Founding Members of Victorian Lyric Opera Company or members who are no longer with us.
​(listed in alphabetical order)

Gordon Brigham

“Gordon was a force of nature, both on stage and off. His sets were built to withstand nuclear blasts, his performances were memorable and fearless. 
“Gordon had exceptional talent as an actor and singer, and his memorable portrayals of G&S characters brought our productions to life.  At a time when VLOC had minimal workspace and storage space, Gordon used his carpentry skills to construct beautiful sets on the Fitzgerald stage during hell week. He embodied the spirit of civic theater and inspired the entire company.” 
​Gordon passed away in November of 2003. Inducted July 2020.

Tom Goode

“Always on time, always faithful: an unsurpassed "utility" player, in chorus or a lead role.” Tom participated in the very first Great Gilbert and Sullivan Sing Out in 1992, and appeared in numerous VLOC productions over the years. He was also a brilliant writer - he reworked the dialogue for the 2016 production of William Balfe’s Bohemian Girl, and he wrote a hilarious sketch for our 2011 production of Offenbach’s La Belle Helene. Tom passed away in December of 2019. Inducted July 2020.

Leta Hall

Leta was an enthusiastic supporter of all things G&S, all things theater, and anyone new to either (or both) who wanted to learn more. She was unfailingly cheerful, pleasant, and a joy to work with. Even after she left VLOC to work with other companies (most notably Silver Spring Stage), she continued to promote VLOC to singers looking for performance opportunities, theater technicians looking for outlets for their skills, and would-be audience members. Leta passed away in January of 2017. Inducted July 2020.

Lyle & Donna Jaffe

Lyle and Donna were involved with VLOC from the beginning and were hardworking members of VLOC until they moved to North Carolina in about 2014. They both served on the VLOC Board for many years and many Board meetings were held in their home. Until VLOC got scene bay space, they housed our costume collection in their basement. While they were both happy to perform in the chorus (Donna occasionally in trousers), Lyle also had baritone roles, such as Sergeant Willis. They both were very active with the nitty gritty work of load ins and load outs.  Inducted July 2021.

Peter Kline, co-founder

An individual who has more to do with the revival and success of Gilbert & Sullivan in the National Capital Area than any other, Peter is renowned as a leading expert in G&S performance and production (he wrote the book!). He has constantly supported the company by directing and performing throughout our 40+ year history. His last on-stage role with VLOC was in 2006 as King Gama in Princess Ida. Peter passed away on December 14, 2020. Inducted July 2020.

Barry Morley

VLOC Music Director for over a decade in the 80’s and 90’s, he helped develop musical talent in the growing company. Described as a “sweetheart”, Barry was a treasured part of the Quaker community of Montgomery County, with legendary contributions to schools, camps, and theater. He also stage directed and wrote one-acts and musicals. Barry died August 11, 2000 at the age of 68. Inducted July 2021.

Rosalie Santilhano, Co-Founder & Artistic Director Emerita

VLOC’s second Artistic Director. Her leadership and vision helped the company move forward by introducing non-Gilbert & Sullivan performances to the repertoire and performing at other venues including parks and embassies. She encouraged new talent and used her own experience to help directors discover the flavor of Gilbert & Sullivan’s and other operettas. Her last performance on-stage with VLOC was in 2001 as Katisha in The Mikado. Rosalie passed away in December of 2017. Inducted July 2020

Marion Scodari, Co-Founder & Artistic Director Emerita

Marion helped found VLOC, born out of a love for G&S, cultivated while performing with the American Savoyards in New York City and the Lyric Theater Co. in Washington, DC. In 1984, Marion and the company’s board created its first community outreach programs, sought arts council sponsorships, and gathered an honorary board of directors, which enabled VLOC to become a resident company at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. “As a performer, Marion was a trouper,” said her friend and VLOC co-founder Peter Kline. “She learned roles very quickly and could do almost anything perfectly the first time. Without Marion, VLOC would not have happened.” VLOC won its first two Ruby Griffith Awards under Marion’s leadership. She remained at the company’s helm until she turned 70. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 94. Inducted July 2020.

Renee Silverstone

The English mom to every community theater company in the DC area, Renee was a true legend. After a childhood during World War II in London, she came to America with her beloved Jack, and they both set out to coif hair on the heads of residents of Montgomery County. Renee was the mainstay of makeup and hair styling for generations of VLOC performers, and her trifle for the cast parties was a thing of beauty (and delicious!). Inducted July 2021.