Gerri Smith Weagraff

Gerri fell in love with the theater in 1973, when she was cast in the role of Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof in her hometown of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Since then, she has appeared in more than 80 theatrical productions, both musicals and straight plays.

Gerri's first career (after receiving a Master's degree in Spanish) was radio news broadcasting. For nearly nine years, Gerri worked full time as a radio newscaster and voice-over artist. A career in public relations followed, while Gerri continued to act in her spare time.

In August 2010, a new chapter began for Gerri when she was cast in Troika Entertainment’s North American Tour of Fiddler on the Roof, starring John Preece. She performed in the acclaimed production throughout the United States and Canada for two years, portraying the role of Golde during the second year. Since then, Gerri has been performing at regional theaters around the country.

Gerri has also appeared in many productions at New Candlelight Theatre in her home state of Delaware over the past 25 years, including Miss Hannigan in Annie, Mayor Matilda Hyde in All Shook Up, Aunt Eller in Oklahoma!, Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man, and Vi Moore in Footloose.

Favorite roles include Sister Amnesia in Nunsense, Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Agnes Gooch in Mame, Essie Miller in Ah, Wilderness!, and Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street.

In a 1986 Players Club of Swarthmore production of Fiddler on the Roof, Gerri met Paul Weagraff, whom she married in 1988. Their two children, Rebekah and Jordan, grew up sharing their parents' passion for the theater. From 1997 until 2006 (shortly before Rebekah went to college), the four Weagraffs performed in some 20 productions as a family. The Weagraffs reside in Wilmington, Delaware.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY…

"Pappas and Weagraff work superbly as a team turning the two murderesses into endearing and adorable, albeit slightly bemused, aunts."
Gotta Go (IN) review of Arsenic and Old Lace, 2013

“Gerri Weagraff has the hardest part of all, as the affronted wife…She brings it off exceedingly well.”
Philadelphia Inquirer (PA) review of Any Wednesday, 2012

“Gerri Weagraff gives zip to her Golde, she plays the role with a scolding, snappish anger that lifts it from the put-upon wife that’s often seen.”
Naples Daily News (FL) review of Fiddler on the Roof, 2012

“Gerri Weagraff is a pure hoot as she gives the sadly comical Hannigan some necessary humanity.”
News Journal (DE) review of Annie, 2011

Read the reviews…