Westfield Community Players (Abie's Irish Rose)

Cast and Production Members

The Cast	The Production/Crew
JoAnne Lemenille as Mrs. Isaac Cohen	Naomi Yablonsky Director
Steve Lemenille as Isaac Cohen	Letty S. Hudak Producer
Gregg Mele as Rabbi Jacob Samuels	Barbara Ruban Stage Manager
Maury Herman as Solomon Levy	Jerry Yablonsky Ass't. Director
Brian Remo as Abraham Levy	Marty & Trudy Silverman Associate Producers
Ali Giacona as Rose Mary Murphy	Kristen Paparella Properties
Rick Roberts as Patrick Murphy	Bill McMeekan Set Design
James Broderick as Father Whalen	Barbara Ruban/JoAnne Lemenille Set Decor
Kayla Bowen as Flowergirl	Bill McMeekan Lighting Design
Sabrina Ruban as Flowergirl	Jessica Foerst Lighting Operator
Nicole Sollazzo as Flowergirl	Glen Crane Sound Design
	Michael Bieber Sound Operator
	Victor Cenci Publicity
	Steve Lemenille Web site
	Jessica Foerst Playbill
	Renate Bieber Tickets/Box Office
	TBA House Managers
	Lucille Bills Audience Services
	Doris Dias Costumes
	Desiree Ewankov Make-Up
	Garry Tamburro Stage Crew
	Kevin Coulson Stage Crew
	TBA Ushers
	George Hiltz Set Construction Chairman
	Bob Smith Set Construction
	Sal Villani Set Construction
	Paul Kirsh Set Construction

BIOGRAPHIES
The Cast
JOANNE LEMENILLE	*(Mrs. Isaac Cohen)* JoAnne is glad to be back treading the boards here at WCP. 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 is now in her second term as President of WCP. 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. And again, JoAnne is joining her husband on stage. 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!!!

STEVE LEMENILLE	*(Isaac Cohen)* Steve is making his sixth stage appearance here at WCP. Steve recently debuted his directorial talents for WCP with his direction of Dial 'M" for Murder this past March. It was the highest grossing production at WCP. Steve has been involved in theatre since his college days at Jersey City State. He is a retired Social Studies teacher and Drama Director of 29 years with the Hackensack Public Schools. He has acted with Tower Players and the Opera Workshop of Jersey City, StageCrafters (Fairlawn), and Bergen County Players. He has also acted in dinner theatre for Regal Productions. Some of the roles he portrayed were: Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank (Tower Players), the Grandfather in The Long Christmas Dinner (Tower Players), Ulysses in Tiger At The Gates (Tower Players), Paul Verrall in Born Yesterday (Bergen County Players), Paul in Barefoot in the Park (Fairlawn), and Michael in Second Time Around and the Inspector in A Shot In The Dark (Regal Productions) and the Grandfather in Kurt Wiell's Down in the Valley (Opera Workshop). Steve portrayed Theseus in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Stanley in Death of a Salesman, The Magistrate in Fools, and Gen. Oscar Fairfax in Little Mary Sunshine and Kilroy in Don't Drink the Water...all for WCP. Steve was nominated for a 2009 NJACT Perry Award for OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE MEMBER for his role as the Magistrate in Fools. His directorial credits include: You Can't Take It with You, Harvey, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Gramercy Ghost, George Washington Slept Here, L'il Abner, The King & I, Oklahoma, Sound of Music, The Diary of Anne Frank, Our Town, South Pacific, The Music Man, Rehearsal for Death (all for HMS), Dial 'M' for Murder (Stagecrafters). Steve will directing WCP's third production this season...A View from the Bridge. Steve is currently the webmaster here at WCP. Steve wishes to thank his wife, JoAnne, for getting him back involved with theatre. "Without her support and love, I can accomplish little. Thank you dear!!" Steve also thanks Naomi Yablonsky, Sherrie Ahlin, Maurice Moran and Drude Roessler for making his WCP experiences very special. A special note of thanks to Jessica, Mike and Barbara for their contribution in training Steve with lighting. And of course special thanks to this Cast/Crew for their hard work and love of theatre.

GREGG MELE	*(Rabbi Jacob Samuels)* Gregg is very excited about returning to the Westfield Community Players for another performance after appearing in WCP's productions of Fools as Slovitch the butcher and Little Mary Sunshine as Yellow Feather two seasons ago. Gregg has been in many theatrical performances throughout his school years and beyond, recently performing in "Baby" at Summit Playhouse and "Amahl and the Night Visitors" for Stony Hill Players. He attended Montclair State University as an undergraduate student, and went on to complete graduate degree programs at Stevens Institute, Baruch College, New York Law School, and NYU School of Law, and now runs a solo law practice and teaches in graduate programs at Stevens and Fairleigh Dickinson University, but his passion for theater has never faded. He also got married along the way and helped raise two wonderful daughters, Robin and Nancy, to whom his performances are dedicated. He thanks the Players for this opportunity.

MAURY HERMAN	*(Solomon Levy)* is back after a long hiatus (interrupted by Steve and Joanne) when he became the choreographer for Little Mary Sunshine in May of 2009. Again he is being interrupted to portray Solomon Levy. He last appeared here in 1940�s Radio Hour. Also with Plays-in-the-Park, McCarter Theater, The Villagers, State Theater, and Papermill Playhouse in: A Chorus Line (Larry), 42nd Street (Andy Lee/Bert Barry), Working (Gasman/Fireman), Apple Tree (Snake), Best Little Whorehouse (Governor), Godspell (Judas), Company, Brigadoon, George M, and Evita. Other choreography/direction: Anything Goes, West Side Story, Hello Dolly, Funny Girl, Sweet Charity.

BRIAN REMO	*(Abraham Levy)* Brian is thrilled to be returning to Westfield Community Players after his debut performance in Dial 'M' for Murder as Max Halliday this past season. Brian's acting career started as a self-proclaimed New Year's resolution as he walked into an open audition of Happy Hour by Joelle Arqueros in New York City and was immediately cast as a featured repertory male lead. Brian's acting credits include Tony & Tina's Wedding as Barry the Best Man and Joey Vitale for both The National Tour and the New York Production Team. Quick exposure led to the pick-up of roles in the esteemed Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, New York having just completed a successful run of the Tennessee Williams classic, The Glass Menagerie as Tom Wingfield. Brian is well remembered in Nyack for his performance as Darren Lemming, the lead in the hugely successful Take Me Out by Richard Greenburg. His most recent role was in Tea and Sympathy in Chatham. Brian returned to his original role in Happy Hour when the show's popularity and success brought it to 45th Street, and provided him work for six shows a week. Brian lives in North Plainfield, with his two understudies Justin (9) and Jack (6), as well as, their stage mis-manager.....Mush (14 in dog years...) Brian owns and operates Rocks & Roots Inc., a Landscape and Site Work Construction and Management Company and is originally from Wyckoff, New Jersey.

ALI GIACONA	(Rose Mary Murphy) Alexandra (Ali) Giacona has recently graduated from Drew University with a degree in theater arts. She has been involved in theater since she was about 7 years old when she began doing local camps and community shows around New Jersey. She has been involved with the Papermill Playhouse, Spring Lake Community Theater, Fellowship Theater Company in Chatham in addition to other programs throughout New Jersey. As she got older, she worked on many shows in high school and college, and she has done smaller shows and training programs in New York City including Center Stage Theater, and training at Maggie Flanigan Studio and The Actors Center. She does not know what the future holds for her, but she is very excited to see where theater takes her, as well as any other exciting opportunities that may arise along her journey. This is her first show with Westfield Community Players and she is thrilled to be working with them. Ali considers any new show experience a blessing to her. Ali owes much of her success to her family who has continuously supported her craft and to her friends who are always there for her. At college, Ali lived in a unique theme house setting that will always be in her heart, and taught her to grow deeply as a person and performer. She also appreciates having her boyfriend Dave in her life who is always willing to help her and listen to her. She wants to thank Naomi for giving her this wonderful opportunity to be part of this production.

RICK ROBERTS	*(Patrick Murphy)* Rick is happy to return to Westfield Community Players. He was seen here at WCP in A Midsummer Night's Dream as Nick Bottom and Krojack in last season's production of Don't Drink the Water. Other performances include The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, The Magic Flute, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Mouse Trap, The Sisters Rosensweig, The Tales of Hoffman, The Hollow, and The Marriage of Figaro, Run for Your Wife, Iolanthe, A Man for All Seasons, Murder at the Vicarage. Previous work includes the Summit Community productions of The Music Man, George M!, and performances of Flower Drum Song, The Fortune Teller and Babes in Toyland.

JAMES BRODERICK	*(Father Whalen)* Jim is very happy to be back at WCP having last appeared here as Samuel Jonas in The Second Time Around and Joe Keller in All My Sons. He has acted in many plays over many years and enjoyed every minute of it. Some of his favorite roles include Ben in Death Of A Salesman, Harry in A Delicate Balance, Pa Joad in The Grapes Of Wrath, Candy in Of Mice And Men. Special thanks to Naomi Yablonsky for casting me and to my lovely wife, Jackie, of 52 years for putting up with all these shenanigans.

KAYLA BOWEN	*(Flowergirl)* Kayla is making here stage debut her at WCP.

SABRINA RUBAN	*(Flowergirl)* Sabrina is making here stage debut her at WCP.

NICOLE SOLLAZZO	*(Flowergirl)* Nicole is making her dramatic stage debut here at WCP. Nicole also appeared in WCP's Talent Showcase last season. Welcome back, Nicole!

Production Staff
NAOMI YABLONSKY	*(Director)* a member of 20 years has directed, acted and produced at WCP. Naomi was WCP president from 2001-07. In addition to Crimes of the Heart, she produced Nunsense. Naomi has directed WCP's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream last fall, Jake's Women, California Suite, Lend Me a Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo, An American Daughter, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and There Goes the Bride. Her acting credits include Noises Off (Dotty/Mrs. Clackett), Broad Bound (Kate), Rumors, Romeo and Juliet (The Nurse), Breath of Spring, and the Cemetery Club at WCP and Cranford Dramatic Club. She is delighted to be working with an excellent cast and crew.

LETTY S. HUDAK	*(Producer)* Letty is currently on WCP's Board of Directors serving as Director of Membership. She has also served as WCP president.

JERRY YABLONSKY	*(Ass't. Director)* Jerry has graced the stage here at Westfield Community Players in "The Visit" and "Out of Sight, Out of Murder". On other stages, he has appeared in "A Man for All Seasons" and "Curse You Jack Dalton". He also assistant directed "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Jake's Women", "Moon Over Buffalo", "Lend Me A Tenor", "Rumors", "An American Daughter", and "California Suite" with his wife, Naomi. Jerry is happy to be working with Naomi again and to work with this fine case and crew.


BARBARA RUBAN	*(Stage Manager/Set Decor)* 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 Director 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.

MARTY SILVERMAN	*(Associate Producer)* To be developed

TRUDY SILVERMAN	*(Associate Producer)* To be developed


KRISTEN PAPARELLA	*(Properties Mistress)* At WCP, Kristen has enjoyed being part of the "Tech Crew". She served as Props Mistress for Fools; Costumer for Little Mary Sunshine, Don't Drink the Water, The Second Time Around. For Dial 'M' for Murder, Kristen was both Costumes and Props Assistant. Kristen wishes to thank all the wonderful folks she has met through WCP for their camaraderie and encouragement, and her husband Paul for his support of her love for anything "Theater". Kristen was last seen on the WCP stage as the Countess in Don't Drink the Water. In the past at the Union County College Dramatic Society in Cranford, Kristen enjoyed such roles as Claire in The Maids, Ruth in The Homecoming, Paulina in The Seagull, Ruth in Blithe Spirit, George in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolfe, Mavis in The Rimers of Eldritch, and various roles in Compagnie La Ronde and John Wayne Was Telling the Truth. She also sang and danced in the chorus of Riders to the Sea at La Mama's.

BILL MCMEEKAN	*(Set/Lighting Designer)* To be developed

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 Playbill. 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.

GLEN CRANE	(Sound Design) To be developed

MIKE BIEBER	*(Sound Operator)* To be developed

VICTOR CENCI	*(Publicity)* To be developed

STEVE LEMENILLE	(Web Master) See bio above

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.

LUCILLE BILLS	*(Audience Services)* Lucille M. Bills' theatre background includes acting, directing, and theatre management. She was co-founder and Administrative Director of Bergen County's first professional equity theatre. She also held the position of General Manager for The Collonades in New York and Theatre Concepts in Paramus. Ms. Bills received her MA in Theatre at the University of Michigan. She moved on to the University of Iowa where she completed course work toward a doctorate in theatre and met her future husband, Bing, who was also a graduate student in theatre. Now retired, she taught college, high school, and adult literacy. In 1993, she was honored as New Jersey Teacher of the Year in Adult Basic Skills. A WCP Board member for 3 years, she serves as Director of Audience Services. Lucille was the producer last season for Dial 'M' for Murder, her first Producer role for WCP. She will be producing A View from the Bridge this season.

DORIS DIAS	*(Costumes)* To be developed

DESIREE EWANKOV	*(Make-Up)* To be developed

GARRY TAMBURRO	*(Stage crew)* Garry is pleased to return to WCP. He was last seen as Constable Thompson in Dial 'M' for Murder. He also appeared as Fleetfoot in Little Mary Sunshine. Garry was also seen here at WCP in A Midsummer Night's Dream back in October, 2008. Garry has appeared on local stages in A Man For All Seasons (SHP), A Few Good Men (Strollers), and As You Like It (Trilogy). His last role was in Henry IV as Lord Mortimer with Troupe of Friends. He would like to thank the director, cast and crew for a most pleasurable experience.

KEVIN COULSON	*(Stage crew)* Kevin is back with us again as part of our stage crew this time. Kevin did appear in WCP's production of Death of a Salesman. He has also worked on a number of our productions as part of the stage crew. Glad you're back Kevin.


GEORGE HILTZ	*(Set Construction Chairman)* To be developed