Shelley Brown (Susan Monahan) is thrilled to be making her debut at Summit Playhouse. She was most recently seen as Caitlan O'Hare in Over the River and Through the Woods at Westfield Community Players. Some of her favorite roles include Nancy in Angel Street, Sunny Freitag in Last Night of Ballyhoo, Mrs. Peters in Trifles, and Gret/Angie in Top Girls, for which she received an Irene Ryan nomination. Many thanks to Chris, the wonderful cast and crew, and the two special nurses in my life who inspired me in this role. A very special thanks to Jeff for his continuing support and love.

Art Delo (Dr. Kelekian) is pleased to return to Summit Playhouse where he had a wonderful experience in last season's The Waverly Gallery. He is president of Jersey City's Attic Ensemble.

Jean Kuras (Evelyn Ashford) made her first appearance at Summit two years ago, playing Elizabeth Almond in The Heiress. She was 2002 Perry Award nominee for her portrayal of Mrs. Warwick in The Unexpected Guest. Jean is author of Images of America: Bloomfield.

Deborah Moore (Ensemble) is a native of Newark and now resides in Montclair. She has always had a great love for the theater and movies, and she decided about two years ago to pursue training in acting. Deborah is making her theatrical debut in this production of Wit at the Summit Playhouse. She is thrilled to be a part of the cast and would like to thank the director Chris Messineo, and the Summit Playhouse for this opportunity. She looks forward to performing more in the future, and gives special thanks to Alberta Handelman her coach, and all of her family and friends for their continued love and support.

Tamara Nedjar (Ensemble) grew up outside of Boston, where she enjoyed a hectic lifestyle, and was actively involved in a variety of the performing arts. After a hiatus during which she received her Bachelor's degree from Cornell University and then relocated herself to New Jersey, she is eager to return to the theater. She has been working with The Summit Playhouse and Miss Debbi's School of Dance.

Ricardo Pino (Ensemble) is excited to make his Summit Playhouse debut with such a powerful play and talented cast and crew. He has previously appeared in The Laramie Project (Father Schmidt/Detective Rob Debree/DJ Shadow) and Dracula (Dr. Van Helsing), and will be appearing next in The Odd Couple (Roy) in various theatres in New Jersey. He has also done live English translation for the Spanish Repertory Theatre in New York, and some Spanish language television.

Dan Rizzo (Ensemble) has been interested in theater for some time, but this is his first time on stage. During the day his life is filled with meeting new people while doing all sorts of odd jobs, like painting, carpentry, etc. for "We Do That" in Summit. He is excited to be part of the play.

Diane Faith Spodarek (Vivian Bearing) was born in Canada and grew up in Detroit. A New Yorker now for twenty years she has appeared in numerous off-off-Broadway shows and independent films. Also a video artist and writer, she has received three NYFA and one NEA artist's fellowship awards. The most recent publication of her writing is in Even More Monologues for Women by Women. Her favorite roles are playing herself in her one-person show, The Drunk Monologues and playing Mom to her daughter Dana. Diane thanks Chris Messineo, the Summit Playhouse and Fran Harrison for this great opportunity to be a part of Wit and to work with a wonderful and fun cast. Also, a special thanks to Betty Kaus and Tom Dwyer. She dedicates her performance to you, the audience. May you be filled with peace, joy, love, and light. Om Shanthi.

Production Staff

Chris Messineo (Director) first appeared on stage at age ten, in Ibsen's An Enemy of the People. 25 years and 30 productions later he is thrilled to be directing for the first time. Most recently at Summit Playhouse he played Mortimer Brewster Arsenic and Old Lace. Chris is a programmer for Agile Technologies. He lives in New Providence with his wife and a daughter who makes them both laugh. Much thanks, to an immensely talented and dedicated Summit Playhouse production team who made all my visions a reality. For Mark, my first director, who shined brightly in the light.

Thomas P. Dwyer (Assistant Director) has been a member of the Playhouse for many years. Most often he has worked back stage and on the Board of Governors. However on our stage he has appeared in She Loves Me and Man of La Mancha and in Five Finger Exercise and Haunting of Hill House at other venues. He has been closely associated with such successful shows as Angels in America, Marvin's Room, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and A Lovely Sunday for Creve Cocur. Traveling and gardening are just two of his passions.

Fran Harrison (Producer & Costumes) is a long time supporter of women's issues and is happy to have the opportunity to produce Wit. In previous seasons she produced Doll's House, Dial M For Murder and Enchanted April, and was assistant producer for last summer's Teen Festival. Her costume design credits include many shows for the Playhouse, The Children's Theatre of Charlotte, NC and The Overlook Musical Theatre. She is a member of our Board of Governors, and is the Summit representative for the Tri-County Community Theater Group.

Betty Kaus (Assistant Producer) has been a Playhouse member since 1950. She has acted, directed, produced, worked behind the scenes, is a past president and is a permanent member of the Board of Governors.

Judy Fraser (Properties) is so pleased to be associated with this production. Nearly five years ago, Judy was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. Today she remains cancer free and enjoys spending her spare time helping out at the Summit Playhouse, the Cranford Dramatic Club and the Cranford Repertory Theatre.