Annie - Feb/March 2024

“Annie is big!... Annie is loud!...

Annie is wholesome fun for the entire family!”

– Michael Winkler, Boston Globe

presents

T he Musical book by Thomas Meehan

music by Charles Strouse lyrics by Martin Charnin

produced by Jaclyn Robertson & Mary Beth Smith-Toomey directed by Krissy McGregor music direction by Josh Cleveland choreography by Jessi Shull

Winner of seven Tony Awards including best Musical!

FEB. 10 – MAR. 2, 2024 www.thelittletheatre.com

Coming in March

presents

Agatha Christie’s

MURDER on the

Orient Express “This is surely a train ride that you absolutely must not miss – get your tickets now!” – Variety

written by Agatha Christie

adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig produced by Luana Bossolo & Kadira Coley directed by Stefan Sittig

It’s 1934, just after midnight, and a snowstorm has stopped the opulent sleeper train in its tracks. A wealthy American businessman is discovered dead, and the brilliant and beautifully mustachioed Hercule Poirot must solve the mystery before the murderer strikes again. Christie’s plot-twisting masterpiece takes audiences on a suspenseful thrill ride that Broadway World calls “Everything you could want – broadly drawn characters, exotic settings, and a spectacular murder.”

MAR. 23 – APR. 13, 2024 ––––––––– BOX OFFICE –––––––––

703-683-0496 www.thelittletheatre.com

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

presents

T he Musical

book by Thomas Meehan

music by Charles Strouse lyrics by Martin Charnin

produced by Jaclyn Robertson & Mary Beth Smith-Toomey directed by Krissy McGregor music direction by Josh Cleveland choreography by Jessi Shull ANNIE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

PRESIDENT Frank D. Shutts II BOARD OF GOVERNORS ARTISTIC SUPPORT.............................................................................................. Beverley Benda BOX OFFICE............................................................................................................. Lloyd Bittinger BUILDING.................................................................................................................... Myke Taister DEVELOPMENT................................................................................................ Russell M. Wyland EDUCATION..................................................................................................... Heather Sanderson FRONT OF HOUSE....................................................................................................... Genie Baskir MEMBERSHIP............................................................................................................. Kadira Coley PRODUCTION..................................................................................................... Rachael Hubbard PUBLIC RELATIONS..................................................................................................... Fred C. Lash SEASONAL PLANNING..................................................................................... Eleanore Tapscott TECHNICAL SUPPORT................................................................................................ Ken Crowley Treasurer...................................................................................................................................................... David Hale Secretary to the Board....................................................................................................................Lynn O’Connell Executive Secretary.................................................................................................................................Jamie Blake Archivist...................................................................................................................................... Charles Dragonette Business Manager..................................................................................................................... Kim Smith-Salmon Box Office Manager........................................................................................................................Jeffery Westlake Legal Counsel.............................................................................................................. Brian T. Goldstein, Esquire

The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Public Performances: Wed.–Sat. at 8:00 p.m. and Sun. at 3:00 p.m.

Any videotaping or other video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

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Book by

Music by

THOMAS MEEHAN CHARLES STROUSE

Lyrics by

MARTIN CHARNIN

Original Broadway Production Directed by MARTIN CHARNIN Based on “Little Orphan Annie” ®

By Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC Originally Produced at the Goodspeed Opera house Michael P. Price, Executive Director Presented on Broadway by Mike Nichols Produced by Irwin Meyer Stephen R. Friedman Alvin Nederlander The John F. Kennedy Center Associates, Inc. for the Performing Arts

Lewis Allen Icarus Productions

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Follow our blog at thelittletheatreofalexandria.blogspot.com

In case of an emergency, LTA has three AEDs (automated external defibrillators) They are located as follows: 1. in the lobby, near the Council Green Room 2. in the cast entrance hallway, near backstage door 3. in the Alexandria Academy, on the first floor For your own safety, look for your nearest EXIT. In case of emergency, WALK, DO NOT run, to the exit.

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Director’s Notes It has been almost one hundred years since the daily comic strip Little Orphan Annie was first published in the New York Daily News. The young cartoonist, Harold Gray, wanted to write an adventure strip featuring a young girl, which was uncommon for the time, and he took his heroine’s name from an 1885 poem titled Little Orphan Annie. The comic strip quickly became popular among Americans who enjoyed reading Annie’s adventures of solving crimes and using her good sense and gumption to get herself and Daddy Warbucks out of tricky situations. As the country dipped into the Great Depression, Gray shifted the focus of his comic strip, using it to make political commentary on topics such as organized labor, the New Deal and communism. He also began exploring the shadier nature of human beings, creating characters who were greedy and deceitful, and introducing scenarios that highlighted the wide disparity between the rich and the poor.

Although the Broadway musical strays quite a bit from the original comic strip, it does a beautiful job of paying tribute to many of Harold Gray’s themes explored over the years. We see Annie experience firsthand the vast disparity of wealth during the Great Depression, going from her dingy orphanage and the slums of Hooverville to the extravagant halls of the Warbucks mansion and White House. We see the greedy and deceitful nature of man explored and criticized through the characters of Rooster, Lily and Miss Hannigan. And, most importantly, we see the resilient, spunky and resourceful Annie, who encourages optimism and hope in the face of pessimism and despair.

Whether you grew up loving her or are meeting her for the first time, I hope Annie touches your heart and inspires you to find strength and joy in even the most challenging of circumstances. And I particularly hope that the youngest members of our audience leave our production with a greater appreciation for their place in this world and the belief that they can make a difference.

Thank you for coming, and enjoy the show!

Krissy McGregor, Director 4

SYNOPSIS Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.”

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations ... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

SETTING AND TIME PERIOD New York City, December 1933 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Annie Parents, City of Fairfax Theatre Company, Falls Church High School, NOVA Nightsky Theater, Rachael Hubbard, Reston Community Players, Kim Smith-Salmon, Jeffery Westlake PERFORMANCE PARTNERS IN THE ARTS Feb. 9 – Good Shepherd Housing Annie is performed in two acts with a 15-minute intermission.

For your own safety, look for your nearest EXIT. In case of emergency, WALK, DO NOT run, to the exit.

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHORITY’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. 5

Cast (in order of appearance) Annie......................................................................... Anna Jones/Milly Gerstenberg Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks.................................................Michael E. McGovern Grace Farrell..........................................................................................Heather Hanna Miss Agatha Hannigan............................................................ Amanda Silverstein Daniel “Rooster” Hannigan................................................................. Shakil Azizi Lily St. Regis...............................................................................................Rachael Fine Bert Healy/Lt. Ward..................................................................................Matt Yinger Star-to-Be............................................................................................ Rachel Ferguson Drake....................................................................................Michael Santos Sandoval President Franklin D. Roosevelt........................................ Rene “Kieth” Flores Molly...........................................................................Samantha Regan/Aliza Cohen Pepper...............................................................................Sunshine Smith/Ava Grace Duffy......................................................................................... Orla Wood/Skylar Witt July..............................................................Kinsey Robertson/Gabriella Engelfield Tessie....................................................................Lyle Vogel/Isabella “Bella” Porter Kate..................................................................Alexandra DuBose/Penelope Porter Ensemble........................ Claire Aziza, Rachel Ferguson, Rene “Kieth” Flores, Jessie Friedson, Kate Kelley, Steven Palkovitz, Bruce Porter Jr., Michael Santos Sandoval, Jennifer Thomas, Fosse Thornton, Matt Yinger, Sandys (Our Dogs): Oliver/Theo

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Blue Cast Performances Saturday, February 10th Wednesday, February 14th Friday, February 16th Sunday, February 18th Tuesday, February 20th Thursday, February 22nd Saturday, February 24th Wednesday, February 28th Friday, March 1st

Red Cast Performances Sunday, February 11th Thursday, February 15th Saturday, February 17th Wednesday, February 21st Friday, February 23th Sunday, February 25th Tuesday, February 27th Thursday, February 29th Saturday, March 2nd

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT 1 Overture “Maybe”, Annie, Orphans “It’s a Hard Knock Life”, Annie, Orphans “Tomorrow”, Annie “Hooverville”, Company “Little Girls/Little Girls Reprise”, Miss Hannigan “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here”, Annie Grace, Ensemble “N.Y.C.”, Oliver Warbucks, Grace, Annie, Company “Easy Street”, Miss Hannigan, Rooster, Lily “Why Should I Change a Thing?/You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long”, Grace, Oliver Warbucks, Annie, Ensemble ACT 2 Entr’acte “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”, Bert Healy, Boylan Sisters “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” (Reprise), Orphans “Easy Street” (Reprise), Miss Hannigan, Rooster, Lily “Tomorrow” (Reprise), Annie, Oliver Warbucks, Roosevelt, Cabinet Members “Something Was Missing”, Oliver Warbucks “I Don’t Need Anything But You”, Annie, Oliver Warbucks, Grace, Ensemble “A New Deal for Christmas”, Annie, Oliver Warbucks, Grace, Orphans, Roosevelt, Ensemble

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Crew Producers......................................Jaclyn Robertson, Mary Beth Smith-Toomey Assistant Producer...........................................................................Monika Stumpo Director..................................................................................................Krissy McGregor Music Director...................................................................................... Josh Cleveland Choreographer.............................................................................................. Jessi Shull Stage Managers..............................................Dana Maksymova, Caitlin O’Leary Assistant Stage Managers................................ Ali Alqallaf, Maureen Dawson, Emily “EJ” Jonas, Jasmine Jones, Whitney Perez Set Design....................................................................Rebecca Kalant, Adam Ressa Set Construction....................................................Shah Choudhury, Julie Fischer Assisted by.......................................................................Jim Hutzler, Jeff Nesmeyer Set Painting................................................................Diedre “De” Nicholson-Lamb Properties Design............................ Helen Bard-Sobola, Christine Tankersley Assisted by Bobbie Herbst, Phyllis Johnson, James Lee, Lisa Ververs Set Dressing...............................................................Journey Donovan, Dillon King Lighting Design.......................................................................Ken and Patti Crowley Master Electrician..........................................................Mary Beth Smith-Toomey Assisted by Kimberly Crago, Sally Flores Sound Design............................................................................................. Adam Parker Assisted by Sophie Atiyeh, Keith Bell, Bob Hannan, Crystina McShay Costume Design...... Juliana Cofrancesco, Elspeth Grindstaff, Carol Pappas Makeup Design....................................................................................... Larissa Norris Hair Design............................................................................................... Larissa Norris Fight Choreographer....................................................................... Emily “EJ” Jonas Intimacy Choreographer.............................................................. Emily “EJ” Jonas Rigging.............................................................................................. Russell M. Wyland Photographer........................................................................................Heather Regan Opening Night Party................Jaclyn Robertson, Mary Beth Smith-Toomey Double Tech Dinner.................Jaclyn Robertson, Mary Beth Smith-Toomey Audition Coordinator.......................................................................... Sherry Clarke Assisted by Kimberly Crago, Rachel Dixon, Whitney Perez Our special thanks to all those people whose names were not available when this program went to press.

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SCENES ACT 1 Scene 1: The New York Municipal Orphanage Scene 2: A Street Corner Scene 3: A Hooverville Under the 59th Street Bridge Scene 4: The Orphanage Scene 5: The Warbucks Mansion at Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street Scene 6: New York City Scene 7: The Orphanage Scene 8: The Warbucks Mansion ACT 2 Scene 1: The NBC Radio Studio at 30 Rockefeller Center and the Orphanage Scene 2: The Orphanage Scene 3: Washington: The White House Scene 4: The Warbucks Mansion Scene 5: The Warbucks Mansion ANNIE ORCHESTRA Keyboard I/Conductor: Josh Cleveland Keyboard II: Stella Monshaw, Elaina Newport Bass: Jonah Rashidfarokhy Guitar/Banjo: Joe Haughton, TBD Drums: Jake Gunter Reed 1: Brian Berdan Reed 2: Joshua Saville Reed 3: Hailey Nowacek Cello: Kevin Uleck, Pam Clem Violin: Neal Learner, Tasha Pulvermacher Trumpet: Paul Weiss Trombones: Bill Wright, Melissa Bayliss, Scott Fridy

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Meet the Cast (in alphabetical order) Claire Aziza (Ensemble) is excited to return to LTA! Previously appeared in Sister Act (Ensemble). Favorite credits: Ensemble/ Katie (u/s perf) in Meet Me in St. Louis (RCPA), Ermengarde in Hello, Dolly! (Mittelsächsisches Theatre, Germany), Ensemble in Elf, the Musical (NCT, NY), Mrs. Puff in The SpongeBob Musical (HHIP) and most recently Kate Mullins in Titanic the Musical (GSP). Claire has a B.M. in Music Theater. Thanks to her sweet husband and their little one on the way!

Shakil Azizi (Daniel “Rooster” Hannigan) is excited to debut at LTA. Recent credits: Frederick Barrett in Titanic the Musical (GSP), Man 1 in Songs for a New World (Triune), HotBlades Harry in Urinetown (WAC), Henrik in A Little Night Music (RCP), Clopin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (TAP), Neville Landless in two productions of The Mystery of Edwin Drood (BP and WAC) and Chase/ Jake in Paw Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue. (China Tour).

Aliza Cohen (Molly – Blue Cast) is excited to make her musical theater debut at LTA. Aliza studies at Legacy Dance and voice/ piano with Tess Ottinger. Previous performances: Mushroom and Party Girl in The Nutcracker with The Washington Ballet (Warner), peasant in Giselle with United Ukrainian Ballet (Kennedy Center), Queen’s Page in Sleeping Beauty with The Washington Ballet (Kennedy Center), Party Princess in The Nutcracker with Ballet West (Kennedy Center). She is thankful for her family’s support!

Alexandra DuBose (Kate – Red Cast) is excited for her first LTA show! Alex performed for the Encore Stage and Studio as Spider in Charlotte’s Web and Emily Eagle in What Makes a Winner. She discovered her passion for theatre about one year ago after seeing Rachel Fine, her teacher, perform in Newsies (TAP). Offstage, Alex plays soccer and loves to craft/draw and stare at her Amigo Moss Ball pet.

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Meet the Cast Gabriella Engelfield (July – Blue Cast) Theatrical debut!

Has studied piano at Opal Music Studio for seven years and composes her own music. Studied dance at Chris Collins Studio. She is in the choir at the Basilica of St. Mary in Old Town. She hopes to be an anesthesiologist when she grows up. When she is not singing and dancing, she loves playing sports. She hopes to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and be on Broadway one day!

Rachel Ferguson (Star-to-Be/Ensemble) is happy to be making her LTA debut. Favorite shows include Oklahoma! (Laurey), Joseph . . . Dreamcoat (Narrator) and Children of Eden (Eve/ Mama Noah, Yonah). Rachel holds a B.M. in Voice Performance and an M.M. in Music Therapy (FSU) and is a government lawyer. Huge thanks to my three fab girls for the impetus, encouragement and enthusiasm for this show. Thank you, Burr, for your patience! Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!

Rachael Fine (Lily St. Regis) is thrilled to make her LTA debut, and her debut as a floozy bimbo! This is her 10th show in the area. Recent/favorite roles include Alabama Lamb in Big Fish (CFTC), Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain, Spot Conlon in Newsies and Lefou in Beauty and the Beast (TAP). Much love to this talented cast and crew—and all of you—welcome to Easy Street!

Rene “Kieth” Flores (President Franklin D. Roosevelt/ Ensemble) Recent credits: LTA’s Bright Star; Mysterious Man in Into the Woods (TAP). Other noted roles: Gomez, The Addams Family (SP, CT), Che, Evita (SMP), Georges, La Cage (ZS), Drake, Honk! and the King, The King and I (SP). Thanks to Krissy, Josh, MB Smith-Toomey and the entire staff of Annie for allowing me to be a part of this wonderfully talented cast. All my love to the Mrs. (Sally) and Melody!

ACVA

Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association invites you to visit www.artseventsalexandria.com to view the arts calendar and schedule of events.

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Meet the Cast (continued) Jesse Friedson (Ensemble) LTA debut. 16+ productions, with this being his third in the DC area. Favorite roles: Crutchie in Newsies (TAP; 2022 WATCH Award Best Musical), Pete in Almost, Maine (TAP) and Logainne Schwartzandgrubinierre in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. When not performing, Jesse is a paralegal at DOJ. Jesse thanks his family, friends and co-workers for support. He also thanks his castmates and the production team for the opportunity and their friendship.

Milly Gerstenberg (Annie – Blue Cast) is a seventh-grader in Fairfax County. She is an animal lover (shout out to Sandy!), heritage speaker of German and commercial actor. She is thrilled to be making her LTA debut in Annie. Her previous credits include Matilda (Hayfield Secondary School), The SpongeBob Musical (MVCCT) and Annie (MVCCT). She thanks her family (especially her cat, Peter) for their endless support and hopes that everyone enjoys the show!

Ava Grace (Pepper – Blue Cast) is excited and grateful to be a part of LTA’s production of Annie playing the role of Pepper.

Previously she appeared in MVCCT’s Annie, The SpongeBob Musical and Newsies as Les. Most recently she was Ariel in ACT’s The Little Mermaid. She would like to thank her family and friends and her vocal coach, Aimee Barnes, for all their support.

Heather Hanna (Grace Farrell) LTA debut! Her love for theater began as Gretl in The Sound of Music at age 5.

Selected shows: Grease, The Mikado, Die Fledermaus, The Magic Flute. She has a Bachelor in Music Performance from the USCAiken and currently studies voice under Kristen Potter. She is sending love and thanks to her family (birth and chosen)—she would not be onstage today without each one of them (especially her “stage mom”).

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Anna Jones (Annie – Red Cast) is making her debut with LTA! She performed in The Nutcracker (The Washington Ballet, Warner Theatre); Alice in Alice in Wonderland (CRT), Ensemble/Orphan in Oliver! (PWLT), Tad in Finding Nemo, Jr. (Pied Piper Theatre) and Children’s Chorus/Sheep in The Lion, The Unicorn and Me (Washington National Opera, Kennedy Center). She’s grateful for her friend Yaya, Lingling, Ella, Luke, Mom and Dad for making this happen and mostly thankful for the Lord.

Kate Kelley (Ensemble) is excited to be making her LTA debut in Annie! Favorite past roles include Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance (CT), Fiona in Shrek (CT) and Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods (State Your Name Theatre Company, Blacksburg, VA). When not onstage, she sings with Voce Chamber Singers and teaches music at Cora Kelly Elementary School and the Alexandria Early Childhood Center.

Michael E. McGovern (Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks) is excited to make his LTA debut in Annie. Favorite past roles include Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf in Into the Woods (TAP), Man 2 in Andrew Lippa’s Unbreakable (GMCW), Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden in Next to Normal (Encore Theater Company) and Waitress/Flight Attendant in Working (GMCW). Michael graduated with a B.F.A. in musical theatre from the University of Michigan before attending the University of Michigan Law School.

Steven Palkovitz (Ensemble) is excited to perform in Annie and hopes you enjoy the show! He’s been in two LTA shows before: Bright Star in 2022 and A Christmas Carol in 2017. Steve has been acting in community theatre since 2014 at RCP, VTC, MCP and PPF. You may have seen him as a background actor in House of Cards and Wonder Woman 1984. He thanks his wife, Jenny, for her loving support.

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Meet the Cast (continued) Bruce Porter Jr. (Ensemble) returns to theater with LTA after 20 years! Motivated to audition by his family, he is delighted to share the stage with his two daughters! Previous role was Robin in Robin Hood (MU Community Theater). An accomplished ice dancer, he competed at the European Figure Skating Championships in 2009. Hosts events worldwide such as AIBC Asia, IFX Expo Dubai and NFT NYC. He thanks his wife and daughters for all their support!

Isabella “Bella” Porter (Tessie – Blue Cast) LTA debut!

Favorite roles: Evie in Disney’s Descendants the Musical (Studio Bleu Vocal and Theater Arts) and Les in Disney’s Newsies Jr. (Basilica School of Saint Mary) and performances at Smithsonian National Zoo, Enchant DC and CureFest. Awarded third place in Youth Musical Theater Arts at 2023 National Student Auditions (NATS). Bella is an accomplished figure skater. Thanks to her vocal coach, Ms. Tina, and her family and friends for their support!

Penelope Porter (Kate – Blue Cast) is excited to be making her theatrical debut in Annie! She studies musical theater, tap, jazz, ballet and hip hop with Dancensations Dance Center. Penelope has performed with Studio Bleu Vocal and Theater Arts group at Enchant DC and the Smithsonian National Zoo. In her free time, Penelope enjoys figure skating, drawing and spending time with her friends and family!

She wants to thank all her teachers and family for their encouragement!

Samantha Regan (Molly – Red Cast) is grateful to LTA for this amazing opportunity! Her favorite past roles include: Buttons in the WATCH Award-winning production of Newsies (TAP), Pickpocket in Oliver! (PWLT), Ensemble in Shrek (City of Fairfax Theatre Company), Elf in Rudolph (CFTC) and Lumiere in the Enchanted Adventures of Beauty and the Beast (Acting For Young People). She wants to perform in at least one of her favorite musicals: Beetlejuice, Ride the Cyclone or Hadestown.

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Kinsey Robertson (July – Red Cast) is thrilled to be onstage in her first role ever! She is a homeschooled eighth-grader from Falls Church, VA, and enjoys art, singing and ice skating. Her past projects include Romeo and Juliet (NNS) as a member of the sound crew. She wants to thank Ms. Jessi, Ms. Rebecca, Adam Chicken, her Co-op friends and her family for encouraging her to follow her passion.

Michael Santos Sandoval (Drake/Ensemble) LTA debut in Annie. Previous performances: Cinderella’s Father in Into the Woods and Baker in Beauty and the Beast (TAP), Merchant in Sweeney Todd (RTP), Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (City of Fairfax Theatre Company), Dragon in The Magic Flute and Bartender in Faust (Washington National Opera). He is also Director of Videography at LA TI DO Productions. He thanks his family and friends for their love and support!

Amanda Silverstein (Miss Agatha Hannigan) is excited to participate in her first LTA show! Previous shows include Peter and the Starcatcher; Caroline, or Change; and Falsettoland. Some favorite roles include Hope (Urinetown) and Fiona (Shrek: The Musical).

Amanda is honored to play her alter ego, Ms. Hannigan, as she is known as elementary music teacher Ms. Amanda during the day. Enjoy the show!

Sunshine Smith (Pepper – Red Cast) makes her stage debut at LTA after falling in love with theatre as a drama tot. Sunshine has since gone on to perform in Carmen with the Tulsa Opera, Matilda in Matilda, Gretl in The Sound of Music and Molly in Annie. She is in eighth grade at the Metropolitan School of the Arts Academy. Sunshine would like to thank her mom, dad and little bro for all their love and support.

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2024/2025 THE LITTLE SEASON THEATRE •••••••••••••••• JUL. 20 – AUG. 10, 2024 ••••••••••••••••

This hit musical is loosely based on the story of Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips, one of the first white DJs to play black music in the 1950s. A mixture of soul, blues, jazz, and rock ‘n roll, surrounded by racial tension and rivalries.

•••••••••••••••• AUG. 31 – SEP. 21, 2024 •••••••••••••••

Set in 19th Century London, this delightful farce depicts the chaos that ensues when a woman tries to gain entry to a fictional club of explorers. Lots of silly gags, tricks, and physical comedy.

••••••••••••••••• OCT. 19 – NOV. 9, 2024 •••••••••••••••

The Broadway musical based on the Gothic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, follows a London-based legal practitioner who investigates a series of strange events involving his friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll and a murderous criminal named Edward Hyde.

•••••••••••••••• FEB. 8 – MAR. 1, 2025 ••••••••••••••••

The delightful musical tale of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.

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Order by Phone | Online | Mail

2024/2025 SEASON

Shakespeare’s

••••••••••••••• MAR. 29 –APR. 19, 2025 •••••••••••••••••

Much Ado AboUT NOTHING A comedy by William Shakespeare, this play revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrives in town. The play relies on tensions created by a paradoxical use of deception by its characters.

•••••••••••••••••• JUN. 7 – 28, 2025 ••••••••••••••••••

During the performance of a play-within-a-play, a plethora of disasters befall the cast and crew, including doors sticking, props falling, and floors collapsing. Cast members misplace props, forget lines, break character, and experience hilarious situations.

AND OUR HOLIDAY SHOW - DEC. 7 – 21, 2024

Here’s the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NEW AND RENEWING SUBSCRIPTIONS OPEN IN MARCH!

WWW.THELITTLETHEATRE.COM Box Office: 703.683.0496 | boxoffice@thelittletheatre.com 17

Meet the Cast (continued) Jennifer Thomas (Ensemble) LTA debut! Last seen as Pem Farnsworth in The Farnsworth Invention (Little Theatre of Norfolk). Favorite roles: Blanche Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, Nadia in Bare: A Pop Opera and Tracy/Eponine/Little Red in Forbidden Broadway (Peninsula Community Theatre). Jenn performed in virtual productions Bad Auditions: On Camera (FCT) and The Green Hornet (GAC) during quarantine era, but this production marks her first time treading the boards since moving to the DMV. Fosse Thornton (Ensemble) is stoked to make her LTA debut and dance, dance, dance the night away. Previous credits include TAP’s Singin’ in the Rain (Zelda Zanders) and NOVA Nightsky’s Romeo and Juliet (Juliet). Fosse would like to thank her eversupportive family, her Grandma and Grandpa, and her cat, Spot.

Lyle Vogel (Tessie – Red Cast) is growing up with three other music-loving sisters. This is Lyle’s theater debut. She thanks her family and her puppy, Scout, for their love and support.

Skylar Witt (Duffy – Blue Cast) is a sixth-grader at Accokeek Academy in Accokeek, Maryland. She is delighted to be in her second performance ever and first with LTA. Skylar was cast in the Junior Academy for the Performing Arts’ We Kids Be Kids in 2021.

Skylar caught the acting bug after watching Hamilton. She began taking musical theater classes at The Theatre Lab, Levin Music and LTA. Skylar’s other interests include playing soccer, viola and re-enacting Hamilton with her sister and brother.

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Orla Wood (Duffy – Red Cast) is excited for her LTA debut! She previously appeared in Newsies (MVCCT) and The Lightning Thief (MVCCT). She is a voice student of Alicia Woodberry at Opal Music Studio and sings in the Choralettes at Carl Sandburg Middle School. From 2019 to 2022, she was in her school’s performance choir in Beijing, China. Orla loves to take care of her family’s four cats: Marbles, Mouse, Brownie and Lion.

Matt Yinger (Bert Healy/Lt. Ward/Ensemble) LTA debut in Annie! He was last seen in Big Fish (CFTC) and as NicelyNicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls (KAT). Selected credits at The George Washington University include St. Jimmy/co-lead guitarist in American Idiot, Glen Guglia in The Wedding Singer, Lewis/Ensemble in Pippin, Private Stevens in Dogfight, Preacher in Bonnie and Clyde and Jack Stone/Jesus in Reefer Madness. Many thanks to my wonderful and supportive wife and family!

In case of an emergency, LTA has three AEDs (automated external defibrillators) They are located as follows: 1. in the lobby, near the Council Green Room 2. in the cast entrance hallway, near backstage door 3. in the Alexandria Academy, on the first floor

Theater Abbreviations Used in LTA Playbills ACCT – Aldersgate Church Community Theater ACT – Alliance of Community Theaters AP – Anacostia Playhouse AS – Arena Stage ASC – Annapolis Shakespeare Company ASGT – Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre BCT – Bowie Community Theatre BST – Baltimore Shakespeare Factory CC – Creative Cauldron CCP – Chevy Chase Players CFTC – City of Fairfax Theatre Company CPA– Colonial Players of Annapolis CRT – Castaways Repertory Theatre CT – Chalice Theater DTC – Damascus Theatre Company DS – Dominion Stage ES – Encore Stage ESP – Elden Street Players (now NST) FCT – Fauquier Community Theatre FP – Foundry Players (now CCDC) FSU – Florida State University CC – Creative Cauldron FT – Ford’s Theatre GAC – Greenbelt Arts Center

GFP – Great Falls Players (now MCP) GMU – George Mason University GSP – Good Shepherd Players HBP – Hard Bargain Players IS – Infinity Stage KAT – Kensington Arts Theatre KT – Keegan Theatre Company LMP – Laurel Mill Playhouse LTA – The Little Theatre of Alexandria MCP – McLean Community Players MP – Montgomery Playhouse MTA – McLean Theatre Alliance (now MCP) MVCCT – Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre NNS – NOVA Nightsky Theater NST – NextStop Theatre NVP – Northern Virginia Players NVTA – Northern Virginia Theatre Alliance OTC – Olney Theater Center PCP – Port City Playhouse PGLT – Prince George’s Little Theatre PPF – Providence Players of Fairfax PTC – Potomac Theatre Company Inc. PTP – Port Tobacco Players PWLT – Prince William Little Theatre

RCP – Reston Community Players RHT – Round House Theatre RLT – Rockville Little Theatre RMT – Rockville Musical Theatre SCT – Springfield Community Theater SMP – St Mark’s Players SP – Sterling Playmakers SSS – Silver Spring Stage SST – Shoe String Theater ST – Signature Theatre STC – Shakespeare Theatre Company STC – StageCoach Theatre Company TACT – The American Century Theater TAP – The Arlington Players TAT – The Alliance Theatre TBP – The British Players TCP – Tantallon Community Players TTL – The Theatre Lab 2FT – Second Flight Theatre VC – Vpstart Crow VTC – Vienna Theatre Company WAC – Workhouse Arts Center WATCH – Washington Area Theatre Community Honors ZS – Zemfira Stage

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Meet the Crew (in alphabetical order) Ali Alqallaf (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be part of LTA for the second time. He was an assistant stage manager for A Christmas Carol (LTA). He also was a spotlight operator for Young Frankenstein (RMT). Ali is currently pursuing a master’s degree in electrical engineering at The Catholic University of America.

Helen Bard-Sobola (Co-Properties Design) has been working with LTA forever. Two WATCH awards; many shows on stage and off. Break legs cast and crew! Love always to my family. Support local theatre and the arts in schools!!

Shah Choudhury (Co-Set Construction) has been building sets at ACCT and LTA since 2017. He was thrilled to work again with Julie Fischer and a wonderful group of set construction volunteers to bring this beautiful set to you. Recent sets he built with Julie at LTA are 2A3V and A Christmas Carol. Shah wants to thank his wife, Leah, for letting him build sets and play with power tools.

Josh Cleveland (Music Director/Conductor) is proud to make his LTA debut music directing! Josh is an educator, music director, singer, accompanist, composer and lyricist and a current participant in the BMI musical theatre songwriting workshop in New York City. Recent music direction credits include Keegan Theatre’s Elegies, Reston Community Players’ Bright Star and Creative Cauldron’s Daddy Long Legs. He is a collaborative pianist for Young Artists of America and resident music director/accompanist for LA TI DO DC. Juliana Cofrancesco, Elspeth Grindstaff and Carol Pappas (Costume Design) Work includes Mary Stuart (LTA Award), The Fantasticks, A Christmas Carol, Key for Two (LTA); Blue Stockings (SSS); Wedding Belles, Purlie Victorious and Enchanted April (ACCT); American Idiot, The 39 Steps, Seussical, Putnam County Spelling Bee, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Comic Potential, Footloose, 1776, Calendar Girls (MCP); Death of a Salesman, Leading Ladies (VTC); Playing Juliet and Casting Othello (PP); Cinderella, Revolutionary Gentleman (IS), MVCCT and ACCT. 20

Meet the Crew Ken and Patti Crowley (Lighting Design) are excited to be working with such a great team at LTA. Their most recent designs include LTA’s Young Frankenstein, 2A3V, Sister Act, Something Rotten; RCP’s Avenue Q, A Little Night Music, Aida; PLWT’s Oliver!, The Sound of Music; DS’s Brute Farce, Blue Fish Cove; TAP’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other noteworthy designs include Curtains, Picnic, The Secret Garden, The Will Rogers Follies, Widdershins, Das Barbecü, The Teahouse of the August Moon and I Hate Hamlet. They are recipients of numerous awards including LTA, RCP, FCT and WATCH Awards for Lighting Design.

Maureen Dawson (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited for her LTA debut. Recent credits: VCT’s Shakespeare in Hollywood, RMT’s Young Frankenstein, TAP’s Into the Woods, Singin’ in the Rain, Newsies (WATCH Award) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (WATCH Award) and notably BCT’s Fences, recognized with a WATCH Award and the Ruby Griffith Award for All-Around Production Excellence. She is grateful for her family and friends’ unwavering support and extends special thanks to Krissy, Jaclyn and Dana for this rewarding journey!

Journey Donovan (Co-Set Dressing) is excited for her first production with LTA. She was a set dresser recently with The Arlington Players for Into the Woods. She has been onstage and backstage for many shows in the DMV and in her hometown of Spokane, WA. Backstage she has had many different roles, such as stage manager, props master, scenic charge and master carpenter in shows such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Go Dog Go and Almost Maine.

Julie Fischer (Co-Set Construction) is honored to work with the production team, Master Carpenter Shah and the skilled volunteers who give their time to construct fantastic sets at LTA. This is her fifth year working on LTA productions, including as (co-)master carpenter and in scenic design.

She would like to thank Jim and Jeff for their work in the LTA shop and encourages everyone to play with power tools.

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Meet the Crew (continued) Emily “EJ” Jonas (Fight Choreography/Intimacy Choreography) is grateful to be back with Krissy and Dana as the Intimacy & Fight Choreographer for Annie. Recent credits include Intimacy & Fight Choreographer, The Who’s Tommy (WAC), Into the Woods, Singin’ in the Rain, Almost, Maine (TAP); Director/Fight & Intimacy Choreographer, Disney’s Newsies (WATCH AWARD WINNER—DIRECTOR and MUSICAL), and Director/Fight & Intimacy Choreographer, Bright Star (LTA). She is the founder of the theatre company Consent Theatre LLC. Jasmine Jones (Assistant Stage Manager) is delighted for her backstage debut at LTA. Favorite roles include Florinda in Into the Woods (RMT), Florence in Bright Star (LTA) and producer for Into the Woods (TAP). In her free time, Jasmine sings, advocates for historically underrepresented communities and supports our theatre family! She is so grateful to Krissy and Dana for the opportunity to work with some of her favorite people through Annie. Hope you enjoy the show.

Rebecca Kalant and Adam Ressa (Set Design) Rebecca is the Marketing Chair of CFTC and Adam is the Design and Technical Director for NNS. Favorite shows: Big Fish, Macbeth, Shrek, Midsummer, Beauty and the Beast (CFTC), Talley’s Folly, Romeo and Juliet, Proof, Collapse, Dead Man’s Cell Phone (NNS). Collaborating since Orlando, FL, where Adam was working for Walt Disney Imagineering and Rebecca was working for Universal Creative. Thanks to the builders, crew, cast and Storm (dog).

GIVE THE GIFT THAT ALWAYS FITS! LTA Gift Cards Starting at $25 are Now Available Online!

Visit www.thelittletheatre.com for the Gift Card link.

For more information, contact the LTA Box Office at 703.683.0496 22

Meet the Crew

Meet the Crew

Dillon King (Co-Set Dressing) is so excited to be joining LTA for the first time as a set dresser for Annie. Dillon has previously worked as a set dresser for The Arlington Players’ production of Into the Woods. You may have seen Dillon in Coeur d’Alane Summer Theater’s productions of Guys and Dolls and A Christmas Carol Radio Show. Dillon would like to thank his co-set dresser and fiancé for her love and support.

Dana Maksymova (Co-Stage Manager) is thrilled to return to the LTA stage! Dana has recently stage managed Into the Woods and Almost, Maine (TAP) and Mary Stuart (LTA). Her favorite credits include The Sound of Music, White Christmas, Peter Pan, Catch Me If You Can and Chicago.

She thanks her husband for his endless love, all friends who always come to see her shows, and the whole cast and crew for their hard and wonderful work!

Krissy McGregor (Director) is pleased to be directing her first show at LTA. Previous LTA credits include Helena in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Lucinda in Into the Woods and Ziegfeld’s Favorite in The Will Rogers Follies (WATCH nominee). Favorite directing credits: Into the Woods (TAP), Legally Blonde, The Pajama Game, Avenue Q, Mary Poppins, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. She holds a B.A. in Dance from BYU and an M.A. in Theatre Education from Emerson College.

Diedre (De) Nicholson-Lamb (Set Painting) has set painted for the past 20 years and is pleased to work on Annie. Recently, she painted Silent Sky, Enchanted April (WATCH nominee) and On Golden Pond for ACCT and Sister Act, Prelude to a Kiss, Blue Stockings and The Rocky Horror Show (Pearl Award—Excellence in Set Painting) for LTA. De thanks LTA for the fun time and reminds everyone ...“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.”

ACVA

Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association invites you to visit www.artseventsalexandria.com to view the arts calendar and schedule of events.

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Meet the Crew (continued) Larissa Norris (Hair Design/Makeup Design) has been active in a variety of roles both on and off stage in the DMV theatre scene for the past 14 years. She has won three WATCH Awards for her makeup designs for The Producers (LTA), Time Stands Still (RCP) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (TAP). Larissa is excited to work with this creative team and with this fabulous cast!

Caitlin O’Leary (Co-Stage Manager) is excited to be stage managing her second show with LTA. Caitlin has been working with theatre companies for over a decade. She has worked backstage for TAP, Hexagon, RLT and BP, with most of her time being spent with BP. Although she loves every opportunity she gets to work backstage, in her free time she can usually be seen hanging out with (aka babysitting) kids of all ages, her other passion.

Adam Parker (Sound Design) is excited to be working on his first show with LTA. Recent productions include Shakespeare in Hollywood (VTC), Proof (MCP), Our Town (SMP), American Idiot (MCP) and Singin’ in the Rain (TAP).

Whitney Perez (Assistant Stage Manager) is working with LTA for the first time! She started stage managing in 2022 with NNS. She has performed as Liz in NNS’s Leaving Bedrooms, as well as being assistant director for The Westing Game at Prince William Little Theatre in Manassas. Whitney would like to thank her wife and her friends for their support in her theater adventures. She also thanks producer Jaclyn Robertson for giving her the opportunity!

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Jaclyn Robertson (Co-Producer) makes her LTA debut! Favorite past roles have been Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (CFTC), Capulet in Romeo and Juliet (NNS), Sally Talley in Talley’s Folly (NNS) and Beatrice in Lovers and Executioners (PPF). In 2021 she co-founded NOVA Nightsky Theater, based in Falls Church, VA, where she serves as the Producing Director.

Special thanks to everyone who said yes to working on Annie and to her family for supporting her artistic endeavors.

Jessi Shull (Choreographer) Fun fact: Annie was the first musical Jessi ever choreographed—at 16! Past performance credits include Judy Haynes (White Christmas—Rooftop Productions), Jenny Hill/Featured Dancer (Big Fish—CFTC), Claire (Ordinary Days—NOVA Nightsky Theater) and Jerusha Abbott (Daddy Long Legs—Creative Cauldron).

Jessi has choreographed in Fairfax County for many years. She is NextStop Theatre’s Director of Education. Jessi sends her love to her husband and their two silly cats, Lilo and Moo. Mary Beth Smith-Toomey (Co-Producer) is honored to be working with Krissy, Jaclyn and everyone else associated with Annie. She’s been producing shows for LTA since 1977 and may be remembered for any number of them, including Cabaret, Into the Woods, The Nance, The Producers and our most recent production, A Christmas Carol. She’s received a few WATCH and LTA Awards along the way. Much love to Kim, Mike and Wesley.

Monika Stumpo (Assistant Producer) is happy to help create with LTA for a second time this season.

Christine Tankersley (Co-Properties Design) is delighted to be working on Annie with such a wonderful cast and crew. Christine is a JMU theatre grad who loves to participate in theater both on and off stage. She most recently appeared as Shelly in Almost, Maine (TAP) in February 2023. Christine has worked with multiple community theatres in Northern Virginia as well as East Tennessee.

Russell M. Wyland (Rigging) has been a member of LTA since 1990.

During these years, he has volunteered for box office, front of house, construction, special effects and many more. He has co-produced almost 25 productions at LTA, including the musicals Something Rotten!, Spamalot and Young Frankenstein. He has won WATCH awards for outstanding musical, set dressing and special effects. Russ served seven terms at LTA President and 10 terms as a Governor. He currently serves on the LTA Board of Financial Trustees. And finds time to hang rigging.

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The Originators Martin Charnin (Lyricist) created the role of Big Deal in the original Broadway company of West Side Story in 1957, the only acting job he ever had. He began writing during West Side Story and his first collaborator was Mary Rodgers.

He was subsequently the director, lyricist, composer, librettist, producer or a combination of the aforementioned, for over 140 theatrical productions, including Annie, Annie Warbucks, the Rock Opera version of Joan of Arc, Mata Hari, Loose Lips, Star-Crossed, Sid Caesar and Company, Carnal Knowledge, In Persons starring Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson, The Flowering Peach, Winchell, the revised Can Can by Cole Porter (for which he wrote a new libretto), Cafe Crown, Mike, Laughing Matters, The No Frills Revue, The First, On the Swing Shift, A Little Family Business, Upstairs at O’Neals, The National Lampoon Show, Lena Horne on Broadway, I Remember Mama, Hot Spot, Zenda, Put It In Writing, Fallout, Kaleidoscope, Ballad For A Firing Squad, La Strada, Nash at Nine, Music Music, Two by Two, And in London, Bar Mitzvah Boy, Bless the Bride, The 9 1/2 Quid Revue, and internationally and regionally, 17 productions of Annie.

In the 60’s and 70’s he turned to Television and created 7 specials that garnered over 15 Emmy Awards, and the Peabody Award for Broadcasting.

His collaborators included Peter Allen, Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Keith Levenson, Michael Danziker, Peter Sipos, Mary Rodgers, Marvin Hamlisch, Richard Rodgers, and Charles Strouse.

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He wrote for and directed among others, Fred Astaire, Jack Lemmon, Anne Bancroft, Lena Horne, Danny Kaye, Angela Lansbury, Johnny Mathis, Bill Murray, Jon Stewart, Bebe Neuwirth, Bernadette Peters, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gilda Radner, Molly Ringwald, Chita Rivera, Lou Reed, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Joan Rivers, Chuck D., Phoebe Snow, Shirley MacLaine, Marlo Thomas, Julianne Moore, Martha Plimpton, and Barbra Streisand.

Charnin was the artistic director of Seattle’s Showtunes for 7 years, before moving back to New York for the 4th incarnation of Annie on Broadway. He also created a one woman theatrical entertainment for his wife, Broadway and television star Shelly Burch.

Thomas Meehan (Book) received the Tony Award for co-writing the book for The Producers in 2001 and in 2003 for co-writing the book for Hairspray. He received his first Tony Award in 1977 for writing the book of Annie, which was his first Broadway show, and has written the books for the musicals Rocky, Elf the Musical, Cry-Baby, Young Frankenstein, Chaplin, Bombay Dreams, I Remember Mama, Ain’t Broadway Grand and Annie Warbucks. In addition, he was a longtime contributor of humor to The New Yorker, an Emmy-Award winning writer of television comedy, and a collaborator on a number of screenplays, including Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs and To Be Or Not To Be. Mr. Meehan was also a member of the Council of the Dramatists Guild. He and his wife, Carolyn, divided their time between a home in Nantucket and an apartment in Greenwich Village, near which, on Hudson Street, she owned and presided over the long-running and near-legendary children’s store Peanut Butter & Jane.

Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged

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The Originators (continued) performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students. MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City with additional office in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).

Charles Strouse (Music) A long-standing member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in January 2002, an inductee into The Theater Hall of Fame, Charles Strouse’s first Broadway musical, BYE BYE BIRDIE (1960), won him a Tony® Award and the London Critics Best Foreign Musical Award. In 1970, APPLAUSE, starring Lauren Bacall, achieved the same honors and his smash hit, ANNIE (1977), also won a Tony® for Best Score as well as two Grammy Awards®. Some of his other musicals include ALL AMERICAN, GOLDEN BOY (starring Sammy Davis Jr.), IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, IT’S SUPERMAN, I AND ALBERT, directed in London by John Schlesinger, and DANCE A LITTLE CLOSER, written with Alan Jay Lerner. CHARLIE & ALGERNON won a 1981 Tony® nomination for Best Score, as did RAGS in 1987 and NICK AND NORA in 1992. He wrote both the music and lyrics for offBroadway’s MAYOR, and teamed again with Martin Charnin to create ANNIE WARBUCKS, the sequel to ANNIE. His film scores include BONNIE & CLYDE, THE NIGHT THEY RAIDED MINSKY’S, and ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN. Those Were The Days,” the theme song for TV’s ALL IN THE FAMILY is a Strouse song, with lyrics by his most frequent collaborator, Lee Adams. Born Too Late”, a 1958 pop song written with Fred Tobias, was a top-10 BILLBOARD chart hit and is still heard on many oldies stations. The quadruple platinum album title song

by Jay-Z, Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”, won the 1999 Grammy for the best Rap album, charted for more than a year and won the BILLBOARD 1998 R&B Album of the Year Award. Strouse’s far-ranging talents include chamber and orchestral works, a piano concerto, a two-piano sonata, and operas. His latest choral work, The Child In Us All”, premiered in Spring, 2000. NIGHTINGALE, an opera based on the Hans Christian Andersen story for which he wrote music, book and lyrics, was recorded by Sarah Brightman. Strouse was 28

commissioned in 2001 to write CONCERTO AMERICA for the pianist Jeffrey Biegel. The work premiered in June 2002 with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall. Charles Strouse created the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop in New York, where he encouraged the talents of countless young composers, writers and performers. In 1999, Strouse received the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers Award for Career Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre. In December, 1995, a tv reinterpretation of the classic BYE BYE BIRDIE (starring Jason Alexander and pop-star Vanessa Williams) aired on ABC-TV. The 1995/96 Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music and Lyrics was given to the new song written for and performed by Vanessa Williams: Let’s Settle Down”. Another tv interpretation in 1999, ANNIE, aired on ABC’s Wonderful World of Disney, swept the ratings by winning over 40 million viewers, won the 1999 Peabody Award and 2 Emmy Awards. The show starred Kathy Bates, Audra McDonald, Alan Cumming, Kristin Chenoweth, Victor Garber, Andrea McArdle and Alicia Morton as Annie and ranked #1 as movie of the year. A revised GOLDEN BOY was produced by the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven (November, 2000); and the ENCORES! Series presented the show in March, 2002. Future projects: GOLDEN BOY will be performed at the Greenwich Theatre in England in June, 2003. THE NIGHT THEY RAIDED MINSKY’S, which Charles Strouse originally scored for film, has been turned into a full-length musical.

The Broadway-bound version has a book by the late Michael Okrent and Evan Hunter, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead. The Manhattan Theatre Club has scheduled the show for its 2003-04 season. An adaptation of the Paddy Chayevsky film MARTY, had a successful regional theatre run at Huntington Theatre in Boston in September, 2002. The show reunites Strouse with Lee Adams as lyricist; the book is by Rupert Holmes. John C Reilly starred in the Huntington production and will later again star when the show comes to Broadway next season.

For your own safety, look for your nearest EXIT. In case of emergency, WALK, DO NOT run, to the exit.

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The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)’s rights and actionable under United States Copyright Law.

Public Relations Staff Publicity...................................... Fred C. Lash Graphics............................ Simmons Design Playbill Editor................ Carol Hutchinson Playbill Coordinator.......... Bobbie Herbst For information concerning Playbill advertising, please call 703-683-5778.

FUTURE AUDITIONS AT THE LITTLE THEATRE OF ALEXANDRIA Mark Twain’s

Is He Dead?

Producer Eleanore Tapscott and Director Joey Pierce are pleased to announce auditions for Mark Twain’s Is He Dead?.

Audition Dates: Saturday, March 9, 2024 and Sunday, March 10, 2024.

Performance Dates: May 18 – June 8, 2024 Additional information will be posted on thelittletheatre.com under Auditions Mark Twain’s Is He Dead? is presented by special arrangement with ORIGIN™ Theatrical.

Play by Mark Twain and adapted by David Ives.

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Follow us on instagram @littletheatrealex 30

Thank You! LTA wishes to recognize and thank all of the volunteers who have given their time and talents by helping with house managing, ushering, or working in the box office for our previous production of A Christmas Carol.

Box Office Volunteers Clare Bisceglia Paulette Burdette Lloyd Bittinger Lynn Cook Sara Deshong-Rojas Sharon Dove

Lisa Eskew Ron Field Ira Forstater Barbara Gertzog Patricia Gonzalez Brittany Huffman

Kate Ives Caterina Lillis Suzette Manduley Zell Murphy Micheal O’Connor Rachel Pharr

Shawn Shavlik Patricia Skinner sheri ratick stroud Mila Weiss Steven Wright

Rex McHail Kristine Maloney Suzette Mandulay Monty Montgomery Heather Sanderson Lorie Sebestyen Ana Shannon Joan Smyth

Shannon Steeg Carol A. Strachan Mila Weiss Latrice R. Prince Wheeler Jenny Williams Richard Young

Front of House Volunteers Genie Baskir Rita Costello Shannon Doyle Laura Dwyer Michelle Dwyer D.G. P.G. Jim Galligan

Rebecca Harrison Marlene Hawkins Barbara Hayes Gayle Hightower Annie Jackson Meredith Ludwig Iolaire McFadden Debby McHail

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NOV./DEC. 2023-2024 DONORS Founding Fathers

Donna and Mark Samblanet Howard and Marg Soroos Andrew Terrell and Megan Waterhouse

Patriots

Luana Bossolo Anonymous Dorothy Cass Christopher Feldman Bob Gronenberg and Laura Freida LaChapelle Beauchamp James A. McAtamney Barron P. Hall, DVM Marion Holmes Continental Congress Woodrow Paik Mary Beth The Hurcke Family Kacie Carlyle Smith-Toomey Foundation Catherine & Adrian Steel Zell Murphy & David Clagett Susan Swain Mark Wesson Barbara and Micheal O’Connor John Cohoon Alexandrian In Memory of Dr. Patricia Cosler Robert C. Odle, Jr. Anonymous x3 Chas Harris Vivienne Stewart Mary Hunstad-O’Konski Dr. and Mrs. James Mila Weiss and Alper James and Monty Montgomery Catherine Kelley Michaela and Continental Congress Jim and Mary Hutzler Brad Duty Geoff and Genie Baskir Catherine E. Jenkins Elizabeth Blake Kacie Carlyle Ms. Melissa Neilson Barbara Brennan Franklin C. Coleman and Mr. Edward David Correria Paula Coupe Yawn Patricia C. Cosler Doll Family Donna and In honor of Mary Hunstad Mark Samblanet Peter Fannon O’Konski Howard and Ira Forstater and Melissa Neilson and Marg Soroos Robin Fradkin Edward Yawn Ed and Maria Ward Tony Gilbert Jeff and Diane Megan Waterhouse Nesmeyer Molly Gimmel and Andrew Terrell

Barbara Hayes Wendy and Doug John J.A. Livingston Donna Reynolds In Memory of Kenneth E. Stroud Jim & Jean Schlicting Anne Shively Robert Spivey Edward Walker and Barbara Kurlansik Sandra Welch

Minutemen Anonymous x 5 Jim Brown Joan Burg Brendan and Lee Dunn Pam Leonowich Terri McGinnis Jessie & Jon Roberts Barbara Slavick Carlos R. Moctezuma

Colonists Anonymous x 4 Mike and Terri Chaves

GIVING KEY Founding Fathers......................................................$1000–Above Continental Congress......................................................$500–999 Patriots..................................................................................$250–499 Alexandrians...................................................................... $100–249 Minutemen ..............................................................................$50–99 Colonists....................................................................................$25–49

Every effort has been made to ensure that this list of contributors is correct and complete as of the date this program went to press. If your name has been omitted or misspelled, please accept our apologies and inform us of the error so that the correction can be made.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution online, visit www.thelittletheatre.com and click on opportunities, then donations. You may also contact the business office at 703-683-5778, ext. 2 and donate by phone.

In case of an emergency, LTA has three AEDs (automated external defibrillators) They are located as follows: 1. in the lobby, near the Council Green Room 2. in the cast entrance hallway, near backstage door 3. in the Alexandria Academy, on the first floor 32

CLASSES CAMPS & WORKSHOPS

Join us at LTA, where we offer the best in theater education for adults and children. Online and in-person class options being offered now!

For online registration, go to thelittletheatre.com and click on “CLASSES”

REGISTER EARLY!

...........................................

600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

703-683-5778 ext. 2

The Little Theatre of Alexandria

Students aged 5+ must show proof of COVID-19 vaccines to participate.

600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 • www.thelittletheatre.com • 703-683-5778

The Council of The Little Theatre of Alexandria Rachael Hubbard............................................................................................................................. Director Margaret Chapman.................................................................................................................Vice Director Donna Hauprich..............................................................................................................................Secretary Lloyd Bittinger*................................................................................................................. Financial Officer Frank D. Shutts II............................................................................ Honorary Member, LTA President Beth Adler Jay Bartol Genie Baskir Beverley Benda Thomas Bethards Jamie Blake Luana Bossolo Lesley Buckles Madeline Byrd Paul Caffrey Kacie Carlyle Dorothy Cass Shah Choudhury Franklin C. Coleman Kadira Coley David Correia Rita Costello Kimberly Crago Rachel Dixon Paul Donahoe Sharon Rochelle Dove* Joel D. Durgavich Joan Evans Margaret Evans-Joyce Peter M. Fannon* Christopher Feldmann Stuart Fischer Ira Forstater Barbara Gertzog * Distinguished Member

Gary & Suzan Gladstone Duane Goddard* David B. Hale* Ronald Hardcastle Barbara H. Hayes John Henderson Joanna Henry Bobbie Herbst Katie Beth Hicks Kira Hogan Marian Holmes* Anne Julian Algis & Suzanne Kalvaitis Judith Kee* Janet Kennelly Meredith Kirchner Roberta Klein Suha Kudsieh Nicole Lamberson Kirk Lambert Fred C. Lash Caterina Vitoria Lillis Karen Maline Arie McSherry Zell Murphy II Diedre Nicholson-Lamb Patricia B. Nicklin C. Lynn O’Connell Micheal J. O’Connor

Aracely Ode Emilie Pade Eddie Page Jayn Rife Angela Roach Benjamin Robles Steven Rosenthal Heather Sanderson Jean Schlichting Margo Shiffert Anne Shively Patricia Skinner Patricia Spencer Smith Kim Smith-Salmon Mary Beth Smith-Toomey* Wendy Sneff Arthur & Margaret Snow Howard & Marg Soroos sheri ratick stroud Myke Taister Alison Tregea Jeffery Westlake Rance R. Willis* Frank & Carolyn Winters Russell M. Wyland* Kenneth P. Zabielski Janice Zucker

Rev 1.16.24

The Council of the Little Theatre of Alexandria is a group of dedicated members who support financial projects for the theatre and provide numerous social events with dinners, receptions, and other member gatherings. The Council promotes and supports volunteerism throughout the theatre to ensure continued success in all areas, i.e., backstage, front of house, box office, etc.; we also provide need-based scholarship funding to support numerous adult and youth educational programs within the theatre.

The Council is proud to sponsor the Shakespeare Garden which has become a community favorite with many stopping in just to relax and “waste my time in it.”