CAST LIST for The Gondoliers

Bios

Todd Andrews (Gondolier) has been with RVCO since 2024 when he helped out with house and stage crew. This is the second time he's in the ensem-ble, with the first being State Fair earlier this year. It's wonderful to be back in musical arts after about 30 years away from it. Back to top

Don Cheetham (Giorgio) is remembering the time he fell off of a punt he was poling in England, right into the startled occupants of a nearby punt. This show is not typecasting. Previous RVC&O shows include Dave Miller in State Fair the Steward in 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 (Properties Manager) is proud to be part of this year;s prodution of The Gondoliers. Her recent productions with Rose Valley include State Fair, The Pirates of Penzance, Cinderella, High Society, Patience, and H.M.S. Pinafore. She has worn many hats in her years with RVC&O and is happy to contribute to this year's production. Back to top

Faith Donaher (Vittoria) is delighted to be returning for her fifth 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 The Gondoliers and Isabel in The Pirates of Penzance. Back to top

Dave Elder (Gondoier) is greatly appreciative for the chancd to sing again with Rose Valley after many years of singing with other G&S groups in all but two shows fo the G&S canon. The Gondolier, a particularly enjoyable show for the choristers to take part in thanks to its enthusiastic lyricism, is a particularly rewarding experience. Back to top

Lisa Franks (Frametta) is delighted to return to the RVCO stage for her 3^rd G&S production. Lisa previously appeared with RVC&O as Melissa Frake in State Fair, Godmother in Cinderella, Mrs. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol - The Musical. She understudied Charlotte Hay (Moon Over Buffalo, Walnut St. Theatre). Other community theater roles 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). When not on stage, Lisa can be found teaching French at Villanova University. Back to top

Genevieve Hahn (Casilda) is thrilled to return to RVC&O after her debut with the company last tall as Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance. Her Gilbert and Sullivan credits also include Rose Maybud in Ruddigore and Lady Rosie Pippin in The Emerald Isle with The Ardensingers, for whom she is also a board member. Genna graduated summa cum laude trom the University of Delaware in 2023 with a Master's in Vocal Performance and a Master's in Flute Performance. She is the Artist-in-Residence at Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church and a freelance musician based in Newark, DE. To learn more her, visit www.genevievehahn.com. Back to top

Jocelyn Hall (Contadina) is excited to perform in her third show with RVCO. Previously she was on stage as a townsperson for Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella and State Fair. She also performed in two shows with Spotlight Theatre: Come Together: Music From the Beatles and Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. Jocelyn's love of music has led her to be in the chorus at school. She enjoys playing the flute and piano. Jocelyn also enjoys other activities such as travel soccer, tennis, and dance. Back to top

Anne Hamilton (Sound Engineer) (she/they) is incredibly excited to be running the sound for this production ot The Gondoliers! Although she has not worked with this company betore, Anne has mixed sound for all sorts of shows; from tap to burlesque to musicals, they've heard it all! Most of her experience has been in theater tech for Tufts University's theater department. Atter graduating this past May, they have been working in theater freelance and working for Lower Merion Players as a technical theater coach. They hope you enjoy the show and maybe you'll see her work at other events around Philly soon! Back to top

Jennifer Heller (Contadina) is “thrilled” to be in The Gondoliers with her beloved RVC&O family. This marks Ms. Heller's 12^th of the 14 operettas written by Gilbert and Sullivan and she looks forward to completing the Canon. Regarding this production, she shared, “It's hard work but truly a joy with such talented and supportive directors, cast, and crew. As always, I hope this show might inspire an audience member to explore a new hobby. It's a wondertul community and there's something for everyone both onstage and behind the scenes.” Back to top

Laura Hull (Tessa) Is happy to be pertorming again with RVCO! Past roles include Lady Saphir in Patience, Peep Bo in The Mikado, and Melissa in Princess Ida. Laura has also pertormed with the Ardensingers and numerous G&S productions with the Savoy Company in Philadelphia. Laura thanks her husband Rob and their three cats for their love and support. Back to top

Doug Kurtze (Gondolier) last appeared as Sgt. Pincher in the Ardensingers' production of The Emerald Isle. With Rose Valley he has played Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore, Dr. Daly in The Sorcerer, Timidon in Thespis, Giorgio in The Gondoliers, and the Foreman in Trial by Jury. He has 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 hım dancıng with the Kingsessing Morris Men. Back to top

Marie Maguire (Contidina) is happy to be in her fourth production with RVCO. She loves performing with this wonderfully talented cast and production company. Her first production with RVC&O was in the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta Patience in the fall of 2023. Last spring, she performed in State Fair. Marie has performed in all 13 Gilbert and Sullivan shows as of the spring of 2024, where she perfomed in The Grand Duke with The Savoy Company of Philadelphia. She has sung and danced in 38 Gilbert and Sullivan productions with The Savoy Company, the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chester County, and Thespis, including a speaking part in Princess Ida. Marie started out as a student of dance, then studied acting at many acting schools, including the Philadelphia Repertory Company, People's Light & Theater, etc. She has been a student of voice with a local professional singer since 2007. She's an entrepreneur, author, and business consultant. Marie is thankful to her husband, family, and friends for their support of her stage performances. Back to top

Florrie Marks (Music Director) is a past recipient of the Best Musical Director award at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival and has music directed the entire G&S canon. Other directing credits include Allenberry Playhouse, the G&S Society of Chester County, Penn Singers, rdensingers, Ridgewood. (Nu) 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. Betore 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 The Pirates of Penzance and State Fair, and she is delighted to return thisfall to direct this delightful comic opera. Back to top

Paula McGeary (Gondolier) is performing in her third show with RVCO. She was previously a townsperson in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella and State Fair. She is grateful for all the wonderful people she has met in this group and appreciates her family for all their support.Back to top

Albert Melli (Gondolier) Albert first joined RVC&O for the Fall 1982 production of Trial by Jury and was active in many productions until November 2000 when he played Leonard Meryl in Yeomen of the Guard. During that period he also appeared in productions with Ardensingers and Thespis Etc. and other groups. He is happy to return to the group after a 25-year break! Back to top

Bill Michael (Stage Manager, Webmaster) has been involved in community theater for over 30 years, mostly with RVCO. He has done many roles on- and off -stage including being the producer and playing Harry for our last show, State Fair. Back to top

Kathy Michael (Lighting Operator, House Manager, RVCO Secretary) s a Life Member of RVC&O and has held many positions within the group including Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, House Manager, and Stage Director. She currently serves as the Secretary on the KVCO Board. In the last tew seasons, she directed State Fair and Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. Away from the theater, Kathy is involved in her local library and enjoys traveling with her husband, Bill, and family. Back to top

Philip Milone (Lighting Designer)Originally from Richmond Va, Philip has been designing shows for the last 20 years. Some favorite credits include Matilda, Cinderella, Kiss Me, Kate, Spamalot, Man of LaMancha, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Philip works with Next Generation Theatre and is looking forward to their production of 42nd Street. Philip and his wite, Erin, run their own company, rexy Events & Theatrical, providing design, rental and event services. Back to top

Robert Moore (Annibale, Make-Up Designer) is a proud Life Member since 1974, has previously served on the Exec Board, and has directed many shows here including State Fair last Spring. He has created countless principal roles over the years and holds an MA in Theatre from Villanova University. He has professional credits in theatre, him, and touring companies and currently is on the artistic statt of the Next Generation Youth Theatre in Swarthmore. He has worked at such theatres as Players Club of Swarthmore, Candlelight Dinner Theatre, The Brandywiners LTD, Villanova University Theatre, Young Peoples Theatre Workshop and many others. Last Summer he played Lord Clapham in Something Rotten at Longwood Gardens Open Air Theatre! He dedicates this pertormance to the memory of his parents, his friends Bonnie and Roger, and Elle Hurd. Thank you for supporting live theatre and RVC&O – enjoy the show!! Back to top

Ray Murphy (Duke) has worn many hats with RVC&O, from playing in the pit, to tackling sets with the tech crew, lingering on the lighting cues, handling the house, practicing patience with the parking lot, and course, chewing the scenery whilst onstage. His most recent role was that of a Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance, and he has also appeared with RVC∧O as Ko-Ko in The Mikado, Zeus in Thespis, Colonel Caverly in Patience, Sir Joseph Porter KCB in H.M.S. Pinafore,Wilfred Shadbolt in The Yeomen of the Guard, and Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man, in addition to significant roles in Vintage with a Vengeance, Nailed in Vegas, Radio Days, Iolanthe, Ruddigore, and Trial bu Jury. He turned up at Ardensingers in Sullivan's The Emerald Isle, and took a turn as Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows at Opera Delaware. He is appreciative to his wife Jan who supports his theatrical habit, and gives thanks and praise for his gifts at New Hope Christian Church in Broomall. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Back to top

Steve Naz (Gondolier, RVCO Board Member) returns for his seventh consecutive show with RVC∧O. He says, “I'm living proof that anyone can join a community theater later in life. It's a beautiful thing to be part of the shared effort that makes a script and a musical score come alive on the stage.” 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 (Giuseppe, RVCO Board Treasurer) returns to Venice in The Gondoliers, his 39th show with RVC&O, after playing The Duke of Plaza-Toro in the 2014 production. Recent RVCO performances include The Pirates of Penzance (MaJ. General Stanley), and Patience (Colonel Calverley) as well as High Society (Seth Lord) in 2023. Other local performances include The Gondoliers (Giuseppe) with Bucks County G&S and The Emerald Isle (Professor Bunn) with Ardensingers, as well as singing chorus with Del. Val. Opera Co. (Marriage of Figaro) and with Wilmington Concert Opera (The Tales of Hoffman). The Gondoliers was a favourite of Queen Victoria, It's one of Ed's as well, and he hopes it will become one of yours. Back to top

Katherine Nealley (Stage Director) is thrilled to be back at RVC&O directing The Gondoliers. Kate has directed all 14 G&S Operettas, including Bruce Montgomery's musical setting of Thespis. She has also directed other Operettas and Musicals including Naughty Marietta, Die Fledermaus, The Merry Widow, The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, Brigadoon, and Oklahoma!. Kate and her husband Ed met in an RVC&O production of Ruddigore back in 1990, so G&S and musical theater have run in their family. She also designed and created several of the Court costumes in the 2nd Act. Their daughter, Sara, is an operatic Soprano, currently in post-graduate studies at Peabody Conservatory, most recently having sung in The Tales of Hoffmann in Wilmington (Antonia cover) and Alice Tierney in Philadelphia (Quinn). Kate danced protessionally with the Miami Ballet, and she has a lifelong interest in social dance forms and historic costume. She serves as a teacher and caller for both English and Scottish Country Dancing locally. Back to top

Sarah Norton (Isabel) is excited to return to RVC&O for another show after playing Isabel in The Pirates of Penzance last year! Sarah is proudly neurodivergent and disabled and is passionate about disability rights. She thanks her two beagles at home, Naomi and Radar, as well as their sister “Puppygail” who is no longer with us on earth but who is always in our heart: and thoughts, for their continual support and goof antics. Back to top

Caroline Pashos (Contadina) is excited to be joining the Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra for their production of The Gondoliers. She has been singing tor the past six years with the Delaware Valley Opera Company, where she currently serves as the Chorus Manager and as a Board Member. Her credits there include La rondine, Carmen, The Merry Widow, Dialogues of the Carmelites, Les contes d'Hoffmann, Susannah, Cavalleria rusticana, Pagliacci, Le nozze di Figaro, and Dido and Aeneas. She graduated in 2017 from Temple University with a B.A. in Theatre. Outside theatre, her interests are in aviation, nature, roller coasters, and sports. Back to top

Brian Rubino (Gondolier) is thrilled to be one of the young recruits to this pitter-pattering throng of revelers! His RVC&O credits include Very Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol - The Musical (2019), Midshipmıte in H.M.S. Pinafore (2022), and Royal Page ın Cinderella (2024). Additional credits ınclude playıng Shrek ın Upper Darby Summer Stage's 2024 Magic Makers showcase and the Bookseller in his middle school's 2025 production of Beauty and the Beast. Brian can also be found playing the cello and spell-casting in his middle school's D&D club. Back to top

Chris Rubino (Marco, Set Designer, Producer, RVCO President) hhas been performing with RVC&O since 2011. Notable roles include Charlie in Brigadoon, Toler in Iolanthe, Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, Ralph in H.M.s. Pinafore, and The Prince in Cinderella. Notable set designs include The Sorcerer (2018), A Christmas Carol - the Musical (2019), High Society (2023), The Pirates of Penzance (2024), and State Fair (2025). “Much love to my wife Meagan and our two sons Marc and Brian, one of whom is apprenticed to a gondolier.” Back to top

Meagan Rubino (Gianetta, Set Designer, Program) rather thinks you should enjoy this production of The Gondoliers! Previously with RVC&O, she greeted you gally as Edıth ın The Pirates of Penzance, was obnoxious as Portia in Cinderella, and struck an aesthetic pose as Lady Ella in Patence. She has also pertormed with the Ardensingers, Penn Singers, and the Philadelphia Gilbert &Sullivan Union. Meagan is a proud member of the faculty of School of the Future in Philadelphia and a ardent advocate of public education and civil service in Uppere darby Township. To my McNuggets: “I love you to the moon and back!” To Marco: “Does she look less than 45 to you?!” Back to top

Kathy Sarlson (Giulia) s delighted to make her RVC&O debut! Recent credits include Kınky Boots (Trish) and Jesus Christ Superstar with Viviana Theatre, and Pippin with the Ohev Players. She also stage-managed Into the Woods with Viviana. Offstage, Kathy works as a nonprofit consultant. She is deeply grateful to Florrie, Kate, and the cast for their warm welcome, and sends love always to Ben, Lily, and Aaron. Back to top

Joyce Severin (Inez, Contadina) is very excited to be once again appearing with RVC&O in this year's production of The Gondoliers as Inez and in the Ensemble. Her last performance was in State Fair as the Emcee and in the Ensemble. When not pertorming with RVC&O, Joyce sings with the Havertown Choristers, the William Penn Community Chorus, and the St. Andrew's Choir. Off-stage Joyce is the proud mother of 4 grown children. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support Back to top

Brenda Rose Simkin (Duchesss) debuts with RVC&O in a role where her age, size, and loud voice will finally be put to good use. At Columbus Light Opera, 30 years ago, she was a maiden in The Pirates of Penzance. Brenda Rose sang with The Philadelphia Singers Chorale and Voces Novae et Antiquae. She has pertormed in the chorus tor Delaware Valley Opera Company and for Pig Iron Theatre's A Period of Animate Existence. Brenda Rose is a soloist at St. Luke's Lutheran Church Devon and belongs to the Vox Amadeus Ensemble. She teaches music and theatre at Wilmington Montessori School. In January, she will become a grandmother.Back to top

Jeff Swafford (Antonio, RVCO Board Member) enjoys spending time with his RVC&O family. Recent RVCO roles include roles include State Fair (Abel Frake), The Pirates of Penzance (Samuel)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). Jeff enjoys camping, the shore, Italian food, red wine, and hopes to revive his love of piano and photography. Back to top

Joseph ‘Joe’ Tassone (Francesco) is excited to be making his Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra debut in The Gondoliers! Other production credits include Chorus in The Emerald Isle (Ardensingers, Spring 2025), and Lead Piano for High School Musical, Footloose and Jesus Christ Superstar. He will also portray Edwin in an upcoming production of The Pirettes of Penzance (Ardensingers, Spring 2026). He is grateful to the members of RVC&O for being friendly and welcoming, and to his girlfriend Emma for her love and support. Back to top

Tim Tillman (Luiz) is excited to perform with RVC&O - for the fourth time - in The Gondoliers. Hailing originally from Baltimore, Tim has called Delaware County home for over 12 years. Tim joined RVC&O in Spring of 2024 and has performed with the group in their recent productions of Cinderella, The Pirates of Penzance, and State Fair. Tim recognizes and thanks his family for their support for his passion for the stage. When not in rehearsal or at work, Tim can be tound playing games and sports with his family, or running somewhere on the roads and trails of Delaware county. Back to top

Sharon Weil-Chalker (Contadina) is thrilled to be in her fourth RVCO production - the un-staged State Fair (pandemic!), H.M.S. Pinafore, and Patience being the other three - after a decades-long hiatus from theater. Much gratitude to Katherine and Florrie and this fun and talented cast. Sharon sings baritone with Philadelphia Freedom Chorus (Sweet Adelines). She sang with Northwestern University Singers, the Swarthmore College Chorus, and the Singing Moms. Favorite roles: By My Side (Godspell), Sylvia Barrett (Up the Down Staircase), Handel's Messiah singalongs, and Hoopla Barker (State Fair). Sharon is a pediatric cardiologist (easier than singing and dancing at the same time). She plays flute, some piano, and very little guitar, and loves tap, salsa, and achata. “There's always time for Cachucha!” Back to top

Heidi Williams (Daughter) is excited to join the chorus of RVC&O for The Gondoliers. She has enjoyed getting to know everyone and singing with such a tun and joyful group of singers and directors. When not singing, she enjoys teaching guitar, voice and ukulele. She is looking forward to many more performances with RVC&O in the coming years. She is grateful to everyone who has encouraged her to sing: family, friends, teachers whoe wouldn't give up on her, God, for giving her a voice, and her husband, Randahl, for his steadfast encouragement to sing. Back to top