Meet our Troupe of Players
The Masquerade Theatre presents its pieces through a company of actors, dedicated to exploring and creating captivating theatrical experiences. Want to join? Find out how on our Get Involved page!
Once
Courtney Bird
ONCE [Girl] | Fun Home 2024 [Joan] | ALMOST, MAINE 2023 [Glory/Marvalyn/Rhonda] | Melancholy Play 2023 [JOAN]
(She/They) is overjoyed to be back on the Masquerade stage, this time fulfilling an absolute dream role. Previous Masquerade credits include: Fun Home (Joan), Almost, Maine (Glory, Marvalyn, Rhonda), Melancholy Play (Joan). Birdy has been working as a South Jersey based Children’s Theatre Teaching Artist/Director since graduating with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Songwriting from The University of the Arts (rip) in 2022. Birdy is unbelievably thrilled to be working on a show with her Aunt, Trish Aristone (Stage Manager) for the first time, as Trish has always supported and inspired her. Lastly, she’d like to extend a huge thank you to her piano teacher, Allison, and as always, to Tom Weaver for being her theatrical reason Why. :)
Ruben J. Cardona
ONCE [Andrej]
Ruben is excited to make his theatrical debut! He has been playing guitar for nearly 20 years and performing live with a band for almost 15. He's spent the last 6 years teaching music and recently moved in to town. He would like to thank his family, friends, and everyone at Performance Studios for supporting him on this journey.
Kathleen Corvino
ONCE [Ex-girlfriend / Reza]
Kat is thrilled to be making her Masquerade Theater Company Debut! She has been active in the South Jersey theater community for over 25 years. She was most recently seen as Jane Throttle in The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Haddonfield Plays and Players. Other favorite credits include Big (The Grand Theater), Company (HP&P and STAGES), The Music Man (Ritz), Evita (The Grand Theater), The Dark of the Moon, Barnum (Ritz), Songs for a New World (HP&P) and many more. By day, Kat is the founder and director of the orchestra program in the nearby Burlington Township school district as well as a freelance violinist. Many thanks to Megan, David, Stoney and the multi-talented cast she is privileged to share the stage with. She sends her love biggest supporters, Nick, Charlie and Joanna. Kat dedicates this performance to her parents who were always happiest while watching her play the violin.
Trisha Dennis
ONCE [Emcee/Baruska]
(She/Her) is thrilled to be making her debut on the main stage at Masquerade. Other roles include DeeDee Allen (The Prom, BCF), Miss Shingle (Gentleman’ Guide, Ritz Theatre) and Princess Jasmine (Disenchanted, HP&P). She is also a music director, including shows such as Cabaret (HP&P), Rock of Ages (The Ritz) and Spring Awakening (Triple Threat Workshop). Thank you so much to Megan, David, and this wonderful cast for making a dream come true!
Tommy Foy
ONCE [Guy] | Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Visitor] | Almost, Maine 2023 [East/Lendall/Man]
Grateful to be returning to Masquerade after appearing in Picasso at The Lapin Agile (Visitor) and Almost, Maine (East/Lendall/Dan). Last seen as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at The Village Playbox. Other selected theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet at The Ritz Theatre Company (Benvolio) and Mainstage Center for the Arts (Mercutio), Spring's Awakening at Luna Stage (Melchior), and minorityLAND with Power Street Theatre (Saxon). BFA in Acting from Montclair State University. Special thanks to my Da for letting me play his Martin for this.
Mark Gollihur
ONCE [Billy]
Mark is thrilled to be in such a multi-talented cast (and a dream show) for his debut at Masquerade. Previously seen in: Little Shop (Mr. Mushnik), The Spongebob Musical (Mr. Krabs), Fiddler (Lazar Wolf), Kinky Boots (Mr. Price), Heathers (Ram’s Dad), West Side (Doc), Songs for a New World (Man), West Side (Tony), Godspell (Jesus), Assassins, Memphis. Love to Beki and Cora, with thanks for the support and encouragement.
Sean McGarry
ONCE [Da / Banker]
Sean has joined several Masquerade shows as a Fight and Intimacy Director, but this is his first time on stage anywhere as an actor and musician and he couldn’t be more thrilled or honored (but also super nervous!) to trust Masquerade Theatre with his debut. Recent credits include Jesus Christ Superstar at the Civic Theater of Allentown, Angels in America with Ritz Theatre Co, and Boleros for the Disenchanted with Players Club of Swarthmore.
David Nikolas
ONCE [Svec] | Fun Home 2024 [Bruce]
Last seen at Masquerade as Bruce in Fun Home! Performance credits include: Off-Broadway/NYC – Gemini (Fran, Lion Theatre @ Theatre Row), Sweat (Stan, The Seeing Place); Regional: God Of Carnage (Alan, Pegasus Theatre Project); Eagle Theatre – The Fantasticks (Hucklebee), Rock Of Ages (Hertz), Peter & The Starcatcher (Bill Slank/Hawking Clam); Walnut Street Theatre – Laughter On The 23rd Floor (Milt u/s), Arsenic & Old Lace (Jonathan u/s); Media Theatre – 1776 (Lyman Hall). Directing credits include The Sunken Living Room (2018, Breaking Through The Box), The Last Five Years (2019, Breaking Through The Box), American Idiot (2021, Music Mountain Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream & The Comedy Of Errors (Shakespeare in the PRC, 2024 & 2024). Feature Films: Army Of The Dead (2021), The Finders (2016), It Had To Be You (2015). Two-day Jeopardy! champion, 2006. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA. DavidNikolas.com
Laughter on the 23rd Floor
Kristine Bonaventura
Laughter on the 23rd Floor [Carol]
Kristine has a BA in Acting & Directing from DeSales University. Favorite acting credits include: Emma Parker in Bonnie & Clyde, Perry-nominated (HP&P), Mrs. Mops in A Christmas Carol (Broadway Theatre of Pitman), LaVonda in Sordid Lives (HP&P), The Complete Works of Williams Shakespeare Abridged (Burlington County Footlighters), Sir Lionel in Camelot (Ritz), Beverly in The Shadow Box (HP&P), The Little Mermaid in Disenchanted (HP&P) and Berdine in Psycho Beach Party (Touch Me Philly). Kristine extends her heartfelt gratitude to the cast and crew for this incredible experience, as well as her friends and family for their unwavering encouragement. A special thank you to Mike for always supporting her passions. Kbonaventura.com
Andrew Fralinger
Laughter on the 23rd Floor [Lucas]
Andrew is excited to make his Masquerade debut! Andrew has performed for just over 20 years all over South Jersey, including at the Levoy Theatre, For the Whim Productions, Oakwood Summer Theatre, and Blue Moon Theatre. Andrew also performed at the Masque of La Salle University in Philadelphia. His most recent roles include Tim Allgood in Noises Off (Burlington County Footlighters) and Jim O'Connor in The Glass Menagerie (Blue Moon Theatre). Andrew would like to thank God, as well as his family and friends for their never-ending love and support.
Tony Killian
Laughter on the 23rd Floor [Val] | Proof 2022 [Robert]
Tuesdays with Morrie 2021[Morrie]
Great Expectations 2020 | Proof 2020 [Robert]
Tony is thrilled to return to the Masquerade Theatre stage working with Shawn, CB and this hilarious cast of characters! Previous roles include Masquerade’s inaugural production Proof (Robert), Tuesdays with Morrie (Morrie Schwartz), and Great Expectations (Magwitch, Jaggers, Pumblechook). Recent credits in Virginia include Voices from Vietnam (Huey Pilot, Col. Doug Moore), The Greatest Generation Speaks (B-29 Pilot, Col. Van Parker) and Shoah (Franz Suchomel). HP&P roles include Willy Wonka (Grandpa Joe), The Crucible (Francis Nurse), and A Christmas Carol (Marley’s Ghost, Ensemble) for which he received a Pat King Award. Tony is ever grateful to his sons Dan and Jack, family and friends for their love and support.
John Kunkle
Laughter on the 23rd Floor [Milt Fields]
John is excited to make his Masquerade debut as the 23rd Floor's incorrigible funny man and womanizer. He returns to the stage after featuring in The Ritz Theatre of Oaklyn's 2024 Diner Series and serving as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for The Almanac Symphony. A graduate of the School of Nursing at Rutgers University, and has worked in critical care, interventional cardiology, and administration at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. John would like to thank his daughter, Josephine for inspiring him to grow a little every day. Special thanks to Mark, Christine, Sheila, and Alex for all of their support, always.
Jim Ludovici
Laughter on the 23rd Floor [Brian]
Jim is pleased to be making his Masquerade debut. He has been in over 100 stage productions in the tri-state area, including regional theaters from Surflight (Beach Haven NJ) to Delaware Shakespeare Festival (Wilmington DE) to the Arden Theater (Phila PA) to the Rainbow Dinner Theater in Paradise Lancaster Co. Favorite roles include Freud (Freud's Last Session & The Last Days of Judas Iscariot), Brutus (Julius Caesar), Tupolski (The Pillowman), Prospero (The Tempest) and Narrator/Mysterious Man (Into the Woods).
Matthew Moorhead
Laughter on the 23rd Floor [Kenny] | Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Picasso] | Next to Normal 2023 [Henry]
Matthew is excited to be back at Masquerade for the third time. Recent credits include Drood at the Players Club of Swarthmore (Phillip Bax/Bazzard), Young Frankenstein at PCS (Igor), Next to Normal at Masquerade (Henry), and Assassins at Footlighters Theater in Berwyn (Charles Guiteau). He is incredibly grateful to Shawn for allowing him to come play in this space and trusting him to figure out Kenny, despite Cole Porter’s continued objections. He hopes you all enjoy the show and in the words of Lucas Brickman “No. I was at home. With my wife.”
Rico Santiago
Laughter on the 23rd Floor [Max Prince] | WIT [Harvey Kelekian] 2021
Rico is thrilled to be working with Masquerade once again! You may have seen him in Masquerade’s virtual play, Wit as Dr. Harvey Kelekian, MD. A South Jersey native, Rico has performed locally and nationally for over 40 years. His most recent credits include: High Fidelity (Rob); Rock of Ages (Lonny); American Idiot (St. Jimmy); In The Heights (Usnavi); The Pillowman (Tupolski). He has also directed many productions in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area. Most recently Jesus Christ Superstar at The Ritz Theater in Oaklyn, NJ where he also serves as the Vice-President. Rico is a 6x NJACT (Perry Award) nominated actor and director. He would like to thank Shawn for trusting him to be “funny” as Max. “Proud of you, bro!”. Thanks to super Stage Manager CB for always holding it down, and the entire Masquerade family for making him feel like family. Thanks to this insanely hysterical cast for all their hard work! Lastly, he would like to thank his most beautiful wife Jennie and his awesome kids for always showing love and support.
Ed Silberman
Laughter on the 23rd Floor [Ira]
Ed has appeared in numerous productions in the Delaware Valley over the last 40 years. His is making his "Masquerade" debut. This marks the 3rd time performing in Laughter, having previously portraying Max & Val. Past roles include Sheridan Whiteside (Man Who Came to Dinner), Mushnik (Little Shop of Horrors), Bela Zangler (Crazy for You), Applegate (Damn Yankees), Biggley (How to Succeed), & Horace (Hello Dolly). By day, Ed is a financial advisor with Corebridge Financial. He is honored to share the stage with such a talented ensemble cast. He is also happy to reunite with Shawn (director), who 16 years ago performed with Ed in Laughter. Ed dedicates this performance to his grandsons Miles & Ace, as well as the one along the way....
Rabbit Hole
Greg Hedler
Rabbit Hole [Howie] | Next to Normal 2023 [Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden]
(He/Him) is thrilled beyond measure to return to Masquerade, having appeared here last season in Next to Normal (Fine/Madden). He is fortunate to have performed in Urinetown (Hot Blades Hairy), Into the Woods (Rapunzel's Prince), Cabaret (Emcee), YAGMCB (Linus), and most recently in the role of Prop Designer for The Player's Club of Swarthmore's Drowsy Chaperone. Off the stage, Greg is an LCSW whose focus has been in pediatric oncology for the past 20 years and most recently has trained to be an End of Life Doula with INELDA. Greg celebrates Megan, Tommy, and Masquerade for their desire to select shows that highlight the fullness and complexities of life, particularly around loss and grief; an often unspoken topic despite its pervasiveness across our human experience. Greg is grateful to Megan and this opportunity to create alongside a stellar cast of performers.
Finn Hutchinson
Rabbit Hole [Jason]
Finn is so excited to be making his Masquerade Theatre debut! Some of his favorite roles he played are: Parker/Louis (Freaky Friday at BCF), Percy (The Lightning Thief at CHWHS), and Tybalt (Romeo and Juliet at CHWHS). He is so grateful to be given the opportunity to be surrounded by such talented performers. He gives huge thanks to everyone who got him here today.
Susan Paschkes
Rabbit Hole [Nat] | Doubt 2024 [Sister Aloysius]
Susan Jami Paschkes is an actor, a director, and a teaching artist. She is thrilled and honored to be part of Masquerade Theatre’s troupe of players, and to have the chance to work with such a talented director and ensemble in Rabbit Hole. Her favorite roles as an actor are Josie Hogan in Moon for the Misbegotten, Sister Aloysius Beauvier in Doubt, Dotty/Mrs. Clackett in Noises Off!, and Halie in Buried Child. Her directing credits include Small Mouth Sounds, House of Blue Leaves, Lost in Yonkers, All My Sons, Pippin and All in the Timing. As a teaching artist, Susan’s passion is in creating and delivering youth theatre arts workshops in BIPOC communities. She is most grateful to Ben for his unceasing support, and occasional push in the right direction.
MacKenzie Ryann
Rabbit Hole [Izzy]
MacKenzie is ecstatic to be a part of this wonderful production with such a stellar cast. She has loved every moment of diving into this incredible play. When not performing, MacKenzie’s full time job is working in an animal ER as a veterinary nurse. Thank you to Megan for this incredible opportunity, this show will forever be close to her heart. Thank you to Marissa, Greg, Susan and Finn for all your talent and dedication. It has been an absolute honor to watch and learn from you all.
Marissa Wolf
Rabbit Hole [Becca]| The Exit Interview 2023 [Eunice]
Marissa is honored to be returning to Masquerade and working alongside this talented group of artists. She is a Theatre professor at Kean University and a tutor for small tots. Recent credits: Oldie Mama (Gint), Golde (Fiddler on the Roof), Susan ([title of show]), Agnes (The Shadowbox), Joan (Melancholy Play), and Eunice (The Exit Interview). Thank you to Megan for the opportunity to tackle this role and to Kevin for being my bug. As always, this is for you, dad.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Beatrice Alonna
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 2024 (Snoopy) | Exit Interview 2023 [Chloe/Ensemble] | WIT 2021 [Ensemble] | Great Expectations 2020
Beatrice Alonna is a creator and arts educator based in the South New Jersey Area. Since 2013, Beatrice has participated in areas of arts education and performance within the school systems and community theaters of South New Jersey. During her time of study at her alma mater (Rowan University), Beatrice Alonna has also launched her self- Titled Youtube series, where she creates and performs comedic content for a worldwide audience. While still performing as a local actor, Beatrice currently serves as a teaching artist within the south Jersey theater community, and as a full time teacher for the charter schools of Camden NJ. Beatrice has dedicated her life and efforts to performing arts, and aims to create social change through arts education and performance. Beatrice Alonna is ecstatic to be a member of the masquerade family!
Tommy Balne
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 2024 (Schroeder) | Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Einstein] | Exit Interview 2023 [Dick Fig] | The Fantasticks 2022 [Henry]
Tommy is excited to be once again lending his creative talents on stage for this production as his presence is felt most often on the production team off the stage in every previous Masquerade production. Seen last spring on this stage as Einstein in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Tommy has performed throughout the area for over 15 years in such roles as Exit Interview (Dick Fig), The Fantasticks (Henry), Black Stache (Peter and the Starcatcher), Willy Wonka (Willy Wonka), Ian (High Fidelity), Albert (Bye Bye Birdie), Schroeder (Charlie Brown), Richard Hannay (The 39 Steps), and Eddie (Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?). Ever grateful for the love and support of his partner in life, Megan, and his kids who graciously put up with their parents’ love of theater.
Courtney Bundens
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 2024 (Sally) | Fun Home 2024 [Medium Alison] | Next to Normal 2023 [Natalie] | Proof 2022 [Catherine] | PJ’s Playbook 2022 [Maya] |WIT 2021 [Ensemble] | Great Expectations 2020 | Proof 2020 [Catherine]
(They/Them) is a long standing troupe member of Masquerade, and delighted to be back performing in the 24/25 season. Doubly excited to be crossing off a dream role! Previous Masquerade credits: Fun Home (Medium Allison) Next to Normal (Natalie), Proof (Catherine), PJ’s Playbook (Maya), Great Expectations (Pip).
Jake Hufner
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 2024 (Charlie Brown) | Fun Home 2024 [ROY / PETE/ MARK / BOBBY JEREMY] | ALMOST, MAINE 2023 [Jimmy/Randy/Phil/Dave] | Next to Normal 2023 [Gabe] | The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) 2023 | Proof 2022 [Hal] | WIT 2021 [Ensemble] | Great Expectations 2020 | Proof 2020 [Hal]
(He/Him) is an actor and theater educator from the South Jersey area. He holds a BA in Theater from Rutgers University-Camden, and has been a part of many productions with Masquerade Theatre including: Proof (Hal); Great Expectations (Herbert Pocket/Ensemble); Wit (Ensemble); One Fifty Four (The Sibling); The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged; Next to Normal (Gabe); Almost, Maine (Jimmy/Randy/Phil/Dave); and Fun Home (Roy/Mark/Pete/Bobby Jeremy). Other notable acting credits include: All Shook Up (Chad), As You Like It (Orlando), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), and The 39 Steps (Clown 2). Jake has worked on the technical side of productions as a director, house manager, stagehand, and as Props Master for PJ's Playbook with Masquerade.
Amanda Pasquini
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 2024 (Lucy)
Amanda is thrilled to be making her Masquerade Theatre debut! Most recently: Legally Blonde at the Media Theatre (Paulette cover). Favorite credits: Puffs, Mamma Mia!, Anything Goes, A Gentleman's Guide..., and Clue all with PCS Theater. Amanda is a local stage director who has collaborated with companies like Upper Darby Summer Stage, PCS Theater, Walnut Street Theatre, OCTC, and the Media Theatre. She is ecstatic to be performing this alongside her love, Alec. More: www.amandapasquini.com
Alec Robin
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 2024 (Linus) | Almost, Maine 2023 [Pete/Steve/Chad] | The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) 2023
(He/Him) is having so much fun playing on this stage again. Recent Masquerade credits include Complete Works…Shakespeare (Jess) and Almost, Maine (Pete/Steve/Chad). Other credits: Newsies (Henry), Laughter…23rd Floor (Lucas), Puffs (Oliver). Alec is also a pediatric dentist and wants to remind the audience that children should stop their thumb sucking habit by 18 months old. All the love to Amanda and Aggie.
On Golden Pond
Matt Dell'Olio
On Golden Pond 2024 [Bill Ray]
[he/him] is very excited to be making his Masquerade debut, and he is even more excited to be working under Scott again for the first time in 30 years. Fun fact: Scott gave Matt his first acting gig when they were both but wee lads. He was last seen in Burlington County Footlighters’ 2nd Stage production of Fully Committed, a one-man show where he played over 40 different characters and totally memorized all his lines and didn’t at all read two-thirds of the script off a teleprompter during the performances. That’s a weird thing to ask. Shut up. What are you talking about. You should probably mind your own business.
Joe Heim
On Golden Pond 2024 [Charlie Martin]
[he/him] is thrilled to end his 13-year hiatus from the stage by performing at Masquerade Theatre. Past credits include Seussical (Wickersham Brother), Dog Sees God (Beethoven), A Comb and a Prayer Book (David), Brighton Beach Memoirs (Eugene). Non-performance experience includes Associate Director/House Manager (Stockton Performing Arts Center), Stage Manager (Stones from God), Director (Brighton Beach Memoirs), and Sound Design (The Pillowman, Fabulous Fable Factory). Joe is grateful to Masquerade Theatre, the cast, crew, and audience for the opportunity to return to performing. Find ways to donate and support your local performing arts venue, such as Masquerade, today to keep the arts thriving in New Jersey. A special thank you to the friends and family reading this for their love and support. “Onwards and upwards!” -Neil Simon, Brighton Beach Memoirs.
Michael Hicks
On Golden Pond 2024 [Normal Thayer, Jr.] | Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Gaston]
[he/him] has been on stage, back stage, choreographer, director or set designer at any given moment. However he spends most of his time in front of the lights. A few examples are: No Sex Please We're British (Brian Runnicles); Rosencrans and Guildenstern Are Dead (Rosencrans); Dreamcoat (Narrator); Forum (Hysterium); Fantasticks (El Gallo); Pippin (Leading Player); City Of Angels (Stein); The Odd Couple (Felix Unger); To Kill A Mockingbird (Atticus Finch) -Directed by Scott Reynolds; The Drowsy Chaperone (Man In Chair); Moon Over Buffalo (George Hayes); The Heiress (Dr Slocum); Bye Bye Birdie (Mr. McAfee); Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Vanya); A Christmas Carol (Ebenezer Scrooge); Proof (Robert); It’s Only A Play (James Wicker); Harvey (Elwood P Doud); and last seen on this stage as Gaston in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. He is pleased to share this stage again with old and new friends alike. When he isn’t acting he’s cutting hair in his one man salon; MCH FOR HAIR at 25 Tanner Street in Haddonfield.
Phyllis Josephson
On Golden Pond 2024 [Ethel Thayer] | Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Sagot] | WIT 2021 [E.M. Ashford]
[she/her] is thrilled to return to Masquerade, having appeared here last season in Picasso at the Lapin Agile and in Wit during the virtual era. Some recent credits include Ripcord (Marilyn), Lend Me a Tenor (Julia), The Importance of Being Earnest (Prism), Sordid Lives (Sissy), Driving Miss Daisy (Daisy), Noises Off (Dotty/Mrs. Clackett), Harvey (Veta), Lost in Yonkers (Grandma Kurnitz), Kimberly Akimbo (Kimberly), Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider), Sister Act (Mother Superior), and ‘Night, Mother (Thelma). Phyllis is grateful to Scott for the opportunity to be part of this heart-warming play with this outstanding cast. As always this performance is dedicated to Howard, forever her biggest fan.
Mason Traynor
On Golden Pond 2024 [Billy Ray]
[he/him] This is Mason's first "real" performance with Masquerade, and he couldn't be more excited to be doing this amazing show with such an amazing cast. In the past, Mason has been able to take on roles with other companies such as Mr. Wormwood (Matilda), Jeremy Potts (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Ralphie Parker (A Christmas Story), and many more. Here's to a great series of shows!
Samantha Wentz
On Golden Pond 2024 [Chelsea Thayer Wayne]
[she/her] is thrilled to make her debut at Masquerade Theatre! Recently, she has been sharing new works with the world through staged readings with the South Camden Theatre Company and 2nd Stage at Burlington County Footlighters. Her favorite past performances include roles in BIG the Musical, Annelle in Steel Magnolias, Jackie in Disaster!, and Joanne in RENT. She extends a heartfelt thank you to the cast and crew and especially to Scott for this incredible opportunity!