COMING in MARCH
at SHANNONDELL!
King of Prussia Players Presents
Directed by Dr. Lawrence A. Anderson
AUDITIONS in
October/November
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The King of Prussia Players
Lighting the night since 1956!
2015
Brigadoon
2014
The Mikado
Footloose
2013
The Music Man
Wizard of Oz
The Pajama Game
2012
A Chorus Line
Fiddler on the Roof
Pirates of Panzance
2011
Guys and Dolls
Anything Goes
The King and I
2010
Annie
Meet Me In St. Louis
2009-2010
Moon Over Buffalo
A Funny Thing Happened
on the Way to the Forum
Rope
Hello Dolly!
2008-2009
Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat
Oliver!
The Yeomen of the Guard
2007-2008
Crazy for You
Triffina and the Queens of
Conomor
Guys and Dolls (Not
produced)
Oklahoma!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2006-2007
The Music Man
Rodgers & Hart: A
Celebration
Dracula the Musical?
Incorruptible
Mack and Mabel
The Miracle Worker
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
(Not Produced)
2005-2006
Arthur Miller’s After the Fall
The Bride Of Brackenloch
The Sound Of Music
2004-2005
Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern Are Dead
Picasso at the Lapin Agile
Bye Bye Birdie
2003-2004
Friendship and Memories
Inherit The Wind
Mixed Doubles and
Parentheses
Kiss Me, Kate
Some Enchanted Evening
2002-2003
Dancing at Lughnasa
Blithe Spirit
Cinderella
2001-2002
The Heiress
Play On
Brigadoon
2000-2001
Rumors
Hedda Gabler
110 in the Shade
1999-2000
Lend Me A Tenor
The Trip to Bountiful
Carousel
1998-1999
Murder Room
The Crucible
Man of La Mancha
1997-1998
Dangerous Corner
Murder in Company
Into the Woods
1996-1997
June Groom
3 One Acts
Camelot
1995-1996
Curious Savage
Blood Relations
Mikado (cancelled)
1994-1995
Run for your Wife
Cheaters
Nunsense II
1993-1994
City of Angels
(Construction Shortened
Our Season)
1992-1993
Chapter Two
Pvt. Wars and Lone Star
A Little Night Music
1991-1992
Social Security
Dial “M” for Murder
The Drunkard
1990-1991
Olympus on My Mind
The Nerd
Little Shop of Horrors
1989-1990
Some Enchanted Evening
Night of January 16th
Pirates of Penzance
1988-1989
Do Black Patent
Leather Shoes ect
The Foreigner
Guys and Dolls
1987-1988
Brighton Beach Memoirs
Murder at the Vicarage
Once Upon a Mattress
1986-1987
Dracula
Lion in Winter
You’re a Good Man,
Charlie Brown
1985-1986
Footlight Frenzy
Murder Among Friends
Mame
1984-1985
Tribute
Come Back to the 5 and
Dime, Jimmy Dean
Side by Side by Sondheim
1983-1984
Deathtrap
Lunch Hour
The Sound of Music
1982-1983
Bell, Book and Candle
California Suite
Gypsy
1981-1982
Blithe Spirit
Laura
South Pacific
1980-1981
Play it Again, Sam
Catch Me If You Can
The King and I
1979-1980
Second Time Around
The Moustrap
Anything Goes
1978-1979
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Bullshot Crummond
Promises, Promises
1977-1978
Stalag 17
Finishing Touches
Fiddler on the Roof
1976-1977
Community of Two
Miss Reardon Drinks a Little
Sugar
1975-1976
Forty Carats
Night Watch
Funny Thing Happened on
the Way to the Forum
1974-1975
Last of the Red Hot Lovers
Born Yesterday
Sweet Charity
1973-1974
Butterflies are Free
Monique
The Boy Friend
1972-1973
Arsenic and Old Lace
Patterns
Camelot
1971-1972
First Fish
Plaza Suite
How to Succeed in Business
1970-1971
Wait Until Dark
Harvey
Don’t Drink the Water
1969-1970
Angel Street
Marriage Go Round
Cactus Flower
1968-1969
Maybe Tuesday
Odd Couple
Absence of a Cello
1967-1968
Any Wednesday
Pure as the Driven Snow
Barefoot in the Park
1966-1967
Never Too Late
Exit the Body
Take Her She’s Mine
1965-1966
The Bachelor’s Baby
The Moon is Blue
Letter from a General
Mary, Mary
1964-1965
Strange Bedfellows
Gentle Hearts and Murder
Third Best Sport
1963-1964
Golden Fleecing
Send Me No Flowers
Sunday in New York
1962-1963
Love Me Long
The Gazebo
Come Blow Your Horn
1961-1962
Rainmaker
My Three Angels
Man in the Dog Suit
1960-1961
Suspect
White Sheep of the Family
Picnic
1959-1960
Blithe Spirit
The Tender Trap
Stalag 17
1958-1959
My Three Angels
Janus
Bus Stop
1957-1958
Light Up the Sky
Through the Night
Board of Directors 2015
President
Dr. Lawrence A. Anderson
Term expires 1/31/16
Vice President
Tammie Reimer
Term expires 1/31/16
Treasurer
Lee Longenberger
Term expires 1/31/16
Recording Secretary
Peg Carter
Term expires 1/31/16
Corresponding Secretary
Patty Volpi
Term expires 1/31/16
Member-At-Large
Nora Anne DiLemmo
Term expires 1/31/16
Member-At-Large
Clark Van Hekken
Term expires 1/31/16
Member-At-Large
Linda Advena
Term expires 1/31/16
Member-At-Large
Denni Herbetko
Term expires 1/31/17
Member-At-Large
Jeff Herbetko
Term expires 1/31/17
Member-At-Large
Emily Sturz
Term expires 1/31/17
Volunteering Opportunities
[email protected]
New Facility Chair
Dr. Lawrence A. Anderson
Nora Anne DiLemmo
Play Reading
Brittany Kleppinger
Costumes
Allison Baron
Properties Chair
Peg Carter
Marketing/Publicity
Sarah Lemore
Celebrity Recruitment
Peg Carter
Technical Equipment
Richard Jenkins
Grant Writing
Lori McClure
Web Developer
Tom Blair
Donations/Fundraising
Tammie Reimer
Shannondell Theater Manager
Scott Cannon
House Manager/Ushers
Patty Volpi
Newsletter Editor
Clark Van Hekken
Letter from the Director
This is not a pretty musical. There are no ballet dream sequences, no large company
numbers, glorious revolutions, cowboys, nuns, ogres, or singing teapots. The music is
industrial and forward moving with a lot of brass and lots of drive. Each note that gets
belted by Mama Rose is dripping with the sweat and tears of anyone who has ever
struggled to follow their dreams. From the moment Ethel Merman (with the subtlety of a
freight train) entered the back of The Broadway Theatre on May 21st 1959 and roared the
iconic line “Sing out Louise!” the character Mama Rose entered the realm of American
mythology. This larger-than-life character has spawned a half-century of love/hate
interest in the entity known as the “stage mother.” TV shows such as Dance
Moms, Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, and Toddlers and Tiaras prove that
Americans are still enraptured by the spectacle of the “stage mother.” What is it about
this musical and “stage mom” phenomenon that makes audiences want to watch?
This question brings me to December of 2013 when I was in early conversations with
my now-producer Laura Clattenburg about the possibility of KOPP doing Gypsy in the
summer of 2015. I had just been inspired by a lecture that one of my graduate school
professors gave on the subject of Gypsy and other musicals that have been based on the
lives of real women. She talked about how the stories of the women’s lives were always
changed for the purpose of entertainment. It made perfect sense. If anything, musicals
are believed to sugar coat and gloss over any form of grittiness or substance. They are
considered to be the “chick-flicks” of the entertainment world, but Gypsy seemed
different. As I said, this is not a pretty musical. I was wrong. For the sake of decency, I
shall refrain from recounting the many horrible things that Mama Rose Thompson
Hovick did over the course of her eventful life. If you are interested, I recommend
reading Gypsy: A Memoir, American Rose, Stripping Gypsy, Early Havoc, Mama Rose’s
Turn, or any of the many other books and articles written about the people featured in this
musical.
So is that it? Is the legend of the most notorious “stage mother” not only true, but
toned down? Are “stage mothers” and “dance moms” really the freak-show monsters we
like to watch who live vicariously through their children, drink martinis, and get into
catfights? Not necessarily. During this amazing Gypsy journey, I had the privilege of
meeting and interviewing a real life celebrity “stage mother,” Melanie Huelsman and her
daughter Haley from Season 2 of Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Season 5
of Dance Moms. I was honored to meet a modern day “Mama Rose” to see how the real
woman compared to the TV version. I can honestly say that the woman I met in person is
one of the kindest and most generous women I have ever met, and is an excellent mother
to her daughter, who is also as kind as she is talented.
So there I was with two examples of how portrayals of “stage mothers,” for better or
worse hides the true woman out of sight. We want the ugliness, but only to the point
where it is entertaining. We don’t want to take responsibility for the ugliness,
either. This production of Gypsy does not seek to condemn or redeem Mama Rose or any
“stage mother.” Simply put, “Some people… got the dream, yeah, but not the
guts.” This musical celebrates the people who go have the “guts” to go after their
dreams, and this musical has a lot of “guts.” This is not a pretty musical, but you will
love it.
-Christen Mandracchia
Musical Numbers
Act I
Overture ....................................................................... Orchestra
May We Entertain You? .................Baby June and Baby Louise
Some People.........................................................................Rose
Some People (Reprise).........................................................Rose
Small World ......................................................Rose and Herbie
Baby June and Her Newsboys ........... Baby June and Newsboys
Mr. Goldstone, I Love You...................Rose, Herbie, Ensemble
Little Lamb........................................................................Louise
You’ll Never Get Away From Me ....................Rose and Herbie
Dainty June and Her Farmboys.................... June and Farmboys
Broadway ..................................................... June and Farmboys
If Momma Was Married ....................................June and Louise
All I Need is the Girl........................................ Tulsa and Louise
Everything’s Coming up Roses ...........................................Rose
Act II
Entr’acte....................................................................... Orchestra
Madame Rose’s Toreadorables..............................Louise, Rose,
Hollywood Blondes
Together, Wherever We Go.......................Rose, Herbie, Louise
You Gotta Get a Gimmick ..........Mazeppa, Electra, Tessie Tura
Small World (Reprise) .........................................................Rose
Let Me Entertain You .......................................................Louise
Rose’s Turn..........................................................................Rose
Cast of Characters
Rose................................................. *Cathy Alaimo **Trudy Graboyes
Louise..........................................................................Bishon Prushankin
June ................................................................................ Christin Thomas
Baby June...........................................................................Portia Murphy
Baby Louise ...........................................+Rosa Nardo ++Amia Shavaun
Herbie.................................................................................... Danny Scott
Electra ...................................................................... Florence Wydra-Gat
Mazeppa........................................................................ Courtney Boches
Tessie ................................................................................. Alicia Alaimo
Tulsa.............................................................................Tom Mandracchia
L.A. ................................................................................. Quinton Ritchie
Yonkers ............................................................................... Jared Pinkam
Angie...................................................................................... Ryan Lauer
Uncle Jocko/Webber/Mr. Goldstone ..........................................Roie Gat
Pop/Mr. Kringelein/Cigar ....................................... Clark J. Van Hekken
Georgie/Pastey ...................................................................... Matt Durkin
Boy Scout Leader/Bourgeron-Cochon.................................. Brad Dalton
Singing Boy Scout ........................................................... Tegerty Ritchie
Rich Man's Son ........................................................ Alexander Oskanian
Balloon Girl ................................................................Isabella Yackanicz
Clarinet Boy ........................................................................Samuel Eskin
Miss Cratchitt..................................................................... Allison Baron
Hollywood Blondes ........................... Alysse Cooper, Charlotte Kalilec,
Julie Mandrachia, Georgia Naples,
Renee.......................................................................................Zoe Muller
Chowsie the Dog.................................................................Chloe Cooper
Ensemble: Claire Jenkins, Sue Howarth, Lizzie Watters, Rebecca Riley,
Emily McDonald, Caroline McDonald, Brianna McDonald, Rachel Gat,
Hanna Gat, Cecily Ritchie, Zoe Balk, Riley McMenamin, Sam Eskin
*Performances on July 17, 19, and 26
** Performances on July 18, 24, and 25
+ Performances on July 18, 24, and 25
++Performances on July 18, 24, and 26
Orchestra
Orchestra
Conductor.......................................................................... Michael Smith
Violin .......................................................... Patricia Sabin, Nick Sontag,
Lesley Katz, Keala Te'Kolste
Viola............................................................................ Terry Muhlenberg
Cello.................................................................................... Jane Roberts
String Bass ......................................................................David Deratzian
Woodwinds ........................................... Elisabeth Sibley, Sofie Hoimes,
Donna Higgins, Rebecca Laquidara, Kate Strubinger,
Mindy Danowski, Nora Anne DiLemmo
Trumpet...................... John Catino, Scott Anderson, Michael Bromberg
Trombones ..........................................................Ed Zeiser, Josy Conklin
French Horn ......................................................................Jackie Conway
Percussion ........................................................................ Mitchell Harris
Piano ..............................................................................Eric Muhlenberg
Best wishes to Laura and Keith Clattenburg as they jour-
ney into their new adventure, B Sharp Productions. We are
profoundly thankful and grateful for their many talents they
shared with King of Prussia Players throughout our many
years together. We know our paths will cross again as we
both pursue our passions in the performing arts community.
Production Team
Director ..................................................................Christen Mandracchia
Assistant Director..................................................... Brenden Kortenhaus
Producer .......................................................................Laura Clattenburg
Music Director .................................................................. Michael Smith
Choreography.............................Brenden Kortenhaus, Lauren McGinnis
Production Assistants..................... Kristen Arbutina, Keith Clattenburg,
Bradley Dalton, Quinton Ritchie
Set Designer ...........................................................Christen Mandracchia
Set Painting/Dressing.............................................................. Julia Salvo
Members of Cast and Crew
Sound Design .................................................................. Richard Jenkins
Sound Operators......................................Molly Jenkins, Richard Jenkins
Light Design...........................................................Christen Mandracchia
Light Operator...........................................................Brittany Kleppinger
Costumes............................................................................ Allison Baron
Costume Assistants ......... Alicia Alaimo, Debra Forman, Amia Shavaun
Stage Manager ................................................................... Carmen Rossi
Stage Crew ...........................................Gigi Garifo, Andrew Kozacheck,
Rob Nolan, Caitlyn Rubendall
Properties ............................................................. Peg Carter, Julia Salvo
Publicity .....................Laura Clattenburg, Janice Jankowski, Patty Volpi
Posters / Program Design and Layout..........................Laura Clattenburg
Program Assistants.....................................Kristen Arbutina, Patty Volpi
Photography .................................................................... Michele Ritchie
House Manager .......................................................................Patty Volpi
Shannondell Theater Manager ............................................ Scott Cannon
Box Office Chair....................................................Nora Anne DiLemmo
Who’s Who in the Cast
Alicia Alaimo (Tessie Tura) is thrilled to be playing the fabulous Tessie Tura
alongside her momma, Cathy Alaimo. Alicia graduated from West Chester University in 2013 and since graduation has had several jobs both on and off the
stage. She is so thankful for the love and support her family and friends have
always shown her. Tessie out... *mic drop*
Cathy Alaimo (Rose) is thrilled to be making her King of Prussia Players debut
in Gypsy and sharing the stage with her daughter, Alicia. New to the Greater
Philadelphia Area, she has spent the last 25 years doing community theatre in
Northeastern PA, both on stage and directing. Favorite roles include Golde
in Fiddler on the Roof, the Housekeeper in Man of LaMancha, and Sinclair
in Sealed for Freshness. But her most favorite role of all is that of Grandma
to her little Snickerdoodle, Cameron. She would like to thank her wonderful
husband for all that he has sacrificed so she could live this dream.
Zoe Balk (Ensemble) This is Zoe’s 4th appearance in a show. She was in The
Wizard of Oz, The Music Man and Oliver!. She enjoys reading, writing and
Doctor Who. Zoe would like to thank her voice teacher Susan Dash.
Allison Baron (Lead Costumer, Miss Cratchitt) is excited to be involved with
Gypsy! Previously seen on and off stage, her favorite shows were Wizard of
Oz (costumes) and The Producers (ensemble). Special thanks to everyone who
helped sew and to her family for not complaining as her many projects consumed several rooms of the house!!
Courtney Boches (Mazeppa) has an M.A. in Theatre from Villanova and is a costume designer and theatre teacher. She runs the Firebird Theatre summer workshop
program, directing and designing two musicals each summer. Favorite roles include
Mary Bailey (It’s A Wonderful Life), Trix the Aviatrix (The Drowsy Chaperone),
and Mayzie LaBird (Seussical). www.courtneyboches.com
Laura Clattenburg (Producer) is excited and honored to be working with
Christen in her debut as a director in the Community Theater realm. It is a huge
undertaking that Christen has proved she can handle, as you can see in her wonderful rendition of Gypsy. Laura has produced many shows with KOPP, her favorites being Annie, The King & I, and The Music Man. She has also performed
in Oklahoma!, Joseph, Hello Dolly!, and was overjoyed with the role of Peep
Bo in The Mikado. This is Laura’s last production with KOPP as she and her
husband Keith are about to embark in their new venture, B Sharp Productions.
Stay tuned!
Who’s Who in the Cast
Alysse Cooper (Hollywood Blonde) is very excited to be in her first King of
Prussia Players production, Gypsy, as a Hollywood Blonde. She has been in
other plays and musicals including The Princess No Name, Little Mermaid,
Jr. and Magic Tree House Knight at Dawn. She is a talented dancer who does
ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary. Thank you to Christen and all the others for
allowing her to be in this production and to making it a success.
Chloe Cooper (Chowsie) is so excited that she was chosen for the role of
Chowsie. Chloe is an uppity Chihuahua rescue from San Diego, named for the
Beverly Hills Chihuahua. This is Chloe’s first experience in Community Theater. She is Alysse’s constant companion and is being trained as a service dog.
She does not bark, does not snark, and likes to be held by everyone. Thank to
Laura and Trudi for seeing the value in having her in this production as Chowsie
and to her back stage dog sitter Andrew.
Bradley Dalton (Boy Scout Leader/Rear of Cow/Production Assistant) is
excited to be in the Gypsy cast as well as part of the production team. He’s been
in a bevy of shows and can’t wait for everyone to see this show. Thank you, Mom!
Samuel L. Eskin (Newsboy) At seven years young, Sam is making his stage
debut with King of Prussia Players. He is excited to be part of such a wonderfully talented group and is thankful to the director, Christen Mandracchia, and
the Clattenburgs for allowing him the opportunity. Sam would like to give a
shout out to Clark Van Hekken (a.k.a. Slappy Doo!). In his free time, Sam likes
to Geo-cache, do anything Art related and hang with his family and friends.
Sam would also like to send hugs and kisses to his “special” friends... YOU
know who you ARE!!! Sam would finally like to thank his Grandma, Pop-Pop,
Foxy, Cookie and his Mommy for all their love and support!
Matt Durkin (Georgie/Pastey) Matt loves doing stand-up comedy in his
spare time and just entertaining people in general. Working with this team and
director Mandracchia has been a great time and Matt looks forward to hearing
your laughter throughout the show!
Florence Wydra-Gat (Electra) is pleased to be a backstage AND on- stage
mom for her two wonderful daughters. Her ‘home’ theater is Playcrafters of
Skippack where she has played many roles including being the box office manager. Her most recent role was playing Nancy in Oliver! for Laymen Playmen.
Next will be Magenta in Rocky Horror for Playcrafters in October.
Hannah Gat (Ensemble) This is Hanna’s first show ever. She is entering first
grade at Franconia Elementary and loves her mommy, daddy, and sister who are
in the show with her.
Who’s Who in the Cast
Rachel Gat (Ensemble) is excited to be on stage with her little sister, mom
AND dad. She has performed in several ballets as a dancer at DVDA and has
also performed in musicals for Laymen Playmen.
Roie Gat (Uncle Jacko/Mr.Weber/Mr. Goldstone) is excited to be on stage
for the first time with his two daughters and wife. His previous performances
have been in On Borrowed Time, Five Candles, Communicating Door, and Cabaret. He would like to thank the cast and crew for their great professionalism
and hard work.
Trudy Graboyes (Rose) is thrilled to be recreating the role of Rose here at
Shannondell! Trudy last appeared with King of Prussia Players as Mabel in The
Pajama Game and as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof. Trudy was nominated for 2014
Broadway World.com best actress award for her portrayal as Fraulein Schneider
in Cabaret, the musical and was the recipient of The Subscribers Choice award
for her portrayal as Yente the matchmaker in Fiddler on the Roof, from The RitzTheater, NJ. Trudy has performed throughout the tri-state area at such theaters
as: Walnut St Theater, The Arden Theater, Media Theater (she was comedienne,
Wanda Sykes’ understudy for Ms. Hannigan and was cast as Mrs.Greer) Candlelight Theater, Hedgerow Theater, Plays and Players, NY Dinner Theater, and at
the Kimmel Center in Tony and Tina’s Wedding as Josephine Vitale, mother of the
bride. Trudy is a cabaret singer, and her original cabaret was taken off Broadway
to Don’t Tell Mama’s Cabaret Nightclub. Trudy will be performing her two-person cabaret here at Shannondell in August.
Suzanne Howarth (Ensemble) Gotta love variety! This time around Sue gets
to be a stage mother, hotel guest and aging alcoholic burlesque dancer. In her
past lives she’s been Ruth in Pirates of Penzance, Granny in Fiddler, Brenda in
Pajama Game and a Moll/Waitress/Tourist in Guys and Dolls. Break a leg all!
Claire Jenkins (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing with the KOPP again!
She has performed in Brigadoon, The Wizard Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, The King
and I, The Princess Who Had No Name and Cinderella. She loves to sing and
dance! She would like to thank her family and her KOPP family for this wonderful opportunity!
Charlotte Kalilec (Hollywood Blonde) had so much fun being a part of Gypsy
2015! She would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work. Her
KOPP shows include Wizard of Oz (Munchkin & featured dancer), Fiddler on the
Roof (Bielke), King and I (Royal Child), Annie (Ensemble), Hello Dolly! (Youth
Ensemble). Other productions include Beauty and the Beast (Dance Ensemble),
Dracula (The Child), Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), and Gypsy (Newsboy).
Who’s Who in the Cast
Brenden Kortenhaus (Assistant Director/Choreographer) is a second-year
Theatre and Nonprofit Management student at Villanova University. Brenden
received his B.S. in Mathematics and Minor in Theatre from Villanova University in May, 2014. At Villanova Theatre, he was Crookfinger Jake in The Threepenny Opera and the Stage Manager for Big Love. As a member of Villanova
Student Musical Theatre, some of his favorite shows included Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party (Eddie), The Pajama Game (Joe), The Producers (Scott the
Choreographer), Urinetown (Robbie the Stockfish), and Children of Eden (Storyteller). He also directed and choreographed their annual Spring Cabaret in
April, 2013. Brenden also works for The Premier Theatre Company in Asbury
Park, NJ, having performed and helped produce shows there for the last eight
years. Some of his favorite roles include Hairspray (Fender/Assistant Director/Choreographer), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Reuben/
Featured Dancer/Dance Captain), Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka/Bottle Dancer/
Dance Captain), Hello Dolly! (Ambrose Kemper) and Cabaret (Kit Kat Boy/
Dance Captain).
Ryan Lauer (Angie) is very thrilled to be working on his first show with the
King of Prussia Players! He is an active member of West Chester University’s
Theatre and Dance Department, where he has previously played as “The Clown”
in All’s Well That Ends Well and “David” in The Rivals. Ryan is grateful for the
talented team putting on Gypsy and admires their collaborative effort.
Christen Mandracchia (Director) revived her Master’s Degree in Theatre
from Villanova University where she recently directed The Last Days of Judas Iscariot as her thesis. Other Villanova directing credits include selections
from Mary Stuart, The Tempest, and Venus in Fur. Gypsy is Christen’s fifth production with KOPP. She assistant directed Wizard of Oz, and provided critically
acclaimed lighting design for Fiddler on the Roof, Chorus Line, and Pajama
Game. She was a founding staff member of the drama program at Pope John
Paul II High School where she directed How the West Was Done and served in
various capacities for Les Miserables, Anything Goes, Beauty and the Beast, and
their annual show choir performance. She is the new Assistant Artistic Director
and Technical Director of Harriton High School’s Cappie Award winning Theatre
Company and is currently stage managing the new play Altar Call in Philadelphia,
and stage managing for the Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival’s Inaugural
Festival in August. She would like to thank her Production Team (a.k.a. “Team
Awesome”) and her family for all of their tireless help and support.
Thomas Mandracchia (Tulsa/Dramaturg) has been involved in theater for 7
years, performing in productions at the high school, community, and university
levels. Credits include Reverend Shaw in Footloose (2010), Jean Valjean in Les
Miserables (2011), Mendel in Fiddler on the Roof (2012), Chuck Cranston in
Who’s Who in the Cast
Footloose (2014), Benny in RENT (2014), and Arnold in The Wedding Singer
(2014). Thomas has also served as an assistant director for Pope John Paul II High
School in Royersford . He is a recent graduate of West Chester University and
will be attending Penn Law School in the Fall. He would like to thank Lauren and
Brenden for teaching him how to tap and for believing in him.
Julie Mandrachia (Hollywood Blonde) is proud to be a part of The King of
Prussia Players. She has been in several other plays and musicals since she was
11 years old, her first play being Les Miserable as Young Cosette. She would
like to thank her family for their support and Christen for this opportunity. She
hopes to get involved in other plays in the future.
Brianna M. McDonald (Ensemble) is new to the Players. She has enjoyed
the opportunity to learn more about Community Theater and make new friends.
Caroline E. McDonald (Ensemble) is happy to make her first debut with the
Players. She has enjoyed performing at school and in after school productions.
She is excited for this opportunity to participate in this community theater group.
Emily E. McDonald (Ensemble) loves performing on stage. She is excited for
this opportunity to be a part of this production.
Lauren McGinnis (Choreographer) is happy to return to the Shannondell theatre after choreographing her most recent blockbuster Footloose last summer.
You may have seen some of Lauren’s work with the Players in their rendition
of The Music Man (Fall 2013) and Fiddler on the Roof (Summer 2012). Lauren
attends University of the Sciences in Philadelphia for Physical Therapy. She
graduated with her Bachelors in Health Science this past May and begins her
second year of graduate school in the Fall. Along with balancing the intensity of
her studies, Lauren was seen teaching ballet at Upbeat Dance Center, assistant
directing and choreographing multiple numbers in her school’s dance company,
Motions, and starting her own research program. Lauren also has been busy
planning magical trips to Disney World as she is an Independent Contractor
with Ears of Experience. Lauren would like to thank her cast for always working so diligently and her production team for being as understanding as possible
when it comes to Lauren’s busy schedule. SING OUT LOUISE!
Riley McMenamin (Ensemble) is honored and thrilled to be a part of the Gypsy Ensemble, her first musical, and to work with such a wonderful cast and crew.
She would like to thank family and friends for their support in all her endeavors!
Zoe Muller (Agnes/Renee) is a young actress who hopes to be acting for the
rest of her life. This is Zoe’s first time performing in a show with King of Prussia Players and is privileged to be in such a marvelous production. A few of
Who’s Who in the Cast
Zoe’s past roles include Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice; The Opera
at the Community Music School, Bastien in Bastien und Bastienne, Mary Warren in The Crucible at Skippack Playcrafters, and Helen Keller in The Miracle
Worker at Steel River Playhouse among others. Zoe’ has trained at the Arden
Theatre in Philadelphia. She would like to thank her fellow cast members and
wonderful director for giving her the opportunity to once more be on stage.
Portia Murphy (Baby June) is thrilled to participate in her first production
with the King of Prussia Players. A dancer of eight years and singer of five, Portia studies dance with the Princeton Ballet and voice with Badiene Magaziner
in New York City. She also takes musical theatre classes at the Walnut Street
Theatre. Portia is very grateful to her mom and dad for their unending support
toward her career and homeschooling efforts that make it possible. She also
thanks the Players’ director and everyone involved in this great show!
Georgia Naples (Hollywood Blonde) makes her second appearance with KOP
Players, the first being The King & I. Her previous experiences include 15
musicals, her favorites being 13, The Musical and Guys & Dolls. She dances
at the Rock School West, and has participated in theatre at Stagedoor Manor
Summer Camp.
Rosa Nardo (Baby Louise) is excited to reprise her role as Baby Louise. She
has played the role before for the prestigious Yale College in New Haven. Rosa
has been dancing since the age of 3 and singing since the age of 5. Some of her
other roles include Molly in Annie, Baby Elephant in Jungle Book, Flounder in
Little Mermaid, Shprintze in Fiddler on the Roof and Sha in Ragtime.
Alexander Oskanian (Newsboy) is new to the King of Prussia and this is his first
show. Alexander is 14 and is going to be attending the Wissahickon High School.
Jared Pinkham (Yonkers) is so excited to be in his first KOP production. Jared is going into his sophomore year of high school at Perkiomen Valley High
School. Some of Jared’s favorite roles include Bastien in Bastien and Bastienne,
Floyd Allen in Dark of the Moon and Ryan Kendal in 8 the Play. Jared would
like to thank the director and his cast mates for making this show so much fun!
Bishon Prushankin (Louise) is so grateful to be a part of one of her favorite
shows, and to step into the shoes of such an incredible woman, the incomparable
Gypsy Rose Lee, who was so much more than a burlesque dancer. Bishon was last
seen on the Playcrafters stage as Abigail Williams in The Crucible, and Nina in
Vanya/Sonia/Masha/Spike. Her favorite past roles include Ilse in Spring Awakening, Emily Webb in Our Town, Sabina in The Skin of Our Teeth, Kitty in The
Drowsy Chaperone, Claire in The Breakfast Club, and Bet in Oliver. Catch her
Who’s Who in the Cast
this fall at Playcrafters once again, where this time she will be losing her clothes
all over again as Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Show. She would like to thank
the team of Gypsy for guiding her through this once in a lifetime experience, as
well as her loved ones for supporting her as she chases her passions.
Becca Riley (Ensemble) is delighted to appear in her first show with the Players. She played Dot in 101 Dalmatians and Papa Bear in A Fairy Tale Christmas
Carol with the Firebird Theatre. She has very much enjoyed this tremendous
learning experience.
Cecily Ritchie (Ensemble) is excited to be joining her brothers on the Players
stage for the second time. She is fresh off a run as Cogsworth in Beauty and
the Beast Jr. Other roles include The Wicked Witch in Oz; Amaryllis in The
Music Man; Kathy Cratchit in Scrooge! The Musical; and Ti Moune in Once On
This Island, Jr. Cecily loves music, singing, and making music videos. She also
plays the violin. She would like to thank her mom, dad, and brothers for their
support (and for keeping a stash of chocolate handy), Lauren, Keith, and Laura,
and Christen for this great opportunity!
Quinton Ritchie (L.A./Georgie) Gypsy marks Quinton’s second time on the
stage with the Players. Recent appearances include Skip Snip in Little Shop of
Horrors; ensemble in Footloose; and General Cartwright in Guys and Dolls.
Quinton also plays the sax in several bands and loves to sing. Big thanks to
Christen for the opportunity, to Keith and Laura for their support and friendship,
to Lauren for doing an awesome job, and to Mom, Dad, Cecily, and Tegerty. He
dedicates his performances in memory of his grandfather, who was a big fan of
theater.
Tegerty Ritchie (Newsboy) is thrilled to be on this stage with his brother and
sister in his first production with the Players. He has been performing in school
and Community Theater for seven years and has played several lead roles, including Tiny Tim in Scrooge! The Musical. Teg also plays the trumpet for his
school’s concert and jazz bands. Thank you to Christen for this opportunity; to
Lauren for the great choreography; and to Mom, Dad, Cecily, and Quinton for
their support.
Carmen Rossi (Stage Manager) is happy to be back with KOPP once again.
Carmen has been seen at Footlighters Theater as a director and stage manager
for many shows. By day, Carmen is a senior at West Chester University studying Health Promotion and working to get into Physician Assistant School to be
a PA in Pediatric Trauma, by night the Batman of moving sets. “I want to thank
my family and loved ones for all their support. I would also like to thank Tom
for talking me into doing “one more show.” Love you all!
Who’s Who in the Cast
Danny Scott (Herbie) is excited to reprise the role that re-introduced him to
Community Theater. Danny first played Herbie at Footlighters Theater in 2010.
Since then he’s graced the stage with King of Prussia Players’ Meet Me In St.
Louis and The Music Man and the Avongrove Community Theater’s Thoroughly
Modern Millie. Saddle Chick, this one’s for you.
Amia Shavaun (Baby Louise) is delighted to once again be performing with
the amazing King of Prussia Players and with such a fabulous cast! Singing,
acting and dancing since age 3, Amia has performed in 30+ productions in the
Delaware Valley and NYC. Favorite roles include Annie in Annie and Tootie in
Meet Me in St. Louis. Amia is grateful to Christen, Laura, Brendan, Lauren, and
Michael for giving her the opportunity to be in Gypsy. “Thanks to my family
for their constant love and support and for fostering my love of theater. This
production is dedicated to my Grandpap who was quite an actor himself!”
Michael Smith (Music Director/Conductor) received his music education degree from Temple University, and has been a frequent member of the King of
Prussia Players’ pit orchestra. He was the music director for Brigadoon in the
spring of 2015 and conducted performances of The Pirates of Penzance, The
Mikado and Footloose with the Players. He is currently the conductor of the
Audubon Symphony Orchestra.
Christin Thomas (June) currently studies Musical Theatre and Dance at West
Chester University and she is thrilled to be making her debut in King of Prussia
Players production of Gypsy! Being a part of Gypsy has been a fantastic experience for Christin. Throughout this entire process, she has met so many dedicated, talented, and overall outstanding people who continue to amaze her every
day. She has loved every second of playing Dainty June. This character means
so much to Christin and she is so honored and grateful to portray her. Christin
would like to thank the production staff, her family and friends, and her fellow
cast mates of Gypsy! Break a leg everyone!
Clark Van Hekken (Pop, Kringelein, Cigar) has appeared in 94 theatrical
productions since 1969. This is his 18th show with KoPP, most recently as Jeff
Douglas in Brigadoon. Next month you can see him in Dramateurs’ Spamalot.
Clark will do his 20th MS City to Shore bicycle ride of 180 miles in October.
Lizzie Watters (Ensemble) is so excited to make her debut with KOPP. She
first performed in High School Musical 2 Jr. with Stagecoach Theatre Arts, and
UMMS’s production of Cinderella in March. She would like to thank everyone
in this great production and her parents for making this all happen.
Who’s Who in the Cast
Isabella Yackanicz (Balloon Girl/Ensemble), a 7th grader at Perkiomen
Valley West, is thrilled to be in her first show at King of Prussia Players. A
few of her more recent shows include Shrek! (Young Fiona) at Montgomery
Theater, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Snoopy), at Perk Valley Middle School West, and The Sound of Music (Marta), at Steel River Playhouse.
When she’s not acting or singing, you will find Isabella at Dance Depot in Collegeville as she is passionate about tap, jazz, ballet and lyrical. Isabella loves
spending time with her family and friends, and forever is thankful for all their
love and support!
Please turn off all cell phones and pagers.
Please, no flash photography.
Videotaping or other video/audio
recording is strictly prohibited.
Shannondell is a smoke-free community.
THANK YOU!
Sandra Church, Lane Bradbury, Jule Styne, Columbia Records producer Goddard Lieberson,
and Stephen Sondheim during the recording session of "If Momma Was Married”
Shannondell at Valley Forge
Villanova Theatre Props Department
Dr. Valerie Joyce
Development Enterprises Corp.
“Just” Matt
Willow Manor
Peg Carter
Kristen Arbutina
Melanie and Haley Huelsman of “Dance Moms”
PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR SPONSORS!
Angelo’s Pizza
Screwballs Bar and Grill
Peppers Italian Restaurant and Bar
Senior Helpers
Become a Benefactor!
King of Prussia Players is a 501(c)3 non-profit, educational organization emphasizing the
theatrical arts. For half a century our outstanding productions and commitment to education
has given us a reputation as a leading cultural institution in the Delaware Valley.
We offer you the opportunity to join us - to help us to make King of Prussia a cultural center
and nightlife destination. Your generous contribution will enhance our reputation and yours
within the community.
We thank our sponsors - whose generosity makes our efforts possible and helps us to make
King of Prussia the first rate community it has become.
Standing Ovation ($500)
Estate of Paul T. Gaskins and Tracy Gaskins Courtney (Executrix)
The Gwynn Family
Curtain Call ($250)
Bravo ($100)
Tom & Phyllis Blair, Perkiomenville
Great Wall Chinese School
Harishkumar R. Patel and Himadri H. Patel
Glam Hair Studio / The Herbetko Family
Chorus Line ($50)
Stage Hands (up to $49)
We welcome contributions in any amount. Please join others in our community dedicated
to enhancing our cultural stature and image across the Delaware Valley.
If you would like to join our Benefactors send your contribution to:
King of Prussia Players
Attn: Benefactors Administrator
P.O. Box 75
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Bishon is a musical story blender and a romantic songstress. She is as well versed in
the riffs of Scott and Zelda as in the literature of Mick and Keith.
Bishon weaves stories of carefee days, foolish nights, disheveled mornings, and
unsettled scores, that feel like a peek into her heart’s diary.
Infusing her lyrical style with the ease of pop jangle and an undercurrent of power
chord thunder; Bishon serves up a deep dish of passion, intuition, and honesty that
liberates the promise of rock ‘n roll.
www.bishonmusic.com
bi h
i
Join MCT for our next show:
July 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Originally produced on Broadway
by DreamWorks Theatricals
and Neal Street Productions
MethactonCommunityTheater.org
610.489.6449
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Call or email for a free initial consultation
[email protected]
(484) 949-8429
(610) 310-6239
610.631.2171
Fax: 610.631.2650
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