'Guys and Dolls' Bios

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Melissa is entering her fifth year teaching Theatre & English at Franklin High School in Reisterstown. Since accepting the position, she has directed eight shows including The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific, The Miracle Worker, and Lend Me a Tenor. Melissa is also the co-founder and co-director of the Baltimore County All-Honors Theatre Troupe. Before starting her second career in teaching, Melissa worked as a performer, director, stage manager and technician with companies including The Cleveland Play House, The Richmond Theatre Company for Children, Theatre IV, Theatricks, Center Stage Players (Pittsburgh) and Theatre on the Hill. She is thrilled to be making her September Song directing debut with all of these wonderful and talented "Guys and Dolls".

Joan has written and directed musicals for grade school, middle school, high school and college ages to perform in New York, North Carolina, Baltimore and Carroll County. This is her nineteenth show with September Song. Joan lives in Finksburg with her husband, Jack, and their dog, Dakota. They have two daughters who are also involved in Theatre. Rani Eichhorn Ruby is a professional stage, movie, and television actress now teaching at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, MD. Ashley Eichhorn, with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University, is presently appearing in A Chorus Line as Val at Chesapeake Music Hall Dinner Theatre in Annapolis.

Rachel is a 1993 graduate of Towson State University with a degree in vocal music education. She is the vocal / general music teacher at Cranberry Station Elementary School in Westminster. Rachel is delighted to be making her directorial debut with September Song and she would like to thank her husband and family for their tremendous support.

Chuck comes to us from Hanover, PA where he was the founding Producing Artistic Director of EPAC. His broad range of experience has been noted in over 150 productions that he has been involved with over the last ten years, either as a producer, director, performer, or costumer. Some of his favorite productions that he has produced and directed were The Secret Garden and Into the Woods. He just finished a successful run at the Dobbin House in Gettysburg, PA in Cabaret Americana with Melinda Warren. This is Chuck’s seventh S.S. production.

Jerry has designed previous sets for September Song and holds a BFA degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. He was employed by Maryland Public Television for 20 years as a scenic designer and graphic designer, and also has designed sets for Pumpkin Theater and several national organizations. He is now a freelance artist and his work includes designing websites and graphics for computer usage. He is married to Jane with two daughters, Sarah and Rebecca, and three of the greatest grandchildren in the world!

Angie is in her first production with September Song. For the past eight years she’s been working with the Fredericktowne Players in over 25 productions. In those eight years she has done many jobs – production manager, stage manager, props, costumes, hairdresser, set builder and painter. Angie served on the Board of Directors of FtP where she was in charge of production for four years and programs for two.

Joe Sullivan is originally from Baltimore but now lives in Westminster. He has played the clarinet, flute and saxophone in over fifty musical productions throughout the Baltimore area. This marks his third year conducting the pit band for September Song. During the day he conducts the band and orchestra at Mt. Airy Middle School. Joe wishes to thank the wonderful musicians who do such a great job performing in the pit.

Maryann is pleased to be returning for her fifth year as September Song’s rehearsal and orchestra pianist. Maryann has been involved for many years as accompanist for theatre and school productions, including: Theatre on the Hill, Western Maryland College, and St. Vincent’s in Hanover. As always, special thanks go to Sid, Todd, Adam, Amanda and co-workers at Belk for their support.

This is Joyce’s fifth performance with September Song. She is the mom of three very talented daughters – Christina, Jennifer and Jocelyn and the wife of a wonderful guy – Hal. Joyce is a teacher at the Christian Preschool and Kindergarten. Joyce is delighted to be sharing the stage again with her daughter, Jocelyn, and to be a part of the September Song family. Joyce would like to thank Melissa, Hal, Ann and Chuck for their faith.

Chris is very pleased and honored to be making his September Song debut. He has appeared in over three dozen major productions, most recently as Pseudolous in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in Columbia. By day Chris is a teacher, an arts and humanities administrator in Montgomery County, and occasional local cable host. His performance is dedicated to the many teachers who inspired his passion for music and theatre.

This marks Jan’s 11^th consecutive year with September Song. Her theater experience spans 15 years and 3 states: NJ, PA, and MD. She just finished appearing in Annie at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center in Hanover PA. Favorite roles: Rifka in Fiddler on the Roof, Maud in Music Man, Sophie in Annie. Jan’s studied voice for four years and is now studying music theory. She’s thrilled to share the stage with so many talented people.

Christine recently graduated from Franklin High School and now attends Towson University as a dance education major. She began her dance training at the age of three at Karen Sachs Academy of Dance, where she currently teaches dance to young children. She has performed in community shows, dinner theaters, and in the Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House. Christine is the oldest of four girls. This is Christine’s first year with September song.

Guys and Dolls marks Allen’s second September Song production. Credits include Bye Bye Birdie (September Song ’99), Joseph and the Amazing… and Jesus Christ Superstar. Allen is attending Carroll Community College where he will receive an AA degree in Business. Allen would like to thank his mom, dad, sister, family and friends for their endless love and support.

Mitch is the theater director at W.H.S. His professional theatrical experience includes performing in Evita, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Grease, Brigadoon, Guys and Dolls, Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Over Here!, Most Happy Fella, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and many others. He’s also performed on two cruise ships and as lead singer for many bands. Mr. Davis is happily married to Risa and the proud father of fourteen month old Amanda.

Jerry is happy to be performing in his sixth September Song production. Past shows include Bye Bye Birdie, Music Man, 42^nd Street, Mame, How to Succeed… He has also performed with Northminster Church in their productions of Li’l Abner, Music Man, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, and South Pacific (Emile DeBecque). Jerry enjoys the change September Song offers from his full-time occupation as a general contractor, where he recently completed Westminster’s new MVA building.

Guys and Dolls marks Terry’s debut with September Song. She has extensive previous theatrical and choral experience dating back to high school. Terry finds it a wonderful experience to be back under the lights again. She’s met some great new friends – Thanks to all. Terry is married and has two little girls.

Tom is greatly enjoying being part of Guys and Dolls and helping a marvelous organization. Recent credits include Pippin, Back to Bacharach and David, Hello, Dolly! and September Song’s 1998 Annie. In addition to working as a budget analyst and collecting jazz records, he enjoys singing vintage rock ‘n’ roll with the Charmed Times Reunion Band. Special thanks to family and friends for their support—especially Carol Y. and the faculty and fellow students at actorsco.com.

John resides in Westminster with his wife Bonnie and two children Gina and Christina. This is John’s second appearance with September Song. He is employed with Johns Hopkins in the Research Department.

Melanie Fleischer is a special education teacher and student government advisor at West Middle School in Carroll County. This is her first production with September Song.

Suzanna is a senior at Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, PA and is very proud to make Guys and Dolls her 6^th and last show with September Song. She plans to pursue a profession on Broadway following her graduation. Favorite shows include The Secret Garden, Cinderella, Fiddler on the Roof, and Bye Bye Birdie. Suzanna sends her love and thanks to her wonderful parents.

Dave has previously appeared in September Song’s productions of Annie and Bye Bye Birdie. To research this year’s role as gangster Benny Southstreet, Dave actually spent time with and observed real gangsters. He is next considering a role with the Federal Witness Protection Program, as a little knowledge goes a long way. He hopes you enjoy today’s show.

Molly is performing in her third September Song, having appeared in Annie and Bye Bye Birdie. She is an eighth grader at Sykesville Middle School.

A freshman at Western Maryland College, Andrew’s numerous theatre credits include Into the Woods (Jack), Peter Pan, Bye Bye Birdie (Harvey), JCS, Joseph…, Dr. Jeckyll, No Place to Hyde, and many more. He was recognized as a 1999 Maryland Distinguished Scholar in Dramatic Achievement. Andrew wishes to thank family, all his friends, the production staff of Guys and Dolls, and Mandy, for being…Mandy. Special thanks to Jon…"I know you’re still there…Thanks!"

This is Tom’s third show with September Song after having appeared the last two years in Annie and Bye Bye Birdie. An academic administrator at National-Louis University in Northern Virginia, Tom grew up in Westminster and graduated from WHS. He lives with his wife Helen and daughter Chrissy in Ellicott City.

Dave debuts with September Song in a favorite musical; he’s appeared in five Guys and Dolls productions in twenty years. A veteran comedic character actor in metro Baltimore, favorite rules include Amos Hart – Chicago, Applegate – Damn Yankees, Pellinore – Camelot, Oscar Madison – The Odd Couple, Mushnik – Little Shop…, The King – Big River, George Hay – Moon Over Buffalo, Saunders – Lend Me a Tenor, First Gangster – Kiss Me Kate, H.C. Curry – The Rainmaker, and Second Comic– Sugar Babies.

Andrew Haff was involved in last year’s production of Bye Bye Birdie. The two-year All-State Bass traveled to Europe and performed in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Holland. Andrew is happy to be with September Song to perform Guys and Dolls.

This is Liz’s second season with September Song. Liz is a fourth grade teacher at Westminster Elementary School. She is also actively involved in the Westminster Church of the Brethren where she sings in their contemporary service. Liz has three children who are active musicians. Her husband Tom and she enjoy their two dogs and visiting New York City to catch Broadway theatre.

Rich Harrison is Minister of Music at Baltimore County Baptist. He holds a master’s degree in vocal performance, and has served as voice instructor at several colleges. Rich has sung with the Washington Opera Society, U of Maryland and Folger Theater as King Arthur in Camelot, Bob Cratchit in Scrooge, Basilio in Figaro, Nadir in The Pearl Fishers, Pierre in New Moon, Leon in Signor Deluse, and as tenor soloist with area orchestras.

Cindy is delighted to be returning for her fourth September Song production. She especially enjoys performing for charity and working with so many dedicated people. Cindy is a R.N. who also is active in the community. She would like to encourage everyone to get involved in volunteering for community service. Thanks and love to her "backstage" husband Chris and her family for all their support.

Laura is happy to be back for her third year at September Song! A junior at Delone Catholic, she has most recently performed with Theatre on the Hill; Eichelberger Performing Arts Center in Hanover, PA; and Cockpit in Court at Essex Community College outside Baltimore. Favorite performances include Annie, A Christmas Carol, Fiddler on the Roof, Bye Bye Birdie, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel. Special thanks and love to her wonderfully supportive family.

A sophomore at Western Maryland College, Amy’s enjoying being part of September Song for the third time. In addition to plays, musicals, choirs, and Show Choir at North Carroll High, she’s played the role of dancer/chorus member in 42^nd Street and Bye Bye Birdie. Amy’s attended dance classes from North Carroll Recreation Council for 16 years and enjoys performing very much. Amy gives thanks and kisses to family and friends for their loving support.

Thrilled to be back at September Song, Nan is familiar to Baltimore audiences. Favorite roles include: Rosie – Bye Bye Birdie, Cassie – A Chorus Line, Gypsy Rose Lee – Gypsy, Fastrada – Pippin, Lily St. Regis – Annie, Alaura Kingsly – City of Angels, and Martha Jefferson – 1776. Favorite long running role is that of wife and Mom to Bobby, Ben-7 and Eleanor-3. Love you, and the "oldest fan club" a Bushel and a Peck!

Jennifer is a junior at South Carroll High. She’s very excited to be making her debut with September Song. She’s been in many productions including The Secret Garden (Mary Lennox) at Western Maryland College, Into the Woods (Little Red), and Hello, Dolly! (Minnie Fae). She’s secretary of SC Stagelighters and president of SC’s dance club. Thanks to Mallory, family and the lovely cast and crew.

Deborah Timm Leister returns to the stage with the show that started her career. She is a native of New Hampshire where she performed with the Weathervane Theatre as Mimi – Guys and Dolls, Tessa Terra – Gypsy, sister Burtha – Sound of Music, Zee James – Diamond Studs, Chava – Fiddler on the Roof, Bonnie – Anything Goes, Gloria Rasputin – Bye Bye Birdie and Daughter #2 – Stop the World. She also played Nellie Forbush in South Pacific with the Lancaster Players.

Kristen is very excited to return for her sixth show with the fabulous people at September Song. Previous roles have included Rosemary in How to Succeed…, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Pegeen in Mame. In real life Kristen is working as a psychology intern for Anne Arundel County Schools, completing the requirements for her certification as a school psychologist, and discovering the "joys" of home ownership with her husband and long-time sweetheart, Keith.

This is Noah’s first show with September Song. Noah has participated in all of the shows at South Carroll High School since his junior year, including fashion and talent shows. He was in A Christmas Carol with the Mt. Airy Players and is in FoolProof. Thanks to Jen for the ketchup packets and Mallory for the smiles. Break a leg cast and crew!

Rich is a resident of Westminster and works for the Travelers Insurance Co. A big fan of the theatre, Rich has been seen in the cast of …Forum, Jacques Brel and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. For the past fifteen September Songs, Rich has served as Intermission Refreshment Chairman – never missing the second half of every show. He could not resist being a part of a wonderful Guys and Dolls.

Elaine is thrilled to be back with September Song, having last performed in the ’96 production of Mame. She has performed with several theater groups, with her favorite role being Liz Imbrie in the Carroll Players’ production of The Philadelphia Story. Elaine is a graduate student at Hood College, and acts as Environmental Inspector for Carroll County government. She hopes everyone enjoys the show.

Barbara is a first timer with September Song, and is thrilled to be on the stage with such a talented group. When not on stage Barbara is an at-home mom of two beautiful little girls ages 4 and 6. Her husband, Mark Ritter, is her biggest fan! Barbara loves to dance, and spend time with her family. She also teaches a musical theater class for children at Carroll County School for the Performing Arts.

Guys and Dolls marks Roger’s first production with September Song. Roger recently appeared in Cockpit in Court’s production of Red, Hot, and Cole, as well as playing Moonface Martin in Anything Goes with the St. Demitrios Suburban Players. Other recent productions include City of Angels, Crazy for You, and Damn Yankees. Special thanks to Nan for introducing him to this terrific group.

Stephanie is delighted to make her debut performance with September Song. Stephanie studied performing arts at Point Park College, Penn State University and The University of Minnesota. Recently, she performed in The Pirates of Penzance at Totem Pole Playhouse in Pennsylvania. Totem Pole audiences have also seen her as Belle in A Christmas Carol. Other favorite credits include Measure for Measure, Into the Woods, and Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?