Carlisle Theatre

6 days ago

✨Artist Spotlights
The Time of Your Life (by William Saroyan)
February 27, 28, March 1, 5, 6, 7, 8
🎟️ carlisletheatre.showare.com/TimeofYourLife

Susan Vernon (Nick’s Mother) is returning to the stage after a several-year hiatus, having performed leading and supporting roles in many local theaters. Recently, she performed in The Vagina Monologues at the Carlisle Theatre. Her favorite role was Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret. Susan has served as an officer and a trustee of the Pennsylvania Poetry Society. She helped to develop and served as an officer for the Elk County Council on the Arts. She is developing her interest in sculpting and watercolor. Susan is a retired teacher having worked for 30 years in PA schools. She is a member of the UUCV church in Boiling Springs and sings in the choir.

R. J. Lesch (Director) is delighted to be part of Carlisle Players On High. Here, R.J. has portrayed Uncle Billy in It's a Wonderful Life, Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, Paul Sycamore in You Can’t Take It With You, Reverend Parris in The Crucible, and Renfield in Dracula. R.J. has also directed The Importance of Being Earnest (radio), QED, and (with Ashley Shade Byerts) the 2022 and 2024 stagings of A Steampunk Christmas Carol. Previously, R. J. worked with Punchinello Players in St. Paul, MN, where, among other things, he played McCarthy in his favorite play, The Time of Your Life. R.J. lives in Carlisle. He is an avid fencer and fencing coach, his specialty being sabre.

Lauren Gopi (Stage Manager) joyfully spends far too much time at the Theatre, serving as the Operations Manager, Company Manager for Players on High, and Resident Stage Manager. After living a whole other life, Lauren is now returning to her theatre roots, most recently stage managing To Kill A Mockingbird and A Steampunk Christmas Carol, show-calling Sylvia, and calling audio for School of Rock. Endless thanks to her children, Lena and JD, and especially to her husband Surag - I’ve never had more fun than I do visiting this honky tonk with you.

Scarlet Nishimoto (Assistant Director) is a proud Player on High at the Carlisle Theatre, where she has appeared in productions including Dracula and Steampunk Christmas Carol. She also performs as one of the live RPG players in Realms of Entropy’s Pest Control. Scarlet volunteers with Enchanting Adventures, a not‑for‑profit troupe providing character interactions for children with disabilities, first responders, military families, and those with health needs. Her creative reach extends to Hersheypark Dark Nights, where she has contributed both as a performer and as part of the set design team. The Time of Your Life marks her debut as an Assistant Director.

[Presented by Players on High at the Carlisle Theatre, 25/26 Mainstage Season.]

📸: Cody Myers ... See MoreSee Less

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Carlisle Theatre

6 days ago

✨Artist Spotlights
The Time of Your Life (by William Saroyan)
February 27, 28, March 1, 5, 6, 7, 8
🎟️ carlisletheatre.showare.com/TimeofYourLife

Surag Gopi (Society Gentleman) is back on stage for his second production ever, continuing his journey of expression, confidence, and passion. After a memorable debut as a Nosferatu in Dracula, this show reflects a deeper connection to his art, his audience, and the exciting path he’s still exploring. This appearance marks another meaningful step in his artistic journey, one shaped by heart, experience, and a genuine joy for living fully in the moment. When he’s not in the spotlight, Surag loves crafting cocktails, experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the beauty of nature, and, most importantly, cherishing time with his wonderful family and his backyard.

Making her first appearance at The Carlisle Theatre stage, Victoria Thompson (A Killer’s Sidekick and A Cop) is thrilled to work with Players on High. She has had the opportunity to be part of the concert and stage performance group of “In Days of Old” by local playwright, Elizabeth Drinks. When not on stage performing, you can find her bringing “The Shire of Mount Hope” to life as a townsfolk (with the Blackfryar company). She would like to give a big thank you to her mom, dad, sister and vocal coach for all their love and support.

Loralee Herman (Elsie) is thrilled to join Players on High for this production of The Time of Your Life, during the time of her life. Returning to the stage for her debut performance as a real-life grown-up, Loralee is brimming with gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to work alongside this fabulous and talented cast and crew. When she isn't soaking up the glory of being alive inside the Carlisle Theatre, she is spending time with her family, especially her four wonderful children, who have encouraged her and cheered her on all the way! Thank you to my village for helping make this happen!

Janelle French (Killer/A Society Lady) returns to the Carlisle Theatre stage as Killer and Society Lady. In Nick's bar, everyone is welcome and intolerance has no place. This message is as pertinent today as it was in 1939, and Janelle is thankful to play a role in such an important show. Her other credits with Players on High include Miss Scarlet in "Clue," Claire Ganz in "Rumors," and Tom/Phyllis/Leslie in "Sylvia," amongst others. She also played the Nurse in last summer's production of "Romeo and Juliet" with Shakespeare Page to Stage. When not performing, she spends her time caring for her family, designing hats, organizing people's homes, and spending time with friends. Janelle gives her thanks to the entire cast and crew for their dedication to the show and for bringing the characters to life. She's also eternally grateful to her husband, Tim, and their sons, Gabe and Max, for their continued support of her theatrical passions.

[Presented by Players on High at the Carlisle Theatre, 25/26 Mainstage Season.]

📸: Cody Myers ... See MoreSee Less

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Carlisle Theatre

1 week ago

✨Artist Spotlights
The Time of Your Life (by William Saroyan)
February 27, 28, March 1, 5, 6, 7, 8
🎟️ carlisletheatre.showare.com/TimeofYourLife

This is the first production for Francis Janton (Kit Carson) at The Carlisle Theatre! He most recently played Jacques Sauniere in the Divinci Code at Theatre Harrisburg. In retirement, he enjoys reading, gardening, and volunteering. Grateful to be part of this talented cast and crew, Francis would like to give a special thanks to R. J. Lesch and Lauren Gopi.

Kassie Shoup (Krupp/Woman’s Voice) is thrilled to return to the Players on High stage in The Time of Your Life. She was last seen at the Carlisle Theatre as Kate in Sylvia. Recent roles include Miss Forsythe in Death of a Salesman and Blanche Morton in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound, both at the Little Theater of Mechanicsburg. Kassie holds a BA in Dramatic Arts from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She moved to central Pennsylvania right after college to work at Allenberry Playhouse as their Props Manager, where she also performed in several of their murder mystery weekends. By day, Kassie works for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board as an IT Generalist. Outside of theater, she enjoys running and drinking beer (usually in that order) with the Harrisburg Beer Runners. “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” (Which may or may not have been said by Benjamin Franklin.)

Mike Shevlin (McCarthy) is excited to be appearing in the Players on High production of “The Time of Your Life.” He’s particularly grateful to RJ for the chance to play McCarthy. He’d like to thank his PoH theater family for their support and friendship and express his undying adoration for the amazing stage management team. Special thanks to his wife, Megan, for allowing him the time to pursue his stage addiction.

Russ is excited to return to Players on High and the Historic Carlisle Theatre. Russ’s theatrical experience spans a variety of roles, including Jonathan Harker in "Dracula", Uncle Dan in "Dying for a Slice", Pa Strong in "Urinetown", Baltus Van Tassel in "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", Topper in "A Steampunk Christmas Carol", Mr. DePinna in "You Can’t Take It With You", and as a member of the Ensemble in various shows, all of which were with Players on High. Whether onstage or off, Russ brings heart, humor, and a touch of the absurd to everything he does. While not on stage, Russ enjoys watching his kids play sports, as well as video & board games, and D&D with friends. He wishes to thank the fabulous cast and crew of "The Time of Your Life", and most importantly, his wife Amanda and kids: Abby, Aaron, and Cathryn, for all of their love and support through all the crazy schedule conflicts, schedule changes, and late nights. "Seek goodness everywhere, and when it is found, bring it out of its hiding-place and let it be free and unashamed." - William Saroyan - Prologue

[Presented by Players on High at the Carlisle Theatre, 25/26 Mainstage Season.]

📸: Myers Media ... See MoreSee Less

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