Isla Brady  (Ensemble) Isla is excited to make her first MainStage debut at The Gateway Playhouse in The Lion King Jr.! She has been taking Gateway Production Classes for the last two years and has performed in Aladdin Kids; Finding Nemo Kids (Anchor the Shark and Breeze); Aristocats Kids (Amelia Gabble) & Seussical Kids (Mayzie LaBird). She would like to thank ALL of her family for supporting and encouraging her through her whole acting career. She would also like to thank all the friends she’s made in these many productions, and all the teachers, Teacher Apprentices, and Directors as well as any Stage Crew who have worked hard to make all of these productions possible.
 

Pepper Coleman  (Ensemble, u/s Young Nala)  is thrilled to be returning to the Gateway Playhouse stage with this amazing production of The Lion King! Pepper is 11 years old and about to dive into middle school adventures. She first discovered her love of musical theatre at age 6 and has been hooked ever since—making wonderful memories and friends along the way. Past favorite roles include Young Anna in Frozen, Chip in Beauty and the Beast, Jane in Mary Poppins Jr., Little Alice in Alice in Wonderland Jr., Annie in Annie Jr., and Young Simba in Lion King Jr.—so it feels extra special to be back in the Pride Lands again! She is so grateful to the incredible teachers and staff at Gateway for inspiring her to dream big and work hard, and for cheering her on every step of the way. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she loves being a part of it!
 

Sage Cotter  (Zazu)  is thrilled to be back on the Gateway Stage, which has been a home for her for almost 12 years. She’s been in numerous productions at the Gateway, including Les Miserables (Young Cosette/Eponine), Sound of Music (Brigitta), Lucy (13), and Cinderella (Cinderella). She’s also performed at CMPAC, where she just appeared as Sandy in Grease. In addition to her training at the Gateway School for Performing Arts, Sage has studied dance at Stage Door for twelve years and will be returning for her second year at the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts Pre-College Intensive later this summer. Sage would like to thank the entire Gateway team, cast, and crew for such an amazing show and sends love to her family and friends who are always there to support her.
 

Bailey DeLauter  (Young Nala)  is so grateful to play young Nala and to be a part of the Gateway family! Bailey has performed as “Anna” in Frozen Jr, “Summer” in School of Rock, “Flounder" in the Little Mermaid Jr., "Middle Anna" in Frozen Jr., “Pearl" in Finding Nemo Jr. “Erica" in Matilda Jr., and "Grace Smyth" in A Christmas Carol the musical, among others. Movie/TV Credits: Bird Watchers,The Hobby, Royal Runaways, Prank Sqaud, Welcome to Hope and an Adventureland Promo. Bailey would like to thank her parents, her siblings Easton and Autumn as well as her theater family for their continued support.
 

Michaela Katherine Derasmo  (Ensemble)  Michaela is thrilled to be a part of this performance. She has appeared in three productions at Bayport-Blue Point High School, including ”Chicago: Teen Edition” (Katalin Hunyak), "Cinderella" (Mouse/Horse/Market Quintet), and "SpongeBob, The Musical" (Sea Creature/Teen Fan). She has also performed with CircleUp productions in "The Lion King Jr." (Sarabi) and previously at the Gateway Playhouse in "The Little Mermaid Jr." (Carlotta). Michaela most recently was honored to perform the Cell Block Tango and the 2025 Town of Islip Teeny Awards. Michaela is an avid dancer performing in American Dance Theatre of Long Island's production of "The Nutcracker" (Nutcracker/Nephew/Lead Polly/Spanish Corps/Candy Cane Corps) and she currently competes with Stage Door School of Dance Elite Company. Last summer she was honored to attend the prestigious American Academy of Ballet Summer Intensive at the Purchase Conservatory of Dance on scholarship. Michaela studies voice with Mr. Killourhy, whose guidance and support have been invaluable. Many thanks to Michaela's family, friends and teachers for encouraging her passions. Thank you to The Gateway Playhouse for an amazing experience. Enjoy the show!
 

Erin Faulkner  (Bonsai)  is so grateful to be a part of this amazing production. Erin came to Gateway in 2020 and has been performing and taking classes ever since. Recent credits are: Willy Wonka Jr (Mrs. Beauregard), The Little Mermaid Jr (Flotsam), The Addams Family(Grandma), Seussical(Mayzie LaBird), Aladdin(Rajah), The Prom(Ensemble), and was the stage manager of Gateways’ Alice by Heart. She would like to thank her friends, family, and the incredible cast and crew for supporting her and giving her the opportunity to be in this amazing production!
 

Gavin Gronenthal  (Ensemble)  Ever since Gavin was 8 he knew he loved the stage, so that is why he is thrilled to be back on the gateway stage. His favorite past credits include Lion King (Scar), The Little Mermaid (Pilot), High School Musical (Ryan), Descendants (Carlos), Willy Wonka (Oompa-Loompa), 10 Ways to Survive The End of The World (Bob), Mean Girls (Jason) and more! Gavin Would like to thank all the acting school teachers and staff who helped him improve. He would also like to thank his Mimi and parents for always encouraging him. He hopes everyone enjoys the show!
 

Samantha Hayes  (Rafiki)  Samantha is extremely excited to be performing as Rafiki at The Gateway Playhouse. She has been an actress at Gateway for the past 10 years and will be attending LIU Post with a major in acting in the fall. She has performed in many of the conservatory shows in the past along with a few regional shows. Some recent regional credits include, Teen ensemble, Frozen, The Gateway Playhouse. Ensemble/Elf Holiday Spectacular on Ice featuring Nancy Kerrigan, the Gateway Playhouse. Child Guardian Understudy, In The Heights, The Gateway Playhouse.
 

Asher King  (Ensemble)  is excited to return to the Gateway stage once again in The Lion King, Jr.! This past winter, he had a blast appearing as Pugsley Addams in The Addams Family. He has performed in several Gateway productions, including as one of the Cheder Boys in Fiddler on the Roof (2024), and as Michael Wormwood in the Gateway Conservatory production of Matilda Jr. (2023). Asher has been a student at the Gateway Acting School since kindergarten, so it is safe to say he has grown up here! When he’s not performing, Asher can be found writing, creating art and stop-motion animation and sailing Bellport Bay. When he’s older, Asher aspires to become a film director. He would like to thank all of his teachers over the years for believing in him and offering him these exciting opportunities.
 

Rosalie Kubacki  (Ensemble)  has been a student at Gateway for the past 4 years. She is excited to be back at Gateway's Conservatory this summer. Last year she played one of the Mersisters in The Little Mermaid Jr. She also loves being an actor in Gateway's Haunted Playhouse.
 

David Lafler  (Musafa/Simba)  is thrilled to return to the Gateway Conservatory stage for his final student performance! His past credits include Les in Gateway’s Newsies, Teen Ensemble in Frozen, Mr. Wormwood in Matilda Jr., Young Scrooge/Peter in A Christmas Carol, Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, Bloat in Finding Nemo Jr., and numerous ensemble roles. At LHS, he appeared as Crutchie (Newsies), Benny Southstreet (Guys & Dolls), Sam Carmichael (Mamma Mia), and more. David would like to thank his acting, voice, and Stage Door family for always believing in him, supporting him, and giving him the tools he needs to take the stage with grace; his parents, siblings and grandparents for their love & support; and Rachel, Min and Stephanie for this incredible opportunity! David is excited to start his next adventure, pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Slippery Rock University!
 

Liliana Lafler  (Ensemble)  is excited to be part of her second Gateway Conservatory production! She previously appeared as an Oompa Loompa in Wonka and has performed in the ensemble of Gateway’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin. A Select Company dancer at Stage Door School of Dance, Liliana has also modeled for Blu&Blue New York, Nou Nelle, and PASTEL Children’s Clothing. She’s especially thrilled to share the stage with her big brother, David, in his final Gateway show as a student—an experience that makes her heart so very happy! Liliana thanks her siblings, parents, grandparents, for their love and support, and Rachel, Mr. Min, Ms. Stephanie, and Kaitlyn for this incredible opportunity!
 

Giada Longo  (Sirabi)  Giada is 16 years old and has expressed her love of theatre, singing and dancing since the age of 4; she aspires to be a Broadway actress! Giada has had the opportunity to play roles in many shows in local theaters, mainly at Gateway’s Playhouse and alongside SO many talented people!! She is happy to be a part of Gateway Playhouse’s Lion King Junior! 🦁
 

Julius Lovelace  (Ensemble)  is so excited to be a part of The Lion King jr! This is his 3rd conservatory at The Gateway. Some of his favorite roles include, Flotsam (The Little Mermaid Jr.), cave guardian, and Prince Malik (Aladdin Kids), Marlin (Finding Nemo Kids), Cheshire Cat #1 (Alice In Wonderland Jr.), ensemble (The Little Mermaid Jr.), Mike Teeave (Willy Wonka Jr.), Edgar (Aristocats Kids), Horton the Elephant (Seussical Kids). Julius was also a part of the youth ensemble in The Holiday Spectacular On Ice starring Nancy Kerrigan! This June, Julius also won his eight year dance trophy for tap at Stage Door School Of Dance. Julius would like to thank Miss. Rachel, Mr. Min, and Miss. Kaitlyn for this opportunity!
 

Isabella Mannick  (Ensemble) This is Isabella’s second main stage performance with Gateway Playhouse and she is honored for this opportunity. Isabella was last seen playing the role of Atina (mersister/ princess) in last summer's production of Disney’s Little Mermaid JR. Isabella has been performing since she was 7years old with her youngest role being Tessie in Annie at South Shore Theatre. She has continued to perform many other roles through the years and taking classes with Creative Ministries and Gateway Acting School. Isabella had been selected to perform in Walt Disney World with the CM fantasmics and was excited to grace the stage in Disney Springs performing a showcase of Disney Songs. Other roles Isabella performed are Susie in Bye Bye Birdie but one of her most favorite roles was Bruce in Matilda at Selden Middle School and Young Elsa at North Babylon Community Center. Isabella also played Bulda In Disney's Frozen at CM and most recently was a part of the Auradonian Choir with her middle school. Isabella would like to thank her director and cast here at Gateway for amazing moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Isabella would also like to thank her family for all the amazing support and love!!
 

Emma McGourty  (Ensemble)  is 11 years old and will be attending Saxton Middle School next year. She is a member of the Stage Door Elite Dance Company. This is her second show here at Gateway and would like to thank her family for their encouragement and support and to wish the cast and crew the best of luck!
 

Lola Moran  (Ensemble u/s Timon)  You may have seen Lola Moran in other productions such as, Annie Jr (Annie), Fame Jr (Ms Greta Bell), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Scuttle), Matilda Jr. (Ensemble), Seusical Jr. (Gertrude Mc Fuzz), The Lion King Kids (Simba) and many, many more. Lola also has done HMEA and is a level 6 NYSSMA contestant. She is also a dancer at Stage Door School Of Dance and has done many recitals there. She is thrilled to be in The Lion King Jr. and perform for you.
 

Cian Murphy  (Young Simba) is delighted to join the Gateway Conservatory Program for a fourth year in their production of The Lion King Jr! Cian has appeared in several Gateway productions throughout the years including The Little Mermaid Jr (Ensemble), Aladdin Kids (Aladdin), Matilda Jr (Bruce), Frozen Kids (Hans), Beauty and The Beast Jr. (Chip), Peter Pan Jr (John Darling), and Seussical Kids (Horton the Elephant). Cian would like to thank his family, the Gateway Education Staff, the Crew, and the amazing Cast of The Lion King for this wonderful experience!
 

Percy Napolitano  (Ed) 
 

Charlotte O'Leary  (Ensemble)  Charlotte is thrilled to be part of this production at Gateway Playhouse. Previously, she has played Violet in Willy Wonka, Jr. as well as Ensemble in Frozen Jr for her Middle School productions. Some of her favorite roles were here during the Gateway production classes, Alice in Wonderland, Jr. (Alice), Aristocats Kids (Thomas O’Malley), Seussical Kids (Gertrude) and Finding Nemo Kids (Dory). Charlotte is very excited to perform with this amazing cast! I have attached her Headshot as well.
 

Kyla O'Sullivan  (Nala)  is beyond excited to be participating in her second Conservatory season at Gateway. Last season Kyla appeared as Ursula in Gateway’s The Little Mermaid Jr. and Mrs. Bucket in Willy Wonka Jr. She has been ensemble in shows like Spamalot and The Prom as well as Ms. Norbury in Mean Girls. She was also dance captain in both The Prom and Mean Girls. Kyla has been dancing, singing, and acting from a very young age and is honored to be in her last production at Gateway before she goes off to college! She would like to thank every person who has helped her get to this point which includes her family, friends, and mentors. Special shout out to the crew for making this all possible! Hope you enjoy the show!
 

Alex Paval  (Ensemble)  is delighted to join this production of The Lion King! Known for his sharp comedic timing and infectious stage presence, Alex thrives on bringing laughter and joy to every audience. Previous roles include Captain Hook (Peter Pan), Prince Charming (Cinderella), Charlie Brown, and his personal favorite—Alexander Hamilton. Beyond the stage, Alex is a master of over twenty spot-on impressions, ranging from Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse to Johnny Depp’s unforgettable Rango. Whether it’s with a flourish of charm or a burst of laughter, Alex is here to entertain. He hopes you enjoy the show as much as he enjoys performing in it!
 

Michael Pedra  (Scar)  started acting at eight years old. He has performed in numerous plays and advanced acting classes at Gateway Playhouse, CM Performing Arts Center, William Floyd High School and French Woods Performing Arts Festival. Credits include: Scar in "The Lion King Jr." at Gateway Playhouse; Sky Masterson in "Guys and Dolls" at William Floyd High School; Shrek in "Shrek" at CM Performing Arts Center; King Charlemagne in "Pippin" at William Floyd High School; Sammy in "The Wedding Singer" at CM Performing Arts Center; Willy Conklin in "Ragtime" at French Woods Performing Arts Festival; Judge Pitkin in "On the Town" at CM Performing Arts Center; Mr. Wormwood in "Matilda" at William Floyd High School. Michael has taken multiple acting and dance classes every year as well as vocal lessons, guitar and piano classes. He volunteers every year at The Gateway Haunted Playhouse as a scare actor and has been a teacher assistant in numerous classes at The Gateway Playhouse. At school he is an officer of the Tri M Music Honor Society and the President of the Thespian Society. Michael will be heading to Purchase College as a Theater Performance major in the fall and plans on working in the performing arts as an actor in the future. Michael would like to thank the teachers and mentors at William Floyd High School, Gateway Playhouse and CM Performing Arts Center for helping him achieve his goals and dreams.
 

Albert Jack Peterson  (Pumbaa)  is thrilled to be back for his final Children’s Theater production, closing out a decade at the Gateway. Regional credits include: A Christmas Story the Musical (Flick u/s performed), The Sound of Music (Friedrich), Beauty and the Beast (youth ensemble), Gypsy (Newsboy). Other Gateway credits include: A Chorus Line (Don Kerr), Les Miserables (Courfreyac), Pierglass Park (Jackson). Some of Albert’s favorite children’s theatre roles include: The Wizard of Oz (The Cowardly Lion), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Finding Nemo the Musical (Marlin), Madagascar the Musical Adventure (Skipper), Mary Poppins (Michael Banks) and his first and favorite show Peter Pan (Michael Darling). Albert would love to thank his Mother, Maddie, Lukas, Chachi, Amy, Rachel. A very special thanks to Joe, Peter and Steph for being the amazing team that first worked with him on Peter Pan 10 years ago.
 

Sienna Reefer  (Shenzie)  2025 Teeny Award nominee (Best Lead in a Comedy) Sienna Reefer is thrilled to take part in Gateway's The Lion King Jr. as Shenzi the hyena. Most recently, she was Regina George in Mean Girls at Patchogue Medford High School. She has been in many Gateway summer conservatories including Finding Nemo (Peach) and Matilda (ensemble, Ms. Honey u/s) and mainstage shows including In the Heights and A Christmas Carol. Sienna would like to thank her family, the Gateway, and Stage Door School of Dance for being so supportive of her dreams and helping her achieve them. She would also like to thank the Lion King directors and her fellow castmates for making this show such an unforgettable experience. Break a leg!
 

Mia Rofrano  (Ensemble u/s Rafiki)  is excited for her 5th Conservatory Production! Mia has been a proud student at The Gateway School for the Performing Arts for 7 years. Past regional credits: A Christmas Carol (Martha Cratchit), A Christmas Carol the Broadway Musical (Jonathon), Finding Nemo Jr (Tad), Matilda Jr (Ensemble u/s Erica & Amanda), Beauty And the Beast Jr. (Ensemble u/s Chip) and The Wizard of Oz (Coroner). Special thanks to her family for their love and support, her voice teacher Michelle Cosentino, and her Gateway family, especially Mr. Min, Peter, Keira, Ms. Steph, Amy, Kaitlyn & Rachel!
 

Ella Rogacki  (Ensemble)  Is thrilled to have this opportunity to join her first ever conservatory show! Ella has been in Gateway’s Performing Arts School ever since she was five years old. Ella has had a love for musical theatre since before she could even remember, and dreams to be on Broadway one day. Recent credits include: Seussical Kids (Mayzie LaBird), Lion King JR (Sarabi), Aristocats Kids (Duchess), Alice In Wonderland JR (Cheshire Cat), Little Mermaid JR (Ensemble), and Finding Nemo Kids (Dory). Ella has taken several intermediate acting and musical theatre classes. She would like to thank her family, friends, Amy, Kaitlyn, and Rachel for supporting her with all of her work. Ella is so happy that she is able to work with this amazing cast and crew!
 

Marty Timlin  (Timon)  is so excited to be returning to The Gateway! He most recently appeared in the Teen Ensemble of Frozen on the main stage. Other regional credits include: Elf (Michael), A Christmas Story (Grover Dill), Beauty and the Beast (Chip), A Christmas Carol (Young Scrooge) and As You Like It (Adam). Marty has been a student at The Gateway since 2017 and has appeared in three national commercials. He would like to thank Joe, Rachel, Kaitlyn, Amy, and the entire Gateway family for their continued guidance and support. Hakuna matata!
 

Michael Villalta  (Ensemble, u/s Pumba)  is thrilled to be part of his second production with Gateway Children’s Conservatory, Lion King Jr. Previously, he appeared in Wonka Jr as Augustus Gloop. He has also been involved in JFK Middle School’s production of Something Rotten Jr (Nicholas Bottom), Gateway’s acting school production classes, Aladdin Kids (Aladdin), Jungle Book Kids (Baloo), Lion King Kids (Adult Simba), and Madagascar Junior (Melman the Giraffe). He wishes to express his gratitude to his family and friends for their unwavering support, as well as to his teachers and mentors at Gateway, particularly, Joe Minutillo, Cecilia Funk, Peter Pece, Stephanie Vertichio-Brennan, Sophia Greco, Rachel Armitstead, Kaitlyn LaGrega, the crew, and the entire cast of Lion King Jr.