VERNON BRUETTE (Ensemble) is now an old hand in VLOG. He came to singing and acting later in life, and he is is still later in life and still singing. He is constantly amazed at his singing voice and loves being with VLOG.
SARAH BUNKER (Ensemble) VLOG debut. Recently seen in the Obie Award-winning Benten Kozo at the Flea Theater, where she also appeared in Mac Wellman's Cellophane. Sarah trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and thanks God, Canada, Family, and Friends for all their love and support.
LISETTE CHAO (Ensemble) is delighted to make her New York debut with VLOG, having recently come from Miami where she performed with various choral and vocal ensemble groups for many years. To my father, thank you for your undying support of my art - I love you!
KINROSS CHAPMAN (Ensemble) has previously appeared with VLOG in The Sorcerer, The Yeomen of the Guard, The Pirates of Penzance, Ruddy Gore, and Brigadoon. He appeared in BALOE's Orpheus in the Underworld in London and has done Brigadoon and Oklahoma! with Broadway/ Grand Opera Productions.
NICOLE COONEY (Ensemble), who at the age of five had already achieved a reputation as a "drama queen," is delighted to make her New York stage debut. She migrated from Syracuse, NY, where she was seen on Salt City Productions stage as a Ziegfeld Girl in Funny Girl, Bess in A Christmas Carol, and Ursula Merkle in Bye Bye Birdie. She also captured the part of Ursula March in The Talent Company's Sweet Charity. While in Syracuse, she studied classical music in the studio of Jean Loftus and Carol Suave. 143 283 48!
BRIAN COOPER (Program Editor), a VLOGer of eleven years' standing, has performed in nearly thirty productions. He now marks two years as Program Editor, a position which, he finds, combines the calm serenity of whitewater rafting with the exquisite pleasures of getting stretched on the rack. All kidding aside, he wishes Peers and Peris, cast and crew great fun in Iolanthe.
FRANK GIANCARLI (Ensemble) was first bitten by the VLOG bug in this past summer's Vermont concert. He found the antidote by performing in his first full VLOG production.
LUCIA GIANNETTA (Ensemble) A graduate of Boston Univer-sity's School for the Arts, Lucia is excited to be making her VLOG debut in Iolanthe. Thanks to Jack Lee, Charles Kakatsakis, Barry, and my parents for all of their support.
JOE GLADSTONE (Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to work with VLOG again after having stage managed Call Me Madam, The Mikado, and Brigadoon for them. He has stage managed all over the New York metropolitan area for many years from Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center to Eisenhower Park and Hofstra University on Long Island. Some of his many credits are Cabaret, Crazy for You, Me and My Girl, West Side Story, The King and I, City of Angels, Fiorello!, Annie, 42nd Street, ... Drood, Kiss Me Kate, Mame, Peter Pan, My Fair Lady, and Fiddler on the Roof. He has also directed and musical directed many productions, and onstage his favorite role was Hysterium in ...Forum. He looks forward to many more productions with VLOG.
DEBORAH GRIFFIN (Ensemble) This is Debbie's third VLOG production, having traded in her Scotch plaid and her kimono for a pair of fairy wings. She is excited to be "tripping" around the stage after years of singing chamber music with Cantabile, Mannes Chamber Singers, and the 92nd Street Y Chorale.
ALAIN GUILLOTON (Ensemble, Lumberjack, Program Assistant), as the oldest of the Peers, is rapturous to be ěperi-edî up at the finale with the youngest fairy, Fleta. He is also happy to perform in Iolanthe, one of the two G&S works he has never participated in.
WILLIAM HECKEL (Ensemble) Having danced and sung his way across Lichtenburg in 1998's Call Me Madam, Bill is delighted to perform with VLOG again. A U.N. translator, Bill has sung in many parts of the world, although never before in the House of Lords.
JOSH HUNTINGTON (Ensemble) is a landscape designer living in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. He has performed in several VLOG shows since 1987, including our Iolanthe of 1990.
J. JARED JANAS (Assistant Stage Manager, Makeup and Hair Designer) has been working in theatrical makeup for over five years, designing numerous shows in Chicago (at the Civic Opera House) and in New York. He designed VLOG's last three productions, Call Me Madam, The Mikado, and Brigadoon. J.J. also sings Tenor I with the New York City Gay Men's Chorus and is a founding member of Mud Angels, a screenwriting and performing arts organization.
NORMAN KELLER (Ensemble) has appeared in most VLOG productions since he joined in 1962. He has served the group as president, producer, and BALOE chairman. A retired IBM marketing executive, he currently oversees the group's computer systems and assists the Board of Directors in implementing long-range strategies. Norm manages a restoration project at First Presbyterian Church, where VLOG rehearses.
SANDRA KING (Costume Designer) joined VLOG in 1975 and has participated in every show since then. A former librarian, she is now Resident Costume Designer for VLOG and has costumed such shows as Brigadoon, Merry Widow, Yeomen of the Guard, and Bells Are Ringing. She has also designed costumes for the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Long Island's Pirates of Penzance and the Theater at St. Clement's Elephant Man.
ROBERT LAZO (Ensemble, Audio Designer) marks his second production on stage with VLOG, having performed last in Ruddy Gore. Backstage, he's worked on audio for Pirates, Call Me Madam, and Brigadoon. Robert has also performed in Secaucus, NJ, most recently in Joseph... Dreamcoat. During the day, he develops software for the Corcoran Group.
REBECCA ARA LEVINE (Assis-tant Producer) is delighted to be working on her sixth show with VLOG, this time as Assistant Producer. Previously she has served as Producer and Technical Director, and worked in various capacities backstage. Many thanks to Felice for being so understanding.
TERRI MASI (Ensemble) is honored to be making her New York debut with VLOG. She is currently studying voice with Beth Robert and is a student at the Mannes College of Music Extension Division. Thank you, Mom and Dad.
RICHARD MENEELY (Ensemble) is a former ambassador to the Gold Coast and dishwasher in London and Paris. His mother, Elizabeth Schofield, appeared in the chorus of four Village Light Opera productions from 1936 to '38. She met her future husband, Henry Meneely, at the marriage of her best friend, VLOGer Louise Meneely, to fellow member Gotthard Boehme, in the first VLOG wedding!
BRIAN MOLLOY (Rehearsal Pianist) is a graduate of Juilliard, where he studied with the well-known pianist and teacher Beveridge Webster. He has performed in recital and has made a number of radio appearances. He has accompanied grand opera and choral as well as lighter works. The high point of his career was his 18 years as accompanist and Assistant Musical Director at the Light Opera Of Manhattan.
KRISTEN MORGAN (Set Designer) works primarily for TV and industrial shows. Recent projects include assistant art direction credits on The Queen Latifa Show and Fox News Channel. Recent theatrical projects include projection design for the workshop production of Souls.com at LaMama, ETC.; set design for The High Priest of Bad Math at the Ontological/ Hysterical Theater; and Death and the King's Horseman at NYU's Abe Burrows Theater.
LILLIAN MULLEN (Rehearsal Stage Manager) has appeared as a member of the ensemble in VLOG's last four G&S productions, and served as assistant stage manager for Fiorfello! As co-rehearsal stage manager, she has greatly enjoyed watching Iolanthe mature.
BELéN NEGRóN (Ensemble) A follow-spot operator in her last production of Iolanthe, Belén got a laugh by recovering too swiftly after missing Leila with her spot. She's thrilled to take on a more serious role now.
JAMES A. NICHOLAS (Ensemble), a native of Virginia, sings in Bayside Glee Club (Men's Chorus), Church Choir, Queens College Choral Society, and New York Grand Opera Chorus.
SUE NICHOLAS (Ensemble) started with the Millsaps Singers (Jackson, MI), then went on to the Duke University Chapel Choir and a German U.S. Army base choir. Locally, she sings with the Queens College Choral Society, the New York Grand Opera Chorus, and the Flushing Church on the Hill Choir, where her heart lies.
ABRA PAPPA (Ensemble) received a B.A. in Theater and Dance from Muhlenberg College. She is incredibly happy to make her Manhattan stage debut in Iolanthe. Many thanks to family and friends for their unending support.
WENDY PARSON (Makeup and Hair Designer), a graduate of H.B. Studios, has worked in all aspects of theater. She apprenticed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music with Paul Newman and Austin Pendleton. She designed the wigs for VLOG's productions of Brigadoon and The Mikado and for the Hofstra Playhouse productions of Fiddler and Sly Fox. Together with independent filmmaker Toni Neider, she founded Mud Angels, a screenwriting and performing arts organization.
RICK PATTON (Technical Director) Iolanthe puts Rick in a tie for the most shows as VLOG's Technical Director. Other VLOG credits include Carpenter for Carousel (1991), and T.D. for Patience, Countess Maritza, The New Moon, The Yeomen of the Guard, Bells Are Ringing, and Brigadoon. Previous credits with Southern California Conser-vatory Theatre include Cabaret, West Side Story, and Tartuffe. Rick builds furniture and collects stainless steel things for fun.
MARCIA PEHR (Ensemble; or The Pehr and the Peri) made her theatrical debut as Pussywillow, The Fairy Princess, in fourth grade. After numerous VLOG chorus roles, she returns in Iolanthe as the Luna Moth Fairy. Is this progress, or what?
JENNIFER PHELPS (Ensemble), a recent graduate of Ithaca College, is honored to appear in Iolanthe. Her New York credits include Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Lydia in All My Sons, and Pinhead in The Elephant Man. Regional credits include Phoebe in The Yeomen of the Guard and Marina in The Competition. She would like to thank the entire cast and staff of this show, her family, and Dr. Pelto for their support.
JAMIE SALZANO (Ensemble), thrilled to make her VLOG debut, is a musical theater graduate of NYU. Performing since childhood, Jamie has a diverse background of musical drama, television and film performances. She thanks her Mom, Dad, and Dookie for their love and support.
FRANK J. SCALA (Box Office Manager) has been with VLOG for the last 17 years, performing box office duties for 36 shows. He has received the VLOG M.V.P. Award, the "Star Performer" Trophy (VLOG's Oscar), and most recently, a Medal of Honor for his efforts in the show Countess Maritza.
SUSAN SCATENA (Assistant Stage Manager) In addition to her membership duties, Susan is the Assistant Brewmaster of VLOG. She wishes to thank her mentor, RS, for being patient and explaining over and over again the difference between an ESB and lager.
HARRY SCHUTZ (Ensemble) A high school social studies teacher in real life, Harry is happy finally to have made his way into the House of Lords.
KYOKO SUGIYAMA (Ensemble) studied dance at the Martha Graham School. She has performed in musicals such as Cabaret, Damn Yankees, and Call Me Madam. Her favorite role was as Tintinabula of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
JARRET SUMMERS (Ensemble) This is Jarret's first production with VLOG, and he is very excited. Jarret is a graduate of the University of Illinois where he majored in Music Education and participated in many operas and musicals. He has also performed with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and many theater companies outside New York.
ANDREW TAINES (Ensemble) performed in The Gondoliers and Countess Maritza with VLOG. He has played Bunthorne in Patience, Robin in Ruddy Gore, and Horace Peabody in Jerome Kern's 1924 musical Sitting Pretty, as well as concerts with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players. He has also sung Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro and Don Alfonso in Cosí fan Tutte.
ERIKO TAJIMA (Ensemble) was born in Tokyo, Japan, where she graduated from Tohogakuen School of Music with a B.A. She has appeared as Little Topsy in The King and I at Carousel Dinner Theatre, as Little Eva at Connecticut's Broadway The-atre, and at Candlewood Playhouse. Having just finished work on her PBS "Stage on Screen" series Far East, Eriko is very happy to return to VLOG. She thanks her husband, Kenji, for his support, and their one-year-old daughter, Emily.
MICHAEL THOMAS (Ensemble) is making his second onstage appearance with VLOG, having debuted in last fall's Mikado. In addition, he has served as rehearsal pianist for eight VLOG productions, played in the pit for four shows, and musically directed and/or accompanied the group in concerts at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, at First Presbyterian Church, and in West Dover and Wilmington, VT. He hopes one day to collaborate with his idol, Corky St. Clair.
AMY TIETZ (Ensemble) Eighteen years and three Iolanthes later I am still having fun! Thanks to Mikey and Mini-Me for letting me play with some of my best friends!
TRISHA TROKAN (Ensemble) is a 1999 graduate from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in drama. She is a longtime G&S fan and is thrilled to be working with VLOG. Hello to friends and family.
ALEXANDREA TOMBRAKOS portrays the role of the Dewdrop Fairy (Viscountess) in this her 8th show with VLOG. She is a proud member of such Fairy organizations as "The Tinkerbell Society" and "The Pixie Dust Players". Mmkay... Her favorite roles include Marie in The Staten Island Fairy, Fleta's illegitimate sister De-Fleta in Iolanthe, and Hysteria the forgotten Fairy in Iolanthe... the untold story. Alexandrea received her wings in 1800 from Wassamatta U and was awarded the rank of FFC (Fairy First Class) in 1802. She is currently the president of the Michael Thomas fan club, Willa-loo chapter and the "What would Brian Boitano do?" Questionnaires. I love you Mom and Dad!!! Gracias, Efkaristo and Merci! (A "nouveau" Latin word, a Greek remark, and one that's French.). Mmkay...
YASUKO TSUBOI (Ensemble) is very excited to appear in her second operetta. Thank you and much love to Hisaaki, Toshiaki, and Miisuke. Can I fly?? Yes, I can! Because I am a fairy...!?
DOUG UHLIG (Ensemble) This is Doug's first year with VLOG. After a thirty-year absence from the stage (having had lead roles in high school and college), Doug is thrilled to be doing Gilbert and Sullivan.
ELIZABETH UHLIG (Ensemble), who is making her VLOG debut in Iolanthe, comes from a family of singers and dancers. A children's book author and illustrator, she credits her 87-year-old mother with her enthusiasm for life.
WENDY VALDEZ (Ensemble, Program Ad Sales) In four years as a VLOG Chorus first soprano, Wendy has played a newsboy, a cat-loving offstage voice, an ale vendress, and has been a soloist in our summer concerts. She's loved every minute! Thanks to the directors, producers, and designers, and love to all the Peers and Peris!
KATHY WALLACE (Orchestra, Rehearsal Stage Manager) is constantly amazed at the varied and wonderful skills she has learned during her tenure at VLOG. Iolanthe has provided her the opportunity to become a cleaner of schmutz for which she has received great acclaim.
FELICE WECHSLER (Producer) This is Felice's sixth consecutive VLOG show and her second time producing (the first was our Fall 1998 Mikado). She figures she's either having a really great time or has officially become a masochist. She'd like to thank Ron, Bill B., and the multitalented cast and crew of Iolanthe for bringing it all together; Rebecca, for opting for sanity; Mom and James, for their constant support; Dad, for always being a presence; and Alex for the sunshine and stout.
JOHN WEIGAND (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his VLOG and G&S debuts in Iolanthe. John hails from New Orleans and has sung in numerous choruses across the land.
HAROLD WEINFELD (Photo-grapher) has been snapping away at VLOGers since he joined the group in 1971. Except for one brief foray onstage as a White Rabbit (H.M.S. Pinafore, BALOE '77), he has stuck to the creative challenge of bringing the company's vitality to life on film. A financial planner by profession, he looks forward to his third Iolanthe.
JUDY WEIS (Ensemble) returned to VLOG in 1994 after many years to do Sorcerer and has since done Yeomen, Pirates, and Ruddy Gore. She has also sung with the Ridgewood (NJ) G&S Company, the Masterwork Chorus, and the Choral Arts Society. In "real life," she is a professor of marine biology at Rutgers.
FRANK WOLPIN (Box Office Coordinator/Ticket Master) has performed both on and off stage since 1960. His most satisfying role is his present one of ticket taker and official greeter, which he feels sets the tone for an enjoyable evening. He is proud to be a Milestone Member.