Laughing Stock - September 2015

Laughing Stock

written by Charles Morey directed by Shawn g. Byers produced by Jamie Blake and Rebecca Patton presents

Presented by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service, Inc.

PRESIDENT Lloyd Bittinger

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

ARTISTIC SUPPORT............................................................................................................................Beverley Benda

BOX OFFICE............................................................................................................................................Rae Edmonson

BUILDING....................................................................................................................................................David B. Hale

DEVELOPMENT............................................................................................................................................Jim Howard

EDUCATION........................................................................................................................................Roland B. Gomez

FRONT OF HOUSE........................................................................................................................................Eddie Page

MEMBERSHIP......................................................................................................................................Maria Ciarrocchi

PRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................Russell Wyland

PUBLIC RELATIONS..............................................................................................................................Rachel Alberts

SEASONAL PLANNING..................................................................................................................Frank D. Shutts II

TECHNICAL SUPPORT............................................................................................................................Robert Kraus

Treasurer....................................................................................................................................................David B. Hale

Secretary to the Board......................................................................................................................Carolyn Winters

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

Archivists..............................................................................................................................................Barbara Helsing

Business Manager..................................................................................................................................Virginia Lacey

Box Office Manager..................................................................................................................................Tina McCrea

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.

Director’s Notes

Charles Morey wrote the play Laughing Stock from his real-life experience. Morey spent almost 20 summers doing summer stock. The idea for writing the play, while in his head for some time, really began to take shape after a company asked to produce his adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula:

“[It] was one of those excruciating experiences that finally become funny as the years put some distance on it. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong. It was Dracula meets Noises Off. And the germ of an idea was planted.”

It is because of his real-life experience that the characters and the show itself ring so true. The show is exaggerated for comic effect, but beneath this exaggeration are characters who are flawed and yet somewhat courageous for trying to work together to accomplish the simple goal of telling stories. Morey states:

“Everyone … has their own ‘Playhouse.’ The place where there was never enough of anything … but where you gave yourself over wholly to the making of plays, to telling stories in the dark on a summer night—and along the way made a little family as well for a few months. It is those places, and especially those people, this play celebrates. I hope what finally comes through Laughing Stock is a genuine affection and respect for the mostly honorable and sometimes inspired fools who inhabit this profession.”

In fact, I, too, have my own “Playhouse.” I spent summers in college at a tiny summer theater in Ohio, Weathervane Playhouse. It is the family that I made there many years ago that I honor with this production! Luckily, the one thing that there is plenty of here at LTA is talent! So on behalf of the cast, crew, and me, as a band of these aforementioned fools, I hope that you enjoy our telling of Morey’s Laughing Stock.

Shawn g. Byers Director

For your own safety, look for your nearest EXIT. In case of emergency, WALK, DO NOT run, to the exit. We regret that no sound recording or photographic equipment may be operated during the performance.

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Visit your neighborhood branch today! 703-684-1655 ! burkeandherbertbank.com

The

Cast (in order of appearance)

Gordon Page ................................................................................................................................Lars Klores

Jack Morris ........................................................................................................................Michael Dobbyn

Susannah Huntsmen ............................................................................................................Kat Sanchez

Mary Pierre ..............................................................................................................................Abigail Ropp

Tyler Taylor ............................................................................................................................Will MacLeod

Vernon Volker ................................................................................................................................Tom Flatt

Richfield Hawksley ..................................................................................................................Ted Culler

Daisy Coates ..............................................................................................................................Natalie Fox

Craig Conlin ..................................................................................................................................Larry Grey

Sarah McKay ......................................................................................................................Melissa Dunlap

Henry Mills ..........................................................................................................................Richard Isaacs

Braun Oakes ..............................................................................................................................Brian Selcik

Karma Schneider ................................................................................................................Hilary Adams

Ian Milliken ................................................................................................Christian Menendez-Ayala

Setting

The play takes place in and around the New England summer stock barn theater known as the Playhouse and various other suggested locations from February to Labor Day of a recent year.

The Crew

Producers ..............................................................................................Jamie Blake, Rebecca Patton

Director ..............................................................................................................................Shawn g. Byers

Assistant Director........................................................................................................Brendan Quinn

Stage Managers ......................................................Charles Dragonette, Margaret Evans-Joyce

Set Design ....................................................................................................................Grant Kevin Lane

Master Carpenters........................................................................................Skip Butler, Nick Darcy

Assisted by: Chris Feldmann, Mike Forcina, Jeff Gathers, Jim Hutzler, Robert Kraus, Grant Kevin Lane, Jeff Nesmeyer, Dan Remmers, Alex Taliesen, Russell Wyland

Set Painting ......................................................................................................................Kevin O’Dowd

Assisted by: Bobbie Herbst, Patty Lord, Leslie Reed

Set Dressing ..................................................................................Marian Holmes, Russell Wyland

Properties Design ..............................Kirstin Apker, Sherry Clarke and Kathleen Mallaney

Assisted by:Alexandra Mees, Noel Elias

Lighting Design ....................................................................................................Jeff Scott Auerbach

Master Electrician ....................................................................................................Margaret Soroos

Assisted by: Lloyd Bittinger, Kate Brown, Marzanne Claiborne, Kimberly Crago, Charles Dragonette, Jim Hartz, Pam Lenowich, Mike O'Connor, Nick Roy

Sound Design ..........................................................................................................................Alan Wray

Assisted by: Marzanne Claiborne, Alexandra Mees, Liz Tipton

Costume Designer ..................................................................................................Grant Kevin Lane

Assisted by: Cody Boehm, Wendy Boehm

Wardrobe ....................................................................................Donna Hauprich, Margaret Snow

Assisted by: Cathleen Lee, Robin Worthington

Special Effects ..........................................................................................................................Art Snow

Photographer ............................................................................................................Matthew Randall

Double-Tech Dinner ..................................................................................................Elizabeth Blake

Assisted by: Kath Dillaber

Opening Night Party ..................................................Vivian’s Kickin’ Kitchen: Vivian Thrash

Assisted by: Lauren Kramer, Robert Kraus, Michael Page, Sherry Singer, Mary Beth Smith-Toomey

Audition Table Maria Ciarrocchi

Assisted by: Angela Cannon, Mary Lou Bruno, Joanna Henry, Barbara Helsing, Bobbie Herbst

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

Our thanks to those who worked on the show but whose names were not available when this program went to press.

Meet the Cast

(in alphabetical order)

Hilary Adams (Karma Schneider) What an amazing end to an amazing summer! Hilary is ecstatic to be part of the Laughing Stock cast and crew and could not be more grateful to the production staff and her family and friends, who have been so supportive of her throughout this whole process. This is Hilary’s second show at LTA; last summer she played Eunice Hubbell in A Streetcar Named Desire. Recent roles include Duke Frederick in As You Like It and the Chorus in Henry V. When she’s not onstage, she enjoys singing karaoke and watching The X Files

Christian Menendez-Ayala (Ian Milliken) is a senior at Mount Vernon High School, and this is his first show at LTA. He has worked three shows at ACCT: He was Mr. Wickham in Pride and Prejudice, played the title role in Shrek Jr. and ran lights for Cheaper by the Dozen. Previous roles include Friar Tuck in Robin Hood, Radames in Aida, and Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, all with MVHS Theatre Arts. Christian is excited to be working at LTA and meeting new friends.

Ted Culler (Richfield Hawksley) has been active in community theater in the D.C. area since moving from North Carolina in 1991. His most recent role was Russ/Dan in the Greenbelt Arts Center production of Clybourne Park. He is pleased to be back onstage at the Little Theatre of Alexandria, having last appeared as Vic in Funny Money. Favorite roles include Joe Benjamin in Montgomery Players’ production of God’s Favorite, Ray in Blackbird at Spring Stage, Martin in Cedar Lane Stage’s The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? and Sir Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons, also at Cedar Lane. Ted is a retired speech-language pathologist from Montgomery County public schools.

Michael Dobbyn (Jack Morris) is excited to make his debut on the LTA stage, and he is honored to be joining such a wonderful cast on such a beautiful stage. Michael is an actor, improviser and writer. He trained at the Second City Conservatory, iO Theater and Green Shirt Studios in Chicago and with Joseph Pearlman in Los Angeles. Some of Michael’s favorite projects have been Bad Dudes (NY International Film Festival), Freedom Friend (winner of “Audience Favorite” at the Brooklyn Film Festival) and the independent feature-length film The Window (available online). Michael would like to thank his fiancée, Kathleen, for her support and natural good looks. He would also like to thank his family for their encouragement.

Melissa Dunlap (Sarah McKay) is delighted to return to Little Theatre of Alexandria’s stage. Some of her favorite roles have been Daria in The Game’s Afoot!, Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest, Elmire in Tartuffe, Laurey in Oklahoma! and Muriel Tate in Plaza Suite. Locally, she has worked with McLean Players, Providence Players and Vienna Theatre Company. Overseas she appeared in many SHAPE Players productions. She wishes to thank family, friends and co-workers for their support, encouragement and indulgence of her crazy schedule.

Tom Flatt (Vernon Volker) is happy to return to LTA, where he has previously appeared in Cabaret, Proposals and The Sisters Rosensweig. Other local appearances include Shining City at PCP; Caroline or Change, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Weir, Accomplice and Love! Valour! Compassion! at ESP; Avenue Q, Take Me Out and Reefer Madness at DS; Rumors at MCP; and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Curtains at RCP. To Shani, who will always be my Mina!

Natalie Fox (Daisy Coates) is beyond excited to be onstage with such an incredible cast for Laughing Stock, after her LTA debut last season as Vera in The Odd Couple (Female Version). She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she studied performing arts. Natalie’s other recent work was as an extra onscreen in the Netflix series House of Cards during Season 3. She would like to thank her husband, Sean, for his encouragement and support during this show and every show, and to Skyler and Scout, her two daughters, for just being awesome.

Larry Grey (Craig Conlin) was most recently seen as Reporter One and Recovering Policy Advisor in the Fringe entry To Err Is Falstaff. Larry has been seen in LTA’s production of AChristmas Carol as Fezziwig. He has also been seen in Ragtime and in the Aldersgate Community Theater production of Life With Father. Larry has appeared in LTA’s Funny Money, Witness for the Prosecution, Hairspray, 1776 and Love, Sex, and the IRS. He has appeared in three productions of AChristmas Carol at LTA. He has performed with St. Mark’s Players in their productions of Parade, and Bye, Bye Birdie. He has also performed in Assassins and Godspell. He will be seen in a brief appearance in a soon to-be-released feature film, “On the Wing.” Behind the scenes, Larry has performed as stage manager, co-stage manager, assistant stage manager and set decorator and was also a nominee for excellence in prop design for his work on Visit to a Small Planet with LTA. I would like to thank all the people I love who put up with my crazy schedule and love me even though they never get to see me.

Richard Isaacs (Henry Mills) is excited to be back at LTA. Other LTA appearances include Plaza Suite (Jesse Kiplinger), LTA’s 80th anniversary celebration (Keller in The Miracle Worker, Myers in Witness for the Prosecution and Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Dial “M” for Murder (Tony Wendice), Rachael Hubbard’s 2012 production of A Christmas Carol (various) and Saturday, Sunday, Monday (Federico). Thanks to so many for making this such a fun experience, especially: Shawn for being a great director; Becky and Jamie and their talented production team; Charlie and M.E.J. and their wonderful ASMs; this great cast and crew (especially Brendan Quinn); and, of course, David Vecera (who makes it all worthwhile).

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

Meet the Cast (continued)

Lars Klores (Gordon Page) most recently appeared in the world premiere of Jean Koppen’s Black Hole at Port City Playhouse. Just before that, he appeared as Tupolski in Silver Spring Stage’s production of The Pillowman, for which he won the Maryland Theatre Guide’s Silver Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. Favorite roles include Freddy in Noises Off, Lord Windermere in Lady Windermere’s Fan, Edward Carson in Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde and the troubled Mr. English in Widdershins, all at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. He is a former president and longtime member of the Society of American Magicians and is currently developing Orson the Magnificent, a one-man stage show depicting the magic of Orson Welles.

Will MacLeod (Tyler Taylor) is happy to be performing in his first show with LTA. He has appeared in several other local productions. Recent credits include Paul in Barefoot in the Park (MCP), Antipholus of Ephesus in The Comedy of Errors (TAP), Dr. Givings in In the Next Room (PCP), Bill in Perfect Wedding (MCP), Harker in Dracula (PWLT), Prince John in The Lion in Winter (Zemfira Stage) and Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest (CRT). Will would like to thank you for reading until the end of this sentence.

Abigail Ropp (Mary Pierre) is pleased to be back at LTA, her favorite little theater on Earth. Recent credits include The Trap at Ambassador Theatre and A Streetcar Named Desire at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. In addition to performing, Abigail is a freelance dramaturg and teaching artist. Hailing from Leelanau County, Michigan, she has degrees in English and theater from Northern Michigan University and has spent time in residence at the Kennedy Center as part of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Dramaturgy Program. Besides her theatrical pursuits, Abigail loves to read, bake, and enjoy strong cups of tea.

Kat Sanchez (Susannah Huntsmen) is performing in her seventh production at LTA. She was last seen chain smoking with big 80s hair in last season’s The Odd Couple (Sylvie) after several turns in the Brit farce genre with LTA’s hilariously ridiculous Noises Off (Brooke Ashton/Vicki) and TAP’s Out of Order shenanigans (Jane Worthington). Other LTA credits include Widdershins (Ann Howard), Leading Ladies (Audrey) and The Eight: Reindeer Monologues (Dancer). Kat performed in the Capital Fringe Festival in Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead (Marcy Clara Johnson), a revival from LTA’s ’09-’10 season. Her favorite past characters include Viola (Twelfth Night), Gillian (To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday) and Phebe (As You Like It). Sincerest thanks to Shawn g. Byers for sharing his creative genius; and thanks to this tremendous cast and crew. As always, with love to her husband, Powder… and bravo to her little cast mate, baby tbd 2016.

Meet the Cast (continued)

Brian Selcik (Braun Oakes) is thrilled to be performing the role of Braun in his first LTA show. Other theater credits include The Invisible People (Jimmy), 15 Reasons Not to Be in a Play (Chris), The Princess Bride (Westly), Shrek the Musical (Donkey) and many more. He has also performed with his tap company, DynaMYTE, at the Kennedy Center, Joy of Motion Dance Center, and the Atlas Center for the Performing Arts. Brian is a freshman at Hayfield Secondary School. Enjoy the show!

Theater Abbreviations Used in This Playbill

2FT –2nd Flight Productions

ACCT –Aldersgate Church Community Theatre

ACT –Alliance of Community Theaters

BCT –Bowie Community Theatre

BP –British Players

CAPPIE –Critics & Awards Program for High School Theater

CHAW –Capitol Hill Arts Workshop

CAST –Community Alliance Supporter Theatre

CCDC –Capital City Players of DC

CCP –Chevy Chase Players

CRT –Castaways Repertory Theatre

CCS –Clinton County Showcase

CT –Chalice Theater

DLC –Drama Learning Center

DS –Dominion Stage

ESP –Elden Street Players

ESP/TFYA –Elden Street Players Theatre for Young Audiences

FCT –Fauquier Community Theatre

FP –Foundry Players (now CCDC)

GAC –Greenbelt Arts Center

GFP –Great Falls Players (now MCP)

GTP –Group Therapy Productions

HBP –Hard Bargain Players

KAT –Kensington Arts Theatre

KT –Keegan Theatre

LGP –Looking Glass Playhouse

LSDT –Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre

LTA –The Little Theatre of Alexandria

LTC –Landless Theatre Company

MCP –McLean Community Players

MP –Montgomery Playhouse

MPAT –Metropolitan Performing Arts Theatre

MTA –McLean Theatre Alliance (now MCP)

MVCCT –Mount Vernon Community

Children’s Theatre

NST –NextStop Theatre

PCP –Port City Playhouse

PPF –Providence Players of Fairfax

PTC –Potomac Theatre Company Inc.

PWLT –Prince William Little Theatre

RCP –Reston Community Players

RLT –Rockville Little Theatre

RMT –Rockville Musical Theatre

RTP –Rooftop Productions

SCT – Springfield Community Theater

SMP –St Mark’s Players

SSS –Silver Spring Stage

ST –Signature Theatre

TACT –The American Century Theater

TAP –The Arlington Players

TAT –The Alliance Theatre

TFT –Taking Flight Theatre Company (formerly 2FT)

UMW –University of Mary Washington

VLOC –Victorian Lyric Opera Company

VTC –Vienna Theatre Company

WATCH –Washington Area Theatre

Community Honors

WS –Washington Savoyards

WST –Wildwood Summer Theatre

Looking for a Group Activity or Fundraising Idea?

Another great way to help LTA continue to be a vibrant part of our community is by having your organization host one of our Partners in Art Nights. Partners buy out the house for designated performances (at a discounted rate) and give away tickets to members or sell them as a fundraising opportunity. Partners may use our lovely Council Green Room (at the left of the lobby when you enter the theatre) for a pre-show reception. Shows are available for our 2012-2013 season at reasonable rates.

Contact Virginia at 703-683-5778-ext.2

Meet the Crew

(in alphabetical order)

Kirstin Apker (Co-Properties Design) has served as house manager and assistant stage manager at LTA. She appeared in ACCT’s Murder on the Nile as Christina Grant. She designed props for PCP’s In the Next Room. Long ago, she played a vampire vixen in Dracula at South Bend Civic Theatre. She appeared as Fraulein Kost in Cabaret, Elaine Harper in Arsenic and Old Lace and Granny Weatherwax in Wyrd Sisters, in addition to filling multiple roles in Bill W. and Dr. Bob, Spoon River Anthology and Out of Sterno. Kirstin has been seen onstage as Delia in Life With Father (ACCT) and as Pauline Hemingway in Hemingway: The Arkansas Years, by local playwright James Bruns, at the Fridge in D.C. and this summer at the D.C. Fringe Festival. She also served as assistant stage manager for Sweeney Todd (LTA) and Plaza Suite (LTA). She is honored to be part of this wonderful crew and delighted to back at LTA once again. Love and thanks to Tom and the boys for understanding that Mama needs to get out and play, too!

Jeff Scott Auerbach (Lighting Design) is happy to be returning to LTA, where he last worked on God of Carnage. Jeff is active in community theater in the area, including ACCT, where Life With Father received a WATCH award nomination for lighting. His other ACCT productions include Murder on the Nile, Pride and Prejudiceand Cheaper by the Dozen. Jeff has received WATCH award nominations for Next to Normal (MCP), Reefer Madness and Alter Boyz (DS) and Death of a Salesman (LTA). He has a BFA from George Mason University with an emphasis in lighting. While he was at GMU, one of his shows, The Bacci, received a nomination for the American Theatre College Festival. Jeff recently finished working on Rehearsal for Murder (RCP). He wishes to thank his daughter, Katie, and husband, David, for all of their love and support over the many years of doing theater.

Jamie Blake (Co-Producer) is thrilled to be working with Shawn and Becky and this fabulous cast and crew. Jamie has spent the last 30 years at LTA and loves every minute of it. She’s been on and off the LTA Board of Governors, has won Best Producer twice, most recently with Eileen Doherty for Widdershins, and long, long ago won Best New Member. Special thanks to her mom and sister Liz for keeping her balanced. And to Rocco who gives her sweet kisses when he wants to go out. Always to Dad and Beamer. Enjoy the show!

Skip Butler and Nick Darcy (Master Carpenters) are thrilled to be back at LTA and working with Shawn. He calls, they answer! These lads have worked on numerous shows in the greater D.C. area, as well as numerous productions throughout the Deep South. Nominated for numerous shows, they have yet to win. Thank you to a great production team.

Shawn g. Byers (Director) is making his third directing endeavor at LTA. Shawn’s directing past includes Plaza Suite (LTA), Bent (DS), Funny Money (LTA), The Actor’s Nightmare and Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You (PCP). In addition, Shawn has treaded the boards throughout the D.C. area and even a couple on the very stage you see in front of you. He considers himself to be the luckiest guy around, to be able to work with such a talented cast and crew. But most of all, he is lucky because he is recently married to his most bestest friend #keeblerandflower.

Sherry Clarke (Co-Properties Design) Clarke’s first “dabbling in the arts” was with the typical neighborhood plays as a child. Fast forwarding to her late teens/early 20s, she was firmly ensconced in high school/college plays and musicals and began a very gratifying 13-year career as a vocalist based out of Seattle, traveling north to Alaska (quite literally) and south along the western coastline. She settled in Alexandria, where she discovered a new home in which to explore her theatrical roots once again by way of the wonderful community theaters in the area.

Charles Dragonette (Co-Stage Manager) is delighted to help re-create the team that brought you Plaza Suite and to work with the talents, both veteran and newcomer, that bring you this hilarious play. Favorite past stage manager experience includes Witness for the Prosecution, Dial ‘M’ for Murder, Ragtime and Plaza Suite at LTA, plus experience as an assistant stage manager, props designer and actor at LTA, PCP, ACCT and ACT.

Margaret Evans-Joyce (Co-Stage Manager) has a very long résumé at LTA. She has produced almost a dozen productions and stage managed almost twice that many. She served four years as LTA’s President and is currently the Executive Secretary of its Board of Governors. She recently received the Outstanding Service to LTA Award and shared the award for the 2014 Outstanding Production of the Year for Avenue Q. After a long career in special education, Margaret retired five years ago and is now an adjunct professor at Howard University in the area of speech and language pathology.

Donna Hauprich (Co-Wardrobe)has worked backstage for several shows since joining LTA. She is ready and excited to share wardrobe duties with the resident expert, Margaret Snow. Donna finds working backstage fun, meeting so many talented actors, despite having to wash their clothes so often. By day, Donna works as a massage therapist.

Marian Holmes (Co-Set Dressing) is delighted to be working with Russ on this fun show. Their last shows together were Dirty Blonde and Hairspray, which made a good showing at both the LTA and WATCH awards. Marian has been LTA’s President and a Governor in several areas. She has worked crews backstage, given parties, designed sets (and props and costumes), and even played a part or two onstage.

Grant Kevin Lane (Set and Costume Design) has designed sets and/or costumes for over 50 shows. His last set design for LTA was for God of Carnage. Previously he designed costumes for Shawn Byers’ production of Bent at Dominion Stage. Thanks to all the talented carpenters, painters and wardrobe staff who helped with this production, as well as a talented cast and production team.

For your own safety, look for your nearest EXIT. In case of emergency, WALK, DO NOT run, to the exit. We regret that no sound recording or photographic equipment may be operated during the performance.

Meet the Crew (continued)

Kathleen Mallaney (Co-Properties Design) has a visual arts background. She received her BFA from the Art Institute of Chicago and her MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Recently, Kathleen moved to the Alexandria area and is thrilled to be working on her first show at LTA with the cast and crew of Laughing Stock. Kathleen would like to send a shout-out to her fiancé, Mike Dobbyn (Jack in Laughing Stock), for his incredible talent as an actor and thank him for getting her involved in LTA!

Kevin O’Dowd (Set Painting) is pleased to be painting the set for Laughing Stock. In his years at LTA, Kevin has acted, designed props and produced as well as painted many, many sets. He last co-produced LTA’s WATCH award show Proof and will be teaming up again with Susan Devine and Lynn O’Connell for LTA’s 2016 summer musical. He has won numerous awards for his set painting as well as a WATCH award for his work on Hairspray. By day he works for Falls Church public schools.

Rebecca Patton (Co-Producer) is delighted to be back behind the scenes at LTA. Becky is something of a utility player around the Alexandria theater community and is active at Aldersgate and Port City in addition to LTA. Recently, she has directed Cheaper by the Dozen at ACCT and Shining City at Port City. She produced Murder on the Nile and designed and built the set for Pride and Prejudice, both at ACCT. She has stage managed several shows at LTA over the past several years, with favorites being Cantorial and Boeing, Boeing. In real life, she is the program manager for climate change at DoD. She has had a wonderful time with this cast and crew and thanks everyone for their hard work and dedication.

Brendan Quinn (Assistant Director) is thrilled to have his first LTA directing experience with this wonderful cast and crew. At the State University of New York at New Paltz, Brendan directed a series of one-acts in the New Play Festival, as well as the bi-annual Fresh Act (which he also produced). He also directed a performance of Playboy of the Western World in the Black Box at Warde High School in Fairfield, Connecticut. You may have recently seen him acting on the LTA stage in The Odd Couple (The Female Version) as Jesus.

Art Snow (Special Effects) is pleased to be working with the talented director, crew and cast of this show. Art has seen past service designing challenging effects that creep, gallop, float, fly, fall, burn, die, bleed, shatter, kick, vomit, smoke, undulate and unravel. Laughing Stock portends great opportunity to add to the listing of special effect action verbs.

For information about The Little Theatre of Alexandria when you need it, visit our website! www.thelittletheatre.com

written by Charles Busch

directed by Michael Karfen

produced by Jay Cohen and Jim Howard

Marjorie Taub, a middle-aged Upper West Side doctor’s wife, is devoted to mornings at the Whitney, afternoons at the Museum of Modern Art and evenings at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Plunged into a mid-life crisis of Medea-like proportions, she’s shaken out of her lethargy by the reappearance of a fascinating and somewhat mysterious childhood friend. Filled with passion and humor, the New York Times called TheTale of theAllergist’s Wife a “window-rattling comedy of mid-life malaise.”

Meet the Crew (continued)

Margaret Aiken Snow (Co-Wardrobe) is a venerable LTA backstage fixture. She has been seen working wardrobe, running props, reading one-act plays, and conducting box office business. The theme of Laughing Stock brings memories of her last front-stage appearance on September 19, 1962, when, as a 10-year-old Helen Keller, she created such a vicious food fight that the theatre is still in recovery mode. This show has a wonderful director, cast and crew of which she is honored to be a part.

Margaret Soroos (Master Electrician) has been active in community theater for many years. She has kept herself busy stage managing productions at both LTA and ACCT. Recent productions include In the Heights, Shenandoah, Das Barbecü, The Who’s Tommy, Footloose, Gross Indecency, Plaid Tidings, Oliver!, [title of show], Putnam County Spelling Bee, Full Monty, Ragtime and Saturday, Sunday, Monday at LTA Marg is now retired from her day job and has taken up traveling when not at the theater.

Alan Wray (Sound Design) is excited to be working with the extraordinary cast and crew of Laughing Stock. He’s doubly excited to be working with Shawn at the director’s helm again. He designed the sound for Shawn’s Plaza Suite. He has also designed The 39 Steps, 33 Variations and The Game’s Afoot at LTA. He has been nominated twice for a WATCH award, one for LTA’s Picnic and one for TAP’s The Seagull.

Russell Wyland (Co-Set Dressing, Rigging) has been a member of LTA for 24 years and has served the theater in several capacities, including chairman of the Sound Department, head of the Selection Committee and three years as President. Russ is serving hisfourth term as the Governor for Production. Russ has been the chair and only member of the LTA rigging department for over 15 years. His next producing project is The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).

TAKEASEAT

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 Virginia Lacey in the LTA Business Office at 703-683-5778 x2or pick up a Seat Purchase Form from the lobby. By request, a Seat Purchase Certificate can be obtained for your presentation to the recipient of your gift.

Thank You!

LTA wishes to recognize and thank all of the volunteers who have given of their time and talents by helping with house managing, ushering, or working in the box office for our previous production of In the Heights. Your contributions to the success of LTA are very much appreciated. Thank you!

Box Office Volunteers

Tina Anderson

Lloyd Bittinger

Tammy Preston Boyd

Peter Butler

Eileen Doherty

Sharon Field

Ira Forstater

Gary Gladstone

John Guinn

Libby Guinn

Barbara Helsing

Bobbie Herbst

Sherry Lord

Melissa Nielson

Micheal O’Connor

Charlene Pritzker

David Pritzker

Brendan Quinn

Front of House Managers and Ushers

Kirstin Apker

Lloyd Bittinger

Elizabeth Blake

Jamie Blake

Linda Brechbill

Angela Cannon

Rita Costello

Patrick Doneghy

Ron Field

Ira Forstater

Jean Miller Frane

Anthony Gallo

Joy Gardiner

Patty Greksouk

Donna Hauprich

Susan Hesser

John Johnson

Rebecca Johnson

Valerie Larkin

Dorothy Marshall

Harriet Matthews

Iolaire McFadden

Susan McFadden

Micheal O'Connor

Eddie Page

Jim Pearson

Matthew Pernick

Sue Pernick

Gary Rasmussen

Jayn Rife

Jackson Robb

Greg Saunders

Nancy Saunders

Renee Rabben

Margaret Snow

Paula Vickers

Katherine Ward

Linda Windsor

Eve Young

Jackie Scherer

Ralph Scherer

Howard Soroos

Carol Strachan

Charlotte Tsoucalas

John Utter

Ed Wilde

Leslie Wilkes

Richard Young

http://www.facebook.com/pages/

Founding Fathers

Anonymous

Jim Barthmaier

Marzanne Claiborne & Leslie Wilkes

Charles Dragonette & Alan Wray

Kathy Fannon

Peter M. Fannon

In Memory of Leona Kraus

Steffen & Jennifer Krause

In Memory of Roylee McCullough

David & Michelle McNally

Continental Congress

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Becker

Kevin Deardorff & Lisa Blumerman

John & Julia Gluck

Marian Holmes

Grace Manly Machanic

Jeanne & Dan Porter

Howard & Margaret Soroos

Pat & Ernie Sult

Andrew Terrell & Megan Waterhouse

Anne Paine and Fowler West

Patriots

John & Electra Beahler

Larry Dempsey & Emily Cole

Dennis & Myrna Dunn

Barbara Helsing

Kira & Patrick Hogan

Jim & Mary Hutzler

James & Catherine Kelley

Peter & Mary O’Konski

Rath Family In honor of Leslie Reed’s Dedicated Work

Janis E. Richards In Memory of Ernie Sult

Michael & Mary Beth Toomey

Steve Topetzes

Alexandrians

The Addington Family

Neale Ainsfield & Dr.

Donna Sieckmann

Martha E. Alliston

Lois & Peter Ancona

Anonymous

Ronald &

Sheila Barrett

Mary Katherine Baumeister

Dick & Cathy Becker

Carol & Jim Becker

Richard & Judith Bednar

Beverley Benda

Mary Lynne Brown

Jim & Sue Buchanan

Nick & Diane Burakow

Susan Chomicz

David Correia

Patricia Cosler

Brian & Paula Coupe

Ann S. Daniels

Robyn Dennis

Susan Devine

P. Michele Donahue

The Reverend

Stanley A. Dubowski

Jack Fannon

Alice Fitzgerald

Oliver & Carol Flint

Thomas & Rita Foss

Douglas R. Freeman

Jeff & Donna Gathers

James &

Maria Gentle

Trish & Cam Gibson

The Honorable & Mrs. John Harper, Jr.

Barbara Hayes

Jim & Terry Howard

Stephen Hyde & Kara Rosenquist

John & Rebecca Johnson

Carla Jones-Batka

Ladies’ Matinee

Society Michael Kharfen

Col. & Mrs. Kenneth R. Knapp, USMC (Ret)

Philip & Karen Kopp

In memory of Pat Rohrer

In Memory of

Leona Kraus

Dave Lewis & Mary O’connell

Susan & Andre’ L’Heureux

Donors

P. Lord

Jennifer Lyman

Bob & Joanne Madison

Linda L. Mayer

In Memory of

Diane R. Mayers

Louise Meng

John & Karen Misura

Peter &

Joanne Nanos

Jeff & Diane Nesmeyer

Douglas A. Olmsted

William P. Pope

The Rampy Family

Gary &

Ana Rasmussen

Maddie Reilly

George &

Fran Rhodes

Joe A. Rodriguez

Mary Jo Roos

James Rorke

Jean & Jim Schlichting

Richard &

Rochelle Schwab

In Honor of Richard

Schwab’s Birthday

Aubrey & Carolyn Smith

John & Laurie Stackpole

Adrian Steel

Laszlo & Barbara

Steingaszner

Alison Tregea

Bob Van Eimeren & Don Rowell

Hugh &

Sue Van Horn

Kelley Wells

Calvert Whitehurst

David & Sue Wilkes

Linda W. Windsor

Chris &

Gail Wollenberg

Kathy Wood

Linda Ysewyn

Minutemen

Mr. & Mrs. Leonard

Alfredson

Anonymous

The Apker Family

Robert & Joann Bingham

Herb & Dee Brooks

Cheri L. Brown

Giving Key

Founding Fathers......................................................$1000–Above

Nancyanne M. Burton

Peter Butler in memory of Evelyn Butler

Heather CallahanStevens & Fiona Stevens

Felicia Carretta

Art & Joyce Casale & Patricia Koepsel

Linda Couture

Robert B. Crane

Jack & Ramona Dano

Charles & Barbara DeRose

Mailia Du Mont

Margaret Evans-Joyce

Joanne Eyer

Ann C. Fitzgerald

Bill & Francine Gemmill

Joe & Betty Griffin

Johanna Guccione

Ruth Guirard (Long and Foster)

Fritz & Pat Haberman

Bruce Harrison

Ray & Judy Isaacs

Jake & Celia Jacoby

Ed & Donna Johnson

Al & Suzanne Kalvaitis

James & Charlene

Kegerreis

Jean B. Kistler

Robert Kraus

Walt & Manette Lazear

Pamela Leonowich

Sylvia F. Linke

William W. Lohr

Mike & Gigi Louden

Nathan & Kara Macek

Sara Maddux

Donna Malarkey

Gene &

Dorothy Mulligan

Becky & Jenni Patton

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce K. Petit

Elena Polyak

Roger & Cheryl Pratt

Mr. & Mrs. Harry P. Rietman

Col. Melvin H. & Barbara Rosen

Tamara Salmon

Michael Schmitz

Audrey Scruggs

Barbara Slavik

Capt. & Mrs. Donald Taggart

John & Myrna Templeton

Jerry & Doris Wolf

Colonists

Mary Catherine Arend

LTC & Mrs. William G.

Austin

Walter & Andrea Baumann

James T. Bennett

William & Myriam

Boczkowski

Joan Burg

Ronald E. Cogan

Anne Crowther

Cdr. Tom Downs, USN (Ret.)

Jerome & Anne Duncan

Robert & Jayne Eckert

Dan and Marie Ernst

Rosa Fein

John & Karen Forster

Penelope Gallagher

Kathy Giannetti

Kacie Greenwood

Clint & Kathy Hall

Edith C. Heilberg

Barbara Hendrickson

Jacquelyn Hill

Jean Keppler

Roberta S. Klein

Norma Jean Lawton

Stephen & Barbara Marcus

William Markland & Donna Nash

Jim McWilson & Meg Herndon

J.J. & Pat Miller

Paul Oppenheimer

Mary Palmer

Bob & Elaine Peoples

Jackie Phillips

Barbara Quigley

Irene Rehbock

Gil & Marcia Siegert

John Utter

Patricia Van Gelder

Don & Erdine Walter

Rance R. Willis

Raymond M. & Sheri H. Wolfe

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, contact Virginia Lacey, at 703-683-5778, ext 2.

The Council of the Little Theatre of Alexandria

John Johnson......................................................................................................................................Director

Tina Anderson..........................................................................................................................Vice Director

Grace Manly Machanic................................................................................................................Secretary

Sharon Field......................................................................................................................Financial Officer

Lloyd Bittinger................................................................................Honorary Member, LTA President

Helga Ingrid Adams

Luana Bossolo

Lesley Buckles

Nancyanne Burton

Jay Cohen

Steve Cohen & Mary Elizabeth McGowan

Franklin C. Coleman

Emory & Susan Damron

Eileen Doherty

Sharon Dove

Charles Dragonette

Margaret Evans-Joyce

Peter Fannon

Duane Goddard

Jane Godfrey *

Roland Branford Gomez

John Guinn & Elizabeth Yowell-Guinn

Brigitte Guttstadt

Doris Hamel*

Ronnie Hardcastle

Adriana Hardy

Barbara Hayes

Larissa Heyman

Bobbie Herbst

Kira Hogan

Marian Holmes

Jim Howard

Rebecca Johnson

Bonnie Jourdan*

Algis & Suzanne Kalvaitis

Judith Kee

Julie Kiley*

Mel and Lidia Kollander

Robert Kraus

Vivian Kronstedt

Anne Devonald Lash *

Lois D. Ligoske

David McCallum

Carlos Moctezuma

Will & Anne Monahan

Lynn O’Connell

Thomas & Alice O’Connor

Eddie Page

Becky Patton

William Pope

Leslie Reed

Jayn Rife

Benjamin Robles

Jean Schlichting

Joseph Schubert*

Dick Schwab

Margo Shiffert

Kim Smith-Salmon

Arthur & Margaret Snow

Howard & Margaret Soroos

Allen & Jean Stuhl*

Michael & Mary Beth Toomey

Rance Willis

Frank & Carolyn Winters

Robin Worthington

Alan Wray

The Council of the Little Theatre of Alexandria is a support group of interested and dedicated people who support the theatre with special contributions. Additionally, the Council has three social events per year, provides for the winter holiday decorations for the theatre, and maintains the Council Memorial Garden. The Council was organized in 1961 and presently has about 80 members, most of whom are long-term and wellestablished LTA members. Past contributions include: a new range for the Council Green Room of LTA, folding chairs and tables throughout the theatre, brass plates for the new theatre seats, new draperies in the Council Room, the computerized box office system, several grand drapes over the years, and many varied technical enhancements. Contributions to LTA from the Council have exceeded $200,000 and we gratefully accept donations from friends and members to assist in our support of LTA. We welcome new members and if you would like to become a member of the Council please feel free to contact the theatre or any of the Council officers. We are very pleased and honored to be a part of the Alexandria artistic community and are proud to be supporting one of the best community theatres in America today.