Donna Bellone (Theatre Manager/Co-Producer) is an accomplished actor, director, and producer whose career in theatre began as a costume designer after graduating from The High School of Fashion Industries, where she studied Fashion Design. She was a dedicated member of Center Stage Community Playhouse in the Bronx from 1969 to 2012, serving as Artistic Director during its later years. Over the past forty years, Donna has performed and directed in both New York City and regional venues throughout New York State. After retiring from her more than 30-year distinguished career managing a first-class skyscraper in Manhattan, she joined the Board of Directors at The Manor Club, taking on the role of Theatre Manager of The Manor Club Theatre. Donna directed the 5-time winner of The Broadway World Regional awards for TMCT’s 2025 production of Amadeus, including Best Play, and The Heiress in 2024, further establishing the TMCT’s reputation for excellence in regional theatre.
Mauro Contrastano (TMCT Founder/Co-Producer) Mauro has been involved in community theatre for more than thirty-nine years as an actor, director and writer. For more than twenty years he worked with Asbury Summer Theatre (AST) in Yonkers and performed in many shows there, including 1776, Kiss Me, Kate, Working, Oliver!, Guys & Dolls, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Boys from Syracuse, Fiddler on the Roof, Brigadoon, and She Loves Me. He also wrote and directed several musical revues for AST, including Songs from the Homefront. And the Winner Isn’t . . . and the group’s final production, Our Time. He has performed with other groups as well. Some of his favorite roles include Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone for the Armonk Players and Felix Under in The Odd Couple for the IC Players. For The Manor Club Theatre he has served in different capacities, including co-producer, director and actor. He created an original piece, Plastically Challenged, which was done in 2019 and 2022 at TMCT. He appeared as Dr. Austin Sloper in TMCT’s 2024 production of The Heiress. He has also created other shows for TMCT, including a musical program honoring those who perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.
Loretta Illustrato (Founder) Loretta has been a member of the Manor Club for the past 38 years. She has been an active participant in TMC Drama section as a Director, Co-Producer, Actor and Musician. Some of her credits include Company, Blithe Spirit, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Man on the Floor, and Golden Girls. After 2023, with TMCT she co-produced Lovers and Other Strangers, Plaza Suite, The Night of January 16th, and her favorite role as Aunt Lavinia in The Heiress. Whether Loretta is Directing, Co-Producing, performing, organizing and gathering props, ushering or pulling the curtain, she truly loves every aspect of the Theatre. A retired Pelham Teacher and now an Associate Real Estate Broker, Loretta enjoys tennis, biking, crocheting, playing the piano and accordion, spoiling her 4 precious grandchildren, and annoying her husband!
Kate McDaniel (Founder Pelham Fringe/Producer) is an actor, writer, and producer based in Pelham, New York. Raised in Richmond, Virginia, she trained at the University of Virginia, Yale University, Berkshire Theatre Festival, UCB, Tom Todoroff, and Stan Kirsch. Her television credits include Modern Family, Criminal Minds, and Hot in Cleveland. She co-founded JustBoobs Sketch, creating original comedy featured on YouTube, The Today Show, and Funny o rDie. In October 2025, she established Pelham Fringe at The Manor Club, offering a second stage for artists dedicated to producing vibrant, meaningful theatre driven by craft, collaboration, and heart. Above all, her favorite role is being Mama to three little girls.