PLAY ON!
Renata Zumberge (Gerry) is elated to be a part of this production and would like to thank Megan for giving her the opportunity to work with this talented cast and crew. She has previously trod the boards at RCP as Karen Nash in Plaza Suite, Liz Essendine in Present Laughter, Miss Casewell in The Mousetrap and a bunch of zany characters in The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged (revised). She also performs with the murder mystery theatre, Amore Mortem. Renata would also like to thank her husband George for always supporting her in these theater things!
Laura Diann Stewart (Aggie) is absolutely enthused to be directed in Play On by Megan (My Megan) Martin! Participating in theater since childhood, Laura is especially fond of her more recent character work as an adult. She was seen last year as Mitzi in A Murder is Announced for RCP, playing several roles in Santo Marabella’s original work, Rocky Road Ain’t Always Sweet, and just prior as Juror #11 in 12 Angry Jurors. Laura also had enormous fun playing Ruth in Calendar Girls and Paravicini in The Mousetrap. Laura is tremendously grateful to her RCP family for all of their continued love and support AND for the amazing friendships she has built with its members. Love you all!
Allison Larkin Schiding (Polly/Lady Dudley) is experiencing her first adventure with Reading Community Players. She has performed locally with Sycamore Stage/CW 76ers and Yocum Institute, appearing as Clairee in Steel Magnolias, Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden, Mother Parker in A Christmas Story, and most recently directing and performing in Love, Loss and What I Wore. Many thanks to Megan for this opportunity to throw her weight around on stage and embrace her inner diva.
Molly O’Brien (Violet/Diana) is super excited to be back on stage with RCP. She recently performed in A Murder Is Announced (Julia Simmons) with RCP and in Footloose (Coach Dunbar) with 1st Street Players. Thank you to her friends, family, and all of you for coming out to support local theater and to see the show we all worked really hard on.
Stephanie Coriolan (Smitty/Doris) is excited to be in her first play with Reading Community Players. Before landing this play, Stephanie had taken acting classes for years at Acting Dojo. She is happy to be welcomed by a talented crew and given a chance to bring the character of Smitty to life.
Christy Ahrens (Phyllis) is overjoyed to return to the stage after more than three decades away from theater. Encouraged by family who’ve always called her dramatic, she decided to audition and put their theory to the test. She enjoys reading stories to her grandchildren—complete with voices and characters—and has a passion for singing, leading worship, and creative storytelling. She dedicates this performance to her Creator, who made her this way, and hopes you enjoy Play On!
Evan Duswalt (Louie) is making his second appearance on the stage.Thank you to all those who supported us through this journey. Thank you to my fellow cast mates who I have watched and learned from. Thank you to Megan, our director, for giving me this opportunity.
Sal Ferrarello (Saul/Dr. Forbes) returns to the stage with this production after a 25-year hiatus. Sal appeared in a number of roles back in the 1900s including Lurvey in Charlotte's Web (Genesius) and Maxwell Smart in Get Smart (Exeter High School). Sal credits his two sons, who are involved in theatre both on and off stage, for inspiring his return because, "I can't let them have all the fun." Sal also wants to thank his wonderful wife Kate for supporting him when he does crazy things like auditioning for this show after a quarter century or learning to juggle flaming torches.
Dave Renninger (Henry/Lord Dudley) said Megan was “too kind” when she picked him to fill this double role. He and his wife, Carole, live in Douglassville and between them they have five children and nine grandchildren. This is Dave’s second play with RCP, appearing last year as the foreman in 12 Angry Jurors. He is pleased to be working with such a talented cast and thanks Carole for all her support.
Seth Harkins (Billy/Stephen) is delighted to join Reading Community Players for their production of Play On! Two of his favorite recent roles include Louis in Angels in America and Dwayne in 9 to 5 both with 1st Street Players. He would like to thank Molly for dragging him kicking and screaming to auditions and his family and friends for their love and support.
Megan Martin (Director) has worked onstage with RCP on many occasions, most recently in A Murder Is Announced, 12 Angry Jurors and Calendar Girls. She has previously directed Little Shop of Horrors and Oliver! and she's grateful to direct again! She dedicates this show about community theater to her dad, Jan Kranch, who was the theater manager for RCP many, many years ago. Thanks for giving me this incredible gift of community theater, Dad! MPP
Adam Poper (Lights & Sound) has been part of the local theatre community since second grade. He has previously assisted Fleetwood Community Theatre with lighting and has recently operated sounds and lights for RCP’s performance of Agatha Christie’s, A Murder is Announced. Professionally, he is a software engineer for Follett full-time. In his spare time, you will see him running on the roads, training for his next 5k, 10k, half, or full Marathon. Adam would like to say thank you to RCP for having him back for another fun and enjoyable experience.
Randy Miller (Set Designer) designed the set for Rocky Road Ain’t Always Sweet for Reading Community Players last season. More recently he directed A Murder is Announced for RCP, and previous to that, The Mousetrap and An Inspector Calls. Randy is also an active participant in local theater, as an actor, having most recently appeared in Drinking Habits 2 with FCT and three RCT productions: The Full Monty, The Rocky Horror Show, On a daily basis, Randy is the Borough Manager in West Reading, a job he loves. He enjoys working with the Borough Council, solving the day-to-day challenges that arise; with the local community groups, and County agencies to better the lives of the residents.