Published on October 13, 2026 | Staten Island Advance | Written by Carol Ann Benanti
The Sundog Theatre 2026 Gala ‘An Underground Evening for the Arts,” at the ABOVE Ballroom at Hilton Garden Inn honored, from the left, Craig Stoebling, Linda Baran and Kristine Garlisi. To the right is Susan Fenley, executive director and co-founder of Sundog Theatre.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Though there were no secret knocks or passwords required when Sundog Theatre transported Staten Islanders back to the Roaring Twenties, “An Underground Evening for the Arts,” hit every right note on Thursday evening in the ABOVE Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn.
The speakeasy-theme celebration of local arts and culture that was steeped in timeless sophistication and high-style glamour, saw guests treated to immersive wine tastings, exclusive cigar experiences, and classic 1920s-style entertainment.
Alina Klimova and Luka Bryn of M & J Ballroom Dance, performed a dance medley from “Chicago” — dazzled the crowd.
Alina Klimova and Luka Bryn of M & J Ballroom Dance.
Partners in Sound Productions provided music throughout the evening, and dance performances by Alina Klimova and Luka Bryn of M & J Ballroom Dance, — who performed a dance medley from “Chicago” — dazzled the crowd.
Honored for their community leadership and service to others, were Staten Island stalwarts with names like Linda Baran, Kristine Garlisi, and Craig Stoebling.
Board members of the Sundog Theatre.
The Program
Welcoming remarks were offered by Marjorie Hack, chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Sundog Theatre.
Marjorie Hack. Chairwoman of the board, addresses the crowd.
“Welcome to Sundog Theatre’s speak easy,” she said, before thanking guests for supporting the organization that is nearly 25 years.
“I joined 18 years ago when I picked up the phone at the Advance when someone asked if anyone was interested in teaching 9 and 10 year-old students. I am a huge fan of this organization, along with 11 other board members. Thanks to every one of them. There would be no Sundog without you guys. Thanks also to our staff. They are incredible in their roles. We have about 70 volunteers, staffers and artists who teach the programs we offer in 40 to 50 schools on Staten Island.
From the left, Julie Cadunzi, Marge Hack and Susan Fenley.
Susan Fenley, executive director and co-founder of Sundog Theatre addresses the crowd.
Susan Fenley, Sundog’s executive director and co-founder followed: “Thank you all for coming and partying with us at ABOVE,” she exclaimed. ”Sundog’s works would not be possible without administrative board members like Jeannine Otis, and others who are all incredible,” she added, before going on to reference new board member, Melissa Holland.
“Also Elyssa Paige and Julie Cadunzi. Without them this evening would not have happened and the performers and those involved with educational programs and arts education programs who teach kids the arts and education. We have taught over 200,000 kids in the school district over the last 24 years. Thank you to the staff for being rock stars.”
Dr Janet Leslie, Rev. Holly Bonner, Julie Cadunzi with Susan Fenley.
Fenley commented that Sundog reaches thousands of children, families, older adults, and individuals of all abilities annually through theatre, arts education, and programs that connect the arts to learning and life.
“The real impact is in the child who discovers a love of reading through a theatre residence,” she declared. “It is in the student who finds confidence by stepping onto a stage. It is in the older adult who reconnects with others through music and performance. It is in the classroom that comes alive when a teaching artists walk through the door.”
NY State Assemblyman Mike Reilly with his wife Mary.
Fred and Ginny Schweizer, with their granddaughter Melissa Holland.
In introducing Linda Baran, Tom Scarangella explained that she prides herself on her work, “And she is one of the best community leaders on Staten Island who has spent her career guiding people in the right direction.”
The Sundog Theatre 2026 Gala was held at the Above Hilton Garden Inn on Oct.8.
Scenes from Sundog Theatre’s 2026 gala.
City Councilman Frank Morano, Linda Baran, honoree, second from right, and members of Sundog Theatre.
Dan and Jean Raleigh, with their daughter Danielle Raleigh-Carr and her husband Cody Car.
Wayne Miller and Donna D’Ermilio.
The Sundog Theatre 2026 Gala.
Linda Baran
Baran, president and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, was lauded for four decades of service to Staten Island’s business and nonprofit communities.
Honoree Linda Baran.
For 40 years, she’s championed local businesses, fostered young entrepreneurs and helped strengthen the borough’s economic and civic landscape. She also made history as the Chamber’s first female president and CEO.
The Sundog Theatre 2026 Gala was held at the Above Hilton Garden Inn on Oct.8. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)
She brought the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) to Staten Island, which reflected her long-standing commitment to supporting youth and building the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Baran serves on the board of Notre Dame Academy and as an advisory board member for the Small Business Development Center at the College of Staten Island.
She is past president of both the Staten Island Rotary Club and the Chamber Alliance of New York State and remains active in the Five Borough Chamber Alliance.
“I am grateful to Sundog Theatre and its leadership and staff for this much-appreciated honor,” said Baran. “I commend their continued work to enrich our community through the arts, inspire creativity, and provide opportunities for people of all ages, especially our youth, to learn, grow, and express themselves.”
Scenes from Sundog Theatre’s 2025 Gala “An Underground Evening for the Arts.”
Kristine Garlisi
Garlisi, executive director of The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation and COO of The Nicotra Group, was recognized for her dedication to philanthropy, community investment and arts education.
From the left, Susan Fenley, Chris Ferrera, Kristine Garlisi, honoree, Lois and Richard Nicotra, and Julie Cadunzi.
Through her work with the Nicotra family’s philanthropic initiatives, Garlisi helps bring to life their vision of giving while spreading the Nicotra family “LOVE” throughout Staten Island.
Through The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation, she helps steward the Nicotras’ commitment to giving back.
From the left, Lois and Richard Nicotra, Chris Ferrera and honoree, Kristine Garlisi.
The Sundog Theatre 2026 Gala was held at the Above Hilton Garden Inn on Oct.8.
The Nicotra Foundation has awarded nearly $3.5 million in grants and scholarships funded in part through the profits of the Nicotras’ social enterprise cafes, where 100% of profits are donated back to the community.
Garlisi also serves on boards of the New York City Hospitality Alliance and NYC Tourism + Conventions.
She has worked alongside Lois and Richard Nicotra for a long time, said Chris Ferrera, and “It’s no secret how much she’s loved by the Nicotra’s and by everyone.”
“We are so proud to be able to introduce Kristine Garlisi for tonight’s honor,” said Lois Nicotra. “Kristine is our Chief Operating Officer for the Nicotra Group and the Executive Director of our Foundation. She, like us, has an unwavering commitment to the things that matter most, our community, our neighbors and our beautiful borough of Staten Island, that we are all so proud to call home. Rich and I have always believed in giving back, supporting worthy causes, and doing our part to make our community stronger. Kristine shares that same vision and passion and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people every day.”
Richard Nicotra said Kristine is an example of what a true Staten Island woman is: smart, classy, elegant, and very beautiful. “And we couldn’t be more proud to honor her here tonight. What she does is another reason to love Staten Island.”
Garlisi thanked the Nicotras and her parents, who, she said, always listened to what she had to say. “I’m about to celebrate 18 years with the Nicotras and the Hilton Garden Inn. And when I first met them, I was hooked. They are building a future your children will enjoy and ask ‘Who are these people?’ They have accomplished so much. Thank you for being here with the Nicotras and with me. Have a great night.”
Craig Stoebling
Stoebling, a director and former New York City theater teacher, was honored for nearly five decades of dedication to Staten Island theatre and arts education.
Honoree, Craig Stoebling.
Throughout his career, he has inspired generations of young performers, educators and theater enthusiasts, leaving an enduring mark on the borough’s cultural community.
Craig Stoebling, second from left, accepts his award at the Sundog Theatre 2026 Gala was held at the Above Hilton Garden Inn on Oct.8.
He’s worked with many of Staten Island’s theater companies, including Staten Island Civic Theatre, Looking Glass Players, Sea View Playwright’s Theatre, and the Staten Islnad Shakespearean Theatre.
He made his directorial debut in 1984 with SIST and served as artistic director of the company from 1989 to 2003.
He worked in the television industry, but changed careers to become a teacher in the NYC school system, working as both an English and theatre educator.
He taught in Albuquerque, N.M. and upon returning home became the Theatre Arts teacher at New Dorp High School and directed for several years with Sundog Theatre’s Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry.
Presenter Anthony Lodico.
In calling Stoebling to the mic, Anthony Lodico said that Stoebling is legendary. “He just didn’t teach theater, he made it magical. Craig, thank you for the impact you gave to the Staten Island community.”
“Thank you to Sundog Theatre and its great to see so many in the Staten Island theater community here tonight,” Stoebling said. “We go back a long time. Sometimes people say the words community theater is amateurish. But I don’t agree. To produce something is to produce something with respect. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the evening.”
