Meet the Cast
Larry Strauss (Professor Winslow Welk)
Dr. Jacob Craig (Dr. Bryson Macalester)
Dr. Jacob Craig (Dr. Bryson Macalester)
Dancing on the Dingle’s creator, Larry was VP of Administration at both Classics International Entertainment and Sears Logistics Services, Inc. in Chicago and Director of HR for Sears Corporate Headquarters in the Sears Tower. After taking an early retirement, he performed in 35 plays and musicals at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild and direc
Dancing on the Dingle’s creator, Larry was VP of Administration at both Classics International Entertainment and Sears Logistics Services, Inc. in Chicago and Director of HR for Sears Corporate Headquarters in the Sears Tower. After taking an early retirement, he performed in 35 plays and musicals at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild and directed Guild on the Go for 7 years. In 2018, for the lead role in his only film, he won “Best Actor” at the 2018 Kitchener, Ontario Film Festival. A volunteer in junior golf for over 20 years, Larry is in his 4th season with the VBHS Girls Golf team.
Dr. Jacob Craig (Dr. Bryson Macalester)
Dr. Jacob Craig (Dr. Bryson Macalester)
Dr. Jacob Craig (Dr. Bryson Macalester)
Dr. Jacob Craig is the Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. He received his Bachelor of Music Education and Piano Performance degree from Shorter University in Rome, GA before moving on to Tallahassee, FL to receive his M.M. in Choral Conducting and Literature under Dr. Andre Thomas at Florida State Unive
Dr. Jacob Craig is the Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach. He received his Bachelor of Music Education and Piano Performance degree from Shorter University in Rome, GA before moving on to Tallahassee, FL to receive his M.M. in Choral Conducting and Literature under Dr. Andre Thomas at Florida State University. As of 2019, Jacob completed his Doctorate of Sacred Music in Performance at the Graduate Theological Foundation and Oxford University. He is the Director of the Vero Beach Choral Society, ACTS Choristers, Sea Oaks Chorus, John’s Island Singers, and Silver Tones community choirs. Jacob is also a competitive highland bagpipe player and Pipe Major for the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums.
Mark Wygonik (Director)
Dr. Jacob Craig (Dr. Bryson Macalester)
Jeffrey Barkwell (Mayor Gipper Fitzgerald)
Mark moved back to Vero Beach in 1985, having grown up in this lovely little town, and immediately immersed himself in the Arts and Theater scene on the Treasure Coast. Between Riverside Theatre, the Children’s Theater, Encore Alley, and the Theatre Guild (all in Vero Beach), Pineapple Playhouse in St. Lucie County, and the Lyric and Barn
Mark moved back to Vero Beach in 1985, having grown up in this lovely little town, and immediately immersed himself in the Arts and Theater scene on the Treasure Coast. Between Riverside Theatre, the Children’s Theater, Encore Alley, and the Theatre Guild (all in Vero Beach), Pineapple Playhouse in St. Lucie County, and the Lyric and Barn Theaters in Martin County, Mark has Danced, Acted, Sang, Choreographed, Set & Costume Designed, Stage Managed, Directed, Produced, and ultimately served on the Board of Directors as President of the VB Theatre Guild. Musicals Mark has Directed include GYPSY, INTO THE WOODS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, A CHORUS LINE, EVITA, and CABERET.
Wygonik has received numerous awards and honors associated with Theater and The Arts, including 15 Best Set Design Genies, 4 Best Show Genies, the VBTG Jacobus-Seibert-Hazen Award for Excellence, and the Cultural Council of Indian River County’s highest honor, the Richard A. Stark Award for Cultural Leadership.
Mark is an active partner in M BAKERI A1A, M Boutique Intl., is a Personal Chef, is an Administrator for Art in Public Places for the Cultural Council of IRC, and is a Fine Artist specializing in Mixed Media.
Jeffrey Barkwell (Mayor Gipper Fitzgerald)
Tara Giovannone (Snipper Fitzgerald, Tralee)
Jeffrey Barkwell (Mayor Gipper Fitzgerald)
Hello my name is Jeffrey Barkwell and welcome to Dancing on the Dingle. I am a longtime resident of Vero Beach. I am retired from the beauty and hospitality industries. I met Larry and Carole Strauss through my participation at the VBTG. I was in the midst of an around the world trip when Larry called. But, when he asked me to be a part
Hello my name is Jeffrey Barkwell and welcome to Dancing on the Dingle. I am a longtime resident of Vero Beach. I am retired from the beauty and hospitality industries. I met Larry and Carole Strauss through my participation at the VBTG. I was in the midst of an around the world trip when Larry called. But, when he asked me to be a part of this project and told me that Dr. Jacob Craig is composing the score, I jigged my way straight home. I had often wondered how Santa and his elves had come to be partners. Well, now I know! Enjoy the show.
Paula Bushell (Eily More)
Tara Giovannone (Snipper Fitzgerald, Tralee)
Tara Giovannone (Snipper Fitzgerald, Tralee)
Paula Bushell, a proud Irish native, is delighted to be performing in Dancing on the Dingle, alongside her talented colleagues. She has enjoyed a diverse acting career, with credits including ‘Cash on Delivery’ at the VB Theater Guild, and TV work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Right Stuff, and several Disney promotions. With a passion
Paula Bushell, a proud Irish native, is delighted to be performing in Dancing on the Dingle, alongside her talented colleagues. She has enjoyed a diverse acting career, with credits including ‘Cash on Delivery’ at the VB Theater Guild, and TV work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Right Stuff, and several Disney promotions. With a passion for both stage and screen, Paula is excited to bring her love of storytelling and her Irish roots to this performance.
Tara Giovannone (Snipper Fitzgerald, Tralee)
Tara Giovannone (Snipper Fitzgerald, Tralee)
Tara Giovannone (Snipper Fitzgerald, Tralee)
Tara Giovannone is excited to originate the roles of Snipper and Tralee! Credits: The Sound of Music (Henegar Center), A Funny thing happened...forum (Vero Beach Theater Guild), Anything Goes (Cocoa Village Playhouse), 42nd Street (Cocoa Village Playhouse). Trained in ballet, tap, and jazz at The Radio City Rockettes Summer Intensive. Tar
Tara Giovannone is excited to originate the roles of Snipper and Tralee! Credits: The Sound of Music (Henegar Center), A Funny thing happened...forum (Vero Beach Theater Guild), Anything Goes (Cocoa Village Playhouse), 42nd Street (Cocoa Village Playhouse). Trained in ballet, tap, and jazz at The Radio City Rockettes Summer Intensive. Tara is a playwright and songwriter. She wrote an original musical, The 28th Street Boarding House, that will be performed at Vero Beach Theater Guild in May 2025! Tara earned her Bachelors of Electrical Engineering from University of South Florida and currently works at L3Harris.
Phil Markley (Uncle Killarney)
Dee Rose (Kate O’Sullivan, Inger Bjornstad Kringle)
Dee Rose (Kate O’Sullivan, Inger Bjornstad Kringle)
Phil is recently retired from 43 years of elementary teaching in Pennsylvania ! He has written and directed children’s theatre and appeared in over 30 musicals, several Forensic Files tv episodes and feature films, including The Billboard Movie, Killian’s Comeback, and Getting Grace. Phil has also performed in 10 Vero Beach Theatre Guild productions and served on the Board as a Director.
Dee Rose (Kate O’Sullivan, Inger Bjornstad Kringle)
Dee Rose (Kate O’Sullivan, Inger Bjornstad Kringle)
Dee Rose (Kate O’Sullivan, Inger Bjornstad Kringle)
"Ms. Dee"(Danell) Rose received her Bachelor of Music Theatre degree in 1982 from Shenandoah College and Conservatory (now University) arrived in Florida in 1983 with Musicana Enterprises. She landed in Vero Beach with Musicana at what use to be the Arena Dinner Theatre . While there she played roles as MS HANNIGAN in ANNIE, RUBY in DA
"Ms. Dee"(Danell) Rose received her Bachelor of Music Theatre degree in 1982 from Shenandoah College and Conservatory (now University) arrived in Florida in 1983 with Musicana Enterprises. She landed in Vero Beach with Musicana at what use to be the Arena Dinner Theatre . While there she played roles as MS HANNIGAN in ANNIE, RUBY in DAMES AT SEA, HEDDY LA RUE in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS, ANNA in KING AND I, CORY in BAREFOOT IN THE PARK and REGINA in LITTLE FOXES. She then performed at Riverside Theatre as EVA PERRON in EVITA, CASSIE in A CHORUS LINE, CARRIE PIPPERIDGE in CAROUSEL, SONYA in THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG, DOLLY in HELLO DOLLY and received her Equity Card as MAMA ROSE in GYPSY. At the same time Dee opened her own Dance Studio in Vero. Dee also worked as Assistant Director / Choreographer at RCT for Summer stage productions with the youth. It was there she heard of the Theatre teacher position opening at Vero Beach High School in 1987. She applied, was hired and remained teaching theatre for 35 years. While teaching she produced /directed 6 shows a year, had a Competition troupe that yearly received Superior ratings on One Acts and Individual Events at Florida State Thespian District and State Festivals and took students to NYC several times . She remained onstage while teaching as a Guest Artist at IRSC in roles of OUISER in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, GRANDMA IN LOST IN YONKERS and AUNT ELLER in OKLAHOMA. She also performed at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild while teaching in roles of MAME in MAME, DOLLY in HELLO DOLLY and MS TWEED in SOMETHNGS AFOOT. Dee retired from teaching in May 2022 and returned to the stage again at VBTG as BERTHE in PIPPIN, ROBERTA in MUSICAL CHAIRS, NARRATOR in ART and an ANCESTOR IN ADDAMS FAMILY. She has also directed TINSEL AND TIDINGS last CHRISTMAS and CHARLIE BROWN last spring. She held the office of Secretary of the board at VBTG and presently holds the office of President of the board at VBTG. Dee is also active at her church Our Savior Lutheran directing the Christmas Pageants.
Dee has 2 grown children, (Daniel and Katherine Homsher,) 2 beautiful Grand-daughters (Julianna and Abigail) and Luna, AJ,Soonie and Bobbi, her loving Fur Babies.
Carolyn Toohey (Ventry)
Dee Rose (Kate O’Sullivan, Inger Bjornstad Kringle)
Carolyn Toohey (Ventry)
Carolyn Wagner Toohey has been seen on many VBTG stages in ensembles and supporting roles, with her favorite roles Bianca/Lois in Kiss Me Kate and Irene Malloy in Hello Dolly. She enjoys singing with various choral groups, First Presbyterian church choir, and with her trio, The Almost Andrews Sisters, and singing with the VB FPC Preschoo
Carolyn Wagner Toohey has been seen on many VBTG stages in ensembles and supporting roles, with her favorite roles Bianca/Lois in Kiss Me Kate and Irene Malloy in Hello Dolly. She enjoys singing with various choral groups, First Presbyterian church choir, and with her trio, The Almost Andrews Sisters, and singing with the VB FPC Preschool. A loving Grammy to 5 grandkids warms her heart and provides lots of adventure! A retired Speech-Language Pathologist, she’s been married to her best friend and love, John for 33 years.
John Toohey (Kristopher Kringle)
Robin Volsky (Clancy Murphy, Captain Ivan Petrovich)
Robin Volsky (Clancy Murphy, Captain Ivan Petrovich)
John blew into Vero Beach in 1979 with Hurricane David after graduating from the U. of Maryland where he received a Criminology Degree while studying voice and musical theater. He enjoys retirement after completing 35 years as a state probation officer and as member of FPC enjoys singing and ringing in both choir and hand bells. John’s ap
John blew into Vero Beach in 1979 with Hurricane David after graduating from the U. of Maryland where he received a Criminology Degree while studying voice and musical theater. He enjoys retirement after completing 35 years as a state probation officer and as member of FPC enjoys singing and ringing in both choir and hand bells. John’s appeared as vocal soloist with many Treasure Coast musical organizations which currently include the Treasure Coast Choral and Vero Beach Choral Society. John and his wife Carolyn continue to make beautiful music together as they celebrate Wedding Anniversary’s every Valentine’s Day.
Robin Volsky (Clancy Murphy, Captain Ivan Petrovich)
Robin Volsky (Clancy Murphy, Captain Ivan Petrovich)
Robin Volsky (Clancy Murphy, Captain Ivan Petrovich)
This is Rob’s 50th year in Community Theatre. In 1972, he grew out and whitened his sideburns for his part as Pickering in his high school musical, “My Fair Lady”. This experience inspired him to pursue a masters degree in Theatre at CSULB in 1980. After teaching Makeup in LA, he landed a role with the USPS (which had a 20 year run!).
This is Rob’s 50th year in Community Theatre. In 1972, he grew out and whitened his sideburns for his part as Pickering in his high school musical, “My Fair Lady”. This experience inspired him to pursue a masters degree in Theatre at CSULB in 1980. After teaching Makeup in LA, he landed a role with the USPS (which had a 20 year run!). From 2010-2014, he earned several performance awards at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, as well as the Lifetime Achievement award in 2022. Now retired, (hah!), he still teaches Makeup Artistry, enjoys Pickleball, and makes his own sideburns
Dr. Carole Strauss (Stage Manager/Producer)
Robin Volsky (Clancy Murphy, Captain Ivan Petrovich)
Dr. Carole Strauss (Stage Manager/Producer)
Carole has held multiple volunteer positions at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, including Assistant Director, Stage Manager, Producer, Sound Chair, Board Treasurer and President. She also served as Treasurer and President of the American Association of University Women, Vero Beach, and is currently on the Executive Board. She has received s
Carole has held multiple volunteer positions at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, including Assistant Director, Stage Manager, Producer, Sound Chair, Board Treasurer and President. She also served as Treasurer and President of the American Association of University Women, Vero Beach, and is currently on the Executive Board. She has received several awards, including the Cultural Council’s Alma Lee Loy Award for Volunteer Leadership. Carole holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and is a licensed Psychologist with an active psychotherapy practice in Vero Beach. She is also on the adjunct faculty at Indian River State College.