M presented by StageCoach Theatre

From Failure to Freedom

One Woman’s True Story

A

Play by Terry Smith

Produced and Stage Managed by Kat Brais

Directed by Barbara Carpenter

Original Music by Fred Muller

Owned and Managed by Jerri Wiseman, Terry Smith, and April Bridgeman

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The theater and classrooms are available for theatrical productions, workshops, team building activities, and even birthday parties. We can help you host your event, either in-person or virtually. Contact us today!

We need more people to help us grow, specifically instructors for our after-school programs and camps and volunteers to help with shows.

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StageCoach Theatre 2023 Season

April

∙ Murder on the Love Boat - Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre (through May)

May

∙ The SpongeBob Musical - Teen Musical

June - August

∙ Disco is Dead - Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

∙ School of Rock - Summer Camp Musical

∙ The Diary of Anne Frank - Summer Camp Play

∙ 9 to 5 the Musical - Summer Camp

Musical

October/November

∙ Radio Play Murder- Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

∙ Zombie Prom - Musical Theatre

December

∙ Melekaliki-Murder- Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

∙ A Christmas Story - Classic Theatre

Ongoing monthly StageCoach Bandits Improv and Magic Shows, plus special events

Book your fundraisers and corporate events today! Join our mailing list to get updated information about all upcoming shows, workshops and events.

Interested in entertainment or team building activities for corporate events? Contact us for virtual or in-person events. Call

477-9444 or email info@StageCoachTC.com for more information.

Director’s Note

“M” is a difficult story to tell. Not just because of the subject matter – suicide – but because it’s true. And we know it’s true because this story is told using Melisande Smith’s own words. Her journals, 15 in total, were the reference materials for this staged biography of a life cut short. The playwright also shares with us intimate knowledge of his shared life with her during 31 years of marriage. So, yes, this definitely passes the true story sniff test.

This isn’t meant to be a cautionary tale. Instead, it’s an invitation to meet M on her journey -- as a child, a rebellious 20 something, an adult struggling with jobs, marriage, family and self. And the best way to view this life, this kaleidoscope, is through her eyes.

Before we began the process of bringing “M” to the stage, if someone had asked me about Melisande, I would have said, “Oh yeah, I knew her.” But I didn’t. Not really. I was an infrequent observer of miniscule fragments of her life.

I was acquainted with Melisande Smith. And now, so are you.

- Barbara Carpenter

Production Team

Playwright

Executive Producer

Producer

Terry Smith

Jerri Wiseman

Kat Brais

Director Barbara D. Carpenter

Stage Manager

Technical Director

Lighting Designer

Lighting Operator

Sound Designer

Sound Operator

Livestream Operator

Running Crew

Set Design

Set Construction

Set Dressing and Props

Set Painting

Original Music

Vocals

Photos/Promo Video

Program

Front of House

Kat Brais

Terry Smith

Amy Hines Bates, Terry Smith

Amy Hines Bates, Torie Dunlap

Fred Muller

Fred Muller

Alec Negri, Ken Jones

Mary Ann Hall, Marissa Dolcich

Terry Smith, Barbara D. Carpenter

Terry Smith

Mary Ann Hall, April Bridgeman

Cast and Crew

Fred Muller

Susanna Todd with Kat Brais

Kat Brais

Jerri Wiseman

April Bridgeman, Mark Gatanas, Sanjith Jeyaguru, Addie Schafer Benko, Maggie Swan, Jerri Wiseman

Mental health and substance abuse prevention education programs.

For more information on prevention and intervention services:

Scenes

Act 1

Scene 1: The Ending

Scene 2: Detectives

Scene 3: Contact Friends

Scene 4: Suspect!

Scene 5: Detective Searches the House

Scene 6: Family Discussion

Scene 7: Friends are Hurting

Scene 8: Week 2 - Lost Body, Funeral

Scene 9: Week 3 - The Wake

Scene 10: Week 4 - M’s Journals

Act II

Scene 1: 1992 - The Beginning

Scene 2: Mother

Scene 3: Search for Self

Scene 4: Self-Destruct

Scene 5: Relationship with Terry

Scene 6: Preparations

Leah Daily (Melisande/Narrator) is honored to be on stage, alongside Allen McRae to help tell Melisande’s story. We all have a story, a past that has shaped us and makes us who we are today. Not everyone struggles nor has the past that M talks about. Listen with an open heart and mind, and “trust in your feelings and follow your intuition without question or doubt, in hope that your choice will change someone’s life.” Last year, Leah played Truvy in Steel Magnolias (SCTC). In 2021 she produced The 39 Steps and reprised the role of Eliza for the stage adaptation of The Hamilton Murders. Some of her favorite roles over the years include Heidi Holland in The Heidi Chronicles (WATCH Nomination, Best Actress); Jessie Mae in The Trip to Bountiful (RCP Best Supporting Actress) and Gertrude Dueter in The Underpants (FCT Best Supporting Actress), Estelle in No Exit (LTC), and Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Special thanks to Jay & Henry for their support, Barbara for this opportunity, and Terry for taking M’s words along with yours to write her story. Finally, Kat, Allen, Mary Ann and Amy you are amazing, and Fred, your music is, as always, perfect.

Allen McRae (Terry/Narrator) was last seen at StageCoach in Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe. His other shows here include Clue: On Stage, The 39 Steps and The Hamilton Murders. Last fall he appeared in NYC in the Off Broadway production of Masked. Other favorite shows done in the NoVa area are Middletown and Much Ado About Nothing (NextStop Theatre), California Suite (Providence Players) and several holiday shows with Encore Theatrical Arts Project. He’s also appeared in many local commercials and films, playing such varied roles as The Godfather, Bigfoot, Leonardo Da Vinci, and the US Ambassador to China. He’s honored to be involved in such a personal project for Terry Smith.

main stage

Pre-Sale Ticket

StageCoach Theatre

2023 Season Tickets are available!

� Staged Performances Season Tickets includes tickets to 5 black box theatre productions! A savings of 20%!

� Dinner Theatre Season Tickets includes tickets to 5 dinner theatre productions for $300. A savings of $50!

TICKE T ADMIT ON E

Purchase online or contact us at info@stagecoachtc.com or call 571-477-9444 to make your purchase.

You can use up to 2 tickets from your season package per performance.

� Family Show Season Tickets includes tickets to 5 family theatre productions! A savings of 20% PLUS a free BONUS show

�Variety Show Season Tickets includes tickets to 12 staged performances. Choose from

�Cloak Bundle: Sly’s Magic Shows and Drag Cabaret Shows OR

�Dagger Bundle: Bandits Improv Show and Rated S LIVE Sketch Comedy

Great for experience gifts!

Gift cards are available in any denomination. Redeem for shows, classes, private lessons, or anything presented by StageCoach Theatre!

Purchase online or contact us at info@stagecoachtc.com or call 571-477-9444 to make your purchase.

Contact

Sly’s Fabulous

Las Vegas Style Magic Show

Hilarity unleashed similar to “Whose Line is it Anyway?”

Book them for your next event!

Regular Performances on the Third Friday of the month

Adults 18+

Reserved Tickets $15 + $3 service fee At the Door $20

Live Performances + Livestream

Monthly Performances on Fridays (with an occasional Saturday!)

PG/Intended for an Adult Audience Tickets $25 + $3 service fee

Reservations are Encouraged!

Mystery Adventures

StageCoach Theatre Company presents clever original murder mysteries that will capture your imagination as you work to catch nefarious and sneaky felons. Talented actors will give you details, insider information, and answers to questions while you complete the adventure.

Perfect for social groups and for team building.

Mystery Adventures

Wine Chiller

Wine-themed Murder Mystery

You are gathered for the 10th Annual Winemakers’ Honorary Invitational Society awards banquet but MURDER is on the agenda and you must help discover whodunnit!

Regular and Wild versions available. Intended for adult participants. In-person and online options. For 10 - 20 people.

Contact us to plan an event that’s to die for! info@StageCoachTC.com

Consulting Detectives

Sherlock Holmes-themed Murder Mystery

You are gathered for the first annual Consulting Detectives Symposium. When someone is murdered, you are called on to help solve the crime.

Family (ages 10+) & Adult versions available. In-person and online options. For 10 - 20 people.

Ghost Stories

A Haunted House-themed Murder Mystery

Welcome to the spooky, old Carlyle House, the site of a grisly murder that occurred 10 years ago. You must summon the ghost to find out what happened that night and solve the puzzles to reveal the murderer.

Murder Mystery meets Escape Room

For 8 - 20 people.

Rated S / It’s a Skit Show

So you’ve been trying for years to get tickets to a certain late night TV show live from NY? Well, here’s your chance to experience world-crass comedy without having to trek all the way up to NYC. Original sketches! Digital Shorts! Live music performances! Tell all your friends but don’t tell your mother – It’s A Skit Showtm. (Some material may be inappropriate for the humorless.)

For adult audiences

Reserved Tickets $15 At the Door $20 Live Performances + Livestream

Team Building

Unique Mystery Options available for your company through StageCoach Theatre.

◊ Killer Games Core Team Building Experience

◊ Mystery Adventures

◊ Improve with Improv Contact us to discuss options. In-person and virtual options are available.

StageCoach Foundation

StageCoach Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Arts in our local community by encouraging philanthropy, community building, and creative educational activities.

• Arts Education

• Theatre Performances

• Sponsorship

We look forward to your support. Your tax-deductible donations are always appreciated.

You can start by donating to StageCoach Foundation, Inc. or volunteering to help at theater performances.

Ask us how you can get involved.

StageCoach Foundation Fundraising

We are raising money to cover scholarships and mentorships for our 2023 After School Classes, Show Team Camps, and Summer Camps. Please support our fundraising efforts to ensure that the Arts are available for all who desire it.

Please visit our website for more informaiton:

https://stagecoachfoundation. org/

S u m m e r

C a m p s

J u n e 1 2 - 2 3 - S c h o o l o f R o c k f o r a g e s 1 0 - 1 9 ( b y a u d i t i o n )

J u n e 1 2 - 1 6 - D o R e M i M u s i c c a m p f o r P r e K - a g e 6

J u n e 2 6 - 3 0 - A c t i n g C a m p " H a p p y B i r t h d a y , C a p t a i n H o o k " f o r a g e s 1 0 - 1 6

- R i s i n g S t a r s T h e a t r e C a m p f o r a g e s 5 - 1 0

- B r o a d w a y B o u n d M u s i c a l T h e a t r e f o r P r e K - a g e 6

J u l y 3 , 5 - 7 - I m p r o v C a m p f o r a g e s 1 0 - 1 5

- W o r k s h o p s f o r t h e A d v a n c e d A c t o r f o r a g e s 1 3 - 1 8

- P l a y i n a D a y f o r a g e s 5 - 1 0

J u l y 1 0 - 1 4 - A c t i n g C a m p " T h e F a i r y G o d m o t h e r C l u b " f o r a g e s 1 0 - 1 6

- J u n i o r I m p r o v f o r a g e s 5 - 1 0

J u l y 1 0 - 2 1 - A c t i n g C a m p " T h e D i a r y o f A n n e F r a n k " f o r a g e s 1 4 + ( b y a u d i t i o n o n l y )

J u l y 1 7 - 2 1 - K i t t y C a t C a p e r s M u s i c a l T h e a t r e f o r P r e K - a g e 6

- L i g h t s ! C a m e r a ! A c t i o n ! C a b a r e t C a m p f o r a g e s 7 - 1 0

J u l y 2 4 - 2 8 - G i f t e d A c t o r s f o r a g e s 1 0 - 1 7 ( b y a u d i t i o n o n l y )

- D i s n e y : T h e M o v i e s - T h e M u s i c C a b a r e t C a m p f o r a g e s 7 - 1 0

- A B a r n y a r d M O O s i c a l M u s i c a l T h e a t r e f o r P r e K - a g e 6

J u l y 3 1 - A u g u s t 1 1 - 9 t o 5 t h e M u s i c a l f o r a g e s 1 4 - 1 9 ( b y a u d i t i o n o n l y )

J u l y 3 1 - A u g u s t 4 - P l a y w r i t i n g f o r a g e s 1 0 - 1 8

- J r R i s i n g S t a r t s T h e a t r e C a m p f o r P r e K - a g e 8

A u g u s t

I t ' s a J u n g l e O u t T h e r e M u s i c a l T h e a t r e C a m p f o r a g e s

The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition

Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg

Book by Kyle Jarrow

Produced by Jerri Wiseman

Directed and Choreographed by Torie Dunlap

Music Directed by Linda Cirba

The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world!

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau.

Performances will be held May 13, 20 and 21 at 2:00pm.

Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.