Willow Manor Players
Meet The Cast of Our 2017 Production of:
Ragtime
Tyreese Kadle (Coalhouse Walker, Jr.) - Tyreese is thrilled to be making his Willow Manor in one of his favorite musicals. Credits include: RAGTIME (Coalhouse) King of Prussia Players, EDGES (Man 1) Playcrafters Theater, and YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN (Snoopy) Stars of Tomorrow Cabaret. He wants to thank his friends and family for their endless support and encouragement that has helped him flourish in his theatrical pursuits.
Queade Dweh (Sarah) - Although she is new to the community theatre world, Queade has performed lead roles in shows
such as Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Music Man and Phantom of the Opera and more. This past year she competed and won first place in three musical theatre competitions; one of which was national! Academically, Queade recently graduated from Berklee College of Music, where she gained her bachelors in Music Business. She then moved to Spain to further her education at Berklee, and earned her masters in Global Entertainment & Music Business where she focused on topics related to entrepreneurship. HUGE thank you Lisa Willson DeNolfo for not only being a great voice teacher, but for always taking the time to encourage me to pursue my career in theatre. I don’t know what I would be doing with my life if I wasn’t singing. Also special thanks to acting coach Jennifer Johns for helping me to dig deeper as an actress. To my parents, family,
and friends whom have sacrificed sleep, money, and gas in order for my dreams to come true - I LOVE YOU dearly!
Nickolas Desiato (Tateh) - Nick is making his second appearance with the Willow Manor Players. He performed last year as Monsieur D’Arque in Beauty and the Beast. He performed for Without A Cue Productions in the American Idol parody for Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre as Simon Cowell. Nick would like to thank his lovely wife Joy for her support while during this production. Also my four kids for dealing with my rehearsal schedule.
Jim McDermott (Father) - Jim is very happy to be making his debut with the Willow Manor Players and this fabulous cast. He has been directing and performing in Community Theatre for the past 34 years with The Theatre Company of Port Richmond in Philadelphia. Jim would like to thank his family for their love and support of his passion.
Lisa Starke (Mother) - Lisa is honored to be a part of this talented cast! She most recently played Roxie (Chicago) with King of Prussia Players. Previous roles with Willow Manor Include Janet van de Graaff (Drowsy Chaperone), Dorothey (The Wizard of Oz), Marian (The Music Man), and Hope (Anything Goes). Roles with Jenkintown Music Theatre include Alice Beane (Titanic), Little Becky Two-Shoes (Urinetown), Irene Mallow (Hello Dolly), Nellie (South Pacific), Rosabella (The Most Happy Fella), and Joanna (Sweeney Todd). Lisa has also performed for regional theaters, Disney Cruise Line and TheatreworksUSA. Thanks her little loves - Maelle and Bixby - and her amazing husband for his unending support. Much love to the cast and crew!!!
Larry McLaughlin (Grandfather) - Larry returns to the stage after a 10 year hiatus for the opportunity to appear with his daughter and grandson (Kim & Lucas McCabe) Thanks Suzie.
Ben Pederson (Little Boy) - Favorite roles include A Christmas Story (Ralphie), To Kill A Mockingbird (Jem), Gypsy (Newsboy), School of Rock (Zack), Tommy (10 year old Tommy), Fiddler on the Roof (Avram). Thanks to Mr. Rudolf and the whole Willow Manor family for this wonderful opportunity and to Lisa Willson for her guidance and support. Love to my family!
Steve Brown (Booker T. Washington) - Steve is very happy to performing with Willow Manor Players again. He is also very humbled to be reprising his role of Booker T. Washington in this production. He has enjoyed performing in the productions of Big River as "Jim", in CROWNS as "The Man", in Sweet Charity as "Big Daddy, in Chicago as "The MC", and "Charlemagne" in Pippin. He has performed with the Philadelphia Opera Company, Savoy Opera Company in Philadelphia, and with the Pennsbury Chorus in Carnegie Hall in the World Debut of "Dewi Sant". He has completed his Master's
Degree at Holy Family University. He is currently employed as a Fraud Strategy Specialist at the Bank of New York. He is an avid reader, loves to play his piano and take midnight drives to nowhere
Samara Reibstein (Little Girl) - Samara is thrilled to be making her theatrical debut with Willow Manor Players. Samara is a 4th grade student at Rydal Elementary School. She enjoys playing softball, reading and playing with friends. Samara would like to thank her parents for their endless encouragement and support.
Tyler Ball (Harry Houdini) - Tyler is excited be appearing in his first show with Willow Manor Players. He has appeared in numerous roles including Rapunzel's Prince in Into the Woods, Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Smudge in Forever Plaid. Tyler moved to Pennsylvania in 2016 with his wife and 2 children and works out of his home as a software developer. Other than singing, he has found a passion in Crossfit which keeps him fit and feeling younger than he really is.
Paul Ellis (Henry Ford) - This is Paul’s eleventh WMP production, beginning way back in 1994 with “Irene”.Some past favorite roles include Alan Swann (My Favorite Year), Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Anything Goes),Fred (A Christmas Carol), and George (Drowsy Chaperone). Paul is also a long time member of Jenkintown Music Theatre, and has performed with MCT and The Barn Playhouse. A retired Radiologist, Paul and his wife, Mary Lynn, (and Nellie the Schnauzer) live the good life in Jenkintown. Congratulations to a wonderful cast and crew for bringing this powerful story to our stage!
Jennifer Corsanico Berger (Emma Goldman) - Jennifer is delighted to be returning to the WMP stage in Ragtime, one of her favorite musicals, and thanks her family for their support. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - MLK
Chelsea Pisula (Evelyn Nesbit) - Chelsea hails from Wyncote, PA and is very excited to be making her WMP debut! Chelsea has trained at The Broadway Theatre Project, Temple University, & CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, and holds a degree in Musical Theatre Performance. Favorite past roles include Snoopy (You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown), Esther Smith (Meet Me In St. Louis), and Sheila (A Chorus Line). In her "free time", Chelsea enjoys doting on her giant, fluffy polar bear dog, Daisy, raising chickens, crafting for her online shop (Storybook Craft Co), and planning Disney vacations for all of her friends and family. Much love to John & the whole Kreines fam, especially the Irish Setters.
Erin Morton (Sarah's Friend) - Erin has led many musicals in the comfort of her living room, but is delighted to be formally taking the stage for the first time in the Willow Manner Players production of Ragtime. Many thanks to Mommy, Ka and Wex who have put up with self-directed vocal training, encourage me to try new things, and are always ready with a round of applause and loving support. Special shout out to Thom Harmon, WMP alum, for sending me the audition form!"
Keith Tracton (Willie Conklin) - Keith is pleased to be returning to Willow Manor players after a decade plus hiatus. He is thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to reprise the role of Willy Conklin. Keith would like to thank the amazing cast crew and staff of this Willow Manor Players production, who make it ridiculously and ironically comfortable playing the bad guy. Their support is is truly and always appreciated. That support is only surpassed by his love for G+G, D, I, S and all the siblings, siblings in law, nieces, nephews, their children and family-friends. Love you all. Thanks for letting me play.
Mark Urmson (Admiral Peary) - Mark is excited to be back for yet another show with WMP but even more excited to be on stage with Paula once again singing and dancing! Mark is a music and art teacher at Good Shepherd Catholic during the school year and highly involved in theater all year long, on and off stage. Enjoy the show!
Meg Waldowski (Brigit) - Meg is very happy to be back on stage with WMP in this wonderful show...Meg's most recent roles include Drowsy Chaperone, (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast). Thank you family for your support....
Teraya Arrington (Ensemble) - I am very honored and thrilled to be in this production of Ragtime. Willow Manor Players welcomed a newbie like me with open arms! I performed a lot when I was younger but this is my first community theater musical! Aside from theater, I am a teacher. This has been an amazing experience and I know this won't be my last production with Willow Manor Players. Enjoy the show!!
Karen Bryan (Ensemble) - Returning for her fifth show with willow manor players, Karen continues to excel as curtain person #3. She is thrilled that she doesn’t have to wear an apron in this show...oh wait. In all seriousness she loves being on stage in any capacity, in any costume. Thank you to all my friends and family who forever support me.
Malachi Campbell (Ensemble) - Malachi is a junior at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School. I am excited to be joining the cast for Ragtime because it is an experience to meet new people and also gain experience from a musical.
Debbie Dekalb (Ensemble) - Debbie is delighted to be performing with Willow Manor again! Some favorite roles include Mae in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (where I met my 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. My thanks to my husband and daughter for putting up with me and my rehearsal schedule and to Sweet Adelines International for giving me the musical education needed to accomplish it. Thanks to the awesome production crew who always make us look our best!!
Sydney DiFebbo (Ensemble) - Sydney is excited to join the Willow Manor Players for her first community theater experience. Sydney is an 8th grade student at Cedarbrook Middle School. She was in Cedarbrook’s performance of Sister Act (Ensemble) and is a member of the Pennsylvania Girlchoir. Sydney would like to thank her family, friends, and fellow cast mates for their support.
Andrea Folks (Ensemble) - A federal prosecutor by day, Andrea has performed almost every year since 2005 in WMP productions, beginning as The Fiddler in “Fiddler On The Roof” (she is a violist) and then in various ensemble roles. She served for 3 years on the WMP Board. Each Spring, Andrea also performs with Jenkintown Music Theatre. She has been waiting for “Ragtime” and is thrilled to be included among this remarkably talented cast. Truly grateful to husband Mark for his loving support.
John Gallagher (Ensemble) - It warms my cockles to be back at Willow Manor to perform in Ragtime. Could it be 5 years ago that I first took the stage of WMP in "The Producers" as the critically acclaimed Sabu. I have, as you must heard, taken a hiatus from the Broadway Revival of the Smash Hit J. Edgar The Musical. Where I stared in the title role. They've begged me to play Aron Burr in Hamilton, to give credibility to that adorable little endeavor. But I've returned to the theatre company where it all started and to perform with such a Fabulous group of people, artist all, well my publicist insist it's great Bio fodder. As a member of the Ensemble and the reporter I try not to draw focus. Apparently I do that. Well enjoy the show and please do look for me on Broadway. Did I mention I am clinically delusional
Jennifer Goldberg (Ensemble) - This is my 7th production with WMP and proud to be a part of RAGTIME! My claim to fame right now is that I have been the Lion and the Witch in The Wizard of Oz, and Madame De La Grande Bouche (Wardrobe) in Beauty and the Beast…..therefore, I have been The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. (you can stop groaning now). Thank you to my entire family for your support and allowing me the time away to perfect my craft and to be crazy on stage (I know, I get great practice at home!) I love you all! Enjoy the show!
Erin Gouak (Ensemble) - Erin is a senior at Bishop McDevitt High School. This will be her second production with Willow Manor and her eleventh musical within the past four years. She has also been in the All Catholic Choir, assistant directed three junior shows, and has most recently played bass in the pit for Seussical the Musical. She hopes to pursue Music Education at a nearby college.
Lynne Lavelle (Ensemble) - It has been ten years since my first show, "Music Man". WMP has become a second home. and I have enjoy the journey home, each fall. Many thanks to my family and friends who have graciously supported me along the way. I wish all at WMP the best with "Ragtime". It takes a village to "put on a show" !!
Kim McCabe (Ensemble) - This is Kim's first production with Willow Manor Players and she’s thrilled to be doing the show with her Dad, Larry (Grandfather) and her son Lucas. Kim lives in Erdenheim with her husband Mat, sons Jake & Lucas and dog, Mitzy.
Lucas McCabe (Ensemble) - This is Lucas's first performance with Willow Manor Players. Favorite roles include Jack, Into The Woods Jr., Rooster, Annie Jr., and Winthrop, The Music Man. Lucas is in 8th grade at Springfield Township Middle School.
Evan Schwartz (Jury Foreman, Dirty Old Man, White Attorney, Ensemble) - Evan is happy to be performing again with WMP. Evan’s credits include The Diary of Anne Frank (Otto Frank), WMP’s productions of Anything Goes (Billy Crocker) and The Music Man, and Jenkintown Music Theatre’s productions of Urinetown (Officer Barrel), Annie (Bert Healy), South Pacific (Stewpot), and Curtains (Harrv). Evan and his wife own Open Book Bookstore, an independent bookstore in Elkins Park. He thanks his talented family for letting him act, sing, and tell unfunny dad jokes.
Shelby Tity (Harlem Chorus / Ensemble) - Shelsy is thrilled to be part of her first WMP production! Although this will be her debut performance with this wonderful group, Shelsy isn't a novice to the stage. Some of her past performances included Twelve Angry Women as an immigrant and Legally Blonde as Lady Chacha(Rapper). After taking a four year break from musical theater to focus on her degree in Fashion Design, Shelsy is beyond ecstatic to jump right back into the performing arts. She'd like to thank her family and friends for all the love and encouragement! And special thanks for WMP for this awesome opportunity.
Paul Waldowski (Ensemble) - Paul is happy to be back on stage with his lovely wife, Meg, in this rendition of Ragtime. Recent roles include The Wizard of Oz (Oz, Guard at gate), Drowsy Charperone (Feldzig), and Anything Goes (Moonface Martin). Thanks to family and friends for the constant support.
Michael Yanoff (Doctor / Conductor / Ensemble) - Michael is a veteran of Community Theater, having appeared in many Willow Manor, Temple Sinai Players, Upper Dublin Players and Everybody Theatre Company shows. His roles include Fagin in Oliver, The Ghost of Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes, the Wizard 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, Mayor Shinn in The Music Man, the Bank Chairman in Mary Poppins, and PapaBear/Papa Ogre in Shrek. He is a principal in the Jenkintown law firm of Friedman Schuman, specializing in litigation and real estate matters.
Production Staff
John Rudolf (Director) - John is proud to be a part of Ragtime! This is John’s second time directing for WMPs, he most recently has been behind the scenes working on sets and lighting. John works with several local Theatre companies, and he is a proud Board Member of JMT, inc. 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, and a smaller friend-like hug to Cindy, couldn’t have done it without you.
David Zagorski (Music Director) - Marcella Kochanska-Sembrich Female Chorus, PKM Polish Folk Musical Ensemble and Asst. Music Director of Fralinger String Band. He is an instrumentist at St.John Cantius Church and plays with the Sounds of Swing Big Band. This is his 5th year as Musical Director with WMP.
Cindy Paul (Choreography) - Cindy is thrilled to be back for her 2nd year as WMP choreographer! Choreography experience includes Jenkintown Music Theater (since 2003), The Barn Playhouse (Jesus Christ Superstar), Philly Fringe, and YPT. She has also performed in many local community and dinner theaters. Favorite roles are Kristine/A Chorus Line and Lady Larkin/Once Upon A Mattress. Thank you John and talented cast & crew of Ragtime. Thank you friends and family for your never ending love and support.
Linda Worrall (Co-Producer) - Linda has 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 .