Mr. Coonan’s association with the Malverne High School musical began in 1996 with a role in Little Shop of Horrors. He was an active participant in all theatrical productions and fell in love with the theatre on this very stage. He is honored and humbled to return as the musical’s co-director and work with an amazing team to bring you this unique production. Currently, he teaches 8th grade English and Theatre Arts at H.T.H. and runs the Drama Club and Announcements Club. In January, he directed The Lion King, Jr. at H.T.H, and last year directed the inaugural middle school musical production, The Wizard of Oz. He is also an award-winning lighting designer (Best Lighting Design for a Play, 2019 Long Island Community Theatre Awards), and designed the lighting for Pippin, as well as past productions The Lion King, Jr. (HTH) The Wizard of Oz (HTH), The Little Mermaid (MHS), Young Frankenstein (MHS), and many concerts, ceremonies, and events in both the auditorium and MPAC.

Leigh Anne had so much fun in her 6th year working with the amazing students at Malverne. Before she was on the backstage end of theatrical productions, she had been seen on stage in roles such as Ilse in Spring Awakening, Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel, Mary in Jesus Christ Superstar, Daniela in In The Heights, and Milky White in Into the Woods. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry with a minor in Dance from SUNY Oneonta. This year has been such a thrill, full of surprises and learning! She's excited to share this show with the community and remind everyone that "time's a living prize." Enjoy the show!

Mrs. Sitler is the 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Band Director at Howard T. Herber Middle School. She also directs the Howard T. Herber Jazz Ensemble and musical directs the HTH Musical. In addition, she is the Assistant Director for the Pride of Malverne Marching Band. Mrs. Sitler received her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Hofstra University and her Master's Degree from the Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College. She has performed in several musicals, including Oliver, The Music Man, The King and I, Seussical the Musical, Into the Woods, The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, Annie, and Shrek the Musical. She is thrilled to be a member of the Malverne Music faculty, and is looking forward to being a member of the Malverne family for years to come.

Mr. Brandine is currently the band and jazz band director for Howard T. Herber Middle School ,filling in for Ms. Sitler who is enjoying time off with her new baby. In addition, he assisted with the Middle School musical last month. Mr. Brandine is from Huntington, NY and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. He has experience directing a variety of music ensembles in various public schools, such as Longwood CSD and Herricks UFSD. Mr. Brandine has performed in several musicals, including Into the Woods, The Secret Garden, Bye Bye Birdie and more. He’s also a professional trumpet player who performs as a soloist and in professional ensembles throughout the metropolitan area. Mr. Brandine is very excited to take part in his first Malverne High School musical.

Mr. Messina is currently the District Chairperson of Music, Fine Arts, and Family & Consumer Science, and has called Malverne home for the last 24 years. He is a graduate of Manhattanville College, where he received a Bachelor of Music and a Master's Degree in Music Education. After several years of teaching, he completed his School District Administrator certification at C.W. Post University. Throughout his career, Mr. Messina has conducted and performed in several musicals and enjoys bringing the magic of theatre to the students here at Malverne.

Greg Monahan graduated from MHS in 2003 and then went to Adelphi University to earn a BFA in Theatre Design Technology. He has returned to the Malverne stage aech year to help students learn about design, carpentry, lighting, sound and many other aspects of putting on an incredible show. As Technical Director, Greg enjoys collaborating with students and faculty who share a common passion for theatre. He would like to thank John Motchkavitz for getting him stared with the school play, the alumni who return every spring to help, and everybody else he has had the pleasure of working with over the past 20 years.

Jesse is happy to be a part of the MHS Musical once again this year, building and designing the sets. He is no stranger to this stage, having been in every musical production during his high school years here at MHS. He comes from a long line of Gillespie Thespians who have graced the stage for many years. Jesse hopes to be a part of this fun and creative crew for many years to come.

Sarah is a Malverne alumnus and always loved being a part of the high school's productions! During her years at Malverne, she worked spotlights for the show Leader of the Pack (2008), was a part of the cast in The Wedding Singer (2009), Fiddler on the Roof (2010), and Seussical the musical (2011). Since graduating, Sarah enjoys working with the paint and set crew. Sarah comes from a long line of set crew members here at Malverne High School. Her Dad was the Stage and Technical Manager, and her Mom was Prop Mistress during 1983's show, Oliver. Sarah hopes she makes her mom proud!

Mr. Johnson currently teaches Band as well as Music Theory at Malverne High School. He is the director of The Pride of Malverne Marching Band. Mr. Johnson received his bachelor's degree in music at Fredonia State University and his graduate degree from Hofstra University. He is always willing to accept new challenges and is very excited to be completing his fifth year as Pit Orchestra Conductor for the high school musical.

Mr. Zagare has been a part of the Malverne team since 2006. He teaches Mixed Chorus, Concert Choir, Select Choir, and AP Music Theory. He is the former Music Director and Co-Director of the HS musicals, but recently stepped down to spend more time with his son. He is excited to work on the musical in this new capacity. Mr. Zagare has his B.M. in Music Education from The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, and his M.A. from SUNY Stony Brook. At Malverne, he has musically directed Grease and directed Leader of the Pack, Wedding Singer, Fiddler on the Roof, Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, In the Heights, The The Drowsy Chaperone, Shrek the Musical, West Side Story, Legally Blonde, Young Frankenstein, and The Little Mermaid. In addition, he was the chairperson for the 2012 NMEA Division 5 All-County Women's Chorus and the 2013 NMEA Division 5 Mixed Chorus. He is also currently the pianist for the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Nassau & Suffolk Symphonic Choirs.