Brave and Strong and True

Vince Leonard has a different Summer Stage journey from the rest of us. His genius spans many realms in the world of professional music as an educator, orchestrator, librarian, and arranger. In 1981, he heard Summer Stage was preparing Sentimental Journey, an evening of music from the big band era. Vince possessed many arrangements that helped the already incredible-sounding band raise the bar, performing with authenticity from earlier decades. The results led to incredible performances that ...

Jason Boyer is a second-generation Summer Stager. His journey begins with Children’s Theatre from 2007 to 2010. His first Main Stage performance was in 2011’s Titanic. In 2014, he became a staff member. This summer, Jason will be directing the Rising Stars at Summer Stage. He is a Teaching Artist for the Walnut Street Theatre and the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Listeners may contact Jason at jasonboyerta@gma...

Kristen Gibson joined the Summer Stage Apprentice program in 1991. She has fond memories of 1994’s Kids on Broadway, working with the legendary Matt Cloran and Dewy Oriente. As a child, she struggled with serious health issues that she still deals with today. Her Summer Stage journey now continues through her son, Michael. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, ...

Patrick Gorman became an official member of Summer Stage in 1980 but remembers hanging around earlier summers with his sister, Chris, and her husband, Dennis Bloh. Pat embraced the technical side of theatre and preferred to work backstage and in the control booth. After graduating from Monsignor Bonner High School and Temple University, Pat worked in various careers and eventually ended up out west, raising three children who have already embraced the magic of performing on stage. I hope you ...

Leslie Monaco is a current Upper Darby Summer Stage member looking forward to participating for four more years. She joined the program as a Rising Star and then an Apprentice. Leslie moved into the Children’s Theatre program when she turned 13. She is a graduate of West Chester University and works for the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia where she always runs into Summer Stagers. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Leslie’s links:Miscast Cabaret at SA...

Tyler Trafficante joined Summer Stage in 2009 as a Rising Star. He hung around for five summers, performing in the Children’s Theatre program. As an adult, Tyler plays tenor saxophone with the Polish American String Band, of the Philadelphia Mummers Association. He also is a current member of an online theatre company that produces the works of William Shakespeare. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .Tyler’s links:Polish American String Band’s New Year's Day...

Havertown native Emily Moylan began her Summer Stage journey as an apprentice. She moved her way up through Children’s Theatre and Mainstage productions. As her skills accrued, she held various staff positions. After receiving a degree from Temple University, Emily worked for Philadelphia Young Playwrights. She is a professional educator, administrator, theatre artist, and writer. Currently, Emily is on the administrative staff of Darlington Arts Center as their Assistant Director. I hope you...

Marcie (Turstlick) Bramucci remembers the initial impact Summer Stage had on her life as she experienced a 1987 performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She joined the program when she was age-eligible, participating in the Apprentice Program, Children’s Theater, and Mainstage. Her academic career took her to Point Park College before earning Master's Degrees from Villanova University and Columbia University. Marcie worked in media on both coasts before settling back in De...

Gerri Smith Weagraff is “Old Guard” Summer Stage. Her wonderful portrayals of classic musical theatre characters remain treasured in our memories. From 1977 to 1980, Summer Stage was the only place where Gerri performed. It was where she spent her summers while home from college, and she says it truly served as the foundation for her life onstage and off, developing such qualities as teamwork, commitment, respect, confidence, and much more. Musical theatre has always been a family affair for ...

I interviewed Steve Smith during our recent Christmas break since we are both teachers. He grew up in Highland Park and went to Bonner. Steve joined Summer Stage in 1981 when he turned eleven and thrived in the Children’s Theatre program. He fondly remembers the opportunity to be a pirate. He went to Villanova University for his first degree and earned his Masters at American University. He now teaches Social Studies at Downingtown East High School. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come ...