The People Behind the Curtain
TMCT Team
Our Team
Meet the Makers
The Manor Club Theatre is brought to life by a passionate team of founders, directors, producers, and artists who dedicate themselves to excellence on every stage.
Donna Bellone
Theatre Manager & Co-Producer
Theatre Manager & Co-Producer
Donna Bellone
- 5× Broadway World Award Winner (Amadeus 2025)
- Artistic Director, Center Stage Community Playhouse
- 30+ years managing first-class Manhattan skyscraper
Donna 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. 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 distinguished career managing a first-class skyscraper in Manhattan, she joined the Board of Directors at The Manor Club as Theatre Manager. Donna directed TMCT's award-winning 2025 production of Amadeus — a 5-time Broadway World Regional winner including Best Play — and The Heiress in 2024.
Mauro Contrastano
TMCT Founder & Co-Producer
TMCT Founder & Co-Producer
Mauro Contrastano
- 39+ years in community theatre
- Actor, director & writer
- Creator of original works for TMCT
Mauro has been involved in community theatre for more than thirty-nine years as an actor, director, and writer. For over twenty years he worked with Asbury Summer Theatre (AST) in Yonkers, performing in productions including 1776, Kiss Me Kate, Oliver!, Guys & Dolls, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof, Brigadoon, and She Loves Me. He also wrote and directed several musical revues for AST. Some of his favorite roles include Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone and Felix Unger in The Odd Couple. For TMCT he has served as co-producer, director, and actor — creating original works including Plastically Challenged and a musical program honoring victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.
Loretta Illustrato
Founder
Founder
Loretta Illustrato
- 38-year Manor Club member
- Director, actor & musician
- Retired Pelham teacher & real estate broker
Loretta has been a member of the Manor Club for the past 38 years, serving as a Director, Co-Producer, Actor, and Musician in the TMC Drama section. Her credits include Company, Blithe Spirit, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Man on the Floor, and Golden Girls. With TMCT she co-produced Lovers and Other Strangers, Plaza Suite, The Night of January 16th, and played her favorite role as Aunt Lavinia in The Heiress. Whether directing, co-producing, performing, organizing props, ushering, or pulling the curtain — Loretta truly loves every aspect of the theatre. A retired Pelham Teacher and Associate Real Estate Broker, she enjoys tennis, biking, crocheting, piano, accordion, spoiling her four grandchildren, and annoying her husband!
Get Involved
Join Us on Stage
TMCT welcomes talented performers and creatives to audition for our upcoming productions.