, diversity and respect within the industry. After spending nine months performing in “Rock of Ages” at the Eldorado Resort, Michael is honored to be telling this story from the opposite side of the bar at the Bourbon Room.
The cast of “Seussical the Musical” will also include Centenary University students, alumni, CSC veterans and a few brand-new faces. The cast includes Cody Jackson, Olivia Tomlin, James Gerard Russo, Megan Schmeidhauser, Nicole Boscarino, Morgan Damato, Zac Cruz, Gabriel Argate, Johnathan Drayton, Katie O’Shea, Amanda Ackerman, Makayla Labode, Joshua Laudor, Aycha Lima, George Xavier, James Brandes, Hope Keil, Kayla Chirip, Kai Vialva, Matthew Steen, Judy Kolek, Michaela Thiessen and Kayla Yepez.
Co-directing and choreographing this production is Lea Antolini-Lid. Antolini-Lid is the assistant professor of theater and dance as well as the director of CSC’s Young Audience Series Tour, and the producer/director of the NEXTstage Rep. Summer Stock Musical Series. Most recently, Antolini-Lid co-directed “Addams Family” in April 2023, directed “RENT” in the summer of 2022, as well as the YAS production of “Frog & Toad” at CSC this past fall and was seen onstage as the stepmother in “Cinderella.” Antolini-Lid has directed the CSC Summer Stock Musical Series for several years and you have also seen her directorial work on “Hair,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Always…Patsy Cline,” and more.
Jillian Petrie will also serve as co-director and choreographer for “Seussical the Musical.” Petrie is an award-winning choreographer/director with over 100 productions under her belt, and she is just getting started. She is currently company choreographer for The Growing Stage, a professional regional theatre company located in New Jersey. Here she also served as director on the company’s first film production and has previously served as director of multiple main-stage productions. As of June 2018, she has been director of TGS’s new theatre dance program. Productions are full-length plays that aim to challenge existing boundaries by incorporating movement-based storytelling and exploring audience engagement. In addition, Jillian is a professor of dance and theatre at Centenary University and founder of the media company, Athletes & Artists. Jillian was recently a member of the 2018-2019 Stage Directors Choreographers Foundation’s Broadway Observership Class, Directors Lab Class of 2019, Broadway Dance Center’s Choreography Program of 2021 and SDCF’s Broadway Observership 2013-2014 Class. Her most recent CSC credit, Jillian directed “The Marvelous Wonderettes” in the summer of 2022.
Performance dates and times for “Rock of Ages” are Thursdays, July 6th and 13th at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, July 7th and 14th at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, July 8th and 15th at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, July 9th and 18th at 2 p.m. Performance dates and times for “Seussical the Musical” are Thursdays, July 27th and August 3rd at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, July 28th and August 4th at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, July 29th and August 5th at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, July 30th and August 6th at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $25.50 to $29.50 for adults with discounts available for seniors, students and children under 12 for select performances and Thursday evening performances.
For more information or to reserve tickets, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at 908-979-0900. The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and two hours prior to performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Avenue in Hackettstown.
