Bios

Bob Allen (Set Construction Chair) joined the chorus in 1981 for Ruddigore and happily sang his part for several seasons before flubbing a line; now he operates backstage. He has produced and/or stage-managed dozens of productions over the past 25 years. 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 (Costumes) has appeared on stage and backstage with RVCO since 1981. Sonja's on stage roles with RVCO include Mame (Mame), Dolly Levi (Hello, Dolly!), Adelaide and Gen. Cartwright (Guys and Dolls) and Mrs. Paroo (The Music Man). Her roles with other local groups include the title role in Mame, Mother Superior (Nunsense), Claire and Truvy (Steel Magnolias), and Side by Side by Sondheim. She has appeared in commercials and had a role in "America's Most Wanted." Her MOST enjoyable activity is spending time with her grandchildren and teaching them by participation that "life is a banquet." One granddaughter-a loyal RVCO audience member from age 1/1/2-is now living in Seattle and very involved in little theatre and school productions. It works-start them early. RVCO is a family-oriented group and it's great to share it with husband Bob and many close and dear friends. Back to top

Alan Alvarez (Isaac Miller) has appeared in numerous RVCO productions, most recently as Claude Upson, in Mame, Gaston in The Red Mill, the Heavenly Friend in Carousel, Lord Battersby in Me and My Girl, and Big Jule in Guys and Dolls. Previous major RVCO roles were Gangster Number 2 in Kiss Me Kate, Marcellus in Music Man, Vernon Hines in The 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, starring Mark Wahlberg. He also played the role of Lenny, a bartender, in the independent film, Jack of Clubs. Back to top

Christopher Bennett (Community) is nineteen years old and has performed in multiple shows of The Nutcracker and The Lion King for the Media Dance Studio. He has danced for four years and is a dancer as well as a singer in this show. Back to top

Calvin Brackin (Papa Yoder) is pleased to be making his debut with RVOC, especially with Plain and Fancy. Thirty years ago, he was Moses Zook in Plain and Fancy at Three Baker's Dinner Theatre and has always said that "theatre is wonderful, because no matter how old you are, there is always a role for you". Here is living proof. Cal is a retired teacher from the West Chester Area School District where he taught creative and performing arts in their program for gifted and also choral music at Starkweather Elementary. He is currently on staff in OperaDelaware's education department, directs and performs locally, is vocal coach for the Delaware All State Theatre and has a private vocal studio in West Chester. Back to top

Jeanne Bruno (Ruth Winters) is a veteran performer of regional theater for many years. Beside the zany retro character of Ruth in Plain & Fancy, she has done Gilbert & Sullivan as the Duchess in The Gondoliers and Pitty Sing in The Mikado. At the other end of the spectrum she was Lalume in Kismet and Ado Annie in Oklahoma!. Other appearances were at Players Club of Swarthmore as Felia in Forum, Agness in I DO, I DO, and Rosalie in Carnival. In addition her credits include Irene Mulloy in Hello Dolly! at Three Little Bakers. When not on stage, she has done costumes and choreography. The best reward is a well timed laugh and the applause at curtain call. Back to top

Emily Chressanthis (Miller Child) is eight years old and a third grader at Media Elementary School. This is her first musical production and she really enjoys being part of the cast. Back to top

Ken Clark (Set Construction Chair) was first listed under Costumes for Kiss Me, Kate in 1998. After lugging costumes, installing grommets, and posing occasionally as a "Male Model", he explored other avenues and proceeded through Stage Crew to Set Construction Crew to Set Construction Chair which he did for Patience, Carousel, H. M. S. Pinafore/Cox & Box, The Red Mill, The Pirates of Penzance, Mame, The Mikado, and The Merry Widow. He has also done bit parts on stage: a Policeman in Hello, Dolly!, a Suspicious Character in Guys and Dolls, and a Clergyman in The Red Mill. Back to top

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

Bonnie Decktor (Associate Stage Director), a long-time actor, director, makeup artist, and hair stylist, styled the wigs for The Mikado and The Merry Widow last season. Her many credits with RVCO include Associate Stage Director for Mame and Carousel. Her credits with groups throughout the region include: Resident hair and makeup person for the Delaware Children's Theatres, intern at the Mike Lemon Casting Agency, teacher in the Summer Drama Camp at the Original and New Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Delaware Children's Theatre, and Wilmington Drama League, and with the Young Peoples Theatre Workshop. Back to top

Sydney De Lapeyrouse (Hilda Miller) is thrilled to return to RVCO after singing Ruth in Ruddigore last fall. A native of Washington, DC, she performed with the Washington Savoyards in Trial by Jury and The Pirates of Penzance. She spent the summer in Italy, where she played the Nursing Sister in Suor Angelica with the Professional Advantage summer program. She received her Masters from Temple University where she sang in their productions of Les Contes d'Hoffmann and L'Enfant et les sortileges and was a frequent soloist with groups such as the Temple University Concert Choir and Temple University Contemporary Music Ensemble. Back to top

Josiah Donnell (Peter Reber) has often been confused as Amish because of his first name. So when the opportunity came along to actually act as an Amish, he jumped at the chance. You might remember Josiah from his recent performances as Robin Oakapple in Ruddigore and Baron Zeta in The Merry Widow. Elsewhere he performed as Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun and Lysander in A Midsummer Night's Dream. When not acting as an Amish farmer, Josiah can be found moving large rocks for his company Artscapers or playing disc golf at one of the many beautiful courses in the area. Back to top

Edward Emmi (Dan King) last appeared with RVCO as Charlie Dalrymple in Brigadoon. Most recently, he appeared as Captain Georg Von Trapp in The Sound of Music at the Wilmington Drama League. A veteran of well over 100 shows, mostly musicals, with groups throughout the tri-state area, favorite roles have included Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Cliff in Cabaret, Toby in Sweeney Todd, Fagin in Oliver!, Uncle Peck in How I Learned to Drive, Freddy in My Fair Lady, Japheth in Two By Two, Marco in A View from the Bridge, Teen Angel in Grease, Barnaby in Hello Dolly!, Sam in The Old Boy, Saul in As Is, Magaldi in Evita, and both Perchik and Motel in various productions of Fiddler on the Roof, among many, many others. He has sung to benefit many organizations including the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, Opera Delaware, The September 11th Fund, AIDSDelaware, the American Diabetes Association, and was featured as Max on the recording of Adeodata, an original musical event benefiting the Kennett Symphony Orchestra. When not on stage, Ed is an HR Generalist for Wilmington Trust Company, a cantor at six local Catholic churches, and a professional wedding and funeral soloist. Back to top

Carol Freed (Music Director/Conductor) started piano at the age of six and was music director first as a senior at Lower Merion High School. Since then she has been music director/conductor for many local theater groups. She joined RVCO in 1977 as accompanist and became music director and conductor with The New Moon production in 1985. Her longevity with RVCO has now earned her the distinction of Life Member. "What a privilege to lead such a wonderful and talented group of people, both actors and orchestra." Off the podium, she sells real estate with Weichert Realtors and does vocal coaching. "Thanks to my husband, Marvin, for supporting me, always." Back to top

Chase Fury (Community) is thirteen years old and a seventh grader at Paxon Hollow Middle School. He sings in the choir and can’t wait to start acting and singing in the High School shows. Back to top

Jacquelyn Gamble Community) is enjoying being in her first musical show and hopes to do more. Her previous stage experience was in her 8th grade production of Get Smart. Now a freshman at Unionville High School, she is in the Marching Band (Color Guard) and the "SHOC" program-a mentoring program to help 8th graders transition into high school. She is very interested in the science of genetics and wants to go to Penn State University to become a geneticist. Back to top

Sharon Kope (Pianist/Keyboard), a member of RVCO since 2003, has been a musician all her life. She studied at Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory, toured Europe with America's Youth in Concert, attended Princeton's Westminster Choir College, and graduated from Ohio's Wittenberg University with a bachelor's degree in church music. She is Director of Music for Mount Hope United Methodist Church in Aston and director and accompanist for the Sunshine Singers of Delaware County. Sharon is married to her wonderful husband, Bob, and has two terrific boys, Kevin and Tim. When not involved with music, she likes spending time with her family, doing crafts, and traveling around the country. Back to top

Andrea Kalan (Katie Yoder) is thrilled to return to the RVCO stage. She has performed with many local theaters including Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center, Valley Forge Children's Theater, The Stagecrafters, Footlighters Theater, Narberth Community Theater, and Drexel Hill Players. Previous credits include: Side by Side by Sondheim (Woman 2), Carousel (Carrie), She Loves Me (Ilona), A Chorus Line (Diana Morales), Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Mother), and Nunsense (Sister Mary Leo). Most recently, she could be seen performing on the Spirit of Philadelphia as a 2008 Season Entertainer. Andrea was a featured singer twice at the NJ Garden State Art Center's "Talent Expo Showcase of Stars" where she won in both pop vocalist and best duet catagories. She has three beautiful children- Ryan, Justin, and Ashley. When not taking care of her family, Andrea can be found at the gym or reading a novel. "Much love to my awesome husband, Andrew!" Back to top

Peggy Long (Assistant Choreographer) has enjoyed performing with RVCO in many shows over the years, most recently having danced in and/or assisted with choreography for Carousel, Guys and Dolls, and Me and My Girl. She thanks everyone for being so wonderful to work with! Back to top

Joyce Malin (Properties) has been a member of the Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra family since 1992. Being Properties chairperson gives her an excuse to roam all the yard sales, flea markets, and second hand shops she can. "Many thanks to Erma for all her help." Back to top

Janice Manley (Costumes) returned as costume chair for The Mikado in 1997 and has dressed most of our shows since. She first appeared on our stage in Brigadoon of 1961, where she met her husband, Bob, and together they have participated in RVCO ever since-both are now lifetime members. She often plays the piano in the orchestra and for rehearsals and has served on the Executive Committee; Bob now plays violin in the RVCO orchestra. She also has credits with Ardensingers and has coordinated costumes for OperaDelaware. Back to top

Erma McEwen (Properties) has assisted in props and stage crew for several years with RVCO. She's happy to work with such a great crew and cast. Back to top

Jack McEwen (Community/Treasurer) was a Buck/Ghost in Ruddigore, Piet in The Red Mill, Liver-Lips Louie in Guys and Dolls, and Bob Barking in Me and My Girl. "This is my tenth season with RVCO. It's always a great time." Back to top

Bill Michael (Jacob Miller, Set Designer, Set Painting Chair) joined RVCO in 1992 and has appeared in many of our productions, in the chorus and small roles. He met his wife, Kathy, during his first show with RRVCO. Bill really appreciates the chance to perform with both children this time and help cultivate their love of the theater. He has worn many other hats over the years including serving on the Executive Board. Currently the RVCO Web master, he has enjoyed designing the set for this show and working with the two Bobs. Back to top

Kathy Michael (Stage Manager) is pleased to be backstage with RVCO again. A long time member, she has previously worked as lighting designer, house manager, and stage crew for many performances. Kathy joins her husband and children as they make this a true family theatrical event. Back to top

Maggie Michael (Yoder Child, Set Painter) This is Maggie's fourth show with Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra. She previously performed with her dad in Mame two years ago, Carousel four years ago, and The Yeomen of the Guard when she was three. She has also performed in her school plays at Nether Providence Elementary School and was recently seen in Bugsy Malone at Strath Haven Middle School. Maggie also loves to play soccer, dance, sing, read, play the violin and piano, and write her own stories. Back to top

Richie Michael (Daniel Miller, Set Painter) is performing in his first show ever and is excited to be on stage with his dad, Bill, and sister, Maggie. He's enjoyed helping to paint the set and learning the songs. Back to top

Charlotte Miller (Community) is thrilled to be doing her first show with Rose Valley Chorus. With the Ohev Shalom Players, she did Guys and Dolls, SRO, Pippin, and was Mrs. McAffee in Bye Bye Birdie. She produced and played Gymnasia in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and has done local operas. Presently she performs as a classical ceremonial wedding singer and teaches private voice lessons. When she isn't working on her own music, she helps her daugher with her dance studio, Salsa in the Suburbs. Back to top

Caity Moon (Community), was a Grisette and dancer in The Merry Widow and is 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 is currently studying, and getting her associates degree in Early Childhood Education. Back to top

Robert Moore (Stage Director) was Njegus in The Merry Widow last spring and directed Mame in 2007 and Carousel in 2005. His first RVCO show was Guys and Dolls in 1974 which he then directed in 1984. A former Peace Corps Volunteer, he holds an M.A. in Theatre from Villanova University and has done over 300 shows, performing everything from "Shakespeare to Sondheim"! With RVCO, principal roles created include Mordred in Camelot, Jigger in Carousel, Jeff in Brigadoon, Benny in The Desert Song; shows directed include The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, New Moon, Plain & Fancy, Vagabond King, My Fair Lady, and The Pajama Game. Professionally, he has been involved in dinner theatre for over 30 years and worked with such notables as five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (The Producers) and movie actor Bruce Willis. One of his finest accomplishments, though, is the Swarthmore Young People's Theatre Workshop which he cofounded in 1978. He continues to be active as an instructor and director. In his "new life" after retiring from teaching, Bob works in artistic fields as a designer with Celebrations Design Group, Mike Lemon Casting (a film casting company in Philadelphia), and as a freelance actor and director. He just performed in Seussical at Players Club of Swarthmore and can be seen in the Disney film Annapolis with James Franco. Back to top

Edwin Nealley (Community) is happy to be doing his first production of Plain & Fancy with RVCO. Ed has been a member of RVCO for many years, most recently playing St. Brioche in The Merry Widow, and he has previously played leads in RVCO productions of The Pirates of Penzance, Patience, Me & My Girl, and The Fantasticks. He also performs regularly with The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Chester County, Thespis, Etc., and he just finished playing Sir Despard in Ruddigore with The Ardensingers. Back to top

Kate Napper (Yoder Child) is a 9 1/2 year old third grade student at Garnet Valley Elementary School. This is Kate's second appearance on stage with RVCO. She first was bitten by the acting bug in 2005 when she played the youngest Snow child in Carousel. Kate has alos played the role of the detective in her after-school drama club's production of The Case of Tiffany's Tiara. She is a member of the 3rd grade chorus and enjoys singing, dancing, skiing, math, and losing herself in a good book! Katte lives in Thornton with her tow brothers, one sister, and dog and cat. Back to top

Joy Pedrick (Community) has been involved with RVCO (off and on) since the 70's. She is reprising her solo in "You Can't Miss It" from the 1986 production of Plain and Fancy. She returned in 2006 for The Pirates of Penzance and was in The Mikado and Ruddigore. She has started participating in the Music in the Schools program. She sang in the Ridley Community Chorus and the Swarthmore Choral. She enjoys sewing and candy making and with her family, camping and square dancing. Joy plays handbells at the Prospect United Methodist and the Ridley Park Presbyterian Church and she works as an RN at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park. Back to top

Kyle Pedrick (Community) was in Pirates of Penzance in 2006 and helped on stage crew for Ruddigore. He is in the 9th grade at Interboro H.S where he played Yertle the Turtle in Seusical the Musical. He plays trombone in the concert band and the jazz band and sousaphone in the marching band. He sings in the chorus and the select choir and does some of the piano accompaniment. He plays handbells at PUMC and RP Pres. He can play organ and has substituted at PUMC. He has been in GYPPAC since the 2nd grade and last year he played the Lion in The Wizard of Oz. Back to top

Lee Pedrick (Community) wanted to stay hidden back stage working with the stage crew but Bob and Joy talked him into coming on stage for the men's numbers to help with singing in addition to stage crew. (Joy also told him he could grow his beard). He was on stage crew for Ruddigore and performed on stage in Pirates. He sang in the Ridley Community Chorus and plays handbells at PUMC. Lee has his own landscaping business and works as a crossing guard. He is involved in directing for GYPPAC (Glenolden Young Peoples Performing Arts Club). P.S. from Joy: the beard goes when the show is over. Back to top