Westfield Community Players (Vanya bios)

Cast and Production Members

The Cast	The Production/Crew
Garry Tamburro as Vanya	Linda Viel Director
Sharon McGuire as Sonia	Kay Macrae Producer
Debbie Badal as Masha	Barbara Ruban Stage Manager
Ross Pohling as Spike	JoAnne Lemenille Properties
Melissa Mugica as Nina	Bill McMeekan Set Design
Vikki Massulli as Cassandra	JoAnne Lemenille Set Decor
	Barbara Ruban Set Decor
	Bill McMeekan Lighting Design
	Jessica Foerst Lighting Operator
	Glen Crane Sound Design
	Michael Bieber Sound Operator
	Barbara Goldstein Publicity
	Jessica Foerst Playbill
	Steve Lemenille Webmaster
	Renate Bieber Box Office
	Doris Dias Costumes
	TBD House Managers
	TBD Ushers
	Kevin Coulson Stage Crew
	Steve Lemenille Photographer
	George Hiltz Set Construction Chairman
	Bob Smith Set Construction
	Sal Villani Set Construction
	Paul Kirsh Set Construction

BIOGRAPHIES
The Cast
GARRY TAMBURRO	*(Vanya)* Garry Tamburro (Producer) has appeared in a number of plays at WCP, most notably as Fleetfoot in Little Mary Sunshine and Officer Thompson in Dial 'M' for Murder. Garry was also the producer for Butterflies Are Free and last season's production of A Thousand Clowns. Garry thanks such an exceptional director Linda Viel and such an extraordinary cast and crew for making this job a breeze, a most pleasurable and memorable experience.

SHARON MCGUIRE	*(Sonia)* This production is Sharon�s WCP debut. In the last few years, she has proudly performed with Troupe of Friends, Hedgehog and Feather Theater Company, The Lord Sterling Theater Company, Farmstead Players and Playhouse 22. Now a happily retired attorney, she can devote more time to working for the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, and playing with her own funny family. Thank you Arikay Boutique for the sparkly dress!

DEBBIE BADAL	*(Masha)* is delighted to be back on stage at WCP! Ms. Badal was last seen here at WCP in last season's production of Private Lives in the role of Amanda Prynne. Some of her favorite WCP past roles include Lexie in The Dixie Swim Club, Cookie in Rumors, and Mildred in Squabbles. Other favorite roles are Maria in Lend Me a Tenor at Studio Players in Montclair and M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias with Hexagon Players. Additionally, Debbie performs in ballroom dance competitions with the Fred Astaire Dsnce Studio of Morristown. Heartfelt thank you to Linda Viel, the director, for this wonderful opportunity; to Garry, Sharon, Ross and Melissa, pleasure performing with such top notch cast. To the production staff, thank you for making this a great theater to work at. To my two inspirations in life, the best daughters any mom could ask for, Kristen and Brittany. I love you!!

ROSS POHLING	*(Spike)* Ross Pohling is a Westfield native returning to WCP after performing last year in Butterflies are Free. Other New Jersey community theater credits include A Few Good Men, A Streetcar Named Desire, and most recently Who�s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Ross started theater in high school with New Jersey Youth Theatre (NJYT) and in college performed with the Hinman Production Company (HPC). He is currently a 9th grade physics teacher.

MELISSA MUGICA	*(Nina)* Melissa graduated in 2013 with a Bachelors in Acting from Ramapo College of NJ. Past credits include: [FILM] Die Die Die My Dolly (Claire). [THEATRE] Hit the Road Jack (Monica Palmer), Nothing's Going to Happen (Usherette), Dog Sees God (Van�s Sister), A Bright Room Called Day (Annabella Gotchling), Blood Wedding (Mother), Viet Rock (Mrs. Sherman/Drummer), Birds! (Stage Manager/Ensemble), Trojan Women (Ensemble), Taming of the Shrew (Messenger/Ensemble), and The Government Inspector (Inspector of Schools). In addition, Melissa has delved into directing and stage management for various one act and full stage performances. Nominations: Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Acting Scholarship Competition for her role in Blood Wedding and was a Semi-finalist; featured performer in the Actors and Artists Showcase in NYC (2015). Thank you to everyone apart of this show for this wonderful experience.

VIKKI MASSULLI	*(Cassandra)* Vikki would like to thank Linda Viel for casting her at WCP where she was last seen as Pamela in The Fox On the Fairway. Previous credits here at WCP are Sophia in Fools, Cassie in Rumors, The Bride in There Goes the Bride and Quincy in American Daughter. Ms. Massulli also portrayed the adult Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird at the Hamilton Theater (UCPAC). Vikki has performed on stage both locally and in NYC, in productions such as Alliance Rep's Boy's Life as Lisa, the 2008 NYC Fringe Festival, mulitple roles in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Essie in CDC's You Can't Take It With You, and others. She has appeared on TV: SNL, One Life to Live & Guiding Light. Member Rep, GIAA & SAG-AFTRA. Love to Jon, Jacob & Cole.

Production Staff
LINDA VIEL	*(Director)* Linda is elated to be making her Westfield Community Players directorial debut with the direction of Christopher Durang's Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike." Ms. Viel's other directorial experiences includes, a premier of Striking 12 at EVP, Leader of the Pack, Seussical at Spotlight Players, Rumors, God's Favorite at Villagers, Pinocchio in the KidsVill Series and other various community troupes. She was the stage manager for Plays in the Park for the musical comedy Company. She has also directed 25 musicals, which include, Hairspray, Wiz, Once On this Island, and �..West Side Story. During the summer Linda directs and produces a summer theatre cabaret. Besides directing, Linda has performed in Guys and Dolls, 42nd Street, Anything Goes, and various other productions. Linda is also affiliated with NJACT, Paper Mill Rising Star, A Performing Academy, and is in the Who's Who Among Teachers of America. I would like to personally like to thank my new friends for their expertise, kindness and generosity on this production. To my "jig-saw puzzle "cast---it has been my pleasure to direct such a funny, talented and warm-hearted cast that has truly created a "masterpiece"puzzle.

KAY MACRAE	*(Producer)* Kay received her 2nd Perry Award Nomination for Outstanding Production of a Play for the Westfield Community Players production of Angel Street. She has been a member of WCP for many, many years---singing, acting and enjoying it all!! Kay has produced such notable productions here at WCP of Little Mary Sunshine, Born Yesterday, Second Time Around and Squabbles�to mention just a few. Kay also serves on the Play Reading Committee and served as Director of Public Relations. Kay sings with Celebration Singers in Cranford. Kay currently serves as President of the Westfield Musical Club which is an organization devoted to fostering and encouraging good music, providing opportunities for performance, and supporting college music scholarships. There are also seven handsome grandsons in her life!

BARBARA RUBAN	*(Stage Manager)* started with WCP as property master for many shows before branching out into stage managing and received a Perry Award nomination for props for the production of Angel Street. She also assists with set decoration and costumes. Having been on stage in a couple of productions, she would rather leave the acting to the pros and enjoy being in the backstage "hustle and bustle". Barbara also wrote two original plays which were performed at WCP. In addition, one play was performed in Chatham in the Jersey Voices Festival. She had been on the Board of WCP for two years serving as Director of Performance. Barbara is now Vice President of Productions. A legal assistant by day, she thanks WCP for allowing her to express her creative side and her children and grandchildren for their love and support, which makes it all more gratifying.

JOANNE LEMENILLE	*(Properties)* JoAnne appeared as Mrs. Isaac Cohen in WCP's production of Abie's Irish Rose and Mrs. Lipari in A View From the Bridge. She began her WCP experience with her role as Mildred WCP's production of The Cemetery Club. Since that time, JoAnne has been the Properties Mistress for our productions and served on WCP's Board of Directors as Director of Productions. JoAnne recently served as President of WCP for three terms; she is now serving as Director of Performance. JoAnne has been nominated for a NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Properties in a Play for Rehearsal for Murder She has always been involved in theatre since she was a child back in Union with the Teen Stagers. She has also appeared as Polly in The Boyfriend, Anna in New Girl in Town; Eleanor in Second Time Around (for Regal Productions), and Peggy in Front Page. Besides doing props, she has worked on Scenery and Set Design. Her favorite role was Eleanor in Second Time Around because it gave her the chance to play her husband, Steve's, snobbish and self-centered wife. JoAnne is a retired teacher of music from the Clark School system where she was the vocal, instrumental and music theory teacher for over twenty years and for which she directed and musical directed the plays for Kumpf School. "I make bead flowers - an old French art of using glass beads." Special thanks to my husband Steve and JoAnn Scanlon for giving me the chance to rekindle my love for the stage, and thanks to a wonderful cast and fabulous crew." It's good to have you back on front stage!!!

BILL MCMEEKAN	*(Set/Lighting Designer)* Bill not only serves as our set designer, but is currently WCP's Treasurer and serves on the Board of Directors. Bill has recently been nominated for a NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Set Design for a Play for Rehearsal for Murder

JESSICA FOERST	*(Lighting Operator/Playbill)* Jessica is not only versatile at operating the light control board, but also sits on the WCP Board of Directors as Director of Marketing. She has aided in the lighting design of this show. She is also extremely talented as a graphic designer. Much of her art work is displayed throughout our website. Jessica has been nominated for a NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play for Rehearsal for Murder. Jessica most recently produced two productions at the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) -- To Kill A Mockingbird on the Hamilton Stage and A Seussified Christmas Carol on the Main Stage in Rahway, NJ.

GLEN CRANE	**(Sound Design) Glen has been nominated for a NJACT Perry Award for Outstanding Sound Design for a Play for Rehearsal for Murder**

MIKE BIEBER	*(Sound Operator)Michael has played smaller and larger roles at WCP and Westfield�s Troupe of Friends free Shakespeare in the Park* series. From 1999-2007 he was one of the lead male vocalists in the Daddy-Os and the Grateful Dads in the McKinley Kapers annual variety show. But he most enjoys working tech behind the scenes. Professionally Michael is Associate Chair of the Information Systems Department at NJIT (which also has a Theater Department and regular productions).

BARBARA GOLDSTEIN	*(Publicity)* To be developed

STEVE LEMENILLE	(Webmaster) Besides directing for WCP, Steve also is the President of WCP and is the webmaster for our web site.

RENATE BIEBER	*(Box Office)* Renate has been Director of Tickets since the 08-09 season and enjoys making sure the front of the house runs smoothly. Participating in the chorus of Mikado and Pirates of Penzance with the Gilbert & Sullivan Players of Philadelphia many years ago makes her appreciate the hard work that goes into a production and confirmed her belief that she doesn't want to be on stage. Renate is a substitute teacher in the Westfield School District, a board member of Westfield Hadassah, a member of the Harvest Quilters of Central New Jersey and enjoys spending time with her family and reading.

DORIS DIAS	*(Costumes)* I�m thrilled with the opportunity to work on this production. My personal goal is to make sure that the actors are comfortable and confident in their appearance on stage. I started working on costumes at the Westfield Community Theater in 2009 with their production of Little Mary Sunshine. At this point I fell in love with costuming. I was asked back to the theater and subsequently invited as the Chairperson of Costumes. I have great respect for the Director and his visions; they inspire me. I thank the production team for their faith in my ideas and their respect for my opinion. And especially my daughter for all the late hours, help and support. Past credits: Little Mary Sunshine, Don�t Drink the Water, The Second Time Around, Dial M for Murder, Caught In The Net, Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Abie�s Irish Rose, I Love You, You�re Perfect, Now Change, Top Girls, Stuart Little, Bizet�s Carmen, Squabbles, {proof} and Olympus on My Mind. "I am a Costumer, I make clothes for imaginary people." ---Celestine Ranney, 1982

KEVIN COULSON	*(Stage Crew)* Kevin has been a part of WCP's theatrical family since he was in high school. He has been a tremendous asset to every production he has been a part of. Not only has he handled the backstage responsibilities but has event performed on stage in Death of a Salesman and A View from the Bridge.

	*(Stage crew)*

	*(Stage crew)*

GEORGE HILTZ	*(Set Construction Chairman)* George has served as WCP construction chairman for many years, being responsible for the building of all our stage sets. George was recently elected to the Board of Directors as Facilities Director.