A History of Upper Darby Summer Stage
Compiled by Cate R. Paxson
Author’s Note
“Mom, if Harry hadn’t invented Summer Stage, I don’t know what I would have done with my life.” Bethany Paxson
This compilation started as simple timeline of Summer Stage’s thirty years. Having a background in journalism, it seemed like a simple, although time - consuming project. You find out what occurred, who was involved, when and how it happened, and record it in an objective manner. I should have realized, the laws of journalism are useless, when writing about “magic”. I opened the first scrapbook. “POOF!” The spell was cast. All simplicity and objectivity gone…(Along with, I might add, the actual memories of its former participants) All I could feel was “the magic”, and as a result of trying to grab hold of it, I often lost the inevitable wrestling match that followed. Already cast under a spell, my own memories overpowered me. I did try to use some restraint, but I often failed. (In other words, it was not my fault. Blame it on the “Magic”!) On that same note, we exist today in a magical time where there are such things as “cut and paste” and “add and delete” commands. Anything in these pages that need to be changed, it is easily done. I wish I could have included all those choreographers and musical directors in the early days of Children’s Theater, but it was difficult enough to agree on who was the director. Consider this a “preview”, or as somebody once said, “At least it’s a start.”
Magically yours,
Cate R. Paxson
First Printing, July 1, 2005
PS. I have wanted to compile this information for quite a while. For me, it as a tiny “thank you” to Harry for his many gifts to my family, through his own unique vision that is known as Upper Darby Summer Stage.
1 1976
Show Director - Choreographer - Musical Director
Mainstage The Miracle Worker Cathy Pregmon Anything Goes Ed Fiscella - Carmella Guiteras - Harry Dietzler The Magic of America ! Harry Dietzler - Nancy Santamaria - Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater (Directors only) Frankenstein Slept Here Brian Viola The Invisible Dragon Franklin Evans/Cathy Pregmon Tom Sawyer Harry Dietzler The Emperor’s New Clothes Nancy Hickey Red Riding Hood Brian Viola Ransom of Red Chief Cathy Pregmon
! Footnotes: Magic of America (!an original production) is written by Harry Dietzler and Terry Colgan. Mainstage starts out with 3 productions, generally two musicals and one drama, although occasionally that pattern is reversed. This, as you will note, continues for about the next 13 years, until finally sanity prevails, and Mainstage evolves into one major production with many minor offshoots: One Acts, Cabaret, and occasionally full productions. A tradition begins: The singing of “To Fill the World with Love”: This first tradition becomes the most memorable of each summer, celebrating not only the “soul” of the Summer Stage philosophy, but also honoring those Summer Stagers who are no longer with us. Children’s Theater ticket prices are: $.75, preferred seating (the middle) $1.00, group rates $.50. Senior Citizens are free. All production work is on a volunteer basis. Directing does not become a paying position until the mid-80’s. There are two performances of each show, held on Wednesdays at 10:30 am, and 1:30 pm. Total Attendance for children’s shows: 2,915, for Mainstage: 3,704 ☺ Fun Facts: Terry Nolan is cast as Red Chief. ☺ Fun Facts: The original members of Summer Stage were:
John Adamson Jeanne Festa Mark Makurath Bob Babish Donna Filosa Maria Mangos Bill Baldwin Dorothy Finn Betsy Mason John Barakat Ed Fiscella Cathy Mathers Betty Jane Berry Sue Frank Marianne McGuckin John Berry Jack Freeman Sean McGuckin Jerry Bobnak Monica Friel Cindy McLain Tony Borda Lex Gallen Peter McManus Anne Bradley Lynn Gavin Bernie Medrow Terry Bramley Karen Geist Mary Alice Morro Bernadette Brogan Ray Gilliard Lynn Nelson Rose Brown JoAnne Gilmore Vince Nichols John Bruce Erich Glasbrenner Terry Nolen Julia Bruce Geoff Gordon Brian O’Doherty
2 Samuel Bruce John Gorman Jeannette Osmon Rich Bucciarelli Barbara Graham Melinda Osmon Eileen Burke Carol Graham Sue Osmon Joe Burke Ronnie Grant Joyce Pawloski Marita Burke Carol Gray Jerry Perna Rosanne Burke Carmella Guiteras Peggy Petracca Hugh Burns Bill Hanlon Linda Pfortner Patricia Butkus Mary Hanlon Christine Phelan Julie Callaghan Teri Hanlon Mary Ellen Phillips Joe Calvecchio Lori Hannon Albert Pinto Brett Campbell Tricia Harding Barbara Pinto Brian Campbell Donna Harrop Joe Pinto Joseph Catalini Anne Hearn Lisa Pinto Bill Chuplis Ken Heckman Tom Pinto Maura Ciccarelli Liz Heckman Cathy Pregmon Peggy Cleary Carol Hickey Dean Price Joanne Colden Nancy Hickey Kathy Raymond Neil Conboy Kevin Hills Ruth Raymond Dave Connell Julie Hofmann Chuck Riccolls Mariellen Cotterall Bill Hogan Linda Richards Alexia Cuddy Theresa Hogan Beth Riley Tom Dalton Steve Horan Jacqueline Riley Eddie Daniels Anne Marie Horton Joanne Riley Cindy D’Antonio Jim Houston Joe Rizzo Marian Daum Joan Hufnagel Gina Roache Glenn Davish Karen Hufnagel Peter Rollo Gary Derr Sue Hufnagel Noreen Roney Jim Devenny Bob Humble Rich Roper Dan Dever Michelle Hutchinson Margie Rowell Debbie DiCocco Elaine Johnson Nancy Santamaria Stephanie DiCocco Eileen Jorand Mary BethSchumacher Andrea Dietzler Mary Jordan Norma Schumann Jeannine Dietzler Matthew Jordan Rick Shaw Maryanne Dietzler Elizabeth Kelby Judy Sheehan Michele Dietzler Barbara Kelley Barb Siftar Tim Dietzler Sue Kelley Paul Snyder Jim DiRenzo Kevin Kelly Karen Taylor Thomas Donaghy Terry Konrad Mickey Thompson Louise Doyle Kathy Koob Katie Toenniessen Patti Driscoll Mike Koob Linda Toenniessen Stuart Duffy Megan Lake Michele Tomaselli Margaret Dunbar Mary Landaiche Vicki Town Leo Eisenstein Suzanne Lazzaro Joyce Tucker Lorraine Ellis Wendy Levine Lynn Tucker Alicia Evans Barbara Levy Joe Udinskey Franklin Evans Elizabeth Louden Sharon Udinskey Joe Farrell Walter Lugowski Brian Viola Frank Farrell John Maccario Dave Wetzel Tim Farrell Gail MacDiarmid Jim Williams Trish Farrell Brian MacQueen Lisa Yangello Jody Zerillo
3 1977
Mainstage The Mousetrap Brian Viola No, No, Nanette Ed Fiscella - see footnotes - Harry Dietzler The Music Man Harry Dietzler - Nancy Santamaria - Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater Alice in Wonderland Harry Dietzler Cinderella Ed Fiscella Tarradiddle Travels Bob Babish Peter and the Wolf Nancy Santamaria The Trouble with Midas Lisa Marie DiOrio The Wizard of Oz Kevin Hill Jack And the Beanstalk Dan Dever Fairy Tale Tonight John Foley
Footnotes: A first and only time phenomena at Summer Stage, the Mousetrap is “held over”, and Music Man has a special matinee to aid, the Johnston Flood victims. Nancy Santamaria directed and choreographed Peter and the Wolf. It is very short and to fill up the time, a second short play The Trouble With Midas is added to the performance. Choreographers for No, No, Nanette: Nancy Santamaria - Pam Kubrick - Cheryl Brown The numbers of Summer Stagers who are eager to participate in this year’s program grows to 400. Individual auditions are held at the Multi Service Center, which takes many days. Total attendance at Children’s Theater expands an impressive 500% to 11,299. Mainstage attendance more than doubles to 8,079. ☺ Fun Facts: The set actually falls over in Music Man, but the performance manages to endure, with a standing ovation for Shipoopi and at the end of the show. ☺ Harry meets Dottie, who is tap dancing on the piano (or so I’ve heard). ☺ Couples who met at Summer Stage and later married include: Anne Pinto and Dean McCarney Anne Owens and Dave Green Rob Henry and Heather Dooley Dave Wetzel and Ann Bryson Terry Nolen and Amy Murphy Bill Pettigrove and Celestine McCutcheon Dave Wetzel and Stephanie Nespoli Suzie Ciarrocchi and John Waldie Nick Hunchak and Krissy Fraelich Harry Dietzler and Dottie Breakey
4 1978
Mainstage Of Thee I Sing Ed Fiscella - Harry Dietzler Harvey Rich Roper A Gershwin Rhapsody! Harry Dietzler - see Footnotes - Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater Sleeping Beauty The Fabulous Fable Factory Bob Babish The Steadfast Tin Soldier Nancy Hickey The Tinder Box The Unicorn, The Gorgon, and the Manticore Nancy Santamaria Carnival of the Animals Suzi Ciarrochi
! Footnotes: The original production, Gershwin Rhapsody, is conceived, written, directed, conducted, and so on and so forth by Harry Dietzler. As illustrated in Magic in America, a formula emerges that will become the basis for the ever popular Summer Stage Staple, The Musical Review. Choreographers for Gerhswin: Suzi Ciarrochi, Debbie Di Cocco, Lex Gallen, and Nancy Santamaria Both Unicorn…and Carnival are dance and movement shows.
5 1979
Mainstage The King and I Ed Fiscella – Debbie DiCocco - Harry Dietzler Inherit The Wind Dennis Bloh Oklahoma Harry Dietzler - see Footnotes - Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater The Magic Circus Suzi Ciarrocchio Winnie the Pooh Michael McGuiness Hansel and Gretel Barb Siftar Mary Poppins Bob Falkenstein The Jungle Book Juliana Schauerman Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Terry Nolen
Footnotes: Choreographers for Oklahoma: Suzi Ciarrochi, Stephanie DiCocco, Louise Doyle ☺ Fun Fact: Bob Falkenstein is unable to play the Prince in Snow White. (The night before the show’s opening he is in a bicycle accident loses his front teeth.). Dave Wetzel fills in with an ill - fitting costume. Bob (with his jaw now wired shut) goes on to direct Mary Poppins and becomes the first and only director in Summer Stage history never to raise his voice to his cast. (I’m wondering if the show was performed in mime?)
6 1980
Mainstage Hound of the Baskervilles Brian Viola Dames at Sea Kevin Hills - Nancy Santamaria - Martin Hyde Showstoppers! Harry Dietzler - see footnotes - Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater Tom Sawyer Terrence Nolen/Julianna Schauerman Free to be You and Me Wendy Levine The Sandalwood Box Barb Siftar Dr. Doolittle Terrence Nolen/Julianna Schauerman Journey of the Pint - Sized Astronauts! Mary Jane Baker Beanstalk Ann Curry/Donna Ruffo Charlie Brown and Friends Frank Chambers
! Footnotes: Mary Jane Baker wrote Journey of the Pint sized Astronauts. A tradition begins: Showstoppers: This Broadway revue production is presented on this fifth anniversary of Summer Stage. A new version will be produced every ten years to celebrate the anniversary ending in 5 :(5th, 15th, 25th, etc…). Look for the next one in the summer of 2010! Choreographers for this version of Showstoppers are: Nancy Santamaria, Suzie MacIntyre, Lex Gallen A tradition begins: Bob Humble’s illustrations for the covers of Summer Stage programs with “Hound of the Baskervilles.” By 1980, a 10:30 am performance is added to Children’s Theater, bringing the total number of performances for each show to three. ☺ Fun Facts: Matt Cloran is cast as Dr. Doolittle.
7 1981
Mainstage Bye - Bye Birdie Harry Dietzler - Kevin Kane - Marty Hyde Sentimental Journey! Harry Dietzler - see footnotes Triple Play! See Footnotes Fiorello Ed Fiscella - Nancy Santamaria - Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater Cinderella Alice in Wonderland Garry Lennon Golliwhoppers Terry Nolan/Juliana Schauerman Peter Pan Matt Cloran Sleeping Beauty Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Bob Falkenstein
! Footnotes This year starts the big band productions, beginning with Harry’s Sentimental Journey conception, and finally will evolve into Tom Hoey’s, Sousa celebrations, which will take on a life of their own, to finally become an annual July 4th freedom celebration, complete with Fireworks and Shooting Stars. (both figurative and literal.) Triple Play was a series of one act plays, written by Drexel Hill native, Gus Matson: Therapy, The Wake, and The Execution of Tommy Webster. ☺ Fun facts: The scheduled director of Bye - Bye Birdie quit immediately after casting the show, and Harry had no recourse but to “take over” the job. Next, the original conductor of Sentimental Journey also quit and, (you guessed it), Harry had to take that on too. These events, coupled with the fact that the first weekend of Fiorello was almost canceled, caused Harry to remark, “That was a stressful, but fun summer!” (Is he crazy, or what?)
8 1982
Mainstage Brigadoon Harry Dietzler - Marilyn Dampf - Harry Dietzler Sentimental Journey! Tom Rudolph - Suzi Waldie/Marilyn Dampf – H. Dietzler Guys and Dolls Ed Fiscella - Nancy Santamaria - Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater Pinocchio Suzanne Smart Peter and The Wolf Suzi Waldie The Jungle Book Rich McSorley The Wizard of Oz Kevin Nolen/Lori Annunciato Fairy Tale Fantasy! Harry Dietzler Babes in Toyland Garry Lennon
! Footnotes: The conductor of the Sentimental Journey band was Tom Rudolph. With Fairy Tale Fantasy, an original production conceived by Harry Dietzler, the Musical Revue takes on a new dimension, incorporating not only music but also well - known characters, woven with large casts and lots of singing and dancing. Another performance for each show in children’s theater is added. Terry Nolen comes up with a suggestion that will become the formula for a day at Summer Stage. That is, if performances are only scheduled in the morning, then the afternoon can be used for rehearsal. This year, starting with Tuesdays, each Children’s Theater show will have four 10:30 AM performances, which will last only one hour. ☺ Fun fact: In the Fairy Tale Fantasy’s program, credit was given to Harry’s Critical Assistant, a young toddler, named Brian Dietzler.
9 1983
Mainstage Wonderful Town Harry Dietzler - Nancy Santamaria - Jim Badrak Sentimental Journey! Harry Dietzler - see footnotes Oliver Tony Constandino - Ramon Flowers - Anna Schneider
Children’s Theater The Pied Piper of Hamelin Garry Lennon Winnie The Pooh Amy Murphy The Pale Pink Dragon Jeanette Osmon Aladdin Kevin Nolen Aesop’s Fables Jim Badrak Scrooge Garry Lennon
! Footnotes: Tom Rudolph conducted Sentimental Journey’s band, with vocal directions by Marty Hyde. Choreographers were Marilyn Dampf, Julie Stampone, Michael Donaghy 1983 is my first year attending Summer Stage. I’ve been coming back, ever since. Scrooge still remains as one of my favorite Children Theater productions. ☺ Fun Facts: Stephen Fisher plays Oliver, and Chris Sapienza plays a doleful Eyore. ☺ During the first performance of The Pale Pink Dragon, cast members are instructed to stop action, to allow time for kids to “stretch”. Harry is to play charades with the audience during this break. The cast stops, and then…nothing… but silence. A young Rob Henry is pushed onstage and told to “do something”. Unnerved, he manages to say something, and then other cast members follow suit, bounding around the stage, until Harry, never informed of his responsibility until now, appears.
10 1984
Mainstage Annie Terry Nolen - Juliana Schauerman - Anna Schneider West Side Story Brian Viola - Nancy Santamaria – Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater Babes in Toyland Garry Lennon Sleeping Beauty Jeanette Osmon Alice in Wonderland Amy Murphy Showdown at Sugar Cane Saloon Terry Nolan Old Silent Movie Andrew Cassidy Hansel and Gretel Lori Annunciato Tales from Hans Christian Anderson Garry Lennon
! Footnotes: A tradition begins: Magic Up Our Sleeve: The official song opening Summer Stage shows is introduced. Mary Dietzler, Harry’s mother, will write the lyrics, and Harry, the melody. The singing of this song, complete with gestures, becomes a focal part of the Summer Stage Experience. Personally, in the years to come, my daughter will gather all the kids in the neighborhood to play “Summer Stage”. A few would act as Summer Stagers, and the rest would be the audience. Then the “Summer Stagers” would sing, complete with gestures, this song (or at, least what they remember of it.) Afterward, Bethany would attempt to recreate the play that we had seen that week. In our house, the first day you were actually on stage to sing the Summer Stage song was a rite of passage. This production of Annie holds the Summer Stage Record for total attendance during its run – 6,000. The Jets and Sharks of West Side Story rehearsed all summer in the hot and un-air-conditioned UDHS gym. They are treated to a pool party at the end of rehearsals. ☺ Fun Facts: Monica Horan is Miss Hannigan. ☺ Chrissy Fraelich portrays Annie, while Nick Hunchak is Sleeping Beauty’s prince. ☺ The dog from the Broadway Annie is hired to play the part of Sandy in Annie. Part of his/her contract states that Sandy must have his/her own dressing room. (Where was that?) Barb Pederson graciously housed Sandy and her trainer that summer. ☺ Tara Urban plays Alice in this version of the story. In 1992, she will direct Alice in Wonderland. This unique experience will occur again, when Liz Seymour portrays Cinderella, 1999, and directs that same show in 2005.
11 1985
Mainstage Barnum Harry Dietzler - BobMikrut - Jennifer Klaus Camelot T. Nolan/E. Robins - Juliana Schauerman - Jim Badrak Sentimental Journey! See footnotes
Children’s Theater Yankee Doodle Jane Baker Pinocchio Michael Donaghy I Believe in Make Believe Garry Lennon Aesop’s Falables Jim Badrak The Little Mermaid" Kathy McHale The Twelve Dancing Princesses" Rhonda Goldstein Cinderella Laura M. Rebecca
! Footnotes: Tom Rudolph conducted Sentimental Journey’s band with vocal directions by Marty Hyde. Its choreographers were: Christine Baker, Joe Fancisco, Bob Mikrut, Michael Donaghy, and Bob Pouter. Chris Sapienza and Marty Hyde compose the original music and lyrics "for The Little Mermaid. (Disney’s musical version did not yet exist) Marty Hyde also writes an original musical score for Twelve Dancing Princesses. ☺ Fun fact: The Tuesday performance of Twelve Dancing Princesses is canceled. (I think because of a power shortage. Harry’s and my memories differ, but I know it is cancelled because I had tickets. We end up with seats for Friday, and Bethany is annoyed because we are not sitting in our usual seats in the first row.) This phenomenon of canceling shows is a rare. It won’t happen again until 1994 when two different shows will have a performance canceled.
12 1986
Mainstage Babes in Arms Garry Lennon - Suzi Waldie - George Mackes On Your Toes Brian Viola - Nancy Santamaria - Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater Peter Pan Kathy Mc Hale Sneakers Lisa Victoria Ligouri Mary Poppins Arthur C. Ryan Rhumb -Tiya Michael Gray The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Colleen Corbett Freedom! Harry Dietzler
Little Theater/Showcase The Valiant, Curtains, Impromptu
! Footnotes: Harry Dietzler wrote Freedom, an energetic, flag waving salute to America. A tradition begins: This year sees the beginning of what I like to call the “Little Theater/Showcase” productions. A small space called “The Little Theater” existed at Upper Darby from the beginning of Summer Stage. It was used occasionally for one acts “Bits and Pieces” productions, but actually, it was too “little” a space. Yet, it sounds impressive, and so I choose to use it to describe the productions that start to occur now, and almost every year hereafter. Eventually they will be known as the Showcase. These are offshoots of the main program. As previously mentioned, they will include: one acts, talent shows, cabarets, dance troupe, and even a few complete musical productions. Mostly, they are a part of Mainstage, but not in every case. Relevant to 1985, they are one acts and I’ve read that their inclusion in Summer Stage was through the vision and efforts of Patrick Hunt. It is in the spring of this year that the Upper Darby High School auditorium is officially renamed the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, which will, in the years to come, expand beyond the eight weeks of Summer Stage to include two performances by the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. A tradition begins: The Apprentice Program: Instituted to accommodate the ever-growing number of children who wished to join, it begins as 4 two-week sessions. To join, you must be 11 years old or finished fifth grade. (The requirement for Children’s Theater then changes to age 13, or previous participation in the Apprentice Program.) When it first began, you could attend an apprentice session (at least the first or second session) and then you were eligible to audition for the remaining shows. In or around 1996, it will be changed to two four - week sessions, and apprentices will be eligible to participate in one show the following year. Even as I write this, changes are being made to this program that will extend the program, allowing apprentices the next summer to put on their own production, which they will then perform at various locations around the Township. There have been many facets to this program, such as storytelling at the library, Lunchtime Theater, or having the Apprentices sing for Childrens Theater participants at a general meeting. Yet, the program itself has uniformly consisted of four different classes or workshops. They are singing, storytelling, dance and the fourth class tends to vary. There have been many teachers of these classes, but there are three whose faithfulness and longevity, I am compelled to mention. They are Marty Hyde, Nancy Santamaria and Vicky Town! Bravo for all your efforts! This may not be the right year the Apprentices started. I know it I existed in 1987 because I saw that in print. The consensus seems to think it started before that. ☺ Fun Facts: Brad Schoener conducted the Babes in Arms orchestra. ☺ Dierdre Finnegan was a “cruelie” in The Lion the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
13 1987
Mainstage Stars and Stripes Forever! Tom Hoey Rehearsal for Murder Jane Baker Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Kevin Kane - Kevin Kane - George Mackes
Children’s Theater The Wizard of Oz Pat Hunt Dandelion Colleen Corbett Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Michael Gray Raggedy Ann and Andy Lisa Ligouri Sleeping Beauty Suzanne Horan Guess Again! Steven Fisher
Little Theater/Showcase Dining Room, Hopscotch The Bad Seed Arthur Ryan
! Footnotes: This year marks the end of the Sentimental Journey era and begins the John Phillip Sousa Band reign. Conceived, directed, and conducted by Tom Hoey, these productions will be performed on and off over the next few years until 1999 when they will become a permanent fixture in the Summer Stage program as a Fourth of July Concert performed at the Football field, complete with Fireworks, and eventually joined by the “Shooting Stars”. A tradition begins: SAG: Sometime within these few years, The Supporting Actors Guild is formed. It is a parent group whose volunteer efforts support, assist, and fundraise for Summer Stage. ☺ Fun Facts: Rob Henry and Heather Dooley are cast as two of Joseph’s Brothers. ☺ Tina Fey is cast as Flora, and Megan McGettigan plays Fauna in Sleeping Beauty.
14 1988
Mainstage Something’s Afoot Kevin Kane Don’t Drink the Water Jane Baker Reach for a Dream!" Harry Dietzler - Anna Rios - Vince Leonard
Children’s Theater Cinderella Patrick Hunt The Fabulous Fable Factory Winnie the Pooh Arabian Nights Patrick Hunt Beanstalk Colleen Corbett Alice in Wonderland Little Theater/Showcase Ludlow Fair
Footnotes: Reach for a Dream is an original musical co-written by Harry Dietzler and Vince Leonard. It is loosely based on the TV show and movie, Fame. Terry Nolen and Amy Murphy create The Arden Theater Company. It will emerge as one of the best in the Philadelphia area, winning numerous honors and awards. ☺ Fun Fact: For the set of Something’s Afoot, a life size portrait of Harry (whose character in this play was the “murderer”) appears center stage. He is attired in full riding gear, complete with jodhpurs and riding crop. Since, in those days, Children’s Theater, was performed on the Mainstage set, with the mere addition of a few props, I think it may have also been the backdrop of Cinderella’s wicked stepmother’s house. This painting will turn up, like the proverbial bad penny, in later years to grace the backdrop of other sets. One such use will be in the UDHS production of You Can’t Take It With You in 1998. ☺ Ann Pinto and Dean Mc Carney meet as cast members in Something’s Afoot. ☺ A 12 year old Andrew Thompson makes his acting debut in Arabian Nights. ☺ Mark Dietzler became the youngest Summer Stager to ever appear on stage, carried onstage as an infant by Jennifer Frank in Reach for a Dream.
15 1989
Mainstage Stars and Stripes Forever! Tom Hoey Guy and Dolls Karen Hockenberry - Nancy Santamaria - Chris Sapienza
Children’s Theater Jungle Book Tara Urban Free To Be You and Me Rob Henry I Believe in Make - Believe Tina Fey Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Cara Bridges Tales of Han Christian Anderson Rob Henry Doctor Doolittle Tina Fey
Little Theater/Showcase Staff Talent Show and Awards Night One Acts
! Footnotes: This year, Mainstage implements a new policy. Whether Harry avails himself of the wisdom of middle age, or is just suffering from pure exhaustion, a decision is made for only one Mainstage production to be presented each summer on the PAC stage. Only one exception occurs to this new tradition, and that is in 1994 when Kate Sweeney appears in the Glass Menagerie. Other shows may be produced in the following years, but they will appear in as Little Theater/Showcase Productions. Ed Fiscella leaves Upper Darby Summer Stage to start his own offshoot in New Jersey. Modeled after Harry’s original concept, Mainstage Center for the Arts even includes the singing of “Magic up Our Sleeve” and continues to grow and flourish today. A tradition begins: The “Harry Awards”: This tradition originates as a chance for the staff to have some fun, the kids to receive some recognition for their performances, and for everybody to “dress up.” It will evolve into a two-hour extravaganza with staff, tech and parent skits that satirize and celebrate the Summer Stage season. A tradition begins: “The Summer Stager of the Year Award”: The original award was designed to honor a young Andrew Thompson, whose amazing Tech capabilities were evident, even then. It progressed to become an award whose recipient would embody all those qualities that Summer Stage strives to promote. Its inscription will read: The Summer Stager of the Year award is given to the person who best exemplifies dedication, kindness to others, generosity of spirit and an energizing enthusiasm about all aspects of Summer Stage. This person fills our world with love. In 1995, it is renamed “The Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award”, to honor a young Summer Stager who succumbed to a Brian tumor that year. In 1996, a cash gift Was added by the Lemieur family to be given to its recipient(s). ☺ Fun Fact: The first Harry Awards were created and written by Tina Fey, Chris Sapienza, Tara Urban Fox, Cara Bridges, Anthony Mosakowski, Michael Gray, and Rob Henry. As told to me by a reliable source, its inception occurred in the waning days of Summer Stage, with a bunch of “bored” staff members, with too much time on their hands, looking for something to do.
16 1990
Mainstage Stars and Stripes Forever! Tom Hoey Showstoppers II! See Footnotes
Children’s Theater The Little Mermaid Tina Fey Aesop’s Falables Rob Henry Mary Poppins Heather Dooley You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Tara Urban Fox How to Eat Like a Child Tina Fey Free to Be a Family Rob Henry
Little Theater/Showcase Harry Awards
! Footnotes: Showstoppers II: Each number, or set of numbers, was directed and/and or choreographed by a different person. They include: Matthew Cloran, Thomas Colgan, Harry Dietzler, Michael Gray, Rob Henry, Michael Kenig, Patrick Hunt, Dawn Morningstar, Barbara Pedersen, Dewey Oriente, Anna Rios, Karen Toto, and Cheryl Willis. The musical director was Elman R. Anderson with orchestrations by Vince Leonard. Dennis Bloh wrote the script. Tina Fey was the narrator.
The Summer Stager of the Year Award: Andrew Thompson, Robin Semmeloth
17 1991
Mainstage The King and I Ed Robins - Julianna Schauerman/Nancy Santamaria – John Waldie Sousa! Tom Hoey
Children’s Theater Freedom! Harry Dietzler Charlotte’s Web Peter Pan Colleen Corbett The Wizard of Oz Rob Henry Pinocchio Michael James Ogborn Cinderella Colleen Corbett
! Footnotes: This unique version of Pinocchio had a somewhat modern twist, complete with pinball machines. It was composed and directed by award winning composer Michael Ogborn ☺ Fun Fact: Staci Moscotti makes her Summer Stage debut, tap dancing in Freedom ☺ A six-year-old Jeff Dietzler appears with four-year-old Alyse Wocjiechowski as children in The King and I. . The Summer Stager of the Year Award: Matt Owens
18 1992
Mainstage Anything Goes Ed Robins - Nancy Santamaria - John Waldie
Children’s Theater Alice in Wonderland Tara Urban Pippi Longstocking Tina Fey Robin Hood Matt Cloran Snoopy Tara Urban Fox Hans Christian Andersen Tina Fey A Disney Spectacular! Matt Cloran
Little Theater/Showcase Talent Show Harry Awards Night and Dance
! Footnotes: With the production of A Disney Spectacular, a type of show emerges that I like to call the “Matt Cloran formula show”. You pick a theme along with some great music, then take 100 (plus) kids, dress them in a T-shirt and shorts, divide them into two casts, sprinkle with a few great dancers, and put them on an empty stage. Add lots of solos, and then beat well with fast paced choreography. Finally, mix with a lot of hard work ‘till a show emerges. Other directors will take this formula and add their own ingredients to create these energetic and fast paced shows, which will always entertain and delight Summer Stage audiences. Tina Fey decides to leave the area and move to Chicago, home of Second City, to further her comic aspirations. Fresh from his completion of the Apprentice program, Brian Dietzler is cast as the Ugly Duckling in Hans Christian Andersen. I am in the audience for the first show, and it is a tender moment when Harry proudly announces that one of his children is now a Summer Stager. I smile, as I watch him undergo the transformation from “Producer of Summer Stage” to “Parent of Summer Stager.” ☺ Fun Facts: 14 year olds were allowed to be in Mainstage production of Anything Goes…if they could tap dance. ☺ Anxiously awaiting this moment for 10 years, Bethany Paxson, gets onstage as a cast member of Pippi, and finally gets to sing “Magic Up Our Sleeve.”
The Summer Stager of the Year Award: Matt Owens
19 1993
Mainstage
Sousa Tom Hoey The Sound of Music Ed Robins - Nancy Santamaria – David Wills
Children’s Theater Winnie the Pooh Tara Urban Fox Huckleberry Finn Dewey Oriente Jungle Book Kate Sweeney Sleeping Beauty Tara Fox Tall Tales!" Lori Annunciato Reed The Song That Never Ends! Dewey Oriente
Little Theater/Showcase
Shakespeare Exposed A Midsummer’s Nights Dream One Acts
! Footnotes: A tradition begins: The “pizza rehearsal” dinner. This appears the Monday night before the opening of The Song That Never Ends. This idea is to allow the children to work through the afternoon ‘till around 5:00 pm, break for dinner and then come back for an extra dress rehearsal. It will start out as two slices of pizza and a drink and, through the efforts of Karin Stevens, will become a summertime feast. Mainstage, One Acts, and Dance Troupe will all, at one time or another, utilize this fun and delicious event. It will be a staple of the Children’s Theater program for the last show for every year until Schoolhouse Rock in 2002, when the production staff no longer feels its necessity. Mainstage and Little Theater/Showcase productions will still occasionally use it. Lori Reed and Vicki Town adapted the book for Tall Tales. Martin Hyde did the original music and lyrics. ☺ Fun Facts: A five-year-old Mary Anne Furey, and seven-year-old Caitlin Finnegan will make their debuts in Mainstage as the two youngest children of Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. ☺ Brian Dietzler will appear as Christopher Robin in Winnie the Pooh. His brother Kevin will play the same character in 1997. This phenomena will occur again in 2000 and 2005 when Dave and Brian Pipe portray the Lion in The Wizard of Oz. ☺ Staci Moscotti (The King and I, Anything Goes), Kelly Bloh (Sound of Music, Annie) and Alyse Wocjiechowski (The King and I, Annie) share the record for under-age appearances in Mainstage.
The Summer Stager of the Year Award: Stacy Moscotti
20 1994
Mainstage Annie Ed Robins - Juliana Schauerman – John Waldie
Children’s Theater The Little Mermaid Dewey Oriente Pinocchio Dierdre Finnegan Free To Be you and Me Lori A. Reed Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Tara Fox The Hobbit Dewey Oriente Kids on Broadway Matt Cloran
Little Theater/Showcase
The Glass Menagerie Jenn Long One Acts Harry Awards
! Footnotes: A tradition begins: We get a single glimpse of Thursday night performance this season. It occurs during the run of Kids on Broadway, an amazing and fun filled show that left audiences begging for more. All seats were general admission, and, as its performance is announced only a few days before, the only advertising is word of mouth. It is such a success that it is implemented the next season for the four shows that do not run the same week as Mainstage. (1st, 2nd, 3rd , and 6th ). In 1996, the Thursday night 7:30 performance time becomes a part of the regular season. The Tuesday show is canceled and becomes a Dress Rehearsal, which in 2001 becomes a vehicle for Apprentices to sing the a Summer Stage Song and see the dress rehearsal along with various other children from programs run by the Upper Darby Department of Recreation. Renovations to the PAC will cause two performances this season to be canceled by the Fire Marshal. The Tuesday performance of Pinocchio cannot begin because during costume and make-up, the fire alarm rings, and the building must be evacuated. The next week, theater loses electricity minutes before the Wednesday performance of Free to be You and Me is slated to begin. Kate Sweeney and cast members lead a “sing along” in the dark, until the performance must be canceled. A tradition begins: Outreach: A program, conceived by Dewey Oriente, later assisted by Tara Urban Fox and Teré Mayo, auditions a group of Summer Stagers to put on a winter performance. The final product is a Christmas show, which Dewey takes on the road. Outreach will entertain and delight Nursing, Nun, and Children’s Homes for two years. The spring shows have difficulty “getting going” because of all the school shows that occur during that time. In the end, it is this program that will transform in 1996 into The Shooting Stars. ☺ Fun Facts: During the Wednesday performance of Kids, the tape will malfunction, causing an abrupt cessation to the music. It occurs while a young Brian and Kevin Dietzler are singing a duet. Without missing a beat, they continue their song acapella, harmonizing on key and in perfect pitch. Amazing!!
The Summer Stager of the Year Award: Chris Heisler
21 1995
Mainstage A Gershwin Rhapsody! Harry Dietzler - see footnotes - Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater Aladdin* Matt Cloran The Wizard of Oz* Tara Fox Peter Pan* Carlos Lopez Bridge to Terebithia Rob Henry Cinderella Deirdre Finnegan Kids Can* Matt Cloran
Little Theater/Showcase Talent Show Harry Awards One Acts
! Footnotes: Summer Stage Uprooted: Renovations continue this summer at the PAC, and Summer Stage is forced to look for a temporary home. It decides upon Beverly Hills Junior High, with a great stage but no air conditioning, and with this fact in mind, the summer progresses into one of the hottest in the adjoining few years. A new tradition begins: the general meeting. Kate Sweeney leads casts in cheers and announcements. The script for this version of Gershwin was co–authored by Harry and Nick Hunchak. Choreographers for Gershwin: Matt Cloran, Deirdre Finnegan, Nick Hunchak, Staci Moscotti, Anne Marie Rosenberger, and Juliana Schauerman. Gene Civilico accompanied Harry on the Piano; Tom Hoey did the drums. Matt Cloran writes “Jasmine’s Ballad” " for his production of Aladdin. As you read this, you will note that I like to create titles for singular circumstances that occur at Summer Stage, that tend to repeat themselves, and yet have no identifiable name. During this summer, we have the appearance of one of those phenomena, I call “ The Summer Stage Anthems”. They are songs that will be done over and over, (and sometimes “and over”) during the various shows. It actually begins, before this summer, with such songs as “We are the Boys” and “Magic To Do”, but for me, Kids Can holds the All-time Summer Stage Anthem: “Seize the Day” (Every one of my four children, whose ages span over nine years, have sung this song in one production or another, some more than once. I even think that they all did the same choreography). A very close second is “Circle of Life”, which appeared not only in Children’s Theater, but also in Showstoppers 2000, and is even included in the 30 Season Gala. * Shows this season which have a Thursday night performance ☺ Fun Facts: Peter actually flies in this version of Peter Pan, (that is, when the rigging works). Harry films a spot for “Good Morning America”. It is supposed to be shown in November, but the tape is lost and never airs. ☺ Both of Summer Stage’s “Josephs” (Nick Hunchak, Marcus Stevens) perform together in the Gershwin number, “What Causes that?”
Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award: Bethany Paxson, Tim Reilly
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1996
Mainstage The Magic of Summer Stage (20th Anniversary) Chris Sapienza - See Footnotes - Harry Dietzler Me and My Girl Rob Henry - Matt Cloran - Susan Descano
Children’s Theater Alice in Wonderland Kate Sweeney - Matt Cloran - Matt McCloskey Pippi Longstocking Deirdre Finnegan - Stacy Moscotti - Michelle Ferdinand Tom Sawyer Rob Henry - Dawn Morningstar - Gene Civilico Ramona Quimby Carlos Lopez - Jillian Wocjiechowski –Vince Leonard No One Will Marry a Princess With a Tree Growing Out of Her Head Nick Hunchak - Eileen Keen - Rick Sayres Disney Dazzle Matt Cloran - Deirdre Finnegan - Chris Sapienza
Little Theater/Showcase Dance Troupe Stacy Moscotti One Acts Jennifer Long Harry Awards
! Footnotes: We’re back home again in the newly renovated PAC. Choreographers for the Alumni Celebration are: Matt Cloran, Juliana Schauerman, Deirdre Finnegan, Kate Sweeney and Rob Henry. Anne Pinto promises Harry that she will put together the 25th season celebration. A tradition begins: Production Teams for Children’s Theater: It’s not that Children’s Theater did not have production teams before; it’s just that this season, their format is clearly defined. These teams are formed to help make the rehearsal time more productive, and to improve the overall quality of Children’s Theater. Each team consists of a Director, Choreographer, Musical Director, and Stage Manager, along with technicians and costumers. Some members of the team may have either an Assistant or Intern to aid them in their duties. Prior to this season ONE musical director taught ALL of the music for all six shows. Kudos to Marty Hyde, Anthony Mosakowski, Christopher Sapienza, Bob Johnston and Jack Carr for doing it all themselves! A tradition begins: The Shooting Stars are formed at the end this summer. This talented group will flourish, from its beginnings of performing at the Avalon Yacht Club, to include a televised appearance at Longwood Gardens, and appearances at Disney World. A tradition begins: To Fill the World With Love Award: Harry institutes this award to honor and thank those people who repeatedly over the years have made contributions to Summer Stage. His first choice is Nancy Santamaria whose support and choreography have enhanced Summer Stage from its very beginning. A tradition begins: “Dance Troupe:” This brainchild of Stacy Moscotti added a new dimension to the Summer Stage program. In the early days of the program, as I understand, through the creative talent of choreographers like Nancy Santamaria and Suzi Waldie, dance played an important part in most productions, but as the years progressed, especially in the children’s program, dance steps became a few sways, maybe a kick, and a very occasional tap. Being the mother of a dancer, I can, perhaps not too objectively, attest to this. 94’s Kids on Broadway, coupled with the appearance of Outreach and the Shooting Stars added a much needed jolt to the dance choreography. Dance Troupe sealed its continued resurgence. Starting out as a vehicle for dancers to “show their stuff,” it has evolved into a creative and educational program to encourage young dancers to experiment with choreography and
23 even offers an experience for those who are untrained in the art to partcipate. By leveling dances according to skill, the program still offers an opportunity for dancers to “wow us” with their talent. Thursday night becomes a regular part of the schedule. Tuesday’s performance is canceled and becomes preview to further “tighten” the show. A tradition begins: Flower/candygrams: With the Thursday night performance, comes another new experiment. Flowers will be available for people to purchase and present to their performers. The proceeds will go to the program. It starts out with having 15 to 20 single roses available each performance, and my daughter, Joelle, fulfilled her scholarship requirement by selling them all. It then progresses, adding candy, bouquets, and well-wisher’s notes, and takes on a life of its own, where it now generates about $1,200 to $1,400 a season. These monies have been instrumental in such purchases as sewing machines, dance floors, and cameras. The real reward, though, is in the delivery, to see the delight and sometimes surprise of those who receive them. A tradition begins: “The Tech Program”: It is around this time (somebody I am sure will set me straight, if I am wrong) that Summer Stage offers yet another vehicle for growth and learning in the art of theater. This program is designed for those who want to learn how to work behind the scenes to produce excellent theater. The strange thing about this type of work is that, as an audience member, your awareness of their existence usually only occurs only when something goes wrong. (E.g. you have to answer telephone, but it doesn’t ring.) They are the glue that holds the play together. Their desire to work at such a thankless job and under the cloak of invisibility makes them a unique group indeed. Kudos to all the technicians who have worked so tirelessly over the ages. This would be a good time to mention some of those who have recently held the position of leadership: Andrew Thompson, Andrew Glickman, Ed Robins, and presently, Matt Kator, who erased the word “techie” from our vocabulary replacing it simply with “technician.” Both Caroline Thompson and Kathy Moscotti join the staff at Summer Stage. ☺ Fun Facts: Jennie Eisenhower, granddaughter to Richard Nixon and great granddaughter of Dwight D. Eisenhower dances and sings in the ensemble of Me and My Girl. ☺ Under the direction of Matt Cloran and Chris Sapienza, the original Shooting Stars include: Adrianna Arcomone, Kelly Bloh, Liz Bracken, Nicole Cerrone, Kate Colemeco, Brian Dietzler, Kevin Dietzler, Dave Droxler, Nicole Fratorolli, Robert Harris, Megan Heimbecker, Charles Hunter, Danny Hwang, Jared Lopatin, Brian Lowdermilk, John Markakis, Devon McAllister, Kara McPhillips, Bethany Paxson, Kristi Reeves, Liz Seymour, Chrissy Simelaro, Marcus Stevens, Eric Thompson, Mark Thompson, Marci Thurslic, Mike Thurslic, Josh Young, Chris Whelan and Amy Hartke. . Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award: Kelly Bloh To Fill the World With Love Award: Nancy Santamaria
24 1997
Mainstage Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Rob Henry - Deirdre Finnegan - Susan Descano
Children’s Theater Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Julie Ann Bernstein - Donna Kelly - Matt McCloskey The Snow Queen Deirdre Finnegan - Deirdre Finnegan –Ed Pierson Winnie The Pooh Michael Sammacicia - Stephen Fisher Angelina, Ballerina Nancy Santamaria – Harry Dietzler Adventures of Young King Arthur Rob Henry - Gail Oldfield - Rick Sayres Schoolhouse Rock Live Matt Cloran - Bethany Paxson - Chris Sapienza
Little Theater/Showcase Midsummer’s Night’s Dream Morgan Bracken Dance Troupe Staci Moscotti One Acts Jenn Long Harry Awards
! Footnotes: Rob Henry uses present day Philadelphia as the setting for this unique version of Joseph, who when sold into slavery is taken to “Club Egypt” and when his elevation to greatness occurs it is atop City Hall where he replaces the statue of William Penn. In keeping with this digression, it is performed for three weekends, instead of the usual two of Mainstage. Chrissy Simelaro created additional choreography for Snow Queen. ☺ Fun Facts: The tech and parent and skits make their first appearance at this year’s Harry Awards.
Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award: Beth Cooney To Fill the World With Love Award: Christopher Sapienza
25 1998
Mainstage Sousa Tom Hoey Once Upon a Mattress Matt Cloran - Matt Cloran - Lance Moore
Children’s Theater Dr. Doolittle Julianne Bernstein - Dawn Morningstar - Matt Mc Closkey Pinocchio Lance Moore - Dan Canavin - Kim Robson Narnia Deirdre Finnegan - Chrissy Simelaro - Ed Pierson The Velveteen Rabbit Karissa Evans - Heather McHoul - Robin Zirolli Sleeping Beauty Donna Kelly - Dawn Morningstar - Marty Hyde Kids on Broadway Matt Cloran - Bethany Paxson - Robin Zirolli
Little Theater/Showcase The Outsiders Lori Annunziato Reed - Vicky Town Shakespeare Revisited Dennis Bloh, Theresa Harkins, Donna Kelly, April Walsh Revolution Leo Dugan Dance Troupe Chrissy Simelaro Harry Awards
! Footnotes: Harry Becomes Artistic and Executive Director of the Performing Arts Center, and Executive Director of the Educational and Cultural Foundation. Pinocchio was performed in the Italian style of Commedia Del’Arte
Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award: Terry Tracy To Fill the World With Love Award: Vicky Town and Marty Hyde
26 1999
Mainstage Carousel Rob Henry - Matt Cloran - EdPierson
Children’s Theater Cinderella Lance Moore - Deirdre Finnegan - Stephen Fisher Babes in Toyland Ann Marie Scalies - Bethany Paxson - Matt McCloskey Annie Jr. Staci Moscotti - Robert Harris - Lorraine Geist Little Moon Theater JulianneBernstein - Christine Nystrom - Ed Pierson The Secret Garden Deirdre Finnegan - Heather Mc Houl - Marty Hyde Kids Sing the Century Matt Cloran - Bethany Paxson - Robin Zirolli
Little Theater/Showcase Finding the Blue Stone!" Charles Seymour One Acts Dennis Bloh Cabaret Dance Troupe Staci Moscotti Harry Awards
! Footnotes: A Tradition Begins: With the installation of lights in the Football Stadium, Harry is able to utilize this space to create an annual event that continues to grow. Starting out, with Tom Hoey’s Sousa, and adding fireworks, he manages to fill the stadium. The next year, he adds the talent of the Shooting Stars and a new tradition is born: A Birthday Celebration! A Tradition Begins: Mail - in registration is instituted. This means that shows are assigned from the beginning, and abolishes the old cattle call audition of 275 summer stagers arriving all at once on the first day. Rob Henry becomes Artistic Director of Children’s Theater. Finding the Blue Stone is an original musical. Winner of a Young Playwright’s Award, it is written by Marcus Steven.
Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award: Megan Fisher To Fill the World With Love Award: Terry Nolen
27 2000
Mainstage Alumni Celebration Anne Pinto Carney - see footnotes - Harry Dietzler Showstoppers 2000 Rob Henry - see footnotes - Tim Pry
Children’s Theater Wizard of Oz Staci Moscotti - Robert Harris - Lorraine Geist Once on this Island, Jr. Deirdre Finnegan - Deirdre - Matt McCloskey. Aladdin Dawn Morningstar - Christine Nystrom - Ed Pierson Alexander and the Horrible…Day Nick Hunchak - Robert Harris - Maria Slowey How To Eat Like a Child Ann Marie Scalies - Deirdre Finnegan - Steven Fisher Kids in Hollywood Matt Cloran - Bethany Paxson - Robin Zirolli
Little Theater/Showcase You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown Marcus Stevens - Robert Harris - Brian Dietzler One Acts Robert Harris and Robert Cellucci Cabaret Marcus Stevens Dance Troupe Robert Harris, Bethany Paxson
! Footnotes: A tradition begins: Apprentices sing “Magic Up our Sleeve” at the Tuesday Dress Rehearsal. Matt Cloran and Deirdre Finnegan shared choreography duties for Showstoppers 2000 ☺ Fun Facts: Matt Cloran decides to make a short film as an opening for Kids in Hollywood. With Chad Hunter who is Stage Manager, Matt and Bethany, along with our dog, he leads 100 plus kids wildly running down School Lane. The first car, they encounter is driven by a surprised Harry Dietzler, returning from the Rec Office, who can only wonder what is going on.
Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award: Brian Walsh To Fill the World With Love Award: Matt Cloran
28 2001
Mainstage Crazy for You Deirdre Finnegan - Peter Rios - Harry Dietzler
Children’s Theater Peter Pan Lisa Ligouri - Robert Harris - Jerry Kapral Tales of Hans Christian Andersen Anne Marie Scalies - Christine Van Horn - Lorraine Geist The Little Princess # Marcus Stevens - Dawn Morningstar - Ed Pierson Into the Woods, Jr. Nick Hunchak - - Tim Crawford Heidi Deirdre Finnegan - Kevin Deitzler - Robin Zirolli A Pocketful of Rhymes Dawn Morningstar - Krystyna Wiercioch - Charles Hunter
Little Theater/Showcase Godspell Abby Shunskis - Abby Shunkis - Allison Mercer One Acts Donna Kelly Cabaret Donna Kelly Dance Troupe Christine Van Horn, Amy Grossmiller The Harry’s
! Footnotes: Little Princess was a world premiere, commissioned by Summer Stage.#. Into the Woods Jr. was a one - time experiment where the casting was done in May and, to audition, you had to be at least 15 years of age. It was done because Children’s Theater performers were dropping out of children’s theater before they were finished high school. In return for the honor of being in Into the Woods, Jr., the performers had to promise to also be in two other children’s show so that their leadership would be spread throughout the other casts. A tradition begins: “Camp Friendship’s Performance:” This year, a Summer Stage Staff member will teach drama at Camp Friendship, an Upper Darby Recreation program for many years that caters to children with special needs. At the end of their season, they will come to the PAC and treat us to a performance that they have worked on all summer. A highlight of the summer, it is well attended and supported by Children’s Theater members. Godspell is Abby Shunskis’ Senior Project.
Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award: Alex Moseson, Allison Griffin To Fill the World With Love Award: Andrew Glickman
29 2002
Mainstage George M Peter Rios - Peter Rios - William Mayo
Children’s Theater A Disney Spectacular Matt Cloran - Matt Cloran - Gerald Kapral Isabel and the Pretty Ugly Spell!"# Rob Henry - Dawn Morningstar - Stephen Fisher Music Man, Jr. Marcus Stevens - Deirdre Finnegan – Ed Pierson You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown Nick Hunchak - Melinda T. Kaiser - Charles Hunter The Snow Queen Anne Marie Scalies - Dawn Morningstar - Robin Zirolli Schoolhouse Rock Deirdre Finnegan - Deirdre, Rob Harris - Ed Pierson
Little Theater/Showcase Dance Troupe One Acts Cabaret
! Footnotes: A tradition begins: The Technician of the Year Award: Matt Kator institutes this award to recognize the talent and service the tech program provides to Summer Stage. Isabel and the Pretty Ugly Spell is a world premiere musical by Stephen Fisher commissioned by Summer Stage. Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award: Jeff Dietzler To Fill the World With Love Award: Rob Henry The Technician of the Year Award: Andrew Matthews
30 2003
Mainstage How To Succeed in Business… Peter Rios - Robert Harris - William Mayo
Children’s Theater Bound for Broadway! Robert Harris - Bethany Paxson - Charles Hunter Elliot and the Magic Bed!"# Marcus Stevens - Dawn Mornigstar - Gerald Kapral Pippi Longstocking Meghan Heimbecker - Kate Galia - Ed Pierson Guys and Dolls, Jr. Nick Hunchak - Peter Rios - Nancy Furey Adventures with Young King Arthur Matt Cloran - Matt - Paul Kerrigan Wonderland Anne Marie Scalies - Liz Staruch - Ed Pierson
Little Theater/Showcase Dance Troupe Christine Van Horn, Amy Grossmiller One Acts Megan Heimbecker Cabaret William Mayo
! Footnotes: The Shooting Stars perform in Disney world. Elliot and the Magic Bed is world premiere, commissioned by Summer Stage. Marcus Stevens wrote the book, and Brian Lowdermilk, the music. Both Brian and Marcus collaborated on the lyrics. Brian and Marcus also wrote another Musical, Red, which won the Richard Rodgers Award in 2005.
Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award: Dan Pasquale, Jackie Ostick To Fill the World With Love Award: Caroline Thompson The Technician of the Year Award: Michael Cook
31 2004
Mainstage Seussical Rob Henry - Robert Harris
Children’s Theater Disney Princesses! Matt Cloran - Bethany Paxson - Charles Hunter Pinocchio Nick Hunchack - Robert Harris - Brian Dietzler Honk Jr. Staci Moscotti - Melinda T.Kaiser - David Wetzel Snoopy Marcus Stevens - Dawn Morningstar - Tim Crawford Dear Edwina Jr. Anne Marie Scalies - Elizabeth Staruch - Ed Pierson Schoolhouse Rock Live Too! Robert Harris - Kristen M. LeBeau - Gerald LeBeau
Little Theater/Showcase Dance Troupe Kevin and Jeff Dietzler One Acts Robert Cellucci Cabaret Marcus Stevens
! Footnotes:
Jackie Lemieur Memorial Summer Stager of the Year Award: Dave Teter, Alex Kacala To Fill the World With Love Award: Jeanne Becker The Technician of the Year Award: Talia Barzel
32 2005
Mainstage 30th Season Gala Celebration Julianna Schauerman - Christopher Sapienza Matthew Cloran - Deirdre Finnegan - Harry Dietzler Rob Henry - Peter Rios 42nd Street Rob Henry - Tim Crawford - Rob Harris - Peter Rios
Children’s Theater Wizard of Oz Robert Harris - Bethany Paxson - Charles Hunter The Pied Piper of Hamelin Nick Hunchak - Libby Garrity - Tim Crawford Aladdin, Jr. Stacy Moscotti - Stacy Moscotti - Brian Dietzler Annie, Jr. Meghan Heimbecker - Elizabeth Staruch - Ed Pierson Narnia Matt Cloran – Matt Cloran - Gerald Kapral Cinderella Liz Seymour - Robert Harris - Allison Mercer
Little Theater/Showcase Dance Troupe Kevin and Jeff Dietzler One Acts Megan Heimbecker Cabaret Stacy Moscotti and Brian Dietzler
33