About Us

Standing center stage, Fred doesn't like to describe his plays proceeded by the term "One-man". He's first to remind you he doesn't stand center stage alone. Affectionately known as "Teddy" to many, some favorite hobbies include gardening, making music, creating, writing/ telling stories....and critiquing Hallmark movies with his wife, Katie. It's no surprise that his favorite book is the Bible, but you know it's an art when he flows from one of many memorized verses, right into a Willy Wonka quote. "You get nothing! You lose! Good day Sir!" (wait...WHAT?!)

Katie is the "Brand Ambassador" behind Plays On Word. True to Mumma's echoes, she knows... "it's all about the presentation." So ya better make sure the style sheets are up to code. (At Plays On Word, we're not worried.) There's a lot of creative stuff that Katie likes to do, with photography, writing and art topping the list....oh the time to do it all. A Graphic Designer for (uhhh, longer than she cares to admit) she has fun when she gets to combine all three through her line of "photo in to fine art" commissioned prints. She loves Jesus, her husband, family and coffee (trying to love green tea more) ... and HATES making a left turn without a traffic light.

Since Mary is actually the “Mumma” who taught her daughter, Katie, "all about presentation”, she, as our Chief Costumer Designer and Curator, is quite “fitting” (see what we did there?) Mary, affectionately known as Cozzie, is also an artist and print maker. She enjoys poetry, reading, arts and crafts, politics and people. A collector of seashells and small vases, one of the most unusual things in Mary's home is her unique iron window hangings. Sporting her favored chinos and soft sweater, you may find her jammin’ to Chuck Berry or feet up in her favorite Pikolinos, reading “Anam Cara” or “Under The Lilacs”. Fond childhood memories include growing up in Boston and the freedom of being one of three "middle” children. Mary’s best friends are Jinnie Cosgrove, her sister, and Mary Ann Crouse, with her brother Frankie as her hero.

When Phil joins us on bass, he adds a richness and full bodied flavor to all our performances. Always an engaging smile on his face, he'll be the first to tell you these performances "never get old". Being the "Bass Guy" that he is, it's no surprise that Phil likes to collect them, but he's also been known to pick up a model train...or eight. "To do absolutely nothing one weekend" SEEMS like an attainable item on the ole bucket list. Phil doesn't have an "elevator pitch" cuz he always takes the stairs. He says he has too many best friends to name, but his wife Lisa, remains #1! Good answer, Phil. ;)

Faithful to the bass section, Roy is consistent and reliable. We know it's ON when that toe starts a tappin'! And as far as Fred is concerned, Roy is also a spiritual mentor to him and a guy that Fred gleans great inspiration from. It’s no surprise that playing bass guitar is number one on Roy’s list of hobbies. With his level of expertise, it’s truly a pleasure for us too! With a quick whit and curious nature, it makes sense that reading is a close second. Favorites include the Bible along with classic and mystery novels like Agatha Christie. A collector of memories, you’ll find his favorite travels are with his wife Jackie and family. And yeah… He didn’t mention it, but we KNOW he watches Hallmarks too. ;)

Andy Puzycki will always hold a special place in our hearts as the inaugural percussionist who helped launch this ministry from the very beginning. Andy was the rhythmic backbone of our productions, keeping time and turning heads with drumsticks (often replaced) and a hairstyle best described as “flowing freedom.” When he’s not pounding out beats for Jesus, you might find him surfing the Jersey Shore waves, grilling like a boss, or hitting the gym with more enthusiasm than discipline for reading (besides the Bible, of course—he does have priorities). With a wardrobe of “planned spontaneity” and an unopened package of white socks displayed like fine art, Andy lives life unscripted. His elevator pitch? “E flat.” His dream? To someday walk Abbey Road and pay homage to musical legends. And while he may get down to Phil Collins’ *Sussudio* when no one’s watching, his biggest flex just might be that his best friend is his mom (because of course she is). Fueled by faith, family, and the smooth stylings of Steely Dan, Andy is here to make a joyful noise — preferably at full volume.

When Phil brought along his son Andrew to play drums for us, we were elated. Aside from his awesome percussion skills, Andrew (and Phil), make for a great reference during "Pete". Andrew's truly in the boat with us! Also known as Andy or Adam to friends and family, Andrew is NOT a fan of tight spaces...but he's known to open up the living room dance floor for a favorite tune from the Backstreet Boys. Staying true to his bucket list, we're thinking that skydiving, WHILE wrestling an alligator OVER Tokyo would also make for a GREAT adventure movie. We hope you get there Andy, but maybe not all at once... for your own safety of course.

If you’re ever tapping your foot during a Plays On Word performance, chances are Randy “Smooth” Yelton is the reason why. Known for his easygoing style and impeccable rhythm, Randy brings both heart and humor to the stage (and yes, the nickname Smooth fits him perfectly). Music has always been more than a hobby for Randy—it’s a family affair. Some of his favorite memories involve playing alongside his loved ones and close friends, and he still treasures the time he marched in the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade and found himself drumming live on TV as a kid. When he’s not behind the drum kit, you might find him enjoying a Dayton Flyers basketball game (he still dreams of the day they win a National Championship), traveling with his wife Nancy to places like St. Thomas, or quietly spinning a vinyl on his vintage 1960 record player. And if Earth, Wind & Fire or Average White Band comes on, don’t be surprised if he sneaks in a dance or two. Randy’s life motto? “I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody all about somebody (Jesus) who saved my soul.” And if you ask him his greatest achievement, it isn’t the music—it’s never missing a single sporting event for his boys, from little league to church softball, all while working full-time. Family man. Faithful friend. Smooth drummer. And above all, a follower of Christ. That’s Randy Yelton.

Talk about another faithful, talented member of our ensemble! He’s just ALWAYS ready. We can call on Greg in a pinch and he is ready and willing to serve the Lord! With the last name of LOVE, it really shouldn’t be a surprise that Greg is a very sentimental guy. In his self-proclaimed comfy garb of shorts and a tee, most days Greg can be found enjoying any one of his many hobbies: making music, going kayaking, watching football and hangin’ with Mrs. Love. Other favored pastimes include reading from his favorite book, The Bible, watching sunsets and enjoying a good steak. Put all three of those together and you can bet it’s like heaven for Greg… well, almost. ;)

Whether he's laying down a groove on the cajon or juggling (literally) his love for NY baseball, songwriting, and family cookouts, Paul Mazzu—known affectionately as "Maz"—brings rhythm, heart, and humor to Plays On Word Theater. A lifelong drummer with a background in Christian rock (and a tenor voice ready to shine), Paul cut his musical teeth alongside his brother and friends in a Staten Island church band, gaining radio airplay and decades-long friendships along the way. Offstage, Paul is the definition of joy in motion: grill-master, poolside party host, karaoke instigator, and traveling dad on educational adventures with his son. He cherishes morning sunrises in the garden and art sessions with his daughter—moments where he says he feels closest to the Lord. A die-hard fan of Shea Stadium, the Bee Gees, and backyard jam sessions, Paul is just as comfortable belting a tune in the living room as he is balancing random objects on his nose (yes, really). His biggest goal? To finish an album—and probably convince a Subaru to finally replace his loyal Honda. With a heart for worship and a beat that brings Scripture to life, Maz reminds us all of Rudy's famous words: "I've been ready for this my whole life."

If you hear soulful saxophone melodies weaving through our plays, chances are Rocco is somewhere nearby, praising Jesus with every note. Known affectionately as Rock he’s a man of simple style (think buzz cut, casual clothes, Grillo’s half sour pickles in hand) with a faith that runs deep and wide. When Rocco isn’t serving his church, serenading his grandkids, or pursuing his beautiful, Jesus-loving wife, Judy (in a good way, not a stalker way), he’s likely studying scripture, reading 'Jesus Style' by Gale Irwin, or planning his bucket list adventures – from seeing Israel to jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. Ask him for his favorite movie line and he’ll channel The Princess Bride with a charming “As you wish.” He doesn’t dance to Mercy Me in his living room (he promises), he cherishes memories of tuna fish sandwiches with Mom while watching Hollywood Squares, and keeps an old antique wash basin table just because it’s cool. Above all, Rocco wants you to know one thing: He’s madly in love with Jesus. His hero? Besides Jesus Himself, Oswald Chambers. His heart? Fully devoted to advancing the Kingdom, playing music for the One who gave him his song.

If there’s a steady heartbeat behind Plays On Word, chances are Rich “Keezie” Yelton is providing it. Rich brings energy, precision, and joy to every performance. Whether adding subtle texture or driving the rhythm forward, his heart is simple: glorify Jesus and serve the story being told. A lifelong athlete, Rich grew up traveling for competitive baseball tournaments from West Virginia to Cooperstown, NY. Today he coaches high school baseball and hopes to one day win a state championship — right after getting married and starting a family, of course. Off stage, he loves staying active (gym, basketball, bowling, golf — though he’ll admit he’s “not that good,” haha), gathering around a bonfire with friends, and escaping to Florida whenever possible. He collects movies and TV series, owns a completely unusable 1980s VHS tape rewinder, drives an Acura TSX, fears heights and bees, and may or may not still dance to *NSYNC when no one’s watching. But Rich’s greatest story is one of healing and surrender. After a 15-year health journey that began shortly after college, he fully surrendered his life to Christ. Through prayer and biblical health principles, the Lord brought physical and spiritual restoration — shaping him into the man he is today. His father remains his hero, modeling unwavering faith in Christ. And his best friend, Rob, continues to walk beside him in spiritual growth. Rich was drawn to Plays On Word for its bold commitment to sharing the Gospel creatively and faithfully. He plays with that same conviction — every show, every time. “Keep the change, ya filthy animal!” (But more importantly — keep the faith.)

Donnie Russo is living proof that cool doesn’t retire—it just gets a better amp. Whether he’s strumming along in one of our live performances or cheering from the sidelines at his grandson’s baseball games, Donnie brings rhythm, soul, and just the right amount of dad-joke energy wherever he goes. His musical journey started with little league baseball dreams and a best friend named Randy Yelton—who’s still by his side today, decades and countless jam sessions later. These two have been in bands together longer than most people keep the same hairstyle (which, for Donnie, is short. Real short.). A collector of guitars and Pink Panther quotes, Donnie’s got a soft spot for his dog Ralf (a.k.a. “the wonder dog”), a closet full of unpredictable wardrobe choices, and a playlist that always includes Earth, Wind & Fire—especially when he’s dancing solo in the living room.When he’s not making music or avoiding mistakes (his self-professed fear), he’s dreaming of finishing his original recordings and finally checking Italy off his bucket list. Until then, he’s our resident midrange elevator pitch with high-impact heart.And if you think he’s not that funny… just wait. He swears he is. (We kind of believe him.)

🎶 In Loving Memory: John “Grady” Mangogna • Drummer • Servant • Friend • Faithful Witness — If rhythm was the heartbeat of a band, John Mangogna was its steady pulse — keeping time not just with sticks and snares, but with compassion, faith, and a heart that beat for others. Known to his loved ones as “Grady,” John could often be found behind a drum kit, in a kitchen, or around a campfire — and somehow, he brought the same joy to all three. A gifted percussionist and a master of feeding souls, John didn’t just play music — he lived it. Whether cooking for neighbors, serving meals to church families, or whipping up comfort food for anyone in need, he treated hospitality as a ministry. His Toyota Tacoma carried more than gear; it carried casseroles, kindness, and the rhythm of grace. John traveled up and down the East Coast — from Vermont to Florida — and always dreamed of visiting Germany, the homeland of his mother’s family. Yet, he’d tell you his favorite destination wasn’t on any map — it was wherever God sent him to serve. He loved God, his wife Cathy (his best friend and favorite duet partner), and their children, and he faced even the hardest trials with courage and humor. Battling cancer for years, he became a missionary in hospital halls, sharing Jesus with doctors, nurses, and fellow patients. When asked how he was doing, John’s answer never changed: “I’m alive and well.” And now — in the truest sense — he really is. John left Cathy a “bucket list,” not of dreams unfulfilled, but of things that still needed doing. That was John — practical, thoughtful, faithful to the very end. He collected percussion instruments, but his greatest collection was the lives he touched through service, laughter, and unwavering faith. Today, we celebrate a man whose rhythm never faltered — whose legacy keeps time in every life he blessed. He is truly alive and well.

🎶 In Loving Memory: Linda Young Lawson • Guest Vocalist | Heaven’s Choir Member If ever there was a voice that could hug your soul, it was Linda’s. A gifted vocalist with a Masters in Special Education, Linda Young Lawson was as comfortable in the classroom as she was on stage — though she never stopped dazzling us in either. With a voice full of grace and a heart full of joy, she lent her musical talents to Plays On Word Theater with the kind of warmth that made audiences feel instantly at home. Linda lived life in full harmony — stylish, spirited, and surrounded by love. Whether she was cuddling her furry companions (Omar, Jasper, Juda, Stormy, and loyal Bubba), collecting dolls and fine china, or reminiscing about summers in Baltimore with her cousins, she brought a glow to every room. Her love for children, grandchildren, and good books (especially biographies and the occasional doll catalog!) was as big as her laugh — which could make anyone forget their worries. She once auditioned to be a NY Jets cheerleader — and while we can’t confirm she nailed the routine, we can confirm she brought that same fearless sparkle to everything she did. Nicknamed “Pinda” by her brother, and treasured as “Mom,” “Grandma,” “Teacher,” and “Friend” by many, Linda left a melody in our hearts that still plays on. We know Heaven’s choir just gained a powerful alto… and probably a porcelain Christmas rocking house too. We miss you, Linda — and we’re forever grateful you shared your song with us.