2020 - 2021 Season
Due to the pandemic, all planned productions will be rescheduled to a future season.
Until then, please join us for a monthly program of live performances via Zoom...
All the World's a Virtual Stage
Submissions for original or published performance pieces are still being accepted for this season. Contact us for information.
MARCH
The program
“Phenomenal Woman”
by Maya Angelou
Read by Melyssa Searcy
“Need to Nurture”
A monologue written and performed
by Debbie Buchsbaum
“Mommy ‘Me Time’ in Quarantine”
A monologue written and performed by Tanya Lashley
The Odd Couple (female version)
by Neil Simon
A scene performed by Judy French, Judi Gajary,
Georgiana Hart, Ellen Moschel, and Fran Shultz
“Special Package”
A monologue written and performed by Molly Eisert
“Telling Mom”
A monologue by Karen Dale Wolman
Performed by Ginny S. Crooks
Love, Loss, and What I Wore
"Sisters"
by Delia and Nora Ephron
Performed by Debbie Buchsbaum, Brooke Kaye, and Amanda McCabe
Love, Loss, and What I Wore
“The Dressing Room”
by Delia and Nora Ephron
Performed by Sharmeen Azmudeh, Melyssa Searcy,
Vlada Borisova-Duran, Ginny S. Crooks, and Fran Shultz
Table Manners
by Alan Aykbourn
A scene performed by Mary Clare Cardoni and
Carol Cornicelli
"Sex change"
A monologue by B. Holder
Performed by Vlada Borisova-Duran
The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told
by Paul Rudnick
A monologue performed by Jess Katz
Love, Loss, and What I Wore
“Brides”
by Delia and Nora Ephron
A scene performed by Sharmeen Azmudeh and
Brooke Kaye
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
by Alan Ball
A scene performed by Jessi Baden-Campbell, Jess Katz, Amanda McCabe, and Cyndi Owgang
The Hysterical History of the Trojan War
"Cassandra"
by D. M. Larson
A monologue performed by Vlada Borisova-Duran
“A Conversation with God While
Waiting in Line”
An editorial by Leonard Pitts, Jr.
Performed by Carol Cornicelli and Sandy Eismann
It Had to Be You
by Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna
A monologue performed by Betty Slevin
“Phenomenal Woman”
by Maya Angelou
Read by the company
The ladies
Dena Daniel (producer) wears many hats in The Strollers. Though primarily on the administrative and production side lately, she also acts and sings. Favorite roles include Velma von Tussle (Hairspray), Mrs. van Daan (The Diary of Anne Frank), Veronica (God of Carnage), and Tom Snout (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). Dena has directed workshops and children’s theater, and directed November’s Virtual Stage production of ‘Art’. Dena salutes the hearty souls endeavoring to keep live theater alive, especially the Virtual Stage ninja warriors!
Carol Cornicelli (Technical producer) Is an actress/singer/dancer who has also directed, written, choreographed, and designed for The Strollers and currently serves on the Board of Directors. The adaptation of literary works for the stage (virtual or otherwise) using the method called Chamber Theater is one of Carol’s favorite activities, and she has enjoyed the opportunity The Strollers Virtual Stage has given her to use this theatrical technique. Thanks to all for joining us on our Virtual Adventure!
Sharmeen Azmudeh has always loved theatre and the arts. In her younger days, she participated in plays, musicals, and choirs as well as helping out backstage. She is very excited to partake in her third performance with The Strollers, this time without her menagerie!
Jessi Baden-Campbell is over the moon to be working with so many talented women in her debut with The Strollers. Recent credits include Rosie (Mamma Mia), Mrs. Fezziwig (A Christmas Carol), and Klytemnestra in the opera Agamemnon. She’s looking forward to the day when she can act beyond the Zoom box!
Vlada Borisova-Duran has performed with The Strollers in musicals and children’s theater. She earned her B.F.A. and master’s degree equivalent from The Kiev Governmental Academy of Performing Arts and The Kiev Governmental University of Theatre and Cinematography. Vlada has performed extensively throughout Ukraine, Russia, Europe and the U.S.A.
Debbie Buchsbaum is thrilled to make her ‘virtual’ debut with the Maplewood Strollers in Lady Parts! Off Off Broadway credits include Vivian Traveler in Votes & Esther Dubrow in Mr. Hirsch Died Yesterday at The Castillo Theatre. Debbie has performed with community theatres throughout NJ and NY including Bergen County Players, Studio Playhouse, InterACT Productions, Theatre League of Clifton, Nutley Little Theatre & Elmwood Playhouse. Favorite roles include Penny in You Can’t Take It With You, Kate in Broadway Bound, Judith in The Commons of Pensacola, & Faye Rappaport in The Assembled Parties. Thank you to Dena and the Maplewood Strollers for this LIVE on ZOOM opportunity!
Mary Clare Cardoni has been involved with The Strollers for many years, on stage and off. She particularly loves children’s theater where she has played such roles as Beta Fish (The Day the Rainbow Broke Up), Jane, the president’s co-host (The Electronic Dragon), and the Blue Fairy (Once Upon a Pandora’s Box). In recent years, she has managed the box office for the group and considers herself the “opening act” for every show on stage!
Ginny S. Crooks is thrilled to perform again with The Strollers after having made her Strollers debut in Working, A Musical in 2019, and then appearing in “A Murder of Crows” virtually last September. Other favorite roles include Amanda Wingfield (The Glass Menagerie), Linda Loman (Death of a Salesman), Vivian Bearing (Wit), and Lisa the Homeless Lady (A New Brain). She has a degree in Drama from Catholic University, and interned at The Barter Theatre in Virginia and CSC Rep in NYC. Ginny also performs in a one-woman play about Civil Rights activist Virginia Durr titled Too Many Questions: An Evening with Virginia Durr. Thanks to Dena for shepherding this wonderful evening of “Lady Parts”!
Molly Eisert is a stage manager, producer, director, and proud Strollers board member. She is excited to be part of this Virtual Stage production as a writer and performer. She, as always, would like to thank her long suffering husband, James the Great, and her darling children, Tava and Inspector Poirot.
Sandra Eismann is very happy to be part of The Strollers Virtual Stage productions. Though semi-retirement has been spent reading -- for the now tragically silenced ESES of N.J. and still for the Reading Buddies program out of MetroWest -- she appeared on the stage in such roles as Aunt Penniman (The Heiress) and Psychiatrist (The Sweetest Swing in Baseball).
Judy French, as many others before her, joined The Strollers as an actor but has taken on many different “roles” through the years -- director, president, house manager, publicity chair, sound, props, and most recently costumes. Special thanks to the late, great Bob Coe for casting her in Arsenic and Old Lace oh so many years ago.
Judi Gajary has been a member of The Strollers since 1984. She has acted in many productions over the years and has held every position on the Board of Trustees, including President three times. In addition, she has done makeup, costumes, and lighting, and has been a producer, stage manager, and set designer. She is thrilled to be able to perform with the Virtual Stage project on Zoom during the pandemic. Some of her favorite roles are Blanche (Broadway Bound), Hedy LaRue (How to Succeed in Business…), and Aunt March (Little Women).
Georgiana Hart has been a Stroller member since 2002. She is not only feeling fortunate to be involved with neighboring community theater folk but grateful for their support in her playwriting efforts. Without such help and encouragement she was able to have a play produced in NYC. Thank you, Strollers!
Jess Katz is thrilled to be working with The Strollers again after her debut with the group in Working, A Musical as Millworker. Her recent theatrical credits include Richard Henry Lee in the all-female version of 1776, Susan in Title of Show, Jack’s Mother, The Mysterious Man, Granny and Cinderella’s Father in Into the Woods and Mimi Schwinn in A New Brain. ess started “The Living Room Playreading Group” with friends at the beginning of the pandemic and we have been having the best time reading original and new works! When not on stage, Jess teaches English like it is her job — oh wait, it is.
Brooke Kaye is thrilled to be joining the cast of Lady Parts. Brooke has been entertaining local audiences for the last six years, appearing in various plays and musicals, including - We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia, Shrek the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Freckleface Strawberry, Golden Oldies Live, One-Act Jamboree, The Glass Slipper, Motherhood Out Loud, Disaster and Always a Bridesmaid. She would like to thank The Strollers for this fabulous opportunity. A special thanks to her family for always being supportive of her love for performing.
Tanya Lashley is a comedian and actor. Her videos on social media often shine comic light on the joys and difficulties of being a mom. She is delighted to be part of this show and looks forward to working with The Strollers again. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Amanda McCabe is delighted to be making her Strollers debut. She has performed with Gas Lamp Players, the Theater League of Clifton, and the Living Room Play Reading Group. Offstage, Amanda balances her time between teaching Music Together, copy editing travel books, and enjoying the company of her family.
Ellen Moschel is celebrating 40 years with The Strollers (though many were as Ellen Johnson) and has served many roles in the group: board trustee, treasurer, newsletter editor, stage manager, assistant director, party chair, costumer, props manager, grant writer, and of course assorted support staff. Ellen has undergraduate and graduate degrees in theatre and has performed on our stage in such roles as Aunt Jenny (I Remember Mama) and Mrs. Webb (Our Town).
Cyndi Owgang is thrilled to be making her virtual debut with The Strollers in Lady Parts with this lovely and talented group of women. Some recent favorite roles include Petra (A Little Night Music), Prudy (Hairspray), Mrs Patrick (A Man of No Importance), and Mrs Banks (Mary Poppins). When Cyndi is not performing, she works in TV making talk shows and awards shows. She would like to thank her husband, Mitch, and her two amazing daughters, Eva and Lexi, for their never-ending support.
Melyssa Searcy is a NJ native who has been performing since she was 14. She is excited to continue her theatre endeavors even during this pandemic. She made her Strollers debut as Fruma-Sarah (Fiddler on the Roof) and then was a featured soloist in Working, A Musical and a caterpillar in the children’s show How the World Got Wisdom.
Fran Shultz is delighted to be doing her first Virtual Stage performance. She was last seen on stage as Cassandra (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike), and has enjoyed many other roles on The Strollers’ stage. She has costumed many productions as well as directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream among others. Fran studied and performed improvisation at Second City in Chicago after having earned her MFA in Theatre from Ohio University, where she also taught acting. She has also taught in NYC and for the Paper Mill Summer Conservatory. She currently serves on the board of The Strollers and is the group’s treasurer.
Betty Slevin has been a proud member of The Strollers since 1987, serving on the board and performing in shows. Now living in PA, she is thrilled for the opportunity to perform again in the group’s Virtual Stage program. Favorite roles with The Strollers include Drood (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), The Baker's Wife (Into the Woods), and Desiree (A Little Night Music).
Click here to watch a recorded performance on YouTube.
PROGRAM
Written and directed by Beth Seales Hanson
Technical direction by Carol Cornicelli
Beth Seales Hanson is loving her second life in the theater, both in-person AND virtually! Beth has previously been seen in three Strollers’ on-stage performances, and this will also be her third virtual production with the company. She is absolutely delighted to be writing again, and she has found working with all these great and talented kids (including her own!) in her debut directorial role to be an absolute blast. She is very grateful to The Strollers for their faith in her, and for the support and love from her awesome family.
Carol Cornicelli is an actress/singer/dancer who has also directed, written, choreographed, and designed for The Strollers and currently serves on the Board of Directors. The adaptation of literary works for the stage (virtual or otherwise) using the method called Chamber Theater is one of Carol’s favorite activities, and she has enjoyed the opportunity The Strollers Virtual Stage has given her to use this theatrical technique. Thanks to all for joining us on our Virtual Adventure!
CAST
Chavi Dock attends Science Park High School in Newark. Performing is nothing new for her-- she plays the violin, is a National Champion cheerleader, and sings in her church choir. She was last seen on the stage in last year’s Strollers’ production of How the World Got Wisdom, and she is happy to be back with the crew as they take the children’s show virtual.
Dylan Graham is enjoying his fifth production with The Strollers, having previously appeared in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Cobweb), The Day the Rainbow Broke Up (Orange), Fiddler on the Roof, and How the World Got Wisdom. Dylan is a 6th grader at SOMS and has taken acting classes at Luna Stage and Papermill Playhouse. He loves the Philadelphia Eagles, singing, meteorology, and he absolutely loves the excitement of live theater!
Georgia Rubenstein is a first-grader at Clinton Elementary and is looking forward to being involved with the yearly live performances at her school. Georgia is very excited about her debut with The Strollers and is proud to be a part of the group. When Georgia is not on stage, live or virtually she enjoys building with her LEGOs, painting, drawing, and playing with her Hot Wheels cars. Georgia is also a member of the Cub Scouts with Maplewood's pack 20. Georgia is joined on the virtual stage by her older brother, Lukas.
Leo Hanson is enjoying his first serious foray into theater, though he briefly appeared as a creepy twin in the Strollers’ October virtual program Shivery Shorts. Leo is a fourth-grader at Tuscan Elementary along with his twin, Violet; Leo loves building Lego, playing video games with friends, and playing with the family guinea pigs.
Lexi Jean Muraca is a 10-year with an abundance of energy, spirit, and kind-heartedness. Her love of acting was evident from an early age as she would make her parents believe her twin brother had done something wrong. In addition to several performances with the YMCA, and the Tuscan School Show, she is currently taking acting lessons, and performing in a theater class with Little Apple Arts here in Maplewood. She loves her family, yes even her brother, and especially her guinea pig, Brownie. She is thrilled to be a part of The Strollers show and is grateful for the opportunity.
Lukas Rubenstein is a fourth-grader at Clinton Elementary and has been involved in his school's yearly stage performances since he was in Kindergarten. Lukas is very excited about his debut with The Strollers and is proud to be a part of the group. When Lukas is not on stage, live or virtually, he enjoys being outside riding his bike, swimming, and playing with his friends. Lukas is also a long-standing member of the Cub Scouts with Maplewood's pack 20. Lukas is joined on the virtual stage by his younger sister, Georgia.
Mercer Barton-Griffin is delighted to return to the Maplewood Strollers. She performed in last year's How the World Got Wisdom. Prior stage experience includes "the Child" in Suor Angelica and "the Angel" in St. Matthew's Passion (both in Cincinnati, OH). Mercer is a fourth-grader at Seth Boyden Elementary and she enjoys horseback riding, writing, sewing, Minecraft, and playing with her dog. She lives in Maplewood with her parents and her twin brother.
Romon 8 Danuser is an eighth-grader at Maplewood Middle School. He enjoys acting, video games, video game music, and tennis. In 2018 Romon starred as a host in the Tuscan Show; in 2019 he was a part of The Stroller's presentation of Fiddler on the Roof, and in 2020 he was part of ‘Brett’s Crew’ in MMS’s production of 13. He performs in the Marble Collegiate Church youth choir in Manhattan and often serves as his family's MC. He thanks his family for their love and support, his director Beth for this valuable experience, and his fellow cast and crew for the virtually fun times preparing for this wonderful play. He dedicates his performance to his family, but mostly to his best pal Jerome Devonte, his labradoodle, whom he promises to walk every single day!
Ryan Macklin is relatively new to the world of theater, with just two prior performances in the Tuscan Show. When he is not learning his lines and navigating Zoom, he enjoys playing flag football and hanging out with his friends on Roblox.
Violet Hanson is a fourth-grader at Tuscan elementary who is thrilled to be performing once again; this is her fourth Strollers production, having previously appeared on stage in The Day the Rainbow Broke Up, How the World Got Wisdom, and on the virtual stage as a creepy twin in the Strollers’ October presentation of Shivery Shorts. Besides theater, Violet loves all things soccer, fashion, and video games with friends.
Zoe Hanson is an eighth-grader at Maplewood Middle School and is returning for her fifth Strollers production; she was last seen on the virtual stage as Detrimenta in the October program Shivery Shorts, as well as How the World Got Wisdom, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Day the Rainbow Broke Up. She also served as a host in the 2018 Tuscan Show. Zoe loves science, reading, music, and running campaigns as a Dungeons and Dragons Dungeonmaster. Zoe also created the artwork for the show's poster.
Special guest star . . .
Jigsaw is making his Strollers debut, playing himself in the show which he inspired. When not performing, Jigsaw enjoys lettuce eating, nose twitching, and snuggling in a soft blanket with family (the furry and the bare types). He is grateful for the voicing assistance in this production but intends to speak for himself from now on.
FEBRUARY
Click here to watch a recorded performance on YouTube.
PROGRAM
Donald Pauselius (Producer/Director)
“Creation” by James Weldon Johnson
Ensemble
“The Slave’s Complaint” by George Moses Horton
Idris Talbott
Young Harriet Tubman by Mary Satchell
adapted and directed by Marcia Heard
Ivy Hill-Vailsburg Center for Arts Culture and Community Activism (ACCA) performers: Friday, Malachai Stewart, Isaiah Stewart, Pamoja Days
Historical Profile: Charles Henry Turner
Ron Richardson
“I Know Where I’ve Been” from the musical Hairspray
Melyssa Searcy
1980 (or Why I’m Voting for John Anderson) by Patricia Cotter
Rashad Davis (monologue)
“Gravity” by Rachel Grismer
Rachel Grismer
Historical Profile: Jane Cooke Wright
Aba
“The Weary Blues” by Langston Hughes
Ron Richardson
“Come Rain or Come Shine” by Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer
Rashad Davis
The Piano Lesson by August Wilson (three monologues)
Idris Talbott, Aba
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry (scene)
Rashad Davis, Rachel Grismer, Marcia Heard, Melyssa Searcy
“We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Monique Bosrock
District Merchants by Aaron Posner (monologue)
Ron Richardson
Historical Profile: George Edward Alcorn, Jr.
Melyssa Searcy
Blue Door by Tanya Barfield (monologue)
Aba
“Interracial” by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Monique Bosrock
District Merchants by Aaron Posner (monologue)
Idris Talbott
“If You Believe” from the musical The Wiz
Maya Davis
Historical Profile: Zelda Wynn Valdes
Monique Bosrock
The Fantasticks (monologue)
Lisa Peterson
“The Black Finger” by Angelina Weld Grimké
Aba
“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou
Ensemble
DECEMBER
PROGRAM
Introducing America to a curious British tradition
Chris Farrow, an actual Brit
Yule Horror
by H.P. Lovecraft
Chris Farrow
“Haunted Wonderland”
Adapted and performed by Beth Seales-Hanson
with Zoe, Violet, and Leo Hanson
The Ghost Who Vanished by Degrees
Based on the short story by Robertson Davies
Adapted and directed by Dena Daniel
Dena Daniel, Alicia Dennis, Jeff Parsons
The Meeting
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Chris Farrow
The Ghost of the Blue Chamber
Based on the short story by Jerome K. Jerome
Adapted and directed by Carol Cornicelli
Gene Ciccone, Jim Knight, Ron Richardson, Mathew Schwartz
“Santa Clause Is Coming to Town”
Sharmeen Azmudeh, with Marilyn Monroe and Merlin
Stopping by Woods
by Molly Eisert
Directed by Dena Daniel
Alicia Dennis, Jeff Parsons, Mathew Schwartz
“Baby, It’s COVID Outside”
Adapted and performed by Betty Slevin and Gene Ciccone
The Shadow
Based on the short story by Edith Nesbit
Adapted and directed by Carol Cornicelli
Amanda Feliciano, Mateo Moreno, Jennifer Padley,
Melyssa Searcy
Bells (II)
by Edgar Allen Poe
Sharmeen Azmudeh & co.
Smee
Based on the short story by A.M. Burrage
Adapted and directed by Carol Cornicelli
Gene Ciccone, Mateo Moreno, Laurellie Jacobs Martinez,
Skyler Martinez, Betty Slevin
“The Twelve Nights of Terror”
Adapted by Beth Seales-Hanson
Beth Seales-Hanson (with Zoe, Violet, and Leo Hanson),
Sharmeen Azmudeh & co., Dena Daniel, Amanda Feliciano,
Mathew Schwartz, Melyssa Searcy
Farewell
Chris Farrow
NOVEMBER
OCTOBER
Watch the performance now on YouTube!
Emcee: Beth Seales Hanson
(with help from Zoë, Violet, and Leo Hanson)
The Tell-Tale Heart
By Edgar Allen Poe
Directed by Carol Cornicelli
Killer: Robert S. Webb & Mathew Schwartz
Police Officer 1/Old Man: Alan Foster
Police Officer 2: Suz Stone
The Monkey’s Paw
By W. W. Jacobs
Directed by Sharon Quinn
Narrator: Laurellie Jacobs Martinez
Mr. White: Mentha Marley
Mrs. White: Sharon Quinn
Herbert White: Skyler Martinez
Sergeant-Major Morris: Kirk Woodward
Lawyer: Norman Metz
The Night Wind
By Eugene Field
Directed by Carol Cornicelli
Sharmeen Azmudeh (with Marilyn and Merlin)
The Cask of Amontillado
By Edgar Allen Poe
Directed by Sharon Quinn
Montressor: Ron Richardson
Fortunado: Norman Metz
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (excerpt)
By Washington Irving
Directed by Carol Cornicelli
Narrator 1: Melyssa Searcy
Narrator 2: Sandra Eismann
Ichabod Crane: Jeff Taylor
Jon Mortonson’s Funeral
By Ambrose Bierce
Directed by Carol Cornicelli
Friend 1: Judi Gajary
Friend 2: John Mendlovitz
Minister: Alan Foster
Widow: Suz Stone
Family at the Funeral: the Schwartz family, the Searcy family
SEPTEMBER
Watch the performance now on YouTube!
The Murder of Crows
Directed by Carol Cornicelli
Ginny Crooks (Mrs. Wilkins)
Melyssa Searcy (Debra)
Mathew Schwartz (Greg)
The Meadow
Directed by Alan Foster
Lisa Barnett (Mrs. Page)
Shiva Kiani (Miss Harris)
The Deal
Directed by Alan Foster
Vinnette Richardson (Vivian Howard)
Ron Richardson (Arthur Nelligan)
Dewey or Don’t We?
Directed by Carol Cornicelli
Betty Slevin (Helen)
Gene Ciccone (Oliver)
PLAYWRIGHTS
Nancy Halper is an editor and ESL teacher who has written several short plays, including “The Murder of Crows,” “Dewey or Don't We?,” and “The Truth About the Lemmings.” She and her husband live in Summit, New Jersey, and have four grown children.
Ryan Kaminski is a playwright from Flemington, New Jersey. His work has been featured in one-act festivals, playwriting festivals, and podcasts. Learn more via his New Play Exchange profile: https://newplayexchange.org/users/34918/ryan-kaminski