The Nacirema Society - June 2023

presents

THE NACIREMA SOCIE TY REQUESTS THE HONOR OF

YOUR PRESENCE AT A CELEBRATION OF THEIR FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS

written by Pearl Cleage

www.thelittletheatre.com

Coming in July

“A delightfully spunky musical, delivered at a lively pace” – Variety

book by Bridget Carpenter

music by Tom Kitt • lyrics by Brian Yorkey

produced by Luana Bossolo & sheri ratick stroud

directed by Joanna Henry

choreography by Stefan Sittig

music direction by Chris Tomasino

When a mom and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again before the big wedding! Freaky Friday, a musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney movies, is a hilarious and heartfelt update of an American classic in which a mother and daughter really see what it takes to be a family when they experience each other’s lives firsthand for just one freaky Friday.

703-683-0496

www.thelittletheatre.com

FREAKY FRIDAY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

presents

THE NACIREMA SOCIE TY REQUESTS THE HONOR OF YOUR PRESENCE AT A CELEBRATION OF THEIR FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS

written

by Pearl Cleage

produced by Stacey Becker and Ira Forstater assistant produced by Mariana Aza Renée

directed by Eleanore Tapscott • assistant directed by Aracely Ode

PRESIDENT Frank D. Shutts II

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

ARTISTIC SUPPORT Beverley Benda

BOX OFFICE Ira Forstater

BUILDING Myke Taister

DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................. Christopher A. Tomasino

EDUCATION Heather Sanderson

FRONT OF HOUSE Monty Montgomery

MEMBERSHIP ...................................................................................................................................... Stacey Becker

PRODUCTION Hilary Adams

PUBLIC RELATIONS Fred C. Lash

SEASONAL PLANNING Eleanore Tapscott

TECHNICAL SUPPORT......................................................................................................................... Ken Crowley

Treasurer Christopher A. Tomasino

Secretary to the Board ................................................................................................................... Lynn O’Connell

Executive Secretary Jamie Blake

Archivist Charles Dragonette

Business Manager .................................................................................................................... Kim Smith-Salmon

Box Office Manager Jeffery Westlake

Legal Counsel Brian T. Goldstein, Esquire

The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Public Performances: Wed.–Sat. at 8:00 p.m. and Sun. at 3:00 p.m.

Presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York, NY

Director’s Notes

Pearl Cleage is one of my favorite writers. I have read most of her novels, and Blues for an Alabama Sky, which I was so honored to direct for Port City Playhouse, is a favorite play. I remember growing up in Oakland, CA, and looking through copies of Jet and Ebony magazines and seeing the photos from various cotillions, especially the Links. And as I moved through school, I was slightly envious of those girls whose families were significantly higher up on the societal food chain than mine and who made their debuts to society.

I read The Nacirema Society a couple of years after its premiere performance at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre and thought, “I want to direct that play one day.” Cleage writes socially relevant plays while humanizing the African American experience—warts and all. What I like most about The Nacirema Society is the humanity of the characters and the precision of the play’s language, which allows the play to shift from drama to comedy with ease. I am all about the language of a piece, which informs the style (performance and scenery) of the production. The language in this play is clever, witty and sharp, and the dialogue feels like verbal swordplay (in the best tradition of Noel Coward), which allows the story to poke fun at a Black social group’s preparation for the 100th-anniversary celebration of its cotillion—even as the civil rights protest efforts were looming.

So why this story now? Well, it has been 20-plus years since The Cosby Show, with its depiction of an upper-class Black family, went off the air. There are few plays written about upper-middle-class Black families (Lydia Diamond’s Stick Fly is another example), and this play fills that void. The play’s matriarch, Grace Dunbar, is more annoyed with than inspired by the civil rights movement. Fearful that the protests will overshadow her treasured cotillion, Grace is at war with change, and she will not go down without a fight. I hope this glimpse into a world of wealth and culture that has existed for more than 100 years but is rarely discussed—the Black upper class—helps to promote understanding of the history and perspective of this group of people who worked hard to have a good life. They worked even harder to hold on to their lifestyle and their values through the tumultuous social changes of the 1960s.

Eleanore Tapscott , Director

SYNOPSIS

Every year since Emancipation, The Nacirema Society of Montgomery, Alabama introduces six elegant African American debutantes to a world of wealth, privilege and social responsibility. This year, at its 100th anniversary, with young love brewing, old flames simmering and national media attention on hand, what would dare go awry? In a sparkling romantic comedy with warmth and wit, Cleage invites you into this glamorous world where folks still dress for dinner and strong-willed grandmothers work behind the scenes. This is one invitation you’d be crazy to refuse!

TIME PERIOD AND SETTING

Time: December 1964

Setting: Montgomery, Alabama

INTERMISSION AND TALKBACK INFORMATION

The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years is performed in two acts with one 15-minute intermission.

Sunday, June 11, Talkback: After our matinee performance, Colonel Jim Paige (USA, Ret.), Executive Director of Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria, will host a panel discussion with Audrey P. Davis, Director of the Alexandria Black History Museum, entitled “The Importance of Keeping Stories Alive”.

SCENES

Act One

Scene 1: Sunday, late afternoon

Scene 2: Monday afternoon

Scene 3: Tuesday, early afternoon

Scene 4: Tuesday, later

Scene 5: Tuesday, later

Scene 6: Tuesday evening

Scene 7: Wednesday, 3 a.m.

Act Two

Scene 1: Thursday morning

Scene 2: Thursday afternoon

Scene 3: Thursday evening

Scene 4: Friday evening

Scene 5: Friday evening

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

FUTURE AUDITIONS AT THE LITTLE THEATRE OF ALEXANDRIA

Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van

Producer Monika Stumpo and Director Mike Donahue are pleased to announce auditions for Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van

Dates: Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16, 2023

Additional info will be posted on thelittletheatre.com under Auditions. Written by Mary Lynn Dobson.

Young Frankenstein

Producers Rachel Alberts and Russell M. Wyland and Director Frank D. Shutts II are pleased to announce auditions for Young Frankenstein

Music Director – Christopher A. Tomasino; Choreographer – Stefan Sittig

Dates: Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6, 2023

Additional info will be posted on thelittletheatre.com under Auditions.

From the book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan; Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks.

LTA COVID Pandemic Health and Safety Standards

LTA will continue to follow all current health and safety standards set by governmental authorities while the COVID pandemic continues, and we will maintain our full participation in the ALX Promise program sponsored by the Alexandria Health Department and Visit Alexandria. LTA will no longer require proof of COVID vaccination or PCR testing (if not vaccinated) for audience admission to our facility, and we will no longer be holding out every third seat for social distancing. Proof of full vaccination, including boosters, against COVID is required for all cast, crew, volunteers and staff, and for those auditioning at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. Effective February 17, 2023, masking is required only while inside our auditorium on performance evenings/matinees. Masks are strongly encouraged, but optional, in our lobby, Green Room and restrooms. This may change later in the season.

Follow our blog at thelittletheatreofalexandria.blogspot.com

Cast (in order of appearance)

Grace Dubose Dunbar ......................................................... Lisa Hill-Corley

Gracie Dunbar .......... Selina Tom-Johnson, Tiffany Morina (June 14, 15, 16)

Marie Dunbar Kellie Santos-DeJesus

Catherine Adams Green ..........................................................Robin Lynn Reaves

Bobby Green ............................................................................................... Evin Howell

Alpha Campbell Jackson........................................................... Jacquel R. Tomlin

Lillie Campbell Jackson Jummy Lash

Janet Logan .................... Kamilah Lawson, Juanisha Brooks (June 14, 15, 16)

Jessie Roberts .................................................................................... Barbara Cooper

The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years was originally commissioned, developed, and originally co-produced by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Geoffrey Sherman, Producing Artistic Director.

The original co-production partner was the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, GA, Susan V. Booth, Artistic Director.

PERFORMANCE PARTNERS IN ART

Friday, June 2 • Manumission Tour Company

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Diann Hicks Carlson of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, The Council of The Little Theatre of Alexandria, LTA Box Office volunteers, LTA

Front of House volunteers, Monty Montgomery, Old Town Editions of Alexandria, Kim Smith-Salmon and Jeffery Westlake.

Crew

Producers ....................................................................... Stacey Becker, Ira Forstater

Assistant Producer .................................................................. Mariana Aza Renée

Director .............................................................................................. Eleanore Tapscott

Assistant Director .................................................................................... Aracely Ode

Stage Managers ............................................................. Sherry Clarke, Vera Worri

Set Design ...................................................................... Ken Brown, Peter Mumford

Set Construction ................................................... Shah Choudhury, Julie Fischer

Assisted by Ken Brown, Rachel Brown-Glazner, Margaret Chapman, Shannon Doyle, Ira Forstater, Jim Hutzler, Angela Lambert, Greg Matthes, Jeff Nesmeyer, Tom O’Reilly, Bill Pearson, Kenneth Zabielski

Set Painting ............................................................................ Stacey Becker

Assisted by Robin Fradkin, Anika Hossain, Katie Lindsey, Marilyn Logan, Eva Penater

Set Decoration................................................................................. Maggie Mumford

Properties Design ........................................................................ Sabrina McAllister

Lighting Design .............................................................................. JK Lighting Design (Jeffrey Scott Auerbach and Kimberly Crago)

Master Electrician ............................................................................ Kimberly Crago

Assisted by Silas Andrews, Lloyd Bittinger, Pam Leonowich, Donna Reynolds, Sherry Singer, Danielle Taylor, Alan Wray

Sound Design ............................................ Dr. Victoria Brown, Ruben Vellekoop

Costume Design ........................................................... Jean Schlichting, Kit Sibley

Wardrobe Coordinator ................................................................... Margaret Snow

Assisted by Alisa Beyninson, Robin Worthington

Makeup and Hair Design .................................................................... Kadira Coley

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

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

Double Tech Dinner ................Nancy Adams, Luana Bossolo, Kacie Carlyle

Assisted by Diann Hicks Carlson and The Council of The Little Theatre of Alexandria

Audition Coordinators ...................................... Sherry Clarke, Brendan Quinn

Assisted by Nancy Adams, Latonya Henry, Aracely Ode

Our special thanks to all those people whose names were not available when this program went to press.

Meet the Cast (in alphabetical order)

Meet the Cast

Juanisha Brooks (Understudy – Janet Logan) is proud to make her debut with LTA. Previous roles included Molly Cunningham in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (VTTA) and Miranda in The Tempest (GSA). Juanisha is also a gifted writer and recently performed a tribute poem for poet Nikki Giovanni at her retirement ceremony from Virginia Tech. Juanisha dedicates this performance to her late mother, Vanessa Griffin, whose unwavering support paved the way for her to become a debutante in high school, placing her on the path toward a successful career in media and the arts.

Barbara Cooper (Jessie Roberts) is overjoyed and thrilled to be part of the production The Nacirema Society. She is an actor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre. She received her training from the University of the District of Columbia. The Awakening Club with Sean Surla is her most recent work. Theatrical performances include plays such as The Colored Museum, The African Company Presents Richard III and The Crucible. In addition to embracing the art of storytelling, she enjoys physical fitness with body recomposition.

Lisa Hill-Corley (Grace Dunbar) is a Washington area actor and writer who is pleased to make her LTA debut! Past shows include: Proposals (Clemma) for VTC (WATCH nominee), Sophisticated New Ones (Avery) for Unexpected Stage, Having Our Say (Sadie) for Creative Cauldron, The Trojan Women Project (Betty/Hecuba) and The Histories Project with Brave Spirits Theatre, and Psycho Beach Party (Berdine) and A Christmas Story (Miss Shields) with Landless Theatre Company. She dedicates her performance to her grandmother, Ms. Voncyle R. Davis.

Evin Howell (Bobby Green) is excited to debut at LTA for the production of The Nacirema Society. He has appeared in shows and short films local to the DC area, including Airness and Wannabe (Fringe Festival). New to the DC area, Evin is thrilled to be part of LTA’s 2023 season.

Meet the Cast (continued)

Jummy Lash (Lillie Campbell Jackson) is excited to make her LTA debut in The Nacirema Society. She started acting in high school, where she competed in districtwide acting competitions and small-stage performances. She has appeared in a number of theatre productions and short play festivals, including The Waiting Room (DT) and After The Wedding (AP).

Kamilah Lawson (Janet Logan) is excited to be making her LTA debut in The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years. She has appeared on stages from New York City to Richmond, Virginia, doing stand-up comedy under the pseudonym “Millz Lane.” She’s also an educator and podcaster. This is her first time on the theatre stage as an actor.

Tiffany Morina (Understudy – Gracie Dunbar) is ecstatic to make her LTA debut in The Nacirema Society. A versatile actor in both film and theater, Tiffany trained at Naples Players Theater under instructors such as Dawn and Charles Fornora. Her notable performances include Sister Act (TNP), Wild Horses (TAP/LTA) and Playing Juliet, Casting Othello (PPF). Tiffany also played a supporting role in the Capital Emmy Award-winning short film Close Call. She is also skilled at playing the violin and baking delicious cookies—catch her after the show to see if she brought any!

Robin Lynn Reaves (Catherine Adams Green) is a multiple WATCH Award nominee and has appeared in many shows, including roles as Lena Younger in A Raisin in the Sun (SP), Grizelda in Hansel & Gretel (SCT), Muzzy in Thoroughly Modern Millie (RCP), Geneva Lee Brown in The 1940’s Radio Hour (MCP) and many more. She has appeared professionally in a Ford’s Theatre production of To Kill a Mockingbird and in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Arena Stage. She would like to thank her family for all of their love and support, especially her son, Clinton.

Meet the Cast

Kellie Santos-DeJesus (Marie Dunbar) is excited to make her LTA debut. In 2021, she completed the Theatre Lab Honors Conservatory in Washington, DC. She has appeared as Diana Sims in A Matter of Faith (ET), Ensemble in Godspell (SSTG), Winifred Veil in S.P.I.E.S. 2: Flight of the Hawk (IS) and Mrs. Winsley/Nurse in Stop Kiss (VP). Kellie is also a member of the Drop Three Improv/Sketch Comedy Group (FPCT). Much love to Mom, Dad, Mark, Marissa, Matthew, Manny and Tam Tam.

Selina Tom-Johnson (Gracie Dunbar) is honored and delighted to be making her LTA debut in The Nacirema Society.

Past credits include A Raisin in the Sun (RLT) and Day Dream (Kennedy Center Play to Stage Festival). She is a proud alum of The Theatre Lab Conservatory. She is grateful to her friends and family for their love and support and would like to thank all those in The Nacirema Society for making it such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Selina dedicates her performance to all the dreamers out there.

Jacquel R. Tomlin (Alpha Campbell Jackson) is thrilled about her first LTA show! She is a native New Yorker and established roots in NoVa after completing her degree in business at Morgan State University. She worked for defense contractors and received a degree in contract management from The American University. Her roots expanded from business to the arts when she discovered The Theater Lab. Through the coursework, she unearthed a rooted passion for the arts and appeared onstage in Doubt: The Parable (VTC) and Stop Kiss (RCP).

Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association invites you

Follow us on twitter @thelittletheatr

When a mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. A musical based on the novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films.

Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van

Sometimes the comedy isn’t onstage but in the parking lot. Due to a lack of wing space, these actors spend their down time in an aging techie’s van. The “show must go on”... just not always as planned.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

“It’s alive!” From the creators of Broadway’s comedy hit, The Producers, comes Young Frankenstein, a monster of a hit musical based on Mel Brooks’ comedic film masterpiece.

A Christmas Carol

LTA’s own version of Dickens’ yuletide tale returns! From the first “bah humbug” to the final “wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit.

Leapin’ Lizards! The comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. Annie, the down-on-her-luck orphan, fights her way out of the Depression and into the heart of Daddy Warbucks while singing of her “Hard Knock Life” and her eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

MURDER on the Orient Express

It’s 1934, just after midnight, and a snowstorm has stopped the Orient Express luxury train in its tracks. A wealthy American businessman is discovered dead, and the brilliant and beautifully mustachioed Hercule Poirot must solve the mystery before the murderer strikes again.

IS HE DEAD

Millet, a young painter of genius, is in love with Marie, but he’s in debt to a villainous art-dealer. The artist realizes the only way he can pay his debt and keep Marie to himself is to die, as only dead artists achieve fame and fortune. He fakes his death, while passing himself off as his own sister! Now rich, Millet must find a way to get out of a dress, return to life, and marry Marie! Mon Dieu!

Agatha Christie’s

Meet the Crew (in alphabetical order)

Jeffrey Scott Auerbach and Kimberly Crago (JK Lighting – Co-Lighting Design) are an award-winning lighting design duo active at LTA, ACCT, DS, TAP and other local theatres. Recent productions at LTA include Lettice and Lovage and Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol. They are honored to be part of this production, working with some of their favorite people. They would like to thank Eleanore, the producers, the cast and the crew. Jeff thanks David and Katie Clement for their patience and support. Kimberly thanks Steve for being a real swell guy.

Mariana Aza Renée (Assistant Producer) has always had a deep love of theatre, beginning with her performance as the Cowardly Lion in The Wiz. Since then, she has played Rusty in Footloose, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls and Mama Morton in Chicago. Her love for acting has now extended behind the scenes as she makes her debut as a producer with LTA. Mariana is trained in voice, piano and violin—and she’s just picked up the guitar! She thanks Trust, Stacey and Ira for supporting this budding producer.

Stacey Becker (Co-Producer/Set Painter) is delighted to be involved in this production of The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years and partnering with this exceptionally talented cast and crew. Stacey is proud to bring Pearl Cleage, an inspiring female African American playwright, to LTA and share stories that are not known to all. “Discomfort is always a necessary part of enlightenment.”

Ken Brown (Co-Set Design) is delighted to be co-set designing the wonderful production of The Nacirema Society with Peter Mumford. Ken has been the lead builder and set designer for many LTA productions and is looking forward to working with a fantastic crew and cast.

Dr. Victoria Brown (Co-Sound Design) is excited and honored to join the team at LTA as co-sound designer for The Nacirema Society. She originally hails from California and is a local drummer and live sound engineer.

Meet the Crew

Shah Choudhury (Co-Set Construction) has been helping to build sets at ACCT and LTA since 2017, which has improved his carpentry skills from abysmal to mediocre. He wants to thank the producers for giving him the opportunity to play with power tools to build the set for this show; his set construction co-lead, Julie Fischer, for making it a fun experience; and those who assisted in set construction for making the construction easy. Shah hopes you enjoy the show as much as he enjoyed building for it.

Sherry Clarke (Co-Stage Manager) began theatre as a young child. Later, she enjoyed a 13-year career as a Seattle-based vocalist in her 20s and 30s, traveling north to Alaska and south along the western coastline. LTA provided a new home in which to explore her theatrical roots once again. Her most recent shows were Fences, Something Rotten and Sister Act. Sherry is very excited to work with the amazing cast and crew of The Nacirema Society and is especially pleased to be working with Eleanore Tapscott once again.

Kadira Coley (Hair/Makeup Design) is delighted to work at LTA again. This year she produced her first show, Sister Act, here at LTA. Kadira has worked with LTA in many ways, including acting onstage and working behind the scenes designing hair and makeup and stage managing. She has been nominated for awards by both WATCH and LTA for her hair designs. She works for the City of Alexandria and sings with the Alexandria Singers. Kadira thanks her family for their support and sends a shout-out to her angel in heaven, Chin.

Julie Fischer (Co-Set Construction) is honored to work with Eleanore, the production team, master carpenter Shah and the skilled volunteers who give their time to construct fantastic sets at LTA. This is her fifth year working on LTA productions, including serving as master carpenter (Mary Stuart, Wait Until Dark, Rumors) and set designer (Lettice and Lovage, Sister Act, Design for Murder). She would like to thank Jim and Jeff for the work they put into the LTA shop and encourage everyone to play with power tools.

Meet the Crew (continued)

Ira Forstater (Co-Producer) has been active at LTA since 2013, volunteering at Box Office and Front of House, assisting in set construction, serving on the Board of Financial Trustees and the Board of Governors and coproducing. He is filled with gratitude to director Eleanore, co-producer Stacey, assistant producer Mariana and this production’s cast and crew for their extraordinary talent, dedication and kindness. And he is indebted to his wife, Robin Fradkin, who has somehow found it possible to understand and support his unexpected involvement with community theatre.

Sabrina McAllister (Properties Design) is excited to be involved in her first show at LTA. She has been heavily involved in local community theaters, working backstage on shows such as Singin’ in the Rain (TAP) and Newsies (TAP); as a designer in others, including Almost, Maine (TAP); and as a director for Ordinary Days (NNT).

Maggie Mumford (Set Decoration) is happy to be back at LTA after directing Prelude to A Kiss and The Haunting of Hill House.

Peter Mumford (Co-Set Design) is excited and grateful to be collaborating with Ken Brown once again. This is Peter’s third LTA show. Peter previously designed the set for Prelude to a Kiss and co-designed The Haunting of Hill House with Ken Brown. Peter also designed the sets for As You Like It, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol with FCT.

Aracely Ode (Assistant Director) holds a degree in communication sciences and arts from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, with a mention in scenic arts. Aracely brings to LTA her experience in local theatre productions in Lima, Peru, such as Cet animal étrange (Gabriel Arout, 2008: French Alliance of Lima Cultural Center) and Mad for the Love of Old Balconies (Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa, 2003). Since 2022, Aracely has been honored to serve LTA leading the Welcome & Inclusion Committee, mentored by co-producer Stacey Becker and director Eleanore Tapscott.

Meet the Crew

Meet the Crew

Jean Schlichting and Kit Sibley (Co-Costume Design) are honored to costume The Nacirema Society. They’ve enjoyed researching designer clothing of the 1960s and dressing the cast in luxury, high-fashion looks. They have costumed many shows at LTA, including this season’s Something Rotten, Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol and Sister Act, and have received a number of WATCH nominations and awards for their work. Many thanks to Eleanore and Stacey for inviting us on this journey, and to our long-suffering husbands, aka theater widowers, for putting up with all the fabric.

Margaret Snow (Wardrobe Coordinator) is highly appreciative to be working the wardrobe operation and collaborating with our talented director, producers, cast and crew. So how do actors change quickly? From a wardrobe quick-change perspective, only the persons helping know. Special thanks to her husband, Art, for his support and creative imagination.

Eleanore Tapscott (Director) is a NoVa-based actress/director. Previous directing projects include Radio Golf (Peace Mountain Theatre), Purlie Victorious (ACCT), Playing Juliet, Casting Othello (PPT), The Bluest Eye (DS) and Leading Ladies (VTC). Previous acting credits include Dr. Caius in The Merry Wives of Windsor (Endangered Species Theatre), Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing (Grassroots Shakespeare), Mrs. Graves in Enchanted April (ACCT) and Mrs. Johnson in A Raisin in the Sun (SP). Upcoming acting projects: The Awakening (EST) and 10-Minute Play Festival (AP). Upcoming directing project: Blue Stockings (SST).

Ruben Vellekoop (Co-Sound Design) is a theater maker and musician based in the DMV. Previous sound design credits: The Cemetery Club and Jesus Christ Superstar. Select directing credits: Bulleketroet, The Cemetery Club, Park Bench, The Last 5 Years, In Her Golden Years, FaceTime and The Audience.

Intimacy credits: Perfect Arrangement, Prelude to a Kiss, A Daughter’s a Daughter and Love/Sick. Electric bass credits: Something Rotten! and Sister Act (LTA). Upcoming: The Color Purple. Training: The Barrow Group, Studio Acting Conservatory, Intimacy Directors International and The Acting Studio.

Meet the Crew (continued)

Vera Worri (Co-Stage Manager) is excited to be running her second show at LTA! Previous productions she’s worked on include Firebringer (DS), The Game’s Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays) (RCP) and Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol (LTA). Vera has enjoyed working on the show and hopes you enjoy this wonderful production!

Russell M. Wyland (Rigging) has been an LTA member and volunteer for more than 30 years. During that time, he has worked in numerous capacities, including seven years as President and eight years as Governor for Production. However, his first love is rigging, the art of masking the stage with drapes and making things fly from above and travel across the stage.

Theater Abbreviations Used in LTA Playbills

ACCT – Aldersgate Church Community Theater

ACT – Alliance of Community Theaters

AP – Anacostia Playhouse

AS – Arena Stage

ASC – Annapolis Shakespeare Company

BCT – Bowie Community Theatre

BST – Baltimore Shakespeare Factory

Cappie – Critics and Awards Program (High School)

CCP – Chevy Chase Players

CFTC – City of Fairfax Theatre Company

CPA– Colonial Players of Annapolis

CRT – Castaways Repertory Theatre

CT – Chalice Theater

DT – Darkhorse Theatre

DTC – Damascus Theatre Company

DS – Dominion Stage

ES – Encore Stage

ESP – Elden Street Players (now NST)

EST – Endangered Species Theatre

ET – The Essential Theatre

FCT – Fauquier Community Theatre

FP – Foundry Players (now CCDC)

FPCT – Fells Point Corner Theatre

FST – First Stage Tysons

FT – Ford’s Theatre

GAC – Greenbelt Arts Center

GFP – Great Falls Players (now MCP)

GMU – George Mason University

GSA – The Governor’s School for the Arts

GSP – Good Shepherd Players

HBP – Hard Bargain Players

IS – Infinity Stage

KAT – Kensington Arts Theatre

KT – Keegan Theatre

KTG – Kingsport Theatre Guild

LBTC – Little Butterfly Theatre Company

LMP – Laurel Mill Playhouse

LST – Loudoun Centre Theater

LTA – The Little Theatre of Alexandria

MCP – McLean Community Players

MP – Montgomery Playhouse

MTA – McLean Theatre Alliance (now MCP)

MVCCT – Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre

NNT – NOVA Nightsky Theater

NSCC – Northeast State Community College

NST – NextStop Theatre

NVP – Northern Virginia Players

NVTA – Northern Virginia Theatre Alliance

OTC – Olney Theater Center

PCP – Port City Playhouse

PGLT – Prince George’s Little Theatre

PPF – Providence Players of Fairfax

PTC – Potomac Theatre Company Inc.

PTP – Port Tobacco Players

PWLT – Prince William Little Theatre

RCP – Reston Community Players

RHT – Round House Theatre

RLT – Rockville Little Theatre

RMT – Rockville Musical Theatre

SCT – Springfield Community Theater

SMP – St Mark’s Players

SP – Sterling Playmakers

SSS – Silver Spring Stage

ST – Signature Theatre

STC – Shakespeare Theatre Company

STC – StageCoach Theatre Company

TACT – The American Century Theater

TAP – The Arlington Players

TAT – The Alliance Theatre

TBP – The British Players

TCP – Tantallon Community Players

TNP – Naples Players Theatre

TTL – The Theatre Lab

2FT – Second Flight Theatre

UNC-CH – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

VC – Vpstart Crow

VLOC – Victorian Lyric Opera Company

VPT – Vagabond Players Theatre

VTC – Vienna Theatre Company

VTTA – Virginia Tech Theatre Arts Department

WAC – Workhouse Arts Center

WATCH – Washington Area Theatre

Community Honors

ZS – Zemfira Stage

Thank You!

LTA wishes to recognize and thank all of the volunteers who have given their time and talents by helping with house managing, ushering, or working in the box office for our previous production of Schiller’s Mary Stuart.

Box Office Volunteers

Lloyd Bittinger

Lynn Cook

Sara Deshong

Ron Field

Ira Forstater

Gary Gladstone

Sue Gladstone

Michele Greene

Marian Holmes

Brittany Huffman

Front of House Volunteers

Hilary Adams

Lloyd Bittinger

Dee Brown

Sarah Bueter

Veronica Cartier

Laura Clarke

Carol Corso

Rita Costello

Leslie S Deneault

Shannon Doyle

Florence Ferraro

Ron Field

Patty Fitzgibbons

Jean Frane

Amy Halvorsen

Adam Halvorsen

Rebecca Harrison

Katie Beth Hicks

Gerald Stephen Hoffman

Kate Ives

Melissa Nielson

Steve Percy

Rachel Pharr

Angela Roach

Cindy Savery

Alison Trege

Annie Jackson

Diane Janik

Jeanne Louise

Meredith Ludwig

Glen Macdonald

Dorothy Marshall

Kirt Miller

Madelaine Morgan

Tuknekah Noble

Ann Rowan

Denise Settle

Edward Settle

Trish Skinner

Margaret Snow

Sharon Steeg

sheri ratick stroud

Kim Winnard

lia Winnard

Tescia Yonkers

Richard Young

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

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

Founding Fathers

Anonymous x 4

Shannon Doyle

Megan Evans

Christopher Feldmann and Laura Beauchamp

Julie Fischer and Mark Lacy

Family

Marian Holmes

Kevin Kuntz

Micheal J. O’Connor

Mrs. Lydia Odle

Karen Shotts

Linda Windsor

Continental Congress

Kacie Carlyle

Barbara and John Cohoon

Dr. Patricia Cosler

Chas Harris

Mary Hunstad-O’Konski

James and Catherine Kelley

Jim and Mary Hutzler

Catherine E. Jenkins

Ms. Melissa Neilson and

Mr. Edward Yawn

Donna and Mark Samblanet

Howard and Marg Soroos

Ed and Maria Ward

Megan Waterhouse and Andrew Terrell

Patriots

Anonymous x 12

Luana Bossolo

Joe and Elizabeth Carden

Brian and Sandra Darville

Robert Doerschner

Dr. David Doll

Jack Fannon

Anne Fesmire

Lo & Paul Hartnett

Barbara Hayes

Lowell and Celia Jacoby

Elizabeth Jay

Judy Kee

Mary McGowan and Steve Cohen

Michael Maibach

James McAtamney

Col. And Mrs. Jules McNeff

Thomas and Delores

Mulkerin

Zell Murphy

Jeff and Diane Nesmeyer

Northwest Financial Advisors

Woodrow Paik

Carole and David Preston

Daniel Romasko

Mary Beth Smith-Toomey

Adrian Steel

Jason Stevens

Susan Swain

Chris Tomasino

Harrison and Toni Wadsworth

2022-23 DONORS

Alexandrian

Anonymous x 22

Neale Ainsfield and Dr. Donna Sieckmann

Dr. and Mrs. James Alper

Ann Anderson

The Apker Family

Nancy Appleby

Jordan Barber

Cindi and Jay Bartol

John Bartol

Cathy Becker

Alan & Joan Boehm

Gregory Bricker

Dale Brown

Dorothy Cass

Justin Cheevers

Gillian Chen

Catherine & David Clagett

Robert Comfort

Paula and Brian Coupe

Ann Daniels

The Rev. Stanley Dubowski

Jeffery Fannon

Sharon and Ron Field

Ira Forstater and Robin Fradkin

Elizabeth S. Freeman

Caroline Gelb

James and Maria Gentle

Molly Gimmel

Marcia Gillespie

Bob Gronenberg

Kenneth & Therese Johnston

Vicki L. Kadilak

Janet Kennedy

Janet Kennelly

Jim & Sandy Kirkpatrick

Kathy Kirmayer

In memory of Philip Kopp

Freida L. LaChapelle

Kirk and Gabriela Lambert

Susan & Andre L’Heureux

Jennifer Lyman

Donna and Marty Malarkey

Eileen Malone and Dale Brown

Shirley McKinley

Mila and Monty

Karen Millslagle

Amanda Nichols

Patricia Nicklin

Kathleen Parrish

Kathy and Clarence Parrish

Karen Pilewski

Peter Pennington

Mary Jo Roos

Joan Sable

Robert Schapler

Jacqueline & Ralph Schenkel

Jim and Jean Schlichting

Katherine Schmauss

Brian and Kathy Shankman

Barbara Slavik

Judy Smith

Smithsonian Associates/ Leah Connolly

Wendy Sneff

Roberta Spivey

Maria Steinmann in Honor of Hans Dettmar

Donald and Mary Street

sheri ratick stroud

Michelle Suberly

Adrienne and Ron Taylor

von Schmidt-Pauli family

Edward Walker and Brenda Kurlansik

David and Lynn Walters

Sandra Welch

David R. Hunt & Kim Wells

Dave Wilkes

Raymond & Sheri Wolfe

Katherine Wood

Richard Young

Minutemen

Anonymous x 18

Catherine Babin

Ann and Ron Bachand

Kelly Booz

Bertha Braddock

David Bradley

Cheri Brown

Susan Chase

Shannon Clancy

Dr. Daniel Cohen

Thomas Dabney

Heather Dean

Delma Frankel

John George

Amanda Gross

Doug Hattaway

K. Wayne Heil

Shanae Hill

Kelly Houlgate & Sheila Keyes

In honor of Jamie Blake

Anna Laurenzo

Maj. Gen. Patricia Lister

Judith Livingston

Nathan and Kara Macek

Ed Maginnis

Greg and Cynthia Matthes

James McAtamney

Kate McNichols

Martin Mitchell

Amy Morris

Pamela Nelson

Peter Pennington

Katharine Panfil

Pamela Robinson

Kitty Russell

Scott Sauer

Page Dreher Schreiner

Barbara Slavik

Robert & Maureen Simoniz

Cate Smith

Edye Smith

In Memory of J.J. Stinson

Dixie Strait

Alison Tregea

Colonists

Anonymous x 82

Lynda Adamson

Mary and Jim Albanese

Dr. Lynda Anderson

Michael Barrios

GIVING KEY

Mary Ellen Bayer

Courtney Benton

Corinne Blood

Oleksandr Bondar

Amanda Brino

Joyce Brown

Barbara Browne

Anne Carey

Mary Carr

Jacob Cassidy

Nicholas Collins

Deborah Craffen

Armando de Sauce

Catherine Dwan

Edward Eder

Bernadette Fernandez

David Franz

Hugo Gilbert

Nancy Glynn

Orlando Gonzales

Margaret Harlow

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hearin

Vilma Herrera

In honor of Myriam

In honor of Victoria Studer

Erica Jackson

Joan Johnson

Roberta Klein

Shana Knight

Maria Koelbel

Claudia Kostel

Hillary Leyendecker

Joe Lore

Elizabeth Mace

Joann Manzek

Col. Morrill Marston

Felice Matera

Greg & Cyndi Matthes

Nate McKenzie

Robert Miller

Gabriel Morey

Fran Nadel

Jennifer Nightingale

Christine Peck

Stephen Poston

Alton Readen

Laura Reese

Marda Robillard

Leslie Rothstein

Michael Rowan

Eric Schlesinger

Jen Schumacher

Amy Selby

Guy Serle

John Shackleford

Ms. Nancy Siegal

Miranda Sim

Anna Slother

David Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Brynda

Spellman

Betsy Stillman

Richard Stoffa

Wendy Swanson

Deja Taylor

Philip Taylor

Dr. Jacqueline Tibbetts

Mrs. Juniper Thren

Florence Turner

Kimberly Wells

Louise Yaffe

Linda Ysewyn

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.

Public Relations Staff

Publicity...................................... Fred C. Lash

Graphics ........................... Simmons Design

Playbill Editor Carol Hutchinson

Playbill Coordinator Bobbie Herbst

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

The Council of The Little Theatre of Alexandria

Rachael Hubbard............................................................................................................................. Director

Margaret Chapman ................................................................................................................ Vice Director

Donna Hauprich .............................................................................................................................Secretary

Lloyd Bittinger* Financial Officer

Frank D. Shutts II ........................................................................... Honorary Member, LTA President

Jay Bartol

Thomas Bethards

Jamie Blake

Kevin Blaum

Luana Bossolo

Lesley Buckles

KC Carlyle

Maria Ciarrocchi

Franklin C. Coleman

Charlotte Corneliusen

David Correia

Rita Costello

Kimberly Crago

Susan R. Devine

Paul Donahoe

Sharon Rochelle Dove*

Joel D. Durgavich

Margaret Evans-Joyce

Peter M. Fannon*

Ira Forstater

Duane Goddard*

Kacie Greenwood

David B. Hale

Ronald Hardcastle

Barbara H. Hayes

Bobbie Herbst

Kira Hogan

Marian Holmes*

Sarah Holt

Algis & Suzanne Kalvaitis

Judith Kee*

Janet Kennelly

Meredith Kirchner

Kirk Lambert

Fred C. Lash

Lois Ligoske

Karen Maline

Zell Murphy II

Patricia B. Nicklin

C. Lynn O’Connell

Micheal J. O’Connor

Eddie Page

Benjamin Robles

Heather Sanderson

Jean Schlichting

Margo Shiffert

Patricia Spencer Smith

Kim Smith-Salmon

Mary Beth Smith-Toomey*

Wendy Sneff

Arthur & Margaret Snow

Howard & Marg Soroos

Christopher C. Tomasino

Jeffery Westlake

Rance R. Willis*

Frank & Carolyn Winters

Russell M. Wyland

Kenneth P. Zabielski

Janice Zucker

* Distinguished Member Rev 5.10.23

The Council of the Little Theatre of Alexandria is a group of dedicated members who support financial projects for the theatre and provide numerous social events with dinners, receptions, and other member gatherings. The Council promotes and supports volunteerism throughout the theatre to ensure continued success in all areas, i.e., backstage, front of house, box office, etc.; we also provide need-based scholarship funding to support numerous adult and youth educational programs within the theatre. The Council is proud to sponsor the Shakespeare Garden which has become a community favorite with many stopping in just to relax and “waste my time in it.”