Norman Fell

Norman, a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of Temple University, came to Allenberry in 1952 with considerable radio and stock experience. Mr. Gage cast Norman as Oscar Jeffe in Twentieth Century. The part had been originated by Jose Ferrar and Gage spoke of his new actor as “A second Jose Ferrar.” He further described Norman as “A real find.” Allenberry audiences were delighted with his entertaining and varied roles in the next five shows including the father, Dr. Sloper, in The Heiress and the ruthless gangster, Duke Markee, in Petrified Forest. Although best known as Mr. Roper on TV’s “Three’s Company,” Norman has appeared in countless films and television programs.

Shelly Berman

Shelly is best known as a stand-up comedian and has produced several best-selling comedy record albums. His routine “The Morning After the Night Before” is considered a comedy classic. Shelly appeared on the Allenberry stage in 1955 as the comedy lead in King of Hearts with Jere Heinze in a supporting role. Shelly made a half dozen films including The Wheeler Dealers and Son of Blob. In recent years he has been doing both comedic and dramatic roles on television.

John McMartin

An Allenberry Player for four seasons — 1954 through 1958 — John McMartin performed a total of thirty-five shows on our stage. Even as John was starring in such local productions as Strange Bedfellows, No Time for Sergeants and Brigadoon, he was gaining a reputation in New York and eventually landed the male lead opposite Gwen Verdon in Sweet Charity. He reprised the role in the film version with Shirley McLaine. John gives much credit for the numerous successes in his prolific career to his time at Allenberry under Mr. Gage’s direction. On Broadway McMartin received Tony nominations for Sweet Charity, Moliere’s Don Juan and, most recently, for his portrayal of Cap’n Andy in Show Boat. Films include All the President’s Men, Legal Eagles, Brubaker, and Blow Out. John has appeared in dozens of TV shows, including “Cheers,” “Coach,” “Frasier,” “Murder She Wrote,” and “Law and Order.” Presently, McMartin is in rehearsal for High Society, his nineteenth Broadway show.

Eileen Brennan

Eileen Brennan, noted both for her acting and voice, was cast by Mr. Gage in 1957 to play the lead in By Hex, the first ever musical production on the Allenberry stage. She returned the following season to star in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Brigadoon. Eileen left Allenberry to originate the title role in Little Mary Sunshine Off-Broadway. Later, she was featured on Broadway in Hello Dolly. In Hollywood Eileen appeared in more that forty films, including The Sting, The Blue Knight and The Last Picture Show. In Private Benjamin her tough sergeant role was seen on both the large and small screen. Eileen continues to guest star in various television programs and was seen recently in the acclaimed cable film If These Walls Could Talk.

Roy Scheider

Graduating from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Roy was a leading man at Allenberry in 1960 where he received praise for his comedic ability in such productions as Cradle Snatchers, The Gazebo and Mister Roberts. It was in Hollywood that Roy made the best use of his Allenberry training. His film successes include Klute, The French Connection, Jaws, and Marathon Man. He undoubtedly called upon his theatrical roots when he did the lead role in Bob Fosse’s semi-autobiographical film All That Jazz. Roy was nominated for an Academy Award for both The French Connection and All That Jazz. Most recently he starred in the TV sci-fi adventure series “SeaQuest.”

Jerry Lacy

Jerry made an auspicious debut on our stage during the 1967 season in John Loves Mary turning the relatively minor part of Lt. Victor O’Leary into a comedy gem. Other performances included Ralph Kepleman in Early to Bed, William Marshall in Little Foxes, and Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple with Don Draper as Felix Unger. While working at Allenberry Jerry was called to New York to do a role in Woody Allen’s Broadway production of Play It Again Sam. Jerry is considered the consummate Humphrey Bogart. He reprised his role in the film version, and has appeared in countless commercials as Bogie. Jerry also spent several years on the gothic soap opera “Dark Shadows”.

John Travolta

In 1971 John Travolta arrived at the Allenberry Playhouse for the summer musical season. A role in the chorus of She Loves Me was preceded by the part of Bobby Van Husen in The Boy Friend. John sang and danced to “Won’t You Charleston with Me?” and “The Riviera.” While he was at Allenberry he became a member of Actor’s Equity and so officially began his professional career. Since his summer in Boiling Springs, Travolta has become one of the top box office draws in America. He first gained national recognition with the role of Vinnie Barbarino in TV’s “Welcome Back Kotter.” Since then he has starred in thirty films such as Carrie, Saturday Night Fever, Grease, Urban Cowboy, Pulp Fiction, and Get Shorty. John received an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in Pulp Fiction. His revived popularity is demonstrated with three films released in 1997, Mad City, She’s So Lovely and Face/Off. We await the opening of Primary Colors.

Shirley Jones & Marty Ingels

While Shirley Jones is a good friend of Allenberry today, we did not play a part in her early success. This is not true of her husband, comic Marty Ingels. In 1957, known as Martin Ingerman, he landed his first professional job at Allenberry and appeared in such productions as The Caine Mutiny Court Martial, Harvey, and The Solid Gold Cadillac. In 1994, Shirley, Academy Award Winner for Elmer Gantry and star of more than twenty feature films including Oklahoma and The Music Man, as well as the classic TV series “The Partridge Family,” and Marty came to the Allenberry Playhouse to perform Love Letters. Their one-week appearance played to rave reviews, packed the theatre nightly, and their unique “star quality” personalities enhanced the contemporary heritage of the Allenberry Playhouse.