Christina Acampora​ (Producer) is long-time Clinton resident and mom of two. Christina has worked closely with our community of older adults for the past four years as the proud Program Director of Clinton Senior Connection. Though rarely on stage, she enjoys volunteering for musical theater productions for all ages and credits her mother, Silvia, for introducing her to Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett at a very young age! It has been her honor collaborating with Shoreline Theater Academy and the amazing cast and crew of The Music Man, Sr! Extra thanks to Laura, Leila, Rob, Lucia & Gabe.

Gail Apgar (Pick-a-Little Rose) Gail’s passion has always been to create and support environments in which students feel safe and encouraged enough to fulfill their potential in creative expression: this was true for her 34-year teaching career at Joel School and now as a proud member of The Shoreline Theater Academy Kidz Konnection board for the past 15 years. She is excited to support Christina Acampora and Laura Attanasio's mission to unite seniors and youth in this joyous theatrical experience.

Laura Attanasio (Artistic Director) A lifelong advocate for inclusivity in the arts, Laura has dedicated almost 4 decades to creating enriching opportunities in arts education--empowering individuals to discover their full potential, find purpose and foster a sense of belonging. In 2005, she founded Shoreline Theater Academy Kidz Konnection (STAKK) to provide a safe and nurturing space for youth to feel welcome and thrive through theater. She is the recipient of the Women in Excellence Award (2016); Business to Community Partnership Award (2019); and Connecticut Arts Hero (2024). Laura remains a fierce champion of community spirit, lifting others up so everyone can find their light and shiner for the greater good.

Laura Burrell (Maud Dunlop) is a 45-year resident of Clinton. When she was a young girl, she wanted to grow up to star in a soap opera. In pursuit of this, she was very active in high school and college theater. After that, she instead became absorbed in living her real-life soap opera, raising 2 children and many cats. In the mid-1980s & 90s, she was the house manager at the Ivoryton Playhouse. Laura’s husband, Gene, a born performer and musician, always encouraged her to explore creative pursuits even if they were outside her comfort zone. This one is for you, Gene, with all her love.

Julie Clark (Marion Paroo) has been singing show tunes since she was a child. As a young woman, Julie wrote and performed songs for "children of all ages" as part of the musical duo, Jam Sandwich. Jam Sandwich won a Parent's Choice Award in 1990, and their music can be heard on Spotify and Apple Music. She has been writing choral music and arranging drum pieces and performing with the women's a cappella group, Femina Melodia, since 2003. Julie currently enjoys singing with Angela Clemmons' gospel choirs, Shoreline Soul and Valley Soul, whenever she can. She looks forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Henry Carter Hull Library where she joins talented local musicians for the Clinton Senior Connection’s Music Meetup. “Thank you, Christina, for the chance to try acting for the first time and the opportunity to sing these songs I've loved since childhood!”

Sue Engel (Ethel Toffelmier) is participating in a musical for the first time since her high school play in 1964 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sue lived in Greenwich Village and Brooklyn Heights for 20 years before moving to Clinton in 1985. She and her husband, Al, love this community. Sue gets energy from her gardening and volunteer activities. She offers a big "thank you” to Christina Acampora of our Clinton Senior Connection for getting the seniors together to participate in this musical and to the directors, accompanist, and the young thespians, Ella and Yasmine, for all their patience. She hopes the group has made them proud and she is grateful for this opportunity.  

Deb Erquhart (Stage Crew/Props) has lived in Clinton most of her life married to her wonderful husband, Hal. They have 2 daughters, one son and 6 beautiful grandchildren who Deb loves and cherishes every day. Retired in 2020, Deb has been enjoying life, traveling with her husband, and visiting new places. She has been involved with Clinton Senior Connection now for over two years.

Lori Fox (Alma Hix) was a retired New York City teacher when she became a full-time Clinton resident in 2023. Lori has enjoyed her time pursuing her passions in theater, art and music. She also spends her time as a volunteer camera person at Valley Shore Community Television and has also co-hosted the Art of Poetry. Lori enjoys meeting new people and exploring the numerous activities available through the Clinton Senior Connection. She is thrilled to be part of the Music Man reprising the role of Alma Hix.

Michael Fox (Tommy Djilas) has been a resident of Clinton since 2015. He is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter who grew up in New York City. He has performed as a solo artist as well as with bands and duos throughout his musical career. After a 36-year career in the hospitality industry, he became an elementary school teacher in NYC. He is now a member of Clinton Senior Connection, a volunteer at Valley Shore Community TV, a Board member of the non-profit organization CT WaveRunners, and an avid pickle ball player. He is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful cast and the Town of Clinton!

Bob Kessler (Charlie Cowell) A retired scientist, Bob now works to support ShorelineTheater Academy Kidz Konnection endeavors. He has sung in several Shoreline choruses and performed in community theater. Memorable past shows include A View from the Bridge, Hamlet, To Whom It May Concern, Shenandoah, MacBeth, Grease and Rent.

Stan Machnik (Mayor Shinn) is an Army veteran and a 1970 graduate of UConn. He is retired from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Stan is a widower and has two sons and two granddaughters with a great grandson on the way! He is an avid Red Sox and UConn basketball fan.

Layla Manganaro (Amaryllis/Pick-a-Little) is fairly new to Connecticut and joined this production as a fun way to get involved in a community activity and meet more locals. Layla has a 30-year career in academic research and works as a research administrator for The University of Chicago. She is also a wife and mom to a family of storytellers. She is adapting to rural New England life and enjoys exploring the nature, arts and history of the shoreline region and she’s starting to homestead on her farm.

Marty Marx (Marcellus) is very excited to be in his first ever theatrical production. Given that this is his first ever role in a musical or play, he did not play Orpheus in the latest run of HADESTOWN on Broadway. And he didn’t play any of the roles in The BOOK OF MORMON, SPAMALOT, HAIR, WICKED, The LION KING or any of the other musicals and plays that he loves. Marty has had a blast being in this musical and wishes to thank all the other actors and directors for putting up with him. A special thank you goes to Christina, the producer, for suggesting he may be interested in being in the MUSIC MAN. He also wants to thank his family and friends for their support, and for keeping their expectations of him very low. A HUGE thank you to his real life Shipoopi, MaryJo, for all of her help, tolerance and encouragement!

Leila Mustakos (Musical Director) Leila Mustakos is excited to be partnering with Clinton Senior Connection and Shoreline Theater Academy on this production The Music Man Sr. She recently retired from the Clinton Public School System after a 35-year career as a music, choral and theater teacher in New Haven, West Haven and Clinton. Thank you to the amazing cast and crew of Music Man Sr. for their hard work, creativity and patience throughout this process, especially Barbara for her accompaniment skills and Christina and Laura for their tremendous commitment and inspiration.

Peter Nye (Harold Hill) is amped to take return to the Andrew’s Memorial Town Hall stage after a Clinton Dancing with the Stars appearance in 2017 and as Officer O’Hara in Arsenic and Old Lace with the Spazzo Players in 2023. Despite not being a stranger to a stage, a microphone or attention seeking, this is Peter’s first leading role since his “Stanislavski System” final exam at Wesleyan in 2003. He has many others acting credits including the time he acted like he knew about the dinner party his wife planned, told him about, AND put on the calendar. A high school social studies teacher for 30+ years, he was inspired to take on this performance by his children crushing roles in Morgan musicals. Peter can’t wait to put the “hair” in Harold Hill in Clinton Senior Connection’s interpretation of The Music Man!

Lynne Pantaleo-Congdon (Pick-a-Little Pearl) has been a member of Clinton community for almost 40 years. Recently retired from nursing after 45 years, Lynne’s most recent attempt on stage was a nun in the ensemble of the Sound of Music in 1974! She has been an usher for over 10 years at Ivoryton Playhouse and previously at The Kate. In her free time, she enjoys socializing a guide pup (Joey) for Guiding Eyes for Blind, biking, kayaking, cross country skiing, playing pickleball, and spending time with her two granddaughters, Mia and Reagan. She is thrilled to be a part of the ensemble for the senior version of The Music Man.

LuAnne Ostby (Gracie Shinn) moved to Clinton 8 years ago and has found friends and fun in the Clinton Senior Connection community. When not acting or participating in other senior connection activities, LuAnne can be found playing with her cat or with a good book enjoying the wildlife in her backyard.

Suzanne Remington (Zaneeta/Pick-a-Little) is originally from Maine and lived in CT for over 15 years before recently moving to Clinton. She joined the cast simply to meet others in this community. Her only experience with theater prior to Music Man is being a 'theater mom' for years to her (now adult) daughter and being an avid theatergoer. This experience has left Suzanne very happy with her choice to live in such a welcoming community! “A BIG thanks to all involved. Enjoy the show -- ye gads!”

Judy Roberts (Mrs. Squires) is thrilled to be stepping back onto the stage more than 60 years after her high school drama days! A retired court reporter she never imagined that retirement would bring her back to the theater, but she couldn't resist the opportunity to be part of The Music Man, Sr. She had a wonderful time, made new friends and enjoyed every minute of this special experience.

Marilyn Robinson (Pick-a-Little Mabel) is retired from a fiber optics company where she was employed as a salesperson for six years. She has spent over 15 years volunteering with the homeless population providing food security and has found it very rewarding. Marilyn moved to Clinton nine years ago to be closer to her granddaughter and family. And she really enjoyed her time performing in The Music Man Sr!

Susan Savitt (Mrs. Paroo) A Clinton resident for more than 45 years, Susan has shared her love of music with a variety of musical groups including the Clinton Family Theater. She enjoys performing as an ensemble member however, Mrs. Paroo marks her first featured role. Susan thanks her partner, Norman, and her grandchildren for helping her memorize her lines. The cast and crew have made this experience a lot of fun. A heartfelt thanks to our Directors, Producer, Choreographer, and Accompanist. “We could not have done it without you!”

Barb Soderberg (Pianist) is a retired Madison public school music teacher and retired music director from St Mary’s Catholic Church. A Clinton resident for 14 years she recently sold her home and is moving when the show closes to Anacortes, Washington to be with family. She is so proud of the cast and crew of The Music Man--it was hard work but lots of fun!

Linda Stray (Choreographer) is happy to be back in the theater world after a long hiatus and had a blast with this Music Man senior cast! She spent over 35 years performing, directing and choreographing for various companies, and loves being backstage as much as she loves performing. Her favorite role as Martha in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" under the direction of the late, great Peter Loffredo. Linda also served as Theater Director at Valley Regional High School back in the '90's. She dedicates this show to her granddaughters, Alice and Lily, who are, themselves, budding thespians!

Brenda Thayer (Stage Crew/Props) is a proud member of Clinton Senior Connection where she enjoys participating in activities and meeting new people. Little did she know that when she attended the meeting about this production, that she would end up backstage as props master. Brenda has lived in Clinton for 54 years with her husband, John, and enjoys spending time with her two daughters and their families. She is delighted to be part of this production and looks forward to the fun and friendships that come with being behind the scenes!

Karen Vanek (Constable Locke/Townsperson) An aspiring Crazy Cat Lady, Karen retired and moved to Clinton from New York in May of 2020 to be near her grandchildren. Joining Clinton Senior Connection has been one of the many highlights of the move. She has made many wonderful friends, including some of her cast members, through the experience. Her hobbies are music, listening to audiobooks, watching Hallmark movies and Gilmore Girls, and baking (and eating) sourdough bread.

Jeff Prior (Conductor) A four-year Clinton resident. Jeff retired in 2023, slowly redefining work life with Clinton Senior Connection, Meals on Wheels, and an avid Red Cross Donor of blood and platelets, "You ought to give donating a try." All of which, take the back seat to the Grandparent call! Jeff initially signed up for the stage crew but during Senior walks Christina's enthusiasm convinced him to join the ensemble. This has been a fun, self-learning experience but best of all has opened new friendships.

Claudia Volano (Pick-a-Little Brenda) is thrilled to join this entertaining endeavor! Recent community theater credits include Grandma Josephine in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Frau Bergman in Spring Awakening, the mute Mr. Smee in The Scrambled Stories, various roles in The Laramie Project, and Ensemble/Cook in Willy Wonka. Additional joys include seeing theater, ushering for theater, singing, and volunteering in the health field.

Carolanne Sawicki (Pick-a-Little Henrietta) is delighted to be part of the first Clinton Senior Connection musical. She also loves playing Mahjong and taking tons of pictures. Bird watching and Trivia are her favorite pastimes. Enjoying the creativity and dedication of the cast and crew, she feels ready to finally take the stage.

Regina Wohkle (Eulalie Shinn) is a native of Clinton where she taught for 41 years at Joel School. She and her husband raised their children, Erika and Ross, here and all enjoyed acting and working backstage. Regina is honored to reprise the role of Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn that she first performed with the Clinton Family Theater in 1996. A bit of history about the beautiful Andrew Memorial: Summer Stock performed for years on this same stage from the late 40's to the early 50's. Actors include Christopher Plummer, Lionel Barrymore Jr., Robert Preston, Lillian Gish and the Gabor sisters, just to name a few. They walk with this cast in spirit tonight. Regina is excited to be part of the first Shoreline Theater Academy/Clinton Senior Connection production and can't wait to see what her five grandsons think of their Oma on stage! She gives her thanks to all the directors, cast and crew...truly a team effort!