Willow Manor Players
Rachel Sweeney (Belle) - Rachel Sweeney is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University Abington Campus with a BA in Integrative Arts. She has pursued her passion for theater arts since childhood and is thrilled to share her love for performance with you on stage tonight at her premier performance here at Willow Manor Players. Rachel has had the pleasure of performing multiple roles in various productions such as Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), Damn Yankees (Lola) , To Kill a Mockingbird (Scout) and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Lucy) and recently in The Music Man (Marian). She has also competed in ICCA, an international collegiate a capella competition with her undergraduate a capella group, The Abingtones. Rachel would like to thank the cast and crew of Beauty and The Beast for all their hard work and dedication! She would like to thank the board of Willow Manor Players for giving her this amazing opportunity. She would also like to thank her parents, her friends and family for coming out to support her tonight. Hope you all enjoy!
Mark Urmson (Beast) - Mark is super excited to be making his Willow Manor Players debut with Beauty and the Beast. He is very happy to have the chance to reprise the same role that gave him his love for theater ten years ago. Past favorite performances include Godspell (Jesus and John the Baptist/Judas), Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney) and Charlie Brown. During the day Mark is the music and art teacher at Good Shepherd in Ardsley. Thanks to all involved in the show for such a great time! As always, much love and thanks to his wife Paula and daughter Ella for their love and support!
Jennifer Corsanico Berger (Mrs. Potts) - Jennifer is thrilled to be making her debut with Willow Manor Players as the beloved Mrs. Potts! A 15 year veteran of Jenkintown Music Theatre, she is grateful to everyone involved with BATB for welcoming her so warmly into the WMP family. Favorite past roles include Penelope Pennywise/Urinetown, Beggar Woman/Sweeney Todd, Miss Hannigan/Annie and Babette/BATB. Jennifer would like to thank her husband Phil, her children Sophie & Max, and all of her family and friends for supporting her love of community theater. xoxo
Brian Beloff (Lumiere) - Brian is extremely excited to be returning to the role of Lumiere with his first Willow Manor Players production! Brian's previous roles include Lord Farquaad (Shrek), Grandpa Joe (Willy Wonka), and General Genghis Khan Schmitz (Suessical). When not acting, he works as a scheduler for Power Home Remodeling Group. Brian would like to thank his parents for their support and his girlfriend, Sarah, for her patience with his busy schedule!
Jack Sariego MD (Cogsworth) - Jack is a Board-certified surgeon and surgical oncologist. He is currently Medical Director for Perioperative Services, Medical Director for the Breast Health Program, and Program Director for the Surgery Education Program at Aria-Jefferson Health System. He is delighted and excited to be part of another outstanding cast at WMP. Jack has extensive theater experience throughout Philadelphia and nationally; he was most recently seen as the Cowardly Lion in WMP's production of "The Wizard of Oz." He lives with his wife Lauren and children Andy and Jessie in Jenkintown. Jack sends his undying love and gratitude to them for their support and for tolerating him as he pursues his passion.
Mitch King (Gaston) - Mitch has performed in many shows after only getting into the music and theter world, again, three years ago. His most recent being the mighty King Triton in the Little Mermaid in the Spring as well as the most handsome Prince Charming in Into the Woods last Fall. Also, he came back into theater with roles such as Anthony in Sweeney Todd and Frederick Barrett in Titanic. Mitch attended Valley Forge Military Academy and had opportunities to perform solos in both Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center. He is excited to make his Willow Manor Debut and appreciates this opportunity.
Tyler Eisenacher (LeFou) - The day my father Odin banished me from Asgard, I was bitten by a vampire and had radioactive waste dumped into my eyes. To make matters worse, my mutant ability to control weather activated just as I was hit by a blast of gamma radiation. Nah, actually, I'm just Tyler not much more than that!
Virginia Lawler (Babette) - Virginia is very excited to be making her Willow Manor Debut! Most recently she was seen as the "The Girl" in The Seven Year Itch at the Broadway Theater of Pitman, other favorite roles include Boeing Boeing (Gretchen), The Graduate (Elaine), Spamalot (Laker Girl), Book of Days (Ruth), Company (Kathy). Much love to her friends and family, her sister Sandy, and her amazing fiancee and frequent co-star Thom!
Marty Amman (Maurice) - This is Marty’s 3rd show with WMP and first lead role, as Maurice. He’s been involved with local neighborhood theater for more years than he cares to mention. Recent credits: Anselmo (Man of la Mancha), Mr Bumble (Oliver), Arvide Abernathy (Guys and Dolls), and a host of others. Thanks to all of the wonderful and talented WMP cast and crew, and to my family and friends for their love and support.
Aedan Daly (Chip) - Aedan began performing with the Young Performers Theater Camp when he was 6 years old until he was 9. He receives performance training and instruction in piano at Leopold Mozart Academy where he has been since 2011. He also studies ballet at Metropolitan Ballet Academy where he has played 'Michael' in Peter Pan and won 1st Place in the Regional Finals of YAGP (Youth American Grand Prix) performing Children's Mazurka from Petipa. Every year he is involved with two outreaches through Metropolitan. One which invites inner city children to come and see a performance, another where they perform for residents at a nursing home.
Sal Pandolfo Jr. (Chip) - Sal Jr. is excited to be part of this wonderful cast and to be in his first show with Willow Manor players. Sal has been acting since he has been 6 and has done national commercials and has been seen on TV on CBS and the USA Networks. Sal is a homeschooled 5th grader and when not acting he enjoys doing Tae Kwon Do , playing Dodge ball and having fun with his friends!
Jennifer Goldberg (Madame De La Grande Bouche) - And what a "Bouche" it is!!! Excited to be on stage with WMP again! She has performed with both WMP and Temple Sinai Players as the following: TRIX the AVIATRIX - "The Drowsy Chaperone", OLD LADY – “The Producers” , ENSEMBLE – “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Anything Goes”, WIDOW CORNEY – “Oliver!”, MOM – “Big”, MISS HANNIGAN – “Annie”, ALMA HiCKS – “The Music Man”, CAPTAIN HOOK – “Peter Pan”, MRS. BRILL - “Mary Poppins”. But the biggest claim to fame right now is the fact that she was The LION – “The Wizard of Oz”, The WITCH - “The Wizard of Oz”, and now....THE WARDROBE!!!! (you can groan now). Thank you Jason for you know what, thank you family ! Love you more!!!
Hudson Marsh (Young Prince) - Hudson is happy to join the talented cast of Beauty & the Beast! He would like to thank everyone involved with the production both on stage and behind the scenes. He'd also like to thank his family and friends for their constant love and support!
Marina Zeccardi Scache (Enchantress) - Marina is happy to join the talented cast of Beauty & the Beast! She would like to thank the cast and crew as well as all of her family and friends for their constant love and support!
Michael Yanoff (Bookseller) - Michael Yanoff (Norbert) is a veteran of Community Theater, having appeared in many Willow Manor and EverybodyTheatre Company’s productions as well as all of Temple Sinai and Upper Dublin Players’ performances. His roles include Fagin in Oliver, The Ghost of Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes, theWizard in The Wizard of Oz, FDR in Annie, Mr. Mushnick in Little Shop of Horrors, Bela Zangler in Crazy for You, Fiorello LaGuardia in Fiorello, Bud Frump in How to Succeed, Mr. Macmillan in Big, General Genghis Schmitz in Seussical the Musical, Lazar Wolf in Fiddler, and Mayor Shinn in The Music Man. He is a shareholder in the Jenkintown law firm of Friedman Schuman, specializing in litigation and real estate matters.
Ashley Lora-Lee (Silly Girl 1) - Ashley is honored that you would be our guest this evening for her first performance with Willow Manor Players! Ashley has performed in a number of theatrical productions since getting her start in community theatre three years ago with Leading Ladies at the Village Players of Hatboro, and in recent years has made her debut on the big screen as well. Beauty and the Beast marks her second time in a musical. Ashley is so thrilled to be a part of this incredible cast and crew, and wants to thank all of them, and all of you, for being here tonight.
Kelsey Kushnir (Silly Girl 2) - Kelsey is happy to part of this talented group. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her!
Rachel Goldberg (Silly Girl 3) - Rachel is proud to be back at Willow Manor Players after taking a year off. She was last seen at WMP as Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone. Other regional credits include Tiny Tom (Urinetown), Minnie Faye (Hello Dolly), and Honor an Angel (Anything Goes). She thanks all of her friends, family, and fiancée Jason for their continual support.
Nicholas Desiato (Monsieur D'argue) - This Nick’s first performance with Willow Manor and his first time in a musical! He previously performed in a satirical comedy called “Date Night” with the Village Players in Hatboro. In his spare time Nick enjoys consorting with his tiny figurines he whittled out of acacia wood that he calls friends.
Thom Harmon (Narrator) - Thom is member of the WMP Board of Directors and is thrilled to be once again joining his fiancé for another adventure on the stage! He'd like to thank the entire cast and production crew as well as all of his family and friends for their support!
Joshua Calderon (Ensemble) - Joshua is a Senior at Penn State Abington. Joshua is a double major in Business, Marketing and Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Joshua has had a love of theater and performance since he was young; he likes to make people smile through the power of performance. He is excited to be a part of Willow Manor Players for the first time and hopes to be apart of future productions. He would like to thank God, his friends and his family for their continuous love and support. Enjoy!
Debbie DeKalb (Ensemble) - Debbie is delighted to be performing in her 11th show with Willow Manor! Some favorite roles include Mae in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (where she met her husband, Rick), Corrie in Barefoot in the Park, Cecily Pigeon AND Olive (the female "Oscar" role) in the Odd Couple, Yenta (with WMP) in Fiddler on the Roof, Aunt Eller (WMP) in Oklahoma Auntie Em in Wizard if Oz (WMP) and Hold Me Touch Me (WMP) in the Producers. She'd like to thank her husband and daughter for putting up with her during the hectic rehearsal schedule and to Sweet Adelines International for giving her the musical education needed to accomplish it.
John Gallagher (Ensemble) - This is my fourth production with Willow Manor, who of thought. I started as SABU in the Producers '13, Fabulous make up artist in The Drowsey chaperone '14, and the barrister in The Wizard of Oz '15'. Now I am proud to be part of the Ensemble cast of Beuty and the Beast. I also appeared in Oliver and Mary Poppins with Temple Sinai theatre. I've enjoyed all the productions I've been in and look forward to a lot more. Unwrap your candy and through flowers at me. On with the Show!
Linda Gold (Ensemble) - Linda has been performing in the Bucks County area for 10 years. Some of her favorite roles-include, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Charlie in Always a Bridesmaid , and many chorus roles as a principle dancer and character acting roles. She enjoys comedic acting the best, and thanks her hubby Steve for his continued support.
Madison Goldberg (Ensemble) - Madison is soooo excited to be on stage for the second time at WMP in her young fourth grade life. This year she is a Townsperson and an adorable enchanted Sugar Spoon! Madi was a Lullaby League Dancer/Munchkin/Poppy in “The Wizard of Oz” at WMP, and played a Penguin in “Mary Poppins” with TSP. She is a 4th grader in the Hatboro-Horsham School district and loves to sing, act, dance around, and play. Madi has three cats at home who sing along with her when she sings.
Erin Gouak (Ensemble) - Erin is a junior at Bishop McDevitt High School and is thrilled to be making her debut with Willow Manor Players. She has only been doing theatre for three years now. In those three years, Erin has had roles in eight musicals, assistant directed a KIDS show, and a Junior show. She also played bass for a musical for the first time over this past summer. Erin has also been in the All Catholic Choir for the past two years and was a part of the 50-person High School Choir for the World Meeting of Families 2015. This is Erin’s third time being involved with Beauty and the Beast and she is just as excited as the first time. She would like to thank all of the cast and crew for putting together a wonderful production. She would also like to thank her friends and family for their constant support. She would especially like to thank her teacher, Mark Urmson, for teaching her everything she knows about music.
Dan Gross (Ensemble) - Dan is excited on his debut with Willow Manor Players. He enjoys being involved in musical plays with his son, David. This is their third play together since January. Dan is very proud to be involved with a beautifully talented group this year at Willow Manor. He wishes the best to the whole cast and crew and is thankful for the support of his wife, Robin.
David Gross (Ensemble) - David is excited be working with the Willow Manor Players in this great production of Beauty and the Beast. Early this year, David has played the part of Winthrop at NVMT and Star Players. Thanks to the entire cast for an awesome experience.
Abigail Heine (Ensemble) - Abby is a 5th grader at Willow Dale Elementary school in Warminster. She has been seen on other local community theater stages and really loves performing! Her favorite performances, besides Beaty and the Beast, include The Wizard of Oz (Lullaby League Munchkin) and Miracle on 34th Street (Susan Walker). When she's not on stage, Abby enjoys gymnastics, singing, riding her bike and playing with friends!
Jessica Heller (Ensemble) - Jessica is thrilled to be back in musical theater again for only the second time ever! Having previously played Aunt Eller in Oklahoma! at Alvernia University, Jessica is excited to channel her inner fine china and be a part of this amazing cast. Most recently, Jessica has been seen with Pulley and Buttonhole Theater Company in its fall 2015 production of Book of Days with cast mates Thom Harmon and Ginny Lawler. Previously, her acting chops graced the Alvernia University stage as everything from a nun to a "woman of the night" in 14 different shows. Some of her favorite performances included: Masha in The Seagull, The Landlady in Good Woman of Setzuan, Lady McDuff in Macbeth, and Jenny in Jenny Does Shakespeare. Jessica would like to send a huge shout-out to Dr. Thomas who got her on the stage, Bridget and Rachel who brought her back to it, and her family for putting up with her dramatic escapades for the past 26 years.
Kim Hendricks (Ensemble) - Kim is honored to be part of this amazingly talented cast. She recently appeared as part of the ensemble in NVMT’s production of The Music Man. Kim is relatively new to the theater scene after suffering from years of stage fright. After mustering up the courage for an audition, she realized that she absolutely loves the stage and the creativity involved in putting on a successful production and hopes to continue her newly-found passion. Offstage, Kim is an Active Duty Navy Nurse on assignment as a full-time graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. She would like to thank her incredible husband and two ridiculously adorable boys, who have been supportive of her endeavors.
Karen Knodel (Ensemble) - Karen is pleased to be a part of WMP for the past fifteen years, both on stage and helping with costumes. Karen has performed in many shows at church, Temple Sinai, and NVMT. She has performed many years with puppetry and ventriloquism, both internationally and locally. When not on the stage, Karen’s passion is helping older children find their “forever homes” through adoption. Karen would like to thank her family and church for all their love, support and encouragement. She would also like to thank her cats, Georgie and Izzy for all their help “supervising” the making of costumes.
Lynne Lavelle (Ensemble) - This year will mark my 9th appearance with Willow Manor Players. It has been great fun and has given me many happy memories to carry into my"Golden Years". Thanks to one and all!
Olivia Morris (Ensemble) - Olivia is thrilled to be a part of Beauty and the Beast! She goes to Abington Junior High school and hopes to continue theatre in the upcoming years. She would like to thank her family for supporting her and the cast and crew for making this show a wonderful experience!
Chris Mudge (Ensemble) - Chris was in her first show with Willow Manor in 2008 when she was part of the ensemble of Music Man. She has been doing at least one show every year since, most while sharing the stage with her much more talented daughter. Favorites include A Christmas Carol, Curtains, and Annie (as Mrs. Pugh). When not on stage she works as a pediatric occupational therapist in Philadelphia and performs with a Renaissance vocal group. She’s thrilled to be joining her daughter on stage again in Beauty and the Beast.
Hannah Mudge (Ensemble) - Hannah first theatre production was Music Man in 2008 with her Mom, and has been performing ever since. Being involved with theatre introduced her to dance, which she fell in love with. She is now an assistant dance teacher as well as a dancer. She graduated from Abington Sr. High school this past school year and now attends Montgomery County Community College and majors in Psychology and Dance.
Kate Murt (Ensemble) - Katie is proud to be performing in the ensemble in her first show with the Willow Manor Players! She previously appeared onstage in Beauty and the Beast as Mrs. Potts, and has also performed as Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan as well as in the ensemble of The Will Rogers Follies and Annie Get Your Gun. Katie is a graduate of Penn State University where she studied literature and theater, and she hopes to continue her involvement with Willow Manor Players for years to come! Thanks to the cast, crew, and production staff for a great experience.
Abby Sorenson (Ensemble) - Abby is 10 years old and a 5th grader at Calvary Christian Academy. She enjoys dance, sports of all kinds (especially basketball), and spending time with friends. She absolutely loves drama and desires to star in TV or movies someday! She has thoroughly enjoyed every minute working on Beauty and the Beast, her debut performance in community theater.
Barbara Wertheimer (Ensemble) - Barbara is thrilled to be back on stage with Willow Manor Players after an eight year hiatus. Previous shows with Willow Manor Players include Fiddler on the Roof (Frumah Sarah), Oklahoma, Crazy for You, and The Music Man. In pursuit of her life-long love of musical theater, Barbara has also done set design and painting for the Beth Sholom/AJ Players for Seussical, Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Shrek, and Fiddler on the Roof. She appeared as Mama Ogre in Shrek for the Beth Sholom/AJ Players. Her day job finds her at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy in Northeast Philadelphia in the role of Executive Director.
Harriet Zeff (Ensemble) - Harriet is thrilled to be back on the WMP stage after appearing as Mrs Tottendale in "Drowsy Chaperone ". A few of her favorite roles.....Golda in Fiddler, Rose in Gypsy, Miss Hannigan in Annie and Domina in Forum.
Love to hubby and family!
Production Crew
Teresa Beaucheane (Director) - Enjoying her second season as Director for WMP, Teresa would like to thank the WMP board and the production team of supportive and hardworking people who don’t get a curtain call, but who make the ideas become reality. And she thanks the cast for working so hard to create our version of this ‘tale as old as time.’ It was also a pleasure to direct her son Nick for the first time. For her next project, she hopes to be working on stage again with another local theater company. Teresa dedicates this production to her Mom and brother Joe. 1 Samuel 16:7b
David Zagorski (Music Director) - BATB marks David's 5th year as Music Director for WMP. He is an instrumentist at St.John Cantius Church, plays with the Sounds of Swing Big Band and is the Assistant Music Director of Fralinger String Band.
Cindy Paul (Choreographer) - Cindy is thrilled to be choreographing for Willow Manor this year! She has performed as a dancer with WMP in The Producers in 2013 and Guys and Dolls in 1999. Cindy has been the choreographer for JMT since 2003 and has danced in many of their productions as well. She has also choreographed for Young People’s Theater 2004-2006, Summer Theater Camps 2006-2008, and Philly Fringe in 2013. She also choreographed and performed in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Barn in April 2016. Cindy studied music and dance at UNLV and has a BA in Communications & Theater from Temple. Two of her favorite roles over the years were Kristine in “A Chorus Line” and Lady Larkin in “Once Upon A Mattress.” It has been an honor and a pleasure working with this wonderful cast & crew of talented and really nice people. Thank you to my family and friends for your never ending love and support!
Sandy Orwig (Costume Coordinator) - Sandy is celebrating her 25th year creating costumes for WMP. She is a third generation 'costumer' and is happy to be part of a group so committed to the community theater tradition. She has worn many hats through the years and enjoys being part of the backstage team that brings the show to "life".
Linda Worrall (Producer) - I have been involved with Willow Manor for many years, on and off stage. Meeting such talented people is such a thrill. The Kletzing's and Oski's have touched my heart with warmth and gratitude. It is because of their passion for the Theater that we continue to move forward to carry on their dream. I hope everyone involved can experience that same feeling I have from this group!
Kevin Gallagher (Producer) - Kevin has been involved in community theater for over 30 years. In the last few years he has been particularly busy as Producer for our WMP productions and as Vice President of the Board. He wants to thank all of you who continue to support the local community theater effort.
John Rudolf (Technical Director) - John is proud to be a part of Beauty and The Beast! He works with several local Theatre companies, and he is a proud Board Member of JMT, inc. He directs the spring musical at his alma mater, Bishop McDevi# HS. A Jenkintown-ian for the past 30+ years, John is married to the adorable Darcie who encourages and supports his artistic endeavors. A big hug to BAB, AEL, & BLC.
Claire Lozowicki (Stage Manager) - In is down, down is front....Out is up, up is back...And of course right is left, left is right.
A running crew rarely gets anywhere....A trap will not catch anything...Strike is work, a lot of work....
A spike has nothing to do with a ball or alcohol....Just find it on cue...And the green room, fortunately is NOT!
Now that you know the lingo, Break a leg. Not really.
“Let’s do the magic”. Shout out to stage left!
Thanks team.
Ed Conrad (Accompaniest) - Ed has been involved in the area theater scene for over 35 years. He has worked with many community theater groups, including Jenkintown Music Theater, Willow Manor Players, Yardley Players, the Barn Playhouse, both as an actor and musical director, and has many years experience as a choral conductor, most recently as the director of the Abington Choral Club, where he held the position for 18 years. Ed would like to thank the staff of “Beauty and the Beast” for giving him the opportunity to be involved on this production with such talented people. And a huge thank you to his wife and daughter, Becky and Emily, for their patience during these many weeks of rehearsal.