For as long as she can remember, Miss Brown has had a love for the arts. Her passion for musical theatre was ignited in high school. She has performed in "Crazy For You" as The Assistant, "Into the Woods" as Little Red Ridinghood, "A Holiday Revue" as Cindy Lou Who and "School House Rock! Live!" as Shulie. For many years, she was a part of an acting troupe, FADE, that traveled all over the state of New Jersey spreading meaningful messages about life. Miss Brown has taken her love for the stage to new heights and is now bringing shows that she loves to life! Previous shows that she has directed include: "The Lion King KIDS", "The Little Mermaid", "Into The Woods Jr.", "Willy Wonka Jr.", ELF Jr.", "Legally Blonde Jr." and "Mary Poppins Jr." . She can not wait to share this whole new world with you, as she directs one of her favorite stage adaptations, "Aladdin Jr."!
Mr. Owen Davitt Scenic Director
Mr. Owen Davitt is a graduate of Montclair State University where he received a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a concentration on the Oboe and English Horn. Mr. Davitt has spent most of his life in the arts. As an oboist and woodwind doubler, Mr. Davitt has toured the East Coast and MidWest to perform with the Montclair State University Wind Symphony. Mr. Davitt was also principal oboist of the MSU Symphony Orchestra for 4 years, where he has performed at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and the NJPAC. As a composer, Mr. Davitt has had his works premiered by renowned groups such as Double Entendre - Double Reed Ensemble, and others. In the future, Mr. Davitt wishes to continue his education and move into Arts Administration. Mr. Davitt is Minister of Music at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Paramus NJ.
Mr. Matthew Schmidt Music Director
Matthew Schmidt received a BA from Montclair State University where he studied Music Education. He currently teaches vocal music in Little Falls and spends his free time performing locally with groups such as the Freelance Ensemble Artist Orchestra, the Garden State Ballet Company, the Opera Theatre of Montclair, and several community ensembles. Matthew has been a woodwind doubler for dozens of musicals, and is excited to be the music director for Aladdin Jr!
Mrs. Francesca Silvano-Focella CHoreographer
Francesca Silvano-Focella (choreographer, aka Dance-Mom) is a native of Rome, Italy, where she graduated from the National Academy of Dance, before attending the Royal Academy of Dance in London, UK. Upon moving to the U.S., Dance-Mom has completed the Certificate Program at the Ailey School in NYC, and has been performing ever since for various dance companies. She is also an active choreographer, especially for musical theater productions. Dance-Mom is also a teacher of Italian at Pascack Valley HS, and proud mom of alumni Luca Focella, current cast member Luisa Focella, and our furry star Neve (Bruiser Woods). On her behalf, many thanks to the cast, crew, and fellow creative team buddies for this amazing magic carpet ride of a production!