Creative Leadership

Anne Bialke

Director

Anne Bialke has been directing shows for Encore Players since its inception. Anne also serves as Vice President for the Encore Players, occasional actor, frequent set painter and any other roll that comes her way. She is so proud of all of the work that the dedicated cast and crew have put into this show. She hopes that you sit back and enjoy the beautiful music and the belly laughs that are sure to come!

Alice Ploss

Music Director

Alice Ploss has been seen at the piano, behind a music stand, or waving her arms at people who sing and play with Encore Players since its beginning in 2014. Being a force behind Encore Players has been a marvelous community-building experience full of joy and mayhem for which she is grateful. Many thanks to our very talented Board for making the magic happen.

Barbara Melvin

Costume Designer

As a retired public librarian and now a volunteer tax preparer for the elderly, Barbara finds that Encore productions provide the perfect creative outlet. An art major and experienced seamstress, she enjoys adding to the great look of all the shows, and has helped with every one. She enjoys singing and loves to watch Alice and Anne do their magic. Thanks, Beverley Hancox, for generously sharing your fabric, trims, and tricks of the trade. These congenial colleagues and cast members make all our effort worthwhile.

Nancy Kane

Choreographer

A past president of the National Dance Association and former Director of the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts Dance Program, Nancy has acted and choreographed stage combat for Cortland Repertory Theatre (CRT) and Jean’s Playhouse (Papermill Theatre, NH) summer productions, and recently made her debut at Chenango River Theatre. Locally, she has performed with the Ithaca Shakespeare Company, the Savoyards (Gilbert & Sullivan), and other groups. She teaches in the Kinesiology Department of SUNY Cortland.

Spamalot Cast

Adam Arco

(Sir Bors, Ensemble)

Adam Arco has been participating with the Trumansburg School Drama Club since third grade, where his parts have included Tweedledum, Shakedown Louis, and Hollister the Butler. He previously acted with Encore Players as Jeremy in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He has been in several Ithaca College student films and is a long-time camper/counselor with Acting Out New York. While some say he has the body of a twenty-year-old gymnast, he is often the first dead in any battle.

Bob Arco

(Historian, Brother Maynard, Ensemble)

Bob Arco is a long-time Trumansburg resident and Python enthusiast and is enjoying his fourth season with Encore Players. His past roles with Encore include Lord Farquaad in the Dark Hearts: A Villain’s Cabaret, and Mr. Zebra in The Man with Bogart’s Face. He also performs with the Ithaca Shakespeare Company. He is fond of breakfast cereals and fruit bars, but not so much stoats or orangutans.

Benn Bartishevich

(Sir Dennis Galahad, Ensemble)

Benn is thrilled to be a part of Encore Player's production of Spamalot! He has appeared in previous Encore productions Dark Hearts: A Villain’s Caberet as Gaston, Encore Shorts as Dog, and Artifice as Trent. When he's not seeking the Holy Grail, Benn enjoys spending time with his family, writing/playing/generally consuming music, and frolicking in nature. He would like to thank his wonderful partner, Katie, daughter Isla, and all of the hardworking individuals at Encore. Huzzah!

Katie Behr

(Lady of the Lake, Ensemble)

Katie is overjoyed to be back on stage with Encore Players. She was last seen pre-pandemic in Dark Hearts: A Villain's Cabaret which she co-wrote, co-directed, staged and choreographed with Daniel Trippett. Other selected credits include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Baroness Bombhurst), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy Gale), Artifice (Maggie), and Lucky Stiff (Rita LaPorta). When not on stage Katie works at Schuyler Hospital and enjoys cooking, being outdoors, puzzles, and entertaining her toddler. Big love to Benn, Isla and all the people who helped me get back to the stage.

Portrait of woman with bow in her hair

Ashley Bohn

(Laker Girl, Guard 1, Ensemble)

As a child, Ashley dreamt of becoming a cartoon voiceover actor. She diligently practiced accents and voices of her favorite characters and enjoyed getting a laugh from anyone who would listen! After a lifetime of being in the audience- longing for the stage, Ashley makes her debut as an actor with the Encore Players in Spamalot! Special thanks to her partner, Patrick, for wrangling their three kiddos solo while she was off chasing dreams at rehearsal.

Michelle Case

(Monk, French Type, Guard 2, Not Yet Wed Bride, Ensemble)

Michelle Case grew up in the Ithaca Area. She fell in love with theater after participating in R2P's production of Mamma Mia! in 2019. In her free time she enjoys swimming, baking, and spending time in the woods. She would like to thank the entire cast for making her first experience with Encore Players a great one. She is excited to share this hilarious, uplifting, and crazy musical with you all! Enjoy Spamalot!

Arlo Chapple-Berletic

(The Black Knight, French Taunter’s Sidekick, Ensemble)

Arlo Chapple-Berletic has had a great time performing onstage and in short films for awhile now. He performed in plays in middle and high school at LACS, in college theatre productions, and in comedy shows and video shorts after college. He also makes animation, music, drawings and paintings, and likes to combine this in various ways. Arlo has completed the training program in improvisation at the Annoyance Theatre in Chicago, and has performed in many improv shows across the Chicagoland area. He moved back to the Finger Lakes region in 2021, and is excited to be onstage again.

Colleen Coffey

(Laker Girl, Swallow Debator #2, Minstrel’s Sidekick, Not Yet Wed Bride, Ensemble)

Colleen D. Coffey started acting in 2017 when she stumbled upon the Encore Players. She has had so much fun performing in many of their productions including The Wizard of Oz, Dark Hearts: A Villain’s Caberet, and Encore Shorts: The Bermuda Edition. When Colleen is not whooping it up with the Encore Players, she can be found harmonizing with the Trumansburg Community Chorus, volunteering with Trumansburg PTO, or working as a Psychologist for NYS OPWDD. Colleen would like to thank her daughter, Maeve, for their encouragement and understanding.

Jennifer Cutter

(Dennis’ mother, Ensemble)

Jennifer is thrilled to be in her first Encore Players production. They have a B.S. in Musical performance and Music Therapy from SUNY New Paltz. In Syracuse, Jennifer performed as a character actor in several Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park performances. They were also involved in Improv. Comedy for a few years. Enjoy the show!

Shannon Dortch

(Body, French Guard, Ni Knight, Ensemble)

Shannon Dortch is new to Encore Players and loving stepping outside of her proper Southern upbringing to say rude things in French (and English) as a French Guard. She is a veteran choral singer with lots of time in the choir stalls of St. John’s Episcopal Church and in Trumansburg Community Chorus and other ensembles. Her vocal credits range from soprano soloist in Mozart’s Great Mass in C Minor to a bang-up karaoke duet of “Love Shack.”

Monica Groth

(Laker Girl, Not Yet Wed Bride, Ensemble)

The radiant Monica Groth is a hiker and historian whom no more than three people in the audience will fondly remember for her impressive portrayal of Gretel in that immortal Auroran classic, A Slipper, A Nun, and Some Gnomes. Of her talent, more than one reviewer has profoundly remarked, “I really don’t know what to say.” Monica is so happy to have made new friends in Trumansburg! Love to her family and her Laker Girls!

Andrew Hertzberg

(Sir Bedevere, Ensemble)

In his teens Andrew stayed up past his bedtime to watch Monty Python’s Flying Circus on a 13-inch black & white TV - so living in the Python universe is a dream come true. This is Andrew’s third show with Encore Players. He played Judas Iscariot and a thespian ghost in Encore Shorts: The Bermuda Edition, and East in Almost, Maine. Andrew and his husband Andy (and their dog, conveniently not named Andrew or Andy) moved to Ithaca from Delaware in 2022 - and pinch themselves and each other daily to be sure this wonderful life is real.

Rachel Kennedy

(French Type, Head Ni Knight, Not Yet Wed Bride, Ensemble)

Rachel Kennedy has happily served on Encore Players' board for five-ish years. She is thrilled to perform as Head Ni Knight and in the ensemble for Spamalot, and has enjoyed acting and directing in recent Encore productions Almost, Maine and Encore Shorts: The Bermuda Edition. She thanks her family, loves working with and filming/photographing this fun and talented cast and crew and hopes this show delights you!

Torin Knapp

(Monk, Concorde, Ensemble)

Torin has been in theatre for just under a year now and this is their 3rd show. Torin is totally in love with the art and so excited to be able to work with the Encore Players and be a part of Spamalot; a hysterically ridiculous and intelligent musical based on the fantastic comedy movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. One of their favorite movies of all time (they have watched it way too many times), Torin is very happy to be able to work with the wonderful cast and directors here and hope to work with them again!

Beth Korson

(Laker Girl, Ni Knight, French Type, Not Yet Wet Bride, Ensemble)

Beth is excited to be performing in her second show with Encore Players, having appeared in Dark Hearts: A Villains Cabaret in February 2020. She loves musical theater and has been singing and dancing on stage—and in living rooms—since the age of two. Beth is grateful to be performing with such an amazing cast and crew. “Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time.” Enjoy the show!

Jerry Kraus

(Prince Herbert’s Father, Ensemble)

Jerry Kraus came to the world of theater as Mr. Bumble in the first Encore Players production of Oliver, and also played Baron Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but beyond that has had no acting experience or training. While “studying” at Hobart College in his hometown, he was an All-American lacrosse player and member of two NCAA Championship teams. He and his wife, Lori, reside in Trumansburg and have three grown children.

Jeffrey LaPoint

(Patsy, Ensemble)

Jeff LaPoint is a co-founder of Encore Players Community Theatre, and has enjoyed performing onstage with Encore in many roles since their inaugural production of Oliver! as Fagin in 2014. You may also remember him as the Tinman in The Wizard of Oz in 2017. When not onstage, Jeff stamps out pain and pestilence in the horse world as an equine veterinarian and can be heard playing music on the concertina or hammer dulcimer.

Chris Manly

(Body, French Taunter, Not Yet Wed Bridegroom, Ensemble)

Chris Manly started with Encore Players in 2015 with The Music Man, and was instantly hooked. He's taken on a variety of roles both in front of and behind the curtain since then and is a member of the Encore Players board. By day, he works as an IT manager at Cornell. He'd like to thank his family for their support.

Kerr Mesner

(Body, Prince Herbert, Ensemble)

A recent transplant, Kerr loves getting to know the TBurg community more deeply through Encore Players. He is a Theatre of the Oppressed facilitator, activist, writer, and a proud member of Transpose: Ithaca Queer Singers Alliance. He toured with a number of children’s theatre productions, and has also written and performed solo pieces about LGBTQ issues. He has been known, (like Herbert) to spontaneously burst into song at wildly inappropriate moments.

Laura Mielenhausen

(Swallow Debator #1, Minstrel, Ensemble)

A self-described book nerd/theater kid, Laura grew up performing in many plays and choirs. She later became a librarian by day and a musician by night, singing in two Minneapolis bands. She moved to Trumansburg in 2021 and is so excited to be acting again after a 20-year hiatus. Laura thanks her family for their support and Encore Players for creating such a fun and welcoming experience. Offstage you can find her at the Trumansburg Library.

Denise Milito

(Body, French Type, Ni Knight, Ensemble)

Denise returned to the stage, after many years, when she moved to Trumansburg, NY and discovered Encore Players. She has appeared in Oliver, Cayuga Canal Girls, Encore Shorts: The Bermuda Edition and now Spamalot. She enjoys both the on stage and backstage roles she’s played. She is grateful to Encore for offering this wonderful opportunity to play among the local talent while enjoying the challenge of learning from the amazing leaders of Encore. She would like to thank everyone who makes the plays come to life while inspiring a strong Community collaboration.

Russell Posegate

(Sir Robin, Ensemble)

As a musician in the Ithaca area, Russ Posegate has been involved with many musicals as a pianist in the orchestra including Music Man, Oliver!, and Lucky Stiff. During the day he teaches music theory, performance, and history to college students. This is his first time on stage and he would like to thank Encore Players for being so welcoming!

Kirsten Richardson

(French Type, Lingerie Girl, (B’way), Not Yet Wed Bride, Ensemble)

Kirsten is thrilled to be making her theatre debut in Spamalot! She has been completely enamored with the stage since she saw Annie at 5 years old, and has dreamt of being a part of the magic of live theatre. Special thanks to Matt, Elena, and Finn for being her biggest cheerleaders, her Mom for introducing her to the theatre, and to the entire Encore community for helping this lifelong dream become a reality.

Amanda Riley

(Body, Ensemble)

Amanda is thrilled to be a part of another Encore production. She's been on stage, behind the scenes, or both for multiple shows, including all but the first of the big summer musicals. She grew up in Trumansburg and has joyously sung for Alice since childhood. She has a great love for musical theater and has been revered for being an enthusiastic audience member, never afraid to laugh out loud!

Cathryn Sellers

(Body, French Type, Ni Knight, Ensemble)

This is Cathryn’s third performance with Encore Players. Most recently, she was Marci in Almost, Maine. Though mostly behind the scenes since leaving college, she’s always loved being on stage. She is a Ballroom and Latin Dancer. Her most recent professional stage credit was as the Production Stage Manager for Open World Ballet’s Touring Production of Cinderella. She has held a variety of roles in professional theater over the years. Cathryn is a Program Director for Racker. When not on stage or behind the scenes, she loves spending time with her dog and family.

John Sheehan

(Monk, Bottle Dancer, Tim the Enchanter, Ensemble)

John Sheehan performed last fall in Encore Shorts: The Bermuda Edition. He's a professor of Cultural Anthropology and World History, and is comfortable in front of a crowd. Performing before an audience in a scripted way is a new adventure for him.

Daniel Trippett

(Sir Lancelot, Ensemble)

Daniel is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music with a BFA in Theater and Musical Theater. He has performed in and directed several projects nationwide. Theatrical credits include Walter DeCourcey in Chess, Ben Kingsley in the tour of City of Angels, and Gilligan in Gilligan’s Island: The Musical. In Trumansburg, he has directed students for the Trumansburg Middle School for the past 5 years. In the Finger Lakes, he has started an interactive mystery theater company, Crime Solvers, specializing in producing mystery theater for corporate and private events. He serves on the board of Encore Players and is currently teaching summer acting camp at the Hangar Theater in Ithaca. He thanks his wife, Deanna, and his family for their continued support of his theatrical ventures.

Marvin Utech

(Monk, French Type, Monk in Black Knight Scene, Ensemble)

Marv Utech has performed in plays, choirs, glee clubs, and operettas since grade school, high school, and college. A favorite role was Robin Hood, in the high school operetta in 1960. Marv had not done anything musical until Anne and Alice took a chance on him as the undertaker Mr. Sourberry in Oliver! Since then he has been with Encore Players for Lucky Stiff, The Wizard of Oz, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and most recently The Man With Bogart’s Face in 2021. It is his privilege, and pleasure, and inspiration to work with this group, and also great fun.

Austin Voorhees

(Not Dead Fred, Minstrel Sidekick, Ensemble)

Austin is thrilled to be in Encore Players’ Spamalot! Austin is a returning player, appearing in The Wizard of Oz, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and as the Sidekick Extraordinaire in Dark Hearts: A Villain’s Caberet. Austin was locally grown in Trumansburg and has appeared in 14 Trumansburg Drama Club Productions, most notably as Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors. Austin is thankful for the support from his loved ones, and hopes you enjoy Encore’s Spamalot!

Chris Westling

(King Arthur, Ensemble)

Chris Westling is proud to have been involved with Encore Players since 2021’s The Man with Bogart’s Face.  No stranger to the stage, he has been seen in other communities as Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls, and Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein.  Although he is most often found backstage, Chris could not turn down a chance to be a part of Spamalot.  He would like to thank the incredible army of talented folks who are working hard to make this show happen.  As he is often fond of saying, “Who has more fun than we do?!”

Volunteers

When Encore Players began, we set out on a mission to create community theater for people of all ages and every conceivable talent. Ten seasons and dozens of productions later, this vision has become a reality thanks to the efforts of scores of volunteers who have generously donated their time and expertise. Starting with this show, we’d like to introduce you to some of these amazing people. Our hope is that you, too, might be inspired to join our merry troupe!

Volunteer Spotlight

Louise Adie, House Manager

Louise Vesla-Adie is a lifelong Trumansburg resident, Polar guide, adventurer, enthusiastic thespian, and our House Manager Extraordinaire. During Encore’s first few seasons, she was in the cast of several productions and went on to create and perform two one-woman shows: “Shackleton's Antarctic Dream: A Saga of Extraordinary Leadership & Survival” and “The Last Viking: How Roald Amundsen Took the South Pole.” Since then she has run concessions a few times and, notably, served as the house manager for close to twenty Encore productions. “I don't recall them all but I don't think I've missed one!” she says.

Louise is organized, quick on her feet, calm-headed in a crisis, and vivaciously friendly - all attributes that make her perfect for the job. “As House Manager, I recruit volunteer ushers, give them a briefing, then watch over the audience from start to finish to be sure everyone is comfortable and their needs are met.

Then we stand by to answer questions and help maintain flow in the theater.”

She explains that the reason she comes back show after show is her love for our village. “Talent just oozes from its pores; it has heart and is filled with so many lovely, kind and generous people. And I truly believe that Encore Players productions bring great joy to our community!”

Though she admits the job is a very different challenge than guiding in the Polar regions, she derives great satisfaction from making sure our patrons feel cared for and comfortable. “I might not be the best actor, but I’m so happy to be a small part of these productions. Everyone pours their heart and soul into making the whole theater experience utterly delightful!”

We have so much gratitude for our talented and dedicated volunteers. Your support makes the theatre experience rich and whole both in front of and behind the stage. Thank you.

Box Office

Mary Bouchard

Steve Bowman

Peggy Dolan

Thomas Getzke

Della Herden

Lori Kraus

Terry Welch

Concessions

Abby Arco

Helen Arco

Maeve Coffey

Rebecca Johnson

Lori Kraus

Elspeth Peterson

Adelaide Tracey

Jen Westling

Traffic Control

Jared Dawson

Eli Lines

Andy Rollman

Dave Stockwell

Harlan Stockwell

Ted Wayman

Ushers

Alexis Alexander

Steve Bowman

Yvonne Bowman

Bridget Dawson

Hilary Gifford

Ben Guthrie

Linda Mikula

Karen Ohlstein

Elspeth Peterson

Deb Pfautsch

Susan Rack

Vivien Rose

Kate Supron

Statement of Support

A few of the scenes and songs in this show employ material that rely on cultural references, tropes, and stereotypes related to communities which are often the target of discrimination -- specifically the Jewish and LGBTQIA+ communities. We hope that you can experience these scenes with the celebratory spirit we intend for them: 

“You Won’t Succeed on Broadway” is a nod to the indelible influence of Jewish artists on the Broadway canon, including Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Sheldon Harnick, George and Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Leonard Bernstein, Oscar Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Dorothy Fields, and Jule Styne. Michael Kantor explores the role of Jewish composers and lyricists in the creation of the modern American musical in his documentary “Broadway Musicals: a Jewish Legacy.” (on PBS). 

We also want to be unequivocally clear that our hope is to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ communities, and indeed, to revel in the fabulousness that our LGBTQIA+ loved ones bring to the world of theatre. 

In these times of heightened anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, here are a few resources to learn more about the national state of emergency for LGBTQIA+ people, legal issues for trans folks, trans allyship,  and ways you can help work towards change. And following these, a list of resources  for addressing Anti-semitism, an ancient form of hate, lately surging.

Antisemitism Resources: 

Antisemitism Uncovered (Anti-Defamation League ):   https://antisemitism.adl.org/

Jews for Racial and Economic Justice: https://www.jfrej.org/campaigns/antisemitism

Resources and Tools for Addressing Antisemitism, Intolerance, & Bias: https://www.shalomdc.org/resources-and-tools-addressing-anti-semitism/ 

Jewish Contributions to Theater:

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/broadway-musicals-a-jewish-legacy-about-the-film/1476/ 

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/nov/20/how-jewish-artists-built-broadway-musical