CAST LIST FOR Mame, Spring 2007
Mame is a happy happening. She is well-to-do, lives in New York at the peak of the Twenties, and is surprised by a "wonderful present": an orphan nephew named Patrick.
Now, ten-year-old Patrick needs his aunt,and this is something new for Mame-to be needed. It changes her life. It brings her into sharp conflict with her best friend, Vera Charles,a multi-martini grande dame of the legitimate theatre-for Vera can't stand children. The man Mame is about to marry is perfectly willing to take on the boy as a bonus, but Mame doesn't think she'll have time for marriage-"I'll be too busy being a mother!"
The boy's nanny, Agnes Gooch, doesn't approve of those irrepressible things which go on in Mame's Beekman Place apartment, and yet she inevitably falls under her spell.
Eye to eye, toe to toe, Mame battles Babcock, the Babbitt-ish banker who wants to make young Patrick the prisoner of the Establishment and put the chains of conformity around him. With the balloon burst of the Depression, it looks as if Babcock is going to have his way. Mame loses all her money, and she loses jobs as quickly as she finds them. (Mame's gift is giving, not working for hire!) In a brief adventure as a manicurist, she meets Beau-a wealthy scion of the South. He takes Mame to his plantation for the begrudging approval of his family. They are astounded at her exploits on horseback (so is she)! Of course, Beau proposes-in the bouncing title song which sings the praises of Mame!
There's only one problem as the curtain falls on the first act-young Patrick, who has given her such joy and provided a purpose in her life, smiles bravely. But he's afraid he has lost his Best Girl.
Act Two rushes headlong into the Thirties. Vera stands by her Bosom Buddy when Mame returns to Beekman Place after Beau's sudden death. Patrick, now in college, and Mame's former suitor, Lindsay Woolsey, prompt Mame into writing her memoirs. Gooch has been primed in secretarial school to type up Mame's pearls of wisdom-but an experiment in a liberated life has a transforming influence on Patrick's nanny.
And the maturing Patrick seems to be slipping away from Mame's ideal of freedom. When he declares his engagement to a fatuous blonde "with the IQ of a dead flashlight battery," Mame is in despair. What did she do wrong? What would she do differently, "If he walked into my life today?"
But the lady's resources are endless. Just as young Patrick rescued her from the shallow trap of the Twenties, she helps the boy to save himself from a life of Darien drabness and snobbery.
Ingeniously, she foils the Establishment and life goes on, not with Auntie Mame but with Grand Auntie Mame rescuing another youngster from the toils of conformity.
Mame is Eve, St. Joan, Lady Godiva, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Bow and Florence Nightingale. She dances, too, and defies all generation gaps! We have seen hundreds of Auntie Mames and Mames: in each one there seemed to be a flash of something a bit different, a new discovery in the way this remarkable lady thinks, feels, moves.
"We've had ten plays on Broadway-but somehow MAME is the show we've always looked forward to seeing again!"
-Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
This project was made possible, in part, through the 5-County Arts Fund, a Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts program of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency. It is funded by the citizens of Pennsylvania through an annual legistlative appropriation, and administered locally by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The 5-County Arts Fund is also supported by PECO, An Excelon Company. Some Montgomery County projects are also funded, in part, by an appropriation from Montgomery County. For addtional information about these grants, visit Cultural Alliance online
Actors
- Mame - Sonja Allen
- Vera - Julie May
- Young Patrick & Peter Dennis - Ben Kurtze and Dan Murphy
- Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside - Bruce Bogdanoff
- Patrick Dennis (older) - Michael Tambon
- Agnes Gooch - Sandy Yozviak
- Dwight Babcock - Rod Denison
- Lindsay Woolsey - Carl Heyde
- Mr. Upson - Al Alvarez
- Mrs. Upson - Helen Beldecos
- Gloria Upson - Jennifer Ambler
- Ito - Bill Michael
- Mother Burnside - Ellie Knickman
- Sally Cato - Kate Wright
- Uncle Jeff - Bill Hendrix
- Cousin Fan - Cathy Wakefield
- Pegeen Ryan - Peggy Long
- Ralph Devine - Bruce Conley
- Junior Babcock - Cory Hindorff
- Messenger - Heather Koelle
- Ralph, the stage manager - Ralph Russo
- Doorman - Dave Verduin
- Gregor - Dave Zaffarano
- Natasha - Julie Zaffarano
- Branislowski - Nancy Gwinner Gomez
- Mame's Friends
Orchestra
- Conductor - Alfred Blatter
- Music Director - Joanne Link
- Violin
- Mark Frankel (Concertmaster), Margaret Wyppich, Darrin McBride, Maureen Sautter, Norman Ellman, Robert Manley, Elliott Moore, Shirley Clarke, Carol Sandle, Fred Schlegel
- Viola
- Joanne Damasco, Ruth Miller Cox, John Littleton
- Cello
- William Dorwart, Marilyn MacRae, Susan Altschuler
- Bass - Faye Kahmer, George Kahmer
- Reed
- Karri Giamporcaro, Roberta Goren, John Kauffman, Eugene Bentley, Merv Richards, Tony Wastler, James McGlinchey, Maritza Sanchez, Beverly Hawkins, Jeri Greenfield
- Trumpet
- Allen Tollen, John Shaw, Erica Malvica, Susan Haidar
- Trombone
- Don Matheson, Ray Murphy, John Crewalk, Ben Shaw
- Tuba - Lynda Chen
- Percussion - Paul M. Sherin
- Keyboard - SHARON KOPE, Marilyn Blatter
- Rehearsal Pianist
- Sharon Kope, Bruce Bogdanoff, Marilyn Blatter, Susan Taylor Bullock
Production Staff
- Bob Allen - Producer
- Jane Smyth - Set Designer/Graphics
- Ken Clark - Set Construction Chair
- Dottie Hespenheide - Set Painting Chair
- Jessica Fischer - Choreographer
- Peggy Long - Assistant Choreographer
- Joyce Malin - Properties
- Janice Manley - Costumes
- Barbara Matheson - Stage Manager
- Judy Zon - Makeup
Bios
Bob Allen (Producer) joined the chorus in 1981 for Ruddigore and happily sang his part for several seasons before flubbing a line; now he operates backstage. He has produced and/or stage-managed dozens of productions over the past 25 years. He continues to be amazed at how the efforts of so many talented people, working independently throughout the region, come together to produce such delightful productions.
Back to top
Sonja Allen (Mame) has appeared on stage and backstage with RVCO since 1981. Sonja's on stage roles with RVCO include Dolly Levi (Hello, Dolly!), Adelaide and Gen. Cartwright (Guys and Dolls) and Mrs. Paroo (The Music Man). Her roles with other local groups include the title role in Mame, Mother Superior (Nunsense), Claire and Truvy (Steel Magnolias), and Side by Side by Sondheim. She has appeared in commercials and had a role in "America's Most Wanted." One of her most enjoyable RVCO activities is working "in the sewing hole" on costumes with the "pick a little, sew a little ladies." Her MOST enjoyable activity is spending time with her grandchildren and teaching them by participation that "life is a banquet." RVCO is a family-oriented group and it's great to share it with husband Bob and many close and dear friends. When Mame Dennis delivers the line "it's a holiday, all my dearest friends are here" - that's straight from Sonja's heart.
Back to top
Alan Alvarez (Claude Upson) has appeared in numerous RVCO productions, most recently as Gaston in The Red Mill, the Heavenly Friend in Carousel, Lord Battersby in Me and My Girl, and Big Jule in Guys and Dolls. Previous major RVCO roles were Gangster Number 2 in Kiss Me Kate, Marcellus in The Music Man, Vernon Hines in The Pajama Game, and Nathan Detroit in the 1984 Guys and Dolls. Alan appeared as a non-union featured background artist (extra) in the movie, Invincible, starring Mark Wahlberg. He also played the role of Lenny, a bartender, in the independent film, Jack of Clubs.
Back to top
Jennifer Ambler (Gloria Upson) is pleased to be appearing in her first show with RVCO. She has previously been seen around town in Iolanthe, Seussical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, at Bistro Romano's Mystery Dinner Theatre, and will be playing Edith in The Pirates of Penzance in June. Occasionally, she also works as a math teacher and private tutor.
Back to top
Helen J. Beldecos (Doris Upson) joined Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra in 1985 and has performed regularly ever since. Her roles include Lady Battersby in Me and My Girl, Shaindel in Fiddler on the Roof, Mae in The Pajama Game, Mrs. Rose in Hello, Dolly!, Fatima in The Desert Song, and Maud Dunlop in The Music Man. Behind the scenes, Helen has been in charge of tickets and treasurer. "RVCO is a wonderful group of talented performers; it is a pleasure to be associated with them."
Back to top
Alfred Blatter (Orchestra Conductor) first joined RVCO as a hornist with the spring 2005 production of Carousel and has enjoyed his return to the pit. A former member of The U.S. Army Band, he has composed, arranged, played, and conducted many shows. For twenty-three years he headed the Department of Performing Arts at Drexel University. Prior to moving to Pennsylvania he served as assistant director of The School of Music of the University of Illinois, Urban-Champaign, where he had earned his degrees. Now officially retired, he still teaches at The Curtis Institute of Music and has very much enjoyed the experience of working with Mame's cast, crew, staff, and orchestra.
Back to top
Bruce Bogdanoff (Beauregard) made his stage debut with RVCO in Me and; My Girl as the Pearly King and other ensemble roles. A neurologist, he joined RVCO in 1989 as pianist for The Mikado. With Ohev Shalom Players, he played keyboard for Pippin and was Bobby in Company, Senex in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, General Bullmoose in Li'l Abner, and Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie. He performs with various chamber music groups and the RVCO Chamber Trio.
Back to top
Susan Taylor Bullock (Mame's Friend), a 25-year-old vocalist/pianist/accompanist/organist/choral director, debuts with Rose Valley in this show. With other groups, she performed in Bye Bye Birdie (Kim), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Carousel (Aunt Nettie and Louise), Into the Woods (Lucinda), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Brigadoon. She has also been a pianist for Godspell and The Twelve Dancing Princesses. She was classically trained in vocal performance at West Chester University, has performed at Carnegie Hall with the MENC All-Eastern Honors Chorus, is the music director of her church, and is currently the music director for The Pirates of Penzance at Footlighters Theater in Berwyn.
Back to top
Ken Clark (Set Construction Chair) was first listed under Costumes for Kiss Me, Kate in 1998. After lugging costumes, installing grommets, and posing occasionally as a "Male Model", he explored other avenues and proceeded through Stage Crew to Set Construction Crew to Set Construction Chair which he did for Patience, Carousel, H.M.S. Pinafore/Cox & Box, The Red Mill and The Pirates of Penzance. He has also done bit parts on stage: a Policeman in Hello, Dolly!, a Suspicious Character in Guys and Dolls, and a Clergyman in The Red Mill.
Back to top
Bruce Conley (Ralph Devine) was a pirate in The Pirates of Penzance last fall, Dirk in The Red Mill last spring, and David Bascombe in Carousel. A chorus member since 1988, he has also enjoyed performing minor roles in many past shows such as: Brigadoon, The Yeomen of the Guard, Hello, Dolly!, and Die Fledermaus. As president of RVCO, Bruce also wears many hats offstage.
Back to top
Susanne Crewalk (Mame's Friend) debuts with RVCO in this show. Elsewhere, she cantors for a local parish. During the 2004 and 2005 seasons, she sang with Peter Nero and The Holiday Pops Chorus.
Back to top
Bonnie Decktor (Associate Stage Director). Bonnie's recipe for curing the winter doldrums has been to return to RVCO as associate director for this production of Mame. She last worked with RVCO for the show Carousel. A long time actor, director, makeup artist, and hair stylist, Bonnie also tutors students aged 4-18. She is an intern at the Mike Lemon Casting Agency in Philadelphia and loves learning the business. At present, she is the resident hair and makeup person for the Delaware Children's Theatres. She has taught Summer Drama Camp at the Original and New Candlelight Dinner Theatre, The Delaware Children's Theatre, and Wilmington Drama League. Working with the "amazing" costume crew at The Young Peoples Theatre Workshop as the resident "Mad Hatter" is one of her favorite spring pastimes! Kudos to her absolutely amazing family for all their love and support, and to her two four-footed "boys". She hopes you enjoy this show as much as she has enjoyed working on it.
Back to top
Rod Denison (Dwight Babcock) debuts with RVCO in this role. Rod has appeared in over 40 shows with ten groups over 25 years. This is his third time to play this role of Babcock. Some of his favorite characters are Captain Brackett in South Pacific, Dr. Lyman Hall of Georgia in 1776, and one of the high priests in Jesus Christ Superstar. Offstage, Rod is a retired accountant with two children and three grandsons.
Back to top
Jessica Fischer (Choreographer, Mame's Friend) debuts with RVCO in this show. She has been doing gymnastics, dance lessons, and playing piano since she was young. She used to sit on the couch with her mom and sing Barbra Streisand songs from the movie Yentil. During car rides, her family would blast songs from Annie, Oliver!, and A Chorus Line, lowering the music during the parts that were "inappropriate" for a seven year old to sing! Now at nineteen, she continues her love for musicals and Broadway shows. She choreographed numbers for her high school dance show and is currently choreographing The Pirates of Penzance for Footlighters Theatre in Berwyn. "Being involved in RVCO has taught me so much and has been a wonderful experience."
Back to top
Joanna Gomez (Mame's Friend), in 10th grade at PALCS cyber school, studies acting, dance, photography, and creative writing at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts and voice with Kim Kronenberg Russell. Her credits include roles in Murder at the Blue Peacock, West Side Story, My Son is Crazy but Promising, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Wiz, and Carousel, ensemble in High School Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Little Shop of Horrors, and featured extra in Verizon's film Fios Fanatics. A vocal soloist, featured dancer, and lip sync contest winner, she has also trained in gymnastics.
Back to top
Nancy Gwinner Gomez (Branislowski) returned to RVCO for Carousel after an hiatus to raise her children: Joanna-16 and Sarah-13 (who again join her in this show) and Joey-15. Previous roles with RVCO were Minnie Fay (Hello, Dolly!) and Edith/Carmencita (Desert Song). Roles with other groups were Widow Corney (Oliver!), a featured soloist in Godspell, Bloody Mary (South Pacific), Addapearle (The Wiz), and in the chorus for OperaDelaware's world premiere of the opera Tonkin. A voice teacher at Pro Musica Studios in Kennett Square and chair person for school and community talent shows over the past ten years, she is also actively involved with her children's school productions, doing props, costumes, and makeup. Nancy helps run the family excavating business and enjoys riding her horse, traveling, and down time!
Back to top
Sarah Gomez (Mame's Friend) is in seventh grade, the chorus and select chorus, and has sung solos at C. F. Patton Middle School. She has studied piano, many years of gymnastics and some dance, and enjoys singing and riding horses. In her free time she likes to ride her horse and play with her many pets. Sarah has participated in both school and community talent shows. With her class last December, she was Scrooge's "Lost Love" in A Christmas Carol.
Back to top
Bill Hendrix (Uncle Jeff). "I've been with RVCO for 10 years and 22 shows following my retirement from the corporate world and flying for the military. It doesn't get any better than this-great people, great music, great musicians, and outstanding audiences."
Back to top
Adam Henderson (Mame's Friend), an eighth grader, debuts with RVCO in MAME. His credits with the Delaware Children's Theatre include: Mike TeeVee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Urchin in Scrooge. In his schools he has performed the roles of Captain in The Sound of Music, Gad in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and been a soloist and sung in the chorus for five productions of Broadway: A Musical Revue.
Back to top
Dottie Hespenheide (Mame's Friend /Set Painting Chair). "This is my eighth year with RVCO and I'm continually impressed with the quality of our performances (and the scenery!!). I still enjoy singing in the chorus and doing what I can to help with scenery construction and painting."
Back to top
Carl Heyde (Lindsay Woolsey) made his RVCO debut as the First Policeman in Carousel in 2005 and then sang the Carpenter's Mate in H.M.S. Pinafore and Alphonse in The Red Mill. His first show was just three years ago when he was reluctantly dragged onto stage in The Pirates of Penzance at Thespis, Etc. No longer reluctant, he also appeared recently in South Pacific with The Brandywiners, Ltd. and Bell, Book, and Candle with Methacton Community Theater. He has enjoyed working with the talented and friendly cast of Mame and is particularly thankful for his kissing scenes with Mame!
Back to top
Cory Hindorff (Junior Babcock), a 16 year old junior at Strath Haven High School, was recruited into this wonderful cast of players and has been having a blast ever since. This is Cory's second show outside of school. His other credits include a principal role in Schoolhouse Rock Live! at the Players Club of Swarthmore and as a finalist in the 2006 "Delco Idol" singing competition at the Media Theatre. Cory's favorite roles include: Bobby Strong in a theatre class production of Urinetown, Henderson Booth in a theatre class production of Lucky in the Rain, and Jim Conley in a main stage production of Parade at Strath Haven High School.
Back to top
Elliee Knickman (Mother Burnside) was born in East Stroudsburg, PA (no relation). In Fargo, ND she was known as a folk radio DJ and the backup guitarist of last resort. Locally she is known as a chorus member with Narberth Community Theatre and the Christmas Revels, a passable folk dancer, a caller of square and community dances, and a librarian at a darling Jesuit university. She is very proud of Jocelyn and Ben's theatrical achievements this spring and thanks Doug for keeping the home fires burning.
Back to top
Heather Koelle (Messenger) is new to RVCO this year. She is finally following her lifelong dream of being in the theater after raising her family, going back to school, and pursuing a career at the age of 40. She has a Bachelor of Music from Immaculata University and is a Board Certified Music Therapist. She teaches piano and conducts music therapy sessions with disabled clients at Settlement Music School and in client homes. She dedicates this performance to her husband, Dick, her children Ric, Brett and Megan, and her grandson, Willem.
Back to top
Sharon Kope (Pianist), a musician all her life, studied at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, toured Europe with America's Youth in Concert, attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, and graduated from Wittenberg University in Ohio with a bachelor's degree in church music. She is Director of Music for Mount Hope United Methodist Church in Aston and director and accompanist for the Sunshine Singers of Delaware County. This is her third "full" year with RVCO. Sharon is married to her wonderful husband, Bob, and has two terrific boys, Kevin and Tim. When not involved with music, she likes spending time with her family, doing crafts, and traveling around the country.
Back to top
Ben Kurtze (Young Patrick, Peter Dennis) is in fourth grade at Chestnutwold School. He was a member of the Christmas Revels children's chorus and sings with the Haverford Township Elementary District Chorus. He studies piano with Ruth Zeit. Ben performs with the Germantown Country Dancers longsword team and the notorious Kingsessing Morris Men, who took second place in their division at this year's Mummers Parade.
Back to top
Joanne Link (Music Director) is new to RVCO but has many credits elsewhere. She was music director for Players Club of Swarthmore's recent Schoolhouse Rock Live!, for productions of Hello, Dolly! and FAME The Musical at Matawan High School, and for Little Shop of Horrors at Marple Newtown High School. With a degree in music education from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), she has been an instrumental music teacher and string specialist and currently is the orchestra director at Marple Newtown High School. Her singing credits include the shows Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Fiddler on the Roof (as fiddler and daughter), The Secret Garden, and Leader of the Pack. As a violinist, she played in the shows Pippin, Boys from Syracuse, A Gala Evening of Music, Carousel, The Marriage of Figaro, and Fiddler on the Roof and went on national and international tours. She is studying voice with John Nicholas Peters and working on her debut album.
Back to top
Peggy Long (Pegeen, Assistant Choreographer) has enjoyed performing with RVCO in many shows over the years, most recently having danced in and/or assisted with choreography for Carousel, Guys and Dolls, and Me and My Girl. She thanks everyone for being so wonderful to work with!
Back to top
Joyce Malin (Properties) has been a member of the Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra family since 1992. Being Properties chairperson gives her an excuse to roam all the yard sales, flea markets, and second hand shops she can. "Many thanks to Erma for all her help."
Back to top
Janice Manley (Costumes) returned as costume chair for The Mikado in 1997 and has dressed most of our shows since. She first appeared on our stage in Brigadoon of 1961, where she met her husband, Bob, and together they have participated in RVCO ever since-both are now lifetime members. She often plays the piano in the orchestra and for rehearsals and has served on the Executive Committee; Bob now plays violin in the RVCO orchestra. She also has credits with Ardensingers and has coordinated costumes for OperaDelaware.
Back to top
Barbara Matheson (Stage Manager) has "appeared" backstage as Bobette in many RVCO shows, including The Red Mill, Carousel, Patience, Guys and Dolls, Me and My Girl, Die Fledermaus, The Sorcerer, Hansel and Gretel, The Music Man, The Yeomen of the Guard, The Pirates of Penzance, and My Fair Lady. She has also had various "roles" in business management with several theatre groups. Between shows, she likes to travel with her husband, Don, a long-time RVCO member who currently plays trombone in the orchestra.
Back to top
Julie May (Vera Charles). This is Julie's first outing with RVCO and "a great time has been had by all!" She has enjoyed most of the G&S mezzo and several soprano leads with The G&S Society of Chester Co., The Ardensingers, and Thespis Etc. She has also directed productions for these three groups. This summer she will direct Iolanthe, the inaugural production for the new and exciting Philadelphia G&S Union, at the International G&S Festival in Buxton, England. She is winner of three "Best Performance/Supporting Role" Golden Anvils from Forge Theatre, Phoenixville. She is soloist at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Chester and performs in area concerts, most recently as soloist in the Ardensinger's Mozart Requiem and Holy Trinity's Rutter Requiem. She studies voice with Kathryn Armour of Wilmington, Delaware, and New York City. Love and thank you's to my ever supportive Richard!
Back to top
Bill Michael (Ito) joined RVCO in 1992 and has appeared in many of our productions since. He met his wife, Kathy, through RVCO and again performs on our stage with his daughter, Maggie-their third RVCO show together. Besides being on stage, he has worn many other hats over the years and currently serves as vice president and membership chair.
Back to top
Maggie Michael (Mame's Friend). This is Maggie's third show with Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra. She previously performed with her dad in Carousel two years ago and The Yeomen of the Guard when she was three. She has also performed in her school plays at Nether Providence Elementary School. Maggie also loves to play soccer, dance, read, play the violin and piano, and write her own stories.
Back to top
Robert Moore (Stage Director) directed our Carousel in 2005, having returned to RVCO in 2004 as Arvide in Guys and Dolls. Guys & Dolls was his first show with RVCO in 1974 and he directed our 1984 production. A former Peace Corps Volunteer, Bob holds an M.A. in Theatre from Villanova University and has done over 300 shows, performing everything from "Shakespeare to Sondheim"! He has created principal roles for RVCO (Mordred/Camelot, Jigger/Carousel, Jeff/Brigadoon, Benny/Desert Song to name a few) and directed many shows including The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, New Moon, Plain & Fancy, Vagabond King, My Fair Lady, and The Pajama Game. Professionally, he has been involved in dinner theatre for over 30 years and has worked with such notables as five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (The Producers) and movie actor Bruce Willis. One of his finest accomplishments, though, is the Young People's Theatre Workshop in Swarthmore, which he co-founded in 1978 and continues to be actively involved in as an instructor and director. In his "new life" after retiring from teaching, Bob works in the artistic fields as a designer with Celebrations Design Group, Mike Lemon Casting (a film casting company in Philadelphia), and as a freelance actor and director!!
Back to top
Daniel R. Murphy (Young Patrick, Peter Dennis), an apprentice pirate in The Pirates of Penzance last fall and a Midshipmite in H.M.S. Pinafore the year before, has also appeared with OperaDelaware in The Hobbit and The Rats of NIMH. He enjoys reading, drawing, and studies piano with Charlie Terry. He is currently in 5th grade at Indian Lane Elementary and was recently selected to represent his school in the PMEA District 12 Elementary Songfest in Phoenixville. Dan thanks the directors and the cast for this wonderful opportunity and for all their help. He also thanks his classroom teacher, Karen Venuto, and his school music director, Karen Battavio, for their encouragement.
Back to top
Janet Lloyd Murphy (Mame's Friend) has been a member of RVCO for 22 years and has previously served on the board and the publicity and community outreach committees. It has been eight years since Janet last appeared on stage, in The Merry Widow, and she is very happy that she was so warmly welcomed back to such a talented group. Janet's part-time job is assistant editor of the Springfield Press, but her full-time position is keeping track of her family, including her husband, Ray, disguised as a third trombone in this production.
Back to top
William Lloyd Murphy (Mame's Friend, Stage Crew) previously performed with us in The Music Man (2000), Pirates of Penzance (2001), and played a Midshipmite in our 2005 H.M.S. Pinafore. He has worked with Opera Delaware in numerous productions, including the role of a dwarf in The Hobbit. A 9th grader at Penncrest High School, he participates in the orchestra and choir and recently played his first major role in the theater club's performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Will studies piano with Tomas Walski at Darlington Arts Center and previously studied at Suburban Music School.
Back to top
Diance Runkel (Mame's Friend) has been singing alto in church choirs since the fourth grade. "I continue to sing in our church choir and in a women's sextet at church. For two seasons (2004 and 2005), I participated in the Festival Chorus with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops Christmas show, under the direction of Jeff Kern from the University of the Arts. This is my second show with Rose Valley, having performed in the fall show of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance."
Back to top
Ralph Russo (Ralph, the Stage Manager), new to the Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra stage, has appeared elsewhere in Finian's Rainbow, Singin' in the Rain, Oklahoma!, Life of Charles Dickens, A Night Before Christmas, Tony and Tina's Wedding, Its a Wonderful Life, Mame, and A Few Good Men.
Back to top
Rande Saxe (Mame's Friend), a graduate of Temple University School of Music, has been teaching music for 25 years in the North Penn School District, Lansdale, PA. "I loved being in The Pirates of Penzance this past fall but being part of this Mame production has just been 'sensational'. I dedicate these performances in beloved memory of my dear friend, Lynn Fisher, and to the three special men in my life-George, Jason, and David."
Back to top
Jane Smyth (Set Designer, Graphics) has designed graphics and sets for many of our shows, most recently Patience, Me and My Girl, The Sorcerer, The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeomen of the Guard, and The Mikado. Her favorite shows were Most Happy Fella, The Music Man of 1982 (when she was Eulalie and her son Greg was Winthrop), and Carousel of 1977 in which both of her children joined her. Off- stage, she was a graphic designer with West Chester University and won a Gold Award in 1992 for the West Chester University Magazine design. Jane and her daughter, Becky, won a Blue Ribbon for their scale miniature and Best of Blue for the division of Miniature Settings at a recent Philadelphia Flower Show. Their latest artistic venture is a beaded jewelry website?Craftsmyths.com.
Back to top
Michael C. Tambon (Patrick Dennis) is performing with RVCO for the first time. A recent graduate of Interboro High School, he performed in their musicals where he was in George M, the Prince in Cinderella, and the Beast/Prince in Beauty and the Beast. He also performed in Delaware County Community College's modernized performance of Oedipus Rex. He is now attending college and plans to major in performing arts. "I couldn't have asked for a more welcoming and enjoyable group of coactors. Break a leg!"
Back to top
Dave Verduin (Doorman) debuted on the RVCO stage as Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls and was the magician in Carousel. He is no stranger to the stage having performed as a clown both nationally and internationally. Offstage Dave is an interpreter, children's ministry director, and president of the Riverside, NJ Coalition of Business Owners and Landlords. He also teaches English as a second language.
Back to top
Cathy Wakefield (Cousin Fan) is thrilled to still be performing with RVCO in its 100th season! She first performed with the group in 1981, and has enjoyed singing and dancing with them in many shows. In this production, she is excited to be participating in the chorus and having fun with the part of Cousin Fan! Favorite shows include Guys and Dolls (1984 and 2004), Plain and Fancy (1986, on stage with her daughter, Kerri) and The Pirates of Penzance, her favorite G&S. "Thanks to my wonderful family and friends for their love and support of my exciting hobby!"
Back to top
Lesley Wilson (Mame's Friend) was a singer and dancer in Carousel, a singer and dancer (Grace) in Patience, Hot Box Dancer in Guys and Dolls, and dancer and ancestor in Me and My Girl. With other groups, she has performed in shows like Gigi and Annie at Swarthmore Players Club and South Pacific and My Fair Lady with The Brandywiners, Ltd. A graduate of Academy Park High School, she now works at Tiffany & Company as an Office Administrator. She thanks her family, her friends, and her significant other, Jack, for their ongoing support.
Back to top
Kate Wright (Sally Cato) is delighted to be doing her first show with RVCO. She was last seen in the role of Grace Farrell in the Delaware Children's Theatre Adult Wing's production of Annie. In her "spare" time, Kate is an attorney. She would like to thank Bonnie and Bob. She would also like to thank her family, especially Davis, for being supportive and for being willing to share her with RVCO. "Enjoy the show!"
Back to top
Sandy Yozviak (Agnes Gooch) is thrilled to return to the RVCO stage after her roles as Julie Jordan in Carousel and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. Sandy has performed with many local theaters in and around the Philadelphia area. Previous credits include: My Fair Lady(Eliza Doolittle), Evita (Eva Peron), Jekyll & Hyde (Emma), Into the Woods (Cinderella), Singin' in the Rain (Lina Lamont), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Hedy LaRue), and most recently, Sally Brown in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. By day, Sandy is a third grade teacher in the Lower Merion School District. Special thanks to Bob and Bonnie for giving me the opportunity to play such a great character role.
Back to top
Dave Zaffarano (Gregor) last appeared with RVCO last fall in The Pirates of Penzance (chorus). With another group, he previously played Pappy Yocum in Lil' Abner in 1972. He sings in church as a choir member and a soloist. He also sings with Schola Cantorum and the Blue and Gray Voices (the St. James alumni choir). He has assisted with school musicals and CCD choir. "Thanks to the very talented RVCO company who have given me a chance to have such a great time. And also to my wife, Julie, who is my inspiration."
Back to top
Julie Zaffarano (Natasha) is thrilled to be in her first RVCO season with her husband, Dave. She currently performs with Schola Cantorum and is involved with her church as a choir member, soloist, assistant director of the CCD music program, and previously as music director for several school musicals. She has been known to sing for food and has even been paid not to sing. "Thank you RVCO for the opportunity!"
Back to top
Judy Zon (Makeup) first chaired makeup for The Music Man in 2000 and then returned for The Pirates of Penzance, My Fair Lady, The Sorcerer, Die Fledermaus, Me and My Girl, Guys and Dolls, Carousel, H.M.S. Pinafore/Cox & Box, The Red Mill, and The Pirates of Penzance again.
Back to top