Bios

Allie Beik (Rosemary) is so excited to make her RVCO debut in this incredibly fun production! Her most recent roles have been with NCT in Into the Woods (Cinderella's Stepmother), A Little Night Music (Mrs. Nordstrom), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Ensemble), and before that with Brooklyn Theatre Club in My Fair Lady (Eliza Doolittle), Into the Woods (Cinderella), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Rosa Bud), and Suessical (Jojo). She is so thankful to her husband and family for taking on extra toddler time while she rehearses for this show and for their never-ending support! Back to top

Andrea Broido (Miss Jones) is an accomplished soprano recognized for her work in opera, oratorio and recital. She has sung with Virginia Opera, Opera Delaware, Opera Ensemble of NY, Berks Grand Opera (Reading, PA), Center Stage Opera and Capital Opera (both in Harrisburg, PA), Delaware Valley Opera Co., Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra and The Arden Club in such roles include Violetta, Mimi, Pamina, Rosalinda, Nedda, Micaela, Donna Elvira, the Countess and the Governess and Hanna Glawari. She has appeared as featured soloist with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, the Roanoke Symphony, the Terre Haute Symphony (IN), the Concerto Soloists of Phila., the Reading Symphony, Vox Amadeus, as well as numerous appearances with the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra and PA Pro Musica. She holds a B.A. in Music from Hollins University (Roanoke, VA) and maintains a private voice studio in the Philadelphia area. Back to top

Don Cheetham (Gatch, Ensemble) Previous RVCO shows include parts as Giorgio in The Gondoliers, Dave Miller in State Fair, the Steward in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, Andrew McLaren in Brigadoon, and chorus in several other musicals. Other favorite roles include two in Our Town – Editor Webb (Barley Sheaf Players) and Simon Stimson (St. Peter's Players), as well as Paul Sycamore in You Can't Take It With You (Barley Sheaf Players.) Back to top

Lisa Cleek (Secretary) Having started at RVCO as a sound assistant, Lisa is now a regular fixture, and happy to be part of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She has recently been involved in The Gondoliers, State Fair, The Pirates of Penzance (a few times) and sings with her church choir. Back to top

Ross Druker (Twimble/Womper) is happy to be returning to Rose Valley for his fifth show, having appeared as Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, Richard Dauntless in Ruddigore, Captain Corcoran in H.M.S. Pinafore, and Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone. Recent roles include James in It's Only A Play and the Stage Manager in Our Town at Old Academy Players, Herbie in Gypsy and Mr. Lindquist in A Little Night Music at Narberth Community Theater, Ned Newley in The Outsider and multiple roles in The Laramie Project:Ten Years Later at Spotlight Theatre, Ernie Cusack in Rumors, Mr. Mayhew in Witness for the Prosecution, and Don John in Much Ado About Nothing at Chestnut Hill Stagecrafters. He has also performed numerous Gilbert and Sullivan lead roles with the Savoy Company in Philadelphia and England. Ross sings professionally with the West Jersey Chamber Music Society and has sung with The Philadelphia Chorale behind Andrea Bocelli at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and Madison Square Garden in NYC. Back to top

Chris Fitting (Director) is thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra on one of his favorite musicals. A member of Actors' Equity Association, Chris has worked at the Walnut Street Theatre, Media Theatre, Candlelight Theatre, Fulton Theatre, and many more. His years as a professional actor inform his collaborative and actor-centered directing approach. He has also directed numerous entertainment programs for senior-living communities throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. He is deeply grateful to the cast, orchestra, and creative team for their commitment and trust throughout the rehearsal process. Back to top

Lisa Franks (Secretary, Scrubwoman, RVCO Board Member) has appeared in many RVCO shows, as as Fiametta in The Gondoliers, Melissa Frake in State Fair, Godmother in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, and Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol - The Musical. Other community theater roles include Fiona (Brigadoon), Liza Doolittle (My Fair Lady), Sally Smith (Me and My Girl), Sarah Brown (Guys & Dolls), Marion Paroo (The Music Man), Laurey (Oklahoma!), Agnes Cohan (George M!), and Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes). Understudied Charlotte Hay (Moon Over Buffalo, Walnut St. Theatre). When not on stage, Lisa can be found teaching French at Villanova University. Back to top

Jennifer Heller (Secretary) is delighted to be performing with her beloved RVCO family again. Ms. Heller has performed with many community theatre organizations throughout the region starting with RVCO in 2002. Regarding this production she shared, “It's hard work but truly a joy with such talented and supportive directors, cast, and crew. As always, I hope this show might inspire an audience member to explore a new hobby. It's a wonderful community and there's something for everyone both onstage and behind the scenes.” She would like to thank her husband for his love and support and cats Audrey, Nutkin, and Tiggywinkle for a daily dose of fuzz and joy. Back to top

Laura Hull (Secretay) is excited to be performing again with RVCO! Laura recently played Tessa in last fall's production of The Gondoliers. Past roles include Lady Saphir (Patience), Melissa (Princess Ida), Peep Bo (The Mikado), Player Queen (Hamlet), Mrs. Cratchit (A Christmas Carol - The Musical), and Fanchon (Naughty Marietta, Revised 2018). Before RVCO, Laura was a long time ensemble member of the Savoy Company in Philadelphia appearing in The Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe, Ruddigore, The Mikado, Yeoman of the Guard, The Gondoliers, and Trial By Jury. Laura studies voice with Countertenor Gus Mercante of Wilmington, DE and thanks her husband Rob and their three cats for their love and support. Back to top

Rob Hull (Bratt) is glad to be appearing again with RVCO, after playing Don Alhambra in last Fall's production of The Gondoliers. He has previously been onstage with RVCO many times, in such roles as Henry Higgins (My Fair Lady), Scrooge, and Bunthorne (Patience), among others. Other favorite roles include Malvolio/Sir Toby/Sir Andrew (Twelfth Night), Valere (Le Medecin Malgre Lui), Canon Pennefather (Murder on the Nile), Christian/Valvere (Cyrano), Harold Hill, Fagin, Barney (The Middle Ages) and Marc (Art). He has performed with many other theaters in PA/DE, including City Theater, OperaDelaware, Players Club of Swathmore, Steel River Playhouse, K of P Players, Candlelight Dinner Theater and DE Children's Theater. He met his wife, Laura, in RVCO's 2018 production of The Sorcerer – truly magical onstage and off. They have three "familiars," Gracie, Hobbes and Benny – but sorry – they won't be appearing in this show. Back to top

Ellen Kecskemethy Tillman (Costumer) is excited to have another opportunity to costume another fantastic RVCO cast! As an avid student of historical fashion and a hobby curator of vintage clothing (at least, that's what she tells herself every time she opens her closet and can't access any of her modern clothes...), she is excited to delve into the fashion of the early 1960s in "How to Succeed"! She was previously the costumer for RVCO's production of State Fair in 2025, and is a passionate sewist and crafter. She'd like to thank the cast, crew, and orchestra for making this such a fun experience. She'd also like to shout out her husband and kiddos for supporting her in her continuing costuming adventures! Back to top

Aaron Kirschner (Bud Frump) is happy to be making his debut with RVCO. Area audiences may have seen him as Shylock in The Brandywiners' Something Rotten this summer at Longwood Gardens. Other favorite roles include Motel Kamzoil (Fiddler on the Roof, Brandywiners), Cogsworth (Disney's Beauty & The Beast, Brandywiners and Wilmington Drama League), Horton (Seussical, Delaware Children's Theatre), and Uncle Fester (The Addams Family, DCT). He can regularly be found running something audio-related in the Candlelight Theatre's tech booth. He'd like to thank the production and artistic staff for this opportunity to play the worst version of himself. Back to top

Sharon Kotzen (Miss Krumholtz) is delighted to return to RVCO for her 3rd performance with this talented group. Two years ago she played the role of the Stepmother in "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella and last year she had fun being Mrs. Edwin Metcalf in State Fair. 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, Mama 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, Berthe in Pippin" Charity Barnum in Barnum, Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man, and most recently the Rabbi and Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof. Now, as a retired teacher and guidance counselor at Ridley High School, Sharon 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 do what she loves to do … act, sing, and dance on stage. Back to top

Florrie 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, the G&S Society of Chester County, 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 has music directed several of our productions since 2017, most recently last year's State Fair and The Gondoliers, and she is delighted to return this fall to direct this classic American musical. Back to top

Albert Melli (Davis) rejoined RVCO for The Gondoliers in Fall 2025 after being away for over 20 years. His first ever production with RVCO was in Trial By Jury as one of the Jurors in Fall 1982. His last role was as Leonard Meryll in the Fall 2001 production of The Yeomen of the Guard. He also worked with Ardensingers, Thespis Etc., and other groups. Some of his roles from the 1990s/2000s were as Richard Dauntless (Ruddigore), Marco (The Gondoliers), Nanki-Pooh (The Mikado), Bob Cratchitt (Christmas Carol), and other supporting roles as well as singing with the choruses. He currently spends his retirement in hiking, reading, singing, traveling, and other forms of dissipation." Back to top

Bill Michael (Tackaberry, Producer, Webmaster) was last seen with RVCO as Harry in State Fair. Other roles with RVCO include the Solicitor in Patience, George Kitteridge High Society, Ito in Mame, Beadle / Mr. Hawkins / Scrooge's Father in A Christmas Carol - The Musical, Slim in Oklahoma!, and Jacob Miller in Plain and Fancy, and Pierre in The Red Mill. He has appeared in many RVCO shows in the past 30 plus years and performed just as many roles behind the scenes. This is Bill's 8^th show as producer for RVCO. A shout-out to the stage manager, my wife Kathy. Back to top

Kathy Michael (Stage Manager, RVCO Board Secretary) has been a member of RVCO for many years and has held many positions. This show, she is once again the Stage Manager, making sure all runs smoothly. Previously, she has been a lighting designer, stage manager, and director. Back to top

Philip Milone (Lighting Designer) has over 20-year experience in the theatre industry. He spent 12 summers with Dogwood Dell in Richmond, VA, in various positions. Favorite Dell shows include Spamalot, Matilda, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Spelling Bee. He was the Production Manager at Dominion Energy Center prior to moving to Delco. He is the Technical Director and Designer for Next Generation Theatre in Wallingford-Swarthmore. When not doing theatre Philip enjoys time with his wife and dogs. Back to top

Robert Moore (Ovington/TV Host/Policeman, Show Selection Chair, Make-Up Design) is thrilled to be doing How to Succeed in Bussiness Without Really Trying for the fifth time, having previously directed and performed in it at Candlelight Music Theatre playing Bud Frump! Bob is a proud life member of RVCO since 1974 and holds an MA in Theatre from Villanova University. He was last seen playing Annibale in The Gondoliers and has a long list of shows he has directed and created principal roles with this group over the years including State Fair last Spring! He is an acting teacher with the Next Generation Youth Theatre and will be a director for their May production of 42nd Street. Bob has professional credits in theatre, film, and touring companies and played Lord Clapham in Something Rotten at Longwood Gardens Open Air Theatre last summer. He dedicates his performance to the memory of his parents and Bonnie Decktor. Enjoy the show everyone!! Back to top

Steve Naz (Jenkins, RVCO Board Member) returns for his eighth appearance with RVCO. Having previously spent years in a corporate environment, Steve says he especially appreciates How To Succeed to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying for the way it lampoons the humor and absurdities of corporate culture. Steve played in numerous bands and ensembles from elementary school through Temple University's marching and concert bands, and has been a member of orchestras in various musicals. Off-stage, Steve is a retired I.T. professional and an actual COBOL specialist, while remaining an all-around technologist. Back to top

Caroline Pashos (Secretary, Wickette Girl) is excited to return to the stage with RVCO after making her debut last Autumn in The Gondoliers. She also performs with the Delaware Valley Opera Company where she serves as Chorus Manager and Board Member. Her credits with them include La rondine, Carmen, The Merry Widow, Dialogues of the Carmelites (Sister Martha), Les contes d'Hoffmann, Susannah, Cavalleria rusticana, I Pagliacci, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Le nozze di Figaro, Il matrimono segreto, and Dido and Aeneas. Additionally, she sings in the choir of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in her hometown of Lansdale, PA. She graduated in 2017 from Temple University with a BA in Theatre. Outside of theatre, she loves astronomy, aviation, nature, roller coasters, and sports. Back to top

Kate Philips-Kaiser (Smitty) is delighted to be back on stage with RVCO after haunting A Christmas Carol - The Musical as the Ghost of Christmas Past in 2019. She started off in community theatre many years ago in Canada, as Maria (West Side Story), Marion Paroo (The Music Man), Josephine (H.M.S. Pinafore) and others, as well as performing in improv and comedy shows. She spent a couple of decades in France where she soloed in opera productions as well as choirs and directed musicals with teens. She currently performs with Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, a French rock band, and co-founded the Narberth pop-up troupe the Cast Aways. By day, she is an Executive Coach with the Wharton School and other leadership development organizations. Back to top

Chris Rubino (J. Pierrepont Finch, RVCO President) () has been performing with RVCO since 2011. Memorable roles include Freddy in My Fair Lady, Ralph in H.M.S. Pinafore, Dexter in High Society, Wayne in State Fair, and Marco in The Gondoliers. Notable set designs include The Sorcerer (2018), A Christmas Carol - the Musical (2019), A Little Night Music (Narberth Community Theater, 2022), and The Pirates of Penzance (2024). “Much love to my wife Meagan and our two sons Marc and Brian for encouraging… ok, tolerating… my onstage antics. I'm playing this role by the book!” Back to top

Marc Rubino (Office Intern) is thrilled to be on stage again with RVCO! Previous credits with RVCO include Hercules in The Sorcerer (2018), Jonathan in A Christmas Carol - The Musical (2019), Midshipmite in H.M.S. Pinafore (2022), and Royal Page in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. He has been an enthusiastic participant in Upper Darby Summer Stage since 2021. Other stage roles include Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (2025), Uncle Fester in The Addams Family the Musical (2024), and Bertrand in A Little Night Music (2022). When not on stage, Marc can be found playing trumpet on the competition field with the 2025 State- and National-champion Upper Darby High School Marching Royals. Back to top

Mike Salmanson (Toynbee) is thrilled to be in his first RVCO production! Former theatrics include The Music Man (crew); South Pacific (SeaBee); Tommy (ensemble); West Side Story (crew); The Mystery of Edwin Drood (ensemble) and Crazy for You (ensemble). He created, and co-wrote the book, music and lyrics for the award-winning A House Divided, which he directed in its world premiere at Narberth Community Theater. Along with castmates Lisa Franks and Kate Phillips-Kaiser, he co-founded the Castaways, a small ensemble that performs at various events, including most notably the Narberth Dickens Festival. When not performing, he is a lawyer and a member of Narberth Borough Council. Back to top

Jeff Swafford (J. B. Biggley, RVCO Board Member) enjoys spending time with his RVCO family. Recent RVCO roles include The Gondoliers (Antonio/Ensemble), State Fair (Abel Frake), The Pirates of Penzance (Samuel), Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (King Maximillian), 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). Jeff enjoys the shore, camping, Italian food, red wine, and hopes to revive his love of piano, and photography. Back to top

Mark A. Teseny (Set Designer) has been involved in all aspects of theater production for 4 years. He first got involved in 2022 when his husband asked him if he would be interested in designing props for Dial M For Murder. Mark quickly fell in love with theater production and design, and has since worked at numerous theaters as Props Designer (The Addams Family, 'night Mother, Wizard of Oz), Sound Designer (Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, Peter Pan JR., Frozen JR., My Son Pinocchio JR.), Sound Engineer (Beauty & the Beast, Legally Blonde), Set Carpenter (Legally Blonde, The Little Mermaid, Spongebob The Musical), Master Carpenter (Anastasia), Scenic Designer (Freaky Friday, How to Succeed in Bussiness Without Really Trying), Stage Manager (State Fair, Hello Dolly), and Technical Director (Pranksy). Mark would like to thank this amazing cast and crew for their collaboration, insight, and for being an amazing team to work with. Back to top

Lisette Walker (Business Person) has been performing on stage in the area since the Fall of 2012, after returning to the area following her husband's retirement from the US Navy. By day, she works for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Authorization Quality Review Specialist and is currently a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy Reserves. She sang in choir all through High School and College; and also sang with a Choir in Bosnia in 1999-2000. Her primary instrument is the Trumpet/Cornet which she played as a member of a Navy Band near Memphis, TN from 2000-2004 and played in band all through junior and senior high School and continued through college at West Chester University where she majored in music. In addition to performing with Ardensingers, she also plays with 2 bands: Penn View Brass Band and the Veterans Association of Military Musicians. This is her first show with Rose Valley, and first Broadway style musical in over 30 years. Back to top

Sharon Weil-Chalker (Charwomen, Secretary) is thrilled to be back in her fifth RVCO production, including rehearsing State Fair, which wasn't staged due to the pandemic, followed by H.M.S. Pinafore, Patience, and The Gondoliers. She was so happy to end her prior several decades-long hiatus from theatre. Much gratitude to Florrie, Chris, and Caity for giving her this wonderful opportunity with this fun and talented cast. Sharon also sings baritone with Sweet Adelines/Philadelphia Freedom Chorus (women's barbershop). She previously sang with Northwestern University Singers, the Swarthmore College Chorus, and the Singing Moms. Tap was on her bucket list, so she has taken tap, salsa, and bachata lessons. Favourite roles: Sharon/By My Side (Godspell), Sylvia Barrett (Up the Down Staircase), and Handel's Messiah singalongs (and the never staged Hoopla Barker!). Off stage, Sharon is a physician who takes care of babies' hearts (way easier than singing and dancing at the same time), and enjoys hiking, gardening, going to the theatre, and dragon boating. She plays flute, some piano, and very (very) little guitar. Back to top

Donna Winquist (Hedy LaRue, Board Member) is excited, after 14 wonderful years of playing the French horn with RVCO, to see what it's like to perform onstage. Donna's theatrical journey began (too many years ago) in several musical productions and an operetta. She now exercises her musical talents by performing in a number of community orchestras in the Philadelphia area and South Florida. She is thrilled beyond belief to be a part of this show and fully believes that it's never too late to do something you love. She thanks the cast and the larger RVCO family for their kindness and support. And she couldn't have done this without the additional support of her wonderful extended family, neighbors and friends. Donna also deeply appreciates her three sons and their families for their encouragement and - with respect to the boys - for setting aside their embarrassment at having an onstage bimbo for a mom. Back to top