Let’s Get to Know Each Other!
What Make Us WHO We Are? Read On
& Find Out! Enjoy!
WHO IS….
Jaini (J.J.) Barker
J.J. is Making her Stage Debut! Earlier this year, she worked backstage as a makeup artist. Now, she is thrilled to be a Hot Box Chick in Guys & Dolls! She hopes you enjoy her singing, dancing, and especially her big 2-word line. She’s grateful to be part of this amazing cast and looks forward to growing with the club.
Francine Baurer
A former Psychiatric Charge Nurse, this is Francine’s debut on the Starbright stage. She’s performed in belly dance, drill, & jazz shows while taking acting & theatrical makeup classes. She also directed a school play. She’s active in the SCS Theatre IMPROV class.
Phil Pupanek
Phil grew up in Chicago where he performed in several plays in High School. Moved to Las Vegas in 2003 and Sun City in 2015. He is a member of the Security Patrol and Dance Connection. He joined the Theater Club in 2025 and is excited to be in Guys and Dolls.
Ronnie Schwartz
Ronnie is excited to be a Crapshooter in our G & D’s Production! Moving to SCS in 2018 from Westchester, NY, (close to Broadway), she loved going to shows from the time she was very young! So grateful!
David Kandel
A former New Yorker, New York City, David spent most of his life in Orange County, CA. After retiring from the Retail Shoe business, he moved to Sun City. He’s joined several clubs & IMPROV & is enjoying this part of his life in SCS.
Paul Brandt
“Guys & Dolls” is Paul’s first time acting with SCS Theater, playing Sarah’s grandfather, Arvide Abernathy. Prior to appearing in Guys & Dolls he was an understudy in the SCSCTC production of “Rumors”. Earlier in his “career” he played David Slater in a community theater production of “The Moon is Blue.” After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Speech he spent many years in radio and television news, both on the air and in management. Thanks for supporting the Sun City Theatre!
Nancy Adler
Nancy Adler has enjoyed a prolific career in the theatre, primarily as a Stage Manager, Production Manager, Director, and Producer. She was Bob Fosse’s assistant for “Sweet Charity” in 1985 and a three-time producer of the Ovation Awards in L.A. Nancy loves musical theatre and has spent her life working behind the scenes, so she is very excited to rediscover the joy of being onstage in “Guys and Dolls”.
Marty Barris
Marty has proudly called Sun City Summerlin home for the past three years. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, he and his wife Jodie set out in search of the ideal retirement destination—and found it in vibrant Las Vegas! Guided by the belief that it’s never too late to embrace new adventures, Marty is making his stage debut in this production of Guys and Dolls. With roots in a musical family and a background in dance, he’s seamlessly found his rhythm within this energetic and welcoming club. All glory to God for the journey that brought him here.
DeAnne Shaheen
I was born in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Wayne State University with a Master of Art Degree in Speech Communications. I worked my way through college singing with Rock & Roll and easy listening bands in the Detroit area, mostly the suburbs and ten of those years at the Dearborn Townhouse with a nine-piece rock band, “Terry and the Topics.” I spent six months during Viet Nam in the far east entertaining troops with a 45-minute show on the military bases alternating with many name acts. I taught High School Speech and coached Forensics and Debate after college. I moved to Las Vegas in 1984 to work at Lotus Broadcasting Radio stations where I spent 40 years. I have lived in Sun City for four years and recently retired. This is my first experience with Drama since High School, and I am honored to be a part of this experience. Watch for her portrayal of Sarah in “Guys and Dolls” this fall!
Jeanie Doane
Jeanie grew up in Seattle and moved to Sun City in 2007. She joined the Sun City Community Theatre in 2016 and landed her first role as the loud-mouthed G-Man in the play “You Can’t Take It With You”. She enjoyed her role in “Grease” playing a cheerleader and dancer, and had fun as a burglar in “In The Bag”. She enjoys hiking, travel, and photography and going out for live music and dining with friends.
Lida Derrin
Lida was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto. In 1997 she moved to the US with her husband and daughter. She has been a resident of Sun City Summerlin since March 2023. Lida fell in love with the performing arts as a child. She took ballet and jazz classes, performed in school and community plays, and sang in school and church choirs. As a foreign language teacher and speech and language pathologist, Lida performed daily in her classroom and encouraged her students to embrace the performing arts by infusing her lessons with skits, song and dance. Lida is new to our club, but has been a member of the Sun City Summerlin Dance Company since 2014. Look for her as General Cartwright in “Guys and Dolls” this October!
Adrianne Gentile
Adrianne has been with our SCS Community Theater since moving here from Long Island. Among her many roles, she’s played an ax murderer, a ballerina, and an orchid grower. Her favorite roles were portraying Essie Carmichael in “You Can’t Take It With You”, Hariet Stanley in “The woman Who Came To Dinner”, Abby Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace”, Patty Simcox, the head cheerleader, in “Grease.” and recently as Polly Benish in “PLAY ON!” In addition to being an actress, Adrianne is a professional artist, as well as a published writer and poet.
Lynne Marie Smith
Playing Chris Gorman in “Rumors” is Lynne’s first show with SCS Community theatre, after taking a 40+ year break from community theatre. Discovering a one-act play festival in high school and playing the crazy maid in Eugene Ionesco’s “The Bald Soprano” gave Lynne the acting bug. She went on to play a variety of non-singing parts including “Piglet”, “Dodo the Clown”, “A Werewolf”, and other fun roles. She recently portrayed Chris Gorman in “RUMORS” . She wishes to come back in her next life with a beautiful singing voice.
Timothy Nolan
A recent Sun City Summerlin resident, Tim played Ken Gorman in “Rumors” as his first role with the SCS Community Theater. Recently, he’s been cast as Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls”, coming in October.
Greg Hoffspiegel
Growing up on the East Coast, Greg was immersed in the vibrant world of Broadway, sparking a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. Now, he’s making his debut performance on the Starbright stage, as Ernie, the therapist. When he’s not enjoying IMPROV classes, he works in the health field, providing support for patients wishing to remain comfortably in their home. His first performance on the Starbright stage he portrayed Ernie Cusack in “RUMORS”.
Wendy Garrido
Born in England, Wendy always had a desire to perform. In her 50’s she began singing, acting and being British – including many pantomimes. After moving to Las Vegas, she joined the Silvertones & the SCS Community Theatre, where she’s performed in “Shakespeare for People Who Hate Shakespeare”, Dr. Einstein in “Arsenic & Old Lace”, Rheba in “You Can’t Take It With You”, “The Woman Who Came To Dinner”, Ethel Chauvenet in “HARVEY”, Sandy in “ GREASE”, & Phyllis Montague in “PLAY ON!”.
Michele Barbera
Michele has written commercials, appeared in PSA spots, hosted Christmas and Memorial Day parades and the local Jerry Lewis telethons for Beloit, Wisconsin Cablevision channel. While appearing in Civic and Regional Theatre, she played Honey in “Lo and Behold”, Josefa in “A Shot in the Dark”, Beatrice in “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds”, Sally Bowles in “I Am a Camera”,and Gwen in “5th of July”. After 43 years away from theatre, she is so thrilled to join this group of talented, loving, generous people. “I am blown away by the kindness of these artists! Good people, as they say, good times! “
Nancy Murphy
Nancy grew up in Oxnard, California and moved to Hawaii at 29 years old in 1979. After returning to the Mainland in 2004, she traveled the country in a motor home for 5 years before settling Northern Florida. Thirteen years later, she moved to Las Vegas. She’s ushered for SCS Theatre shows since 2021 and is a Member of the Members Committee as well as helping actors with their makeup.
John Murphy
John began life in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up as an Air Force brat from Okinawa to England before he turned 14 years old. He returned to Omaha to finish his schooling before joining the Navy. He traveled the Pacific ocean while with the Navy before they ‘dumped’ him in Hawaii, where he stayed until 2004. John joined the SCS Theatre a couple of years ago and is cast as Lt. Brannigan in “Guys and Dolls”.
Mari Pupanek
Mari’s love for Theatre began at age 6 when she played Little Bo Peep in a school play, and sang duets in church with her mom, (whom was very theatrical and proudly shared her love of Theatre and Music with her children.) She continued during grade school, high school, 20’s (sometimes, also alongside her mom) and into her 30’s and 40’s. She is blessed to now be with the Sun City Theatre Company both Onstage and Backstage, and especially grateful when she is able to perform alongside her sister, Linda. She recently played the comical assistant to Phyllis Montague in “PLAY ON!” and will perform as a Hot Box Girl in “Guys and Dolls”! PS: Lots of Great people in this club! 🙂 #Awesome!
Joel Raiman
Joel’s performed several times with the SCS Community Theatre. He was the Dream Husband in “GREASE” and played Fred Casely in “CHICAGO”, Officer Welch In “RUMORS” and now as Big Jule in “Guys and Dolls” He is a member of the Dance Connection Dancing and Drumming Performance group and the Sun City Dance Company. Joel is a Standardized Patient for the UNLV School of Medicine and School of Nursing. He had a 50-year career as a registered pharmacist and now works as a background actor for movies and TV shows and is a content creation actor on social media.
Linda Brandt
Linda has been a proud resident of Sun City for 8 years and a member of the SCS Theater for 6 years. She has appeared in “GREASE”, “CHICAGO” , Dr. Bradley in “The Woman Who Came to Dinner” and recently in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” , Louise in “PLAY ON!” and now as a HOT BOX GIRL in “Guys and Dolls”. She is also a member of the Sun City Dance Company. She would like to thank the entire cast and crew for all the fun and encouragement.
Sharon Beilman
A southern Missouri native, Sharon first got involved with the SCS Theatre club upon arrival in Sun City Summerlin. Her first performance was as the Queen in :The Curse of Franzalvania Hollow”. She then performed in “Manhattan Melodrama” and most recently as a Geminae in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”. In between performances, she’s been a club volunteer and helped out backstage. She’s really excited about the great friends in the theatre and considers them family.
Paul Beilman
Born in Hays, KS, Paul has enjoyed a rebirth on live stage. He is very excited to be working with the fine actors and support groups Paul loves of the SCS Community Theatre. He’s performed in the LV Fringe Festivals as well as several local theaters throughout the LV Valley. You’ve seen him on the Starbright Stage as Ed Carmichael in “You Can’t Take It With You”, Bert Jefferson in “The Woman Who Came to Dinner”, Roger in “GREASE”, Amos in “CHICAGO”, the Circus Publicus in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”.and Lenny Gantz in “RUMORS”. Other credits include “House of Tomorrow”, & ” Jack Benny’s Not 39 Anymore”. Paul’s always happy to be on stage with his theatre family. Thanks to everyone for supporting the arts!
Joe Buonanno
Joe’s a professional guitarist and vocalist that performs locally in Sun City and various Las Vegas locations. His first SCS Community Theatre appearance was as the Teen Angel in “GREASE”. He recently played Senex in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” at the Starbright Theatre. He’s also contributed as a backstage singer, as needed.
Sarah Horn
Sarah began her SCS Community Theatre experience as a Protean in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” and is now appearing as a HOT BOX GIRL & a Crapshooter in “Guys and Dolls”. She’s always had an interest in theatre and recently performed in Temple Sinai’s “Grease Purim” production. Originally from Israel, she grew up in CA and moved to Sun City in 2020. She performed in the May 2025 SCS Dance Company show. She’s also a member of the Dance Connection and takes an array of their dance classes. She also enjoys Zumba and Pilates. She loves traveling, partying with friends and supporting local entertainers.
Kathy Zanghi
Born and raised in California, Kathy has a BA, Science from Cal State Northridge & was a Laboratory Manager and Financial Manager for 2 Companies. She enjoys Aquasize, Travel Club and Theater Club & spending time with her child and grandchild. She’s appeared in “In the Bag”, “CHICAGO” and recently as one of the Geminae in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” & an ensemble member is “Guys and Dolls”. She also has assisted the Sun City Performers with their holiday shows.
Sybil Raiman
Sybil has performed in four productions with the SCS Theatre Community. She was a student/dancer in “GREASE”, Liz in “CHICAGO”, Vibrata in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” , Officer Wendy in “RUMORS” and a HOT BOX GIRL in “Guys and Dolls”. After a 30-year teaching career, she now works as a content creation actor on social media and as a background actor for several movies and TV shows. Sybil is a member of Dance Connection and the Sun City Dance Company. She has a BFA from UCONN where she was a Theatre major and an M. Ed. from UNLV.
Rudy Maurizio
Rodolfo Roberto Giuseppe Maurizio (easily translated to Rudy) is a native New Yorker who came to Las Vegas as a result of his first visit to the city when he was only 5 years old. Many trips later convinced him to come live here for good. He’s very familiar with NY Broadway and directed a number of plays when he was teaching History at his former High School. Among his acting credits was that of Martha Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace”, when he was a student in an all-boys high school. He’s contributed to the SCS Community Theatre as an Assistant Director for “HARVEY”, part of the ensemble in “CHICAGO”, “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” & a Detective in “PLAY ON!”.
Denise Altruda
Denise is a retired paralegal from New York. She came to Las Vegas because there was a “shortage of white-haired show girls” and she is filling the void. You may have seen her in tap shows and ushering at the Starbright and also as a Protean in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”. She’s was our Fantastic Stage Manager for “PLAY ON!” and Myra Brock in “RUMORS”.
John Mura
A Yale graduate, John is a musician, songwriter, writer & avid golfer. He wishes he had a nickname like Max or Murray because he thinks his name is so forgettable. An enthusiastic traveler, he once quit his job, sold his condo, and traveled the world for 180 days. He dreams of making a film, producing a play, releasing an album of his original songs & taking another trip around the world. This is his 3rd production with SCS Theatre, recently as Dr. Sanderson in “HARVEY” Hero in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”, Stephen Sellers in “PLAY ON!” and Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls”.
Kim Fannin
Kim’s performed with SCS Theatre since 2013, including portraying Sherry Whiteside in “The Woman Who Came to Dinner”, Grandma Vanderhof in “You Can’t Take It With You”, Frenchy in “GREASE”, Mary Sunshine in “CHICAGO”, Judge Gafney in “HARVEY”, Domina in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” the Stage Manager, Aggie, in “PLAY ON!”, Cookie in “RUMORS” and Nicely Nicely in “Guys and Dolls”. Before moving to Vegas, her shows included “30 Plays in 60 Minutes”, “With Their Eyes” & Rachel in “Confessions From the Ladies Room”. Besides acting, Kim is the Theatre’s Communications Director, Teaches IMPROV classes & maintains the theatre website, emails and Facebook & Instagram pages. She also is a self-employed artist who creates greeting cards and calendars.
Happy Buonanno
After retiring, Happy joined the SCS Theatre club in 2021 and debuted in the production of “The Butler Did It” . She followed that with performances in “CHICAGO”, Myrtle Mae Simmons in “HARVEY”, Hysterium in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” Gerry the Director in “PLAY ON!” & Claire Gantz in “RUMORS”. “Forum” was her first time in a singing role. She also loves golfing and RV trips with her husband, Joe.
Joann Hess
A retired school counselor/teacher, Joann & her husband, Al moved to Las Vegas from Michigan. When her Jazz Class started performing in SCS Theatre plays, she decided to join the club. She’s been an essential part of our backstage crew and is a wonderful Props Mistress. You’ve seen her in “GREASE” and “CHICAGO” and now in the upcoming “Guys and Dolls”.
Trish McKinzie
RUMORS is Trish’s third performance with SCS Community Theatre. Her first was playing a Protean in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”, followed by playing Smitty in “Play On!” & Deputy Pudney in “RUMORS”. You can see her now in “Guys and Dolls” in October, where she is also an Assistant Choreographer. She experienced her first stage performance as a dancer (tap and jazz) in Sun City Dance Company’s last show “Dance Into Spring” and will continue dancing as well. Trish absolutely loves living here with her two cats, but if she must go on vacation, cruising is her favorite way to go.
Mary Lee
Mary has been active in the SCS Community Theatre for 20 years! She’s portrayed witty characters in shows like Miss DePinna in “You Can’t Take It With You”, “GREASE”, “CHICAGO “, Mrs. Betty Chumley in “HARVEY”, “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”. She recently appeared as Head Majorette in “The Music Man”, with 4 generations of her family in Morristown, NJ. She’s a tapper and Drill Team member. Her infectious smile and zest for life inspires us.
Marla Lagatutta
Marla’s lived in Sun City Summerlin for 23 years and recently joined the theatre group. Recently seen as Gymnasia in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”, her first adventure into the acting world. She’s also spent time on stage in a jazz dance production at Starbright Theater, highlighting Bob Fosse music.
Allen Lentz
Allen was born in Hays, KS, then grew up in the small Illinois town of Grayville. After enlisting in the Marine Corp in 1966 and retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1986, he went to work at Lockheed Martin. There, he was a Senior Field Engineer supporting the Marine Corp until he retired in 2012. He shares Sun City life with his wife, Laureen. Besides singing with the Musicmakers, he has appeared with the theatre group as Doody in “GREASE” & Miles Gloriosis in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”.
Patricia Zeller
Patricia moved to Sun City 2 years ago and has enjoyed being a part of the theatre club as well as the piano/organ club. Having played the piano since she was 8 years old and classically trained, she has found the theatre club exciting – both on stage and behind the stage. Patricia’s first SCS stage performance was as Panacea in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”.
Joey Connolly
A New Yorker who migrated to Las Vegas in 2020. With his role in PLAY ON!, This will be his 6th stage appearance since his high school play in 1976 when he portrayed Dr. Witherspoon in “Arsenic and Old Lace”. He portrayed Peter Flimsey in “The Butler Did It” for his 1st role on the Starbright Theatre stage. His other roles were Sgt. Fogarty in “CHICAGO”, E.J. Lofgren in “HARVEY” and Erronius in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” and Stanley Grimes in “PLAY ON!”.
Roger Storkamp
A resident since the millennium, and having escaped Minnesota winters and a couple thousand former high school students, Roger fills his retirement with singing (MusicMakers,, Silvertones & choir), writing (memoirs -including his own- and novels and haikus), some acting and a bit of gambling. He & his wife, Laurie, love living in Sun City. He’s performed in many SCS Theatre shows, most recently as Mr. Witherspoon in “Arsenic & Old Lace” and Vince Fontaine in “GREASE”. Roger also is the kind soul who prints the programs for our shows! Thank you so much!
Doris Noon
“A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” was Doris’s first foray into community theatre. She liked it so much, she returned to play Diana Lassiter in “PLAY ON!” . You’ll see her next in “Guys and Dolls”. Originally from New York, she’s had opportunities to dabble in everything; from pumping gas to designing toys, finally landing in a fabulous career with the airline industry, where she met her partner in life & mayhem, Jerry. The daughter of an extrovert, she was signed up for classes in ballet, art, drama, violin, boating, and survival, culminating in a breakthrough performance on Bob McCallister’s Wonderama A-GoGo and here for you, today. Her mom would be proud!
Victoria Ochoa
Victoria started in television at the age 5, dancing on a children’s show. From there it was commercials, walk on parts and theatre. After touring with Merle Haggard, & modeling for L’eggs and Levi’s, she returned to her chosen career in medicine, but kept her dramatic spirit alive in community theatre. She played Maggie Cutler in “The Woman Who Came to Dinner”, Laura Carlyle in “The Butler Did It”, Mrs. Harper in “Arsenic & Old Lace”, the MC in “CHICAGO” Veta Louise Simmons in “HARVEY”, Madame Lycus in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”, and Cassie Cooper in “RUMORS”. She has also been our Assistant Director for “PLAY ON” , “RUMORS”. Watch for her next performance as Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls” in 2025.
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