A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder - Jan/Feb 2020

book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman

music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak

based on a novel by Roy Horniman produced by Mary Beth Smith-Toomey

directed by Frank D. Shutts II

music direction by Christopher A. Tomasino choreographed by Stefan Sittig

www.thelittletheatre.com

presents

MOONLIGHT MAGNOLIAS AND Coming i

written

It’s Hollywood, 1939. Legendary film producer, David O. Selznick, is five weeks into shooting “Gone with the Wind” when he realizes the script is awful and the director doesn’t have a clue. He has a few short days to replace them and restart shooting or the production will shut down. Over the course of five days, three writers frantically craft (and act out all of the parts!) one of the most beloved screenplays of all times. Join us for this funny and affectionate comic romp that takes us behind the scenes of an iconic story.

by Ron Hutchinson produced by Rachel Alberts and Russell M. Wyland directed by Juli Tarabek Blacker

presents

JAN. 18 – FEB. 8, 2020

book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak based on a novel by Roy Horniman produced by Mary Beth Smith-Toomey directed by Frank D. Shutts II music direction by Christopher A. Tomasino choreographed by Stefan Sittig

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019; Tel: (212) 541-4684, Fax: (212) 397-4684. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

PRESIDENT Russell Wyland

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

ARTISTIC SUPPORT

BOX OFFICE

BUILDING

Susan Boyd

Ira Forstater

Frank D. Shutts II

DEVELOPMENT .............................................................................................................................................. Sarah Holt

EDUCATION

Michael J. Baker Jr.

FRONT OF HOUSE Robert S. Kraus

MEMBERSHIP ........................................................................................................................................

PRODUCTION

PUBLIC RELATIONS

SEASONAL PLANNING

Brendan Quinn

Alan Wray

Rachel Alberts

Ashley Amidon

TECHNICAL SUPPORT ............................................................................................................................

Treasurer

Secretary to the Board

Ken Crowley

David B. Hale

Lynn O’Connell

Executive Secretary ....................................................................................................................................Jamie Blake

Archivist Charles Dragonette

Business Manager

Box Office Manager

Tina McCrea

Crissy Wilke

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 Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Director’s Notes

There is an old saying, “Murder will out.” I am really unable to see why this should be so. At any rate, it is a statement impossible of proof, and one which must always remain a matter of opinion. Because certain clumsy criminals have placed themselves in full view of that dull dog, the Law, we are asked to believe that crime is invariably awkward. The logic is not very obvious. I am convinced that many a delightful member of society has found it necessary at some time or other to remove a human obstacle, and has done so undetected and undisturbed by those pangs of conscience which Society, afraid of itself, would have us believe wait upon the sinner. – Israel

Rank

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder began life as the 1907 novel Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal by Roy Horniman, which was then turned into the 1949 film Kind Hearts and Coronets starring Sir Alec Guinness as the eight members of the D’Ascoyne family. After years of litigation, the team of Robert L. Freedman (book and lyrics) and Steven Lutvak (music and lyrics) was given permission to create the show you see today.

I first became acquainted with this musical in the summer of 2014. My first thought was this is a show for LTA! It is fun and clever, wholesome with just a smidgen of “naughtiness.” Its humor is based on wit and circumstance, and it is as close to an old-fashioned musical as can be written today. Sit back, enjoy… and spread the word. We run through February 8, 2020! Thank you!

Frank D. Shutts II Director

In case of an emergency, LTA has three AEDs (automated external defibrillators)

They are located as follows:

Take a Seat.

Here’s a gift idea you can wrap your arms around! For the person who has everything, memorialize their love of theatre by purchasing a seat in our lovely theatre. An engraved plate, with up to three lines of engraving, will be placed on the arm rail. To purchase a seat, contact Tina McCrea in the LTA Business Office at 703-683-5778 x2. By request, a Seat Purchase Certificate can be obtained for your presentation to the recipient of your gift.

The Cast

Montague “Monty” Navarro..............................................................................................Drew Goins

Miss Shingle Kristin Jepperson

Sibella Hallward ......................................................................................................................Katie Weigl

Asquith D’Ysquith Jr. ..........................................................................................................Chuck Dluhy

Tour Guide Allison Meyer

Lord Adalbert D’Ysquith, Eighth Earl of Highhurst ............................................Chuck Dluhy

Reverend Lord Ezekiel D’Ysquith ................................................................................Chuck Dluhy

Miss Barley Audrey Baker

Lord Adalbert D’Ysquith Sr. ............................................................................................Chuck Dluhy

Henry D’Ysquith Chuck Dluhy

Tom Copley ..............................................................................................................................Jordan Peyer

Phoebe D’Ysquith ........................................................................................................Alexandra Chace

Lady Hyacinth D’Ysquith Chuck Dluhy

Newsboys ..................................Derek Marsh, Allison Meyer, Jordan Peyer, Margie Remmers

Major Lord Bartholomew D’Ysquith ..........................................................................Chuck Dluhy

Lady Salome D’Ysquith Pumphrey Chuck Dluhy

Actors ..............................................................................Devin Dietrich, Derek Marsh, Jordan Peyer

Lady Eugenia ..................................................................................................................Margie Remmers

Mr. Gorby Devin Dietrich

Chief Inspector Pinckney ................................................................................................Derek Marsh

Guard Jordan Peyer

Magistrate ............................................................................................................................Devin Dietrich

Chauncey D’Ysquith ............................................................................................................Chuck Dluhy

Ensemble Audrey Baker, Devin Dietrich, Derek Marsh, Allison Meyer, Jordan Peyer, Margie Remmers

SHOW SYNOPSIS

A distant heir to a family fortune sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm … and a dash of murder. This Tony Award-winning musical comedy is a murderous romp filled with unforgettable music, nonstop laughs and show-stopping performances!

PERFORMANCE PARTNER IN ART

Fri., Jan. 17 • Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Time and Setting

1909, London

Act I

Prologue

Scene 1, Prison Cell

Scene 1A, Monty’s First Apartment

Scene 2, Sibella’s Apartment

Scene 2A, Outside Highhurst Castle

Scene 3, Highhurst Castle

Scene 4, Prison Cell

Scene 4A, Lincolnshire Church

Scene 5, Prison Cell/Clerks

Scene 6, Lake Chizzlemere

Scene 7, After Chizzlemere

Scene 7A, Bank Office/Tailors

Scene 7B, Sibella’s Apartment

Scene 7C, Sibella’s Wedding

Scene 8, Prison Cell

Scene 8A, Village Inn

Scene 9, Henry’s Country Estate

Scene 9A, Honey Shack/Garden

Scene 9B, Prison Cell

Scene 10, Mayfair

Scene 11, A London Street

Scene 11A, The Bank

Scene 11B, Monty’s Bachelor Apartment

Scene 11C, Gym

Scene 11D, Phoebe’s Drawing Room

Scene 11E, Drury Lane Theatre

Scene 11F, Various Locations

Scene 11G, The Bank

Scene 11H, Act I Finale

Act II

Entr’acte

Scene 1, Cemetery

Scene 1A, Highhurst Castle

Scene 2, Monty’s Bachelor Apartment

Scene 3, London Street/Prison Cell

Scene 4, Great Hall of Highhurst Castle

Scene 5, Highhurst Castle Dining Room

Scene 6, D’Ysquith Estate/Wedding

Scene 7, The Trial

Scene 8, Prison Cell

Scene 9, Interrogation Room/Hallway

Scene 10, Prison Cell/Prison Gate

Scene 10A, Act II Finale

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is performed in two acts with one 15-minute intermission.

Public Relations Staff

Publicity .................................... Rachel Alberts

Graphics Simmons Design

Playbill Editor Carol Hutchinson

Playbill Coordinator ............. Bobbie Herbst

For information concerning Playbill advertising, please call 703-683-5778.

Follow our blog at http://thelittletheatreofalexandria.blogspot.com

Musical Numbers & Orchestra

Act I

A Warning to the Audience ..................................................................................................Ensemble

You’re a D’Ysquith ................................................................................................Miss Shingle, Monty

I Don’t Know What I’d Do ........................................................................................Sibella

Foolish to Think ..........................................................................................................Monty

A Warning to Monty ............................................................................................Ensemble

I Don’t Understand the Poor ..................................................................Lord Adalbert, Ensemble

Foolish to Think (Reprise) ........................................................................................Monty

Poison in My Pocket Monty, Asquith Jr., Miss Barley

Poor Monty Sibella, Company

Better With a Man Monty, Henry

Inside Out Phoebe, Monty

Lady Hyacinth Abroad Lady Hyacinth, Ensemble

The Last One You’d Expect Company

Act II

Why Are All the D’Ysquiths Dying? ....................................................Mourners, Lord Adalbert

Sibella ....................................................................................................................................................Monty

I’ve Decided to Marry You ..........................................................................Phoebe, Sibella, Monty

Final Warning ..............................................................................................................................Ensemble

Poison in My Pocket (Reprise) ....................................................................................................Monty

Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun ............................................................................Lord Adalbert Stop! Wait! What?! ............................................................................................................................Monty

That Horrible Woman ......................................Sibella, Phoebe, Detective, Magistrate, Guard

Finale ................................................................................................................................................Company

Orchestra

Conductor ........................................................................................................Christopher A. Tomasino

Concert Master ....................................................................................................................Steve Natrella

Violin ..................................................................................................Olivia Ren, Tasha Pulvermacher*

Viola ........................................................................................Tasha Pulvermacher, Kelley Williams*

Cello ..................................................................................................................................................Pam Clem

Bass ..........................................................................................................................................David Burrelli

Oboe/English Horn ..............................................................................Mary Padilla, Kristen Boyer*

Clarinet ..........................................................................................Lindsay Williams, Mitch Bassman*

Bassoon Mila Weiss

Trumpet Terry Bradley

Horn Alexander Rise

Piano Steven J. McBride Jr., Matt Jeffrey*

Drums/Percussion Emilie Mitchell, Matt Robotham*

* At certain performances

The Crew

Producer ..........................................................................................................Mary Beth Smith-Toomey

Director ..............................................................................................................................Frank D. Shutts II

Music Director ................................................................................................Christopher A. Tomasino

Associate Music Director ....................................................................................Steven J. McBride Jr.

Choreographer ........................................................................................................................Stefan Sittig

Stage Managers ........................................................................................Rob Cork, Nick Friedlander

Assistant Stage Managers ..................................................................Abigail Casas, Kurtis Carter, Mary Ferrara, William Kao, Lauren Markovich, Dick Reed, Marielle Roth, Emily Weaver

Set Design ....................................................................................................................................Matt Liptak

Set Construction Jim Hutzler, Jeff Nesmeyer

Assisted by Ken Brown, Susan Burkhead, Shah Choudhury, Rick Crispino, Julie Fischer, Bill Glikbarg, Jim Howard, Greg Matthes

Set Painting Stacey Becker, Mary Hutzler

Assisted by Luana Bossolo, Susan Burkhead, Leslie Cameron, Jill Crispino, Bobbie Herbst, Denise Landers, Patty Lord, Angela Merski, Diane Nesmeyer, Patricia Nicklin, Kathy Ohlhaber

Set Decoration ........................................................................................................................Myke Taister

Assisted by Carolyn Winters

Property Design ....................................................................................................................Kirstin Apker

Assisted by Hilary Adams, Bobbie Herbst, Brendan Quinn, Griffin Voltmann

Lighting Design ....................................................................................................Ken and Patti Crowley

Master Electrician ..........................................................................................................Pam Leonowich

Assisted by Jay Bartol, Lloyd Bittinger, Elizabeth Burch, Kimberly Crago, Marzanne Claiborne, Charles Dragonette, Jim Hartz, Iris Ellis, Hallie Oines, Donna Reynolds, Sherry Singer, Marg Soroos, Adrian Steel, Leslie Teitel

Sound Design David Correia

Asst. Sound Designer Donna Hauprich

Assisted by Keith Bell, David Hale, Jack Seaver, Sarah Smith, Gene Warner

Costume Design Jean Schlicting, Kit Sibley

Assisted by Alisa Beyninson, Donna Hauprich, Janis Johnston (Hats by Janis Johnston), Lanae Sterrett, Robin Worthington

Wardrobe Coordinator ..........................................................................................................Cheryl Bolt

Assisted by Alexandra Chace, Karen DeLuca, Kristen Jepperson, Judy Keelan, Lanae Sterrett, Robin Worthington

Hair/Wig and Makeup Design..........................................................................................Susan Boyd

Assisted by Chanel Lancaster, Karen Maline, Robin Maline, Lanae Sterrett, Fiona Stevens

Dialogue Coach ..........................................................................................................Cheryl Sinsabaugh

Rigging ..................................................................................................................................Russell Wyland

Photographer ............................................................................................................................Matt Liptak

Audition Pianists ..................................................................Steven McBride, Francine Krasowska

Audition Coordinators ........................................................Sherry Clarke, Margaret Evans-Joyce

Assisted by Susan Boyd, Abigail Casas, Barbara Helsing, Brendan Quinn, Bruce Schmid, Margaret Snow

Double Tech Dinner Ari McSherry, Brenda Simonen

A special thanks to those people whose names were not available when this playbill went to press.

PLANTS GARDEN SUPPLIES

LANDSCAPE HOME DÉCOR

UNIQUE GIFTS & MORE

Meet the Cast (in

alphabetical order)

Audrey Baker (Miss Barley, Ensemble) is new to the DC area and is thrilled to be in LTA’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder! A San Francisco native, Audrey has performed in regional theater throughout the Bay Area. Recent roles include Kate Monster/Lucy in Avenue Q, an Apostle in Jesus Christ Superstar, Muriel in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever and a lamb in Silence! The Musical. When not onstage, Audrey works in media relations and communications advocacy for nonprofit campaigns.

Alexandra Chace (Phoebe D’Ysquith) is thrilled to be making her LTA debut as Phoebe. Recent credits include Maria in West Side Story, Drusilla in L’Incoronazione di Poppea and Mimi in Rent. She recently graduated with a B.M. in classical vocal performance from the New England Conservatory in Boston. She is thankful to be performing a role that allows her to explore both her operatic and music theatre training. Thank you to my loving family in NY and VA and this terrific cast and crew for their endless support.

Devin Dietrich (Actor/Mr. Gorby/Magistrate/Ensemble) has always loved the visual and performing arts. In addition to studying film in college, Devin has performed in numerous stage productions, including a high school rendition of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes and a college production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Medium. His role in A Gentleman’s Guide… will be his first since graduating from college, as well as his first foray into the wonderful theatre community of Alexandria. Devin would like to thank his parents for helping him make the recent transition to Virginia, as well as his entire family for always supporting his artistic endeavors.

Chuck Dluhy (D’Ysquith Family) most recently performed at LTA in The Nance (Chauncey) and God of Carnage (Michael). Other favorites around the DMV include Any Given Monday (Mick), Glengarry Glen Ross (Ricky Roma), Rumors (Lenny Ganz), Shrek the Musical (Lord Farquaad), The Addams Family (Uncle Fester), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Lumière), Damn Yankees (Mr. Applegate) and Les Misérables (Thénardier). Thanks to Mom and Dad and all my friends for their support!

Drew Goins (Montague “Monty” Navarro) is excited to make his LTA debut with Gentleman’s Guide… and is grateful to this team for making the trek across the Potomac so worthwhile. Favorite university credits include Company and Spring Awakening. Extra thanks to Sam, the fam and the pod.

Follow us on twitter @thelittletheatr

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

Meet the Cast (continued)

Kristen Jepperson (Miss Shingle) National tour: Ragtime, The Musical (Emma Goldman); the New Christy Minstrels (vocalist/harpist). DC area: Studio Theater: Adding Machine (Daisy Devore), Jerry Springer: The Opera (Zandra); Olney Theatre Center: Anything Goes (Mrs. Harcourt/Reno US); Pandemonium: Nevermore (Muddy). Toby’s Dinner Theatre: Mame (Agnes Gooch), Nunsense (Reverend Mother). West End Dinner Theater: Brigadoon (Meg), The Pirates of Penzance (Edith). Lazy Susan Dinner Theater: Once Upon a Mattress (Winnifred), 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (Milly), The Pajama Game (Babe). Other shows: They’re Playing Our Song (Sonia, ACT Award), Das Barbecü (Brunhilda, WATCH Award). Website: DC-Harpist.com

Derek Marsh (Newsboy/Actor/Chief Inspector Pinckney/Ensemble) is absolutely thrilled to be returning to the LTA stage for his sixth production! Previous credits include The Producers (LTA), The Lion in Winter (TAP), West Side Story (LTA) and Spamalot (LTA). This will be his final production for the foreseeable future as he will be joining the United States Army once this show is concluded and going back to school upon his discharge. Special thanks to all the family and friends who have been by his side his whole life!

Allison Meyer (Tour Guide/Newsboy/Ensemble) is delighted to debut in her first LTA production! She has most recently appeared in the DC area as Agatha in Guys and Dolls (KAT), Charlotte in Oliver! (KAT) and Princess Ella in Frosted (British Players). Other favorite roles include Die Fledermaus (Adele), Orpheus in the Underworld (Eurydice), The Marriage of Figaro (Barbarina), Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney). Education: B.M. in vocal performance from Simpson College and M.A. in international training and education from American University.

Jordan Peyer (Tom Copley/Newsboy/Actor/Guard/Ensemble) is honored to be making his DMV community theatre debut with LTA’s Gentleman’s Guide…. His most recent performance was The Holiday Show with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. Previous theatrical performances include Telly in Godspell and Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at his alma mater, Vassar College.

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

Margie Remmers (Newsboy/Lady Eugenia/Ensemble) had no idea how important LTA would become in her life when, in 1996, she first enjoyed a production of Forever Plaid, put on by the dream team of Frank, Chris, Mary Beth and the lovely Grace Machanic. Two years later, that very same dream team cast her as Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense. She got married here, raised her children here and, sadly, got divorced here. Along the way, she performed in The Sorcerer, The Mikado, The Secret Garden and Sweeney Todd; served on the Board of Governors; and much more. She is moving west in just a few months, so it is only fitting that Margie closes this chapter of her life by performing one last show at LTA with the very same dream team that brought her here. Goodnight, Gracie.

Katie Weigl (Sibella Hallward) is honored to be making her LTA debut! Previous credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van de Graaf), Avenue Q (Kate Monster), Cats (Bombalurina), My Favorite Year (KC Downing), The Music Man (Marian) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive Ostrovsky), for which she received a Perry Award nomination from the New Jersey Association of Community Theatres. Katie also spent the past eight years teaching musical theatre for children in her native NJ. Katie thanks her parents—the best fan club imaginable!

Theater Abbreviations Used in This Playbill

ACCT – Aldersgate Church

Community Theater

ACT – Alliance of Community Theaters

AFI – American Film Institute

ASC – Annapolis Shakespeare Company

ATMTC – Adventure Theatre and Musical Theater Center

BCT

Bowie Community Theatre

BST – Baltimore Shakespeare Factory

CFTC – City of Fairfax Theatre Company

CCDC – Capital City Players of DC

CCP – Chevy Chase Players

CFTC – City of Fairfax Theatre Company

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)

GAC – Greenbelt Arts Center

GFP

Great Falls Players (now MCP)

HBP – Hard Bargain Players

IS – Infinity Stage

KAT – Kensington Arts Theatre

KT – Keegan Theatre

LMP – Laurel Mill Playhouse

LSDT – Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre

LTA – The Little Theatre of Alexandria

MCP – McLean Community Players

MP – Montgomery Playhouse

MPAT – Metropolitan Performing Arts

Theatre

MSA – Metropolitan School for the Arts

MTA – McLean Theatre Alliance (now MCP)

MTC – Musical Theater Center

MVCCT – Mount Vernon Community

Children’s Theatre

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 – Pandemonium Theater Productions

PTC – Potomac Theatre Company Inc.

PTP – Port Tobacco Players

PWLT – Prince William Little Theatre

RCP – Reston Community Players

RLT – Rockville Little Theatre

RMT – Rockville Musical Theatre

SCT – Springfield Community Theater

SMP – St Mark’s Players

SP – Sterling Playmakers

SSS – Silver Spring Stage

ST – Signature Theatre

TACT – The American Century Theater

TAP – The Arlington Players

TAT – The Alliance Theatre

TBP – The British Players

TCP – Tantallon Community Players

TT4W – The 4th Wall

VTC – Vienna Theatre Company

WATCH – Washington Area Theatre

Community Honors

WS – Washington Savoyards

Meet the Crew

Kirstin Apker (Property Design) has filled numerous backstage roles at LTA, including props designer (The Producers, The Nance—LTA Award, Legally Blonde, Key for Two, Laughing Stock), set decorator (Legally Blonde, Steel Magnolias—WATCH Award), assistant stage manager (A Party to Murder, Plaza Suite, Sweeney Todd) and artistic painter (Heaven Can Wait). She has also appeared onstage in To Kill a Mockingbird, and she serves as a house manager and as the coordinator of the theatre’s Floodlight newsletter. Thanks to Frank and Mary Beth for inviting her along for another fun artistic journey, and love always to Tom and her four sweet kiddos for their support of Mommy’s avocation!

Stacey Becker (Co-Set Painting Design) is excited to be working on another production at LTA and is especially delighted to be partnering again with Mary Hutzler on painting design. Stacey’s latest work behind the scenes was co-producer and set painting designer for The Haunting of Hill House. She hopes the audience enjoys the show as much as she did working alongside the wonderful cast and crew.

Cheryl Bolt (Wardrobe Coordinator) is thankful to be involved in her second show at LTA but this time backstage. She was last seen onstage in The Producers at LTA. She has been in many community theatre productions since deciding to pursue the hobby in 2013. Favorite roles include Tanya in Mamma Mia! (TAT), M’Lynn Eatenton in Steel Magnolias (FCT), Vi Moore in Footloose (Loudoun Centre Theatre), Alice in The Addams Family (TAT) and Sarah in Company (TCP). She will be seen onstage next as Evangeline Harcourt in Anything Goes with the Good Shepherd Players.

Susan Boyd (Hair/Wig and Makeup Design) is happy to be designing hair and makeup for this delightful musical comedy of manners. She has designed costumes, hair and/or makeup for film and theatre in the DC area and has won both WATCH and LTA awards. Susan is Governor for Artistic Support at LTA, where she is surrounded by terrific people. In her day job, she is a wardrobe stylist and image consultant, teaching real people how to dress for their real lives. Thank you, wonderful hair and makeup crew, for helping make this happen every night!

Rob Cork (Co-Stage Manager) has stage managed many productions and education class showcases at LTA, beginning with The Sorcerer in 1996. He also directed The Soul Sitter and A Christmas Carol at LTA. Favorite roles include Jungle Cruise Skipper at Walt Disney World, Charlie Davenport in Annie Get Your Gun (SCT) and Melbrook the Jester in Rumpelstiltskin with the Bergen County Players in New Jersey. He periodically appears as Will Rogers in a traveling production of Will Rogers’ U.S.A. with Kaleidoscope Theatre Company, a nonprofit organization that he co-founded.

(in alphabetical order) Follow

written by Neil Simon

produced by Nick Friedlander and Katie Kellenberger

directed by Matthew Randall

When Neil Simon needed a good laugh, this is the play he wrote! Join us for this first-rate farce with plenty of physical comedy, high-octane energy, and loaded with classic Neil Simon wit. It begins with three couples as they arrive at an upper-crust Manhattan anniversary party to discover that their host (the Deputy Mayor of New York), has accidentally maimed himself. Watch as the couples go to outrageous lengths to keep the police and press from finding out the truth. Don’t miss this gem of a comedy!

Meet the Crew (continued)

David Correia (Sound Design) has done sound designs for area community theaters, including LTA’s The Nance (2018 WATCH nomination for sound design in a play). Recent works include The Explorer’s Club (Lorton Workhouse), Anne of Green Gables – the Musical (LTA), The Boys Next Door (PCP), The Count of Monte Cristo (ACCT) and The Lion in Winter (TAP). Previous notable LTA productions include Hairspray (2011 WATCH Award for Sound Design in a Musical), Spamalot (2014 WATCH nomination for sound design in a musical) and Proof (2014 WATCH nomination for sound design in a play).

Ken and Patti Crowley (Lighting Design) are excited to be working with Frank, Chris, Stefan and Mary Beth once again at LTA. Their most recent designs include LTA’s The Producers, The Nance, The History Boys, In the Heights and 33 Variations; RCP’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Peter and the Starcatcher, Aida and Gypsy; PWLT’s Cabaret, The 39 Steps and Jesus Christ Superstar; DS’s Last Summer at Blue Fish Cove; TAP’s She Loves Me and Deathtrap and PCP’s Black Hole. Other noteworthy designs include Curtains, Picnic, The Secret Garden, The Will Rogers Follies, Widdershins, Into the Woods, Blithe Spirit, Das Barbecü, Teahouse of the August Moon and I Hate Hamlet. They are the recipients of numerous awards, including LTA, RCP, FCT, and WATCH awards for their lighting design. They want to dedicate their design to the production team, their fellow designers and the cast and crew.

Nick Friedlander (Co-Stage Manager) is excited to be back at the stage manager’s desk for another musical. Most recent stage manager roles include The Producers (LTA) and The Giver (ACCT). He would like to thank Rob for putting up with him for yet *another* show, all of his friends reading this in the audience, and Queen Helen and Bob for being the most supportive parents he could ever ask for!

Jim Hutzler (Co-Set Construction) has worked on many LTA sets as master carpenter and set construction crew, and once again it is a pleasure to be working with Jeff Nesmeyer and set designer Matt Liptak and the dedicated volunteers that bring LTA’s magic to life.

Mary Hutzler (Co-Set Painting Design) is delighted to join this talented and enthusiastic cast and crew. She has worked on many productions at LTA, most recently The Producers. She enjoys the creative process and working with a cast and crew dedicated to enhancing your enjoyment of the show.

Pam Leonowich (Master Electrician) has been climbing the light ladders at LTA for over 100 consecutive shows and is proud to follow in her mother’s theatre footsteps. Her mother managed and designed productions for the troops during World War II with the British Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). She is pleased to be teaming with lighting designers Ken and Patti Crowley. Special thanks to our fabulously dedicated light crew and her loyal and loving Max and Poppy.

Matt Liptak (Set Design/Photographer)

Gentleman’s Guide… marks Liptak’s eighth time set designing for LTA. Liptak has designed, painted and dressed sets across the DMV for the last four years. Notable shows include Harvey (WATCH nominee), Dracula (WATCH Award), Steel Magnolias (WATCH Award), Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and The History Boys. Liptak thanks everyone who worked tirelessly to make this show happen and thanks Kieran for his constant support.

Steven J. McBride Jr. (Associate Music Director/Pianist) has worked on over 35 musicals as music director, vocal director, and pianist in schools, community theatres and nonequity theatres, most recently as vocal director for LTA’s The Producers. His previous credits include The Producers (Milburn Stone Theatre), Beauty and the Beast (PA Theatrical Arts), Into the Woods and My Fair Lady (Henderson HS). Since coming to the DC metro area, Steve has become in demand throughout the area as a vocal coach, accompanist and conductor. He is a teaching artist for Young Artists of America and serves as interim choir director/organist at Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke, VA.

Myke Taister (Set Decoration), also known by the mononym “MYKE,” is a retired forensic artist who fell into set decoration and design as a hobby some 30 years ago. He served as LTA’s president in the late ’90s. Myke has won several awards for his theatrical endeavors, and his next project is decorating a Victorian home on Main Street in his hometown of Midland, Michigan. He dedicates this show to his mentors and friends, Anne Lash and Jean Stuhl.

Jeff Nesmeyer (Co-Set Construction) is pleased to be working at LTA once again and sharing the duties of master carpenter with Jim Hutzler. Jeff has been set building for the past several years at LTA, and this is his ninth venture as co-master carpenter. Together, Jeff and Jim have built sets for shows such as To Kill a Mockingbird, Spamalot, A Christmas Carol, Anything Goes, The Fabulous Lipitones, Anne of Green Gables—the Musical, Harvey and Dracula. He thanks LTA for its confidence in his carpentry abilities.

Jean Schlichting and Kit Sibley (Costume Design), armed with many yards of Velcro, are delighted to be part of this fun group of naughty Victorians! They have costumed many shows here at LTA, including this season’s The Haunting of Hill House and The Producers. Past LTA costume design awards include To Kill a Mockingbird, The Rocky Horror Show, A Christmas Carol, Ragtime, The Full Monty, 1776 and Into the Woods. WATCH awards include LTA’s Hairspray and The Nance. Kit and Jean have costumed for theaters throughout the DMV and have taught costume design at the high school level here in Northern Virginia. Many thanks to Mary Beth and Frank for inviting us on this wild ride and to our “theater widower” husbands for putting up with the crazy hours and occasional other duties as assigned!

Meet the Crew (continued)

Frank D. Shutts II (Director) At this very time 30 years ago (1989), Frank was in rehearsal for The Fantasticks, his directorial debut here at LTA. Since that time, he has directed 23 shows for LTA (both musicals and non-musicals) and an additional 37 shows in the DMV, picking up a “best” award here and there along the way. His most recent productions of The Nance and In the Heights were two such shows that were honored by both the LTA and WATCH awards programs. His 30-year resume would not have been possible without the tutelage of Dorthie R. Kogelman; the artistic collaboration of Grace Manley Machanic, Mary Beth Smith-Toomey, Chris Tomasino and Stefan Sittig; his extended LTA family; and the love and support of Myke. Thank you all for 30 exciting years full of hard work, fond memories and lots of laughter!

Cheryl Sinsabaugh (Dialogue Coach) has spent her life in amateur (community) theatre all over the world—mainly onstage, but in recent years she has worked backstage as stage manager and on lighting, makeup, props, etc. Plays for which she has been the dialect/accent coach are The Audience, Key for Two, A Christmas Carol (twice), Funny Money, Something’s Afoot and The History Boys at LTA, Pride and Prejudice, The Miracle Worker and Enchanted April at ACCT, California Suite at Providence Players, The Explorer’s Club at Lorton Workhouse and Leading Ladies at Vienna Theatre Company.

Stefan Sittig (Choreographer) 90+ productions including NYC: Who Is Eartha Mae? (Theatre Row), Jessie (Chelsea Playhouse); INTERNATIONAL: Trabajadores (Uruguay), Changing Hearts (Canada); DC AREA: Flora The Red Menace (1st Stage), Man of La Mancha (Washington Savoyards), The Wiz (ATLAS), Jesus Christ Superstar (Open Circle Theatre), Polaroid Stories (Studio Theatre), Noel & Gertie (MetroStage), Dorothy Meets Alice (Adventure Theatre), Hollywood Pinafore (The American Century Theater); LTA: The Producers, The Nance, Legally Blonde, Anything Goes (also director), West Side Story, In the Heights, The Rocky Horror Show, A Streetcar Named Desire, Into the Woods; 2 WATCH awards, eight nominations; M.F.A in theatre and musical theatre, faculty at George Mason University. www.stefansittig.com

Mary Beth Smith-Toomey (Producer) returns with one of her favorite directors, Frank D. Shutts II (this is No. 18 as producer/director!), music director Chris Tomasino and choreographer Stefan Sittig. Together, they received LTA and WATCH Outstanding Production Awards for our last two shows together as a team, The Nance and In the Heights; they each also received individual awards recognizing their artistic achievements. Mary Beth produced Frank’s first LTA directorial show, The Fantasticks. Together and working separately on numerous productions, they always support each other’s artistic endeavors.

Stefan and Mary Beth just worked together on LTA’s The Producers , which she co-produced and he choreographed. A special thanks to Steve McBride for his dedication. Many thanks to this awesome cast, staff and crew! Very special thanks to Kim, Wesley and Mike and always to Michael.

Christopher A. Tomasino (Music Director) returns to LTA with Gentleman’s Guide (GGLAM), having last music directed Jesus Christ Superstar and The Nance for LTA in 2018. He is very excited to be working once again with the “dream team” of Frank, Stefan and Mary Beth; our fantastic stage managers Rob and Nick; and a highly talented cast, orchestra and crew. GGLAM is the 33rd production Chris has music directed at LTA since starting in the fall of 1988 with Chicago. Chris has been honored to receive the WATCH Award for Music Direction on past LTA productions of In the Heights, Hairspray, Cabaret, Das Barbecü and Tommy. He has also been the recipient of the LTA Demaine Award for Music Direction on numerous productions, as well as ACT Awards for Music Direction. In addition to LTA, Chris has been the music director for Bishop Ireton High School’s theater arts program for over 30 years. In real life, Chris is a vice president with Burke & Herbert Bank in Alexandria.

Russell Wyland (Rigging) has dressed sets for and produced several LTA productions, including Hairspray, The Full Monty, Avenue Q, 33 Variations, The Underpants and A Fox on the Fairway. He is the winner of several LTA and WATCH awards for set decoration, special effects and producing. Russ’ specialty and first love, however, is rigging, and he has been hanging curtains, signs and chandeliers at LTA for almost 25 years.

LTA wishes to recognize and thank all 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 The Haunting of Hill House. Your contributions to the success of LTA are very much appreciated. Thank you!

Box Office Volunteers

Lloyd Bittinger

Tammy Preston Boyd

Kurtis Carter

Patricia Espinet

Sharon Field

Ira Forstater

Gary Gladstone

Sue Gladstone

Terri Griffith

Barbara Helsing

Brittany Huffman

Ai-Nguyet Huynh

Front of House Volunteers

Lloyd Bittinger

Jamie Blake

Luana Bossolo

Lorraine Bouchard

Susan Boyd

Dee Brown

Gina Cavallaro

Susan Costa

Rita Costello

Carol Dorsey

Charles Dragonette

Robin Fradkin

Jean Miller Frane

Marcia Gillespie

Sarah Holt

Valerie Larkin

Wayne Johnson

Phil Krzywicki

Caterina Lillis

Michelle Mattox

Melissa Nielson

Steve Percy

SUMMER THEATER CAMPS

Jeanne Louise

Glen MacDonald

Stephanie Marburger

Dorothy Marshall

Susan McFadden

Loretta Miller

Ana Rasmussen

Jayn Rife

Rachel Pharr

Page Dreher Schreiner

Margaret Snow

Robert Wexler

Bill Young

Eve Young

Ann Rowan

Denise Settle

Ed Settle

Linda Shank

Carol Strachan

Don Wilson

Donors

Founding Fathers

Anonymous

Jim Barthmaier

Marzanne Claiborne & Leslie Wilkes

Laura Beauchamp & Chris Feldmann

Peter M. Fannon

Steffen & Jennifer Krause

Beth Leonard

David & Michelle McNally

Jean S. Moore

Greg and Pam Sullivan

Continental Congress

Anonymous

In Memory of Eileen Farrell

Marian Holmes

Jim & Mary Hutzler

Jill & Joe Kale

James & Catherine Kelley

In Memory of

Grace Machanic

Jeanne & Dan Porter

Carole & David Preston

In Memory of Leslie Reed

Patriots

Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Alfredson

Ronald E. Becker

Michael and Niki Bennett

Clare Bisceglia

In Memory of

Nancyanne Burton

David & Catherine Clagett

The Reverend Stanley A. Dubowski

Dennis & Myrna Dunn

Jack & Kelly Fannon

Dorinda Fitt

Jim & Alexandra Hartz

Dr. David Hunt & Dr. Kimberly Wells

Anne Monahan

In Memory of Leslie Reed

A. Leo Romaneski

Howard & Margaret Soroos

Patricia Spencer Smith

Mary Beth Smith-Toomey

Susan Swain

Kelley Wells

Gail & Jim Woolwine

Alexandrian

Neale Ainsfield & Dr. Donna Sieckmann

Jerome Andersen

Anonymous

The Apker Family

Mary Katherine Baumeister

Beverley Benda

Lloyd Bittinger

Alan Boehm

Luana Bossolo

Susan Bowman

Tamara Preston Boyd

Gregory Bricker

Herb & Dee Brooks

Dale Brown & Eileen Malone

Jim & Sue Buchanan

Nick & Diane Burakow

In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Carolyn L. Cain

Elisabeth Campbell

Lucy Capaldi

Gillian Chen

Conductor’s Fan Club

David Correia

Patricia Cosler

Brian & Paula Coupe

Robert B. Crane

Tom Dabney

Ann S. Daniels

Kevin Deardorff & Lisa Blumerman

Karen DeLuca

David Dender

P.M. Donahue

Thomas & Rita Foss

Jeff & Donna Gathers

James & Maria Gentle

Marcia Gillespie

Barbara Hayes

Jim & Terry Howard

Willy & Janney Jay

William Jenkins

Sheila Jurinski

Janet Kennelly

Robert Kraus & Larissa Heyman

Freida Lachapelle

Ladies’ & Gentleman’s Matinee Society

Dale & Bob Latiff

Pamela Leonowich

Susan & Andre L’Heureux

William W. Lohr

Jennifer Lyman

Sara Maddux

The Maibach Foundation

Estelle Marlor

Linda L. Mayer

Nicky McDonnell

Shirley McKinley

Thomas & Dolores Mulkerin

Zell Murphy

Jeff & Diane Nesmeyer

Northstrat on Behalf of Nancyanne Burton

The Odle Family

Kathy Ohlhaber

Kathleen Parrish

Jim Pearson & Laurie Marichak

In Memory of Leslie Reed

Mary Jo Roos

James Rorke

Ann Rowan

Tami & Peter Salmon

Tom Sargeant

Jacqueline & Ralph Schenkel

Jean & Jim Schlichting

Page Dreher Schreiner

Karen Jadlos Shotts

Aubrey & Carolyn Smith

George and Marisa Souza

Bob & Sharon Spivey

Donald Street

April Stull

Lois Van Bergen

Edward Walker & Brenda Kurlansik

Katherine Ward

Sandra H. Welch

Linda W. Windsor

Chris & Gail Wollenberg

Kathy Wood

Minutemen

Anonymous

Diana Banat

Ronald & Sheila Barrett

Robert & Joann Bingham

Joseph Bischoff

Cheri L. Brown

In Memory of

Nancyanne Burton

Linda Couture

Sara Deshong-Rojas & Omar Rojas Cadmia

Angelique Dimmick

Jeffery Dowers

Philip Eisenstat

Karen and John Forster

Ira Forstater & Robin Fradkin

Delma Frankel

Niki Gilliam

Joanne Goodell

Barbara Helsing

Joanna Henry

Mark & Patti Higgins –In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Ray and Judy Isaacs

Vernon Kahiler

James & Charlene Kegerreis

Victor and Barbara Kernus

David Kimmelman

The Livingston Family

Nathan & Kara Macek

Mr. & Mrs. Robert E.

Mannion

Bill & Joan McCulla

J.J. & Pat Miller

Giving Key

Mary Jo Morgan

David & Pamela Orr

Col. Melvin H. & Barbara Rosen

Steven Rosenthal

Rob & Donna Roth –In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Robert & Maureen Simoniz

Barbara Slavik

Mrs. Mary Stauss

Capt. & Mrs. Donald Taggart

Hildegard White

Rance R. Willis

Raymond M. & Sheri H. Wolfe

Linda Ysewyn

Colonists

Dr. Lynda Adamson

Mr. and Mrs. Albanese

Martha E. Alliston

Anonymous

Joan Burg

In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Dorothy Cass

Ronald E. Cogan

Robert Eckert

Alan English

Dan & Marie Ernst

Avery Clifford Evans

Margaret Evans-Joyce

Aaron Geduldig

Kathy Giannetti

David Hale & Russ Wyland

Alma Kasulaitis

Roberta Klein

Kathy Koczyk

Philip Krzywicki

Lynn Lacey

Catherine Love

Raymonde Magliozzi

Judith Mitchell

Jane Neubig

Gen. William L. Nicholson

Soledad Pellegrini and Timo Lorenzo-Schmidt

Mrs. Jackie Phillips

Linda Plaskow

Jill Randolph

Irene Rehbock

Roxanne Sayre

Diana Schwanhausser

Wendy Sneff

Mark Stein

Mark Weitz

In Honor of Cristina Wilke

Lillian Wilkens

Jerry & Doris Wolf

Kenneth Zabielski

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.

The Council of The Little Theatre of Alexandria

Carolyn Winters Director

Mary Beth Smith-Toomey* ..................................................................................................Vice Director

Margaret Evans-Joyce ..................................................................................................................Secretary

Lloyd Bittinger ..................................................................................................................Financial Officer

Russell Wyland Honorary Member, LTA President

Helga Ingrid Adams

Tina Anderson

Jay Bartol

Geoff & Genie Baskir

Luana Bossolo

Lesley A. Buckles

Franklin C. Coleman

Charlotte Corneliusen

Kimberly Crago

Emory & Susan Damron

Susan Devine

Sharon Dove*

Joel Durgavich

Peter Fannon*

Sharon Field

Ira Forstater

Duane Goddard*

Kacie Greenwood

David Hale

Ronnie Hardcastle

Adriana Hardy*

Donna Hauprich

Barbara Hayes

Bobbie Herbst

Larissa Heyman

Kira Hogan

Marian Holmes*

Rachael and Mark Hubbard

Jim & Mary Hutzler

Bonnie Jourdan

Algis & Suzanne Kalvaitis

Orron & Judy Kee

Mel & Lidia Kollander*

Robert Kraus

Burt & Vivian Kronstedt

David McCallum

Carlos Moctezuma

Anne Monahan*

Zell Murphy

Jeff Nesmeyer

Lynn O’Connell

Micheal J. O’Connor

Eddie Page

James Pearson

Brendan Quinn

Jayn Rife

Benjamin Robles

Heather Sanderson

Jean Schlichting

Margo Shiffert

Kim Smith-Salmon

Arthur & Margaret Snow

Howard & Margaret Soroos

Rance Willis*

Frank Winters

Bill Young

* Distinguished Member Rev 12.16.19

Welcome to the “Shakespeare Garden” in The Little Theatre of Alexandria Courtyard! This beautiful garden was made possible with donations from LTA members and supporters who purchased bricks during the LTA Council’s fund-raising campaign February-April of 2017. We have planted floral species that figured prominently in the Bard’s writings. We invite you to check out our courtyard during intermission and see how many you can identify!

The Council of The Little Theatre of Alexandria, organized in 1961, is a dedicated group of about 70 members that supports the theatre with special contributions. While our “Shakespeare Garden” is our most massive accomplishment so far, our past contributions included: scholarships for high school students, a new range, draperies and ice maker for the Council Green Room, folding chairs and tables throughout the theatre, brass plates for sponsored theatre seats, a computerized box office system, several grand drapes over the years, and many varied technical enhancements, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for safety. Contributions to LTA from the Council have exceeded $215,000. The Council conducts three business/social meetings per year, and decorates the theatre for the winter holidays. We are pleased to be a part of the Alexandria artistic community and proud to support one of the best community theatres in America today!