This week, Marco Island Academy Theatre released its official poster for the spring musical, A Year With Frog and Toad.
This marks another installment in the new MIA tradition of including cast members on show posters.
The release of the show poster coincides with the launching of the show’s advertising campaign that includes social media and putting up posters across Marco Island.
Meet the Cast!
Samuel “Sammy” Zocco (Frog) is a junior who has been doing theatre since 2022. He was last seen on the Rhine Stage as “Fraser” in O CHRISTMAS TREES last fall. You may have also seen him as “Junior” in DEARLY DEPARTED and “Torch” in TORCH: A MUSICAL TALE. A member of MIA’s Thespian Troupe #8628, Samuel recently competed in the District 13 Thespian Festival, taking home a Superior and the Critics’ Choice award in the Duet Acting Scene category with his longtime best friend, Joaquin Perez. He is an avid gamer, and in his free time he also enjoys working out, singing, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.
“I’m so glad to be part of such a wonderful cast and for all of their support. I hope you enjoy the show!”
Joaquin Perez (Toad) is a junior and has been doing theatre since he was in the 2nd grade. He was last seen on the Rhine Stage as “Colorado” in O CHRISTMAS TREES. As a member of MIA’s Thespian Troupe #8628, Joaquin competed in the District 13 Thespian Festival, taking home a Critics’ Choice and Superior in the Duet Acting category, Superior in the Student Directed Scene category, and Excellent in both the Monologue and Pantomime categories. In his free time, Joaquin enjoys the outdoors, hanging out with his friends, playing the drums, and acting.
“Thank you to everyone in the audience and to the amazing cast and crew for making this show possible.”
Madisyn Steiner (Lady Bird 1/Turtle/Mother Frog) is a freshman and has been doing theatre for the past 3 years. She was last seen on the MIA stage as “Ginny” in O CHRISTMAS TREES. Previous credits include: “Ichabod Crane” in THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW and “Scrooge” in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. A member of MIA’s Thespian Troupe #8628, Madisyn recently competed in the District 13 Thespian Festival, taking home Superior in the Solo Musical Theatre category. She is a bookworm, and in her free time she also enjoys singing, drawing, baking, cooking, and shopping.\
“Special thanks to the entire cast of this wonderful and playful show and to my amazing family for supporting me throughout this fantastic production!”
Amaya Smith (Lady Bird 2/Mouse/Young Frog) is a freshman. She has been doing theatre since 6th grade, but has always had a passion for musicals and singing. Amaya does cheer and (hopefully) football next year. She loves dancing, singing, gymnastics, and anything that involves physical activity.
Colin Hinton (Man Bird/Mole 3) is a freshman and has been doing theatre for 3 years. He previously helped with lighting for MIA’s production of O CHRISTMAS TREES in November. As a member of MIA’s Thespian Troupe #8628, Colin competed at Districts and was awarded Superior for Duet Acting, as well as two Excellents in the Monologue and Pantomime categories. He has also attended the States Thespys competition which took place in March. Colin enjoys gaming, watching TV, and listening to music in his free time. He’d like to thank those involved in the production, as well as those who come to support it (you!)
Ian Zarate (Snail) is a freshman, and this is his first year doing theatre. A member of MIA’s Thespian Troupe #8628, Ian competed in the District 13 Thespian Festival, taking home Superior in the Duet Scene category and Excellent in the Pantomime category. Ian is an avid gamer, and in his free time he also enjoys playing piano and spending time with his friends.
“Special thanks to the entire cast of the show and to my family for supporting me throughout this amazing production!”
Ian Lofty (Lizard/Mole 4) is a junior and has been doing theatre ever since sophomore year. He was last seen on the MIA stage at the world premiere of TORCH: A MUSICAL TALE, where he originated the role of “Skard.” Ian has been a member of choir almost all of his life. He performed at Notre Dame in Canada with The Kettering Children’s Choir. He is a piano player, golfer, tennis player, and is motivated.
Lukas Beal (Squirrel 1/Mole 2) is a sophomore student at MIA, who has been doing theater for 5 years. He is excited to set foot onto The Rhine Stage again. He was last seen as “Rune” in the premiere of TORCH: A MUSICAL TALE and “Doug” in O CHRISTMAS TREES last fall.
Sarah Bergman (Squirrel 2) is a freshman and so excited to be back on the MIA stage once again after performing in TORCH: A MUSICAL TALE. She is a member of MIA’s Thespian Troupe #8628 and competed at the District One Act Competition in November as part of the running crew, and also earned an Excellent at the District Festival in the Makeup Design category for DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR. Outside of theater, Sarah loves playing with her dog, spending time with family and friends, feeding her blind box addiction, and listening to K-pop. She’s proud to be part of this production and hopes you enjoy the show!
Luke Tirrel (Mole 1/Father Frog) is a sophomore who’s been in theater since the 6th grade. He, along with Lukas Beal, received a Superior award for their acting performance at the last District competition. He’s happy to set foot on The Rhine Stage once more after originating the role of “Walter” in TORCH: A MUSICAL TALE and Stage Managing the production of O CHRISTMAS TREES.
“Hope you enjoy the show!”
Mara Schmolling (White Fox) is a junior. She is an exchange student from Germany. She loves dancing and took lessons for nine years. In her free time, Mara likes watching movies and
hanging out with friends.
Grace Elliott (Rabbit) is a sophomore and she has been doing theatre for a year. This is her first show at MIA and her first show ever. She is a member of MIA’s Thespian Troupe #8628, and competed at Districts with a Duet Acting scene, Pantomime, and Costume Design, earning Excellent for all three events. Grace is also an athlete who is always busy with soccer, golf. or lacrosse, but always makes time to balance theatre. She enjoys hanging out with friends, singing, and shopping.
Alexa Hamm (Rabbit) is a freshman at MIA, and has been doing theatre for the past three years. A member of MIA’s Thespian Troupe #8628. Alexa recently competed Districts, taking home four Excellents. She enjoys art, music, theatre, and sports.
Meet the Crew!
Hiba Iftakhair (Stage Manager) is a freshman and has no prior theatre experience. This is her first time working backstage as part of the crew. She is extremely excited to be a part of a production this year. Hiba is adept in traditional art and enjoys activities that involve the outdoors.
Kai Samuel (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Senior at MIA and has been doing theatre on and off for all four years. She was last seen working backstage in TORCH: A MUSICAL TALE. Previous credits include THE 39 STEPS at Arts Center Theatre, and SUPERHERO at MIA. Recently, Kai has competed with MIA’s Troupe #8628 at the District 13 Thespian Festival, earning Excellent in the Solo Musical Theatre category. On her off days, Kai enjoys painting, reading, hanging out with friends, and going to concerts. She is hoping to continue her creative endeavors in college at Ringling College of Art and Design, where she was accepted for Computer Animation this fall.
“Shout out to my family for always having my back and the amazing cast and crew in this production!”
Ari Kuperman (Sound) is a sophomore and has been involved with theatre for 4 years across 7 shows. The last MIA productions he worked on were TORCH: A MUSICAL TALE and O CHRISTMAS TREES, where he served as Sound Tech. As a member of Thespian Troupe #8628, he competed at Districts and received a Superior in the Student Directed Scene category.
Meet the Creative Team!
Mr. Christopher Dayett (Director/Choreographer/Designer) is in his 10th year teaching at MIA and in his 21st year directing. He is a Broadway World Regional Award-nominated director, actor, set designer, and lighting designer, and an award-winning actor, singer, and playwright. His musical, TORCH: A MUSICAL, premiered last April at MIA to rave reviews. His one act play, O CHRISTMAS TREES, premiered at the 2025 District 13 One Act Competition, earning Superior Achievement for Technical and Acting. His DORIAN GRAY: THE MUSICAL premiered Off-Broadway at the 2017 New York Musical Festival, earning the Show-Score Best in Fest Award. He is a member of ASCAP and the Dramatists Guild of America. M.A. in Theatre from Villanova University. “Thank you to 302, 910, 215, 856, 859, 516, 267, and 239 for the local and long distance support!”
Dr. Cayce Benton (Music Director) has performed as a soloist with regional orchestras and choruses, in recital, opera, and musical theatre across the US and Europe. She has won national and regional competitions. “Dr. B” developed expertise in musical theatre singing techniques as associate faculty at the University of Miami in Florida, presenting sessions on the musical theatre belt voice in the US and China. She has directed over 20 productions. In her “retirement,” Dr. B continues to direct, teach, sing, and coach here in Naples.
Dakota Tenney (Costume Designer) is a junior. She has been doing MIA theatre/Thespians for 3 years now and has learned something new every year. A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD is her second show of costume designing, having previously costumed MIA’s production of O CHRISTMAS TREES. She has had so much fun making these costumes and learning as she goes.
“I hope you love the show just as much as I do.”
Come See A Year with Frog and Toad!
The cast & crew of the show highly encourage all MIA students, their families, and members of the community to come see the show during its two-weekend run.
It is recommended that those who wish to see the show buy their tickets now, as shows for last year’s TORCH: A MUSICAL TALE were all sold out. Do not miss this opportunity!
Showtimes are as follows:
April 17th – 7:00 P.M.
April 18th – 7:00 P.M.
April 24th – 7:00 P.M
April 25th – 2:00 P.M.
Ticket prices are as follows:
$20 – VIP
$15 – Adult
$10 – Student/Child
Tickets can be purchased here.
