OCTOBER 2 - 3 - 4
at the Jersey Shore Arts Center
66 S Main St, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
In The Realistic Joneses, we meet Bob and Jennifer and their new neighbors, John and Pony, two suburban couples who have even more in common than their identical homes and their shared last names. As their relationships begin to irrevocably intertwine, the Joneses must decide between their idyllic fantasies and their imperfect realities.
Meet the Cast
Michael Gonzalez (Bob Jones)
is thrilled to be performing with Center Players again, alongside this extraordinary cast and production team. Recent credits include Mean Girls (Mr. Duvall/Mr. Heron), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Dr. Spivey). The Diary of Anne Frank (Mr. Dussel). Night Watch (Lieutenant Walker), Last of the Red Hot Lovers (Barney Cashman), California Suite (Marvin/Mort), Lend Me a Tenor (Max), Italian Funerals and other Festive Occasions (Big Man on Hester Street), Lovers and Other Strangers (Jerry), and Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Nile (William Smith). Love to everyone involved, especially My Milena, Mo, Nina, and Sarah. Special thanks to YOU for supporting live theater.
Ankit Sharma (John)
is excited to be back on the Center Players stage. He was last seen in the company's 2024 production of Dancing Mad as Teddy. Other favorite stage credits include Picnic, The Boys Next Door, The Zoo Story, Perfect Arrangement, and Art. Ankit is grateful to be working alongside such a talented cast and crew and extends his thanks to everyone for their hard work and support, especially director Michael Tota for his guidance and encouragement. As always, his deepest thanks go to his wife for patiently running countless lines and scenes with him.
Kate McCracken (Pony)
is making her Center Players debut as Pony. Her previous roles include Susy in Wait Until Dark, her Perry Award-winning role of Jean in Plaza Suite, Glory in Almost, Maine, and most recently, Izzy in Rabbit Hole. Kate is so grateful to be working with this top-notch cast and crew, and she sends special thanks to her director, Michael, for his stellar guidance and constant encouragement.
Pamela Wilterdink (Jennifer Jones)
recently appeared as Nat in Rabbit Hole at First Avenue Playhouse in Atlantic Highlands. She played Annie Wilkes in Misery at Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan & Emily Wheelock Reed in Alabama Story at Colonial Players of Annapolis. She was a DC Watch award nominee for her portrayal of Barbara Grant in Perfect Arrangement at Silver Spring Stage. Her short play, In the Dark was chosen by Baltimore’s Rapid Lemon theatre company for their one act festival camp; her children’s bug show,” Who’s the Gardeners Best Friend? “Was performed at Robinson Nature Center in Maryland. While living in NYC she wrote and performed in the comedy/variety shows- Poolside, Myth America and Ham & Egg. This is Pamela’s first onstage appearance with Center Players. Huge thanks to Michael, Vinnie & amp; Louise! And as always, much love & gratitude to her real-life Bob.
Michael Tota (Director)
Michael is happy to return to directing for Center Players after recently directing Rabbit Hole for First Ave. He also serves as the Artistic Director for Center Players Theater. He can be seen playing Fr. Mark in the regional touring company of Tony and Tina’s Wedding. Some acting credits include Mel- The Prisoner of 2ndAvenue, Ben- The Sunshine Boys, Leo- Chapter Two, Teach- American Buffalo. Some directorial credits include Rabbit Hole, Last of the Red-Hot Lovers, California Suite, Lend Me a Tenor, Lovers and Other Strangers. Little Shop of Horrors, Into the Woods, Sugar. Film Credits: The Struggle (avail on youtube). Who’s Jenna? (Avail on Amazon).
Vinnie Mazella (Producer)
Vinnie is thrilled to be working with Mike Tota and Center Players. The former Vice President of The Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company, he has most recently joined the board of directors of Center players. He has produced many shows over the years. As an actor his most recent stage roles include Sidney in California Suite, Mr. Green in Clue and Clarence and multiple other characters in It's a Wonderful Life at Exit 82 Theater, and The Dad in Fearful in Manhattan at Manhattan Rep. He is currently part of the national tour of Tony 'n Tina's Wedding. He has appeared in several direct-to-home video features including The Occultist, Party Girl and No Place Like Home (starring in the latter). In television he has had roles on Saturday Night Live, Guiding Light and Another World. Most recently he wrote, produced and directed a short film feature, Staten Island Ghost Story, which has become a film festival favorite, winning multiple awards including Best Comedy Short and Best Cult Film. It can currently be seen on the streaming apps Fawesome and Relay.
Louise Donoso (Stage Manager)
Louise is so excited to be part of this amazing cast and crew. From being a patron of all local theatres and Broadway shows over decades, Louise found a passion in creativity in stage setting and backstage work. Over the past 3 years she has been working on performances as Stage Manager. Louise thanks Director Mike for giving her this opportunity to help bring ‘The Realistic Joneses’ to life. To this talented cast, Louise thanks them for their support and care. She wishes them a wonderful performance and looks forward to all their future endeavors. Break-a-leg Joneses!!! Much love!!!