CAST LIST FOR Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

Cinderella, forced into a life of household chores by her wickedly cruel stepmother and stepsisters, dreams of a better life. The town crier announces a royal ball at which the King and Queen hope their son, the Prince of the kingdom, finds a bride, and Cinderella wishes she could attend. When her stepsisters and stepmother go off to the ball, her Godmother appears and magically grants Cinderella's wish. At the ball, Cinderella and the Prince meet and instantly fall in love, but she abruptly excuses herself at midnight, leaving only a glass slipper on the palace steps. After an extensive search throughout the kingdom, the Prince and Cinderella are magically reunited and blissfully married.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella logo

Directors

Actors

Orchestra

    Flute
      John Kauffman
      Carolyn Giardini
    Flute/Piccolo - Melissa Almanza
    Oboe/English Horn - David Kurkowski
    Clarinet
      Michael Smith
      Vincent Hurtubise
    Bass Clarinet - Donna Higgins
    Bassoon - Abi Nathan
    French Horn
      Donna Winquist
      Jessie Dietz
      Rick Sieckman
    Trumpet
      Caroline Sychterz
      Susan Haidar
      Heather Riebeling
    Trombone
      Don Matheson
      Lynda Chen
      Rich Cappo
    Percussion - Paul Sherin
    Violin
      Norman Ellman
      Jen Galasso
      Sherry Ash
      Aili Lazaar
      Bruce Fenderson
      Lara Kaighin
    Viola
      Glen Bradley
      Peter Kwak
    Cello
      Jenny Pondo
      Charles Thompson
    Bass
      Steve Butt
      Faye Kahmer

Production Staff

    Sound Designer - Joe Ward
    Properties - Lisa Cleek (chair)
Julie Zaffarano
Tina Dahms
Janice Manley
    Playbill - Stacey Martinez
    Hair Designer - Sally Foster-Chang
Sally Foster-Chang
Barb Matheson
Julie Zaffarano
    Publicity Committee
Janet Murphy
    Audition Committee
Donna Winquist
    House Manager - Dave Verduin

Bios

listed alphabetically

Darlene Adamson (Assistant Lighting Designer) has been with RVCO since 2012. As the Assistant Lighting Designer, she has helped her husband with the technical aspects of our productions. Darlene has run the light board for several of our shows and was the Stage Manager for the spring 2023 show High Society. Darlene works at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Darlene is also attending Drexel University to complete her bachelor's degree in healthcare management. As the co-owner of First Stage Lighting, she is experienced in the technical aspects of production including lighting, special effects, and sound. Back to top

John Adamson (Lighting Designer) has been with RVCO since 2012. He is the lighting designer, master stage electrician, and special effects consultant for our show. John has a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and prior certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. He has designed lights for over 500 shows in venues that include schools, community theaters, youth theater groups, and dance recitals. John has had the opportunity to work with groups including the Valley Forge Chorus, the Delaware Valley Opera Company, and Dancing for Life charity. John is co-owner of First Stage Lighting and has provided special lighting effects for the show. He also provides technical consultant's services for local events in the suburbs. Back to top

Don Cheetham headshotDon Cheetham (Townsperson) is enjoying working with a group of spirited, fun actors and directors in Cinderella. Previous RVCO participation includes being a Dragoon in Patience, playing Andrew MacLaren in Brigadoon several years ago, and singing in the chorus of several other musicals. Other favorite roles include two in Our Town - Editor Webb (Barleysheaf Players) and Simon Stimson (St. Peter's Players), and Mr. De Pinna in You Can't Take It With You (St. Peter's Players). Back to top

Kim Dahms headshotKim Dahms (Queen) is delighted to return to the RVCO stage after a hiatus of working only on costumes backstage. While she usually sticks to G&S shows, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is at least familiar, having played the same role previously in school. She wants to thank her fiancee, June, for her unfaltering support. Back to top

Elisha Deni headshotElisha Deni (Joy) is excited to appear in her first RVCO performance. Prior to RVCO, she was in musicals in high school, and is returning to the stage after a 20 year hiatus. Elisha has her masters in music education and teaches elementary music and chorus in the Penn-Delco School District. In her free time she likes to spend time with her family and friends. Thank you to my family for supporting me and encouraging me to audition for the most fun role I've ever played. Back to top

Faith Donaher headshotFaith Donaher (Townsperson) is excited to be returning for her third show with RVCO, having appeared as raptuous maiden in Patience and Cousin Hebe in H.M.S. Pinafore. She has also performed in many G&S operettas with the Bucks County Gilbert and Sullivan Society, most recently as Vittoria in Gondoliers. Back to top

Lisa Franks headshotLisa Franks (Godmother) is old enough to remember being very excited to see the 1965 TV version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella and almost 60 years later is delighted to be playing Godmother. She previously appeared as Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol - the Musical; also Patience, Annie Get Your Gun, High Society and The Merry Widow. Professional Credits: Understudied Charlotte Hay (Moon Over Buffalo, Walnut St. Theatre). Other roles: (NCT & St. Francis Players) include Fiona (Brigadoon), Liza Doolittle (My Fair Lady), Sally Smith (Me and My Girl), Sarah Brown (Guys & Dolls), Marian Paroo (The Music Man), Laurey (Oklahoma), Agnes Cohan (George M!), Rosalia (West Side Story), Mrs. McAfee (Bye-Bye Birdie) and Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes). When not on stage, Lisa can be found teaching French at Villanova University. Back to top

Jocelyn Hall headshotJocelyn Hall (Townsperson) is making her stage debut in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. She is very excited to be joining the cast. Her love of music has led her to be in the chorus at school and learn to play the flute in her school band. Jocelyn also enjoys other activities such as travel soccer, tennis, and dance. Back to top

Sharon Kotzen headshotSharon Kotzen (Stepmother) is delighted to return to Rose Valley Chorus. She had joined the cast of Camelot to get back into the theater that she loved so much and to meet new friends as a newlywed who had just moved to Delaware County from Montreal, Canada. Sharon has also had the good fortune to play many wonderful and diverse leading roles with the Ohev Shalom Players in Wallingford. These include: Adelaide in Guys And Dolls, The Witch in Into The Woods, Mamma Rose in Gypsy, Rose in Bye Bye Birdie, Ella Peterson in Bells Are Ringing, Amy in Company, Golde in Fiddler On The Roof, Older Belle in Little Me, Nickie in Sweet Charity, Berthe in Pippin, Charity Barnum in Barnum, and Mrs. Paroo in Music Man. As a retired teacher and guidance counselor at Ridley High School, Sharon now has more time to travel with her husband Stanley and keep busy with her children and grandchildren as they participate in all of their activities. BUT, she always makes time to be on stage! Back to top

Maria Leonetti headshotMaria Leonetti (Cinderella) returns to Rose Valley after having previously been seen in Patience (Patience), High Society (Liz), and The Sorcerer (Constance). Professional credits include: Princess Leia in Star Wars, the Musical (Bootless), Cassie/Ensemble in Snyder v Phelps (Philly Fringe), Lottie/Ensemble in Show Boat (Pitman), Frou Frou in The Merry Widow (Washington Savoyards), Agnes in Train to Essex Junction (Philly Fringe), and featured soloist in New Voices Cabaret (Society Hill Playhouse). She has received two Broadway World nominations for Best (Supporting) Actress in a Musical for Natalie in All Shook Up (Forge) and Rosalia in West Side Story (Narberth). Other past roles include Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar (Viviana), Essie in You Can't Take It with You (Village Playbox), and Anne in A Little Night Music (Playcrafters). Much love to all her friends and family who come out to support her, especially Sid, who will forever be her favorite scene partner. Back to top

Marie Maguire headshotMarie Maguire (Townsperson) is happy to be in her second production with RVCO. She loves performing with this wonderfully talented cast and production company. Her first production with RVCO was the Gilbert and Sullivan(G&S) operetta, Patience last season. Cinderella is her first musical other than G&S operettas. Marie has performed in thirteen of the fourteen G&S shows, as of this season where she is also performing in Grand Duke with Savoy Company of Phila. She has sung and danced in 35 G&S productions with Savoy Co.; the G&S Society of Chester County, from West Chester, PA; and Thespis Co. out of Media, Pa including a speaking part in Princess Ida, another G&S show. Marie started out as student of dance, then studied acting at many acting schools including the Phila Repretiore Co, Peoples Light Theatre, etc. She has been a student of voice with a local professional singer since 2007. She is an entrepreneur, author, and business consultant. Marie is thankful to her husband, family and friends for their support of her stage performance endeavors. Back to top

Florrie Marks headshotFlorrie Marks (Music Director) is a past recipient of the Best Musical Director award at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. She has music directed the entire G&S canon, primarily with the G&S Society of Chester County. Other directing credits include Allenberry Playhouse, Penn Singers, Ardensingers, Ridgewood (NJ) Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, Ridgewood High School Alumni Band, and Glen Rock (NJ) Pops Orchestra. For several years, she was also the Music Director of the fall and spring musicals at Archbishop Wood High School. In addition to her conducting activities, she is Director of Music Ministries at Temple Lutheran Church in Havertown. Before picking up the baton on a regular basis, Florrie was a professional violinist, with credits ranging from symphony orchestras to a bluegrass band. She music directed our productions of Annie Get Your Gun (2017), The Sorcerer (2018), Naughty Marietta, Revised 2018 (2019), H.M.S. Pinafore (2022), and High Society (2023), and Patience (2003), and she is delighted to be directing this production of Rodger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Back to top

Paula McGeary headshotPaula McGeary (Townsperson) is thrilled to be diving back into the world of theatre after many years. She was active in community theatre in her high school and college years and is excited to perform again. This is her first production with RVCO and she looks forward to many more with this wonderful group. Back to top

Bill Michael headshotBill Michael (Stage Manager, Producer, Webmaster) was last seen but not heard as the Solicitor in Patience and but heard as George Kitteridge in last spring's High Society. He has appeared in many RVCO shows in the past 30 plus years and performed just as many roles behind the scenes. Not on stage for this show, he is none the less busy as producer, stage manager, set designer and others for this show. I do it for the love of the people of RVCO and the magic of the theatre. If I survive this show I just might do another one. Sit back and enjoy what makes this show a true classic. Back to top

Kathy Michael headshotKathy Michael (Co-Director, Props, RVCO Board Secretary) A long time member of RVCO, this is Kathy's first foray into directing. Previously, she has been Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, and House Manager, as well as Secretary. Getting to see the ideas in her head play out on the stage is hugely exciting and satisfying. Thank you to Bob, her partner in crime, to Florrie for her expertise and being so easy to work with, to the cast for their enthusiasm and hard work, to the technical people for helping to bring this vision to spectacular life, and especially to Bill, her partner in this and everything else and the glue that gets it all done. All of this is a collaboration and all the parts are required. "Impossible things happen every day and even foolish dreams come true!" Back to top

Robert Moore headshotRobert Moore (Co-Director, Executive Board, Make-Up Designer, Show Selection Committee Chair) is a proud RVCO Life Member, Stage Director, and Actor! He is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer (where he served in Sierra Leone, West Africa), retired teacher with the Ridley School District, and holds an MA in Theatre from Villanova University. He has professional credits in film, theatre, touring companies, and has worked in numerous theatres around the area especially RVCO where he has directed many shows and created principal roles in productions. He was the co-founder of the Young People's Theatre Workshop in Swarthmore and is now on the staff of the Next Generation Youth Theatre who will be presenting Kiss Me, Kate next month in this very theatre! It has been a great thrill to work with Kathy, Florrie, Bill, and this wonderfully talented cast of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella and he hopes to do so again in the near future! He dedicates this show to his parents and friends Bonnie and Roger and hopes you all enjoy this beautiful classic show. Thanks so much for supporting RVCO and the Theatre Arts! Back to top

Ray Murhpy headshotRay Murphy (Townsperson) has appeared onstage and backstage with RVCO since 1985. Standout roles include the Pirate King in the 2013 production of The Pirates of Penzance and Harold Hill in 2016's The Music Man. He has also worked with Players Club of Swarthmore, Opera Delaware, Wilmington Drama League, Thespis, Etc., Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Artists Theater Association, Delaware Children's Theater, and Harrington Theater Arts Company. Ray is a master gardener and certified horticulturist and spends his days cultivating the flora at Nemours Estate in Wilmington. You can also find him tithing his God-given abilities in the praise band at New Hope Christian Church in Broomall. He is most appreciative for the support of his family (Will and Dan, who have performed with RVCO and wife, Janet Lloyd Murphy; the couple met in 1985 in RVCO.) Back to top

Steve Naz headshotSteve Naz (Townsperson) returns for his fourth RVCO appearance, this time proudly appearing as the greengrocer who also happens to be a disconcerted husband and a would-be dancer known only as "the clumsy man." Steve says, "Never having danced before RVCO, I feel uniquely qualified to play this part, but even more, I recognize how very fortunate I am to be part of such a company with so rich a history of musical and acting excellence." Having previously served as an able sailor aboard the H.M.S. Pinafore and a trusted butler in High Society, Steve's most recent role had him proudly manifesting as a Dragoon in the Queen's service. Steve's performance background includes participation in numerous bands and ensembles from elementary school up through the Temple University marching and concert bands. He has been an orchestra member in several musical shows, including Brigadoon, Wildcat, and Call Me Madam. Off-stage, Steve is a retired computer specialist and technologist. Back to top

Brian Rubino headshotBrian Rubino (Royal Page) is thrilled to be cast, yet again, alongside his brother Marc! His previous credits with RVCO include Very Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2019) and Midshipmite in H.M.S. Pinafore (2022). When not on stage, Brian can be found running in 5k races, playing the cello, representing his classmates at Student Council meetings, or being Student Administrator for the Day. Back to top

Chris Rubino headshotChris Rubino (Prince, RVCO Board Vice President) has been performing with RVCO since 2011. Notable roles include Freddy in My Fair Lady, Charlie in Brigadoon, Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, and Ralph in H.M.S. Pinafore, and Dexter in High Society. Chris has also designed sets for RVCO, starting with The Sorcerer (2018), A Christmas Carol - the Musical (2019), H.M.S. Pinafore (2022), High Society (2023) and Patience (2023). “Much love to my wife Meagan, and our two sons, Marc and Brian, who once again will engage in their own on-stage antics alongside mine.” Back to top

Marc Rubino headshotMarc Rubino (Royal Page) is thrilled to be cast, yet again, alongside his brother Brian! His previous credits with RVCO include Hercules in The Sorcerer (2018), Jonathan in A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2019), and Midshipmite in H.M.S. Pinafore (2022). He has been an enthusiastic participant in Upper Darby Summer Stage since 2021. Other stage roles include Uncle Fester in Drexel Hill Middle School's The Addams Family musical (2024) and Bertrand in Narberth Community Theater's A Little Night Music (2022). When not on stage, Marc can be found competing at swim meets, singing with his school chorus, playing trumpet in the school band, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with his middle school club. Back to top

Meagan Rubino headshotMeagan Rubino (Portia) is excited to realize her pre-Law ambitions in this RVCO production! Previously with RVCO, she was featured as Lady Ella in 2023's Patience and served in her majesty's chorus for the 2022 production of H.M.S. Pinafore. She has also performed with the Penn Singers and the Philadelphia Gilbert & Sullivan Union. Meagan is a proud member of the faculty of School of the Future in Philadelphia and an ardent advocate of public education and civil service in Upper Darby Township. To my McNuggets: “Who throws a shoe? Honestly!” To my charming Prince: “It's crowded in here.” Back to top

Laura Ryan headshotLaura Ryan (Costumes Chair) is excited to be working on her second show with RVCO. She has been working as a costumer and artist for the past 8 years and has worked on a wide range of musicals and straight plays in the Philadelphia and New York areas including Patience last fall with RVCO and Matilda last spring with PCS. She would like to thank the whole cast and crew for being so kind and supportive, her wonderful costuming team, and her partner, Austin, for always being her number one fan. Wishing everyone involved with Cinderella a fantastic run! Back to top

Joyce Severin headshotJoyce Severin (Townsperson) is thrilled to be back with Rose Valley in this year's production of Rodgers and Hammersteins's Cinderella. This marks her third show with RVCO, she was last seen in Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience. When not appearing with RVCO, Joyce is an active member of the Havertown Choristers, the William Penn Community Chorus, and the St Andrew's Choir. Her most important role is that of mother to four grown children. Sending them thanks, and lots of love! Enjoy the show!! Back to top

Michael Stadnicki headshotMichael Stadnicki (Herald) is no stranger to RVCO. Having appeared with them since My Fair Lady in 2012, he has taken on ensemble, supporting, principal, and music director roles. He is currently a middle school band director and private brass instrument instructor. He is so excited to be doing this show with his friend and colleague, Elisha. Many thanks to his close friends who have helped him through so many life changes in such a short amount of time. Pac-Man and Pumpkin are the best dogs! Back to top

Jeff Swafford headshotJeff Swafford (King, Board Member) enjoys spending time with his RVCO family. Recent RVCO roles include Patience (The Duke of Dunstable), High Society (Mike Connor), H.M.S. Pinafore (Dick Deadeye), A Christmas Carol - The Musical (Bob Cratchit), Naughty Marietta, Revised 2018 and The Mikado (Ensemble), and with other local theaters, South Pacific (Stewpot), Seussical the Musical (Horton), The Wizard of Oz (Uncle Henry) and many moons ago The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King). Jeff enjoys camping, the shore, Italian food, red wine, and hopes to revive his love of piano, ukulele, and photography. Back to top

Fiona Tillman headshotFiona Tillman (Townsperson) is very excited to be joining RVCO. She has been acting for 3 years in youth performances and is thrilled to be part of her first show with an adult cast. She has a love for music and participates in both her school chorus and band, where she plays the flute. She is so excited to be acting in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella! Back to top

Tim Tillman headshotTim Tillman (Townsperson) An eleven year Delaware County resident, Tim originally hails from Baltimore, MD. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his family, run, rock climb, and occasionally dabbles in mortgage lending compliance. With his performance roots in improv comedy, Tim is delighted to join RVCO for his first scripted performance. Back to top

Genevieve Vaida headshotGenevieve Vaida (Townsperson) is excited to join RVCO. This is her theatrical performance with the group, and her return to the stage after a 15 year break from theater. She began singing on stage at 6 years old and participated in competitive choirs through college. Genevieve enjoys gardening, painting, baking, and spending time with her husband, Richard, and their two cats. Back to top

Heather Williams headshotHeather Williams (Townsperson) found RVCO through a recommendation by a friend. While this is her first production with RVCO, she has participated in several concerts with the West Chester Area Community Chorus, as well as recently stage managing a production at The Players Club of Swarthmore. Heather is happy to join such an energetic cast and is looking forward to participating in many more productions. When not on stage Heather can be seen managing a busy driving school and herding her brood of 5 kids to where they need to be. Heather is grateful to her very patient husband for his support. Back to top

Dave Zaffarano (Set Construction Chair, Master Carpenter) has been active here in the background working on many set builds since retiring in 2017. He's no stranger to the stage and some favorites are Gangster #1 in The Drowsy Chaperone, Ewert Dunlop (Quartet) in The Music Man, Andrew Carnes in Oklahoma! and Ezra in Plain and Fancy. Thanks to all who came out to build the set. Thanks to Bill for his design and flexibility. Back to top