VLOG's The Pirates of Penzance

Artist Bios

William J. Brooke (Major General Stanley) has performed in 28 different roles in the G&S repertory with such groups as LOOM and NYGASP. His eleven roles with VLOG have included Harold Hill in The Music Man, and Benny in The Desert Song, and last season's Jack Point in The Yeomen of the Guard. In his other life, he is an author of children's books, most recently Teller of Tales from Harper Collins. He is married to the gifted mezzo, Lynne Greene-Brooke, who appeared recently in VLOG's The Sorcerer.

Mark Calvino (Frederick) was last seen at VLOG as Colonel Fairfax in The Yeomen of the Guard. He also appeared recently as Lun Tha in Mill Mountain's production of The King and I. In New York City, Mark has sung the tenor leads in The Mikado and The Sorcerer, as well asTony in West Side Story, and Billy Bigelow in Carousel. Touring credits include Opera Northeast and Feuilly in the National Company of Les Misérables. His opera credits include Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly. He is also frequently heard singing opera excerpts at social events in New York City.

Jenellen Fischer (Kate) is happy to be doing her second production with VLOG, her debut having been in The Desert Song. She can be seen as a cantor at Broadway's St. Malachy's, The Actor's Chapel. This September, she was seen in Gilbert & Sullivan & Sons, a review for Days Gone By Productions here in New york City. Favorite performance credits include roles in Candide, Into the Woods, La Traviata, Die Fledermaus, and The Beggar's Opera. Jenellen also enjoys performing her comedy cabaret act with her husband, pianist Chris Fischer, for Music For All Seasons, which provides musicians for local hospitals and rest homes. Thanks to the 'Rents, the Spouse, and the cats.

Alexandra Goodzeit (Ruth) returns to VLOG after sixteen years. Earlier VLOG credits include Ella (Patience), chorusmaster (Vagabond King), and music director (VLOGworks Beggar's Opera). Meanwhile she has sung (Holland Festival, Center for Contemporary Opera), conducted (national tour of Purlie, Utah Opera), composed for theatre, become a member of the Actors Studio, and (best of all) married VLOGer and distinguished puppeteer Larry Engler. This performance is dedicated to our friend Barbara Sabel.

Elizabeth-Anne Greene (Edith) includes in her New York credits roles in Reckless and Sleeping Beauty Kabuki. Her regional credits include Oklahoma! at both Candlewood Playhouse and Rockwell Productions, Ltd. and the premiere of The Snow Queen at the New York Institute of the Performing Arts. Opera credits include Annina in Der Rosenkavalier and Kate in Pirates, both at the Lake George Opera Festival. Elizabeth has also toured with the Prince Street Players' production of Sleeping Beauty as the "ditzy" fairy of dance.

Nathan Hull (The Pirate King) returns to VLOG after appearing as Wilfred Shadbolt in last season's The Yeomen of the Guard - the same year he appeared in the Bronx Opera's production of the same show as Sergeant Meryll! Nathan's was the Director/Choreographer of The Boys from Syracuse, the 1994 BALOE show co-presented by VLOG and London's Philbeach Society. He has also directed our Kabuki Mikado and VLOG's famous space-age Princess Ida, and has played many G&S parts ranging from Lord Mountararat in Iolanthe to the Captain in Pinafore. Nathan is a member of the Drama Desk, and is Webmaster to several Internet Web sites, including this one for VLOG.

William Koch (Stage Director & Choreographer) During at 30+ year career in professional theatre (S.S.D.C., A.E.A., S.A.G., A.G.V.A.), Bill has directed staged and/or choreographed 130 shows, 14 concerts, 4 ballets and one film, for more than 50 theaters, companies and colleges. This production marks his 21st show as Director for VLOG, and he is an Honorary Life Member of the group. Most recently, he directed both of last year's shows, The Yeomen of the Guard and Fiorello!

Jeffrey Kurnit (Samuel) is celebrating his twenty-fifth year with VLOG and is particularly proud that he and his wife Abby were recently made Life Members. His most recent appearances have included a cardplayer in Fiorello! and General Birabeau in The Desert Song. Jeff and Abby are delighted that they have dragged their children into VLOG. Their daughter Miriam, a VLOG veteran, is currently a student at Barnard College. Their son Sam, a seventh grader, is working backstage on this production. In "real" life, Jeff is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Basic Educational Skills at Queensborough Community College, CUNY.

Karen Leah (Mabel) is delighted to join VLOG again, after having appeared as Elsie in The Yeomen of the Guard and as Edith in The Desert Song. She received her music degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she performed in La Bohème, The Magic Flute, The Merry Widow, Falstaff, and The Secret Marriage. She continued graduate studies in Tampa. Highlights there included opera scene performances and the title role in Annie Get Your Gun. Karen would like to extend a special thanks to family and friends for their love and encouragement.

Daniel Litwak (Sergeant of Police) is thrilled that Pirates is his VLOG debut. He has performed in sixteen shows for Long Island Theatres during the past six years, including Arena Players in Farmingdale, Hofstra Gray Wig, and Huntington's Township Theatre Group, for which he will be producing The Lion in Winter this spring. His favorite roles include Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest, Geoffrey in The Sisters Rosenzweig, Sir Evelyn in Anything Goes, Max in Lend Me a Tenor, and the nasty Lt. Schrank in West Side Story. He dedicates this Pirates to the memory of his mother, Edythe, whom Dan remembers performing countless G & S productions since he was "a little boy of five." Thanks, Mom!

Ronald W. Noll (Music Director/Conductor) in his 38th season with VLOG, is an award-winning pianist who has conducted everything from opera and operetta to musical comedy, including the entire G&S canon. The arranger and director of a professional vocal quartet, The Manhattan Singers, he received a New York Area Emmy Award and an International Broadcasting Award from the Hollywood TV and Radio Chapter of Broadcasting. An Honorary Life Member of VLOG, Ron is married to soprano Sara-Ann Noll. Their daughter, Christiane, is now touring the country in Grease, and will be coming to Broadway this season as Lisa in the new musical Jekyll and Hyde.

Barbara Rouse (Isabel) is especially fond of Pirates. A production of this show marked her professional (i.e. salaried) New York stage debut with LOOM. She's been delighted to climb (with catlike tread, naturally!) over rocky mountains (on and offstage) with VLOG since 1990. The very model of a modern New Yorker, she also works (secretary), dance (Middle Eastern), and volunteers (Central Park Zoo). She takes every opportunity to enjoy life with impunity!

Kevin Walsh (Producer) is pleased to have produced his first VLOG show. He has been on stage, designed lighting, and serves on the Board of Directors. Last summer, he directed a workshop production of The Lion in Winter which featured our Major-General, Bill Brooke, and ensemble members Jessica De Coux and Brian Cooper. Outside of VLOG, he has produced The Heidi Chronicles and directed California Suite. His favorite gig was as Lighting and Sound Designer on the QE2. He thanks his wife Kathy for her love and patience, Ron Noll and Bill Koch, Denise Sobel, Michael Ray, Al Fitch, Gina, Bill and Ha Young, among many others for helping with a task that was backed by the finest talent that VLOG has to offer. He also thanks the Lighting Center for putting up with all the phone calls.

	William J. Brooke (Major General Stanley) has performed in 28 different roles in the G&S repertory with such groups as LOOM and NYGASP. His eleven roles with VLOG have included Harold Hill in The Music Man, and Benny in The Desert Song, and last season's Jack Point in The Yeomen of the Guard. In his other life, he is an author of children's books, most recently Teller of Tales from Harper Collins. He is married to the gifted mezzo, Lynne Greene-Brooke, who appeared recently in VLOG's The Sorcerer.
	Mark Calvino (Frederick) was last seen at VLOG as Colonel Fairfax in The Yeomen of the Guard. He also appeared recently as Lun Tha in Mill Mountain's production of The King and I. In New York City, Mark has sung the tenor leads in The Mikado and The Sorcerer, as well asTony in West Side Story, and Billy Bigelow in Carousel. Touring credits include Opera Northeast and Feuilly in the National Company of Les Misérables. His opera credits include Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly. He is also frequently heard singing opera excerpts at social events in New York City.
	Jenellen Fischer (Kate) is happy to be doing her second production with VLOG, her debut having been in The Desert Song. She can be seen as a cantor at Broadway's St. Malachy's, The Actor's Chapel. This September, she was seen in Gilbert & Sullivan & Sons, a review for Days Gone By Productions here in New york City. Favorite performance credits include roles in Candide, Into the Woods, La Traviata, Die Fledermaus, and The Beggar's Opera. Jenellen also enjoys performing her comedy cabaret act with her husband, pianist Chris Fischer, for Music For All Seasons, which provides musicians for local hospitals and rest homes. Thanks to the 'Rents, the Spouse, and the cats.
	Alexandra Goodzeit (Ruth) returns to VLOG after sixteen years. Earlier VLOG credits include Ella (Patience), chorusmaster (Vagabond King), and music director (VLOGworks Beggar's Opera). Meanwhile she has sung (Holland Festival, Center for Contemporary Opera), conducted (national tour of Purlie, Utah Opera), composed for theatre, become a member of the Actors Studio, and (best of all) married VLOGer and distinguished puppeteer Larry Engler. This performance is dedicated to our friend Barbara Sabel.
	Elizabeth-Anne Greene (Edith) includes in her New York credits roles in Reckless and Sleeping Beauty Kabuki. Her regional credits include Oklahoma! at both Candlewood Playhouse and Rockwell Productions, Ltd. and the premiere of The Snow Queen at the New York Institute of the Performing Arts. Opera credits include Annina in Der Rosenkavalier and Kate in Pirates, both at the Lake George Opera Festival. Elizabeth has also toured with the Prince Street Players' production of Sleeping Beauty as the "ditzy" fairy of dance.
	Nathan Hull (The Pirate King) returns to VLOG after appearing as Wilfred Shadbolt in last season's The Yeomen of the Guard - the same year he appeared in the Bronx Opera's production of the same show as Sergeant Meryll! Nathan's was the Director/Choreographer of The Boys from Syracuse, the 1994 BALOE show co-presented by VLOG and London's Philbeach Society. He has also directed our Kabuki Mikado and VLOG's famous space-age Princess Ida, and has played many G&S parts ranging from Lord Mountararat in Iolanthe to the Captain in Pinafore. Nathan is a member of the Drama Desk, and is Webmaster to several Internet Web sites, including this one for VLOG.
	William Koch (Stage Director & Choreographer) During at 30+ year career in professional theatre (S.S.D.C., A.E.A., S.A.G., A.G.V.A.), Bill has directed staged and/or choreographed 130 shows, 14 concerts, 4 ballets and one film, for more than 50 theaters, companies and colleges. This production marks his 21st show as Director for VLOG, and he is an Honorary Life Member of the group. Most recently, he directed both of last year's shows, The Yeomen of the Guard and Fiorello!
	Jeffrey Kurnit (Samuel) is celebrating his twenty-fifth year with VLOG and is particularly proud that he and his wife Abby were recently made Life Members. His most recent appearances have included a cardplayer in Fiorello! and General Birabeau in The Desert Song. Jeff and Abby are delighted that they have dragged their children into VLOG. Their daughter Miriam, a VLOG veteran, is currently a student at Barnard College. Their son Sam, a seventh grader, is working backstage on this production. In "real" life, Jeff is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Basic Educational Skills at Queensborough Community College, CUNY.
	Karen Leah (Mabel) is delighted to join VLOG again, after having appeared as Elsie in The Yeomen of the Guard and as Edith in The Desert Song. She received her music degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she performed in La Bohème, The Magic Flute, The Merry Widow, Falstaff, and The Secret Marriage. She continued graduate studies in Tampa. Highlights there included opera scene performances and the title role in Annie Get Your Gun. Karen would like to extend a special thanks to family and friends for their love and encouragement.
	Daniel Litwak (Sergeant of Police) is thrilled that Pirates is his VLOG debut. He has performed in sixteen shows for Long Island Theatres during the past six years, including Arena Players in Farmingdale, Hofstra Gray Wig, and Huntington's Township Theatre Group, for which he will be producing The Lion in Winter this spring. His favorite roles include Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest, Geoffrey in The Sisters Rosenzweig, Sir Evelyn in Anything Goes, Max in Lend Me a Tenor, and the nasty Lt. Schrank in West Side Story. He dedicates this Pirates to the memory of his mother, Edythe, whom Dan remembers performing countless G & S productions since he was "a little boy of five." Thanks, Mom!
	Ronald W. Noll (Music Director/Conductor) in his 38th season with VLOG, is an award-winning pianist who has conducted everything from opera and operetta to musical comedy, including the entire G&S canon. The arranger and director of a professional vocal quartet, The Manhattan Singers, he received a New York Area Emmy Award and an International Broadcasting Award from the Hollywood TV and Radio Chapter of Broadcasting. An Honorary Life Member of VLOG, Ron is married to soprano Sara-Ann Noll. Their daughter, Christiane, is now touring the country in Grease, and will be coming to Broadway this season as Lisa in the new musical Jekyll and Hyde.
	Barbara Rouse (Isabel) is especially fond of Pirates. A production of this show marked her professional (i.e. salaried) New York stage debut with LOOM. She's been delighted to climb (with catlike tread, naturally!) over rocky mountains (on and offstage) with VLOG since 1990. The very model of a modern New Yorker, she also works (secretary), dance (Middle Eastern), and volunteers (Central Park Zoo). She takes every opportunity to enjoy life with impunity!
	Kevin Walsh (Producer) is pleased to have produced his first VLOG show. He has been on stage, designed lighting, and serves on the Board of Directors. Last summer, he directed a workshop production of The Lion in Winter which featured our Major-General, Bill Brooke, and ensemble members Jessica De Coux and Brian Cooper. Outside of VLOG, he has produced The Heidi Chronicles and directed California Suite. His favorite gig was as Lighting and Sound Designer on the QE2. He thanks his wife Kathy for her love and patience, Ron Noll and Bill Koch, Denise Sobel, Michael Ray, Al Fitch, Gina, Bill and Ha Young, among many others for helping with a task that was backed by the finest talent that VLOG has to offer. He also thanks the Lighting Center for putting up with all the phone calls.