Matthew Parker (Vernard DeFoe)

Matthew embarked on his musical journey at the age of 15, touring across the United States and captivating audiences with his silky voice. Notably, he had the privilege of performing in Carnegie Hall and achieved multiple accolades at the esteemed National Festival of Gold. His rich vocal tone and composing ability gained recognition at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, where he returned the following year for honors in Scenic Design, Lighting Design, and Stage Management. Recently, he showcased his talent in notable roles such as Margaret Mead in Hair and Malvolio in Twelfth Night the Musical in the North East Kingdom of Vermont, all while fulfilling the role of Production Coordinator for Vermont State Universities Theaters.

Jay Bowser (Johnny Bones)

Jay will chalk Plunder & Lightning: A Pirate’s Life up as a series of firsts for his career as writer, producer, actor, and director of the show and its music. He is a lifelong creative who challenges convention in both art and business. Jay has pushed the boundaries of combining theater, music, pirate lore and puppets in this full stage rock opera and musical cabaret production. The project is a love letter to his daughter, an actor since birth who developed his love of music theater. While this is Jay’s acting debut, a stage is home having played in various touring bands since age 18 opening for bands Helmet, Sunny Day Real Estate, and others. When Jay’s not writing music or building pirate stuff, you can find him running barefoot around town, or in a creek with his English Shepherd Darcy.

Elizabeth Angelozzi (Sally Cuthbert)

Elizabeth is thrilled to be working with such a talented crew to bring Plunder & Lightning: A Pirate’s Life alive. Originally from Baltimore, she earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College in Boston. After touring the U.S. for a year, she started working at Allenberry Playhouse in 1999 as an actor, director, choreographer, costume designer, and playwright. She performed in 13 seasons of the insanely spectacular Murder Mystery Weekends. Elizabeth is an Adjunct Professor of Theatre at Messiah University and works in many local theatres in Central Pennsylvania. When Elizabeth isn’t in a theater, she’s building pirate ships out of cake and icing with her two dogs TJ and Pepsi. Elizabeth would like to thank her 2 incredible children, Alister and Izzy, for always supporting her dreams.

Jamie Kramer (Uncle Albert)

A co-author of Plunder & Lightning: A Pirate’s Life, Jamie brings a global energy to the production through the eyes of a pop culture philosopher, propagandist and monster engineer. His roles in the show are vast and varied from actor, puppeteer, musician, prop and set designer and creative advisor. No stranger to the stage, Jamie has played roles in Once Upon A Mattress, Fiddler on the Roof and Hello Dolly and is excited to act again after a 35 year hiatus. Jamie currently works for the Palmyra School District and in his free time can be found trying to fool fish with fur and feathers lashed to a hook, tending to his flower garden or making gourmet meals for his wife Michelle and his daughter Hannah.

Brian "Splinters" Koch

Bass and low end of the deep sea

Brian has been performing in front of audiences nearly four decades. As an art major/theater minor at Kutztown University, he first picked up a bass guitar in 1985 and never looked back. He is a founding member of The Armadillos, taking stages across the country in support of their six independent album releases and as National Finalists in the UnVailed Independent Music competition. He also had the pleasure of sharing the stage with bands such as Train, Matchbox 20, Green Day, Iggy Pop, and many others. Destiny called one summer’s day when Brian met his new neighbor Jay who had moved in across the street, clearly discovering a kindred soul. He is now honored and excited to bring the low end to the deep sea on this epic pirate journey.

"Dread Pirate" Dan Comune

Percussion, hand cannons

Dan is new to the musical theatre scene but certainly knows his way around a stage. His percussion prowess began in high school in drum line but the garage band allure captured his imagination, quickly building a reputation as a go-to power drummer in the east coast alternative/punk/hardcore/metal scene. He was a founding member of Dividing Line which was featured on a compilation with historic punk band The Bouncing Souls. His band Novelty was showcased at the famous CBGB’s in New York and toured to support a record put out under American Machine Records. Dan and Jay have been brothers since 1990 and have been making music together in various forms ever since.