CAST LIST FOR The Yeomen of the Guard, Autumn 2010
Colonel Fairfax, sentenced to death and imprisoned in the Tower of London, is to be executed on this day. A scoundrel of a relative charged Fairfax with sorcery so as to inherit Fairfax's fortune when he dies unmarried. Fortunately, the Colonel has two good friends in the Tower – the Lieutenant in charge and Sergeant Meryll of the Guards. Meryll's son, Leonard, has just been appointed a Yeoman and Meryll plans to keep him in hiding, free Fairfax, give him Leonard's uniform, and introduce him to the Yeomen as his son.
In the meantime, Fairfax asks the Lieutenant of the Tower to find him a bride and thus foil his relative. The strolling players, Jack Point and Elsie Maynard, arrive and the Lieutenant induces Elsie to accept Fairfax's offer of marriage and 100 crowns. Point is not keen on the idea since he intends to marry Elsie himself – someday, but he consents since she will shortly be widowed. Elsie, desperate for money for her sick mother, is blindfolded and wed to Fairfax. Meanwhile, Meryll's daughter, Phoebe, who loves Fairfax from afar, steals the keys to his cell from Wilfred Shadbolt while flirting with the doltish jailor. Fairfax is shaved and dressed as a Yeoman. Bells toll and the crowd and headsman assemble for Fairfax's execution. The Yeomen sent to fetch the prisoner rush back to report his escape. In a scene of wild confusion, Jack Point despairs and Elsie faints in the disguised Fairfax's arms.
The second act opens with Fairfax still at large. Jack Point, despondent over losing Elsie, plots with Wilfred: if Wilfred will claim to have shot Fairfax, Jack Point will teach him to be a jester. Fairfax, saved from the block, now considers himself a conjugal prisoner with no idea whom he married. Dame Carruthers, housekeeper of the Tower, and her niece, Kate, tell Fairfax that Elsie is married to the escaped prisoner. Fairfax, delighted with his luck, decides to woo his own wife. But as a married woman, Elsie rebuffs him. A shot is heard and Wilfred and Jack Point rush in with their tale of Fairfax's death. Wilfred is hailed as a hero. Fairfax, having heard himself described as being very, very dead, renews his courtship of Elsie under cover of teaching Jack Point how to "woo a fair maid." Elsie, believing herself now a widow, accepts him, leaving Jack Point and Phoebe broken-hearted.
In her misery, Phoebe lets slip to Wilfred her part in Fairfax's escape and has to buy his silence with the promise of her hand. Sergeant Meryll makes the same mistake with Dame Carruthers (who has been pursuing him for years) and pays the same price. The real Leonard Meryll now arrives with Fairfax's reprieve. Fairfax becomes himself and claims Elsie as his wife just as she is to marry the man she knows as Leonard. When she recognizes him as the same person, there is general rejoicing interrupted by the anguished Jack Point. As the crowd sings joyfully to the bride and groom, the jester, spurned by Elsie, falls insensible at their feet.

Directors
- Stage Director - Katherine P. Nealley
- Music Director - Carol Freed
Actors
- Cinderella - Maria Leonetti
- Jack Point - Edwin Nealley
- Elsie Maynard - Jennifer Graf
- Colonel Fairfax - Ryan Goulden
- Sir Richard Cholmondely - Colin Dahms
- Dame Carruthers - Martha Smylie
- Wilfred Shadbolt - Raymond Murphy
- Phoebe Meryll - Susan B. Guyer
- Sergeant Meryll - Mike Dutka
- Leonard Meryll - Daniel A. Libby
- Kate - Sara Nealley
- First Yeoman - Bruce Conley
- Second Yeoman - Dave Zaffarano
- The Priest - Phil Hoffman
- Second Yeoman - Marvin Freed and Bob Kope
- Beefeaters
- Tower Citizens
Orchestra
- Conductor - Carol Freed
- Violin
- Mark Frankel (Concertmaster), Margaret Wyppich, Darren McBride, Carl Hemmingsen, Melitta Alle, Norman Ellman, Elliott Moore, Hazel Edwards
- Viola
- Joanne Damasco, Crystal McFarland, Ruth Miller Cox, Jennifer Cox
- Cello - William Dorwart, Marilyn MacRae
- Bass - Faye Kahmer, George Kahmer
- Flute - John Kauffman, Ellen Rosenblatt
- Clarinet
- Merv Richards, Jeri Greenfield, Jill Zhuraw
- Oboe - Michael Holtz, Linda McAlpint
- Bassoon - Don Greenfield, Kara Holtz
- Trumpet - Allen Tollen, Susan Haidar
- Trombone - Don Matheson
- Euphonium - Lynda Chen
- French Horn
- Al Blatter, Ellen Kane, Jacqueline Conway
- Percussion - Paul M. Sherin, Joanne Preston
- Rehearsal Pianist
Production Staff
- Producer - Bruce Conley
- Stage Manager - Barb Matheson
- Set Construction Chair - Ken Clark
- Sound Design - Samuel Walker Haines, Jr.
- Lighting Design -
- Properties - Joyce Malin
- Costumes - Caroline Sausman
- Makeup Designer -
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Graphics Design - Bill Michael
Jennifer Andrews (Tower Citizen) is excited to be performing in her 2nd show with Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra. In addition to The Yeomen of the Guard, she has performed in the chorus of several other shows including H.M.S. Pinafore, The Sorcerer, Bye Bye Birdie, Oklahoma!, Godspell, Tommy and others. Jennifer sings with a worship team at Calvary Chapel of Delaware County and Rose Valley’s new road show choir. When she isn’t singing, she is an Autistic Support teacher for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. She thanks her voice instructor, Kathryn Armour of Wilmington, DE for her wonderful teaching and Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra for inviting her to sing with them again! She looks forward to more shows with Rose Valley in the future. Back to top
Helen J. Beldecos (Tower Citizen) joined RVCO in 1985 and has performed regularly ever since. Her roles include Mrs. Doris Upson in Mame, 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 treasurer and in charge of tickets. “RVCO is a wonderful group of talented performers; it is a pleasure to be associated with them.” Back to top
Sheila Bell (Tower Citizen) has been a chorus member for the G&S productions for many years and is always impressed by the level of professionalism and commitment of everyone involved. She also enjoys participating in Music in the Schools and the newly formed RVCO show chorus. Back to top
Bruce Bogdanoff (Yeoman, Board Member) made his stage debut with RVCO in Me & My Girl as the Pearly King and other ensemble roles. A neurologist, he joined RVCO in 1989 as pianist for The Mikado and most recently played Beauregard in Mame. 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
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 and Box, The Red Mill, The Pirate of Penzance, Mame, The Mikado, The Merry Widow, Ruddigore, and H.M.S Pinafore again. He has 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 (First Yeoman, President, Producer) was Samuel Zapp in Plain and Fancy, Bogdanowitsch in The Merry Widow, Ralph Devine in Mame, a pirate in The Pirates of Penzance, Dirk in The Red Mill, 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, including producing this show. He especially thanks his wife, Rae, for her help and support and his aunt, Thelma Loving, for inspiring his musical interests. Back to top
Colin Dahms (Sir Richard Cholmondely) This is Colin’s second appearance in a Rose Valley Production. Last year he played the part of the Carpenter’s Mate in H.M.S. Pinafore, and he has previously appeared as Pooh-Bah, Sergeant Meryll and The Sergeant of Police. Colin has been a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan since he was a small boy, and hopes you'll enjoy the show as much as he enjoys performing in it. Back to top
Willam Dahms (Yeoman) Willy is delighted to be in his second performance at RVCO. He has been a Gilbert and Sullivan fan for many years, but only started performing their work in 2002. Since then, he has performed in eleven out of the fourteen operettas that the pair wrote, including three performances at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Buxton, England and Gettysburg, PA. Back to top
Tom Dodds (Yeoman) first joined RVCO in 2000 for The Yeomen of the Guard as the priest, a non-singing role. It was so much fun he joined the chorus for many shows since then and has now come full circle to enjoy being a yeomen. He happily participates in Music in the Schools and the RVCO show chorus. Back to top
Mary Beth Dostillio (Tower Citizens) The Yeomen of the Guard was my first show back in 1993. Since then I’ve done over 20 shows with RVCO, served on the board and even was president for a few years. I love singing in the chorus for The Yeoman of the Guard because the soprano part is so high! Third time is a charm. Back to top
Mike Dutka (Sergeant Meryll) is delighted to rejoin RVCO for a fourth season. Previous RVCO roles include The Mikado, The Sergeant of Police (The Pirates of Penzance), and Dick Deadeye (H.M.S. Pinafore). Other recent G&S performances include Sergeant Meryll (The Yeomen of the Guard) and Roderic (Ruddigore) with Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Chester Country, Arac (Princess Ida) with Ardensingers, The Usher (Trial By Jury) and Dick Deadeye (H.M.S. Pinafore) with The Savoy Company, and Private Willis (Iolanthe), Wilfred Shadbolt (The Yeomen of the Guard), and Jupiter in the Quade Winter restoration of the original Thespis, with Thespis, Etc. An open-minded chap, Michael has even played non-G&S parts, including The Commendatore in Don Giovanni, two Menotti roles - Mr. Gobineau in The Medium and Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Huckabee in The Fantasticks, and Emile in South Pacific. Michael lives, sings, rides horses, and writes stories, books, and operas in Doylestown, PA. He wishes to thank his singing teacher, Richard Johnson, and his father in memoriam, for constant encouragement and moral support. Back to top
Dave Elder (Yeoman) is delighted to rejoin RVCO after a thirteen year absence, especially welcome is the chance to sing in The Yeomen of the Guard and its salute to those who have reached the”autumn of our lives”. Back to top
Carol Freed (Music Director/Conductor) started piano at the age of six and was music director first as a senior at Lower Merion High School. Since then she has been music director/conductor for many local theater groups. She joined RVCO in 1977 as accompanist and became music director and conductor with The New Moon production in 1985. Her longevity with RVCO has now earned her the distinction of Life Member. "What a privilege to lead such a wonderful and talented group of people, both actors and orchestra." Off the podium, she sells real estate with Weichert Realtors and does vocal coaching. "Thanks to my husband, Marvin, for supporting me, always." Back to top
Ryan Goulden (Colonel Fairfax) is excited to return to RVCO. He was last seen with the group as Ralph Rackstraw in H.M.S. Pinafore and as Jacques Strap in the Spring Murder Mystery Vintage with a Vengeance. Recent roles also include John Wellington Wells in The Sorcerer with The Philadelphia G&S Union, Alexis in The Sorcerer with Thespis Etc., and Randy Asher in the original musical comedy Pounds Off!. Upcoming projects include Music Director for Trial by Jury with the G&S Society of Chester County in December, Music Directing Princess Ida with Thespis Etc. in the Spring, Marco in The Gondoliers with The Ardensingers, and Will Parker in Oklahoma! with RVCO. Back to top
Jennifer Graf (Elsie Maynard) returns to RVCO in this role, after her performances as Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, Anna Glawari in The Merry Widow, and Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance. Other roles include: Pamina (The Magic Flute), Kathie (The Student Prince), Nadina (The Chocolate Soldier), Madame Hart (The Impresario), Yum Yum (The Mikado), Blonda (The Abduction from the Seraglio), Musetta (La Boheme), Frasquita (Carmen), and Barbarina (Le Nozze di Figaro), among others. She has performed twice at the International G&S Festival in England with PGSU in The Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe, as well as Aline in The Sorcerer at the Gettysburg G&S Festival. She has been featured as soprano soloist in Vivaldi's Gloria and Magnificat, Mozart's Requiem, Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, Bach's Cantata #202, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, and Handel's The Messiah. Jennifer is releasing her third solo CD this month called Voices of Spring, which features Viennese and American operetta favorites. Her first two CD's (Tidings of Christmas and Echoes of Christmas Past) are also available. She holds degrees in Vocal Performance from West Chester University (BM) and New England Conservatory of Music (MM). Jennifer studies voice with Dr. Kathryn Chilcote. Learn more at www.jennifergraf.com. Back to top
Robin Greene (Tower Citizen), proud Life Member, has done soprano leads in all the G&S operettas, as well as Eliza, Guinevere, Marian, Desiree,etc. She's directed several RVCO shows, most recently 2007's The Mikado; and is director and manager of our Music in the Schools community project. She loves being back on stage with her "second family". Back to top
Susan B. Guyer (Phoebe Meryll) attended West Chester University for Vocal Performance, currently teaches voice and piano at The Music Centre in Exton and is music director at Marple Presbyterian Church. Previous stage performances include H.M.S. Pinafore (Hebe), The Sorcerer, Plain and Fancy, The Merry Widow, Mame, Bye Bye Birdie (Kim), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Carousel (Aunt Nettie and Louise), Into the Woods (Lucinda), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Bridagoon, The Pirates of Penzance, Trial by Jury, The Merry Widow, The Wizard of Oz, and most recently, Hansel and Gretel; (as music director); Godspell, The Yeomen of the Guard, The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Hansel and Gretel (as accompanist). Major choral works include Carmina Burana (Orff), Elijah (Mendelssohn), The Messiah (Handel), The Creation (Haydn) and Requiem (Faure). Special thanks to her husband, George, for his love and support of everything I attempt to squeeze into our schedule. Back to top
Samuel Walker Haines, Jr. (Sound Design/Operation) lives with his daughter in Chalfont, Bucks County. He currently runs the Chalfont based Broader Horizon Studio-a recording studio for the everyman. He lived and worked in Queens, NY, as well as the upstate city of Corning, NY. He has pursued a love of music and the arts as a performer on both the electric and the upright bass in various theatre and live performance ensembles. He has the wonderful opportunity to work as a jazz, rock, and orchestral bassist; most notably with Push Dawn, the Bucks County Symphony Orchestra, and the Sam Haines Jazz Quartet. Sam has also been involved in sound production aspects of both theatre and live musical performance. He has been recording and working in live sound for 10 years and continues to grow in both love and appreciation for artists and performers of all genres. He is thrilled to be working with RVCO again this season and hopes you enjoy their presentation of The Yeomen of the Guard. Back to top
Ellie Knickman (Tower Citizen) returns to RVCO after a year in Ontario, where she tried unsuccessfully to acquire the coveted Canadian announcer accent. She did manage roles there in Charlotte's Web and Heritage of the Rails with Elgin Theatre Guild, and was an extra in an Animal Planet docudrama. Ellie has appeared with RVCO as a bubbly bridesmaid in Ruddigore and a malevolent matriarch in Mame, and has also appeared with Narberth Community Theatre and Marple-Newtown Players. Off stage she is a librarian at DCCC and a folk dancer and caller. She loves being on stage with her husband and son again! Back to top
Sharon Kope (Assistant to the Music Director, Pianist), a member of RVCO since 2003, has been a musician all her life. She studied at Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory, toured Europe with America's Youth in Concert, attended Princeton's Westminster Choir College, and graduated from Ohio's Wittenberg University 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. 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 (Yeoman) is in eighth grade at Haverford Middle School. He was a member of the Christmas Revels children's chorus in 2004 and 2005, played young Patrick/Peter in Mame in 2007 with RVCO, and played Avery in Charlottes' Web with Elgin Theatre Guild in Saint Thomas, Ontario. He sings with Haverford's select choir, Seventh Heaven and performs with the Kingsessing Morris Men. Back to top
Doug Kurtze (Yeoman) is performing for the first time with Rose Valley, the first time in a G&S operetta, and, umm, the first time in a title role. He has sung chorus parts in Amahl and the Night Visitors, La Perichole, and Pagliacci with the Fargo-Moorhead Civic Opera, and a number of works with the Main Line Ecumenical Choir and Fanshawe Chorus London (Ontario). He sang, danced, and played the Fool (that's a role) in the Philadelphia Christmas Revels, and dances with the Kingsessing Morrismen. Back to top
Daniel A. Libby (Leonard Meryll) first appeared in a G&S opera in Ruddigore with Thespis, Etc., as a member of the chorus and understudy for Richard Dauntless, in 1995, and since then has performed in all 14 (some several times) with Thespis, Etc., Ardensingers, G&S Society of Chester County, and, of course, RVCO. In fact, this is Dan's third go-round with RVCO (following Patience and The Sorcerer). Favorite G&S roles include Lord Tolloller in Iolanthe, Robin Oakapple in Ruddigore, Grosvenor in Patience, Cyril in Princess Ida, Edwin in Trial by Jury, and Timidon/Mars in Thespis. Lest you think Dan a dull boy, he has also portrayed non-G&S characters, such as Jack in Into The Woods, Bert Healy and FDR in Annie, Max in Lend Me A Tenor, Jack/Stephanie in Leading Ladies, Jonathan Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace, and Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Dan has directed The Mikado, Trial by Jury, and A G&S Christmas Carol, and will be directing Thespis, Etc.'s upcoming production of Princess Ida. Chorus welcome! Back to top
Philip Lowery (Yeoman) is appearing in his second G&S production with RVCO. He thanks everyone associated with the show for making it such a rewarding experience. He would also like to take this opportunity to say hello to his daughter, Chloe, so as not to disrupt things by waving to her from the stage. 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
Barb Matheson (Stage Manager) has appeared backstage as Bobette in numerous RVCO shows, including favorites Hansel and Gretel, Carousel, The Red Mill, and Mame. After playing "roles" in business management, she discovered that she was happiest dressed in black, and (mostly) out of sight! Between shows, she likes to travel with her husband, Don, a long-time RVCO member who plays trombone in the orchestra. Back to top
Jack McEwen (Yeoman, Treasurer) was Ike Pilersheim in Plain and Fancy, Piet in The Red Mill, Liver-Lips Louie in Guys and Dolls, and Bob Barking in Me and My Girl. "This is my 11th season with RVCO. It's always a great time." Back to top
Bill Michael (Yeoman, Web Master, Graphic Designer, Church Liaison) joined RVCO in 1992 and has appeared in many of our productions, most recently he was Jacob Yoder in Plain and Fancy. He met his wife, Kathy, through RVCO and has now performed in many shows on our stage with his children, Maggie and Richie. Besides being on stage, he has worn many other hats over the years, including vice president, set designer, stage manager, construction chair, lighting crew, stage crew, membership chair, and house manager. Back to top
Maggie Michael (Tower Citizen) is an 8th grader here at SHMS and this is her fifth show with Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra. Maggie’s first show was The Yeomen of the Guard which she performed with her dad when she was three. She has also performed in Carousel, Mame, and Plain and Fancy, and did stage crew for H.M.S. Pinafore, all for Rose Valley. She has been seen in Bugsy Malone at Strath Haven Middle School, and played a lead in SHMS’s Spring Musical, which she also helped write. Maggie also loves to play soccer and volleyball, dance, sing, read, play the violin and piano, and write her own stories and plays. Back to top
Richie Michael (Tower Citizen) is performing in his third show ever and is excited to be on stage with his dad, Bill, and sister, Maggie. He previously played Daniel Miller in Plain and Fancy and was the mid-shipmite in last fall's H.M.S. Pinafore. He's is currently taking acting lesson at YPTW under Bob Moore and looks forward to Oklahoma!. Back to top
Caity Moon (Tower Citizen) was a Grisette and dancer in The Merry Widow and is a member of the Amish community as well as a dancer in Plain and Fancy. She has been singing since third grade and loves being in front of people and getting attention. While a student at Marple Newtown High School, she participated in the theater and choral programs for two and a half years. She is currently studying, and getting her associates degree in Early Childhood Education. Back to top
Raymond Murphy (Wilfred Shadbolt) first performed for RVCO in the pit orchestra of the 1985 production of The Yeomen of the Guard. In addition to the many character roles he has played for RVCO, he has also appeared with the Players Club of Swarthmore, Opera Delaware, Thespis, etc., and the Wilmington Drama League. He is employed as a Gardener at Nemours Mansion and Gardens, and has recently been designated as a Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist. He is directed by the Proper Authority through his involvement with the Middletown Baptist Church. He thanks his wife, Janet, for her continuing care and support. 1Co 10:31 Back to top
Edwin Nealley (Jack Point) returns to RVCO as the jester, Point. In previous productions of The Yeomen of the Guard he has played Point once and also Leonard Meryll in RVCO’s 1993 production. Ed last appeared at Rose Valley as Sir Joseph Porter (H.M.S. Pinafore) and as a dancer (in Plain amd Fancy), and before that as Maj. General Stanley (The Pirates of Penzance). Other recent roles include Dr. Daly (The Sorcerer) for Thespis, Etc., Sir Despard Murgatroyd (Ruddigore) for The Ardensingers, Giuseppe (The Gondoliers) for G&S Society of Chester Cty., and Ko-Ko (The Mikado) for Bucks County. G&S Society. When not performing, Ed is a System Administrator and Data Analyst for supplyFORCE in King of Prussia. His special thanks go out to the constant love and support of his talented wife, Kate, and daughter, Sara, without whom his performing would not be possible. Along with Ko-Ko and Dr. Daly, Jack Point was one of the roles which Bruce Montgomery, Ed's friend and mentor at Penn and at G&SSCC was most fond of playing. In 2010 Ed has had the opportunity to play all three, and he would like to dedicate this third production to Bruce, who passed away in 2008 but whose teaching, gifts and friendship will not be shortly forgotten. Back to top
Katherine P. Nealley (Stage Director) is delighted to return to work with Rose Valley Chorus. The Yeomen of the Guard is her sixth show as stage director for RVCO, most recently having directed The Merry Widow (2008) and The Pirates of Penzance (2006), and previous productions of Cox & Box, Brigadoon, and H.M.S. Pinafore. She also worked on past R.V.C.&O. productions of The Yeomen of the Guard, Patience, My Fair Lady, and Ruddigore. Kate has also directed Princess Ida, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Mikado, Utopia Limited, and Trial by Jury for other local theater groups, and has frequently choreographed for area High Schools. Kate danced professionally with the Miami Ballet, and has a lifelong interest in social dance forms. Kate and her husband Edwin met in the Rose Valley production of Ruddigore in 1990, and their talented daughter Sara joins them onstage in this Rose Valley production. Back to top
Sara Nealley (Kate) has been interested in Gilbert & Sullivan since before she was born, and she is excited to debut with RVCO in The Yeomen of the Guard as Kate. She recently played Peep-Bo (The Mikado) with both Thespis Etc. and Bucks County G&S Society, Lily Craven (The Secret Garden) with Drexel Hill Church Players and has also performed with G&S Society of Chester County, with The Ardensingers, and with SavoyNet at the International G&S Festival in England. She is a member of the Haverford High School Chamber Singers, their select Vocal ensemble, and is also a member of the Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars. She studies voice with Andrea Broido. Back to top
Joy Pedrick (Tower Citizen) was in the cast for Plain and Fancy, The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, Ruddigore, and H.M.S. Pinafore, and also sang in the 1985 production of The Yeomen of the Guard. She is part of RVCO's Music in Schools program. She sang in the Ridley Community Chorus and Swarthmore Chorale, plays hand bells at Prospect united Methodist Church and Ridley Park Presbyterian Church, enjoys sewing and candy making. With her family, she enjoys camping and square dancing. Joy is an RN at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park. Back to top
Kyle Pedrick (Tower Citizen) was on stage in The Pirate of Penzance and backstage for Ruddigore. A Junior at Interboro H.S., he played Yertle the turtle in Seussical the Musical. He plays trombone in the jazz band, tuba in the concert band, and sousaphone in the marching band. He sings in the chorus and select choir and does piano accompaniment. He plays hand bells at PUMC and RP Presbyterian Church. He has substituted as organist at PUMC. He has been in GYPPAC since 2nd grade where he was the Lion in The Wizard of Oz. Back to top
Diane Runkel (Tower Citizens) is thrilled to be back on the stage for this production. She loves the music, treasures the friendships, and finds the matter of all the memorization a challenge. She especially appreciates her husband, Bill who is responsible for encouraging her to get into this in the first place! She apologizes for the weeks of torture she puts him through in the process of learning a new show! Thanks Bill! Back to top
Sally Sapega (Tower Citizens) loves being part of RVCO shows! What keeps her coming back is the fun of being onstage and the many wonderful friendships she has formed over the years. Sally has also appeared in shows with Footlighters Theater, Thespis, Etc., and Barnstormers Theater, and is a member of the choral group Schola Cantorum. She thanks her family and friends for all their support and encouragement. Back to top
Caroline Sausman (Costumes) has worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs as an RN for 21 years, of which 18 of those were in Infection Control/Prevention. Sewing has been a major part of her life from the time she was very small and spent time with her paternal grandmother. The time spent with her grandmother lead to her being able to help design and make clothes not only for her family and costumes, but also for herself and other individuals for the "Fur Rendezvous" (an annual week-long event in February in Anchorage Alaska). The costumes required were for the 1800s and many individuals throughout Anchorage wore them at work as well as to several of the costume balls that were held during the week. Prior to becoming an RN, she was a hairdresser for 25 years and competed in many styling competitions. Back to top
Rande Saxe (Tower Citizen, Board Member) is a Temple University School of Music graduate, Taught vocal classroom music and instrumental for 39 years in Springfield township, and in the North Penn school district both in Montgomery county. She recently retired in 2008 and has been enjoying many special interests. She joined RVCO in 2006 and finds each production more enjoyable that the last. Rande dedicates these very fun performances to the three special men in her life: George, Jason, and David. Back to top
Martha Smylie (Dame Carruthers) – a former RVCO president and past recipient of our #1 Award, Martha is a proud Life Member. Appropriately born on Arthur Sullivan's birthday – of course 100-something years later – she’s been a member since 1981 and frequently plays Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance for our Music-in-Schools program. Over a lifetime career on stage she has performed more than 60 roles in Gilbert & Sullivan operas, musicals, dramas and comedies around the Delaware Valley, including nearby Hedgerow Theatre, our original home. As a member of all the G&S societies in the Philadelphia area, she has served three of the societies as president and currently sits on the board of two. She has sung in several International G&S Festivals in Buxton, England, Philadelphia, and Gettysburg. Martha has performed in all 14 operas of the G&S canon, most of them several times over, and has sung most of the contralto roles, some of them many times over. Joy and jollity reign frivolity! She sends you all a big hug! Back to top
Chris Verduin (Tower Citizen) has become a repeated chorus member with RVCO. She began with the last production of Carousel and went on to participate in other shows, including The Mikado, Ruddigore and Plain and Fancy. She also has taken part in RVCO's The Pirates of Penzance for Music in the Schools and more recently our group presenting a variety of broadway pieces. Back to top
Cathy Wakefield (Tower Citizen, Board member) is proud to be a Lifetime Member of RVCO and always enjoys singing and dancing with the Chorus. She has performed with the group since the 1981 production of Die Fledermaus. Favorite shows include Guys and Dolls (1984 and 2004), Plain and Fancy (1986 -onstage with her daughter, Kerri), Mame (2007-as Cousin Fan), 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
Dave Zaffarano (Second Yeoman) Favorite rolls (RVCO): Ezra in Plain and Fancy, Gregor in Mame, Pritschitsch in The Merry Widow. Chorus: The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, Ruddigore, Pinafore. Also was Annibale in The Pirettes of Pennzance at Ardensingers. 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). "Thanks to the very talented RVCO family who let me hang around show after show. And also to Julie, who is my inspiration." Back to top
Julie Zaffarano (Tower Citizen, Secretary) – and her husband, Dave, are blessed to be performing in their fourth season with RVCO. Julie's favorite role was being type-cast as Praskowia in The Merry Widow where she flirted violently and (alas!) unsuccessfully. She wrote and produced, the murder mystery, Vintage with a Vengeance, a successful fund-raiser for RVCO earlier this year. Last season she also performed with GSSCC, Ardensingers, and Philadelphia Gilbert and Sulllivan Union. She and Dave can also be seen in RVCO's Spring 2011 production of Oklahoma!, as well as in Ardensingers' The Goldoliers (Vittoria). 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. "RVCO is a second family to us!" Back to top