Alumni of Gretna Theatre

If you have history here at Gretna Theatre and are not currently included in our list OR your entry needs updating, PLEASE drop us a note with the details so we can keep our Alumni List up to date!

Chuck Abbott (Trust Me, ‘89) has been appointed Artistic Director of Main State Musicals.

Piper Lindsay Arpan appeared on the Gretna Theatre stage in 2006 as one of the ensemble in Cole. Pre Gretna – Piper was born in Georgia, raised in South Carolina, and reared in Louisiana. She has a BFA in dance and a BA in business from The Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Favorite credits include Delee in Smokey Joe’s Café (Debaun Theatre, NJ), Heidi in Cabaret (Gateway Playhouse, NY), Stepp Sister/Sweetheart in Dreamgirls (Prince Music Theatre, PA), Mack and Mabel (Goodspeed Musicals, CT), and kicking it up as a Radio City Rockette. You might have seen Piper featured on the big screen as a Prisoner of Love Dancer and a Lil’ Old Lady in The Producers: The Movie Musical (2005) starring Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane. Classically, Piper has performed with the Carolina Ballet, Sarasota Ballet Dance Link, Dance Repertory Theatre, and the Martha Graham Institute. Piper is currently part of the first national tour of Monty Python's Spamalot, the Broadway adaptation of the movie Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail as the female swing, which means she covers and perform all six of the women's parts. “It has been quite a challenge to learn them all but Definitely interesting and fun!” The show is currently playing on Broadway, but Piper is touring the nation. Her tour will make a stop in Philadelphia April 1 to April 9. The producers are a few months away from opening a sit-down, shorter "casino version" that will be playing in Las Vegas. Visit the website at www.montypythonsspamalot.com where you can see full cast and tour information.

Michael Arquette (Damn Yankees, ‘60) The son of Cliff Arquette, best known as Charley Weaver of Hollywood Squares, he had a long career as an actor and producer. But he is best known as the father of film stars, Rosanne, Patricia and David Arquette.

Guy Arbury (Leading man throughout the 50’s) made his Broadway debut in Star Spangled and followed with appearances in Hamlet and Henry IV with Maurice Evans. He also played in Abe Lincoln in Illinois with Raymond Massey and toured in the production of Ivanov with Edward G. Robinson. In 1972, Marbury was found stabbed to death at the Riverside Plaza Hotel, his Manhattan residence. Robbery was the apparent motive and the murderers were never identified.

Kaye Ballard (Way Off Broadway, ‘98) returned to Broadway in Over the River and Through the Woods.

Laurie Beecham (Benefit concerts, ‘91, ‘92, ‘94) was noted for her work on Broadway and cabaret; she succumbed to cancer in 1997.

Jim Bernard (no credit available) appeared with the legendary Bert Lahr in Broadway’s Hotel Paradiso.

Marshall Borden (director/actor Plaza Suite, ‘01) continues with a stellar career in the theatre, as well as playing opposite Lee Meriwether (his wife) as Thurston Howell III in the musical premiere of Gilligan’s Island in Los Angeles.

Andrew Brightbill (The Good Doctor, ‘98) left Gretna for Los Angeles and was seen in Felicity for the WB Network.

Jane Brockman (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, 2009) Having grown up in Hershey, Jane is thrilled to be making her Gretna debut! Most recently, she was seen as Lady Anne in Camelot with the New York Philharmonic broadcast “Live From Lincoln Center” starring Gabriel Byrne, Christopher Lloyd and Marin Mazzie. She was also the Mother Superior in Showboat at Carnegie Hall. Other NY performances include the New York Theatre’s Musicals in Mufti series Zorba and Encores! Kismet. Jane also sings throughout the year with the NYC Ballet. Prior to that, Jane was privileged to be a part of the National Tour of Light in the Piazza where she understudied and performed the role of Margaret. Also she was fortunate enough to work on The Producers movie directed by Susan Stroman and Law & Order SVU. For six years Jane performed in A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden, starring Jim Dale, F. Murray Abraham, Tim Curry, Frank Langella, Tony Roberts and Roger Daltry. She played Nettie Fowler in Carousel, and was on the road with the National Tour of The Sound of Music playing Sister Berthe. Regionally Jane’s credits include Marme in Little Women, Chelsea in On Golden Pond, Marion in The Music Man, Maria in Lend Me a Tenor, Rose in God’s Favorite, Anna in The King and I, Mrs. Upson in Mame, Mrs. Mullin in Carousel, Lizzie in 110 in the Shade, and The Baroness in The Sound of Music. Other performances include Evita at the Papermill Playhouse, and Starcrossed at the Goodspeed Opera House. She has also been seen on All My Children and in various commercials. Jane has a B.M. degree in Voice from Penn State and an M.A. degree in Opera/Music Theatre from Southern Illinois University. She teaches voice at NYU and travels

Pearce Bunting (Greater Tuna, ‘95) starred in The Travelers for the Discovery Channel.

Marian Caffey (Director, Blues in The Night, ‘00) created and directed Three Mo’ Tenors which has been produced by PBS, enjoyed a Broadway run and is now on an international tour.

James Costigan (seasons of ’46 and ’48) acted in Gretna under the name Jimmy Smith. As a writer, he went on to win three Emmy’s for television shows including Eleanor and Franklin, Little Moon of Alban and Love Among the Ruins.

Buddy Crutchfield (Director, Camping With Henry & Tom, ’99) resides and works in New York City as an actor/director, as well as running a dance school with his wife, also an actress/dancer.

George Curley (Ladies’ Night in a Turkish Bath, ’59) was the original Indian, Mortimer, in The Fantasticks which recently closed after a record-breaking off-Broadway run.

Robert DeMora (Tillie, 1960) became an accomplished costumer, winning Academy Award nominations for The Marathon Man and Cruisin’.

Jay Devlin (Camping With Henry & Tom, ’99) left Gretna to continue on stage and in episodes of the TV show Law and Order.

Elinor Donahue (Love Letters, ‘99) promised that after a 62-year career, which included the long running Father Knows Best, she would retire after her engagement in Gretna. Thus far she has kept her word.

Paul Dooley (On Borrowed Time, ‘51) has enjoyed a long career in film including the Academy Award-winning Breaking Away.

Joseph Elic (Good Night Ladies, 1953) has made audiences laugh for half a century, and has also been seen in dramatic roles in such films as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Robin and the Seven Hoods and Frank Capra’s Pocketful of Miracles.

Jamie Farr (Catch Me If You Can, ‘00) once again did record-breaking business at Kansas City’s New Theatre in Moon Over Buffalo.

James Fields starred opposite Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame.

Leonard Frey (Make a Million and Sailor Beware, 1961. During that same summer in true ‘Summer Stock’ fashion he served as a Gretna Theatre “Technician”. In 1962 he appeared in Plain Betsy. We may have credited him erroneously in our Anniversary Program as appearing in Tillie the Mennonite Maid - further research required.) Born Sept. 4, 1938 in Brooklyn, Leonard Frey originally wanted to become an artist but, in college, he became interested in acting. He made his stage debut in an off-Broadway production of Little Mary Sunshine and his film debut as a celebrant in Finnegan's Wake (1966), but first rose to prominence in the role of Harold, the self-proclaimed "Jew fairy", in the stage and screen versions of The Boys in the Band (1970). Frey is probably best known for the role of Motel, the timid tailor, in the film version of Fiddler on the Roof (1971); this performance landed him a nomination for a Supporting Actor Oscar. He continued to work on stage, in the movies and on TV throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but he never again attained the level of critical success he enjoyed in Fiddler on the Roof (1971). On August 24, 1988, Frey died from complications related to AIDS. He is remembered at Gretna as a kind and gentle man.

Melanie Fry (Honky Tonk Angels, ‘00) appeared in Always, Patsy Cline in London.

Teri Furr (GEORGE M!, 2009), a native of Harrisburg, is excited to be making her Gretna Theatre debut alongside of husband, Rusty Reynolds! Teri made her Broadway debut covering and performing the role of Dainty June opposite Tyne Daly, and later Linda Lavin, in the Tony Award winning revival of Gypsy. Other Broadway and National Tour credits include Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, Dreamgirls with BJ Crosby and Pump Boys and Dinettes (Prudie Cupp). Some of Teri’s favorite regional roles include Maggie in A Chorus Line (Theatrefest), Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense (Westchester Broadway Theatre), Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Joan in Dames at Sea, Beth in Under Glass (Luna Stage) and Li’l Bit in How I Learned to Drive (Women’s Theatre Company). Teri has been seen on or promoted products in commercials, voiceovers or print for: Loving, All My Children, As the World Turns (Brandy), WebMD, Ace Pharmaceuticals, Happiness Express, Tiger/Hasbro, The Fur Vault, and Congoleum to mention a few. She has appeared in numerous workshops and readings in NYC and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity. Love and thanks to Rusty & their beautiful daughter, Annie.

Kevin Gray (Colorados, ’87; Three Phantoms in Concert, '08) appeared as the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, The King in The King and I on Broadway and in London.

Bill Harp (set designer, ’50) received Emmy’s for his work on The Carol Burnett Show, My Name is Barbra, Moonlighting and LA Law; he was nominated for the award 24 times.

Jona Harvey (Steel Magnolias, ‘90) recently appeared in Great Expectations at Philadelphia’s Hedgerow Theatre.

Judy Williams-Henry (Three Penny Opera, ’87 among others) recently returned from yet another European triumph with her company, Movement Laboratory.

Following graduation from Northwestern in Chicago, Charlton Heston and his wife, Lydia Clark , spent the summer of 1947 doing 10 plays in 10 weeks with Charles Coghlan at retna Theatre. He went on to fame and fortune in the film industry, she as a photographer, but they never forgot their humble beginnings, returning to Central Pennsylvania in 1992 to perform together in LOVE LETTERS as a fundraiser for Gretna Theatre.

Art High (Tillie, ’81) recently appeared in the Fulton Theatre’s 1940’s Radio Hour.

Pat Julian (Executive Director, 1997-2002) broke every attendance, box office, and subscription record in the history of the theatre. He received Governor's Citations for his productions of BLUES IN THE NIGHT and John Amos' TALLEY'S COMET as well as a Harrisburg Magazine's "Best of the Best" Award. He also commissioned Gretna's Arts in ducation outreach series , Amelia Earhart, Lost Hero and Road to Freedom which still tour our regional schools. He is currently a producer at the historic Theatre Guild, where his projects include the London blockbuster, SHERLOCk HOLMES THE LAST ACT and concerts with JERRY SEINFELD, BILL COSBY and GEORGE BENSON.

Kathryn Kendall (Hello, Dolly! 2009; Mame 2010) is thrilled to return to Gretna Theatre to bring to life another of Jerry Herman’s wonderful leading ladies after playing Dolly in last season’s Hello, Dolly! This marks her fourth Jerry Herman show and she treasures having had
the privilege and honor of working with Mr. Herman on the critically acclaimed Barrington Stage production of Mack and Mabel in which she played Lottie and “tapped her troubles away!” Most recently she appeared in By Strouse, a celebration of the music of Charles Strouse, which was performed for Mr. Strouse as a tribute at his acceptance of a Lifetime Achievement Award in Arts & Culture. Prior to that, she was delighting (and terrifying??) audiences with her nefarious portrayal of the Wicked Witch/Miss Gulch in The Wizard of Oz. New York, National, and Tour credits include 42nd Street (Dorothy Brock, Maggie Jones), Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (Hildy, Mazeppa, Mr. Monotony Singer), Showboat (Ellie) with Eddie Bracken, Sister Robert Anne in the 25th Anniversary National Tour of Nunsense with Sally Struthers, Forbidden Hollywood (Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Liza, Cher, Ann Margaret, Doris Day, Bette Midler, Audrey Hepburn), 42nd Street (Anytime Annie) with Jerry Orbach and Tammy Grimes, Merman…Who Could Ask for Anything More? (Merman) at Lincoln Center, Kiss Me Kate (Bianca) and Shenandoah (Jenny) both with John Raitt, Off-Broadway revivals of Fiorello (Mitzi) and The George White Scandals (Lead) at the New Amsterdam Theatre, Lyrics and Lyricists Series (Soloist), Empire and Postcards on Parade at the York, Broadway Backwards and the world premier of Paper Moon with Gregory Harrison (Featured Roles). Her numerous regional credits span the country at prestigious theatres such as the Goodspeed Opera House, Actors Theatre of Louisville, the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, George Street Playhouse, Studio Arena, and the American Musical Theatre Festival to name a few. Favorites include Gypsy (Mama Rose), Dirty Blonde (Mae/Jo), Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney), Bells are Ringing (Ella), Urinetown (Pennywise), and Threepenny Opera (Jenny) which she performed for playwright Bertolt Brecht’s son, Stefan. TV credits include recurring roles on The Edge of Night and Loving. Ms. Kendall also does TOEFL voiceover recordings for Educational Testing Services. She is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory.

Richard Kline Gretna Theatre’s Musical Director under Charles Coghlan from 1959 to 1967. Richard was a musical director for a total of 80 musicals including Gretna and the following theatres: Ephrata Playhouse, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, USAF, Hempfield High School and most recently The Actors Company for the Fulton Opera House.

Ronald Knight (leading man, ‘64, ‘65) enjoyed a long career in the theatre co-starring with Yvonne DeCarlo and Joan Fontaine, among others.

Elizabeth Ward Land (The Will Rogers Follies, 2010) varied show business career encompasses musicals, plays, concerts, voice-overs, commercials and television. On Broadway, she appeared as Marie in The Scarlet Pimpernel (original cast, all three versions), Passion, City of Angels, and as a featured soloist in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber starring Michael Crawford at Radio City Music Hall and Royal Albert Hall in London. Off-Broadway credits include The Green Heart (Manhattan Theatre Club), Hello Again (Lincoln Center) and Chess. Liz starred in the National Tour of The Prisoner of Second Avenue opposite Hector Elizondo, as well as National Tours of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Les Miserables, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and as Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain. She has starred at some of the country’s finest regional theatres: Sacramento Music Circus as Charlotte in A Little Night Music, Betty Blake in The Will Rogers Follies, Elsa in The Sound of Music, Gloria Thorpe in Damn Yankees, Elsa in The Sound of Music; Lela Rogers in Backwards in High Heels at the Asolo; Anna in The King and I, Lucy in The Thing About Men and Lilli Vanessi in Kiss Me, Kate at Musical Theatre West; Helen Dubin in Boulevard of Broken Dreams at Coconut Grove Playhouse; Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet at Goodspeed Opera House; Keely in Pete ‘n’ Keely opposite David Naughton at The Alpine Theatre Project; The Evil Queen in Snow White for Disneyland; Connee Boswell in The Boswell Sisters at The Old Globe in San Diego; and Mother Superior in the Pre-Broadway tryout of Sister Act at the Pasadena Playhouse and the Alliance Theatre. Her voice-over work includes the games Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, Reservoir Dogs, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, Infinite Wars; the television series Alien Abductions; True Confessions, Adam’s Rib and American Appetites for L.A. Theatre Works; and Disney’s Enchanted. On TV: One Life to Live, Crumbs, The Amanda Show, 10-8, All My Children. Elizabeth was honored to be chosen as Barbra Streisand’s stand-in for her 2006 Concert Tour. Her acclaimed debut CD, First Harvest, was named by BroadwayWorld.com as one of 2008’s Best Recordings, and is available on ITUNES and LMLMusic.com.

Robert Lansing (leading man ‘54) played in Tennessee Williams’ Garden District prior to achieving TV stardom. He went on to star in such series as Twelve O’clock High, 87th Precinct and The Equalizer.

Lisa Layne (A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, ‘98) repeated the role in Nashville to rave reviews. Ronald Long (Man Who Came to Dinner ‘47 and Life with Father ‘50) was a noted English actor who went on to a distinguished career on Broadway where he appeared in Nature’s Way. He also played the lead role in Witness for the Prosecution on Broadway, replacing Francis L. Sullivan, and on a national tour. He ended his career in the long-running soap opera, Love of Life.

Steve Luker (George M! 2009, The Will Rogers Follies, 2010) Steve has appeared in over 80 legit shows including Broadway (42nd Street), National and European tours (Footloose, 42nd Street), Radio City, Off Broadway (The P Monologues), Regional Companies (North Shore Music Theatre, Goodspeed, TUTS, Gateway Playhouse, the John Engeman Theatre, Crossroads, Mill Mountain, New Harmony, etc.). He received a Barrymore Award Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical last year for the role of Sewerman in Bristol Riverside’s Dear World. TV: Law and Order, Cosby, Hope and Faith, One Life To Live, As the World Turns, etc. plus numerous commercials

Joseph Masiell Appeared in 1961 in “Plain Betsy.” After leaving Gretna he went on to appear in Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris with Mort Shuman, Elly Stone, Jacques Brel, Shawn Elliott and Judy Lander, as well as in New York as Chuck Rosenfeld in “Cindy” in 1964 at the Gate Theatre and in 1965 at the Cricket Theatre. In “Leaves of Grass” at Theatre Four in 1971, in “How to Get Rid of It” 1974 at Astor Place Theatre, in “Tickles by Tcuholsky” at Theatre Four in 1976, in “Joe Masiell Not at the Palace” at the Astor Threatre 1977-78 and as Malatesta in “Non Pasquale” 1983 at the Joseph Papp Public Theatre.

Andrea Marcovicci (Benefit concert, 1997) continues her career as an international force on the cabaret circuit. She won high critical acclaim for her performance at London’s Talk of the Town.

Ricardo Martin (musical director, Blues In the Night, ‘00) passed away from lung cancer this year.

Gary Mazzu (director, Catch Me If You Can, ‘00) went on to stage The Renaissance Festival in Denver.

Marci McGuiggan (Swingtime Canteen, ‘98) has been cast in two upcoming New York productions; It’s a Blackout to run off-Broadway this summer and Charles Bausch’s new comedy Shanghai Moon.

Eddie Mekka (The Good Doctor, ‘98) starred with his Laverne & Shirley pal, Cindy Williams in a record-breaking tour of Grease.

Lee Meriwether (Plaza Suite, ‘01) went on to be one of the judges for the 2001 Miss America Pageant, appearing also on the 50th Anniversary edition of the Today Show. She also appeared with husband Marshall Borden in the musical premiere of Gilligan’s Island as Lovey Howell.

Sally Mercer (Frankie & Johnnie, ‘97, Hedda Gabler, ‘85) recently appeared at the Walnut Street Theatre in Angel Street.

Freda Payne (Blues In the Night, ‘00) continues to star in cabarets throughout the country. She and Melba Moore broke the house record at the Claridge in Atlantic City.

Bernadette Peters (Gretna Theatre 1965 Alumnus - appeared in The Sound of Music and Riverwind) was born Feb 28, 1948 as Bernadette Lazzara. Bernadette got her equity card at the age of 9 and took the name Peters (her father’s name). Her Broadway debut occurred one year later at age 10 in the 1959 New York City Center revival of Most Happy Fella. By age 13 she was touring as an understudy for Dainty June in Gypsy.

In 1965 when she was 16 years old, accompanied by her mother, she found her way to the Gretna Theatre stage in both Riverwind and as Leisel in The Sound of Music.

Bernadette’s Bio from the Gretna Theatre program of “Riverwind” which ran June 28th through July 3rd, 1965:

"Pert and pretty Bernadette Peters understudied and played the role of “Dainty June” in stock and with the National Co. of “Gypsy,” and also appeared in the N.Y. City Center’s production of “Most Happy Fella.” Otto Preminger directed her in the pre-Broadway edition of “This Is Google,” and she has appeared in plays and musicals in Pa., N.Y., Ohio, and New Jersey. She was also featured in, among other shows, “Miracle of the Orphanage,” for the Hallmark Theatre on television, and in “A Boy Called Ciske,” for Kraft."

In 1966 she reprised her role of Jenny Farrell in “Riverwind” at the nearby Bucks County Playhouse. By 1966 upon graduating from high school she worked off-Broadway in The Penny Friend and in 1967 she appeared in Curly McDimple (Of local interest: A production of Curly McDimple attracted author Richard Dahdah, a long time friend of Lebanon Community Theatre Director Richard Gingrich, to Lebanon in 1985 to attend the opening night of his production that year). Also in 1967 she understudied in The Girl in the Freudian Slip. That same year, only two years after her Gretna Theatre appearance, she made her Broadway debut in Johnny No - Trump. 1968 brought her to the stage as Joel Grey’s co-star in the Broadway musical George M! garnering a Theatre World Award for a Debut Performance. There was no stopping her now! Her 1968 role of Ruby in Dames at Sea brought her more critical acclaim and her first Drama Desk Award. In 1969 she appeared in LaStrada. And in 1971 received her first Tony nomination for On the Town. In the early ‘70’s Bernadette moved to LA to concentrate on a film, television and singing career with great success, earning both Golden Globe and Grammy awards, and Emmy nominations. But she could not stay away from the stage, returning to New York to do Mack and Mabel in 1974 with yet another Tony nomination. By 1983 she was back on Broadway and the toast of the town getting a Tony Nomination for her performance in Sunday in the Park with George. 1987 she was again recognized with her second Drama Desk nomination for her portrayal of the Witch in Into The Woods. She has been seen in many shows since that era and is a two time Tony Award winner for her performances in Song and Dance 1985 and Annie Get Your Gun 2000. She followed her second Tony with smashing reviews of the 2003 revival of Gypsy, a show that was near and dear to her heart since her days as Dainty June, and we are happy to report that she is once again the reigning queen on Broadway in the revival of A Little Night Music.

Her most recent achievement is that of author. Her debut book Broadway Barks was a New York Times best seller and is followed with recently released Stella Is A Star. And is a staunch supporter of the ASPCA.

In the minds of Gretna Theatre followers her highest award to date is the ‘Gretna Theatre Trouper Award’ for not missing a performance in The Sound of Music despite nearly losing her voice!

A Little Night Music - 2010

Follow her career at www.bernadettepeters.com

John Pielmeier (Colorados, ‘87) wrote the acclaimed Agnes of God, which enjoyed a Broadway run. The film version starred Jane Fonda, Ann Bancroft and Meg Tilly.

Jim Plummer a Lebanon native appeared in “Make a Million” and “Sailor Beware” in the 1961 season. He is an Air Force Veteran and has been in radio for over 30 years, as of 2008 with Radio PA a division of WITF in Harrisburg.

Mathew Popecki (Rumors, ’93) is a regular cast member at the Rainbow Dinner Theatre.

Faith Prince (Three Penny Opera, ‘87) went on to star in Broadway’s Guys & Dolls and Bells Are Ringing. She recently starred in the London revival of The King and I.

Rachel Ricca (Always, Patsy Cline, ‘01) continues in Florida and has recently signed a recording contract.

Rita Rehn (Catch Me If You Can, ‘00) won the prestigious Best Actress award from the New Jersey Drama Critics for her performance in As Bees in Honey Sting.

Jay Robinson (What a Life, ‘47) starred on stage, film and TV for the next fifty-plus years. His trademark portrayal of Caligula in The Robe and Demetrius and the Gladiator set the standard for anyone who ever played the role. He has performed in scores of TV series and films including Cheers, Murder She Wrote, Big Top Pee Wee, My Man Godfrey, The Wild Party and Transylvania Twist. He is currently the host of the Discovery Channel's Beyond Bizarre, a show about the paranormal.

Tom Roy (At Long Last Leo, ‘91, Broadway Bound, ‘92, Rumors, ‘93) appeared in the film Twelve Monkeys with Bruce Willis.

Wayne Rogers (No Time for Sergeants, ‘57) starred in the series Stage West prior to his role in M*A*S*H. He is currently an investment banker and president of his own company.

James Secrest (Virginia Woolf, ‘70) continues to appear regularly at the best regional theatres in America.

Larry Sheaf (Mr. Hobbs’ Vacation, 2010) is returning for a sixth season as Gretna’s dramaturg, having just completed a role in Twelve Angry Men and the lead in Don’t Dress
For Dinner at the Lebanon Community Theatre. A member of Gretna’s American Hero Biography Series production of Keeping Mr. Lincoln, Larry has been in productions every year since 1975 and has directed over seventy plays in the area. Thanks to wife Alison for her continued encouragement and support all these years.

Timothy Shew (Shenandoah, 2008; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, 2009) Broadway: Bye, Bye Birdie 2009 revival. The Civil War at the world-famous Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. For 7 years, Tim hasplayed Santa Claus at NYC Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular and also completed a 1½ year run starring as Officer John Lonigan in the Bernstein/Comden & Green Broadway production of Wonderful Town with Brooke Shields. in 2008, Tim made his film debut as Officer O’Rourke in the movie musical, The Producers. He can be heard on the Chicago and Shaggy Dog movie soundtracks, and was recently seen on the Carnegie Hall Stage in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. He has appeared on the Broadway stage as Jean Valjean in the Tony Award winning Les Miserables; The Scarlet Pimpernel as St. Cyr (original cast recording - Atlantic Records); and in the Alan Menken, Tim Rice production of Disney’s King David (original cast recording - Buena Vista Records). Tim was featured in the Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls and can also be heard on the Grammy Award-winning Broadway revival recording of Guys and Dolls as Rusty Charlie. Other Broadway credits include Sunset Boulevard with Betty Buckley and the pre-Broadway Andrew Lloyd Webber/Hal Prince Whistle Down the Wind. Tim has gone on to perform the role of Jean Valjean for over four years in three other productions of Les Miz, again on Broadway, and the tenth anniversary production in Australia. Audiences may be familiar with his work in American touring companies of Showboat, Evita and South Pacific. Tim has performed with symphonies and orchestras worldwide, recently with Marvin Hamlisch at the Kennedy Center’s 35th Anniversary Celebration. He has numerous radio commercials to his credit and television includes Law & Order: SVU, Ryan’s Hope and a recurring role as “Bruno” on Guiding Light. For the last 15 years, Tim has produced Broadway Sings on Park Avenue, a concert to benefit children affected and infected with HIV and AIDS and works extensively to educate and assist at-risk kids. Tim resides in New York City with his wife Jane and proudest production of all...20 year old son, Jonathan. Tim's extensive work as a vocal director/clinician/adjudicator for theatre, choral and show choir festivals has taken him around the world. He is thrilled to return to Gretna Theatre, having headlined last season’s Shenandoah, to star ‘cheek-tocheek’ with his real-life wife, Jane Brockman.

Harry Sheppard (Heaven Can Wait, ‘50) passed away at the age of 83 in Philadelphia after a distinguished career appearing with Maurice Evans in As You Like It, Jose' Ferrer in The Silver Whistle and Sylvia Sydney in Joan of Lorraine.

Amanda Sprecher, Manheim PA, has been acting on stage locally since the age of four. She will be making her Broadway debut in April, as Melinda, in the Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee courtroom drama, Inherit the Wind starring Christopher Plummer and Brian Dennehy. Amanda was last seen on the Gretna Theatre Stage as a dwarf in Snow White under the direction of Renee Krizan. Professionally Amanda appeared locally in musicals at the Fulton Opera House and the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. Visit the website www.broadway.com for more information about the show and Amanda’s debut.

Diane Stone-Fusaro (She Loves Me ’88) now is the marketing director at the Lancaster Opera Co.

Sally Struthers (Always, Patsy Cline,2001, Nunsense, 2010) After her run with the show at Gretna Theatre, she took Always, Patsy Cline to Los Angeles, winning raves from the critical community. Ms. Struthers is a two-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winner for her performance in the groundbreaking series All in the Family. She starred in the Fox television series 9 to 5 and her own CBS series Gloria. Her recurring roles included the CBS comedy Still Standing and the CW’s highly acclaimed Gilmore Girls. Sally was “heard” as the voice of the teenage dinosaur Charlene Sinclair in the ABC prime-time series Dinosaurs. She is also the voice of Pebbles Flintstone on the Pebbles and Bam-Bam cartoon series and the lead female character on the popular Disney cartoon Tailspin. Struthers’ television movies include: A Gun in the House, And Your Name is Jonah, The Great Houdinis, Hey, I’m Alive, In The Best Interest of the Children, Deadly Silence, My Husband is Missing, and Intimate Strangers. Sally co-starred in two legendary motion pictures in the 70’s: Five Easy Pieces with Jack Nicholson and The Getaway with Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw. She was featured in two independent films: Out of the Black and A Month of Sundays with Rod Steiger. Sally made a cameo appearance for actor/writer/producer Mario Van Peebles in the Sony feature Baadassss! Sally’s first two Broadway forays were in Wally’s Café with Rita Moreno and Jimmy Coco and in Neil Simon’s female version of the Odd Couple with Brenda Vaccaro. For three years she starred as Miss Mamie Lynch on Broadway and on tour in the Tommy Tune production of Grease. In the 20th Anniversary National Tour of Annie, Sally played the coveted role of Miss Hannigan. Sally was named Best Actress by the Los Angeles Artistic Director Theatre Awards for her role as Louise Seger in the musical, Always, Patsy Cline, a true story based on the relationship between Seger and Cline (a role which she performed at Gretna Theatre as well). She also won the 2003 Ovation Award as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance as Agnes Gooch in the Los Angeles production of Mame. She has starred in regional productions of Hello Dolly, Anything Goes, The Fifth of July, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, and The Full Monty. For thirty years, Struthers has worked tirelessly to help the hungry and uneducated children everywhere. She has visited these children in the United States and many Third World countries, and has filmed numerous public service announcements and documentaries on their behalf. Because of her devotion to children and animals, Sally has received numerous humanitarian awards. Her best reward, however, is her darling daughter Samantha.

Ted Swindley (Author, Always, Patsy Cline, ’01 and Honky Tonk Angels, ‘00) has completed a new work which he plans to premiere at Gretna

Loretta Swit (Shirley Valentine, ‘00) recently starred in Song of Singapore at the New Theatre in Kansas City and The Vagina Monologues in New York.

Rachel Taylor (Robert Lansing’s leading lady during the summer of ’54) starred in numerous television shows and movies. She was at one time married to Jason Robards.

Robert Ennis Turoff (Director, Chorus Line ‘01) staged the national company of Damn Yankees, and the premiere of Chaplin at his Sarasota Theatre.

Rob Ventre should be remembered by the Gretna audiences for his appearances in our Groucho: A Life in Revue (2004) The Foreigner (2004) and opposite Marion Ross and Paul Michael in Over the River and Through the Woods (2002). A Lebanon native Rob is appearing in the Strouse and Adams' concert version of the Musical It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's Superman! at The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street Manhattan, March 11-13. It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's Superman! was produced in 1966 starring Bob Holliday, Linda Lavin and Jack Cassidy. "The story drops the Man of Steel into a 1960s Metropolis and finds the city may not really need a hero anymore," according to the producers Opening Doors Theatre Company "It features characters familiar to Superman fans: Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Perry White, etc." The show failed to find an audience in the age when a satiric "Batman" was already appearing on television. It ran 126 performances and spawned a cast album (and a cabaret hit with the tune "You've Got Possibilities"). The Opening Doors production will be directed by Casey Burden with musical direction by Steven Bednasz. Choreography will be by Rick Delancy. The cast will include Suzanne Adams, Bryce Bermingham, Andrew Cao, Desireé Davar, Autumn Hurlbert, Sarah Lilly, Eric Martin, Ivory McKay, Rovi Roth, Jason B. Schmidt, Michelle Solomon and Rob Ventre. For more information visit the website www.theduplex.xom.

Christopher Vettel ( Mame, 2010) is happy to be making his Gretna Theatre debut. He has
appeared in the 30th Anniversary Tour of Annie (Bert Healy) and can be heard on the Time-Life Cast Recording. He was also in the 2nd National Tour of Sunset Boulevard starring Petula Clark (Cliff/Joe u/s) and has performed in the Chicago and St. Louis companies of the
Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Santa Claus). Regional credits include Charles Lindbergh in Flight of the Lawnchair Man (Goodspeed Musicals), Richard Henry Lee in 1776 (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Thomas Andrews in Titanic (Fireside Playhouse), Phillipe in Phantom (Westchester Broadway) and Carl Magnus in A Little Night Music (Barrington Stage Co.). He has also appeared, as soloist, with the Opera Company of Boston, Opera New England, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the final concert conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

Scott Wakefield (The Will Rogers Follies, 2010) has previously won several acting awards for his portrayal of Will Rogers including the Honolulu P’Okela award and the Boston Outer Critics Circle Best Actor Award. He has appeared on Broadway in Nothin’ But The Blues and Ring of Fire and Off Broadway in The Joy Luck Club, Golden Boy of the Blue Ridge and The American Clock. Most recently, Scott played the title role of Louis De Rougemont in Shipwrecked: An Entertainment for California’s Sierra Repertory Theatre. Other regional credits include Seattle Repertory Theatre, The Alliance Theatre, The Walnut Street Theatre, Syracuse Stage, Milwaukee Repertory, and Missouri Repertory, to name a few. Many years ago, Scott performed at the Mt. Gretna Playhouse in Pump Boys and Dinettes (which he also directed) and Noises Off. An avid singer/songwriter, Scott has recorded two CDs of original songs: Older than Dirt and Vegetarian Nightmare. They can be found at www.ScottWakefield.com.

Barbara Walsh (A Streetcar Named Desire, ’97) continues to dazzle in Broadway productions, winning a Tony Award and Drama Desk nomination for her work in Falsettos.

Ruth Webb recalls “learning two musicals in two weeks and it almost did me in! I have two left feet, so naturally, the choreographer hated me. I was always getting kicked by the other gals because I was out of step. It was then that I began to contemplate a career as an agent.” She appeared at Gretna in the 50’s Wonderful Town, The Boyfriend and Auntie Mame and took a full-page ad in Variety to thank Gene Otto, (Sr. & Jr.) and Mr. Coghlan. Even then it was apparent that Ms. Webb knew how to sell! And, after a career on Broadway – which included roles in On the Town (replacing Betty Comden) Gentlemen Prefer Blondes And Early to Bed – and nightclub appearances At the Latin Quarter, Café Society, and others, That’s exactly what she did. The Ruth Webb Agency went on to represent some of the biggest Names in show business, including Mickey Rooney and Claudette Colbert. Ruth is semi-retired, living In Los Angeles. She represents the “survivors” from the current hit reality show, Survivor. Ruth knows the territory.

Ken Wesler (General Manager, ‘89-‘90) Executive Director of the Strand-Capitol Theatre Center in York, PA. Executive Director of the Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford, CT. Executive Director of the Grand Opera House in Wilmington, DE. Managing Director, Rubicon Theatre Company, CA.

Jeff Williams (Mr. Hobbs’ Vacation, 2010) is happy to be making his Gretna Theatre debut. Theatre credits include M. Butterfly (Capital Rep/Philadelphia Theatre Company), The Crucible (Northern Stage), The Sisters Rosensweig (TheatreWorks), Art (Hangar Theatre), Terra Nova (Clarence Brown Theatre), Over The Tavern (Human Race Theatre), You Never Know (New Harmony Theatre) as well as the Broadway companies of The Pirate Queen, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Music Man and the National Tours of The Will Rogers Follies and Me and My Girl. Film and TV work includes The Producers; The Musical, The Sopranos, As The World Turns and One Life To Live. Jeff is a Syracuse graduate and has been a proud Equity member since 1987.

If you have history here at Gretna Theatre and are not currently included in our list, PLEASE drop us a note with the details so we can add to or correct our Alumni List!