Willow Manor Players
Meet The Cast of Our 2019 Production of:
"A Christmas Carol"
Cast
Jack Sariego (Scrooge) - Jack is delighted to be returning to WMP in a role he was honored to perform 9 years ago!. A Board-certified General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist, he is currently the Vice President For Perioperative Services at Pennsylvania Hospital, a part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. A native of Philadelphia, he is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson Medical College. He has performed extensively with a number of theater companies throughout the region in a number of operatic and musical theater roles. Favorite roles have included: Max Bialystock in “The Producers”, Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”, Tony in “The Most Happy Fella”, the Lion in “The Wizard of Oz”, Ismay in “Titanic the Musical”, Cogsworth in “Beauty and the Beast,” Igor in “Young Frankenstein”, Emile DeBecque in “South Pacific”, Billy Bigelow in “Carousel”, Mushnik in “Little Shop of Horrors,” Mr Banks in “Mary Poppins,” and many others. He has also had extensive experience as a Director and Musical Director, both in Mississippi (where he lived for 10 years) and locally. Jack is proud to be a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and proud of his family—wife Lauren and twins Andy and Jessie—and sends them his undying love for tolerating him as he pursues his passion for theater.
Paul Ellis (Mr. Cratchit) - Paul returns for his thirteenth production at WMP, beginning with “Irene”, way back in 1994. Favorite past roles include Alan Swann (My Favorite Year), Sir Evelyn Oakleigh (Anything Goes), George (The Drowsy Chaperone), and Henry Ford (Ragtime). Paul has also been part of more than twenty JMT productions, including several lead and supporting roles. Some favorites include Younger Brother (Ragtime), Lumiere (Beauty and The Beast), Daddy Warbucks (Annie), Lord Farquaad (Shrek), and Etches (Titanic). A retired Radiologist, he and his wife, Mary Lynn, (and new puppy, Benj !) live the good life in Jenkintown Manor. All my love to you, Dear!
Jennifer Driesbach (Mrs. Cratchit) - Jen is excited to be returning to the Willow Manor stage after many years of working behind the scenes doing makeup, costumes and set painting. Jen has been involved with Willow Manor since 1997. Past roles at JMT include Zaneeta in Music Man and Mrs. Rose in Hello Dolly. She was Mrs. Smythe in WMP past production of Christmas Carol. Jen is a married mother of 2 and a registered nurse at Regina Nursing Center in Norristown.
Maelle Starke (Tiny Tim) - Maelle is excited to back with Willow Manor Players and this amazing cast of A Christmas Carol! She has performed in previous WMP productions including Mary Poppins and Ragtime. Maelle also played young Sophie in Mamma Mia with Jenkintown Music Theatre. Maelle is a student at McKinley Elementary school. When not on stage she enjoys playing piano, hanging out with friends, and cuddling her kitty Paris. She’s been preparing for the stage for years by putting on various performances for her Grandparents! Maelle would like to thank Mr. John Rudolf for letting her be in the show and her Mom for helping her and encouraging her. Love to her amazing Dad and little brother Bixby and all her friends in the cast!!!
Tyler Ball (Ghost of Jacob Marley) - Tyler is excited be appearing in his third show with WMP and honored to be part of this amazing cast! Tyler most recently played Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia at Jenkintown Music Theatre. Previous favorite roles include Houdini in Ragtime, Rapunzel's Prince in Into the Woods, Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Smudge in Forever Plaid. Many thanks to his friends and family, especially his wife Jenny and his kids for their love and support!
Lisa Starke (Ghost of Christmas Past) - Lisa is thrilled to be back with Willow Manor Players! She has loved being a part of the Christmas Carol cast and is especially excited to share the stage with her daughter!! Lisa last played the role of Mary Poppins in WMP’s production of Mary Poppins. Other WMP roles include Mother (Ragtime), Janet van de Graaff (Drowsy Chaperone), Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz), Marian (The Music Man), and Hope (Anything Goes). She has also performed with Jenkintown Music Theatre in roles including – Roxie (Chicago), Alice Beane (Titanic), Little Becky Two-Shoes (Urinetown), Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy (Shrek), 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. Lisa wants to thank her little loves - Maelle and Bixby - and her amazing husband for his unending support. Much love to the cast and crew!!!
Nick Desiato (Ghost of Christmas Present) - Nick is appearing in his 4th Willow Manor production. Nick will often retreat to the lonely catacombs of Ancient Rome, curl up in the fetal position and listen to Gregorian Monks bellow within an atrium of hellish warmth. There are those who stare and wonder, "why?". He dare not acknowledge such ones as these....for they become the spawn of all agony. Amen.
Lizabeth Kasmer (Ghost of Christmas Future) - Lizabeth is a senior at Saint Basil Academy. She has been involved in theater productions beginning in ninth grade to now. Since she was three years old, she has been a dedicated dancer at Cassidy Dance Studio. Lizabeth would like to thank Ms. Marilou, the director, cast, and stage crew for helping put on this wonderful show. She will be on pointe playing the role of the Future Ghost. She appreciates the work that was done for A Christmas Carol, just in time for the holidays.
Jennifer Goldberg (Mrs. Fezziwig) - I'm happy to be on the WMP stage again playing Mrs. Fezzywig!! I’ve enjoyed my years playing evil villains...Captain Hook, The Wicked Witch of the West, mean Ms. Andrews, Ms. Hannigan, and the Lion (with a lot of make-up and a very deep voice) . I’ve also had the pleasure of playing a Mom, Ida Strauss, a happy Wardrobe, and an Aviatrix. My claim to fame is that I achieved book status: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. (You can groan now if you like). Thank you to my stage family, without whom I would not be the interesting characters I am on stage. LL, you know who you are....love being on stage with you...Johnny, no, you are not singing in the right key...but that’s what makes me love you more! To my girls, Carly, Hayley, and Madison, I love that you appreciate what I do on stage several times a year! Thank you for your support and your never-lacking eye rolls for me when I’m a crazy stage gal!! You know you love it! To the audience members taking the time to read this...thank you for your support! I love entertaining you and I promise to keep my performances strong!
Paul Pope (Mr. Fezziwig) - I am pleased to be back on the Willow Manor stage after an 11-year hiatus. Some of you may know me from Jenkintown Music Theater productions in the Spring. I have been happy to sacrifice beautiful Fall Sundays for the chance to be in this fun and entertaining musical. My hat is tipped to a great cast and production staff. My hat is off to a loving wife, who has supported me in this hobby since 1990.
Maria Mignogno (Grace Smythe) - I am a senior at Abington Senior High School and plan on attending college next fall. I have been doing musical theatre since I was in first grade and love the feeling of being on stage. This is my first year in Willow Manor and I absolutely loved it. Everyone was so nice and welcoming I never once felt nervous at all. A Christmas Carol will be the 19th musical I have participated in and I do look forward to the upcoming musical at my school.
Alessandra Arehart (Emily) - Alessandra is excited to make her debut in the Christmas Carol with Willow Manor Players as Emily. As a junior at MaST Community Charter school she has appeared in their musical productions as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Nala in the Lion King and Sally in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. In the past she has had the pleasure to perform with Newtown Arts Company, her roles include Kathy Cratchit in Christmas Carol and Amaryllis in The Music Man. While performing in musicals Alessandra studies musical theater at the Walnut Street Theater and studies sing with her voice coach Maria Pappas. She would like to thank the company, her friends, and her family for their endless support.
Tammy Tuckey (Blind Old Hag) - Tammy is thrilled to be celebrating her 15th year in the entertainment industry with the cast & crew of "A Christmas Carol"! This time last year, Tammy and her then activities manager, Sue, brought their residents from an senior living community on a trip to see Willow Manor Players' production of "Mary Poppins." The residents saw that the next show was "A Christmas Carol" and suggested Tammy should audition - so, here she is! Past productions include: High School Musical (Gabriella), Pippin (Grandma Berthe), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), The Little Mermaid (Ariel) and this past spring's Mamma Mia! (Dancer/Ensemble). Find out more about her Disney podcast, The Tiara Talk Show (www.thetiaratalkshow.com), & cover album "You'll Find Me on Main Street" on YouTube (www.youtube.com/tammytuckey)! Thanks to mom, dad & Terry for supporting me - love you! I dedicate this performance to Aunt Maureen, who introduced me to the magic of Dickens' Village at Strawbridges (now Macy's) when I was just a little girl. The story of Ebenezer and his change of heart & newfound love of life inspired me and continues to do so with each performance. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook: @TammyTuckey www.tammytuckey.com
Lisa Hutton (Scrooge's Mother) - Lisa was part of Willow Manor’s first production of Christmas Carol in 2011 and is so happy to be back again! In between, she has performed with Jenkintown Music Theater and The Swarthmore Players Club. Lisa is a pediatrician at Abington Pediatric Associates where she has worked for the last 28 years. She and her husband live in Center City. Their two daughters live and work in Baltimore (thankfully not too far away!). Lisa is thrilled to be part of such a talented group of performers and theater people!
Keaton Ball (Young Scrooge) - Keaton is thrilled to be in his third musical and second show with Willow Manor Players. He most recently played Prince Herbert in Monty Python’s Spamalot at Cedarbrook Middle School. Keaton played Michael Banks in Mary Poppins at Willow Manor Players in 2018. In his free time Keaton enjoys playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and playing video games. Keaton would like to thank his mom and dad for getting him into theater and hopes you enjoy the show.
Ruby Sall (Fan) - Ruby Sall is excited to be in her second Willow Manor Players show. Last season she appeared as Fannie Corey in Mary Poppins (and she thinks it’s funny that both her roles have the same name!). A fifth grader at Highland Elementary in Abington, Ruby has performed many musicals at Abington Presbyterian Church including her favorites: Oh, Jonah!, Hurry On Down, Elijah, and Rescue in the Night. Ruby likes to read, write, play games, dance, and sing, and she enjoys playing the piano and violin. Ruby loves acting and plans to keep it up!
Caitlin Tobin (Jonathan) - Caitlin is excited to be performing as Jonathon, in Willow Manor Players production of A Christmas Carol. Caitlin is 13 years old in the 7th grade at Green Woods Charter School and her favorite subjects are math and science. Caitlin has been acting in musical theater for 10 years Caitlin and she recently starred in Mary Poppins as Jane Banks with Willow Manor Players. She also starred in Frozen Jr. as Anna, Seussical as Young Kangaroo and in Aladdin Jr. as Narrator 3 for Ash Theater Company as well as starring as Peter Pan in Peter Pan and as The Enchantress in Beauty and the Beast at Theater Horizon.
Sarah Leakey (Sally Anderson) - Sarah is delighted to be making her debut with The Willow Manor Players. With 20 years of dance training and experience she is thrilled to be dancing once again! Some other favorite recent shows she’s been in are, The Little Mermaid, Sweeney Todd, Happy Days, Oklahoma, and Young Frankenstein. She has been involved with local community theater productions with Temple Sinai, Everybody’s Theater Company and Players Club of Swarthmore. As well as many other theaters while she lived in Florida. She thanks her friends and family for support and a huge thank you to the cast and crew for making this show absolutely magical!
Adelyn Shore (Martha Cratchit) - Adelyn is thrilled to be appearing in her 2nd show with Willow Manor Players! She has recently starred in Willy Wonka Jr. (Charlie Bucket), Little Mermaid (Flounder), Mary Poppins (Jane Banks), The Music Man (Amaryliss), Once on This Island (Little Ti Moune), and much more. Adelyn is in 6th grade at Rydal Elementary School. In her free time, she enjoys singing, acting, dancing, sports, running, etc. She would like to thank her parents for supporting her and driving her to and from rehearsals, her sister, Taylor for helping her along the way, and her friends for dealing with her 24/7 show tunes. Adelyn would also like to thank John and the entire cast for making this such an amazing experience!
Samara Reibstein (Tessie Cratchit) - Samara is excited to be preforming in her 3rd show at WMP. In her free time, she likes to sing, play softball, and basketball. She would like to thank her parents and brother for their support. She hopes you enjoy the show!!
Bill Windel (Beadle) - Bill is a rookie at Willow Manor but has participated in many shows with Jenkintown Music Theatre. He is thrilled to be with all his JMT friends here at Willow Manor.
Miguel Vela (Scrooge as Young Man) - Making his WMP debut, Miguel is a Senior at Abington and this is his first community theater production. You have have seen Miguel in Abington’s production of Sister Act as Officer Eddie Souther or around the community playing drums in his Jazz Band. Regardless, at six feet tall, he’s hard to miss anywhere.
Jordan Hood (Marley as Young Man) - Jordan is ecstatic to be performing in his first Willow Manor Players show. Jordan is a senior at Cheltenham High School who started performing 4 years ago in Cedarbrook Middle School and has since performed in 12 shows (including A Christmas Carol). He thanks everyone in the cast and crew for making this such an enjoyable show and welcoming him into the group (even though he joined late.)
Michael Yanoff (Charitable Man) - Michael is a veteran of Community Theater, having appeared in many Willow Manor, Temple Sinai Players, Adath Israel Players, Upper Dublin Players and Everybody Theatre Company shows. This roles include Fagin(Oliver), The Ghost of Jacob Marley (A Christmas Carol), Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Anything Goes), the Wizard (The Wizard of Oz), Maurice (Beauty and the Beast), FDR (Annie), Mr. Mushnick (Little Shop of Horrors), Bela Zangler (Crazy for You), Fiorello LaGuardia (Fiorello), Bud Frump (How to Succeed), Mr. Macmillan (Big), General Genghis Schmitz (Seussical), Lazar Wolf (Fiddler), Mayor Shinn (The Music Man), Bank Chairman (Mary Poppins), and PapaBear/Papa Ogre (Shrek). He is a principal in the Jenkintown law firm of Goldstein Law Partners, specializing in litigation and real estate matters.
Ensemble
Alex Boukamp (Ensemble) - Alex is thrilled to be making his debut with the Willow Manor Players! He is currently in 6th grade at Good Shepherd Catholic School. He has played Winnie the Pooh (Pooh's Tummy), Beauty and the Beast (Villiger), James and the Giant Peach (Spider Puppet), Lion King (Young Simba), Aladdin (Guard), Mary Poppins (Michael Banks), Godspell (Ensemble), Aladdin (Sultan), Annie (President Roosevelt and Bundles), Once on this Island (Agwe). Alex currently graduated from John Casablanca's Acting School. Outside of Willow Manor Players, Alex enjoys singing, dancing, acting, track/cross country and basketball.
Karen Bryan (Ensemble) - Karen is thrilled to be appearing in her 7th willow manor production. Once again she is appearing in an apron (don’t worry there’s a dress under the apron!). She’s played Jack Sariego’s maid so often that he asked her to clean his house. In all seriousness, she absolutely loves these people and considers it a privilege to work with the cast and crew. Merry Christmas!!
Kelly Curtis (Ensemble) - Kelly is excited to make her WMP debut in A Christmas Carol. She was last seen sparkling up the stage in the JMT production of Mamma Mia!. A heartfelt thank you goes out to her husband, Chad, her kids, Mia and Myles and her friends, Jackie and Tricia for their love, support and encouragement. When she’s not busy rehearsing and immersing herself in productions, Kelly can be found designing websites, training her talented puppies, or dancing her heart out at RHD. A special thanks to the talented cast, crew and the production team for making all of this possible. XOXO
Eden Desiato (Ensemble) - Eden is appearing in her 2nd Willow Manor production. Eden was in the ensemble cast for Mary Poppins in 2018 and is so happy to be joining her friends and family onstage again!
Silas Desiato (Ensemble) - This Silas's 2nd theatre production. Silas' appeared in last year's production of Mary Poppins in the ensemble. Silas is enjoying community theatre but his favorite hobby is sports.
Amelia Fletcher (Ensemble) - Amelia is grateful to join Willow Manor Players for the second year, having performed previously in the 2018 production of Mary Poppins. Amelia is a 3rd grader at Rydal Elementary and loves gymnastics. She currently trains at Philadelphia Circus Arts. She would like to thank Willow Manor Players for a great production of A Christmas Carol.
Justine Frantz (Ensemble) - This is Justine’s first year performing with Willow Manor Players. In the past, Justine has performed with an afterschool program where she was Alice in Alice in Wonderland, the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz, and a Narrator for two other shows. Outside of performing and singing Justine is a level 6 gymnast.
John Gallagher (Ensemble) - John is back!?? Wasn’t someone supposed to tell him they’re doing Evita in Perkioman? My God how many shows is this now? Well he peaked in “The Producers” as Sabu. Then “Drowsy Chaperone” he pretty much played himself. Didn’t he do “Wizard of Oz” with a new knee and a Shillelagh? Then “Beauty and the Beast” I still think he had something to do with that Balcony Bust. OH, remember when he landed on his butt in “Ragtime”, that was funny. Even on Stage Crew in “Mary Poppins” he managed to mug the audience, the ham! Well I’m sure he’ll do something during “Christmas Carol” that will be memorable and worthy of funny stories in the future. And no one in the cast has tried to throttle him, that’s progress! If we ever do Evita there’ll be no living with him. Hey on a brighter side JMT is doing “Twelfth Night” in the spring, Shakespeare will haunt John for the rest of his life after he’s through with that one. Break a leg!
Caryn Hartman (Ensemble) - Caryn is new to Willow Manor Players and, in fact, is new to musical theater.... unless you count high school!! After taking an Improvisational Comedy class last fall, she was reminded of how much she enjoyed the theater. So, she decided to attempt a “bucket list” item – joining a local community theater. Being in the ensemble and, a “charwoman” has been a terrific experience and Caryn is looking forward to continuing with Willow Manor in the future.
Anthony Kellander (Ensemble) - Anthony is excited to be a part of Willow Manor Players. Anthony has been a part of Kids Kraiz and performed in 14 broadway style children’s shows. He plays piano, drums, bass guitar and takes drama at Calvary Christian Academy in Philadelphia.
Chuck Kellander (Old Joe / Scrooge's Father) - Chuck is happy to be a part of this Willow Manor Players production. He is a vocalist , guitarist and percussionist who studied jazz and composition. He has been a part of ensembles, bands , theatre productions and church music as a life long musician. Chuck is also currently a member of the Bucks County Singers and Neshaminy Valley Music Theatre Company.
Karen Knodel (Ensemble) - Karen is pleased to be a part of WMP for the past seventeen 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.
Lianna Lavelle (Ensemble) - Lianna is making her first debut in theatre. She is very excited to join Willow Manor Player's family. She is a pleasant and compassionate 9 year old in the 4th grade at Shawmont Elementary. She loves cosplay, creating characters, all things Harry Potter, and making tiktok videos. Lianna has also played softball for the past few years. She is thrilled to start acting. Lianna would like to thank all who support her especially her Mom, Grandmother and her brothers.
Melanie Lavelle (Ensemble) - Melanie is joining Willow Manor Players for the first time this year. She decided to join to be supportive of her daughter. Melanie does have theatre experience from many years of school performances in her past. She is excited to kickstart her love for acting again along side her daughter Lianna.
Josh Mumma (Ensemble) - Joshua is very excited to be returning to Willow Manor Players for the second time. He is in eighth grade and no particular role in the show. He definitely didn’t turn this in six weeks late.
Leo Nasatir (Ensemble) - Leo is thrilled to be rejoining WMP for his 2nd time with A Christmas Carol. He is 11 years old and loves the theater and has listen to albums from, and seen, many Broadway shows. He has previously done theater work with Music Training Center and has been in numerous shows. His favorites include, Alice in Wonderland,Jr., The Lion King kids, and The Wizard of Oz YPE. Most recently he was seen in the children’s ensemble in last years Marry Poppins with WMP. In his spare times he plays the piano and saxophone, plays baseball and basketball, he also enjoys Marvel, Percy Jackson, and video games. He is very exited to be included in this production and is eager to take on bigger roles in other productions in the near future.
Jane Pickford (Ensemble) - AJane is a 5th grader at Highland Elementary School. She is part of the Children’s Chorus and is 10 years old. She is very excited to be performing in her first Willow Manor Players musical. In addition to theater, Jane enjoys many sports, such as swimming, softball, and tennis. She also likes reading, writing (especially poems), and baking. Jane would like to thank all of her family that have come to watch the musical and support her. Break a leg to everyone else in the cast!
Xander Stahl (Ensemble) - Xander is super excited to be back for his second production with Willow Manor Players! Xander is in 5th grade at Highland Elementary School in Abington, where he enjoys math, science and music. He has been studying piano since the age of 5, and he also plays the clarinet. His previous musical theater experiences include the role of Daniel’s Son in the Abington Senior High School production of Once On This Island, the roles of Allie in Giants in the Sky and August in Sally Sells Seashells (And You Can Too!), both Upper Moreland Summer Arts Camp productions, and Michael Banks in last year’s WMP production of Mary Poppins. When Xander grows up he hopes to be an actor on Broadway.
Ethan Szymanski (Ensemble) - Ethan is so excited to be in his very first show and to be on stage with his mom! Ethan is a second grader at Jarrettown Elementary School. He takes tap and ballet at Dance Time Dance Academy, and in June he danced the role of Michael Banks in their ballet production of Mary Poppins. When he’s not on stage, Ethan likes to read, play video games, and play with friends in his neighborhood. Ethan would like to thank his mom for helping him get ready for the show; his dad for being so supportive; and his sister, Laila, for being an awesome sister.
Gillian Szymanski (Ensemble) - Gillian is beyond excited to be in this show because she gets to share the stage with her son, Ethan, for the first time in a musical! Gillian is a stay-at-home mom to Ethan and his younger sister, Laila. She takes tap at Dance Time Dance Academy and sings soprano in the Or Hadash Makaylah choir. She is also an adjudicator for the Philadelphia Independence Awards. Most recently, Gillian appeared in the ensemble of The Robber Bridegroom at Playcrafters of Skippack, and last year she played the teddy bear/a chimney sweep/a featured dancer in WMP’s production of Mary Poppins. Gillian would like to thank John and the entire production staff for this opportunity to be on stage with her son, her hubby for his continued support of her myriad of time-filling hobbies, and her kids for being the best ones out there. She hopes you feel the “abundance, charity, [and] good will towards men” in this show!
Evelyn Thurston (Ensemble) - Evelyn loves being the center of attention and is glad to be in the ensemble again this year after her first show last year with Mary Poppins. Evelyn plays piano and is excited to learn the cello this year. She also enjoys horseback riding in her free time.
Kayla Thurston (Ensemble) - This is Kayla’s first production with WMP. She is excited to be on stage in Mary Poppins! Previously she was a mouse in The Fairytale Network. In her free time she takes Acro Dance classes and gymnastics. She plays flute in school, and enjoys performing. Thanks for reading!
Paula Urmson (Ensemble) - Paula is happy to be returning to the Willow Manor Stage. Some favorite roles include Medda Larkin (Newsies), Wicked Witch/Ms. Gultch (Wizard of Oz), Clairee (Steel Magnolias), Belle/Silly Girl (Beauty and the Beast), Bad Idea Bear (Avenue Q), Sonia/Gilmer (Godspell). When not performing, Paula supports a life of possibilities at SPIN Inc. As always, many thanks to our friends and family who support our crazy lives. All the love to my Mark and Ella.
Deborah Vilsmeier (Ensemble) - Deb is happy to be joining the show. She's a member of Bucks County Singers and has performed at Neshaminy Valley Music Theater in "Young Frankenstein" and "My Fair Lady".
Brandi Woodward (Ensemble) - Brandi is a new member of Willow Manor players. She previously had the starring role as the Little Red Hen in her first grade class performance of a play by the same name. Since her one and only performance at Covington Elementary school, Brandi went on to receive her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Scranton and specializes in Labor & Delivery. She has proudly been helping women bring babies into the world for 15 years. At home, Brandi is a wife and mother of two wonderful children, Garrison,3, and Adeline,6. In her free time, Brandi enjoys reading, baking, classic movies and traveling with her family. Brandi has enjoyed learning about and being a part of the process of community theater. She has found everyone to be welcoming and is honored to be a part of such a talented cast and crew.
Production Staff
John Rudolf (Director/ Set Designer/ Lighting Designer/ Special Effects) - John is an educator with a Master’s of Education. He currently teaches English and Drama classes for the nationally recognized and respected Franklin Towne Charter High School in Philadelphia. John is a member of SAG-AFTRA, and he has run Drama programs at four area high schools. In addition, John has been a founding member of three professional theatre companies performing at Cheltenham Arts Center, the Keswick Theatre, Grace Presbyterian Church, and most recently at St. John of the Cross in Abington. Today, he works with several Community Theatres. He is proud to share his vision of A Christmas Carol with WMP and is grateful for the over 30 years of love and support from his wife Darcie, my ever present muse. Big Hug to BAB, KIC, AL, BLC, and SC.
Nancy Woehrle (Assistant to the Director) - Nancy has been performing in community theatre (Jenkintown Music Theatre and Willow Manor Players) for 20+ years. She has enjoyed working on the production side of Christmas Carol with this very talented cast and production team. “A special thank you goes to director John Rudolf for bringing me on board to assist!”
Ed Conrad (Choral Director) - Ed has been involved in the area theater scene for over 40 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 “A Christmas Carol” for giving him another opportunity to work with such a talented group of performers. And a huge thank you to his wife and daughter, Becky and Emily, for their patience during these many weeks of rehearsal.
Mark Urmson (Conductor) - Mark is excited to be back for yet another show with Willow Manor. After conducting last year he is very happy that he was asked back to do it again! 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. Special thanks to all the musicians who are giving up their time and gracing Willow Manor with their talents! As always, much love to Paula and Ella for their endless support and love!
Chrissie Leech (Co-Choreographer) - Chrissie is thrilled to be choreographing for the Willow Manor Players this year. Chrissie is the proud director of Jenkintown Dance Arts, a performance based dance and movement school that has been offering classes for children and adults since 2013. In addition to teaching and choreographing for her students, Chrissie has choreographed dances locally for Pulley and Buttonhole Theatre Company and Shakespeare in the Summer. In 2014, she created Jenkintown Dance Company a site-specific modern dance company. Chrissie graduated with honors from The University of the Arts and has performed with a variety of dance companies throughout New York and Philadelphia.
Stephanie Vesta (Co-Choreographer) - Stephanie is a graduate of Penn State Abington where she earned a B.A. In Psychological and Social Sciences. During her four years at Penn State she participated in the University’s dance company as a dancer and student choreographer, and after graduating she moved on to become one of the company’s associate directors. Stephanie has also been teaching and choreographing for local dance studios, fitness centers and community centers since 1998. Stephanie began her professional dancing career in 2004 with Contempra Dance Theatre, a modern-jazz company that she toured Poland with in 2006 and continues to perform with today. She has also toured the country with New Vision Cirque and Dance Company, performed throughout Philadelphia with Vada Dance Collective, Dangerous and Movin’ Dance Company, and Underground Dance Works, and enjoys local, site-specific performances with Jenkintown Dance Company. Her dancing and choreography were recently featured in local Philly band Peace and the City Grease's music video for their single "Man Made Fire".
Sandy Orwig (Lead Costumer) - Sandy is celebrating 28 years with WMP. She is a 3rd generation costumer and happy to be part of a group so commited to continuing the tradition of community theater. Thank you for supporting our production and may you have a merry evening! “God bless us, every one!”
Claire Lozowicki (Stage Manager) - Show number 35 for me and I’m still rehearsing. Every show brings its own fun. This one is sure to bring gifts. (It’s a Christmas show!) It started in High School at Cardinal Dougherty painting scenery for the huge themed dances they held 6 times a year. When I moved to the Jenkintown area fate and a friend brought me to JMT. You may say the same for Willow Manor Players. I love seeing it all come together. But I really do it for the cast parties which can be epic. Theatre, this theatre is community. I’m happy to be a part of community. Come join the fun. Merry Christmas to all (especially Russell and Julia) and to all a good night. (Oh wrong show, see I still need a rehearsal).
Linda Worrall (Co-Producer) - I am proud to be a part of Willow Manor for 46 years; and so privileged to have worked so closely with the founders Ruth and Ruth Ellen Kletzing, and Katherine Oski, in pursuing their dream. It has been such a pleasure meeting such talented people from all walks of life. It is important to continue their legacy in keeping Community Theater alive. This is why they have a the Ruth Kletzing Memorial Scholarship Fund, so we can help students to pursue their dreams
Kevin Gallagher (Co-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 WMP Board. He wants to thank all of you who continue to support the local community theater effort.