Bios

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. Most recently she took on the role of Stage Manager at the last minute for the spring 2023 show High Society. Darlene works at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She is also attending Drexel University to complete her Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Management. Back to top

John Adamson (Lighting Designer) has been with RVCO since 2012. He has been our lighting designer, master stage electrician, and special effects consultant. 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 the Dancing for Life charity. John is the owner of First Stage Lighting and has provided special lighting and sound equipment for this performance. He also provides consultant services for local events in the suburbs. Back to top

Jay Anstee (Grosvenor) is delighted to return to RVCO where he last sang in Naughty Marietta during the spring of 2019. Since his RVCO debut in 1988 in The Merry Widow, he has sung in 8 other RVCO productions. Jay studied operatic vocal performance for his MFA at SUNY of Buffalo and here in Philadelphia at the Academy of Vocal Arts. He has sung professionally with Opera Philadelphia, Opera Delaware, Mississippi Opera, and The Santa Fe Opera. He greatly enjoys the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. He has sung lead roles in over a dozen local G&S productions. He and his wife Rita live in Philadelphia and are essentially empty nesters. Their remaining child is Alba, their spoiled, three-legged dog. Back to top

Bob Binkley (Stage Director) a veteran of over a hundred G&S productions, large and small, is making his RVCO directorial debut! He has worked with seven different companies over the last forty years, either as chorus member, lead performer, stage and music director, or set maker for all 14 shows in the G&S canon. His favorite roles include Shadboldt (The Yeomen of the Guard), the Learned Judge (Trial By Jury), and Bunthorne (Patience). "I'm constantly amazed by just how much quality fun there is working with the people who are drawn into this joyful madness. Thanks for your patience, Winnie." Back to top

Don Cheetham (Dragoon) is happy to be back with the RVCO, renewing old acquaintances and making new ones. Previous RVCO participation includes playing Andrew MacLaren in Brigadoon several years ago, and singing in the choruses of the earlier Brigadoon and Naughty Marietta, as well as the two last productions of The Music Man, and My Fair Lady. 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

Lisa Cleek (Rapturous Maiden) is happy to be back for Patience, having appeared before in RVCO's H.M.S. Pinafore, High Society, A Christmas Carol - The Musical, to name a few. She is having an aesthetically good time with all her fellow actors, the directors, and the rest of the Company. Back to top

Bruce Conley (Dragoon, RVCO Board President) is happy to be a part of this wonderful production. Bruce joined RVCO in 1988 and has since enjoyed performing in nearly four dozen shows as part of the ensemble and also being featured in numerous small roles. He has served as President of RVCO for over thirteen years and frequently wears many other administrative hats. He is proud of and grateful to the many members and friends of the organization who have continued to contribute in so many ways to sustain our operations and enable us to provide beautiful musical productions. He especially thanks his wife, Rae, for her constant help, support and "Patience." Back to top

Colin Dahms (Major Murgatroyd) This is Colin's seventh appearance with Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra. He was last seen here in The Mikado in 2017 and he's delighted to be back in action! Colin doesn't want to work; he just wants to bang on the drum all day, but since that hasn't started paying the bills yet he wrangles computers for a living instead. If you need a Rubik's cube solved, Colin can do that for you, too. Back to top

William Dahms (Dragoon) Willy is delighted to be performing with Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra once again. He has been a Gilbert and Sullivan fan for many years and has been performed in 12 of their 14 works since 2002. Performing with his offspring is always a treat. Back to top

Theresa D'Andrea (Lady Jane) Ms. D'Andrea's operatic appearances include La Princepressa in Suor Angelica, Suzuki in Madame Butterfly, Flora in La Traviata, the witch in Hansel & Gretel, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana, Maddalena in Rigoletto, and the title role in Carmen. On the concert stage, she has appeared as guest soloist in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Kennett Symphony Orchestra, with the Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea in an evening of opera/Broadway favorites, with the Hilton Head Orchestra in Cavalleria Rusticana, Carmen and Lucia and was guest artist in Paris in The Mozart Requiem with the I'lle St. Louis Orchestra. Terry has sung leading roles with touring and regional companies throughout the United States including productions of Showboat, Kismet, A Little Night Music, Kiss Me Kate, The King & I , Forum, 1776, Man of La Mancha, and The Mikado. This versatile performer delighted audiences in her one-woman show as the legendary "Lily Langtry" at the Lily Langtry Theatre in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and appeared as Mrs. Vitale in Tony & Tina's Wedding at the Showboat in Atlantic City. Ms. D'Andrea has done extra work in films and infomercials and has appeared on television and in voice-over work. Terry is a dialect specialist in more than a half-dozen languages. On the other side of the coin, Terry's passion as an animal advocate has led to many phases of rescue work in finding homes for animals in need. Back to top

Faith Donaher (Rapturous Maiden) is excited to be returning for her second show with RVCO after appearing as Cousin Hebe in H.M.S. Pinafore. She has also performed in many G&S operettas with the Bucks County Gilbert and Sullivan Patience, most recently as Vittoria in Gondoliers. Back to top

Sally Foster-Chang (Rapturous Maiden) can usually be found in the director's chair for RVCO productions (Ruddigore, My Fair Lady, Annie Get Your Gun, A Christmas Carol - The Musical, and High Society), but has periodically appeared on stage as well (The Red Mill, The Pirates of Penzance, Sorcerer). She directs for other local community theaters from time to time and prior onstage roles include Bridesmaid #1 in Trial by Jury, Nellie in South Pacific, Sharon in Finian's Rainbow, Emily in Our Town, Mother Hicks in Mother Hicks, Violet in Footloose, Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet and Nancy in High Button Shoes. When not in the theater, Sally works as an occupational health nurse practitioner consultant with Sigma Health Consulting. However, her favorite role of all time is "Mimi" to Theo, Ellie, Addy and Callie, her perfect grandchildren. Back to top

Laura Hull (Lady Saphir) is thrilled to be performing again with her husband Rob at RVCO! Her most recent G&S role was Melissa in Princess Ida with the Ardensingers. Past RVCO roles include Peep Bo in The Mikado, Mrs. Cratchit in Christmas Carol - The Musical, and Fanchon in The Naughty Marietta, Revised 2018. Laura has also performed in numerous G&S productions with the Savoy Company in Philadelphia. By day Laura works as a global clinical trial manager and is a cat mom to Gracie, Jasper, and Hobbes. Back to top

Rob Hull (Reginald Bunthorne) is happy to be returning to RVCO, and having the opportunity to reprise the role of Bunthorne. His first role with Rose Valley was Robin in Ruddigore many years ago, followed by Prof. Higgins in My Fair Lady about a decade later. More recently, he portrayed John Wellington Wells in The Sorcerer (in which he met his lovely wife, Laura), Scrooge in A Christmas Carol - The Musical) and Uncle Willie in High Society. He has also appeared with City Theater, DE Shakespeare Festival, Opera Delaware, Steel River Playhouse and Candlelight Dinner Theater as well as many other local, touring, and regional/stock companies. An alumnus of the MIT Shakespeare Ensemble, he also received training from Circle in the Square's Theatre Workshop. Back to top

Lisa Franks (Rapturous Maiden) is very happy to be in her 5th show with RVCO. She previously appeared as Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol - the Musical; also Annie Get Your Gun, Patience 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

Maria Leonetti (Patience) returns to Rose Valley after having previously been seen in 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 (Patience 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) and Essie in You Can't Take It with You (Village Playbox). 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 (Rapturous Maiden) is happy to be singing in her first G&S production with RVCO. She has performed in eleven of G&S's thirteen operettas with Savoy, Gilbert and Sullivan of Chester County, and Thespis including a speaking part in Princess Ida with Thespis. This is her thirty-fifth G&S production. Marie is an entrepreneur, author, and a business consultant. 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 Patience 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 she is delighted to be directing this production of Patience. Back to top

Bill Michael (Solicitor, Producer, Web Master) last seen as George Kitteridge in High Society in June, is thrilled to do the Solictor role in Patience, the first G&S show he did in 1992. He is proud to be the producer of this show and next spring's Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. He is a long-time member of RVCO and met his wife, Kathy, over 30 years ago at a cast party for his first RVCO show, My Fair Lady  (1992). I can't image not being part of this great organization. Back to top

Kathy Michael (Stage Manager, Props, RVCO Board Secretary) A long-standing member of RVCO, Kathy once again takes on the mantle of Stage Manager, a position she has held frequently over the last several years. In addition to Stage Manager, Kathy has also been House Manager and Lighting Designer for past shows and is currently Secretary of the Executive Board. Since meeting her husband in RVCO back in the olden days, RVCO has become a second family for them and she is pleased to be back among her brothers and sisters. Back to top

Robert Moore (Dragoon, 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 Art teacher, and holds an MA in Theatre from Villanova University. He has professional credits in theatre, film, touring companies, and has worked in numerous theatres around the area especially RVCO where he's directed many shows and created principal roles in productions. He was the co-founder of the Young People's Theatre Workshop in Swarthmore where he directed and taught classes for 45 years and is now on the teaching staff of the Next Generation youth theatre, also in Swarthmore! This past Summer he appeared as Dr Grimwig in the Brandywiners' production of Oliver! at Longwood Gardens Open Air Theatre. Last spring he co-directed High Society for RVCO and will do the same for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella in April 2024! Enjoy the show, everyone!! Back to top

Steve Naz (Dragoon) returns for his third RVCO appearance. Having previously served as an able sailor aboard the H.M.S. Pinafore and a trusted butler in High Society, Steve's latest role has 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

Edwin Nealley (Colonel Calverley, RVCO Board Treasurer) is certainly Super-aesthetical, having performed almost every Male Role in Patience, including playing both poets for RVCO (Grosvenor in 2004, Bunthorne in 2011). Recent RVCO performances include High Society (Seth Lord), Naughty Marietta, revised 2018 (Lt. Gov. Grandet) in 2019, The Sorcerer (Sir Marmaduke) in 2018, The Mikado (Pish-Tush) in 2017 and Iolanthe (Lord Chancellor) in 2016. Other local performances include The Gondoliers (Giuseppe) with Bucks County G&S and Princess Ida (Florian) with Ardensingers. Patience is one of Ed's favorites - a hilarious reminder of the persistent culture of fandom, as current in Victoria's day as it is today. Back to top

Mary Punshon (Lady Angela) last appeared at RVCO as Margaret Lord in High Society. Other roles with RVCO roles include Josephine in H.M.S Pinafore, the title role in Iolanthe, Lalume in Kismet, Mad Margaret in Ruddigore, and Phoebe in The Yeomen of the Guard. Mary also represented RVCO at the Gettysburg International G&S Festival as Amanda in The Carp. This is her third production of High Society as Lady Angela having previously performed this role with The Savoy Company and The Chester County Gilbert and Sullivan Patience. Mary was a frequent performer with The Concert Operetta Theater. Among her roles with them was Masha in The Chocolate Soldier at The Music Pier in Ocean City, NJ with The Ocean City Pops and Princess Margaret in The Student Prince at the Academy of Vocal Arts. Back to top

Chris Rubino (Set Designer, RVCO Board Vice President) has been performing with RVCO since 2011. Notable roles include Freddy in My Fair Lady, Charlie in Brigadoon, Tolloller in Iolanthe, Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, and Ralph in H.M.S. Pinafore. Chris began designing sets for RVCO in 2018, first for The Sorcerer, subsequently for A Christmas Carol - the Musical (2019), and also for H.M.S. Pinafore (2022). Most recently, he designed the set for High Society (2023), also playing the role of C.K. Dexter Haven. "Much love to my wife Meagan, and our two sons, Marc and Brian. A special shout-out to this production's Ella, who never criticizes my aesthetic tastes." Back to top

Meagan Rubino (Lady Ella) is excited to appear in another RVCO production this fall! Prior to this performance, she was in the chorus for the 2022 production of H.M.S. Pinafore. She has also performed as Fiametta in the Penn Singers production of The Gondoliers and was an enthusiastic member of the chorus for its productions of The Most Happy Fella, Utopia Ltd., Ruddigore, My Favorite Year, and The Mikado. She also performed in the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Gettysburg, PA in their production of The Sorcerer. When not busy trying to hook an eligible bachelor on stage, 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: I love you to the moon and back! To the Set Designer: it's all-but... indeed, jolly utter!" Back to top

Laura Ryan (Costumes Chair) is excited to be working on her first RVCO. She has been working as a costumer and freelance artist for the past 8 years and has worked on a wide range of musicals and straight plays in the Philadelphia, New York, and Long Island areas. She would like to thank the whole cast and crew for being so kind and welcoming, her wonderful costuming team, and her partner for being so supportive. Wishing everyone involved with High Society a fantastic run! Back to top

Joyce Severin (Rapturous Maiden) is thrilled to be in Rose Valley's fall production of Patience. This will be her first foray into the world of Gilbert and Sullivan, and her second with RVCO. 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. She would like to congratulate all involved with this production. Lots of love to her family! Back to top

Martha Smylie (Playbill), a Life Member of RVCO, is a self-proclaimed G&S junkie:"I do it on compulsion". After 50 years on stage in G&S productions, Martha has relinquished her stage roles to the next generations! Bittersweet for sure, but she happily stepped into new roles behind the scenes. Together with Robert Moore, she directed last year's H.M.S. Pinafore for RVCO as well as The Mikado in 2017. And in 2019, she directed The Pirates of Penzance for the Ardensingers. For more than a decade she has been creating the RVCO G&S playbills, researching and writing all the articles for your reading pleasure. With a solid foundation of first singing chorus in all the G&S operas, Martha then stepped into the spotlight to perform all the principal contralto roles in the canon,including The Learned Judge and Major General Stanley! Martha joined the Savoy Company in 1972 for 10 party years, then joined RVCO in 1981 for both G&S and Broadway-style shows, eventually performing with all the G&S societies in the Delaware Valley. She's also performed in other musicals and plays in the region, including nearby Hedgerow Theatre. Working her way through the animal kingdom, Martha became president of each of five G&S societies. Like Lady Blanche in Princess Ida, "I was born to rule!" Back to top

Jeff Swafford (Lieut. The Duke of Dunstable) enjoys spending time with his RVCO family. Recent RVCO roles include 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), and The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King). Jeff enjoys camping, the shore, Italian Food, red wine, reviving his love with singing and photography, and is most eager to challenge himself, after many years away, at the piano again. Jeff also enjoys Italian Food and red wine...… and toffee.  Back to top

Cathy Wakefield (Rapturous Maiden, Sponsors Chairperson, Music Librarian) is so proud to be a Lifetime Member of RVCO, having been involved with over 50 RVCO shows since my first adventure onstage, their 1981 production of Die Fledermaus. Singing and dancing with this group is a pure joy! Favorite shows include The Pirates of Penzance, Guys and Dolls (1984, 2004), Plain and Fancy (1986 onstage with my daughter, Kerri), Mame (2007, Cousin Fan), and My Fair Lady (2012, Lady Boxington). This being my third time in Patience, it just goes to show that you can be a lovesick maiden well into your more seasoned years! "Let the merry cymbals sound!" As always, thanks to my supportive family and friends. Back to top

Sharon Weil-Chalker (Rapturous Maiden) is thrilled to be back in her third RVCO production, including rehearsing for State Fair, which wasn't staged due to the pandemic, followed by H.M.S. Pinafore. She was so happy to end her prior several decades-long hiatus from theatre. Much gratitude to Bob, Florrie, and Kathy for giving her this wonderful opportunity with this lovely 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 takes tap and wants to get back to salsa and bachata lessons at Salsa in the Suburbs. Favorite roles: Sharon/By My Side (Godspell), Sylvia Barrett (Up the Down Staircase), and singing Handel's Messiah annually (and the never staged Hoopla Barker). Off stage, Sharon is a physician who takes care of babies' hearts, and enjoys hiking, gardening, and dancing. She plays flute, some piano, and very little guitar. Back to top