MEET THE TEAM

A woman with glasses, long hair, wearing a sleeveless top and pants, smiling and gesturing with her hands, in a black and white photo with digital editing elements around her. This photo is of Chelsea Cook from Rhode to Broadway.

FOUNDER

Chelsea Cook has been a dedicated theatre educator across New England since 2010. She is deeply passionate about using the performing arts to support students' educational and social-emotional growth. Having personally navigated the challenges of dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD, Chelsea understands the difficulties of following a traditional curriculum. It was through theatre that she found motivation and inspiration, and she now strives to ignite that same passion in students who struggle in conventional learning environments.

In her commitment to making the arts accessible, Chelsea founded Rhode to Broadway, a company dedicated to bringing the Broadway dream to students in Rhode Island. Through this initiative, she connects young artists with exceptional theatre professionals, offering them unique opportunities to learn and grow in an inspiring environment. Chelsea's goal is to create a nurturing space where every student can thrive, discover their unique potential, and build confidence through the transformative power of theatre.

CHELSEA COOK

ARTISTIC AMINISTRATION

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    Connor Buonaccorsi

    Associate Artistic Director

    Connor Buonaccorsi is a Rhode Island native and New York based actor, singer and dancer. Connor is best known for his work on the Broadway North American tours of Hairspray, Mean Girls, and Kinky Boots. Connor has performed at many regional theaters around the New England area like Theatre by the Sea, The Weathervane Theatre, Trinity Rep, The Palace Theatre, Ocean State Theatre Company, and New Bedford Festival Theatre in shows like: Kinky Boots, Heathers, Joseph, American Idiot, Beauty and the Beast and Swing. In 2023, Connor received his BFA in Musical Theater with a specialization in advanced musical theatre dance from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Connor has a passion for teaching and developing love for the arts and is thrilled to be back in Rhode Island teaching!

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    Jaron Barney

    Music Supervisor

    Jaron is an actor, composer, and vocal coach originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. After two years with the Broadway National Tour of The Book of Mormon, he returned to New York City, where he shifted his focus toward composing original musical works presented throughout the city and building a private vocal coaching studio for professional artists. As a singer and pianist, Jaron has toured internationally with You've Got a Friend in Concert. He is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association. His vocal studio clients include lead actors from Broadway shows including Chicago, CATS, The Outsiders, Ragtime, The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!, SIX, and more.

  • Amanda Downing Carney

    Amanda Downing Carney

    Production Director

    Amanda Downing Carney (she/her) has been a professional Costumer and Theatre Technician for 25 years. Her theatre journey began at the University of RI where she received a BFA in technical theatre with a concentration in costume design and was the sole fine arts recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence for her graduating class. She started her career as a Wardrobe Supervisor for National and International tours (FAME North America & Korea, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Will Roger's Follies, Go Diego Go). After meeting her husband (Mr. Joe) on tour, she came home to RI to start a family and her 20 year career at Trinity Repertory Company, beginning as a Costume Technician and working her way up to be the Costume Director and department head for 11 years. She also has had the privilege to design costumes for local high schools (notably SKHS's 2026 The Prom-earning a local Star Award), universities (URI, PC), and regional theatres (Trinity Rep, GAMM Theatre, CTC, White Heron Theater, Dorset Theater Festival). She's also most proud of her local queer youth advocacy work and has been on the board of the South County Pride Foundation since 2021 helping to organize the annual South County Pride Festival in downtown Wakefield (southcountypride.org). Being a lifelong South County resident she is finding pure joy working with the exceptionally talented youth and supportive community at Rhode to Broadway and is excited for all the new adventures ahead!

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    Steve Wilson

    Technical Director

    Steve Wilson is an accomplished technician and manager with extensive experience in the entertainment industry. As the owner of Show Ready Mobile LLC, he has established a reputation for delivering streamlined, high-quality technical solutions. Steve’s notable credits include serving as the The Head Carpenter and Production manager on the national tour of Broadway’s A Night With Janis Joplin and more recently with Hallmark Stars Live. He also held the role of Technical Director at Theatre by the Sea, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled leader in theatre production. With a BFA in Theatre from the University of Rhode Island, Steve combines a strong arts and design background with hands-on experience in fabrication, event planning, logistics, and management. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach make him a respected figure in the field.

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    Alex Celico

    Music Director, Filmmaker, & Graphic Designer

    Alex Celico is a Rhode Island-based filmmaker, musician, vocalist, pianist, and artist whose work blends his passion for music, film, theater, and puppetry. A graduate of Rhode Island College, Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Film Studies in 2026.

    As a musician, Alex has worked as a vocalist, pianist, accompanist, private instructor, and music director. His credits include music direction for productions such as Beetlejuice JR., Legally Blonde JR., Seussical JR., and Newsies JR.

    As a filmmaker, Alex is the founder and director of Celico Film Productions. His films have received recognition at local and international film festivals, winning multiple awards including “Best Film” for My Roommate, the Puppet at the Foxboro Short Film Festival and “Best Western/Historical Film” for Don’t Fence Me In at The Reale Film Festival in Italy.

    Through both music and film, Alex continues to build a distinctive artistic voice rooted in storytelling, collaboration, and a lifelong love of performance.

RTB INSTITUTE

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    Lizzy Newbold

    Institute Director

    Lizzy Newbold has been an educator in Rhode Island since 2021, teaching English to 7th and 8th grade. She has been seen performing in regional productions throughout the state. Her most recent credits include RENT, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Sunday in the Park with George. Lizzy is no stranger to vocal performance, spending her collegiate years in the elite all female a capella group Noteworthy, touring nationally and releasing a full length studio album.

    Since earning her masters of Education in 2022 she has been passionate about bringing theater education to her students both in and outside of the classroom. Her music and directing credits include High School Musical Jr., Matilda Jr., Newsies Jr., and Lion King Jr. Lizzy has been a contemporary vocal coach to a variety of different skill and age levels, and is devoted to meeting any student where they are at to empower them on and off the stage.

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    Wensday Greenbaum

    Vocal Director

    Miss Wensday is an accomplished educator and performer specializing in theatre, acting, and voice. An acclaimed vocalist celebrated for her soulful vintage jazz performances, she also leads a dynamic ensemble that fuses modern influences with classic jazz traditions. A Grammy ballot nominee, she honors the rich legacy of jazz while showcasing her own distinctive artistry. Miss Wensday now brings her passion and expertise to Rhode to Broadway, where she will teach acting and voice in the new Theatre Institute and Mentorship Program.

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    Joe Carney

    Acting Director

    Joe Carney

    Joe is a member of the Rhode to Broadway teaching and artistic team, where he works with students through classes, productions, and performance training. He is passionate about helping young performers build confidence, find their voice, and develop the skills needed to tell stories with honesty, energy, and heart. His credits include, Jesus (Nation Tour of Godspell) along with other regional and touring productions.

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    Alex Celico

    Collaborative Pianist & Music Director

    Alex Celico is a Rhode Island-based filmmaker, musician, vocalist, pianist, and artist whose work blends his passion for music, film, theater, and puppetry. A graduate of Rhode Island College, Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Film Studies in 2026.

    As a musician, Alex has worked as a vocalist, pianist, accompanist, private instructor, and music director. His credits include music direction for productions such as Beetlejuice JR., Legally Blonde JR., Seussical JR., and Newsies JR.

    As a filmmaker, Alex is the founder and director of Celico Film Productions. His films have received recognition at local and international film festivals, winning multiple awards including “Best Film” for My Roommate, the Puppet at the Foxboro Short Film Festival and “Best Western/Historical Film” for Don’t Fence Me In at The Reale Film Festival in Italy.

    Through both music and film, Alex continues to build a distinctive artistic voice rooted in storytelling, collaboration, and a lifelong love of performance.

  • Rebecca De Vivo

    Dance Director

    Rebecca De Vivo is a passionate dancer, performer, and educator with 20 years of dance experience. She recently graduated from Rhode Island College, earning dual degrees in Dance Performance and Musical Theatre.

    Rebecca’s extensive training and performance background includes ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theatre. She was a Principal Dancer with the State Ballet of Rhode Island, where she had the opportunity to perform and further develop her artistry and technique as a classical ballet dancer.
    As a teacher,Rebeccastrives to create a welcoming and encouraging environment where every student can grow as a dancer and gain confidence in their abilities. She believes in building a strong technical foundation while also helping students develop musicality, artistry, discipline, and a genuine love for dance.Rebeccais passionate about sharing the joy of dance with her students and inspiring them to become confident, expressive, and well-rounded performers.

PRODUCTION STAFF

  • Eric Stuvant

    Set Designer

    is a Rhode Island-based children’s author and storyteller, best known for his work on Ducky Ducky. Through his writing, Eric brings imagination, humor, and heart to stories created to inspire young readers and families. Eric joined the Rhode to Broadway family providing his unique set design and beautiful painting ability. https://www.ericsturtevantbooks.com/whos-eric

  • Kristen Beres

    Kristen Beres

    Photographer

    Kristen Beres is a versatile creative professional specializing in photography, graphic design, website management, and administrative support. As the owner of Kristen Beres Photography, she brings a keen eye for detail and a passion for photojournalistic-style theatre photography, as well as striking nature imagery. Kristen combines her artistic sensibility with strong organizational skills to support teams both visually and operationally.

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    Patrick Cavanagh

    Business Manager | Director

    Patrick Cavanagh is a dedicated theatre artist and aspiring producer majoring in Film, Television, and Theatre, Political Science, and Spanish with a minor in Foundations of Business at the University of Notre Dame. He has received multiple Ocean State Star Awards for his work in theatre and is passionate about combining creativity with strategy to pursue a career in production and the entertainment industry.

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    Ruby Costa

    Director | Choreographer

    Ruby Costa is a rising junior at Rhode Island College, studying to receive a BA in Musical Theatre and a BA in Dance Performance. She is also a member of the RIC Dance Company. Ruby has been choreographing and directing alongside Chelsea Cook for the past three years and she is so happy to be working at Rhode to Broadway and sharing her passion for theatre with future generations. Some of her hobbies include sewing, creative makeup, skateboarding, and circus!

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    Mia Daley

    Director | Choreographer

    Mia Daley is a performer and the current Miss Rhode Island. She is pursuing her BA in Musical Theatre at Salve Regina University. Recent credits include the ensemble in Escape to Margaritaville at New Bedford Festival Theatre, Louisa in The Sound of Music at Theatre By The Sea and the ensemble in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 at Salve Regina University. Mia is grateful for every opportunity to tell meaningful stories on stage and is excited to continue growing as both an artist and performer.

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    Sara McCormick

    Director | Choreographer

    Sara is from Wakefield, Rhode Island and is a graduate of Salve Regina University with a degree in Theatre Arts and Dance.

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    Christian Sullivan

    Musical Director

    Christian Sullivan is a graduate from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, with a B.S. in Music Education. A 2022 graduate of Chariho High School in Richmond, RI, Christian was actively involved in the Chariho Theatre Co. and was among the first students to complete the CharihoTech Performing Arts Pathway. As an alum, he returned as the Musical Director for Chariho's inaugural youth summer program, Stage Explorers, leading their production of Seussical, Jr! Christian has also collaborated with Rhode Island Youth Theatre as an intern and served as both composer and musical director for Hope Valley Elementary's production, The Magic Within. He is thrilled to be a part of the Rhode to Broadway team!