Dinner Theater Bios - Guys and Dolls, Sr Cast
Dellie Saxe – Sarah Brown. Dellie is thrilled to appear in this very special project, a dinner theater in The Villages! Many will remember Dellie’s Savannah Center shows, including last spring’s hit, Hello, Dolly! (Dolly); Pirates of Penzance (Ruth); Calendar Girls (Chris); South Pacific (Nellie); Carousel (Carey); and many others. Before moving to The Villages, Dellie, together with her husband, Dave, owned and operated Nittany Theatre at the Barn, the oldest in-the-round Barn theatre in the USA, producing musicals and plays. Between building sets, making costumes, cleaning toilets, among “maid-of-all-things”, she managed to appear as John Adams in “1776” (yes, JOHN ADAMS), Jean in Funny Money, Joanne in Company, Juror #3 in Twelve Angry Men, Louise in Always, Patsy Cline, Alice in Addams Family, and others. Based in Chicago, this Actor’s Equity veteran, a talented triple threat actress, appeared in dozens of musicals at the celebrated Candlelight in Chicago, Marriott’s Lincolnshire, Illinois Theatre Center, Shawnee Playhouse, Athenaeum Theatre, Chicago's Lyric Opera, Marriott’s Great America among others. Dellie also appeared with Broadway’s Mark Jacobi in Nine, Lorne Green (of Bonanza fame) and Lisa Hartman on ABC-TV’s You’re Never too Old. This coming February, she is proud to announce that she and Dave will appear at The Savannah Center in the delightfully entertaining Broadway Hit Musical I DO! I DO! When not in theatre or dancing with Evolution Dance Company, you will find her playing shortstop in The Villages Ladies Softball Divisions.
Lee Mueller – Sky Masterson. Originally from the Philadelphia, PA area, Lee is a former member of both the American Guild of Musical Artist (AGMA) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artist (AFTRA). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Bloomsburg State College, PA where he held assistant choral director positions for various choir groups in addition to being Music Director for a local community choir. He then spent two years of graduate studies at Bowling Green State University, OH in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting. After college, Lee spent 6 years singing with the Opera Company of Philadelphia Chorus in numerous operas and performed in various community productions. He has performed various rolls including Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls,” Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus, Woody Mahoney in Finian’s Rainbow, and Billy Bigalow in Carousel. After moving to Clermont FL in 2015, Lee became a member of the Opera Orlando chorus, performing in additional operas and last year also performed the roll of Betto in Opera Orlando’s production of Gianni Schicchi. Moving again in 2019 to The Villages, his Savannah debute was as Bill Austin in Mamma Mia followed by the Inn Keeper in Man of La Mancha, Captain von Trapp in Sound of Music, the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance and most recently earlier this year as Horace Vandergelder in Hello Dolly!, a production he also helped Music Direct. He has performed in various benefit concerts in The Villages including “Carols by Candlelight,” MS Fundraisers, Villagers for Veterans ‘Angles Wings” and other various concerts. January 2025 he was honored to take over as Music Director of The Villages POPS Chorus. Lee has been married to his beautiful wife Cynthia (Cyndi) for over 40 years. They have a daughter, son, daughter in law, one grandson and a granddaughter. Lee currently continues his 40+ year career selling medical disposable products as an Independent Manufacturer’s Sales Rep.,and also assists his wife with her business Mueller Insurance Inc. doing retirement investment seminars.
Carol Wiltman – Adelaide. Carol comes from Pittsburgh, PA where she enjoyed musical roles such as Nancy in Oliver, Babe in Pajama Game, Charity in Sweet Charity, and others. Some of her favorite roles in plays include Agnes in Fourposter and Chelsea in On Golden Pond. In addition to entertaining through Late Night Cabaret in Pittsburgh, Carol was the owner of the Cloak & Dagger Dinner Theater. She was a worship leader vocalist for her church and has done numerous commercials and training films. Here in The Villages, Carol performed in Calendar Girls, the role of Shelby in Steel Magnolias, Hallelujah Girls, with Melon Patch in Leesburg, played the role of Hodel in Fiddler On The Roof and Minnie Faye in Hello Dolly! Carol, is a disc jockey for The Villages Radio Station, WVLG.
Vic Stevens – Nathan Detroit. In the Villages, Vic has performed with a number of Theatre companies including VMC, VTC, KC, Step on a Stage and Players Theatre. In his previous life, he owned his own software development company, was active in his Church and loves softball. In addition, he has his own web site (VillageVic) and Youtube Channel with songs and comedy videos he has written. His favorite roles include- Max in Lend me a Tenor, Sid Sorokin in Pajama Game and Ben Hecht in A Visit from Scarface. He is honored to play Nathan Detroit in (Guys and Dolls).
Tim Ruwart – Nicely Nicely Johnson. Tim Ruwart is excited to be playing Nicely Nicely Johnson in this production of Guys and Dolls. Stubby Kaye, who originated the role on Broadway, is one of his heroes. Tim has been in a number of shows here in the Villages, most recently being seen as the Modern Major General in Pirates of Penzance, Uncle Fester in Addams Family, Seneca in Forum, and Cogsworth in Beauty and The Beast. Tim lives in Fenney with his wife Ann and Odin the Wonder Doodle.
Paul Young – Benny Southstreet. Paul has participated in a number of musicals locally, and is very appreciative to be part of this show. Paul also enjoys a variety of other activities. He would like to thank Players Theatre for making this happen. What fun
Wally Libenson– Brother Arvide. Wally returns to the stage after a 10 year plus hiatus. An accomplished magician/comedian, Wally has performed locally, nationally, and internationally.Past roles include; Charlie Cowell in The Music Man, Myron Hasler in The Pajama Game and Jacob in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Wally would like to acknowledge and thank Dave, Dellie, Amy, and Patty for letting him come out to play.
General Cartwright–Michele Sprada. Throughout her 32 years of teaching elementary school in Buffalo, NY, Michele performed as a singer and dancer in many professional musical theater productions in the area. She was also a choreographer for high school musicals. Here in Florida, she teaches Special Education part-time at Holy Trinity Episcopal School in Fruitland Park. She is a regular volunteer tour guide at Chase Animal Sanctuary in Webster. She also volunteers at Wildwood Elementary and Little Dog Ranch. She is the president and founder of a non-profit organization called Future In Our Hands-USA which supports humanitarian projects in Kenya and Zambia.
Jim Creed - Harry the Horse. Jim Creed is a former special education teacher and educational consultant from MA. His first play with Players' Theater was a few years ago, Betty Crocker, Kinsey, and Rock 'n Roll. He next played one of the golfers in the Norm Foster play The Foursome. He has now ventured onto the musical scene with The Pirates of Penzance and Guys and Dolls. When not acting with Players Theater, he enjoys softball, golf, and helping out with kids with specific learning disabilities at a school in Fruitland Park.
Mark McCandless– Rusty / Angie the OxThis is Mark’s first show with Players Theatre. Mark says it’s a blessing to work with friends from previous shows and make new friends. He’s done several shows here in The Villages including his favorite roll of Motel the Tailor in Fiddler On the Roof. Guys and Dolls is another favorite with so many songs we love. As always, Mark thanks his wife Suzanne who shares him with rehearsal schedules and helps and supports him.
Mark Watkinson – Big Jule. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Mark met his wife, Anne Marie in the Somerset High School Music Department back in 1977. Before moving to The Villages in 2022, Mark and Anne were very active in the Fall River Little Theater, as well as in several choirs and choruses. Since moving to The Villages, he has joined The Villages Pops Chorus, Christian Voices United, Brothers In Song, and has performed in The Pirates of Penzance, Hello Dolly!, Addicted To Love, and with The Village Tappers, and was recently in The Wizard of Oz. Mark is thrilled to be cast as Big Jule in Guys and Dolls!, and has recently been cast in the upcoming musical Camelot as Clarius.
Lt. Brannigan – Jim McCraw. Jim is an award-winning journalist and photographer with 60 years’ experience covering the automotive and motorcycle industries and motorsports. He was editor-in-chief of Hot Rod Magazine and executive editor of Motor Trend before branching out into freelance journalism writing and photographing for all of the major American car magazines as well as magazines in Europe, the UK and Japan. He’s been singing, acting, doing standup and Improv in The Villages for four years.
Master of Ceremonies – Bob Petrucelli. Bob has performed with many theater groups in The Villages including: Broadway Bound Players, B & B Productions, M&M Productions, KC, Lake Miona Theater, Players Theater of The Villages, VTC, Shaka Crew Dance Company, TMT, where he is a board member. He is excited to be involved in Guys and Dolls and would like to thank Dave for casting him in the show. He wants to Thank his wife “Mary”, for her love and support AND putting up with his antics.
Beth Ulrich - Hot Box Girl. Beth has been devoted to singing and the performing arts for as long as she can remember. Her love for music first took shape in high school, where she sang in choral concerts and discovered the joy of connecting with others through song. That early passion has continued to guide her throughout her life. Since moving to The Villages, Beth has remained an active member of the local arts community, performing in musical theatre productions such as Hello, Dolly! and participating in choral and community music events. She finds great fulfillment in sharing her voice and contributing to productions that bring people together through the power of live performance. Beth and her husband have been married for 40 years and are the proud parents of one daughter. She credits the love and support of her family for encouraging her lifelong commitment to music and the performing arts. When Beth is not on the stage you will find her on the pickleball court, playing water volleyball or with a bat in her hand on the softball field!
Joanne Calsetta – Hot Box Girl. Joanne began her dance training in New York with the Royal Academy of Dance. In Florida, she continued her studying with the Cecchetti Method, and began performing with a regional ballet company. She earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts and Teaching Certificate, and also danced with the Bristol Ballet Company and Tampa Ballet. Joanne created The Dance Center, a studio dedicated to the development of young dancers with emphasis on ballet. She also founded the Brandon Ballet Company, a non-profit company, to assist all area dancers in their development for a professional career. Here in The Villages, she enjoys the dance classes being taught by former professionals, and continues her ardent interest in the dance world.
Bethie Charles – Hot Box Girl. Bethie was born in Haiti and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She started dancing at the age of 16, focusing on Modernist and Jazz dance, in her junior year at Bay Ridge High School. She performed with various companies in San Francisco, California and co-lead a Performing Arts group at her church—San Francisco Vineyard. She toured with YWAM (Youth with a Mission) based in San Diego, California to the United Kingdom. Later she became a member of the dance group, Eternia, based in Sweden. She became a member of Evolution Dance Company when she moved to the Villages a couple of years ago. She recently had the opportunity to perform with VMT in Hello Dolly and it was an opportunity to connect with her passion for musical theater.
Kiera Manna – Hot Box Girl. Kiera has studied & danced with professional ballet and modern dance companies and has been teaching dance & fitness classes for 25 years. She found her home in the performing arts here moving to the Villages in 2023 from the Gainesville area. Kiera currently is a dancer with Evolution Dance Company, Music in Motion and is a baton twirler on the Show Team with The Villages Twirlers & Drum Corps. Kiera made her debut in Musical Theatre recently as a featured dancer in Hello Dolly and 9 to 5. She is certified with the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, is a Silver Swan licensee from the Royal Academy of Dance, a certified yoga teacher through Kali Ray Tri Yoga & a certified Zen Barre teacher. Kiera is an instructor with The Enrichment Academy teaching Hula Hoop dance & Baton Twirling classes.
Sherry Ruschell - Mimi. This is Sherry’s third appearance with Players Theatre, having appeared in Calendar Girls and The Pirates of Penzance. She is from northern WV, right outside of Pittsburgh, but lived and worked in Atlanta for 32 years. Before moving to Atlanta, she was very involved in community theatre, and played keyboards in bands with her husband, Leo. After moving to Atlanta, sang for many years with an a cappella group called Cheaper Than Therapy. She is very grateful to the directors for having confidence in her. After 47 years of court reporting, she is happy to be retired in The Villages, playing many sports and being involved again in community theatre.
Judy Maguire – Hot Box Girl. Judy has been involved in dancing most of her life: dancing is her passion! As a member of the Village Gemstone Dancers, she choreographed several of their dancer routines. She was a member of Evolution Dance Company for 8 years and performed in ten musicals. She is thrilled to be performing in her first musical with Players Theatre! Thank you to my husband, Mike for allowing me to pursue my passion in The Villages.
Anne Watkinson – Hot Box Girl. Anne is thrilled to be playing the dual roles as both a Hot Box dancer and as General Cartwright in Guys and Dolls! Anne has been happily married to fellow singer, and actor, Mark Watkinson for over 42 years. They have three beautiful children. Anne has been an entertainer and vocal soloist for over 41 years. She has been in many productions and choirs throughout the years. In The Villages, she has performed in The Pirates Of Penzance, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, and Hello Dolly!, and recently played the good witch Glinda in The Wizard of Oz. Anne was also a featured soloist in Christian Voices United and she is currently in The Villages Tappers Showcase, Pops Chorus, Addicted To Love Musical Review, and she has recently been cast in Camelot as Lady Anne.
Terry Vece – Mission Band. Terry hails from Connecticut and has been married to Joe for 65 years. She has three children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She has been performing since age 8. She moved to The Villages in 2007. She has performed with Music in Motion for 12 years, gaining lifelong friends. She competed in the Ms. Florida Senior American pageant and became Ms. Florida Senior America 2011. Now retired from the pageant world, she turns her attention to performing in musicals. Her hobbies are dancing, singing, golf, mah-jongg, and any new craft that comes down the pike.
Tim Larion - Calvin. This show is Tim’s first theatre endeavor, with no prior theatre experience. He is extremely happy to be involved in this great musical production. His past professional career experience consists of 37 years in Law Enforcement, before retiring from Michigan and moving to SW Florida, then eventually settling here in The Villages. He is grateful for being given this opportunity to participate in something completely different and enjoyable, and is now looking forward to future Players Theatre productions.
Marlene Doust – Mission Band. Marlene has been singing and dancing for many years. She was in several shows before moving to The Villages. She has been part of The Villages Pops Chorus since it started. Marlene’s first production in The Villages was in The Music Man, Crazy For You, Lucille in How To Succeed In Business, Mable in Pajama Game, Fiddler On The Roof, and Hello Dolly! She is active at Tri-County Baptist Church in choir and dramas. She sang in an acapella group at Disney resorts and The Candlelight Processional at Epcot. She has really enjoyed being in Guys and Dolls.
Sandy Thomas–Mission Band. Sandy Thomas is a retired Public Relations professional who worked on automotive, motorsports and diversity activities for Ford Motor Company before starting her own award-winning agency, Thomas Transmedia. For more than thirty years, her long- term clients have included Ford Motor Company, Porsche Cars NorthAmerica, NASCAR star Jack Roush's Roush Industries, and Ideal Steel Manufacturing. She is an award-winning writer and since retiring has been singing and acting in The Villages.
Leslie Davidson-Mission Band. Leslie grew up on Long Island NY where she studied dance as a child and added Chemistry to the mix in College. After moving to Oneonta NY, she spent many years in area regional theater performing in The Front Page, Cabaret, Music Man, My FairLady, Oklahoma, South Pacific, West Side Story, Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz; later choreographing Me and My Girl, 42nd St, Sugar Babies, Anything Goes and George M among others. Her most memorable stage experiences include dancing a duet with Gregory Hines, jamming with Savion Glover (in a Howard Johnson in NYC between shows) and being invited backstage by Tommy Tune. Leslie also simultaneously worked as a research scientist with a focus on breast cancer for 31 years. She retired and moved to the Villages in 2015 where she is a member of Hula Ohana.
Amy Cornwall Robinson – Mission Band and Vocal Director. Amy Cornwall Robinson has been involved in music her whole life. She is a graduate of Crane School of Music in the SUNY system of NY, and also holds a Masters in Music Education. She vocal directed many musical shows while teaching in Red Hook, NY for 35 years. Amy also vocal directed and performed in shows at the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Theatre, playing Julia in Lend Me a Tenor and Sister Margaretta in The Sound of Music. Amy also spent 20+ years directing her church choir and is currently directing the Praise Ringers handbell choirs at New Covenant United Methodist Church here in The Villages. She is so pleased to be working with Players Theatre of the Villages. Thanks to Dellie and Dave Saxe for adding me to the fold!
Goodie Doust – Lookout / Society Max. Goodie Doust moved to The Villages in 2012. His first production was The Music Man in 2014. Since that first production he has been in Crazy For You, Carousel, Lewis in 1776 and Yussal in Fiddler On The Roof. He has appeared in Musicals In Concert, Mr. Bratt in How to Succeed in Business, and Pop in The Pajama Game. Goodie currently sings with the Tri-County Baptist Church Choir, and is a member of the Pops Chorus.
Brigitte Stevens - Doll. Brigitte Stevens spent most of her adult life raising two daughters with her husband Vic. In addition, she was an educator both in the classroom and as a school counselor. She did her debut in acting with the Village Theatre Production of The Revenge of the Red Feather Ladies and played the role of Barbara (the hypochondriac) and she now appreciates the opportunity to be in the Players Theatre Production of Guys and Dolls as a Gambler’s Doll named Connie.
Marsha “Blondie” Stach - Doll. Marsha Stach is a former business manager from Kansas. She was in a number plays in school and after, Hair, Oklahoma, South Pacific, and West Side Story, among others. She sang with a band in the 70's and 80's, from Kansas to California. Her first experience with Player's Theater was in The Pirates of Penzance and now Guys and Dolls. When not singing and acting, she enjoys working out and dancing on the squares.
Larry Wilson - Guy. Larry was born and raised on the near West Side of downtown Detroit: six blocks from Briggs Stadium (home of Tigers baseball and Lions football); in the other direction it was ten blocks to the Olympia (home of Red Wings hockey and later Pistons basketball). Larry is grateful to be a part of this show—it was one of his Brother Frank’s favorites. He thanks the producers and the directors for the opportunity. Larry is a veteran actor and last appeared in Hello Dolly! He dedicates this performance to the love of his life—Joyce.
Janet Landry - Doll. Janet is happy to be a Doll in this first-of-its-kind presentation of Guys and Dolls! After many years of performing to captive audiences in the role of “teacher”, Janet rekindled her love of theatre here in The Villages, working with multiple theatre groups in over a dozen productions, commercials, and a short film. Thanks Davey, and Break a leg, everyone!
Staff/Crew Bios
Patty O'Toole Desai - Director. Patty O'Toole Desai has spent most of her life involved with Theatre, both on stage and off. She has been an actor/singer/dancer, as well as a director, choreographer, stage manager ... and everything in between. Many thanks to The Players Theatre for the opportunity to be a part of the wonderful Creative Team for this very special show. Thanks to the Cast and Crew for their time, talent and patience. "You made it work, people!"
Dave Saxe – Stage Manager/Producer/House Manager. Dave is a former Actors Equity member with extensive professional acting and directing theatre credits. This Professor Emeritus (Penn State), served as Producing Artistic-Director at Nittany Theatre, one of America’s oldest summer-stock theaters, where he was blessed with the opportunity to work with many Broadway and other professionals. At the Savannah, with his local Players Theatre Company, Dave produced Guys and Dolls, The Villages first Gilbert and Sullivan production, The Pirates of Penzance, and directed the Central Florida debut of Calendar Girls. Also at the Savannah, Dave directed and appeared as “Cornelius” in Hello, Dolly!, Fredrick in Pirates of Penzance, Lawrence in Dirty, Rotten, Scoundrels, Billy in Carousel, Magaldi in Evita, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Luther Billis in South Pacific and another half-dozen shows with Evolution Dance. Some of his favorite past credits include Curly in Oklahoma, Fred/Petruchio in Kiss Me Kate, Gomez in Addams Family, and John Adams in 1776. In his theatrical career, Dave has appeared in, directed, and/or authored more than 100 musical-comedy-drama productions, with his best “long-term engagement” sharing the stage and life with his beautiful and multi-talented Dellie over the past 45 years... A shout-out to his many Softball Brothers in D4, D3, and D2... A last note, Dave and Dellie will star together inI DO! I DO! at The Savannah this February, 2026.
Cheri Lindell – Choreographer. Dance and the performing arts have been Cheri Lindell’s entire life and career. Cheri pursued a triple major in Theatre, Voice, and Dance at Kansas U., performed on television throughout the U.S. and Europe, and then transitioned from performing to choreography. Cheri choreographed and directed revues, musicals, and events before focusing on ballet. Cheri is the founder of one of the largest and most successful schools for the performing arts in the Chicago area, where her students have gone on to become professionals in major dance companies, on Broadway, actors on television and in films, as well as choreographers, teachers, and directors. Since coming to The Villages, she has choreographed for Evolution Dance Company, Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of Penzance, Hello Dolly! and is happy to be part of Guys and Dolls. Coming up soon are I Do! I Do! with Dave and Dellie Saxe and CATS with VMT.
Paul Carmignani– Technical Director. Paul is excited to be working on the Technical side of Guys and Dolls putting his Engineering Degree to good use. Since coming to the Villages in 2021 from Naperville, IL, he has performed on stage in eight productions, most recently as Judas/John the Baptist in Godspell. In addition to theater, Paul is a member of the Villages Pops Chorus and the Woodworkers Club. Paul would like to extend a special thank you to his wife, Patricia. There aren't enough words to express what your support means to me. Where words fail, music speaks.
Jude Holland-Costumes. Jude Holland is thrilled to be doing costumes and being backstage again. She has spent over 50 years as a costume designer, designing and building over 250 productions including Broadway, off-Broadway, regional, dinner theatre and academia. She thanks Dellie & Dave for this opportunity & a special thanks to her husband Alex & their standard poodle; Sir Chaz.
The Players Theatre of The Villages is a 501(c)3 Public Charity, Residential Lifestyle Club of The Villages. We represent a wide variety of individuals, all dedicated to bringing Quality Theater to The Villages. We perform our “Mainstage Productions” at The Savannah Center and our “Dinner Theater” shows at Ezell Recreation Center. Our next Savannah Center show is I DO! I DO! in February; and our next Dinner Theater production will be Singing In The Rain at Ezell, opening next Fall 2026. To learn more about us, see www.playerstheatre.biz.