CAST LIST FOR The Pirates of Penzance

When Frederic was a youngster, his nursemaid, Ruth, was told to apprentice him to a pilot. But, being hard of hearing, Ruth mistook the word and apprenticed him to a band of pirates. To atone for her error, Ruth remained with Frederic as a maid-of-all-work. Frederic loathed the trade to which he had been bound, but served dutifully. As the curtain rises, we find Frederic celebrating his 21st birthday, which ends his indenture. He is preparing to leave the band and devote himself to the extermination of piracy.

Ruth begs him to take her with him as his wife. Having seen no other women, Frederic cannot compare her to others and consents to her wishes. Just then, a group of young ladies, all wards of Major-General Stanley, appear on the scene. Amazed by their beauty, Frederic renounces Ruth. When the ladies refuse Frederic's invitation of love, Mabel steps forward. The rest of the pirates appear, seize the ladies, and threaten immediate marriage. The Major-General arrives and, having heard of the famous Pirates of Penzance, plays on their sympathy by claiming to be an orphan. The pirates, being orphans themselves, never attack other orphans and let the Major-General go.

This lie troubles the Major-General's conscience and at the beginning of the second act he broods in his Gothic ruin. He is comforted by his wards and Frederic's plan to lead a band of police against the pirates.

However, the rejected Ruth finds a loophole in Frederic's contract. She and the Pirate King tell him that since he was born on February 29, he has not strictly reached his 21st birthday. Frederic reluctantly, but dutifully, returns to the pirate band and tells them of the Major-General's lie. The pirates seize the Major-General and a battle ensues between the pirates and the police who have come to the rescue. The pirates initially overcome the police, but then yield in Queen Victoria's name. Ruth reveals that the pirates are all noblemen who have gone wrong-they are pardoned and permitted to marry the Major-General's wards.

The Pirates of Penzance logo

Directors

Actors

Orchestra

    Flute 1
      John Kauffman
      Carolyn Giardini
    Flute 2 /Piccolo - Melissa Almanza
    Oboe - Michael Holtz
    Clarinet
      Kyle Barger
      Jerilyn Greenfield
      Vincent Hurtubise
    Bassoon
      Don Greenfield
      Abi Nathan
    French Horn
      Donna Winquist
      Jessie Dietz
    Trumpet
      Allen Tollen
      Susan Haidar
      Caroline Sychterz
    Trombone
      Don Matheson
      Rich Cappo
    Percussion - Paul Sherin
    Violin
      Sherry Ash
      Norman Ellman
      Jen Galasso
      Aili Lazaar
      Shirley Peters
      Frank Wang
    Viola
      Glen Bradley
      Peter Kwak
    Cello
      K. B. Milan
      Charles Thompson
    Bass
      Steve Butt
      Faye Kahmer
      Leslie Rickert

Production Staff

    Stage Crew
      Genevieve Vaida
      Todd Andrews
      Barb Matheson
      Casey Kuhn
    Marketing and Communications Chair - Janet Lloyd Murphy

Bios

listed alphabetically

Meg Averill headshotMeg Averill (Daughter)returns for her second production with RVCO and is thrilled to be part of this fabulous cast. Past theater ensemble experiences include Fiddler on the Roof (Players Club of Swarthmore), High Society (RVCO), Gilbert & Sullivan's Ruddigore (Moore Family Singers in upstate NY) and The Pirates of Penzance (Players Club of Swarthmore), Bells Are Ringing (Y in Northeast Philadelphia), and West Side Story (The Wilma and PCS). She enjoys contra and latin dancing, playing the piano, traveling, cooking, and especially, spending time with her sons (who are in the 5-College area of western MA), her siblings (upstate NY), and her cousins and friends in the Philadelphia area. She is grateful to her parents, brother and sister for inspiring in her a lifelong passion for music and theater, and to her sons, who carry on that passion. Back to top

Don Cheetham headshotDon Cheetham (Policeman/Pirate) is enjoying learning about Gilbert and Sullivan shows - finally. Previous RVC&O participation includes the Steward in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, a Dragoon in Patience, 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 headshotLisa Cleek (Daughter, Properties Chair) Having started at RVCO as a sound assistant, Lisa is now a regular fixture, and is delighted to be performing in The Pirates of Penzance for the THIRD time! Her recent productions include Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, High Society, Patience, and H.M.S. Pinafore. Lisa would like to thank the Producers, Directors, and fellow "orphans" for their cameraderie, support, hard work, dedication, and brilliance in making this show come to life! Back to top

Faith Donaher's headshotFaith Donaher (Kate) is delighted to be returning for her fourth show with RVCO. She first joined RVCO in 2022 to play Cousin Hebe in H.M.S. Pinafore. She has also performed in many G&S operettas with the Bucks County Gilbert and Sullivan Society, appearing as Vittoria in Gondoliers and Isabel in The Pirates of Penzance. Back to top

Lisa Franks headshotLisa Franks (Daughter) is delighted be back with RVCO among this rollicking group of pirates, policemen and maidens. She previously appeared with RVCO as Godmother in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella and Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol - The Musical. Roles with other local groups 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

Shana Gordon's headshotShana Gordon (Daughter) has been doing opera for over ten years. She has played in The Mikado, was an aristocrat in Sorcerer, a village bar tender in Rudidigore, and chorus in Patience, H.M.S. Pinifore and The Pirates of Penzance. She also played Scrooge's mother, an aristocrat, and an angel in A Christmas Carol - The Muical on stage. Shane is also a huge fan of Andrew Loydd Webber's shows. The Phantom of the Opera is her favorite. She can also sing in any language and has done competitions, funerals, solos, and is a lead singer on the praise team at her church, and she is a budding recording artist. Back to top

Genevieve Hahn headshotGenevieve Hahn (Mabel) is a freelance soprano and flutist from Newark, DE. A recent graduate of the University of Delaware with two Master's degrees in Flute and Vocal Performance, she participated in the American Institute of Musical Studies last summer in Graz, Austria. Recent roles have included Rose Maybud in Ruddigore (The Ardensingers), Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Delaware Children's Theatre), and the chorus of Die Fledermaus (Wilmington Concert Opera). She is also an artist-in-residence at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church. To learn more about Genna and her upcoming events, visit www.genevievehahn.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Back to top

Jennifer Heller headshotJennifer Heller (Daughter) is thrilled to be in one of her favorite shows with her beloved RVCO family. Ms. Heller has been performing with various musical theatre communities for the last 2 decades and holds a special place in her heart for Gilbert and Sullivan. Regarding this production, she shared, “It's hard work but truly a joy with such talented directors, cast, and crew. More people should try community theatre, there's something for everyone both onstage and behind the scenes.” Back to top

Richard Kalwaic headshotRichard Kalwaic (Policeman/Pirate) is excited to be part of this production of The Pirates of Penzance. What a wonderful production with a great cast and terrific music. What a thrill! He has participated in productions with the Swarthmore Players, and sang with the Philadelphia Singers. Richard had also sung with the Philadelphia Chorus for over thirty years. He sings in the church choir at Old First Reformed in Center City. Back to top

Doug Kurtze headshotDoug Kurtze (Policeman/Pirate) returns to sea with RVCO, after having been terribly seasick as Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore in 2022. Before that he played Dr. Daly in The Sorcerer, Timidon in Thespis, Giorgio in The Gondoliers, and the Foreman in Trial by Jury, as well as in several chorus stints. He also appeared as Old Adam in Ruddigore with Thespis, Etc., and with Ardensingers as Scynthius in Princess Ida, the Carpenter's Mate in H.M.S. Pinafore, and the Herald in The Grand Duke. Off stage, look for him dancing with the Kingsessing Morris Men. 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 has music directed several of our productions since 2017, most recently last season's Patience and Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, and she is delighted to return this fall to direct this perennial favorite. Back to top

Bill Michael headshotBill Michael (Pirate/Policeman, Webmaster) was last seen but not heard as the Solicitor in Patience and but heard as George Kitteridge in 2023'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. He was the producer, stage manager, and set designer for this past spring's Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Bill is enjoying singing in this wonderful chorus after having surgery in January on his vocal cord for the second time in his life and not really singing in a show for years. “I do it for the love of the people of RVCO and the magic of the theatre and am glad to share the insanity of the doing theater with my wife, Kathy.“ Back to top

Kathy Michael headshotKathy Michael (Stage Manager, RVCO Board Secretary) A Life Member of RVCO, Kathy has held many positions within the group, including Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, Secretary and most recently Director. Kathy co-directed last Spring's Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella and is happy to be directing Me and My Girl this coming Spring. RVCO has been a family affair for many years and she is happy to be working on this show once again with her husband, Bill. Back to top

Robert Moore headshotRobert Moore (Policeman/Pirate, Show Selection Chair, Make-Up Design) is a proud RVCO Life Member since 1974, an actor and director, and the veteran of many productions of The Pirates of Penzance. He has directed the show for RVCO (as well as other groups) and played the Sergeant of Police in the previous RVCO production. He holds an MA in Theatre from Villanova University and has professional credits in film. theatre, and touring companies. He has directed countless shows for this group (the last being Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella) and will be co-directing Me and My Girl in Spring 2025! In addition, he has created numerous principal roles in shows and has served on the Executive Board for many years. He is also on the Artistic Staff for the Next Generation Youth Theatre in Swarthmore. Back to top

Ray Murhpy headshotRay Murphy (Pitate King) has participated in many aspects of community theater. First seen as a second trombone in the orchestra, he has also worked behind the scenes doing technical aspects, and moving sets. Onstage, he has played parts in a number of our Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, including Koko in The Mikado, Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore, Colonel Caverly in Patience, Wilfred Shadbolt in The Yeomen of the Guard, Florian in Princess Ida, Private Willis in Iolanthe, and Old Adam in Ruddigore. He also appeared as Mayor Shinn and Harold Hill in productions of The Music Man, King Charlemagne in Pippin, Bobby in Company, Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows, Potiphar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Moonface Martin in Anything Goes. He takes great enjoyment in performing in shows with his sons, and met his amazing wife through RVCO. He can be found tending the gardens of Nemours Estate in Wilmington, Delaware, and participates in the praise band at New Hope Christian Church, where he bends the knee for the King of Kings. Back to top

Johsua David Myers' headshotJoshua David Myers (Frederic) is a tenor, composer, and actor who is delighted to make his RVCO debut. Joshua holds a BA in Music & Psychology from Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA, where he studied under tenor Christopher Hodson. He also studied at Temple University, where he performed in scenes from Mozart's Don Giovanni, Mozart's Die Entführung aus dem Serail, and Ravel's L'heure espagnole. Joshua recently appeared as Gherardo in Queens Summer Vocal Institute's production of Gianni Schicchi. Joshua has performed with ensembles across Southeast Pennsylvania, including The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Interrupted Silence Vocal Ensemble, the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, and, currently, the Bucks County-based men's choir Cordus Mundi. Back to top

Steve Naz headshotSteve Naz (Policeman/Pirate, RVCO Board Member) returns for his fifth consecutive show with RVCO. Having previously sailed on H.M.S. Pinafore and served as a butler in High Society, Steve marched as a dragoon in Patience and danced through the recent Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella production. He now returns to his nautical roots and appears not only as a pirate but also as an inept policeman. Steve has played in numerous bands and ensembles from elementary school to Temple University's marching and concert bands, and 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 headshotEdwin Nealley (Major General Stanley, RVCO Board Treasurer) returns to the shores of Cornwall, having played Samuel (2013) and the Maj. General (2006) in the last two RVCO productions. More recent RVCO performances include Patience (Col. Calverley), 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 recent productions include The Gondoliers (Giuseppe) with Bucks County G&S and Ruddigore (Robin Oakapple) with Ardensingers. He loves G&S with affection unspeakable and hopes that our show will send you forward with a song in your heart. Back to top

Katherine Nealley headshotKatherine Nealley (Stage Director) returns to Rose Valley after directing Naughty Marietta, Revised 2018 for RVCO in 2019. Kate has directed all 14 G&S Operettas, including Bruce Montgomery's musical setting of Thespis with RVCO in 2015. She has also directed other Operettas and Musicals including Ruddigore, The Gondoliers, Die Fledermaus, The Merry Widow, The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, Brigadoon, and Oklahoma. Kate and her husband Ed met in an RVCO Production of Ruddigore back in 1990. Their daughter, Sara, performed Gianetta (Gondoliers) professionally with Ohio Light Opera this past summer, after playing Tracy Lord (High Society) at RVCO in 2023. Kate danced professionally with the Miami Ballet, and she has a lifelong interest in history, social dance forms and costume. She serves as a teacher and caller for both English and Scottish Country Dancing in the region. Back to top

Sarah Norton headshotSarah Norton (Isabel) is excited to return to RVCO as Isabel for her seventh G&S show! She recently played Ruth in Ruddigore (2024) and Sacarissa (as well as being the understudy for Melissa) in Princess Ida (2023) with Ardensingers. Sarah is proudly neurodivergent and disabled and is passionate about disability rights. She thanks her three rescue beagles for their continual support and goofy antics. Back to top

Brian Rubino headshotBrian Rubino (Pirate Apprentice) is thrilled to be one of the young recruits to this rollicking band of pirates! His RVCO credits include Very Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol - The Musical (2019), Midshipmite in H.M.S. Pinafore (2022), and Royal Page in Rodger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella (2024). Additional credits include playing Shrek in Upper Darby Summer Stage's 2024 Magic Makers showcase. Brian can also be found playing the cello and spell-casting in his middle school's D&D club. Back to top

Chris Rubino headshotChris Rubino (Pirate/Policeman, Set Designer, Producer. RVCO President) has been performing with RVCO since 2011. Notable roles include Freddy in My Fair Lady, Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, Ralph in H.M.S. Pinafore, Dexter in High Society, and the Prince in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. 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, all of whom have inspired me to grow in my stagecraft.” Back to top

Meagan Rubino headshotMeagan Rubino (Edith) greets you gaily for another RVCO production! Previously with RVCO, she was obnoxious as Portia in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, aesthetic as Lady Ella in Patience, and served in Her Majesty's chorus on the 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: “I love you to the moon and back!” To my own Pirate prince: “That's some fine booty!” Back to top

Margaretta Sacco headshotMargaretta Sacco (Pirate/Policeman) is thrilled to be making her RVCO debut in the pirate chorus. No stranger to Gilbert and Sullivan, she has performed in numerous G&S productions in Chicago. More recently, she sang in the Bridesmaids' chorus with The Ardensingers 2024 production of Ruddigore. This is her third production of The Pirates of Penzance and also her third chorus for the show, as she has now performed as a daughter, a policeman, and a pirate. Back to top

Michael Sacco headshotMichael Sacco (Pirate Apprentice) is excited to make his Gilbert and Sullivan debut with RVCO in the pirate chorus. Prior to this show he performed as a snake, a spider, and a soloist in his school's 2nd grade musical production of Squirm. He studies piano with Lotus Cheng at the Wilmington Music School. In his spare time he enjoys doing art and learning about science. Back to top

Erica Marie Santos' headshotErica Marie Santos (Daughter) is delighted to make her RVCO debut! Not a stranger to the stage, some of the places Erica has performed include Ardensingers, University of Delaware School of Music, in the chorus of Opera Delaware, Carnegie Hall, and internationally. Erica graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Finance. When she is not on the stage Erica enjoys training for half-marathons, volunteering her time as a member of the Board of Directors of the University of Delaware Alumni Association, and spending time with her friends and family. Back to top

Joyce Severin headshotJoyce Severin (Daughter) is thrilled to be joining Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra for this season's production, Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance. She is very excited to be working with such a talented cast and crew. Joyce last appeared with RVCO in the Ensemble of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. Joyce is also a member of the Havertown Choristers, St. Andrew Parish Choir, and the William Penn Community Chorus,“Thank you to my family for all their love and support in this, and all my endeavors!” Back to top

Martha Smylie's headshotMartha Smylie (Ruth, Playbill) is a proud Life Member and former president of the RVCO. She's performed all the contralto roles (some many times over) in the entire G&S canon as well as two innovative reverse-gender shows (The Learned Judge in Miss-Trial By Jury and Major-General Stanley in The Pirettes of Penzance). A slave of duty, Martha has also been president of five G&S societies around the Delaware Valley, and she's performed in lots of other musical comedies and dramedies over the years, including several roles at nearby Hedgerow Theatre, whose building was RVCO's original home in 1907. Enjoy the show, everyone! To the cast, crew and orchestra, “I love you all with affection unspeakable!” Back to top

Jeff Swafford headshotJeff Swafford (Samuel, RVCO Board Member) enjoys spending time with his RVCO family. Recent RVCO roles include 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), and many moons ago, The Pirates of Penzance (The 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 (Pirate Apprentice) is thrilled to be part of RVCO. She has been acting for 4 years in youth performances as well as participating in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella in the spring. She has a love for both sports and music, and participates in softball and cross country as well as both chorus and band. She is so excited to be back for a second show with RVCO! Back to top

Tim Tillman headshotTim Tillman (Pirate) originally hails from Baltimore, Maryland. He likes spending time with his family, as well as enjoying running, rock climbing, and occasionally dabbling in mortgage lending compliance. Tim joined RVCO this past spring to perform in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, and is delighted to return to RVCO for the second time for The Pirates of Penzance. Back to top

Heather Williams headshotHeather Williams (Daughter) found RVCO through a recommendation by a friend. While this is her second 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

Steve Zimmerman'a headshotSteve Zimmerman (Sergeant of Police/Pirate) is thrilled to be in his first production with Rose Valley. He has been in a number of shows with The Ardensingers in Wilmington since 2015, and on the stages of many other area community theaters. He also plays woodwinds in pit orchestras for schools and community theaters. Favorite lead roles include Captain Corcoran in H.M.S. Pinafore, Colonel Calverley in Patience, King Gama in Princess Ida, and Old Adam in Ruddigore. Steve conducts the orchestra and participates in other music ensembles at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in Wilmington. Thanks to Kate and Florrie for your leadership, advice, and support, to all my friends in the cast and crew, and to my dear wife Laurie for putting up with my absences and coming to all my shows. Back to top