Brave and Strong and True

My guest is Chris Monaco. Chris graduated from Strath Haven High School, Temple University, and Villanova University. He’s an incredible performer, and his burgeoning love for theater began in middle school and continues to this day. Chris is a teacher at Gladwyne Montessori and he also directs the theatre program at Upper Darby High School. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and ha...

My guest is Marcus Stevens. Marcus does it all, tremendously. He’s an incredible performer, a wonderful writer, and an amazing director. Not only is he a musical theatre powerhouse, but he is also a genuinely nice person. Simply stated, Marcus Stevens is impressive. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . . We all have stories to tell and they can be heard here. Welc...

My guest is Andy Brown. When I interviewed Andy, he was in his dorm room at George Mason University in Fairfax County, Virginia. Andy is my 25th guest and also my youngest one. His enthusiasm and love for Summer Stage will amaze you. Not only is Andy still a member of Summer Stage, but also he is the reigning Summer Stager of the Year . I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have so...

My guest is Garry Lennon. Garry joined Summer Stage in 1978 and contributed 13 years of service, first as a performer, and then as a designer, and a director. His love of theatre and his accumulated experiences led to a career in theatre designing, directing, and teaching at California State University, North Ridge for the past two decades. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and hav...

My guest is Ann Pinto McCarney. Ann spent a solid decade as a Summer Stager from 1981-1990. She self-proclaims that she was boy crazy, had many crushes, was a picky dater, and eventually settled down with the love of her life, getting married in a royal Summer Stage wedding to Dean McCarney. Ann kept performing her whole life and is best known for her stunning voice and outrageous sense of humor....

My guest is Brian Mahoney. Brian found out about Summer Stage from a classmate at Scranton University. He was hired in 1978 as a tech director. He is remembered for his inspiring leadership, work ethic, and sense of humor. He became a big brother as many of us looked up to him. Well, he is very tall. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . . We all have stories to te...

My guest is Monica Horan Rosenthal. Monica joined Summer Stage when she was a dancer at Prendie. She is remembered for playing Veta in Harvey , Mrs. McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie , Adelaide in Guys and Dolls , and Miss Hanigan in Annie . Monica has also appeared in 66 episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond as Amy McDougall Barone. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . . We...

My guest is Erich Glasbrenner. Erich started doing plays at Drexel Hill Junior High and joined the inaugural season of Summer Stage. During our conversation, he bravely recalls how Summer Stage began as his life was at a crossroads. By the end, we are both laughing our heads off. This episode is rated “mature audience” due to a few expletives. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and...

My guest is Grace Kocsko Vouvalis. Grace was a member from 1977 to 1984. Trained as a dancer, Summer Stage developed her vocal and dramatic skills. She is remembered for her portrayals of Cinderella, Tuptim in The King and I , Fiona in Brigadoon , and of course, Maria in West Side Story . She relocated to Florida where she worked as an ATF agent. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along a...

My guest is Donna Kelly Romero. Donna grew up in Upper Darby and enjoyed watching children’s theatre at Summer Stage as a child. In 1987, she started as an Apprentice and worked her way up to staff in the late 90s where she developed a deep appreciation for her mentors which led to her pursuit to study theatre along with education. Donna returned as a staffer from 2008-2013. At Harry’s request, sh...

My guest is Suzanne Smart. Suzanne grew up on Garrett Road and after Prendie, went to Allentown College of Saint Francis DeSales. She is remembered for her powerful voice and was a lot of fun to work with. She lives an actor’s life and has been working most of her life in television. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . .  We all have stories to tell and they can...

My guest is Jane Baker. Jane grew up in Havertown and after Prendie, went to Hofstra University along with her closest friends. Summer Stage introduced her to improvisational comedy which is her lifelong passion. She is an author of two memoirs, a podcast producer, and a writer of an autobiographical screenplay. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . .  We all have...

My guest is Jaskie Ostick. Jackie joined Summer Stage in 1998. She started out small, but as her confidence grew she took on bigger roles. She became a member of The Shooting Stars and a staff member. After graduating from De Sales University, she moved to New York City where and performs professionally around the country. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . .  W...

My guest is Celestine Silverman. Cel’s first show was The Music Man in 1977. She met her husband, Bill Pettigrove at Summer Stage. She cherishes the friendships she made in her youth and loves returning for the reunions. I remember her for her infectious laugh and she’s still got it. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . . We all have stories to tell and they can b...

My guest is Tracey Rush. Tracey’s first show was Annie in 1984. This experience became a pivotal moment in her life where she made life-long friends. She developed a sense of confidence that propelled her into a leading figure in the field of education. She’s now a proud Summer Stage mom as her son has embraced the joy of performing for others. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and...

My guest is Robb Del Casale. Robb was part of the South Philly migration of 1981. He fondly remembers Bye, Bye Birdie, Fiorello!, Brigadoon, Guys and Dolls, On Your Toes, and 1987’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Robb shares some funny stories about missing cues and how he became the voice of a very well-known advertising character. He also explains what tennis players really think...

My guest is John Foley. John met Harry in first grade and worked at Summer Stage from 1977 to 1979. He moved to California and was part of the tech boom, participating in many dot-com start-ups. His success in business coincided with many opportunities in show business. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . . . John's Bookstore in San Francisco https://www.fol...

My guest is Nancy Reisen. Nancy is from the second decade of Summer Stage. Her parents brought her to see many mainstage shows and children’s theatre shows before she joined at 14. She talks about the friends she made and the importance of Summer Stage in her life. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . . . We all have stories to tell and they can be heard here. Wel...

My guest is Joe Hummel. Joe admits to only being a part-time member of Summer Stage, but during those early years, he developed an appreciation for organizational skills as well as an increased self-confidence that led to him becoming a successful entrepreneur. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . . . We all have stories to tell and they can be heard here. Welcome...

We all have stories to tell and they can be heard here. My guest is Tara Urban Fox. Tara’s Summer Stage experience spanned a period of 15 years as a performer, staff member, choreographer, and director. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . . . Welcome to Brave and Strong and True , a podcast created to engage Summer Stage alumni of all ages, produced and hosted by...

We all have stories to tell and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True , a podcast created to engage Summer Stage alumni of all ages. My name is Bob Falkenstein.  My guest is Dave Alterman. Dave works for the government by day and composes classical music on the side. He fondly remembers his time at Summer Stage. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some...

This conversation is with Suzi Waldie. Suzi is one of my favorite people from my Summer Stage days. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and have some fun. . . . We all have stories to tell and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True , a podcast created to engage Summer Stage alumni of all ages. The music was composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilm...

We all have stories to tell and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True , a podcast created to engage Summer Stage alumni of all ages. My name is Bob Falkenstein.  This interview is with Bob Babish. Bob graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1976 and rolled his talent and experience immediately into the inaugural Summer Stage season as one of the earliest staff members. He...

We all have stories to tell and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast created to engage Summer Stage alumni of all ages. My name is Bob Falkenstein. This interview is with Mark Morgan. Mark was very active in Summer Stage from 1981 to 1985. Twenty years ago, he developed a thriving community theatre in his new hometown of Moorestown, New Jersey. I hope you enjoy o...

We all have stories to tell and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast created to engage Summer Stage alumni of all ages. My name is Bob Falkenstein. Chris is a professional. He’s a teacher, and an entrepreneur; he has performed on stage and on television and remains active in leadership roles with the unions. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so, come along and h...