CAST LIST FOR Thespis, Autumn 2015

An acting troupe out for a wedding picnic is spotted ascending the slopes of sacred Olympus, greatly surprising the ancient Greek gods! The astonished gods, who have grown elderly, confess they feel much ignored of late. A deal is struck whereby the thespians will play the roles of the gods for a year, allowing the latter to go to Earth to find out why their worshippers are dwindling. While the gods are down below, the newly-appointed deputy-gods on Olympus have been encouraged to experiment with their new powers, destroying the calendar, ruining viniculture, and upsetting international relations! In short, the actors turn out to be comically inept rulers. Having seen the ensuing mayhem from down on Earth, the angry Gods return to Olympus, sending the actors back to Earth as “eminent tragedians, whom no one ever goes to see.”

First performed at the Gaiety Theater in London in 1871, Thespis or The Gods Grown Old began the most successful collaboration in the history of musical theater. William S. Gilbert, successful playwright, and Arthur Sullivan, successful composer, joined their remarkable talents to write the first of the fourteen light operas that were to make their names inseparable forever

But today Thespis remains an enigma. Although revivals were planned by Gilbert, Sullivan and impresario Richard D’Oyly-Carte, none ever occurred, and sometime after 1879 almost the entire score was lost – and remains lost to this day. The two exceptions are the choral piece “Climbing Over Rocky Mountain” which later was lifted bodily and placed into The Pirates of Penzance, and the solo “Little Maid of Arcadee” which was published as a popular drawing-room ballad of the day. A third exception, a ballet, was unexpectedly discovered in the early 1990s, but there is no mention of it in Gilbert’s libretto, and where it might have been inserted remains a mystery.

So that Gilbert & Sullivan aficionados could have the opportunity of seeing what the opera might have been like, in 1954 tenor James Montgomery – longtime artistic director of Philadelphia’s Savoy Company and founder of the Gilbert & Sullivan Players of Philadelphia – commissioned his son, Bruce, to compose a new score for the opera in the style of Sullivan, using the existing libretto. It is an interesting sidelight to note that Thespis is a youthful work of both composers. Sullivan was twenty-nine; Montgomery was twenty-eight. It was first produced by the Gilbert & Sullivan Players of Philadelphia in 1971, in celebration of the G & S centennial. “Monty” (as the composer was affectionately known) included the two original songs from Thespis in his version of the operetta. While others have attempted to recreate Thespis by writing new music or interpolating melodies from the other G&S operettas, Bruce Montgomery’s original score – so reminiscent of Sullivan himself – has been the most widely produced and received the most critical acclaim.

After 1971, Thespis became a regular part of the Gilbert & Sullivan Player’s repertoire. It was also produced and directed by Montgomery with the University of Pennsylvania’s light opera company, the Penn Singers, in the spring of 1992. The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Chester County produced the show, again directed by Montgomery, in January 2001 at West Chester University.

When the Gilbert & Sullivan Players of Philadelphia was resurrected in 1989 to perform Thespis at the Basingstoke Festival held at West Chester University, the show was presented by Ian Smith and his son, Neil Smith. Both these Englishmen would later found the very successful G&S International Festival in their homeland which has run annually since 1994. The success of Thespis at the 1989 Basingstoke Festival resulted in an invitation by the Smiths to the composer, Bruce Montgomery, to produce and direct Thespis at the 2000 International G & S Festival in Buxton England. The Gilbert & Sullivan Players of Philadelphia was again revitalized for the express purpose of appearing in the 2000 Festival, where this rare opportunity to experience the international premiere of Thespis was received with universal acclaim. J.W. Pepper will now publish and distribute Thespis worldwide, with all royalties going to support the Springboard Grants Program of the Bruce Montgomery Foundation for the Arts.

— Elizabeth Montgomery Thomas

Directors

Katherine P. Nealley

Seth Gardner

Actors

Bios

listed alphabetically

Jay Anstee (Sparkeion) loves performing and loves attending theatre (especially the Arden Theatre where he has been a season ticket holder for over a dozen years). This is his 74th role performed. Last season, Jay was Fred Graham for RVCO’s Kiss Me, Kate. Previous roles with RVCO were in The Merry Widow, The Gondoliers, The Mikado, Orpheus In The Underworld, and Kismet. As always love to Rita, Eve and Ian. Back to top

Elise Bjordammen (Daphne) is delighted to debut with RVCO in this role! She has performed with a variety of ensembles in Philadelphia, recently including the Philadelphia Singers, Singing City, and Philharmonia.; Her most recent operatic role was Medea (Il Giasone) with Baroque Opera Workshop in NYC last summer. Elise will join the Opera Delaware professional chorus in Wilmington, DE in the spring of 2016.; She studies with Ms. Elizabeth Weigle. Back to top

Caity Bramanti (Eleutheria) - has been doing shows with Rose Valley for a little over six years now. She has been a chorus member and dancer in The Merry Widow, The Yeomen of the Guard, and Evita. Caity even helped in the choreography of The Gondoliers, Oklahoma! , and My Fair Lady. “When I'm not on stage, I'm at home dancing and singing with my wonderful little boy, Aiden.” Back to top

Bill DeFeo (Negotium Procurator, Board Member) is excited to be performing in Thespis. This is his 6th show with RVCO including The Pirates of Penzance, Evita, The Gondoliers, Kiss Me Kate, and Nunsense II. He is the Controller for the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia. Bill thanks his family for their love and support. Back to top

Seth Gardner (Music Director/Conductor) - What a joy to welcome back Seth Gardner and have him at the musical helm for this historic premiere production. He brings a wealth of talent with him and makes each rehearsal a spirited, learning experience. We first met Seth in 2013 when he was our music director for Brigadoon. Seth has taught choral, classroom, orchestra, and instrumental music at all school levels, and is nationally known for his highly successful middle school choral program. His select middle school choir earned numerous state and national honors, including multiple performances at Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) and National Association for Music Education (NAfME) conventions and the highest awards at music festival competitions. Seth is also a clinician, guest conductor, writer, and adjudicator for PMEA, NAfME, music festival competitions, Eastern University, and Temple University, and is a professional bassist and vocalist. He has also played bass for many shows in professional regional theater. Back to top

Paula Gonzalez (Venus, Board Member, Program Ad Sales) - was most recently seen on stage with RVCO as Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense II, the Haberdasher in Kiss Me Kate, and Edith in The Pirates of Penzance. Paula was proud to represent her church, St. Peter the Apostle in New Castle, DE, in the Philadelphia Papal Choir. She next looks forward to performing as Cousin Hebe in The Ardensingers’ production of H.M.S. Pinafore in April 2016. Back to top

Ryan Goulden (Mercury) is proud to be returning to RVCO for this special production of Thespis. Recent projects include Marco in The Gondoliers (RVCO), Max in Lend Me a Tenor (PCS), and directing Puss in Boots for PCS's Children's Theater series. Upcoming projects include music directing A Grand Night for Singing (PCS) opening later this month, assistant directing I Love You Because (PCS) and stage / music directing Once Upon a Mattress (Ohev Players). Ryan is eternally grateful to his husband, Brian, for his constant love and support through all of these endeavors. Back to top

Scott R. Grumling (Sillimon) - makes his debut with RVCO. He has performed and directed in amateur and professional theaters in venues such as the New England Conservatory and the Boston Center for the Arts. He twice won best actor at the ACT/CONN Annual Drama Festival. Favorite acting credits: Alan Turing (Breaking the Code); Arthur Kipps (The Woman in Black); James Daley (That Championship Season); Georgina Pritt (The Temp); Judas (Godspell). Favorite directing credits: Philadelphia premiere of The Busy World is Hushed; Wit; Two Rooms; Massachusetts premiere of Labor Day. Scott sang on the original Broadway cast recording of the recent revival of Pippin with Andrea Martin. Back to top

Sue Hudson (Pretteia, Makeup) is delighted to join RVCO on stage for the first time and to perform Bruce Montgomery’s Thespis for a second time! She has performed in Iolanthe (Ardensingers) and Thespis, Princess Ida, The Mikado and Trial by Jury (GSSCC). More often, Sue is a makeup designer and has done makeup for five of the area’s G&S groups. Back to top

Wayne Jones (Stupidas) is thrilled to be doing another production with RVCO. He is also Cantor for and sings with the St. Joseph Catholic Church Choir in Aston and also with the St. James Alumni Choir. Wayne thanks his family and friends for their support. Back to top

Ellie Knickman (Cymon) returns to theatrical Greece for the first time since Amphitryon 38 in college. Her theatrical travelogue includes India (Jungle Book at Players Club), Italy (The Gondoliers at Ardensingers), Canada (Elgin Theatre Guild in Ontario), England (lots of G&S), and Baltimore (Kiss Me Kate with RVCO). Back to top

Doug Kurtze (Timidon) - has appeared with RVCO in The Yeoman of the Guard, Patience, Trial By Jury (as the Foreman), The Pirates of Penzance, and The Gondoliers (as Giorgio); with Thespis, Etc. in Ruddigore (as Old Adam), and with Ardensingers in Iolanthe and The Sorcerer. Otherwise, look for him dancing with the Kingsessing Morrismen. Back to top

Robert Moore (Tipseion, Make-Up Design, Board Member) was last seen on the RVCO stage playing a gangster in Kiss Me, Kate. Now he is playing a drunken thespian and in the spring will be directing The Music Man – quite interesting contrasts! Bob, who is a proud Life Member, holds an MA in Theatre from Villanova University, and has created many principal roles in RVCO shows and directed A LOT of our shows as well! In his career he has played everything from "Shakespeare to Sondheim" in community, university, and professional theatre and film. A former Peace Corps Volunteer and retired teacher, he now works as a designer for Celebrations Design Group and does free-lance directing, acting, and teaching, especially at the Young Peoples Theatre Workshop (which he co-founded) in Swarthmore. He dedicates his performance to the memory of his mother, Dorothy Lydon, who played the lead role of a drunken spinster in her senior play The Ghost Train! Back to top

Raymond Murphy (Jupiter) - has performed many roles, both offstage and on, with RVCO and other local theatre groups over the last 30 years. He spends his days beautifying the grounds of Nemours Mansion and Gardens in Wilmington, DE, and can be found singing God's praises (not Jupiter's!) at the New Hope Christian Church in Broomall. He is deeply indebted to his wife, Janet, for her supportive patience, and is thankful for all of the blessings he has received through family, friends, and encouraging audience members. Back to top

Edwin Nealley (Thespis, Vice President) - returns to RVCO as the eponymous Greek actor, pleased to suffer for his art! A veteran of nearly 30 RVCO productions and road shows, Ed has performed in all 14 G&S operettas, and he is privileged to perform a 3rd production of Bruce Montgomery’s Thespis. Other recent roles include Gen. Howell with RVCO, Lord Chancellor with Ardensingers, J.W. Wells with GSSCC, Solicitor with Penn Singers and Captain Corcoran with both Thespis Etc. and Bucks County G&S Society. Back to top

Katherine P. Nealley (Stage Director) - We thank our lucky stars that Kate Nealley directs RVCO’s premiere performance of Thespis. While we’ve been stumbling over rocky mountain in rehearsals, Kate patiently infuses each of us with her creative insights and energy for which we are grateful. This production marks Kate’s 11th with us as Stage Director. She most recently directed Kiss Me Kate (2015), Brigadoon (2013), and Die Fledermaus (2012). Kate has also directed several other G&S operettas and Broadway musicals for us as well as for other local theater groups, and frequently choreographs shows as well. Kate danced professionally with the Miami Ballet, and is a Teacher of Scottish Country Dance and English Country Dance. She happily had the opportunity to perform Thespis onstage for the composer, Bruce Montgomery, in 2000 and feels particularly honored to bring his version to stage for the RVCO audience. Back to top

Chris Rubino (Apollo, Show Logo, Publicity) - is thrilled to be back on stage with RVCO for this gem of a show! Chris made his group debut in the chorus of Patience in 2011, most recently appearing as Charlie in Brigadoon and Freddy in My Fair Lady. His past affiliations include the Philadelphia Gilbert&Sullivan Union, the Penn Singers, and the Penn Glee Club under the direction of Bruce Montgomery. “Much love to my wife Meagan—who was also a former student of Monty—and to our two sons, Marc and Brian, for continuing to inspire me always, on stage and off.” Back to top

Martha Smylie (Diana, Playbill) - is elated to be in her third Bruce Montgomery Thespis as Diana. She has been performing on stage for some 40 years, playing leading roles in over 75 different productions. A proud Life Member and former President of RVCO, Martha has sung all the contralto roles in all 14 G&S operas – yes, that includes the Learned Judge in Mis-Trial By Jury! She is a member of all the major G&S societies in the Delaware Valley, has been president of four of them, and is currently Vice President for the Savoy Company. She has performed in six International G&S Festivals in Buxton (England), Philadelphia, and Gettysburg. “As I celebrate 40-something years on stage, I find my child-like enthusiasm has never waned, thanks in great part to colleagues with equal passion.” Back to top

Raja Vaidya (Mars) is proud to make his debut with RVCO. He has sung many roles with DVOC, OD, CCOT, and numerous other local venues as well as the Kimmel and Academy. Most recently singing Papageno and understudying Escamillo, he brings a light jubilance sure to raise everyone's spirits. He is a Cancer Scientist by day, Ninja warrior by night. Look for his Vaidya Martial Arts ad in this program. He sends his love to his lovely wife and two glorious children without whom life would be a bore and snore. :-) Back to top

Lyndsay Varsaci (Nicemis) studied Vocal Performance at West Chester University. She is a member of the Brandywine Singers and has had the opportunity to perform as soloist in such works as Handel's Judas Maccabaeus, and Orff's Carmina Burana. Lyndsay is currently Choral Scholar and soloist at Paoli Presbyterian Church. In 2014/2015 Lyndsay played Casilda in The Gondoliers with RVCO and Sister Robert Ann in Nunsense with Bravo Theatre Company. Back to top

Cathy Wakefield (Carrissima, Board Member) is proud to be a Lifetime Member of RVCO. Favorite shows include The Pirates of Penzance, Guys and Dolls (1984, 2004), Plain and Fancy (1986 onstage with her daughter, Kerri), Mame (2007, Cousin Fan), and My Fair Lady (2012, Lady Boxington). Thanks to my supportive family and friends! Back to top

Dave Zaffarano (Preposteros, Cast Ticket Sales) is thrilled to have performed in every show at RVCO since 2006 with his wife Julie. Some favorites are Andrew Carnes in Oklahoma and Ezra in Plain and Fancy. He sings in church as a cantor and also with the St. James Alumni Choir. “Thanks to Seth and Kate.” Back to top

Julie Zaffarano (Eloquentia, Fundraising, Road Shows) and her husband, Dave, have performed with RVCO since 2006. She enjoys the friendships and opportunities that she has gained through RVCO. Be careful or you’ll end up as a character in one of her plays. Back to top