Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra

Bob Allen (Set Construction Chairman) Bob joined the chorus in 1981 for Ruddigore and happily sang his part for several seasons before flubbing a line; now he operates backstage or at the Firehouse building sets. He has produced and/or stage-managed dozens of productions for RVCO. He continues to be amazed at how the efforts of so many talented people, working independently throughout the region, come together to produce such delightful productions. Back to top

Sonja Allen (Aunt Eller/Costumes) is very proud to be a Life Member of RVCO - joining the group in 1981. She has appeared with many other theatre groups in the region but RVCO has always been home. RVCO is a family-oriented group and it is great to share it with husband Bob and many close and dear friends. When not on stage she has served on the Board and been involved with costuming, set building, stage crew, and of courseSocial. She has been fortunate to have the opportunity to play many fun, frisky women such as Mame Dennis, Dolly Levi, Adelaide, Truvy, Mother Superior, Vera Charles, Mrs. Paroo, and of course Aunt Eller. She has appeared in commercials and had a featured role in "America's Most Wanted." What else is there to say but "Life is a Banquet" (Mame), and Sonja certainly enjoys it! Back to top

Jennifer Andrews (Sylvie/Membership) is excited to be performing in her 3rd show with Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra. She has performed in the chorus of several other shows, including H.M.S. Pinafore, The Sorcerer, Yeomen of the Guard, Godspell, Tommy, and others. Jennifer sings with a worship team at Calvary Chapel of Delaware County and Rose Valley's road show choir. Jen is an Autistic Support teacher for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. She thanks her voice instructor, Kathryn Armour of Wilmington, DE for her wonderful teaching. She looks forward to more shows with Rose Valley in the future. Back to top

Alan Alvarez (Ali Hakim) has appeared in numerous RVCO productions, most recently as Isaac Miller in Plain & Fancy, Claude Upson in Mame, Gaston, in The Red Mill, Heavenly Friend in Carousel, Lord Battersby in Me and My Girl, and Big Jule in Guys and Dolls. Previous RVCO roles were Gangster Number 2 in Kiss Me Kate, Marcellus in The Music Man, Vernon Hines in Pajama Game, and Nathan Detroit in the 1984 Guys and Dolls. Alan appeared as a non-union featured background artist (extra) in the movie Invincible, starting Mark Wahlberg. He also played the role of Lenny, the bartender, in the independent film Jack of Clubs. Back to top

Helen J. Beldecos (Chorus) has performed regularly with RVCO for many years. Her roles include Mrs. Doris Upson in Mame, Lady Battersby in Me and My Girl, Shaindel in Fiddler on the Roof, Mae in The Pajama Game, Mrs. Rose in Hello, Dolly!, Fatima in The Desert Song, and Maud Dunlop in The Music Man. Behind the scenes, Helen has been treasurer and in charge of tickets. “RVCO is a wonderful group of talented performers and a great crew; it is a pleasure to be associated with them.” Back to top

Peri Berman (Ellen) This is Peri’s first show with RVCO but second time performing in Oklahoma!. She graduated with a B.M. in Music Education from Temple University and is currently working on completing her M.M in Music Education/Kodaly Certification from West Chester University. She previously appeared as a Screeching Soprano, Wife, and the front of the Camel in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other favorite roles include Rose Lennox (Secret Garden), Ethel Toffelmeir (Music Man), Hope Diamond (Dancing Princesses), and Madame Azure (Pinocchio). Peri is a music teacher and sometimes enjoys writing scripts for her schools’ winter and spring performances. Back to top

Frank Capasso (Chorus) This is Frank's first time doing a show. He is very exited to be doing Oklahoma! and looking forward to be doing many more. He is having a great time, and would like to thank all cast members and directors for their help. Back to top

Chris Capitolo(Chorus) Chris is excited to be making his first appearance with Rose Valley. His previous musical theater experience includes the Gershwin musical Of Thee I Sing as well as Pirates of Penzance (twice). He'd like to thank everyone in the production for making him feel very welcome. Back to top

Bruce Conley (President/Ike Skidmorer) was Samuel Zapp in Plain and Fancy, Bogdanowitsch in The Merry Widow, Ralph Devine in Mame, a pirate in Pirates of Penzance, Dirk in The Red Mill, and David Bascombe in Carousel. A chorus member since 1988, he has also enjoyed playing minor roles in shows such as Brigadoon, The Yeomen of the Guard, Hello, Dolly!, and Die Fledermaus. As president of RVCO, Bruce also wears many hats offstage. He especially thanks his wife, Rae, for her help and support and his aunt, Thelma Loving, for inspiring his musical interests. Back to top

Chris DiMeo (Curly) Oklahoma! marks Chris's debut with RVCO. Chris has been singing, acting and dancing for the past 25 years. He has performed in over 30 productions in the Atlantic City, New York and Philadelphia areas. He has won numerous vocal awards including "Best Pop Vocalist of NJ" and "Best Pop Duet of NJ" with fellow cast member and best friend, Andrea Kalan (Ado Annie). He has sung with Peter Nero and The Pops and has lent his voice to recording projects in the Philadelphia area. Chris wants to thank his family, friends and Steve for their love and support. 25 years ago, Chris and his best friend, Andrea, played "Curly" and "Ado Annie" in their grade school production and here they are reprising their roles, once again. There is no one I'd rather share the stage with Anj! Third time's a charm! Love you!" Back to top

Mary Beth Dostillio (Chorus)I’ve been performing with RVCO since 1993. Since then I’ve done over 20 shows, served on the board and even was president for a few years. Thanks, Bob, for letting me be a cowgirl, which is what I am at home. Back to top

Michael Dutka (Jud Fry) is delighted to rejoin The Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra, for the first time in a Spring production. Previous RVCO roles include Sergeant Meryll in the The Yeomen of the Guard, Roderick in Ruddigore, the title role of The Mikado and the Sergeant of Police in The Pirates of Penzance. Michael has also played Arac in Princess Ida and Major Murgatroyd in Patience with the Ardensingers, Jupiter in Quade Winters’ recreation of Thespis, and Private Willis in Iolanthe with Thespis, Etc., and Dick Deadeye in H.M.S. Pinafore and The Usher in Trial By Jury and with the Savoy Company. Other non-G&S parts include Theseus/Oberon in a musical Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Commendatore in Don Giovanni, two Menotti roles – Mr. Gobineau in The Medium and Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Huckabee in The Fantasticks, and Emile in South Pacific. Michael lives, sings, rides horses and writes operas in Doylestown, PA. He wishes to thank his singing teacher, Richard Johnson, as well as his father, in memoriam, for his constant encouragement and moral support. Back to top

Ryan Goulden (Will Parker) is delighted to be returning once again to his RVCO family. Recent credits include music directing Princess Ida (Thespis Etc.), music directing Trial by Jury (G&S Society of Chester County), Colonel Fairfax in The Yeomen of the Guard (RVCO), Randy Asher in Pounds Off! (Barnstormers Theater), and John Wellington Wells (PGSU). Upcoming projects after Oklahoma! include Marco in The Gondoliers and Myrven in The Pirettes of Penzance (both at Ardensingers). Back to top

Jennifer Graf (Laurey) returns to RVCO after her performances as Elsie in Yeomen of the Guard, Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, Anna Glawari in The Merry Widow, and Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance. Other roles include Pamina (The Magic Flute), Kathie (The Student Prince), Nadina (The Chocolate Soldier), Madame Hart (The Impresario), Yum Yum (The Mikado), Blonda (The Abduction from the Seraglio), Musetta (La Boheme), Frasquita (Carmen), and Barbarina (Le Nozze di Figaro), among others. She has performed twice at the International G&S Festival in England with PSGU in The Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe, as well as Aline in The Sorcerer at the Gettysburg G&S Festival. She has been featured as soprano soloist in Vivaldi's Gloria and Magnificat, Mozart's Requiem, Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, Bach's Cantana #202, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, and Handel's Messiah. Jennifer has released three CDs: Voices of Spring, Tidings of Christmas, and Echoes of Christmas Past. She holds degrees in Vocal Performance from West Chester University (BM) and New England Conservatory of Music (MM). Learn more at www.jennifergraf.com. Back to top

Susan B. Guyer (Choreographer) attended West Chester University for Vocal Performance, currently teaches voice and piano at the Music Centre in Exton, and is the music director at Marple Presbyterian Church. Previous stage performances include Yeomen of the Guard (Phoebe), HMS Pinafore (Hebe), The Sorcerer, Plain and Fancy, The Merry Widow, Mame, Bye Bye Birdie (Kim), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Carousel (Aunt Nettie and Louise), Into the Woods (Lucinda), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Brigadoon; Pirates of Penzance, Trial By Jury, The Wizard of Oz, and Hansel and Gretel as music director; Godspell, Yeomen of the Guard, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and Hansel and Gretel as accompanist. Major choral works include Carmina Burana (Orff), Elijah (Mendelssohn), The Messiah (Handel), The Creation (Haydn), and Requiem (Faure). Special thanks to my husband, George, for his love and support of everything I attempt to squeeze into our schedule. Back to top

Amelia Hamilton (Dream Laurey) This is her first performance with Rose Valley Chorus. She is a dancer and has been dancing for 13 years. Also she has performed in many recitals at Swarthmore college. She enjoys dancing and is proud to be a part of the Oklahoma! production. Back to top

Marin Hitch (Chorus) Marin is very excited to be performing with RVCO for the first time! She has performed in the past with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chester County in a production of Trial By Jury. In addition she has recently graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor's in Music Education, a minor in music history and concentration in flute performance. Back to top

Wayne Jones (Chorus) is very exited to be making his stage debut with RVCO. He is a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church choir in Aston and has been a Cantor there for two years. He also sings for the St. James Alumni Choir the Blue and Grey Voices and is a soloist for the Choir. Back to top

Sarah Joslin (Chorus) is a junior at Haverford High School. She is thrilled to return to RVCO, having performed as a child in Me and My Girl and Hansel and Gretel. Sarah has performed with Celebration Theater and for the last five summers with Upper Darby Summer Stage, most recently as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz and Iago in Aladdin. Other credits are Colin in The Secret Garden, Martha in Cheaper By the Dozen, Amaryllis in The Music Man, “Girl” (lead) in Mother Hicks, and Madame De La Grande Bouche in Beauty and the Beast. She has studied acting at Walnut Street Theater and Arden Theater Drama School, and plans to pursue a theater major in college. Sarah would like to thank RVCO for giving her this amazing opportunity, along with Lauren, Alana, Anna, Kaltra, Eva, Biz, Camille, Paulio and Steve, and her father, for all the support that they have given her. Sarah would especially like to give her warmest appreciation to her mother, who is and has always been so incredibly supportive and loving. Back to top

Andrea Kalan (Ado Annie) is excited to return to the RVCO stage. You might remember Andrea as Katie Yoder in Plain & Fancy and Carrie in Carousel. Favorite roles with other local theaters include: Rose Alvarez (Bye, Bye, Birdie), Woman 2 (Side by Side by Sondheim), Ilona (She Loves Me), Diana Morales (Chorus Line), Mother (Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No good, Very Bad Day), and Sister Mary Leo (Nunsense). She was a 2008 Season Entertainer on the Spirit of Philadelphia. Andrea is thrilled to be sharing the stage again with her BFF Chris DiMeo. They have performed together on numerous occasions over their 24 year friendship, including OKLAHOMA! twice before where she played Ado Anne and then Laurie. Andrea & Chris were both featured singers at the NJ Garden State Art Center's "Talent Expo" where they won in separate years in the best pop vocalist category and then together as best duet. Andrea has three beautiful children: Ryan, Justin, and Ashley. When not taking care of her children, Andrea can be found at the gym as a personal trainer. "Hugs and Kisses for my wonderful husband, Andrew!" Back to top

Mark Kirby (Fred) Mark is delighted to be in his first production of Oklahoma! Actually, Mark is delighted to be in his first production, period. A big "thank you" to everyone at RVCO for letting me and my two left feet join your happy family. Love to Annie Pie, Teagan and Maggie. Back to top

Molly Lazer (Kate) is thrilled to join RVCO for Oklahoma!. Favorite roles include Mad Margaret (Ruddigore), Colin Craven (The Secret Garden), and Sir Sagramore (Camelot). Molly is an English teacher at Cheltenham High School, where she recently directed and choreographed Mary Zimmerman’s The Arabian Nights and is currently assistant directing Guys & Dolls (break a leg, kids!). Back to top

Peggy Long (Chorus) Proud to be a lifetime member and grateful for a world of opportunities to dance – the Can-Can at Maxim’s, Charleston with Mame in New York City, in mink and pearls at The Hot Box, at a New England carnival and a River City library, as a Princess of Ababu, Bonnie Jean of Brigadoon, and with the friendly Farmers and Cowmen, and women, of Oklahoma! Thanks to RVCO for so many wonderful years! Back to top

Philip Lowery (Chorus) joined the chorus of RVCO for the 2009 production of HMS Pinafore. In 2010 he took part in RVCO's murder-mystery Vintage with a Vengeance, RVCO's Yeomen of the Guard, and GSSCC's Trial By Jury. His heart beats for his daughter, Chloe. Back to top

Barbara Matheson (Stage Manager) has appeared backstage as Bobette in numerous RVCO shows, including favorites Hansel and Gretel, Carousel, The Red Mill, and Mame. After playing “roles” in business management, she discovered that she was happiest dressed in black and (mostly) out of sight! Between shows, she likes to travel with her husband, Don, a long-time RVCO member who plays trombone in the orchestra. Back to top

Jack McEwen (Chorus/Treasurer) was Ike Pilersham in Plain and Fancy, Piet in The Red Mill, Liver-Lips Louie in Guys and Dolls, and Bob Barking in Me and My Girl. "This is my eleventh season with RVCO. It's always a great time." Back to top

Bill Michael (Slim/Producer/Set Design/Web Master/Graphic Designer) joined RVCO in 1992 and has appeared in many of our productions in the chorus and minor leads, most recently in the chorus of The Yeomen of the Guard and Jacob Yoder in Plain and Fancy. He met his wife, Kathy, through RVCO and has now performed in many shows on our stage with his children, Maggie and Richie. Besides his current duties, he has been vice president, stage manager, construction chair, lighting crew, stage crew, membership chair, and house manager. He is enjoying producing for the first time and thanks everyone for their hard work and dedication. Back to top

Maggie Michael (Chorus/Painter) is an 8th grader here at SHMS and this is her seventh show with Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra. Maggie’s first show was The Yeomen of the Guard which she performed with her dad when she was three. She has also performed in Carousel, Mame, and Plain and Fancy, Yeomen of the Guard (2010), and did stage crew for H.M.S. Pinafore, all for Rose Valley. She has been seen in Bugsy Malone at Strath Haven Middle School, and played a lead in SHMS’s Spring Musical, which she also helped write. Most recently, she played Grace in HONK!, also here at SHMS. Maggie has taken many classes at YPTW. Maggie also loves to play soccer and volleyball, dance, sing, read, play the violin, piano, and bells, and write her own stories and plays. Back to top

Richie Michael (Chorus/Painter) is performing in his fourth show ever and is excited to be on stage again with his dad, Bill, and sister, Maggie. He previously played Daniel Miller in Plain and Fancy and was the mid-shipmate in H.M.S. Pinafore, and a townsperson in Yeoman of the Guard. He's is currently taking acting lesson at YPTW under Bob Moore and enjoys playing piano, guitar and trombone. Back to top

Kathy Michael (Lighting Designer) is a long-time member, who has previously worked as Lighting Designer, Stage Manager, House Manager, and stage crew for many performances. Previous lighting designs include The Merry Widow, The Gondoliers, The Fantastics, Godspell and Euripides' Helen. Back to top

Caity Moon (Chorus) was a citizen in Yeomen of the Guard, a Grisette and dancer in The Merry Widow, and was a member of the Amish community as well as a dancer in Plain and Fancy. She has been singing since third grade and loves being in front of people and getting attention. While a student at Marple Newtown High School, she participated in the theater and choral programs for two and a half years. She received her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently studying for her Bachelor's. Back to top

Robert Moore (Stage Director/Makeup Design), a former Peace Corps Volunteer, holds an M.A. in Theatre from Villanova University and has done over 300 shows, performing everything from "Shakespeare to Sondheim"! He directed Plain And Fancy in 2009, Mame in 2007, and Carousel in 2005. Previous RVC0 shows he's directed are Pajama Game, My Fair Lady, Vagabond King, Plain and Fancy (1986), New Moon, HMS Pinafore, Guys and Dolls, and Pirates of Penzance. He has played principal roles in Merry Widow, Guys and Dolls, Desert Song, Oklahoma!, Brigadoon, Carousel, and Camelot, to name a few. Professionally, he has done dinner theatre for over 30 years and has worked with such notables as Susan Stroman (The Producers), Bruce Willis, and James Franco in film and stage productions. He co-founded Swarthmore Young People's Theatre Workshop in 1978 and continues as an instructor and director. Currently he works at Celebrations Design Group as a designer, Mike Lemon Casting and as a free-lance director and actor. Back to top

Janet Lloyd Murphy (Gertie) Janet is an RVCO "Life Member, joining the group in 1985 with her father, George, for Yeomen of the Guard. This is the same year her husband, Ray, started with RVCO as a "second trombone." Janet has held various board and committee positions throughout the years, and hopes to be involved for many years to come. Janet thanks the wonderful, welcoming RVCO "family" for all of their support and love through the years, during some difficult times. Back to top

Edd Paffett (Music Director) Edd has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Master of Science in Instructional Media from West Chester University. He taught in classroom and choral music schools from 1968 to 2003 and was the Coordinator of Instructional Technology for the Penn-Delco School District from 1987 to 1997. He has performed in various musical groups including Atlantic Charter, Martin and Friends, Teach, Al Raymond's Big Band, The String Thing, String Variations, and most recently with the John Hoey Orchestra and The Mills Brothers Tribute. He has performed with numerous local jazz artists such as Larry McKenna, Mike Falcone, Pete Barrenbrege, Wendell Hobbs, Tom Darnell, Joe Smith, and Victor North. Edd is a freelance composer, arranger, and producer of music for commercial television and educational films. His commercials include McDonalds, Action News, Eyewitness News, Accu-Weather, Bemco Mattresses, and Doors Unlimited. He is currently the accompanist for the St. James Alumni Choir and leads a professional group, Schola Cantorum. He adapted the Slide Hampton Classic "Frame for the Blues" for Maynard Ferguson on his last CD, MF Horn IV, recorded live in London. Back to top

Diane Runkel (Virginia) Diane is thrilled to be back on the stage for this production, finishing her fifth year with Rose Valley. She has found this theater experience to be such a change from her nursing career and job as wife and mother of two grown children. She sings in her church choir, on the Praise and Worship team and with a small group of women at church. She treasures the friendships, the team work and satisfaction in putting a show together. She especially appreciates her husband, Bill who is responsible for encouraging her to get into this in the first place! Thanks Bill! Back to top

Sally Sapega (Armina) loves being a part of RVCO shows! What keeps her coming back is the fun of being onstage and the many wonderful friendships she has formed over the years. Sally has also appeared in shows with Footlighters Theater, Thespis, Etc., and Barnstormers Theater, and is a member of the choral group Schola Cantorum. She thanks her family and friends for all their support and encouragement. Back to top

Maddie Smith (Chorus) Maddie is excited to be performing with RVCO again. Past shows with Rose Valley Chorus include Carousel and Plain and Fancy. Maddie has appeared locally in various productions including Annie, Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, and Music Man. She enjoys playing sports, singing, and spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Callie. Maddie wants to wish the cast and crew good luck! Back to top

Christina Verduin (Chorus) Chris Verduin joined as a RVCO chorus member for Carousel and has continued to participate in other shows, including The Mikado, Ruddigore, Plain and Fancy and The Yeomen of the Guard. She also takes part in RVCO’s Music in the Schools production of The Pirates of Penzance. Back to top

David Verduin (Vice President/Cord Elam) debuted on the Rose Valley stage as Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls, was the magician in Carousel, and the Doorman in Mame. He is no stranger to the stage, having performed as a clown both nationally and internationally. Offstage, Dave is an interpreter, a children's ministry director, and president of the Riverside, NJ Coalition of Business Owners and Landlords. He also teaches English as a second language. In RVCO's Music in the School The Pirates of Penzance he is a pirate. In Cinderella at Footlighters Theater, he was "the king who wanted to sing." Back to top

Cathy Wakefield (Sadie/Sponsorship Chair) is proud to be a Lifetime member of RVCO and always enjoys singing and dancing with the Chorus. She has performed with the group since the 1981 production of Die Fledermaus. Favorite shows include Guys and Dolls (1984 and 2004), Plain and Fancy (1986, onstage with her daughter Kerri), Mame (2007, as Cousin Fan), and The Pirates of Penzance, her favorite G&S. "Thanks to my wonderful family and friends for their love and support of my exciting hobby!" Back to top

Daniel K. Williams (Chorus) Daniel attended West Chester University for voice and theatre. He is currently the Tenor Section Leader at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Chester. Daniel has performed numerous roles in the greater Philadelphia area, including Cyril in Princess Ida, Tolloller in Iolanthe, Marco in The Gondoliers, Edwin in Trial by Jury, Camille in The Merry Widow (with Rose Valley Chorus), and the Sorcerer in Dido and Aenus. Daniel made his directorial debut this past December with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chester County's production of Trial by Jury. He has also been a featured soloist for performances of Handel's Messiah, Schubert's Mass in G, Orff's Carmina Burana and Saint-Sean's Christmas Oratorio. Daniel is a founding member of Spare Change barbershop quartet and a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He also sings with The Brandywine Singers. This is Daniel's second production with Rose Valley Chorus. Back to top

Jennifer Williams (Elizabeth) is “thrilled to work with such amazing talent” in RVCO's Oklahoma! Ms. Williams started singing professionally at age 8 when the churchpaid her $8 per month to be in the choir. It was her highest paying gig; and it ignited a love of music. Currently, Ms. Williams performs in musicals and light opera with 5 community troupes as often as possible while instructing an Arthritis Foundation aquatics program. She wishes to thank her wonderful, loving family and friends for their support, “I love you, Mom and Dad!" Back to top

Linda Yost (Chorus) is happy to be joining RVCO for a second show. She has performed in various capacities in several G&S productions, including Ruddigore (RVCO), A G&S Christmas (Thespis), Trial by Jury (Bucks County G&S Society), and The Pirates of Penzance (Footlighters). She has also appeared in independent and student films (Under the Rainbow, Offloading Mrs. Schwartz, Redcoats). She has studied acting at the Walnut Street Theater and the Media Theatre. She has studied voice with Jennifer Graf, who truly has the voice of an angel! Back to top

Dave Zaffarano (Andrew Carnes) Favorite roles: Ezra in Plain and Fancy, Gregor in Mame, 2nd Yeomen in The Yeomen of the Guard, Pritschitsch in The Merry Widow. Chorus: The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, Ruddigore, H.M.S. Pinafore. He sings in church as a choir member and a soloist. He also sings with Schola Cantorum and the Blue and Gray Voices (The St. James Alumni Choir). Thank you to the very talented RVCO. I’ve met so many great friends. And also to Julie, who is my inspiration. Back to top

Julie Zaffarano (Aggie/Secretary) and her husband, Dave, are blessed to be performing in their fourth season with RVCO. They can be found singing in church and with other local G&S groups. Their next show is Ardensingers' Gondoliers (Vittoria). "RVCO is a second family to us!" Back to top