Highlights:
*Auditioned and accepted into the Wagner College Theatre Performance Class of 2021.
*Graduated from Notre Dame High School.
*Started a four year journey at Wagner College.
*Traveled to Costa Rica for a performance tour with the Wagner College Choir.
*Auditioned and accepted into the Wagner College Theatre Performance Class of 2021.
*Graduated from Notre Dame High School.
*Started a four year journey at Wagner College.
*Traveled to Costa Rica for a performance tour with the Wagner College Choir.
Posts for 2018
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December 2018 - "Merry Christmas to all and Happy Birthday to my beautiful dog Bella. She is a Christmas puppy who just turned seven and had a health scare last week. Thankfully her ultrasound revealed she is fine! I couldn't have asked for a more meaningful Christmas present!"
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December 2018 - "A great day in the city skating at Bryant Park, visiting Rockefeller Center and seeing Frozen on Broadway! Thanks Makenna for an awesome gift!"
December 2018 - "Thank you Debby Delpopolo, the director and my former tap teacher at All That Jazz Dance Academy for including me in today's holiday show for the residents of Hamilton Continuing Care. My performance of Christmas Shoes can be found on the media gallery page."
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December 2018 - "A great trip into the city with my family to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. My Wagner College tap teacher was a Rockette for 13 years. I certainly have a new appreciation for her talent after seeing them perform."
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December 2018 - "Look what finally arrived in the mail today. My Eagle Scout Yearbook! I'm very happy to have this memento to help me remember the achievement and some day share with children should I be blessed to have them."
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November 2018 - "Currently on the main stage at Wagner College is the musical Working. The show examines 26 people from all walks of life and proves that a job is more than a job for the average working American. Although I was not cast in the show, I am working behind the scenes on stage lighting getting another tech assignment under my belt. The director did however need someone to walk on stage as a waiter. Since he knew me from my tech time earlier in the year on Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and also knew I am a performance major, I got the job. Hey every actor has to start somewhere, even a small role on their college stage."
November 2018 - "Thankful and Blessed! It is great to be home to celebrate Thanksgiving and have the chance to see family and friends. Not to mention how awesome it is to have a home cooked meal, thanks Mom! As a college student I use Door Dash a few times per week and can really appreciate sitting around the table with family. Happy Thanksgiving to all!"
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October 2018 - "Wagner College Choir fall concert. Gabe and I have been friends performing together since high school; now we are performing in college. It is great to have him at Wagner and see that his freshman year is going very well!"
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October 2018 - "I had one of my favorite movies on today, School of Rock with Jack Black. A little bit of trivia, did you know that the school portrayed in the movie is actually main hall at Wagner College where I attend my theatre classes?"
October 2018 - "Getting in the Halloween spirit on campus with my roommate David! If you're wondering, I'm on the left."
October 2018 - "A quick but fun trip from Wagner to J.M.U. to see Makenna who is enjoying her first year in their Musical Theatre Program! Gotta love Megabus, they stop at the J.M.U. Transit Station!
October 2018 - "Home for fall break to help celebrate my Grandmother's 80th Birthday! This wonderful woman is one of my biggest fans and supporters as I continue to train for a career in musical theatre. Thank you Grandmom for always being there for me and Jesse! We love you very much!"
September 2018 - "A great weekend home from Wagner College celebrating my 19th Birthday with family. The only thing missing was my beautiful girlfriend who attends school at J.M.U. She did send me this fun video which brought a smile to my face. Thanks Makenna, I can't wait to see you in two weeks!"
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August 2018 - "It is great to be back at Wagner College for the start of my sophomore year. This semester I'll be moving up to Tap III, beginning private guitar lessons and ballet, taking Voice and Diction, as well as continuing my vocal studies with Anthony Turner. A busy week ahead with two auditions for our fall shows and a make-up Musical Theatre Dance final from last semester. Bring it on!"
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August 2018 - "What a great trip into the city to see Mean Girls, then off to Sardis for dinner."
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August 2018 - "After a seven year journey from Scout to Eagle Scout, today I celebrated by Court of Honor with family and friends to commemorate this achievement. I am honored to join my older brother Jesse in the Eagle Scout brotherhood. I thank my parents for their love, support and their willingness to help guide me so I could obtain this goal."
August 2018 - "What a great summer it has been for the campers at the Above and Beyond Performing Arts Camp. They worked very hard during the past six weeks to develop new skills in preparation for their Moana performance. It was awesome to work side by side with fellow Notre Dame performing arts alumni as counselors. I take with me fond memories and hope that I helped inspire the kids to pursue their dreams."
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July 2018 - "The curtain closed on MMT's The Little Mermaid last weekend. It was great to be able to show off my tap skills in Positoovity!"
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July 2018 - "I enjoyed a trip into the city to see my college roommate who is a rising Wagner sophomore in the lead of It's Pinocchio, a play written and adapted by a Wagner College rising senior. The venue was a few doors down from where Daniel Radcliffe is performing in The Lifespan of a Fact. Wow, very exciting!"
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July 2018 - "Opening night! It was great to be back on stage! A huge shout out to my Wagner roommate Anthony for being in the audience as Music Mountain Theatre's The Little Mermaid opened. Here's to a great run!"
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June 2018 - "I'm looking forward to the start of my summer employment teaching music theory at a performing arts camp for the Morrisville School District. It is exciting to again be working together with other Notre Dame High School Alumni sharing our passion for music and the performing arts!!"
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June 2018 - "It has been awhile since I was on this campus. There is a lot of catching up to do with my Westminster Conservatory of Music vocal teacher as I begin summer training with her to keep my voice in shape until school starts this fall. Thank you Linda for your guidance over the years!"
June 2018 -"I'm very excited to be back performing at another Kit Kat Kabaret. This time at different venue, The Duplex in NYCs West Greenwhich Village."
June 2018 - "Fast forward! Last year, I was celebrating my Notre Dame graduation, this year I'm celebrating Makenna's. It is hard to believe a year has passed and we are both now ND alumni. Best of luck at JMU as you pursue your musical theatre dreams!"
June 2018 - "My last Notre Dame prom. I've had the honor of escorting Makenna to four ND proms; this being her senior prom. Best of luck to all my friends graduating this month. It is my hope that you'll have great success at the colleges you'll be attending as I have had at Wagner."
May 2018 - "The Wagner College choir is back from a concert tour in Costa Rica . I would personally like to thank Monica and Esteban for taking me into their home and being wonderful hosts. I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to experience a different beautiful culture and to have created new friendships along the way. "
May 2018 - "Where does the time go?! All packed and ready to go home after completing my first year at Wagner College. It has been an amazing school year! I have made some awesome friends, learned so much in the classroom to make me a better performer and had the opportunity to be so close to the city to experience all it has to offer. I'm looking forward to the summer where I'll travel with the Wagner Choir to Costa Rica for a concert tour, be a featured dancer in a production of The Little Mermaid and teach music theory at a summer camp. I can't wait for these new experiences!"
May 2018 - "Susan Fenley's first year acting students at Wagner College in the classic Charlie's Angels pose. What an amazing class, I learned so much! Professor Fenley complimented me at the end of the semester and said I was a great actor and to not give up."
April 2018 - "A promposal to her senior prom from my beautiful better half who will be pursuing a musical theatre degree this fall at James Madison University".
April 2018 - "Wagner College Theatre acting class trip to the zoo for animal/human movement character research".
April 2018 - "My first Wagner College vocal recital as a student of Anthony Turner. I sang The Old Red Hills of Home from the musical Parade."
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April 2018 - "It was very exciting to see the news that Wagner College Theatre alum Alex Boniello will succeed Mike Faist as Connor Murphy in Broadway's Dear Evan Hanson. Congratulations and Best of Luck! I'm very lucky to be a student in an amazing theatre program!"
March 2018 - "A great time hosting and performing at the Kid Kat Kabaret showcase at Don't Tell Mama Restaurant and Piano Bar in NYC!"
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March 2018 - "What an honor it was to perform at Carnegie Hall with the Wagner College Choir. I was in awe standing on the stage, looking into the audience. A very memorable experience and one that I won't forget!"
March 2018 - "So happy to be back at my alma mater (Notre Dame High School) to attend the closing performance of Shrek The Musical. It was very strange to be a member of the audience and not on stage. The entire cast did an awesome job, however Gabe as Shrek and Makenna as Fiona were stand outs. I can't wait to see where life takes them with collegiate training and future performances. Best of luck!"
February 2018 - "This time last year I was auditioning for college theatre programs, one year later I am eagerly developing my craft at Wagner College and attending open casting calls in NYC. I was so excited to get the chance to audition for Dear Evan Hansen which further strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in this business. I firmly believe that someday with hard work and perseverance I Will Be Found”!
February 2018 - "I'm currently busy with my latest tech assignment for Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, the award-winning rock musical and next on the Wagner College Theatre Mainstage. Performances run from February 22nd through March 4th in the Main Hall Auditorium. I received two callbacks when I auditioned for this show back in December. I didn't get cast but as a freshman navigating collegiate auditions, I found it a very positive experience."
February 2018 - "I received my Resident Assistant decision letter today; unfortunately it wasn't the decision I had hoped for but as a performer where being told no is part of the process, I certainly will apply again next year. Thank you very much for interviewing with us for a student staff position in Residential Education for the 2018-2019 academic year. We received a number of applications from many qualified candidates for a limited amount of positions. At this time, we are unable to offer you a position with our office. I would like to extend my best wishes to those who were selected. May you guide our incoming students and help them feel at home at Wagner College".
January 2018 - "A birthday shout out to my beautiful mother!! Happy Birthday Mom, I Love You"!
January 2018 - "It is exciting to be back at Wagner College for the start of the Spring 2018 semester. Classes for further theatre performance development include Acting II, Tap II, Musical Theatre Dance, Private Voice Instruction and a Music Composition course."
January 2018 - "Starting the New Year off right spending it with two of my favorite people. Wishing my brother Jesse a successful year as he continues to train and begin his career with the United States Navy. Best of luck to Makenna during the hectic January/February musical theatre college audition schedule. I hope you'll find as great a fit in a college as I have in Wagner!"
Posts for 2017
December 2017 - "A very Merry Christmas spending time with our Grandparents".
December 2017 - " I was honored to be a musical guest for a benefit performance at The Rider University Bart Luedeke Center Theatre sponsored by All That Jazz Dance Academy benefiting Womanspace".
December 2017 - "The Notre Dame Performing Arts Christmas Concert has been a family tradition for the past five years. The difference this year was that I attended as an alumni audience member."
December 2017 - " I was part of a quartet performing at the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS benefit concert at Wagner College. We performed Falling In Love from Thoroughly Modern Millie."
December 2017 - "The Choirs of Wagner College performed their annual holiday concert at Trinity Lutheran Church in Staten Island last Sunday. This was a concert for everyone and contained a vast choral repertoire ending with an enjoyable sing a long with holiday favorites. It was great to see family, friends and alumni in the audience."
December 2017 - "I am excited to be a musical guest later this month at a benefit presented by All That Jazz Dance Academy where I prepared for my college dance auditions. The concert benefits Womanspace, a nonprofit agency in Mercer County, New Jersey, that provides services to people impacted by domestic violence. Programs include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy and housing services. It is an honor to be included".
November 2017 - "Each Thanksgiving we count our blessings, I have been blessed with an amazing family. Although I didn't get the opportunity to take pictures with everyone this Thanksgiving, these are just a few of the special people in my life. My older brother Jesse, my cousins and my Grandfather Monroe who has always been supportive of my endeavors in the performing arts. I love you all!"
November 2017 - "A huge thank you to two good friends from Wagner, Anthony and Remy, for the belated birthday gift to see SpongeBob SquarePants The Broadway Musical. What fun to see a cartoon from my childhood come alive on the stage"!
November 2017 - "I met friends in the city to see Dear Evan Hansen and still can't believe I was in the same theatre as Ben Platt. Wow, what an amazing show with a cast of incredibly talented performers. I am thankful I was able to see the show before Ben takes his last bow as Evan Hansen on November 18th."
November 2017 - "The lovely and talented Makenna, cast as Ariel in William Shakespeare's The Tempest at Notre Dame High School".
October 2017 - "Here is a blast from the past, 15 years ago to be exact. My older brother Jesse and I as the Red Power Ranger and Thomas the Tank Engine. Happy Halloween!"
October 2017 - "Today I had to say goodbye to my friend, fellow performer and Notre Dame Alumni Nick Pratico. Rest in Peace my childhood friend, I will miss you".
October 2017 - "The Choirs of Wagner College with the Baroque Chamber Orchestra performed their first concert observing the 500 years since the Reformation. The concert included works by J.S. Bach, as well as a number of American Folk Hymns, African music and Spirituals."
October 2017 - "Getting in the Halloween spirit with friends at Eastern State Penitentiary's Terror Behind The Walls."
October 2017 - "Yesterday I participated in the fourteenth annual Italian Idol Singing Competition with a performance of Sento nel core! Although as a freshman I wasn't one of the winners selected to sing at the Viva Italia Concert, it was a great experience and increases my commitment to learn from my professors as I further develop my craft."
October 2017 - "After much anticipation since the time of my July Board of Review, my Eagle Scout Certificate, Congratulation Letter and Award Kit finally arrived from National. I am honored to join the ranks of the dedicated young men who have come before me, one of which is my older brother Jesse who is a member of the Class of 2016."
October 2017 - "This weekend was the final curtain for Wagner's first main stage show of the season, 1776. It was my first tech assignment and a great experience in my journey as a theatre performance major."
October 2017 - "A few pictures taken at Wagner College's Homecoming/Family weekend. Thanks Mom, Dad and Grandmom for making the trip to see me before my early afternoon call time for my tech assignment. It was great to see everyone; I wish our visit could have been longer."
September 2017 - "What a great weekend celebrating my birthday with family and friends. A huge shout out to my room mate and Wagner theatre friends for the awesome birthday video!
September 2017 - "My first time attending the annual Broadway Flea Market. I was able to meet up with a friend who I hadn't seen since The Wizard of Oz closed this summer."
September 2017 - "A great night with friends to go to the city to see The Play That Goes Wrong!"
September 2017 - "Introducing the Wagner College Theatre Class of 2021."
September 2017 - "The Class of 2021 was officially welcomed into the Wagner College Family at yesterday's Convocation. What a memorable way to conclude the school's orientation festivities. This was also my first performance with the Wagner choir."
September 2017 - "A trip into the city with classmates to see In The Blood, from playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. Wagner's Learning Communities let students go outside the classroom".
August 2017 - "As part of freshman orientation, we went on a walking tour of Manhattan. This was my first time riding the Staten Island ferry and seeing the Freedom Tower up close. As I pursue my education at Wagner, I'm looking forward to the many opportunities this city offers. I came back to campus and had received an email with great news. My choir audition had been successful and I was being welcomed as a new member. I am sure it will be challenging singing with a choir at the college level but I am up for it!"
August 2017 - "Beautiful weather for Wagner College's freshman move in day. Thanks to everyone who helped move me to Harborview Hall which has an amazing view of NYC. Wow, did I luck out!"
August 2017 - "Beautiful weather for Wagner College's freshman move in day. Thanks to everyone who helped move me to Harborview Hall which has an amazing view of NYC. Wow, did I luck out!"
August 2017 - "A great day in the city sightseeing then dinner and a show. Thank you Makenna for a such an awesome graduation gift!"
August 2017 - "A great day in the city sightseeing then dinner and a show. Thank you Makenna for a such an awesome graduation gift!"
August 2017 - "Thanks to @projectrepat all of my favorite memories have been made into a T-shirt quilt and are heading
with me to Wagner College!"
with me to Wagner College!"
August 2017 - "This is the jitterbug scene from The Wizard of Oz that many people may not be familiar with. It was cut from the movie however restored in various stage versions".
August 2017 - "The Wizard of Oz has been well received at its return to the Open Air Theatre in Washington Crossing Park. This fall the actors move indoors to a new Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville, New Jersey".
July 2017 - "After seven years of hard work and dedication, I successfully completed the last requirement for my Eagle Scout rank which was the Board of Review. I am proud to say that I am now an Eagle Scout in Troop 91 in Yardville, New Jersey. Thanks to all the people that mentored me and everyone that helped me with my Eagle Scout project last fall. It was important for me to select a project that would benefit the performing arts department at my school. Therefore, I renovated their prop closet."
July 2017 - "Thank you Say Chz for the great themed photo booth props, backgrounds and all the effort put into making my graduation party a huge success. I had no idea how much my family would enjoy striking a pose."
July 2017 - "My first role at Washington Crossing State Park Open Air Theatre this summer is Cinderella's Prince Charming. Unfortunately, due to the New Jersey State shutdown occurring over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, our performance schedule was disrupted with a canceled show and a change in venue. However, it was still a great run and enjoyed by all who attended!"
June 2017 - "I would like to thank my parents for their love, support and the sacrifices they made to provide me with my high school education. As a third generation Notre Dame student, my father and grandfather stood on the stage to present my diploma. I will always remember how proud they were to be standing with me".
June 2017 - "I received a surprise honor at the annual Spring Performing Arts Concert and was the recipient of the Outstanding Actor Award."
June 2017 - "The annual Notre Dame Spring Arts Festival, my senior solo was If The World Only Knew".
June 2017 - "What beautiful weather for the Senior Prom. The theme was Under The Sea. How fitting since that was an audience favorite at this year's musical, The Little Mermaid. My date was the lovely and talented Makenna, aka Flounder".
May 2017 - "Through out the school year each Notre Dame class hosts a Grandparents Day. My Grandmother Monroe always made sure she was able to attend each one. She has been and continues to be one of my biggest fans, never missing any of my performances".
May 2017 - "Very bittersweet as I perform for the last time with the Community Christian Choir. This is a choir I have been singing with for the past six years and one with many talented men and women who have helped raise over $245,000 for local charities throughout the choir's twenty plus years in existence. I couldn't commit to performing a solo this last season due to my involvement with the Tom Sawyer production. However, I was asked to pantomime the part of an auctioneer during one of our songs. I enjoyed being part of the performance in such a memorable way. My Sunday's won't be the same, I'll miss all of you".
May 2017 - "As one of the seniors in the Community Christian Choir, I had the opportunity to participate in the filming of a short video to encourage new choir membership. The choir has helped develop my voice, strengthen my musicianship skills and I have made some great friends!"
May 2017 - "I had the opportunity once again to participate in the annual Sunshine Foundation Operation Dreamlift character send off. This is an amazing day for a group of chronically ill and special-needs children who travel to Walt Disney World for a day long trip. Watching the excitement on the children's faces is so touching as they get ready to board the plane to have a magical day in Disney."
April 2017 - "Tom Sawyer was an amazing role that I am very grateful to have been selected for. The cast was really able to connect with each other which is one of the many reasons the show was such a success!"
April 2017 - "My mother was so happy when I asked her to go to the mother-son sports themed dance that she had tears in her eyes. It was a fun evening of dancing and honoring the first love of my life, my mom!"
April 2017 - "Notre Dame hosts a very beautiful Stations of the Cross in the school's chapel during lent. I had never before been a participant but was humbled when I was approached by some people in attendance and told that my portrayal was very moving."
March 2017 - "What fun participating in the annual Senior Fashion Show to model this season's prom fashions. Thank you Caroline for giving me the honor of escorting you down the runway."
March 2017 - "Striking a pose on the runway with the lovely and talented Azziza at the annual Senior Fashion Show".
March 2017 - "My journey for The Little Mermaid began with audition prep for Prince Eric. At my call back I was asked to perform Les Poissons and the directors knew they had found their Chef Louis. What a great role! I had so many people come up to me and say hey man, you were so funny!"
March 2017 - "I am extremely excited to commit to Wagner College as a Theatre Performance major. My acceptance phone call came a few hours before I stepped on the stage as Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid. What a great boost for opening night!"
February 2017 - "Back on the audition train. I heard about Shenandoah University from family who live in West Virginia and attend the school's performances throughout the year. They are hoping this will be my school of choice so they can come see me perform."
January 2017 - "I performed at my second Westminster Conservatory of Music recital earlier today. It just happened to be my mother's birthday; she was very emotional by my song choice, Proud Of Your Boy from Aladdin".
January 2017 - "A busy month for auditions, next stop Marymount Manhattan College". This was my longest audition day since you audition in front of your entire group and the audition doesn't conclude until the last student performs."
January 2017 - "I had time to visit with my older brother Jesse who attends Point Park University in Pittsburgh while auditioning for their Musical Theatre program. No trip to Pittsburgh is complete without eating at Primanti Brothers and taking a stroll over to PPG Place to see the Christmas tree and the people enjoying the skating rink".