Officers
Michael Connor / President president@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
Michael joined the Playhouse board in 2020 and was elected its President in 2023. He is a theater lover and a long-time attendee of Playhouse productions and events. He and his wife, Noni, have owned a home in Phoenicia for more than 30 years and became permanent residents in 2020. A former media executive and award-winning journalist (The Wall Street Journal, ABC News), Michael now serves as executive director of a nonprofit organization that advocates for corporate accountability in the tech sector. He is also a board member of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development.
Suzanne Frank / Treasurer treasurer@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
Suzanne has been involved with the management and growth of small- to medium-size non-profit organizations in women’s health and environmental education since receiving her Master of Public Administration from NYU Wagner School of Public Service in 1990. Until her involvement with the Playhouse, her community theater experience was limited to stage crewing for several productions during high school. Suzanne moved to Mount Tremper in 2017 and joined the board in the Fall of 2019 inspired by Michael Cioffi’s call for volunteers at a Playhouse fundraiser.
Allen Vella / Secretary allen@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
After a 40-year career in construction management in NYC, Allen and his wife Gisi relocated to Phoenicia in 2015. Allen believes strongly in community service and is grateful to be able to contribute his time and experience to the Phoenicia Playhouse. He helped lead construction of the new front porch of the Playhouse in 2019 and now advises on plans to maintain and renovate our historic theater building. Allen joined the board in 2018.
Board of Directors
Mike Cioffi / Director (Past President) mike@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
Mike joined the board in 2014 because he hopes to make the theater a central location for the growing arts movement in the Phoenicia area. He is the owner and operator of two popular local restaurants – The Phoenicia Diner and Dixon Roadside. Mike formerly founded Showman Fabricators, growing the company for 25 years into one of NYC's largest scenic shops serving Broadway theater, television and other industries. Mike served as president of the Playhouse board from 2016-2023
George Muller / Director, Production FOH george@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
George brings over 40 years of experience in the entertainment industry, most recently as Senior Director of Production and Artist Administration of The Philly Pops. He is chairman emeritus of CosaCosa Art at Large and a director of Heritage Productions in Philadelphia. George now resides in the Catskills.
Liz piccoli / Director liz@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
Liz graduated from Rutgers University with a major in English and Journalism and a minor in Communications; she was MVP of the 1st Place National Championship Rutgers University Dance Team. Professionally, Liz has worked as a performer, director and choreographer for stage, opera and film, and as a dramaturg, teaching artist and producer. Career highlights: teaching artist/choreographer for a children’s program (Ohana Arts) in Oahu, Hawaii; choreographer for the Little Prince opera in Milan, Italy; and co-producer/director/choreographer of Spandex the musical (now in audio podcast format). She lives in Woodstock with her husband, Michael, and three pups and loves the upstate life. Liz looks to the Phoenicia Playhouse as an opportunity to help develop new work, aid in enhancing the children’s program and build an artistic bridge for the community to grow and thrive
Ovi Vargas / Director, Interim Artistic Director ovi@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
Ovi is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory and a veteran of over 300 shows. He has worked nationally and internationally as an actor, singer, dancer, stunt man, director, choreographer and playwright. Ovi wrote “Roamin’ Catholic,” a play performed for the Playhouse via Zoom during the pandemic lockdown, and starred in the highly successful 2021 Playhouse production of “Our Town,” playing the role of The Stage Manager. In the Playhouse’s 2023 season Ovi Directed the production of “The Addams Family” which sold out 3 weekends in a row and finished off our scripted season by directing and performing in his original play “What Would Ester Williams Do In A Situation Like This?”.
Rebecca Brown Adelman / Director rebbecca@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
Rebecca co-founded and co-directed The Interactive Theatre Project, a program at the University of Colorado at Boulder, which used theatre as a medium for education, dialogue and as a means to create social change. With an extensive background in theatre and improvisation from New York City, Rebecca studied at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Circle Repertory, HB Studios and received her MA in drama therapy for New York University. Rebecca is an actor, director, and writer with years of comprehensive training in Social Justice theory and practice. Rebecca has created and facilitated hundreds of performances and dialogues on issues impacting community all over the country.
Roman Pietrs / Director roman@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
Roman is the lead Graphic Designer for his company Roman Pietrs Designs. He is also an actor/musician originally from St. Paul, MN. After studying journalism and advertising at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Roman moved to NYC. Roman was one of the founding members of the Off-Broadway hit, The Donkey Show.
Faye Storms / Director faye@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
Faye is Realtor & Owner and operator of The Blue Barn Marketplace. Faye studied at F.I.T. After graduating Magna Cum Laude with one Degree in Fashion Design and another in Illustration. She is currently the Town of Shandaken Deputy Supervisor and Co- Chair of the UCIDA (Ulster County Industrial Development Agency). As past President of the Shandaken Chamber of Commerce, The Shandaken Women's Network and board member of the Belleayre Conservatory, Shandaken Theatrical Society, Shandaken Planning Board and Rotary member, she has always been involved in the local community.
David congdon / Director david@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
David Congdon received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Santa Clara University, CA, after which he did theatrical sound mixing and design in New York City in the 1970’s and early 80’s. His work has included A Chorus Line at the Public Theatre, Tom O’Horgan’s Architect and the Emperor of Assyria at Café La Mama, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Eliot Feld Ballet, various Broadway musicals, and Radio City Music Hall. He has a Master’s Degree in Interactive Telecommunications from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. David is a retired Telecommunications manager and previously worked for Citibank and AT&T. He is the president of the Phoenicia Arts Center, Ltd. board of directors.
MAURA RAPKIN / Director maura@phoeniciaplayhouse.com
With bachelor's degrees in both Film and Media Studies and Environmental Science from the University of Rochester, Maura is driven by a deep appreciation for artistic expression and sustainable practices. Her career as an NYC chef, regenerative-trained farmer, and founder of consulting company Napkin LLC showcases her leadership in the food and agriculture sector, guided by principles of community engagement and enlightened hospitality. Maura's management experience at renowned venues like Breads Bakery, The Modern, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, combined with her MBA and Masters in Food Studies from Chatham University, provides a robust background in operational excellence and sustainable business solutions. She is passionate about leveraging her expertise to support the Phoenicia Playhouse in achieving its strategic goals and fostering community connection.
