Quotes From Venues
A stupendous performance. The way you incorporated the audience and our personal details was awesome. People were (and still are) raving about it. Greater Newbury Village group
I wanted to write you and thank you for coming out to do a spectacular show for us yet again. We all loved All The Presidents’ Women. I think the “martini” water spill was so funny you should add it to the show. It’s always a pleasure working with you. We hope and look forward to working with you again next year. Please send us a list of all the shows you offer.
Kelsey Matthews, Library Technician/Online Services
Athol Public Library
Truly Eleanor was brilliant! Everyone thought the show was excellent. We look forward to hosting another of your shows in the near future. Thank you!
K. Wery, Director, Special Events Bunker Hill Community College
It matters not if you are newly acquainted with the novels, short stories and poems of Charles Dickens, or you have been one of Boz's longtime fans, you will thoroughly enjoy watching, listening and learning more about Dickens from this talented trio of performers. Fran Baron's narration at the podium reflects Dicken's stance 170 years ago (yup, that's him). Sit up front at a performance of The Dickens You Say!where you can catch the dialogue and watch the costumes fly as Lynne Moulton and Joseph Zamparelli morph into Aunt Betsey, Mrs. Gamp and Scrooge, but three of Dickens's most popular characters chosen for this performance. I cannot think of a better way to spend an hour or so getting to know Dicken's work while being so entertained and so amused by Fran, Lynne and Joseph (I think their last name was Dickens.)
Sandra Regan
Secretary, The Dickens Fellowship, Greater Boston
I teach Forensics and we have been discussing crime scene investigation, the strength of evidence, and trial procedures. I wanted to bring something in to my classes that was different, historic and relevant. I was fortunate to receive a grant to allow the Delvena Theatre Company to come into Hamilton Wenham Regional High School to perform Lizzie Borden and the Forty Whacks. Our school is very theatre based so I thought this would be an interesting interdisciplinary way to cover some science! And I hit the mark…the actors were very talented and professional and never broke character! They took us through the story of Lizzie Borden, highlighting the history, the investigation, the trial and the woman. Their performance generated so many questions from my students - Did they think she had a fair trial? Would they find her guilty or not guilty if they were the jury? We debriefed the experience for days after the performance! Our librarian reports that the new book The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century now has a waiting list!
Deborah Clapp
Hamilton Wenham Regional High School
Pathos, intensity, wit. You will be superbly entertained.
Maureen Lynch Edison, Adjunct Professor at North Shore Community College, Senior Lecturer at Northeastern University
I want to thank both Lynne Moulton and Fran Baron for their delightful play portraying Julia Child at the Boxford Town Library last night. As soon as Lynne said "Welcome!" the audience connected with the Julia Child it had known. She captured Julia's tone and inflection perfectly, and easily brought everyone into Julia's stage set with cheerful banter. Fran provided a strong backdrop that really allowed the audience to immerse itself as the show began televising. Fran's role in the play was more than just creating an image (with humor) of being on a set. It also allowed her to narrate a bit of Julia's history, an important piece of the educational component that everyone (at least me) wants when watching a reenactment of a loved historical figure. A perfect combination of capable support, dutiful respect, and finger-waving at Julia's weakness for wine. I judge that everyone enjoyed the show. I know that I and those around me certainly did. Brilliantly scripted and performed. Wow, and thanks.
Bob Spillman, Boxford, MA
Mae’s appearance at the Newbury Council on Aging this morning was terrific! She was perfectly Mae – in appearance, costume, mannerisms, language, smarts, humor and directness. Loved how she interacted with the audience, and how she knew the history and personal story so well – clearly they did the research for the performance. The audience was engaged and happily participatory, and afterwards I heard a few folks say that when the actress walked in, they thought it was really Mae, it was that convincing! Thanks so much for bringing Mae West to the Newbury Council on Aging. Looking forward to the next Delvena production here!
Yael Seligman, Coordinator of Community Relations
Newbury Council on Aging
The audience was spellbound. Thank you for a great performance.... a real treat for our intellectual audience, who seemed spellbound by your production.
Beth Purcell, Director, Public Relationa-Newton Free Library
On behalf of the Board of Library Trustees and the library users of Abington, I want to thank you, Lynne and Joseph for the Delvena Theatre Company’s wonderful presentation of Truly Eleanor on March 9th. Our audience thoroughly enjoyed the play and I believe that everyone learned something new about our most dynamic First Lady. This show was the perfect follow up to last year’s performance of Meet Julia Child!. You are truly consummate professionals and your shows are delightful. It is so great to be able to bring theatre to the community. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and very much appreciate your kindness, dedication and professionalism. Again thank you for a wonderful program!
Deborah Grimmett, Director
Abington Public Library
W.C. Fields and Mae West was sensational! It was hilariously funny and entertaining. The audience loves you. Yet again another phenomenal performance. I look forward to working with you from year to year. It was a pleasure working with you all as always. Thank you! Sincerely, Kelsey
Kelsey Matthews, Library Technician/Online Services
Athol Public Library
“Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks by Delvena Theatre Company was an AMAZING PERFORMANCE! Well loved by all. We must get them again. It was a lively, entertaining and funny performance. I highly recommend this performance to other libraries looking for a wonderful program for their patrons.”
Kelsey Matthews, Library Technician/Online Services
Athol Public Library
Here at the Groton Public Library, when we look for an exciting program that will entertain, instruct, and draw a crowd, we turn to the Delvena Theatre Company. Whether it's "All the Presidents' Women," "Meet Julia Child!," or "Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks," our patrons thoroughly enjoy the shows and ask us to book Delvena on the spot for next time!
Ann Wilson, Coordinator, Adult Programs
Groton Public Library
Three cheers for your spot-on presentation of Louisa’s Girls. Lynne Moulton was flawless in her multi-character act depicting Alcott’s Little Women, receiving rave reviews from the audience. Two thumbs up and a great big thank you.
Michelle Pacquin, Young Adult Librarian
Billerica Public Library
Our patrons ask for Delvena by name and have come to expect a yearly performance from them, and the Library is happy to oblige. The company captures audiences every time with deft and subtle personifications. The Meet Julia Child! production was wildly popular, with patrons doubled-over with laughter. A personal touch is added with a post-performance Q&A with the actors.
Rebecca Shea, Administrative Librarian
Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
“Delvena Theatre Company has always presented professional, engaging and thoughtful productions and workshops at our Library. Their recent interactive performance of Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks left our young people asking for more programs like this. I highly recommend Delvena Theatre Company! ”
Stacy Debole, Young Adult Librarian
Parlin Memorial Library, Everett
“Delvena Theatre Company’s production of Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks drew one of the largest audiences in the five years we’ve been offering adult programs in Burlington. I would highly recommend this production for other groups.”
Janet Knudsen
Friends of the Burlington Public Library
“Our audience was captivated by the actors’ performances, and they thoroughly enjoyed the interactive aspect of the program. We received lots of positive feedback from our members about this presentatio - and everyone wants to know when “Lizzie” will return! We are looking forward to hosting the Delvena Theatre Company again in the near future.”
Amie E. Brodhagen
Lynn Museum & Historical Society
The Trial of Susannah Martin and Scary Stories of the Salem Witch Trials-
"The Delvena Theatre Company's production of The Trial of Susannah Martin and Scary Stories of the Salem Witch Trials was wonderful. They helped to transport the entire eleventh grade class back to 1692 Salem. They even invited several students to participate in the witch trial. They answered numerous questions and provided extremely knowledgeable responses to all students. Students and teachers are still talking about the performance. We want them back every year."
Joan Santamaria (English teacher)
Lindsey Gintner (student teacher)
John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, Boston
"Delvena's production of The Trial of Susannah Martin and Scary Stories of the Salem Witch Trials presents two well-educated actors whose performances seize audience in the grip of attitudes and beliefs not likely to be shared in the modern world. The actors transport the audience, through theatrical interaction, into the past of 400 years ago with great conviction. One is sorry when the performance is ended, but is equally relieved to return, somehow unsettled, to the modern world."
Daniel DeStephano, Director
Nahant Public Library
“Delvena always manages to have outstanding actors and interesting scripts”
Aisle Say
Glass Menagerie -
“Delvena deserves not one but two standing ovations!”
Salem Evening News
Long Day’s Journey Into Night -
“It’s an honor to see a local theatre troupe soar with their chosen work. - Delvena truly hypnotizes - Mere inches from the stage, theatre goers can appreciate five terrific performances and a masterpiece of American theatre…”
South End News
Piece of My Heart -
“Shirley Lauro’s cathartic true-life classic has been produced more than 600 times. It is easy to believe that Delvena’s actors must be among the best ever to embody Lauro’s sympathetic characters.”
Back Stage Magazine
I wanted to write you and thank you for coming out to do a spectacular show for us yet again. We all loved All The Presidents’ Women. I think the “martini” water spill was so funny you should add it to the show. It’s always a pleasure working with you. We hope and look forward to working with you again next year. Please send us a list of all the shows you offer.
Kelsey Matthews, Library Technician/Online Services
Athol Public Library
Truly Eleanor was brilliant! Everyone thought the show was excellent. We look forward to hosting another of your shows in the near future. Thank you!
K. Wery, Director, Special Events Bunker Hill Community College
It matters not if you are newly acquainted with the novels, short stories and poems of Charles Dickens, or you have been one of Boz's longtime fans, you will thoroughly enjoy watching, listening and learning more about Dickens from this talented trio of performers. Fran Baron's narration at the podium reflects Dicken's stance 170 years ago (yup, that's him). Sit up front at a performance of The Dickens You Say!where you can catch the dialogue and watch the costumes fly as Lynne Moulton and Joseph Zamparelli morph into Aunt Betsey, Mrs. Gamp and Scrooge, but three of Dickens's most popular characters chosen for this performance. I cannot think of a better way to spend an hour or so getting to know Dicken's work while being so entertained and so amused by Fran, Lynne and Joseph (I think their last name was Dickens.)
Sandra Regan
Secretary, The Dickens Fellowship, Greater Boston
I teach Forensics and we have been discussing crime scene investigation, the strength of evidence, and trial procedures. I wanted to bring something in to my classes that was different, historic and relevant. I was fortunate to receive a grant to allow the Delvena Theatre Company to come into Hamilton Wenham Regional High School to perform Lizzie Borden and the Forty Whacks. Our school is very theatre based so I thought this would be an interesting interdisciplinary way to cover some science! And I hit the mark…the actors were very talented and professional and never broke character! They took us through the story of Lizzie Borden, highlighting the history, the investigation, the trial and the woman. Their performance generated so many questions from my students - Did they think she had a fair trial? Would they find her guilty or not guilty if they were the jury? We debriefed the experience for days after the performance! Our librarian reports that the new book The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century now has a waiting list!
Deborah Clapp
Hamilton Wenham Regional High School
Pathos, intensity, wit. You will be superbly entertained.
Maureen Lynch Edison, Adjunct Professor at North Shore Community College, Senior Lecturer at Northeastern University
I want to thank both Lynne Moulton and Fran Baron for their delightful play portraying Julia Child at the Boxford Town Library last night. As soon as Lynne said "Welcome!" the audience connected with the Julia Child it had known. She captured Julia's tone and inflection perfectly, and easily brought everyone into Julia's stage set with cheerful banter. Fran provided a strong backdrop that really allowed the audience to immerse itself as the show began televising. Fran's role in the play was more than just creating an image (with humor) of being on a set. It also allowed her to narrate a bit of Julia's history, an important piece of the educational component that everyone (at least me) wants when watching a reenactment of a loved historical figure. A perfect combination of capable support, dutiful respect, and finger-waving at Julia's weakness for wine. I judge that everyone enjoyed the show. I know that I and those around me certainly did. Brilliantly scripted and performed. Wow, and thanks.
Bob Spillman, Boxford, MA
Mae’s appearance at the Newbury Council on Aging this morning was terrific! She was perfectly Mae – in appearance, costume, mannerisms, language, smarts, humor and directness. Loved how she interacted with the audience, and how she knew the history and personal story so well – clearly they did the research for the performance. The audience was engaged and happily participatory, and afterwards I heard a few folks say that when the actress walked in, they thought it was really Mae, it was that convincing! Thanks so much for bringing Mae West to the Newbury Council on Aging. Looking forward to the next Delvena production here!
Yael Seligman, Coordinator of Community Relations
Newbury Council on Aging
The audience was spellbound. Thank you for a great performance.... a real treat for our intellectual audience, who seemed spellbound by your production.
Beth Purcell, Director, Public Relationa-Newton Free Library
On behalf of the Board of Library Trustees and the library users of Abington, I want to thank you, Lynne and Joseph for the Delvena Theatre Company’s wonderful presentation of Truly Eleanor on March 9th. Our audience thoroughly enjoyed the play and I believe that everyone learned something new about our most dynamic First Lady. This show was the perfect follow up to last year’s performance of Meet Julia Child!. You are truly consummate professionals and your shows are delightful. It is so great to be able to bring theatre to the community. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and very much appreciate your kindness, dedication and professionalism. Again thank you for a wonderful program!
Deborah Grimmett, Director
Abington Public Library
W.C. Fields and Mae West was sensational! It was hilariously funny and entertaining. The audience loves you. Yet again another phenomenal performance. I look forward to working with you from year to year. It was a pleasure working with you all as always. Thank you! Sincerely, Kelsey
Kelsey Matthews, Library Technician/Online Services
Athol Public Library
“Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks by Delvena Theatre Company was an AMAZING PERFORMANCE! Well loved by all. We must get them again. It was a lively, entertaining and funny performance. I highly recommend this performance to other libraries looking for a wonderful program for their patrons.”
Kelsey Matthews, Library Technician/Online Services
Athol Public Library
Here at the Groton Public Library, when we look for an exciting program that will entertain, instruct, and draw a crowd, we turn to the Delvena Theatre Company. Whether it's "All the Presidents' Women," "Meet Julia Child!," or "Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks," our patrons thoroughly enjoy the shows and ask us to book Delvena on the spot for next time!
Ann Wilson, Coordinator, Adult Programs
Groton Public Library
Three cheers for your spot-on presentation of Louisa’s Girls. Lynne Moulton was flawless in her multi-character act depicting Alcott’s Little Women, receiving rave reviews from the audience. Two thumbs up and a great big thank you.
Michelle Pacquin, Young Adult Librarian
Billerica Public Library
Our patrons ask for Delvena by name and have come to expect a yearly performance from them, and the Library is happy to oblige. The company captures audiences every time with deft and subtle personifications. The Meet Julia Child! production was wildly popular, with patrons doubled-over with laughter. A personal touch is added with a post-performance Q&A with the actors.
Rebecca Shea, Administrative Librarian
Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
“Delvena Theatre Company has always presented professional, engaging and thoughtful productions and workshops at our Library. Their recent interactive performance of Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks left our young people asking for more programs like this. I highly recommend Delvena Theatre Company! ”
Stacy Debole, Young Adult Librarian
Parlin Memorial Library, Everett
“Delvena Theatre Company’s production of Lizzie Borden and the 40 Whacks drew one of the largest audiences in the five years we’ve been offering adult programs in Burlington. I would highly recommend this production for other groups.”
Janet Knudsen
Friends of the Burlington Public Library
“Our audience was captivated by the actors’ performances, and they thoroughly enjoyed the interactive aspect of the program. We received lots of positive feedback from our members about this presentatio - and everyone wants to know when “Lizzie” will return! We are looking forward to hosting the Delvena Theatre Company again in the near future.”
Amie E. Brodhagen
Lynn Museum & Historical Society
The Trial of Susannah Martin and Scary Stories of the Salem Witch Trials-
"The Delvena Theatre Company's production of The Trial of Susannah Martin and Scary Stories of the Salem Witch Trials was wonderful. They helped to transport the entire eleventh grade class back to 1692 Salem. They even invited several students to participate in the witch trial. They answered numerous questions and provided extremely knowledgeable responses to all students. Students and teachers are still talking about the performance. We want them back every year."
Joan Santamaria (English teacher)
Lindsey Gintner (student teacher)
John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, Boston
"Delvena's production of The Trial of Susannah Martin and Scary Stories of the Salem Witch Trials presents two well-educated actors whose performances seize audience in the grip of attitudes and beliefs not likely to be shared in the modern world. The actors transport the audience, through theatrical interaction, into the past of 400 years ago with great conviction. One is sorry when the performance is ended, but is equally relieved to return, somehow unsettled, to the modern world."
Daniel DeStephano, Director
Nahant Public Library
“Delvena always manages to have outstanding actors and interesting scripts”
Aisle Say
Glass Menagerie -
“Delvena deserves not one but two standing ovations!”
Salem Evening News
Long Day’s Journey Into Night -
“It’s an honor to see a local theatre troupe soar with their chosen work. - Delvena truly hypnotizes - Mere inches from the stage, theatre goers can appreciate five terrific performances and a masterpiece of American theatre…”
South End News
Piece of My Heart -
“Shirley Lauro’s cathartic true-life classic has been produced more than 600 times. It is easy to believe that Delvena’s actors must be among the best ever to embody Lauro’s sympathetic characters.”
Back Stage Magazine