Laurie Hardy

Laurie is overjoyed to be on stage again, especially working once more with Thom. Despite art imitating life somewhat here (aging actors always looking for the next show) this is yet another challenging role. Some past roles include Maria Callas (Master Class) M’Lynn (Steel Magnolias) Clairee (Steel Magnolias) Dotty Otley (Noises Off!) Mrs. Peachum (Threepenny Opera) Ethel Thayer (On Golden Pond) Amanda (The Glass Menagerie)…are you seeing the pattern here? Before the enforced hiatus, Laurie had been performing on area stages almost continuously for 15ish years. When not rehearsing, performing and/or studying lines she supports her husband’s barbershop chorus habit, and sometimes pretends to be a responsible adult. None of this could happen without the aiding and abetting from family and friends, whom I thank from the bottom of my voluminous makeup kit. As always, Papa, this curtain call is for you!

Thom Carroll

Thom is making his first appearance on the Kelsey Theatre stage and with Maurer Productions. Thom was born on Boston, MA and spent a good portion of his 20’s as an actor in that city. He then took a 34 year theatrical sabbatical to attend to family and career. He made a return to theatre in 2018 at Somerset Valley Players appearing as John in Calendar Girls, David in Rehearsal for Murder, Mike in Legally Grey (opposite the amazing Laurie Hardy), and most recently as Judge Gaffney in Harvey. He has also been seen as Efram in Circle Players’ production of The Nance, and as Tom in Center Players’ production of Dinner with Friends. Thom thanks his wonderful director Judi Parrish for the opportunity; Jennifer Boutros and our terrific crew for their hard work and professionalism. And a very special thank you Laurie for being the greatest stage wife, and, once again, putting up with his nonsense. Thom is the very proud father of Rachel and Emily. And he shares the remainder of his time with the beautiful and brilliant Mary Jane Carroll, who has earned a special place in Heaven for that duty.

John Maurer

Many

Diana Maurer

Judi Parrish

Judi is happy to be directing for MPO once again. With over 50 years in community theatre, she has credits as a director, musical director, producer, stage manager, set designer, lighting designer, sound designer and actress. Judi has a total of 18 NJACT Perry nominations, including nominations for lighting design, set design, sound design, directing, and acting; with 3 wins, one for acting (The Drowsy Chaperone – MPO), one for sound design (The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 – Villagers), and one for scenic design (NOISES OFF! – MPO). Other directing credits include: Godspell, Steel Magnolias, The Miracle Worker, Agnes of God, The Musical of Musicals: The Musical, A Streetcar Named Desire, Master Class, The Glass Menagerie, Proof, and Doubt, A Parable. Judi has a degree in Music Education, taught entertainment technology at Mercer County Community College, and is a member of the US Institute of Theatre Technology. When not doing theatre she spends her time with her cat, Filbert, going for long canal walks, and planning trips with her son and son-in-law!

Jennifer Boutros

Ruth Schanbacher

Combining a love of history and fashion into a love of theater behind the scenes, specializing in period works, Ruth's goal is for her costumed performer to see their character when they look into the mirror. With a knack for organizing both costumes and people, Ruth has enjoyed working with community theatre in PA and NJ. Recent Costume Design work includes Journey Into Broadway, Sound of Music and 33 Variations at the Kelsey Theatre; Mame!, Damn Yankees and Oliver! for Newtown Arts Company; Betrayal for Langhorne Players; The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Witness for the Prosecution, Red Velvet, An Inspector Calls, A Murder is Announced and a slew of shows for The Actors’ NET, where Ruth also served as the company Wardrobe Manager.

Jill Katz

Evan Paine

Jeff Cantor

Jeff’s recent theater work began in 2006 when he was asked to join the Board of Directors of Maurer Productions OnStage as Master Carpenter. Since that time, he has had the privilege to interpret John Maurer’s award-winning set designs in leading the set building efforts for every MPO since including: Driving Miss Daisy, Singin’ In The Rain, The Drowsy Chaperone, Avenue Q, and Noises Off. In addition, Jeff has served as Master Carpenter for other companies at Kelsey and even returned to the role of stage manager for Maurer Productions OnStage productions of A Few Good Men, and Aida. Jeff wishes to thank John Maurer for this opportunity and his continued mentoring. When not building sets, Jeff can be found tinkering with his ‘56 Imperial or chasing trains. To fund all of this fun, Jeff works for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, attempting to improve our air quality.

Dayley Katz

Camryn LeCain