Meet the Actors
Approximately 30 actors have performed in Triple Espresso over the years, and we love them all!
These actors will be performing in our Minneapolis run Dec. 26, 2026 – Jan. 11, 2027, and following tour.
Performing as Hugh Butternut
Michael Pearce Donley (Co-Author) owned the basement where Triple Espresso was written back in 1995. All these years (and a few basements) later, he still loves sharing the show with all the performers, crew, staff, and audiences who’ve invested their hearts in it. Mike has also performed with Park Square Theatre (2 Pianos 4 Hands), Ten Thousand Things (Man of La Mancha, Once On This Island), Nautilus Music Theater, Bucket Brigade, Front Porch Theatre, and others. He works full-time at Eagle Brook Church, writing and producing creative media. Mike’s married to theater director Joy Donley, and they have two children, Emma and Lewis; he dedicates the show to the memory of Lew.
Paul Somers, A native of Waseca, Minnesota, has been a member of Triple Espresso since 2003, which has brought him all over the country and Ireland. Over the last 20+ years, he has worked with many theater companies and artists, such as Urban Samurai Theater, the Jon Ferguson Company, Park Square Theater, Daytrippers Dinner Theater, and The Mystery Cafe. Loads of love and thanks to Paul’s sons (who have practically been raised by Triple Espresso) Jack, Greg, Will, and Alec. They embraced their Dad’s dorkiness and with their love and support made everything possible.
Performing as Bobby Bean
John Bush recently appeared on HULU’s Triumph’s Election Special, AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, and FOX NEWS Channel’s Red Eye with Tom Shillue. As an actor he has been seen on TV’s Spin City, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and in the film The Thomas Crown Affair. John has performed stand-up comedy on HBO, Comedy Central, as well as sketches on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Currently, he is an actor, writer, and producer on ‘The Kyle Dunnigan Show’ on YouTube and is touring nationally with ‘Cash Cab’ star and comedian Ben Bailey. John performs year-round for corporate events and private parties.
Performing as Buzz Maxwell
Patrick Albanese, A native Chicagoan, could be seen regularly on WGN’s popular Bozo’s Circus. In Los Angeles, he emceed over 9,000 shows at Hollywood’s prestigious Magic Castle. He also entertains corporate clients or designs effects for their events. He has appeared in more than 100 television commercials over the years. He even stinted as a TV traffic reporter in Des Moines. Multiple cities and over 3,500 performances of Triple Espresso have given Patrick many wonderful experiences, but none better than meeting his future wife Janet during the show’s initial run in Des Moines, where they now live with their two children, Elena (Ellie) and Evan (EJ). 
