BRUCE LIBY

Bruce Liby is a founding actor of the Malverne Community Theatre, having performed with the company since its first show, Once Upon a Midnight Dreary (which was staged at Crossroads Farm). Over the years he has acted in live plays, videos, film, radio plays, and improv. Bruce has also written a number of scripts that were performed by the troupe. He is a member of the MCT Board of Trustees who has lived in Malverne for twenty years. He is currently a Professor of Physics at Manhattan University.

NILES WILSON

Niles is grateful to return to the MCT Stage for his second production! Last year, he made debut with the company as Orlando in ‘As You Like It.’ 

Niles is a proud Malverne High School Graduate (2023, GO MULES!) as well as an artist, director, & aspiring actor. He is currently a student at Fashion Institute of Technology, where he graduated with an Associates degree in Fine Arts, and is returning to school for a Bachelors degree in Advertising, Marketing & Communications.

He extends his eternal thank you for coming to support the show, and MCT- and is very glad to be playing the worlds most trustworthy government official.

BILLY CALLAHAN

Billy Callahan is excited to make his return to Shakespeare on the farm.  

Billy Callahan was born and raised right here in Malverne and currently lives in Lynbrook with his wife and 2 children. 

Billy has been in several productions here at the farm. Last year's “As you like It” he played Oliver the antagonist. 

He has done several Impov shows with the Malverne Community Theatre, as well as some radio readings. 

Billy came to the theatre company through the director, Dave. They met while doing the first Malverne High School  alumni show at Malverne High School, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." 

Some additional credits include stand-up comedy at several different venues. As well as a guest starring role on General Hospital where Billy received his SAG-AFTRA card for his work on the series. 

Some other small roles and independent films include “Dreams of Buses,” “The Yards”, and “My Funny Valentines “ 

Life got in the way of his acting and stand-up career in 2003. Billy was grateful to pick it up and try again in 2020. He has a love for the arts, especially comedy and making people laugh. He continues to persue his passion for the love of the craft. He looks forward to growing the Malverne Community Theatre and his own acting career into the future. 

JONLUC THOMPSON

JonLuc Thompson is an alumni of Malverne High School, and is currently pursuing a degree in Music Management at CUNY. He has performed in many theatre productions, and this is his third performance with MCT. In previous years, he’s been in the productions of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" and "Macbeth". He is extremely excited to bring Antony to life in this year’s performance of Julius Caesar.

SHELBY PHILLIPS

Shelby Phillips (she/they) is a queer artist and certified horse girl (and go-to anthem singer at two horse shows?) based in NYC, and is excited to be returning to Malverne Theatre after debuting as Rosalind in last year's production of "As You Like It". Favorite credits include: Into the Woods (Cinderella), Spring Awakening (Thea), Awake and Sing! (Hennie), and The Dreams of Anne Frank (Margot). They recently made their 54 Below debut with their show To All The Tenors I Loved Before as both director and soloist. NYU Tisch.

JILL VERDI

Jill Verdi is a versatile performer with a passion for storytelling across multiple mediums. She recently captivated audiences as Celia/Adam in Shakespeare’s "As You Like It" and is currently commanding the stage as Calpurnia and various characters in Shakespeare’s "Julius Caesar". Her voice has brought diverse characters to life in two radio shows, showcasing her dynamic range. She has also delighted audiences with improv comedy at the farm. Beyond acting, Jill is also a painter and enjoys writing and creating music, weaving creativity into every facet of her life. She is deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support of her family.

STUART OATES

Stuart spends his days as a full time library aide, a catering hall waitstaff, and a freelance photographer. For a lot of the rest of his time, he's doing something theater! He's been an avid performer in the Malverne community. In his high school years at MHS, he played Sebastian the Crab in the Little Mermaid ('19) and Pippin in Pippin ('20). He's also been part of the last three Malverne Summer Theater shows; he played Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors ('21), Monsignor O'Hara in Sister Act ('22) and Shrek in Shrek: The Musical ('24). He's currently involved in a Plaza Theatrical Production of A Chorus Line. Stuart loves the arts in all its forms and can't wait for you all to see an encapsulating performance of a Shakespearean classic.

DAVID COONAN, DIRECTOR

Dave is the artistic director and president of Malverne Community Theatre, and has been since its revival in 2012. Through the company, he has directed and produced dozens of productions, ranging from Shakespeare, to kids shows, to musicals, and everything in between. In his professional life, he is a proud teacher in the Malverne School District, and is the director of the legendary Malverne High School musical. He directs the Malverne Summer Theatre alumni musical, and is the founding (and current) director of the HTH Middle School musical. Most recently he directed Anastasia for Malverne HS and Once Upon a Mattress for HTH Middle School, as well as the 2024 summer production of Shrek. He has directed and/or produced over 100 productions, and has acted as lighting designer, technical director, and consultant for many more. He was named the Malverne - West Hempstead Herald’s 2022 Person of the Year.