Written by Lauren Eason
Directed by Dave Carter
Produced by Shirley Panek
Performance dates:
February 23 - March 18, 2018
Run time: 2h 30m

Ethan is a hyper-connected millennial and star blogger. His first book “Sex with Strangers,” a collection of personal blog posts that chronicles his many sexual exploits, is a best-seller. Olivia is a gifted but obscure Gen-X novelist. When the two meet one snowy night, they each crave what the other possesses. As attraction turns to sex, they inch closer to getting what they want. Before that happens, however, each must confront the dark side of ambition as they try to reinvent themselves in a digital world where the past is only a click away.

To download the production postcard for Sex with Strangers to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading.

About the Director

Dave Carter is back directing for his second season and couldn’t be more pleased to be directing Sex with Strangers, a show he found greatly intriguing the minute he read it. Dave trained with Citrus Theatre as well as the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Last season he directed The Cripple of Inishmaan and has been seen on the CP stage in shows such as Communicating Doors, These Shining Lives, and A Few Good Men. He also assistant directed Taking Steps, Boeing Boeing, and the Ruby Griffith Award winner, The Liar. He thanks Steve Tobin for his mentoring and for pushing him toward direction, as well as Barbara Marder for giving him his first chance to work with The Colonial Players. Dave also acknowledges his amazing cast and crew. He could not have imagined going into the production that he would have a chance to work with a group of people so talented; it has truly been a pleasure. Lastly, Dave would like to send out a very special thank you to his family and friends for encouraging him in the craft he loves and for understanding, “I Can’t. I have rehearsal.”

About the Playwright

Laura Eason is the author of 20 plays, including both original works and adaptations. She also is a screenwriter and a book writer for musicals. Sex with Strangers is her best-known play. The world premiere was at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in 2011. Three years later, it was presented off-Broadway at Second Stage Theater. It was one of the most-produced plays in America during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 theater seasons. Eason served as a writer on four seasons of the Netflix series House of Cards with credits on seven episodes and was a producer on season five. She grew up in Evanston, IL and is a graduate of Northwestern University.

Director's Notes

Hoping to direct my second show in two seasons, last year I went through the list of shows on this season’s slate looking for one that would really be a challenge for me. When I finished reading Sex with Strangers, I knew this was the challenge I wanted to take on. It wasn’t just the challenge of staging provocative and edgy scenes not often done on this stage, but even more it was looking at the characters and the story and wanting to show the brilliance of the writing and that this show was about more than sex and power.

In this play there is a deep connection between two people who would normally never come together. It isn’t just their ages that are so different, but they see the world from extremely opposite viewpoints. Or do they? That was the question I kept asking myself, and if I was wondering this, I really wanted to get that same reaction from audiences. As rehearsals began and the show started to come to life, I truly began to see the brilliance of Laura Eason’s writing. I hope this makes sense, but she intentionally wrote the lines based on the characters’ personalities. One can ask don’t all writers do the same, and to that I say, sort of, but not the way she has in this show.

Ethan is big and bold and takes on the world, while Olivia is quite the opposite. I am hoping audiences will feel that his lines are much bigger and bolder, reflecting his character, much as Olivia’s are softer and quieter. The difference is very subtle, but if you really pay attention, you will see it. Eason is so masterful in how she puts each scene together. On the surface it seems that this is just a cheap thrill of a production, but the power struggles that play out in each scene and the deep connection that underlies and grows between the characters in such a short time is absolutely brilliant. The playwright touches on that inner secret place we all have been to in relationships. I know audiences will feel a part of these characters as they reflect on the intimacy of their own lives. Love is the most complicated human emotion and is unique for each person, yet so similar in so many ways. All in all I hope audience members walk away saying to themselves, WOW! I didn’t expect that.

– DAVID CARTER

The Cast

Elizabeth Hester (Olivia) - Elizabeth is honored to be making her first appearance with The Colonial Players! Having been involved with several professional and community theaters in the DC/BAL area, she was last seen playing the role of Francesca Johnson in The Bridges of Madison County with Kensington Arts Theatre. Favorite credits include Shrek (Fiona), Guys & Dolls (Sarah Brown), Camelot (Guinevere), A New Brain (Mimi Schwinn), South Pacific (Nellie Forbush), and Michael John LaChiusa’s The Wild Party (Mae). Education: The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and The Juilliard School (final callback master classes/Drama Dept).

Dylan Roche (Ethan) - After a long hiatus from acting, Dylan is thrilled to be back onstage and tackling this dream role. Dylan last worked with The Colonial Players in 2010 when his script, Stolen Beer and a Bake Sale, was produced as part of the summer festival of short plays. Favorite acting experiences: Winter’s Tale (Florizel) and Twelfth Night (Orsino), both at The University of Maryland. Offstage: Children’s Theatre of Annapolis productions of Alice in Wonderland (director), Haphazardly Ever After (director), and Snow White (playwright). Currently, Dylan is co-directing The Sound of Music at Broadneck High School. When he isn’t rehearsing, he is seeking representation for his first novel. 

The Production Staff

Alex Brady (Lighting Designer) Alex returns as lighting designer for Sex with Strangers, his third show this season at The Colonial Players. He was recently nominated for a Washington Area Theatre Community Honors award for his lighting of 33 Variations, which also garnered seven other nominations, including for best play. He also designed lights for Shiloh Rules, the first show of the current season, and was nominated for best lighting design last season for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Venus in Fur. Alex serves as the resident lighting designer for the AACC Dance Company and works with various local theaters and high schools. He is SAFD certified in stage combat with the broadsword. Alex is an alumnus of the Graduate Institute at St. John's College and teaches in the Humanities and Fine Arts Departments at Anne Arundel Community College. He is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Society for Historic Swordsmanship, where he studies and instructs German longsword, sword and buckler, medieval dagger, and Italian dueling saber.

Jennifer Cooper (Costume Designer, Properties Designer) Grateful. Humbled. Inspired. BECAUSE: “I’m drawn out of my own life into someone else’s life, and yet suddenly I myself feel more alive! I’m pulled out of what I do every day into something larger and more lasting. Into humanity.” – Meryl Streep

Rosalie Daelemans (Assistant Director) Rosalie is delighted to be a part of this wonderful production with such a talented cast and crew. Offstage, Rosalie has helped in various capacities with stage managing, costumes, props, lighting, set dressing, and painting. Onstage, she most recently performed at The Colonial Players in the festival of short plays and in Calendar Girls. Other favorite shows include: The Importance of Being Ernest (Lady Bracknell), Noises Off (Vickie/Brooke), The Man Who Came to Dinner (Maggie Cutler), Bloody Murder (Jane), Fox on the Fairway (Pamela), On Golden Pond (Chelsea), Run for your Wife (Mary), Don’t Dress for Dinner (Suzette), Steel Magnolias (M’Lynn), City of Angels (Alaura), South Pacific (Nellie), Damn Yankees (Lola), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), My Fair Lady (Eliza), and Mame (Gooch). Tremendous thanks to everyone for their support, creativity, hard work, and sense of humor!

Ernie Morton (Stage Manager) Ernie is in awe of the talent and especially the dedication of this cast. They have been a joy to work with. He wants to thank David for letting him come aboard, after he basically called David and said, “I’m working on your show.” Ernie has served as stage manager at CP for a number of shows since starting off with the 2014 short play festival. When Ernie is not running around backstage at CP, he drives back and forth to DC. There he works as an analyst for the Coast Guard, when he’s not playing saxophone with the Coast Guard Headquarters Big Band, The Cutters. In his infinitesimal spare time he looks for golf balls, usually finding ones other people have lost, not the one he played last. 

Edd Miller (Set and Floor Designer) Edd has a long history with The Colonial Players as a director, actor, set designer, and volunteer in other areas. His most recent set designs were for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Calendar Girls, and Good People, which he also directed. Other recent design credits include Rocket Man, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, In the Next Room, and Annie. Edd was nominated for a Washington Area Theatre Community Honors set design award for Chapter Two and won a 2012 WATCH award for best direction for Going to St. Ives, which also won awards for best play (out of 83 plays judged) and for best lead actress. Edd also has acted in and directed many other shows since joining CP in 1964. His most recent onstage appearance was as Wilfred in Quartet.

Shirley Panek (Producer) Sex with Strangers is Shirley’s second role as producer. Her first experience was as coproducer/assistant director for the recently WATCH-nominated 33 Variations at Colonial Players. Previously, she has been seen onstage (most recently: Good People, Rocket Man, Superior Donuts), and offstage as both lighting designer and stage manager for various shows. Thanks to Dave Carter for letting me be a part of this team of talented actors, designers, and staff. Love to Jeff, Alice and Emma.

Sarah Wade (Sound Designer) Sarah is pleased to be behind the scenes again designing sound for The Colonial Players. Prior sound credits include Calendar Girls, Side Man, and Watch on the Rhine at CP, as well as The Miracle Worker and To Kill a Mockingbird at Compass Rose Theater. Sarah has appeared in numerous productions at The Colonial Players, most recently in 2016 in A Christmas Carol as Belle and in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? as Honey, a performance which won for her the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors Award for best featured actress in a play. Prior credits include: Gabriella in Boeing Boeing; Cecily Cardew in Ernest in Love; Sabine/Isabelle in The Liar, Catherine Donahue in These Shining Lives; Star-to-be in Annie; Jessica in Communicating Doors; and Kitty in Taking Steps. Sarah serves on the CP Board of Directors as marketing director.

Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Directed by Eric Hufford
Music Direction by Emily Taylor
Choreography by Lindsay Zetter
Produced by Tim Brown
Performance dates:
April 6 - May 6, 2018
Run time: 2h 15m

Based on the novel, The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo by Michael Butterworth, Lucky Stiff is an offbeat, hilarious murder mystery farce, complete with mistaken identities, six million bucks in diamonds and a corpse in a wheelchair. The story revolves around an unassuming English shoe salesman who is forced to take the embalmed body of his recently murdered uncle on a vacation to Monte Carlo. Should he succeed in passing his uncle off as alive, Harry Witherspoon stands to inherit $6,000,000. If not, the money goes to the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn... or else his uncle's gun-toting ex! 

To download the production postcard for Lucky Stiff to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading. 

About the Writer and Composer

Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty are perhaps the foremost musical theater team of their generation. They have worked together for more than 30 years, with Ahrens writing the book and lyrics and Flaherty the musical score. Their list of Broadway shows includes Ragtime, Once on This Island, and Seussical. They won the 1998 Tony and Drama Desk awards for best score and lyrics of a musical for Ragtime and a Tony nomination for their musical score for Once on This Island, which also earned for Ahrens a Tony nomination for best book of a musical. Flaherty and Ahrens also were nominated for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards for their songs and musical score for the animated movie Anastasia. Lucky Stiff was performed at Playwrights Horizons in 1988, their first New York production, and played on London’s West End in 1997. Other Broadway musicals include My Favorite Year, A Man of No Importance, Rocky, and Little Dancer. Ahrens was born in New York City, began her music career writing and performing songs for ABC’s Schoolhouse Rock, and subsequently became a freelance composer and singer of commercial music. In addition to writing for the stage, she composed music for movies and television shows. Flaherty was born in Pittsburgh and attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. As a college student, he played ragtime piano.

About the Director

Eric Hufford is absolutely thrilled to be making his directorial debut on the Colonial Players’ stage. Eric spends most of his theatrical time acting and singing onstage and creating special effects offstage. Most recently, you may have seen him onstage as Jerry Lukowski in The Full Monty at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. Favorite roles at The Colonial Players include Jack Worthing in Ernest in Love, Leslie Bainbridge in Taking Steps, and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. He has also played Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at Anne Arundel Community College. “I'm so grateful to Colonial Players to have been given this opportunity, and I'd like to thank my wife, Sarah, for always supporting me in everything I do. Enjoy the show!”

About the Music Director

Emily L. Sergo is so excited to be working with The Colonial Players again, and with such an amazing cast and production team! She most recently music directed The Full Monty with Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. No stranger to the stage, her favorite roles include Carlotta Giudicelli (The Phantom of the Opera, AACC), Jo March (Little Women, CP), Belle (Beauty and the Beast, CCP), Kate (Lippa's The Wild Party, LMP), and Vivienne Kensington (Legally Blonde, WOB). Emily would like to thank Eric, Kaitlin, and Lindsey for being the best, and her amazing and hilarious cast. She sends love to Mom, Josh, Brooke, and her husband, James, who supports her in everything she does. Upcoming: Ragtime at 2nd Star Productions, James and the Giant Peach at Heritage Players.

About the Choreographer

Lindsay Zetter returns for her third musical production with The Colonial Players, having served as choreographer for Ernest in Love and A Christmas Carol. Classically trained in ballet since age three, she loved choreographing as soon as she knew the steps. Receiving a degree in Arts Management from Indiana University, she has been Associate Artistic Director of Academy Ballet School since 2011 and is the Dance Director at The Key School. She has staged and choreographed ballet productions of Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, and Swan Lake. Other productions include Once Upon a Mattress, Cats, Chicago, The Addams Family, and guest choreographing for Annapolis Opera’s Faust. She is excited about the opportunity to work with such an amazing cast and production team.

Director's Notes

I started my journey toward directing my first show four years ago when I was lucky enough to be allowed to assistant direct The Colonial Players’ production of Watch on the Rhine. In the time since then, I have been reading script after script looking for the right show to direct. I applied to direct two shows with general ideas about how they should run, and nothing really panned out for me. It was entirely different when I first read Lucky Stiff. This show affected me more than any script that I had read previously, and ideas started to pour out of me. Before I went into my interview with the Director Selection Committee, I had written 14 pages of notes with my ideas for the show. It was clear that this was meant to be. The thing that most inspired me about this show was not necessarily the message it sent, but rather a lack thereof. The most poignant moment you will see tonight is when everyone sings, “It’s Good to be Alive,” and that’s the point! This show isn’t meant to deliver a message; it doesn’t have an agenda; it’s meant to make you forget your troubles and just have fun for a couple of hours. That is what makes this show so special. No matter what is troubling you in your own life, come in, relax, and forget about your troubles for a while. If you walk away with anything tonight, walk away knowing that: “It’s Good to be Alive!”

– ERIC HUFFORD

The Cast

Dave Carter (Body of Tony Hendon) - It has been two years since Dave performed on the CP stage, and he is very excited to be back. He has been very busy recently directing The Cripple of Inishmaan and Sex With Strangers, but never wants to forsake acting, which is his first love. You may have seen him in such shows as Communicating Doors, A Few Good Men, and These Shining Lives. Some may think him crazy to make his return as the dead guy, but when the show first was announced, he thought how much fun it would be to play this role. He is excited to be a part of Lucky Stiff and looks forward to being in only his second musical to date. He wants to thank his family and friends for their loving support in his pursuit of the craft that is his passion..”

Brandon Dietrick (Vinnie di Ruzzio) - Brandon is excited to be making his debut with The Colonial Players. Although he is new to CP, he is a veteran actor in the area. Lucky Stiff marks his 35th show over the past 19 years. You may have seen him in last years’ production of The Full Monty at ASGT. Offstage, Brandon is a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker. There he specializes in first time homebuyers. He also has his own photography business. Brandon participates in many long distance runs throughout the year, including the Baltimore B3 series and the Bay Bridge Run. He is very excited to be onstage performing with his good friends Allie and Deb again. Hope you all enjoy the show!

Kirsti Dixon (Featured Dancer) - Kirsti Dixon is excited to be performing in her third show with The Colonial Players! Last year she performed in Nine with this lovely company, and is super excited to rejoin her German sister to be ridiculous dancers again. Recently she has been seen in ASGT’s Sister Act and Light Up the Stars, and in Heritage Players’ Spelling Bee (Marcy Park) and Into the Woods (Rapunzel). She gives much love to her family and boyfriend for being there for every show and putting up with her never-ending schedule of rehearsals and busy weekends.

Allie Dresken (Rita LaPorta) - Allie is proud to make her Colonial Players debut and to return to the stage after two years of singing in rock/pop cover bands. Her favorite past credits include Brooke in Noises Off! (Silhouette Stages), Prudy Pingelton/Female Authority in Hairspray (Purple Light Theatre Co.), Linda in The Wedding Singer (Cockpit in Court), Joanne in Rent (PFT), Maggie Jones in 42nd Street (ASGT), Roz Keith in 9 to 5 The Musical (DCT), and Agnes Gooch in Mame (Spotlighters Theatre). You can catch Allie singing in acoustic trio Gutter Rose and party band Get On The Floor around the Baltimore area. Allie would not be here without the support and encouragement of her family and friends to always stay true to what she loves. She always finds a home and place of belonging in the theater, and hopes you do, too. “Keep smiling, it looks good on ya!”

Rick Estberg (Luigi Gaudi) - Rick is thrilled to put on yet another accent or two in this, his sixth CP show in the past five years. Recently he’s played a Brit (John in Calendar Girls), a lisping trumpeter (Ziggy in Side Man), and a Russian (Max in Superior Donuts). Huge thanks to a marvelous cast, our great director and music director, and to a very patient, understanding choreographer. Rick has appeared in several Pasadena Theatre productions, including Twelve Angry Men (Juror 10) and Fiddler on the Roof (Lazar Wolf). Rick’s other passion is public speaking; he recently won the Toastmasters District 18 Humorous Speech contest against competitors representing over 110 clubs in Maryland and Delaware. A big shout out to my wife, Lucie, who’s been enduring so much humming around the house of late, and to my coworkers who always help fill up the seats here!

Hannah Hall (Featured Dancer) - Hannah is a sophomore at Severna Park High School, and this is her second production with The Colonial Players. She was first seen in Nine last season. Aside from CP, she was recently seen in Fiddler on the Roof at Compass Rose Theater and Annie Get Your Gun at 2nd Star Productions. She has studied opera at Interlochen Center for the Fine Arts in Michigan and Manhattan School of Music. Hannah is also a member of the Severna Park High School Mock Trial Team as well as a member of the Young Democrats of America. She would like to thank her family and wonderful friends for supporting her and her amazing cast for being so welcoming.

Debra Kidwell (Dominque, Spinster, Southern Lady) - Deb is delighted to be part of this wild show! Most recently she performed as a dancer with ASGT in Light Up The Stars and also in Mary Poppins with 2nd Star Productions. You may have caught her last year at The Colonial Players in Nine. Deb is very proud of this show and appreciates the dedication of the production team, which shines through in every detail. Enjoy the show! And remember…what happens in Monte Carlo, stays in Monte Carlo.

Isabella Lopez (Annabel Glick) - Isabella is super pumped to be a part of her second show with The Colonial Players following her appearance in Annie five years ago. Since then, she’s been in shows throughout Maryland and at Broadneck High School. Her favorite roles include Eva Peròn in Evita, Clarice in The Liar, The Leading Player in Pippin, and Nimira in the world premiere of the fantasy rock musical, Magic Under Glass. Her most recent role was the character of Door in Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, where she had to do a British accent. However, now it is her costar who has to do the British accent! Bella would like to thank her family for being supportive, her boyfriend (Grant Scherini) for being sweet and driving her to rehearsal, and her two dogs for giving her inspiration and endless love.

Jeanne Louise (Landlady, Drunken Maid, Miss Thorsby, Southern Lady, Nurse) - Almost a decade ago, Jeanne Louise debuted on The Colonial Players stage in The Curious Savage as spoiled rich girl Lily Belle Savage. She returns after portraying somebody or other in Durang's 'dentity Crisis during last summer's one-act festival. In between, she has performed in shows for 2nd Star Productions, Bowie Community Theatre, Newtowne Players, Prince George’s Little Theatre, Rude Mechanicals, and Twin Beach Players. After completion of the actors training program at Circle-in-the-Square Theatre School in New York, Jeanne spent the next 20-something years as a struggling performer in NYC and around the US before marrying a member of The Capitol Steps musical satire troupe and "retiring" to Maryland. Jeanne is a volunteer cat socializer and photographer with The Haven kitty shelter in North Beach.

Grant Scherini (Bellhop, French Waiter, Punk, Gambler, Leper) - This is Grant’s first main-stage performance with The Colonial Players (he previously worked with them in a reading of the 2015 Promising Playwright winner Kid Turboni Brings the Rain), and he couldn’t have asked for a more rollicking show to debut with! Grant is a theater major at Anne Arundel Community College, where he performed onstage as Richard Mayhew in Neverwhere and Uncle Fester in The Addams Family. Other favorite roles include Guildenstern, Gravedigger, et al. (Hamlet, Compass Rose Theater), Alcippe (The Liar, Broadneck High School), and Ferdinand (The Tempest, Broadneck High School). He would like to thank The Colonial Players for welcoming him so kindly, his sister Victoria for supporting him through diligent car-sharing coordination, and his girlfriend, Bella, for liking him as much as her character likes dogs (he hopes).

Reed Sigmon (Harry Witherspoon) - Reed is honored to be involved with his first Colonial Players production. Past performances include Lucas Beineke (The Addams Family, AACC), Tobias (Sweeney Todd, Laurel Mill Playhouse), Monsieur Reyer (The Phantom of the Opera, AACC), and Henry Clay (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, AACC). Most recently, he could be seen in Laurel Mill Playhouse’s production of The Curious Savage as Jeffrey Meredith. Reed recently graduated from UMBC with a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication Studies and is currently working in marketing for mywalit US. He would like to thank his loving family, friends, and cast mates for making him feel like the luckiest stiff around.

Gene Valendo (Emcee, Solicitor, Old Texan, Nun, Prosperous Man, Croupier) - Gene is very pleased to be returning to The Colonial Players stage, where he last appeared as Joseph Hewes in 2013’s 1776. His favorite previous roles include: Major Quimby in Bloody Murder, Dr. Hubert Bonney (WATCH nominee for Outstanding Featured Actor in a play) in It Runs in the Family, Henry Perkins in Funny Money, Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly!, and Juror #8 in Twelve Angry Men (All with SSP); Sir Joseph Porter in HMS Pinafore (LMP); and King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors (Musical Artists Theatre). For a change of pace, Gene produced 2nd Star’s 2017 production of Mary Poppins (WATCH nominee for Outstanding Musical), but has decided that acting is less stressful and a lot more fun. “Thanks, Eric, for the incurable case of dissociative identity disorder I have developed while working on this production.” 

The Production Staff

Terry Averill (Set Designer) Terry is a longtime volunteer at The Colonial Players who has been active both onstage and offstage as an actor, director, set designer, and president of the CP Board for four years. Earlier this season he directed and designed the set for 33 Variations. Other favorite designs were Batboy, also at CP, and Language of Angels and Grace and Glory at Bowie Community Theatre. He appeared onstage at The Colonial Players in Superior Donuts, 1776, and Of Mice and Men. Directing credits at CP include Watch on the Rhine; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; and Kindertransport. Terry also performed at the Smithsonian’s National History Museum, portraying abolitionist John Brown in The Trial of John Brown.

Kaelynn Bedsworth (Sound Designer) This is Kaelynn’s ninth season with CP, and she has volunteered both on the stage and off in a variety of roles, from actress to go-button pusher to steampunk wig maker to Looney Tunes sound effect specialist to smushed banana cleaner. You may have seen her grace the stage in The Secret Garden, Annie, 1776, A Christmas Carol, Moonlight and Magnolias, and more. Behind the scenes, she has produced, costume designed, sound designed, and scene painted for many shows over the last few years. Kaelynn currently serves as Treasurer on Colonial Players’ Board of Directors. She sends love to her husband, Wes, who shares this crazy theater world with her on a daily basis.

Wes Bedsworth (Lighting Programmer) Wes has been involved with over 50 productions at The Colonial Players since he joined in 2007. He won the 2010 Washington Area Theatre Community Honors award for outstanding sound design for Earth and Sky and has been nominated for sound design for Hauptmann, Kindertransport, The Diviners, and 1776. Wes serves as Operations Director on the CP Board and Technical Director on the Production Team. He sends love to Mom, Dad, Susan, and Abby... and most of all to his wife, Kaelynn, who supports, encourages, and participates in the craziness that is theater life.

Tim Brown (Producer) Tim has been involved in a variety of backstage roles. Most recently he was Producer of It's a Wonderful Life. He also produced Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and was assistant producer for Boeing Boeing. Other roles have included lighting assistant and programmer for Nine and Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll. He was stage manager for CP's most recent production of A Christmas Carol. Tim claims to have found that the perfect way to spend his retirement-enabled free time is to support his long-time favorite theater - Colonial Players. He sends thanks to all the wonderful people at this theater who have been so welcoming and fun to work with..”

Drea Lynn (Costume Designer) Drea Lynn is happy to lend a helping hand as costume designer of this madcap musical theater romp of a show! Production credits for The Players include lighting design for Dog Logic and producer for The Unexpected Guest, the shape of things, Earth and Sky, and A Christmas Carol, and most recently award-winning costume design for 1776. She has appeared onstage in the Ruby Griffith Award-winning production of Enter the Guardsman, Jekyll & Hyde, Assassins, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. When not working with community theater, Drea can be found singing with her rock and soul band “PartyOfTen.”

Kaitlin Fish (Assistant Director) Kaitlin is thrilled to be assistant director for Lucky Stiff! She would like to give a special thank you to Eric for allowing her to work with him on this project. She also thanks Emily and Lindsay for sharing their talents and teamwork, making this process a blast! Lucky Stiff is her first time working on a production team at The Colonial Players, and it has been a humbling and wonderful experience. She truly enjoyed watching this talented cast and crew bring this wild and fun show to life! Kaitlin has assisted on the directorial side at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis and has been seen recently onstage in various productions with CP, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, and 2nd Star Productions. As a huge lover of dogs, she was naturally drawn to this show. It has touched her heart and reminded her that “It’s Good To Be Alive! Woof Woof!”.

Frank A. Florentine (Lighting Designer) Frank has spent years creating Magic with a Drop of Light! For the last four years, his lighting designs for The Colonial Players have generated outstanding reviews, two Washington Area Theater Community Honors (WATCH) nominations for best lighting design for a play (Chapter Two and Coyote on a Fence) and two awards for best lighting design for a musical (Bat Boy and Ernest in Love). Frank created lots of Magical Light for the Colonial Players 2016 production of A Christmas Carol. Frank’s previous work included 25 years as lighting designer for the Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum, show caves throughout the United States, residences, and a 65,000-mile tour with the late Danseur Rudolf Nureyev. His work has achieved numerous professional awards. Frank is a Fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society and Lighting Certified by the National Council of Qualified Lighting Professionals. He is also a member of United Scenic Artist 829, Lighting Designer. Frank and his wife, Susan Cook (who reluctantly but lovingly becomes a theater widow when he lights a show!!) have lived in the Annapolis area for 28 years.

Charlotte Robinson (Properties Designer) Charlotte has worked behind the scenes with The Colonial Players for 30 plus years, serves on several committees, and was a member of the Board of Directors. Her most recent shows were The Secret Garden, Trying, and Side Man. She has worked on multiple productions of her favorite show, A Christmas Carol. Many theater-goers may recognize her as one of the Sunday matinee ushers. Charlotte thanks all the patrons who make the long hours worthwhile and all the dedicated, hard-working people involved in this production, especially Mike and JoAnn.

Beth Terranova (Stage Manager) Beth has pursued her theater interest onstage and backstage for over 40 years in four states and two countries. An experienced actor and director, she also has numerous backstage credits including stage manager, costume designer, set designer, and producer. Beth most recently stage managed the Compass Rose Theater productions of Eleanor and The Diary of Anne Frank. Other stage management credits include Superior Donuts; Kindertransport; Romantic Comedy; and Lips Together, Teeth Apart for Annapolis theaters, and Art, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and Greetings for Florida theaters. Most recently Beth earned a WATCH nomination for Costume Design for Colonial Player’s production of the musical Nine, and appeared onstage as Helsa Wenzel in 2nd Star Productions’ The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Beth retired from federal service in December 2017, but hasn’t really figured out what that means yet.

Caitlin Weller (Sound Designer) Caitlin is very happy to be returning to The Colonial Players. Since beginning at CP, she has worked as a stage manager, assistant lighting designer, and various parts of tech crew around Annapolis. She is very excited to be a part of this production and thankful for such an amazing and talented cast and crew. Special thanks to family and friends for their unending support, and to The Colonial Players for the great experience.

Written by Ronald Harwood
Directed by Darice Clewell
Produced by Kaelynn Bedsworth
Performance dates:
January 12 - February 4, 2018
Run time: 2h 30m

Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred reside in a home for retired opera singers in Kent, England. Each year, on the tenth of October, there is a concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday. Jean, who used to be married to Reggie, arrives at the home and disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva and refuses to sing. But the show must go on in this funny and poignant play.

To download the production postcard for Quartet to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading.

About the Director

Quartet is the fifth production Darice Clewell  has directed for The Colonial Players. Previously she directed Trying, Copenhagen, Is There Life After High School?, and Isn’t It Romantic. Direction at other theaters includes Art, Stones in His Pockets, and The Shadow Box at Dignity Players. Choreographic endeavors include A Little Night Music (the Ruby Griffith winner for All Round Production Excellence), She Loves Me, Cabaret, Fiorello!, Is There Life After High School?, Red Hot and Cole, Working, and A Christmas Carol. Darice has appeared in numerous productions here, playing Marie in Calendar Girls and Sonia in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike last year. Other favorite CP roles include Lottie in Enchanted April and M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias. She also appeared in Lettice and Lovage, Splendour, Rumors, Social Security, and The Road to Mecca. Acting credits at other theaters include Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible, Amanda in The Glass Menagerie, Latrelle in Sordid Lives, and several roles in The Vagina Monologues.

“Quartet is a Director Package show, meaning I presented it to the play selection committee last year and asked to direct it. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and hope our audiences will be as charmed by this play as I have been. Thank you to our quartet -- Nori, Marti, Rick, and Edd.It’s been a joy bringing this Quartet to life. And thank you to my duet partner, Jim.”

About the Playwright

Ronald Harwood, a successful and decorated English playwright and author, was born in South Africa and moved in 1945 to England, where he changed his name from Horwitz after being told his birth name was too foreign and too Jewish for an actor. His best-known work is The Dresser, which opened in New York in 1981 and was nominated for a Tony Award for best play. Harwood also wrote the screenplay for the movie, which received Academy Award nominations for best movie and best screenplay. His won the Academy Award for his screenplay of The Pianist and was nominated for best screenplay for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. In all, Harwood has written 24 plays and 19 movie scripts. He is also the author of more than 30 books and other published works. Harwood trained for the stage at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and was the personal dresser for Sir Donald Wolfit from 1953 to 1958. One of the recurring themes in Harwood's work is his fascination for the stage, its performing artists, and artisans as displayed in The Dresser, After the Lions (about Sarah Bernhardt), Another Time (a semiautobiographical piece about a gifted South African pianist), Quartet (about aging opera singers), and his non-fiction book All the World's a Stage, a general history of theatre.

Director's Notes

“Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a
work of art.”
--- Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

What is it about art – of any kind, whether What is it about art – of any kind, whether it be music or drama or painting – that takes us out of ourselves while at the same time showing us who we really are? To me, it’s the uniqueness with which art is created. An individual, a single mind, is inspired, that inspiration mixes with the individual’s personality and beliefs and energy and skill to become a song, or a play, or a mural. Often the artist cannot even explain how it was done, there’s something else going on – the whole is so much greater than the sum of its parts.

In choral singing, that same effect is felt when two or three perfectly sung notes create a separate note that hangs in the air. No one voice is singing that note, but the combination of voices generates it. So it is with life, and aging, and the quartet of characters you will watch tonight. In their prime, decades ago, each would sing one note, and the combination of the four notes between them created not just four notes, but a story, animating the feelings and passions of the composer who created what they were singing. Their most popular opera, recently rereleased on CD here in our 1990s setting, is Verdi’s Rigoletto. With these four characters, playwright Ronald Harwood gives us what most great operas and most great lifetimes provide: the wide spectrum of friendship, loneliness, love, physical and mental impairment, sexual desire, vanities. The characters are as different as the four seasons. It is those differences that made them a success on stage, and that pepper their current relationships. They bicker about the past, their circumstances, and each other, but they also perform quiet kindnesses that are touching and loving. They talk of music, backstage romps, childhood, loss, arias, and lusting in their hearts and their loins. As Bette Davis once remarked, “Old age ain’t no place for sissies.”

No longer able to physically perform, they still feel the music and the passion, they still can hear that note hanging in the air, and we watch entranced as their story becomes the work of art that is age.

– DARICE CLEWELL

The Cast

Edd Miller (Wilfred Bond) - Edd has been hanging around The Colonial Players for more than 50 years waiting for a role like this one -- over 70 and still vibrant! While waiting, he has put his artistic talents to work in many areas of the theater. As an actor, CP shows include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Thousand Clowns, Othello, The Happy Time, The Fantasticks, The Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Absurd Person Singular, Veronica’s Room, A View from the Bridge, Over the River and Through the Woods, A Moon for the Misbegotten, Over My Dead Body, 1776, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Incorruptible, and Death of a Salesman. He has directed for Colonial Players The Apple Tree, Plaza Suite, I Never Sang for My Father (Ruby Griffith Award winner), Blithe Spirit, 6 Rms Riv Vu, Carnival!, The Curious Savage, On Golden Pond, Relatively Speaking, Moon Over Buffalo, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, Two Rooms, Coyote on a Fence (WATCH Award nominee), Going to St. Ives (WATCH Award winner), The Diviners, and Good People. He has also designed sets for many shows at CP. Edd feels blessed because he has gotten far more out of his association with The Colonial Players than he has put in, most importantly because that is where he met his late wife, Dolores Fahey Miller. He has worked with many other theaters, but Colonial Players is home. “Thank you all.”

Nori Morton (Cecily Robson) - Nori began her theatrical adventures 36 years ago when she auditioned for Colonial Players’ first musical production of A Christmas Carol under the direction of Rick Wade (Reggie). Aside from the privilege of singing the masterful Gessner/Wade score, she was assigned ONE speaking line, and of course it required a British accent. After reciting it hundreds of times, night & day, it’s befitting that, after all these years, she’s now onstage with Rick, trying ye olde British chit-chat yet again! Among numerous leading roles locally, her faves here at CP are Desiree Armfeldt in A Little Night Music, Mrs. Hart for Baby (both Ruby Griffith award winners), and Linda Porter for Red Hot and Cole. Nori recently portrayed the ever meddling Dolly Levi in 2nd Star Productions’ Hello Dolly! and most recently created and performed alongside good bud Debbie Barber-Eaton in Rhapsody In Heels, a two-women cabaret. Thanks and love to Darice (for taking a chance!), to this over-the-moon ensemble, and for faith, family, and friends who keep her facing each new day chiming, “I’m ready!”

Marti Pogonowski (Jean Horton) - Marti’s association with Colonial Players is a long one. She first appeared in the ensemble of Carousel, then as Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, both in 1969. Over the years, she has taken on a number of roles on our stage, including Hypatia in Misalliance; Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; The Mute in The Fantasticks; Masha in The Seagull; Joy in Shadowlands; Martha in Strange Snow; Gert in Lost In Yonkers; ensemble in Jacques Brel…; Mother/Judge in Kid Purple; The Dresser in Enter the Guardsman; and – most recently – Annie in Calendar Girls. She was also a winner of the Irene Ryan Acting Award, which earned her a place in competition at the Kennedy Center, where she was thrilled to use Jane Alexander’s dressing room. Other favorite roles include: Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; “The Crowd” (where she portrayed all of the members of the Chorus) in The Wizard of Id at the University of Maryland; and Gooch in Mame and Mazeppa in Gypsy at the Annapolis Dinner Theater. Marti recently retired as an executive director with Anne Arundel County Public Schools and enjoys traveling with her husband, Dan.

Richard Wade (Reginald Paget) - Rick has been a member of CP for nearly 50 years, working most frequently as director of nearly 30 productions, including dramas, comedies, and musicals. Among his favorites: Morning’s At Seven, Amadeus, Driving Miss Daisy, She Loves Me, Our Town, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, The Trip To Bountiful and Inherit The Wind. As a writer for theater, he has authored several plays and musicals, notably the adaptation and lyrics for the musical version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (music by Dick Gessner), presented by Players for the more than 30 years. He has directed for several area community, college, and professionals theaters over the years. He is an infrequent actor on the East Street stage, having last appeared here as Charlie in the 1987 production of The Foreigner. Rick is particularly proud that his daughter, Sarah Wade, and her husband, Eric Hufford, are active Colonial members, both onstage and behind the scenes.

The Production Staff

Kaelynn Bedsworth (Producer) This is Kaelynn’s ninth season with CP, and she has volunteered both on the stage and off in a variety of roles, from actress to go-button pusher to steampunk wig maker to Looney Tunes sound effects specialist to smushed banana cleaner. You may have seen her grace the stage in The Secret Garden, Annie, 1776, A Christmas Carol, Moonlight and Magnolias, and more. Behind the scenes, she has produced, costume designed, sound designed, and scene painted for many shows over the last few years. Kaelynn currently serves as Treasurer on The Colonial Players’ Board of Directors. She sends love to her husband, Wes, who shares this crazy theater world with her on a daily basis.

Doug Dawson (Set Designer) Doug has designed sets for more than 20 shows at CP, including All the Way Home; House of Blue Leaves; several versions of A Christmas Carol; Red, Hot and Blue; A Little Night Music (Ruby Griffith Award winner); Angel Street and Cabaret (both Colonial Players award winners); The Robber Bridegroom; Splendor; The Unexpected Guest; Arcadia; Of Mice and Men; and Mrs. California. Doug also has been music director for several shows. He is a hairdresser by trade and has lent his skills to many period shows on our stage.

Herb Elkin (Stage Manager) Herb has been a CP member and frequent volunteer for over 20 years. He began his theater journey onstage in several CP and other area productions, but found his true calling behind the scenes in a variety of roles. As CP's immediate past Vice President and former Treasurer, Herb continues to serve on several committees, but most enjoys his stints as stage manager. Recent stage managing credits include 33 Variations (2017), Nine (2017), Good People (2016), Side Man (2015), Rocket Man (2014), Coyote on a Fence (2014), Trying (2013), and Going to St. Ives (2012), which received a regional WATCH award as outstanding play. He thanks CP's many volunteers and patrons who make everything possible and worthwhile. By day Herb directs information technology services at the Naval Academy.

JoAnn Gidos (Properties Designer) JoAnn had a busy fall working on 33 Variations at The Colonial Players and The Liar and Inherit the Wind at Compass Rose Theater. She also assisted Ron Giddings at Severn School with One Man, Two Guvnors and at Compass Rose with Fiddler on the Roof. In the future she will be working at CP on Lucky Stiff and at Severn School on Chaplin. So much for cutting back. 

Adapted by Joe Landry
From the Screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett,
Frank Capra, and Jo Swerlingritten by Moises Kaufman
Directed by Scott Nichols
Produced by Tim Brown
Performance dates:
December 1 - December 10, 2017
Run time: 1h 30m

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.

To download the production postcard for It's A Wonderful Lifeto share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading.

About the Director

This is Scott Nichols' third time directing at Colonial Players, having directed Boeing Boeing in 2016 and Rocket Man the previous season. He also directed Queen of the Northern Monkeys and Hamlet, Act VI during CP’s one -act festivals. Scott was seen on stage last year as Babbybobby in The Cripple of Inishmaan, and previously appeared as Sheriff Reynolds in Bat Boy, Wigs in Enter the Guardsman, Max in Lend Me a Tenor, Olf in Incorruptible, Birdy in Terra Nova, and various roles in Under Milkwood. He was also in Dignity Players’ productions of Gross Indecency: the Three Trials of Oscar Wilde and the two-person Stones in His Pockets. Other favorite roles include Linus in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Little Mary Sunshine in Chicago (both at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre), Phillip in The Lion in Winter, Don in Butterflies Are Free, and various roles in Jacques Brel. Scott would especially like to thank his husband, Jason, for always providing love, patience, and understanding.

About the Playwright

Joe Landry is a playwright, designer, and artist whose plays have been produced throughout the United States as well as internationally. He attended Playwright’s Horizon/NYU, founded Second Guess Theatre Company in Connecticut, and is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America. His specialty as a writer is adaptations of famous works of stage and screen which are performed on stage as if the actors were doing a live radio broadcast. In addition to our current production, he has applied this formula to works such as A Christmas Carol, Alfred Hitchcock’s 39 Steps, and Meet Me in St. Louis. He even wrote a live radio play about a real radio broadcast -- Orson Welles’ famous 1938 War of the Worlds that convinced many Americans that the earth had been invaded by aliens from space. Landry believes the format offers limitless possibilities as each production develops its own approach to the lives of the radio actors and the way they perform sound effects and the musical score. “I love all these rich layers and the way they interact and combine to create a unique shared experience, one where each audience member is painting a picture of each scene in their own head,” he said in one interview.

Director's Notes

What a joy it has been to get the chance to work on this heartfelt holiday classic, which has become a cherished holiday tradition for me. Along with so many other Americans, I am inspired by the story of George Bailey, an idealistic man who has given up his dreams in order to help the citizens of his small hometown of Bedford Falls. We suffer along with George, who is despondent because his life is falling apart as his attempts at good works seem to come to naught. And we rejoice with George when on a fateful Christmas Eve, just when things are looking at their bleakest, he learns a valuable life lesson. With the help of his personal angel, Clarence, George discovers that his life has not been wasted -- that he has helped so many people in ways large and small and that Bedford Falls is a better place because of him. It is this theme which resonates with people and makes this story so special. Our lives are filled with disappointment, failure, and crisis, and often these are the only things we can see. But it is then that we need to take time to reflect on all the George Baileys who have had a profound effect on our lives and on those whose lives we have affected.

In Joe Landry’s adaptation, this well-known story gets an interesting twist as it is set as a 1940 radio play where all of the characters are played by only five actors. Moreover, in the spirit of radio shows of the period, the vast majority of sound effects are created in the studio by the actors themselves. I especially like this way of telling the story as it not only illustrates the versatility and creativity employed by the cast and crew of these radio plays, but lets the audience in on the “pretend.” Have a joyous holiday season, and may your guardian angels get their wings.

– SCOTT NICHOLS

The Cast

Dann Alagna (Clarence, Martini, Sam Wainwright, and others) - Originally from New York but raised in South Florida, Dann first found the stage at age 12-ish after his mother tried virtually everything else to get him to focus. Dann has performed in dozens of community theater productions, including Alone Together, Grease, Sly Fox, and Greetings and is thrilled to be back in-the-round at CP, six years after his WATCH-nominated turn in Cinderella Waltz as Zed the Village Idiot. Yeah, you read that right. Other CP credits include Earth and Sky and 33 Variations. Dann is the director of Free Range Improv in Annapolis and is beyond proud of his troupe, which has received three consecutive Rammie Awards from Rams Head for best comedy show of the year. They have a website. Dann remains grateful to be included on the stage with such an amazing cast and thanks Director Scott Nichols for including him on this fun and crazy holiday adventure.

Erin Leigh Hill (Mary Hatch Bailey) - Erin is thrilled to be back onstage with some of her favorite people in It's A Wonderful Life. Erin was last seen in Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, directed by Paul Vallaeu. Previous roles include Ms. Moriarty in Sherlock's Last Case, Jo Galloway in A Few Good Men, Sara in Earth and Sky (WATCH nomination), Babs in Mrs. California, and Alais in A Lion in Winter. A native New Yorker, she is so blessed to have formed a Maryland family at Colonial Players. Erin is a reading specialist with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, where she uses theater and performance as a teaching strategy to build life-long learners. By far, her greatest role is that of “Mommy” to her beautiful, inquisitive daughter, Teagan, who has clearly inherited her theater gene. She thanks Scott, the entire cast and crew, and all of her family for making life so wonderful. “I'm the smart one.”

Mary C. Rogers (Violet Bick, Rose Bailey, Zuzu, and others) - Mary is thrilled to return to the stage of Colonial Players for the first time since her appearance six years ago in The Diviners. She has worked onstage, backstage, and everywhere in between with a number of area community theaters, including Prince George's Little Theatre, Greenbelt Arts Center, and Dignity Players of Annapolis. Some of Mary's favorite roles include Maggie in Red Herring, Aunt Bella in Lost in Yonkers (WATCH nomination), and Hilary in Tribute. Mary would like to thank Scott for trusting her with this challenging and wonderful role and the fantastic cast for being so insanely fun and talented. Finally, thanks to her amazing and supportive partner, Abner, for being awesome in every way. This performance is dedicated to Legs and Little Butterfly.

Timothy Sayles (Mr. Potter, Joseph, Uncle Billy, and others) - This makes an even dozen appearances for Tim on The Colonial Players stage. CP regulars may remember him as a gifted but intimacy-challenged jazz trumpeter in Side Man, a Romanian bad guy in Watch on the Rhine, a Chicago bookie/thug in Superior Donuts, or Daddy Warbucks in the musical Annie. He has also performed at several other local theaters, and in 2014 earned a WATCH nomination for best cameo in a musical for the part of Rudolph in 2nd Star Production’s much decorated version of Hello, Dolly! Formerly editor in chief of Chesapeake Bay Magazine (1996 to 2014), Tim is now an editor at the Bay Journal, a monthly newspaper covering Chesapeake environmental issues since 1995. He thanks Scott Nichols for trusting him with such a marvelous multi-tasking role — and also stage manager Bernadette Arvidson for keeping this wonderfully wacky cast, all dear friends, on mission. And on tempo (inside joke). “To my brilliant children, loving siblings, and sweet, sweet friends, who helped me find joy again, I love you all beyond words. And, no, the irony — if that’s what it is — of doing this particular play at this particular time is not lost on me. It is indeed a wonderful life.”

Jason Vellon (George Bailey) - Jason is thrilled to be back at Colonial Players and in such a unique take on this classic tale. You might have last seen Jason as Guido Contini in last season’s musical, Nine. Before that he was part of the cast of Calendar Girls in the dual role of Lawrence/Liam. Other CP roles have been Goat in The Robber Bridegroom; Shep in Bell, Book and Candle; and Clifford Glimmer in Side Man, which earned him a nomination for best actor by the WATCH Awards. He also has performed at other local theaters, including Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, Moonlight Troupers, Chesapeake Music Hall, Dignity Players, Standing O Theater, and was cast in Signature Theater’s Pacific Overtures. Jason was trained at the American Music Dramatic Academy in NYC, which is where he performed professionally in commercials, stage, and film. He would like to thank Scotty for having faith that he could take on such a familiar role and make it his own. Special thanks also go out to Bernadette for keeping us all on track and to the entire production team. “You guys rock!!” Also, to his cast: “It has been such an honor to perform with all of you. I am honored to be on stage with you.” Jason dedicates his performance tonight to his family, who have always been there, and to his friends, who always listen. “Love you all. To Mikey and Aunt Kathy, this one’s for you. Merry Christmas everyone!!!”

The Production Staff

Bernadette Arvidson (Stage Manager) Bernadette is overjoyed to be stage managing this year’s Christmas production. She last stage managed with CP (and received a shared WATCH Award for Best Play) for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Bernadette has stage managed for Crystal Gayle, The Artie Shaw Orchestra, The Russian Ballet Theatre Company, Chesapeake Arts Center Opening Gala, The United Way Fundraiser, and an adorable Irish stepdancing troupe whose name temporarily escapes her. Bernadette has also stage managed a number of local community theater productions: “That’s where the fun REALLY is! Merry Christmas, and enjoy the show!” As ever, Bernadette thanks God for all the good in her life. Nana dedicates this production to Molly.

Ernie Morton (Lighting Designer) Ernie is thrilled to be working as a lighting designer for this Wonderful show. (You see what he did there.) Big thanks to Alex and Scott for giving him this opportunity. Ernie has served as stage manager at CP for a number of shows since starting off with the 2014 One Act Play Festival. When Ernie is not running around backstage at CP he drives back and forth to DC. There he works as an analyst for the Coast Guard, when he’s not playing saxophone with the Coast Guard Headquarters Big Band, The Cutters. In his infinitesimal spare time he looks for golf balls, usually finding ones other people have lost, not the one he played last.

Tim Brown (Producer) Tim most recently was producer for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. He also has been involved in a variety of back stage roles for previous shows, including lighting assistant and programmer for Nine, stage manager for A Christmas Carol, lighting assistant and programmer for Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and assistant producer for Boeing Boeing. Tim claims to have found that the perfect way to spend his retirement-enabled free time is to support his long-time favorite theater - Colonial Players. He sends thanks to all the wonderful people at this theater who have been so welcoming and fun to work with.

Ben Carr (Assistant Director) This marks Ben’s first production in a non-actor role. Previously he has appeared on stage at CP in numerous shows such as Dog Logic, These Shining Lives, Death of a Salesman and Good People. He would like to thank Scott for asking him to be a part of such a wonderful show and wishes everyone a joyous holiday season.

Christina McAlpine (Costume Designer) Christina is happy to be back for such a wonderful show working with such a wonderful cast and crew! Being an avid vintage lover, she has enjoyed all the research and sewing for this classic 1940’s show. Last season she costumed The Cripple of Inishmaan, God of Carnage (Compass Rose Theater) and also helped design/sew the Grand Canal costumes for Nine. Previous costume design credits at Colonial Players include: Boeing Boeing (WATCH nominated for Hair Design), Dead Man’s Cell Phone, and The Curious Savage. Christina holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of West Florida. By day Christina loves working in the veterinary field, while at night she designs and manages her own Vintage & Vintage Inspired shop on Etsy.com. “Many thanks to all my friends here at Colonial who always make this place feel like home. Love to Yanick for always being so supportive and patient with me! Love you babe!”

Written by Moises Kaufman
Directed by Terry Averill
Produced by Shirley Panek
Performance dates:
October 20 - November 12, 2017
Run time: 2h 45m

A musicologist trying to accomplish her life’s work in the face of a debilitating disease and an estranged daughter. A composer coming to terms with his genius. And, even though they're separated by 200 years, these two people share an obsession that might, even just for a moment, make time stand still. Drama, memory and music combine to transport you from present-day New York to nineteenth-century Austria in this extraordinary American play about passion, parenthood and the moments of beauty that can transform a life.

To download the production postcard for 33 Variations to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading.

About the Director

Terry Averill has been active both on and off the stage at Colonial Players as a director, actor, set designer, and president of the Board of Directors for four years. He appeared at CP as the owner of the donut shop in Superior Donuts, as James Wilson in 1776, and as George in Of Mice and Men. Directing credits at Colonial Players include Watch on the Rhine; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; and Kindertransport. Elsewhere, he has appeared as Marc in Art and as John in The Cocktail Hour at Bowie Community Theatre and as Mr. Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank at Dignity Players. Terry also performed at the Smithsonian’s National History Museum, portraying abolitionist John Brown in The Trial of John Brown.

About the Playwright

Moisés Kaufman was born in Venezuela, is of Romanian and Ukrainian descent, and moved to New York City in 1987. He described himself this way in one interview: “I am Venezuelan, I am Jewish, I am gay, I live in New York. I am the sum of all my cultures. I couldn’t write anything that didn’t incorporate all that I am.” He is a playwright and director and is best known for writing The Laramie Project, which was based on the story of Matthew Shepard, a young man who was killed in a vicious gay hate crime in Wyoming. Kaufman is also the author of Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde. Kaufman received a Tony Award nomination for best director for the 2004 production of I Am My Own Wife. Winner of numerous awards, including a 2002 Guggenheim Fellowship, he was the first Venezuelan to win the National Medal of Arts, which was presented to him last year by President Obama.

Director's Notes

Time and Transcendence. These are the threads woven into the fabric of 33 Variations.

Time. There is never enough to achieve what we set out to do in life. That is true whether we are a brilliant composer or a renowned musicologist, a costumer or a nurse. Life is short. Time is scarce. What is to be done?

We must take the world as it is, not as we expect it to be. Assume nothing. Question the history books, dogmatic beliefs, anything that prevents us from seeing the world with the wonder of a child, a child who can “see God” in her mother's face as she listens to Beethoven's music. What we all want is to be enlightened, to be inspired, to know and be loved. By doing so we transcend our day-to-day existence. Beethoven did just this. He defied all rules, ignored societal norms, and “cleared the stench of Vienna” from his mind in order to truly hear and absorb Diabelli's waltz. It was on Beethoven's mind for four years. Its simple beauty haunted him, as it may you as you hear it throughout our production. Anton Schindler, Beethoven's personal assistant and later biographer, referred to the work as a schusterfleck (cobbler's patch), and though he meant it in a derogatory way, he was not wrong. Beethoven built a musical world upon this simple, and purportedly mediocre, idea. He recognized the work for what it was, a simple beer hall waltz. And from this 50 second piece of music, he created a 50 minute masterpiece that would impact music theory forever. So why do we have a play about this piece of music? Why do we care about the sketches of the variations that Beethoven spent his last years obsessing over? Because discovering the origins of things, essential truths, understanding the primary cause of things is what concerned Moisés Kaufman as it does me. Kaufman created his own “cobbler's patch,” a simple theme about the search for the origin of Beethoven's masterwork. He explored this theme with 33 vignettes or variations that form a pattern, an expansive story mirroring Beethoven's enigmatic history. In it we find multiple perspectives about love, about work and obsession, about yearning, and the struggle to live with dignity, about death and suffering. But just as in Beethoven's final variation, ours is one of hope and transcendence.

– TERRY AVERILL

The Cast

Dann Alagna (Anton Schindler) - Originally from New York but raised in South Florida, Dann first found the stage at age 12-ish after his Mother tried virtually everything else to get him to focus. Dann has performed in dozens of community theater productions and is thrilled to be back in the round at CP, six years after his WATCH nominated turn as Zed the Village Idiot in Cinderella Waltz. Yeah, you read that right. Other CP credits include Earth and Sky and the upcoming holiday treasure not to be missed, It's A Wonderful Life: A live Radio Play. Dann is the Director of Free Range Improv in Annapolis, winner of three consecutive Rammie Awards from Rams Head for best comedy show of the year. Dann is grateful to be included on stage with such an amazing cast and thanks Director Terry Averill for his passion and trust and Shirley for never sleeping! He'll dedicate his performance each show to Rex Knight. "Can't stop me, Copper!"

Mark T. Allen (Anton Diabelli) - Mark is delighted to be back on stage again with The Colonial Players. His most recent acting stint here was as Mr. Daldry in In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play; and two years ago he had the pleasure of directing Foxglove in Colonial’s biennial festival of short plays. Other groups he has worked with, both on-stage and behind the scenes, include the Columbia Community Players, Laurel Mill Playhouse, and the Rockville Little Theatre. Other favorite roles include Inspector Thomas in The Unexpected Guest at CP, Barrymore in I Hate Hamlet at Laurel Mill, and Curtis Appleby in Night Watch at Columbia. “Many thanks to Terry for trusting me with this role, and to the rest of the cast and crew for being as wonderful as is always the case at Colonial Players. And, as always, many, many thanks to Megan, Ben, V&P, and the Tuggers for all their love and support.”

Jean Berard (Dr. Gertrude Ladenburger) - Jean is delighted to be back in the company of The Colonial Players. Previous shows with this wonderful group include The Unexpected Guest; Spitfire Grill; Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them; and Dead Man's Cell Phone. Her most recent roles have been Frau Blucher in Silhouette Stages' production of Young Frankenstein and Ethel Savage in The Curious Savage at Laurel Mill Playhouse. “Many, many thanks to everyone here who makes these opportunities possible, and love and gratitude to Jim Berard for putting up with it all!”

Rebecca Downs (Dr. Katherine Brandt) - Rebecca has guest-starred on TV shows like CSI Miami, Robbery Homicide Division, Will & Grace, and Everybody Loves Raymond. She has shot independent features in New York, Atlanta, and LA, and has done voices for cartoons and video games, including Spider Man, Rocky Rabbit, Heretic and the entire World of Warcraft series. Her commercials for companies such as FedEx, Toyota, Taco Bell, Applebee's, Lexus, and Verizon kept her housed and fed, and all of these projects offered opportunities to work with some wonderful actors and directors: Robert Hayes, Ed Asner, Tom Sizemore, and Joe Johnston. However, theater is still her biggest love. Her favorite stage roles include the psycho baton twirler in Talking With..., Cassandra in Agamemnon, Ruth in The Homecoming and Lillian LaFleur in Nine. Rebecca is also a professional jazz singer and published songwriter. She has collaborated on music for films such as Wedding Crashers, Down With Love and Monster-In-Law. She performed her own songs on the soundtrack for the Oscar nominated film The Cooler, and on TV shows Roswell, Joan of Arcadia and Cathouse. She is thrilled to be back at The Colonial Players working with such a talented director and cast.

Greg Jones Ellis (Ludwig van Beethoven) - Recent local roles include Monsignor O’Hara in Sister Act (ASGT), Mr. Lundie/Archie Beaton in Brigadoon (Compass Rose), Thomas Andrews in Titanic (Guest Artist, Theatre Lab), and Lane in Colonial Players' Ernest in Love. Greg has also acted in nearly all of the quarterly staged readings at the Washington Stage Guild for the past three years, playing everyone from the title role in The Marriage of Figaro to the father in Candida, Shaw’s classic comedy. Other stage roles include John in Oleanna, Fredrik Egerman in A Little Night Music, Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps, and Louis de Rougemont in Shipwrecked! Greg’s voice-over talents can be heard as Captain John Smith and various historical Annapolitans on the audio tour of the Annapolis Maritime Museum. As a playwright, he saw the World Premiere production of his full-length comedy Divinity Place in April at Virginia’s North Street Playhouse (performance rights through stagerights.com). His latest play, a drama about Hollywood entitled All Save One, was presented as part of this year’s Kennedy Center Page-to-Stage New Play Festival. Greg teaches English and Film at Chesapeake College and Anne Arundel Community College. For Eric, always. www.gregjonesellis.com

Dirk Gertz (Ensemble) - Dirk previously performed in CP productions of 1776 and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. He also appeared twice with Annapolis Opera and in ASGT’s Thoroughly Modern Millie. When not volunteering, Dirk is City Planner with the City of Alexandria.

McAndrew Noonan (Ensemble) - This is the first show that McAndrew has done with Colonial Players, but he's no stranger to acting. He has acted in plays, short films, and the occasional web series for six years. McAndrew's favorite role to date is Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird. He is very thankful for this opportunity, he appreciates his fellow talented cast members, and he has loved every minute of it! McAndrew dedicates this performance to Fran Marchand, his very dear friend.

Victoria Scalfaro (Clara Brandt) - Victoria is excited to be debuting in her first show with Colonial Players! She has been an avid performer in theater since she was five years old. Some notable credits include Maria in The Sound of Music, Molly in Annie, and Laurie in Oklahoma! Off the stage, Victoria is the theater director at Southern High School as well as an elementary music teacher with Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

Ryan Shookman (Pianist) - Ryan began his studies at a young age with his mother in his home in South Orange County, CA. From the day he began, he wanted to become a classical pianist. Ryan proceeded to study at The Redlands School of Music in California, The Juilliard School in New York City, and The Paris Conservatory and International Academy of Music of Nice in France, receiving the equivalent of multiple masters degrees in classical piano. No stranger to the concert stage, he has been heard worldwide in over 20 countries. He has lived in the Baltimore area for 10 years. He works with more than 40 students in his studio, is music director of New Light Lutheran Church, serves on the board of LARA (LGBT Academy of Recording Arts) representing classical music, and performs frequently as a soloist and collaborative artist. He has also performed with his mother, Maureen Shookman, in a four-hand piano duo raising money for people with Down Syndrome, inspired by his little sister and buddy, Faith. When it comes to theater, he has directed over 25 shows at theaters in the Baltimore-Washington area. Thanking his family, friends, and husband for always being supportive, Ryan feels so fortunate to be a translator of music, the beautiful language of the soul.

Paul Valleau (Mike Clark) - Paul is thrilled to be a member of the 33 Variations cast. “Thank you to the entire cast and team; your passion and drive for our show have been a pleasure to experience. To my gorgeous wife, you are my heartbeat. You move me in magical ways every moment we breathe. Thank you for your strength, support, and smiling at me with your beautiful eyes. Mom, thank you for always being my solid ground. Your leadership and guidance have helped me become the man I am today.” Previous shows include In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play (Leo); A Few Good Men (Lt. Kaffee); Morning’s at Seven (Homer Bolton); and director of Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, all with The Colonial Players. In Iowa, he appeared in Don't Dress for Dinner (Robert) and The Producers (Leo) with The Des Moines Playhouse and in Next Fall (Brandon) and Reasons to be Pretty (Kent) with Stage West. 

The Production Staff

Richard Atha-Nicholls (Sound Designer) Richard is happy to be back at The Colonial Players designing sound for 33 Variations. He previously engineered or designed sound at Colonial for Nine; Dead Man’s Cell Phone; The Spitfire Grill; Kiss Me, Kate; Jekyll & Hyde; Jake’s Women; A Christmas Carol; The Piano Lesson; Over the River and Through the Woods; Pippin; and two summer short play festivals. As well as designing sound, Richard has appeared on area stages, and in his spare time helps run Discworld conventions. Occasionally he has been known to direct. Love to C, A & P.

Alex Brady (Lighting Designer) Alex has been designing lighting in the Annapolis-Baltimore region since 2002 and most recently was lighting designer for the September production of Shiloh Rules. In 2016, he was nominated for the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors Award for Outstanding Lighting Design for both Venus in Fur and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Colonial Players. Alex serves as the resident lighting designer for the AACC Dance Company and works with various local theaters and high schools. He is SAFD certified in stage combat with the broadsword. Alex is an alumnus of the Graduate Institute at St. John's College and teaches in the Humanities and Fine Arts Departments at Anne Arundel Community College. He is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Society for Historic Swordsmanship, where he studies and instructs German longsword, sword and buckler, medieval dagger, and Italian dueling saber.

Carrie Brady (Costume Designer) Carrie is happy to be costuming for Colonial Players again after costuming Sherlock's Last Case, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and City of Conversation. Most recently, she appeared on stage in Shiloh Rules. Previously, she costumed for Spirited Productions and the Moonlight Troupers/ The Theatre at AACC, covering shows such as The Appeal, Twelfth Night, and assisting with Macbeth. From time to time, Carrie enjoys helping out at her alma mater, St. Mary's High School Drama Club, with set construction and costumes. Many thanks to everyone who has helped out and especially to her husband, Alex, for his constant support..

Herb Elkin (Co-Stage Manager) A regular presence behind the scenes in a variety of roles, Herb has stage-managed 17 productions at CP, including four nominations and one WATCH award for outstanding play. His most recent stage-managing credits are Good People (2016), Side Man (2015), Rocket Man (2014), Coyote on a Fence (2014), Trying (2013), and Going to St. Ives (2012). Among his most memorable experiences are flying a gorilla across the stage during Over My Dead Body (2009) and completely changing the stage during intermission from dreary London to dazzling Italy for Enchanted April (2008). Prior to becoming active behind the scenes, he appeared on the stage in several CP and other area productions until his resident critic (Bay Weekly's Jane Elkin) recommended redirecting his talents elsewhere. Herb is CP's Vice-President and works by day as Deputy Director for IT/Finance at the Naval Academy.

JoAnn Gidos (Properties Designer) JoAnn has been designing/providing props to local theaters and schools for more than 25 years. This season, in addition to 33 Variations, she also is working on The Quartet and Lucky Stiff at CP and The Liar at Compass Rose. Some of her favorites include Shipwrecked!, Calendar Girls, and Trying. A thank you to all of the people who have helped her over the years and Mike for his constant support.

Ernie Morton (Stage Manager) Ernie is thrilled to be working with this exceptional cast. He has served as stage manager at CP for a number of shows since starting off with the 2014 festival of short plays. When Ernie is not running around backstage at CP he drives back and forth to DC, where he works as an analyst for the Coast Guard when he’s not playing saxophone with the Coast Guard Headquarters big band, The Cutters. In his infinitesimal spare time he looks for golf balls, usually finding ones other people have lost, not the one he played last.

Shirley Panek (Co-Producer/Assistant Director) Although she has been with Colonial Players since 2010, this is the first producer role and assistant director role for Shirley at CP. Previously, she has been seen onstage (most recently: Good People, Rocket Man, Superior Donuts) and offstage as both lighting designer and stage manager for various shows. She is excited to work on this beautiful and complex show with an amazing team of actors, designers, and production team. “Thanks to Terry for letting me be a part of the team, and a huge thank you to Judi Wobensmith, who joined the team as co-producer to share her expertise to this new producer. Love to Jeff and Alice and Emma.

Judi Wobensmith (Co-Producer) Judi has been involved in more than 200 productions in the Annapolis/DC area both on and off the stage. She has produced shows at Colonial Players, including this season’s Shiloh Rules, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, and Petrucci’s to name a few. Previous directing credits include: A Christmas Carol (four times at CP), The Music Man, Gigi, The King and I, Carnival, Marriages, Something’s Afoot (at Colonial Players and 2nd Star Productions), The Sunshine Boys, and Mrs. California, among others. She has served three terms on the Board of Directors at CP, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, and Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Judi has appeared in various TV commercials and documentaries. This season she serves on CP's artistic and production teams. Judi spends her spare time working at the House of Delegates in Annapolis.

Written by Doris Baizley
Directed by Beth Terranova
Produced by Judi Wobensmith
Performance dates:
September 8 - October 1, 2017
Run time: 2h 30m

A dedicated Union nurse and a mysterious Confederate refugee meet on the Shiloh battlefield to compete for the title of Best Female Reenactor of the Year. With their young trainees trying to out-do each other in "authenticity," and a concessionaire egging both sides on, their competition leads them into real conflict with Ranger Wilson, an African-American female park ranger who would rather be anywhere than the year 1862, imaginary or not. As the re-enactment rages out of control, all six women discover that some conflicts of the Civil War weren't left behind in 1862.

To download the production postcard for Shiloh Rules to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading.

About the Director

Shiloh Rules is Beth Terranova's 45th venture with The Colonial Players. For its success, she is ever thankful to her wonderful cast and crew, and especially to her assistant director, Nick Beschen, and her producer, Judi Wobensmith, for their help and support. For CP, Beth previously directed Sherlock’s Last Case, 1776, She Loves Me!, One Act Festival favorites Star Crossed, Scene Change, and Fin and Euba, and the highly acclaimed courtroom drama Hauptmann, for which she received a Washington Area Theater Community Honors (WATCH) award for Outstanding Director. Beth has numerous other backstage credits at CP. She most recently designed costumes for Nine and received a WATCH award as producer for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Other backstage positions include stage manager and set designer. Favorite on-stage roles at CP include Aunt March in Little Women and Ellen in Two Rooms, which earned her a WATCH nomination for featured actress. Currently Artistic Director for Colonial Players, Beth is looking forward to retiring from nearly 30 years of federal service at the end of this year, so she can stop having to fit theater into her spare time.

Director's Notes

I always expected to struggle with my director’s notes for Shiloh Rules. It is indeed a comedy, and I truly want audiences to laugh and enjoy it. But it is comedy with a conscience. While presenting a humorous story of rival women Civil War reenactors, it examines issues of national identity and history that typically elicit strong emotional responses far removed from laughter. From the beginning, I have said that by using humor and a woman’s viewpoint, this play provides a context that lets us hear each other’s messages without so much of the baggage.

Coincidentally, auditions for this show began two years to the day that white supremacist Dylann Roof massacred 9 African-Americans in a Charleston Church, and 6 months after he was given the death penalty for that shooting. The incident was proof enough, I thought, of how much we still need a national dialogue on divisive issues of hate. But as I write these notes, it is not quite a week since another white supremacist, James Fields Jr, plowed his car into a crowd protesting a gathering of white nationalist hate groups in Charlottesville, VA, killing one woman and injuring 19 other people. We took time at the start of our first rehearsal after that to discuss the relevance of that event to our show. I thought of these bits of dialogue spoken in the play by Cecilia, a Confederate refugee reenactor, Ranger Wilson, an African-American park ranger at Shiloh National Battlefield, and Clara, a Union nurse re-enactor. These words, written by Doris Baizley eight years ago, could come straight out of conversations happening right now around the country:

CECILIA PETTISON. [Do you] know what it’s like to have an entire branch of [your] family vanish? Their houses burned to the ground?

RANGER WILSON. When I consider the side your men fought for, I don’t really give a -

CECILIA PETTISON. I was born here. I didn't have any choice about that. Does that mean I can't care for them? Love them? Mourn for them? We were born here. We belong right here on this spot.

CLARA ABBOTT. What hogwash. You lost the right to this ground when you turned against your own government - a nation based on law and human rights…. We're not here for hate. Our duty is to heal.

RANGER WILSON. You think so, Miss Abbott? Come out here on patrol some night and find yourself face to face with a monument to Nathan Bedford Forrest, hero at Shiloh and founder of the KKK. Collect the mementos they leave in his honor - pick up all those little flags - read the graffiti. Damn I hate that. I hate seeing that. I'd like to know what you've got to heal that.

How do we heal hate? I wish I had the answer. But I do think at least part of it involves reasoned discussions in contexts that let us hear each other’s messages without so much of the baggage. And just maybe it can involve a play that will allow us to laugh and think at the same time.

– BETH TERRANOVA

The Cast

Shannon Benil (Widow Beckwith) - Shannon is thrilled to return to an all-female cast after just coming out of playing Cora in the women-heavy Calendar Girls last season at Colonial Players (one of her most-loved theater experiences ever!). Some of her other favorite roles/shows here have been the Inspector in Clue: The Musical; Daisy in Bat Boy; various roles in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; and Molly in Jake's Women. By day, she is the director of accounting at Crosby Marketing, an ad agency in Annapolis. Colonial Players has been her "home" theater for the last 24 years, and she hopes to be performing here for another 40! She sends much love to her wife, Marcy, for understanding her theater addiction and for her willingness to fly solo with their 4-year old son on so many nights. She will never take a single show for granted knowing the sacrifices being made for her to perform in them and the moments of childhood being missed to allow her to do what she loves and needs.

Carrie Brady (LucyGale Scruggs) - Carrie is returning to the stage after seven years away and is thrilled to be making her return with such a fantastic cast! She began working with Colonial Players when she costumed 2015's Sherlock's Last Case and last season's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and City of Conversation. Her last performances were with Spirited Productions, and she has costumed for Spirited Productions and the Moonlight Troupers/The Theatre at AACC. From time to time, Carrie enjoys helping out at her alma mater, St. Mary's High School Drama Club, with set construction and costumes. Carrie thanks her husband, her parents, and her dog for their love, support, and wet-nosed kisses. (That last one's just the dog.)

Laura Ivey (Meg Barton) - Laura is thrilled to be back on the stage at Colonial Players after a five-year hiatus. She last appeared here as Faye in Chapter Two, and before that played Helen in Enchanted Mesa and Marisol in Clean in CP’s short play festival. She is grateful to her husband, Kurt, and her three boys, Gavin, Nick, and Keith, for their never-ending support. She is also grateful for a cast of amazing women and for not having to disguise her Southern accent for this show.

Jamie Erin Miller (Clara May Abbott) - Jamie is thrilled to be back at Colonial Players after having been seen as Carla in last season’s production of Nine. Jamie majored in theater at The University of Central Florida and received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She is an assistant principal for Anne Arundel County. Since moving to the area 11 years ago, Jamie has performed in the Maryland and DC area with Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, The Colonial Players, Dignity Players, 2nd Star Productions, Standing O Productions, and Winters Lane Productions (to name a few). Some of her favorite roles include Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (which earned her a Washington Area Theatre Community Honors Award); Maureen in Rent; Woman 1 in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (WATCH nominee); Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie; Lois in Kiss Me, Kate; and Izzy in Rabbit Hole (WATCH nominee). Jamie would like to thank Beth, Nick, Judi, Jim, and the entire cast and crew for the fun times this summer! And a very special thank you goes out to all of her family and friends for their endless love and support, especially her husband, Andrew, and their five year-old daughter, Sophie.

Ashley Spooner (Ranger Wilson) - Ashley is delighted to take the stage as Ranger Wilson in Shiloh Rules, marking her third production with The Colonial Players. She previously played Cassandra in last season’s production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and made her debut with the theater as Kate in the 2016 production of Good People. Ashley is thankful to Colonial Players for the opportunity to portray three such dissimilar characters and to Beth for creating an education atmosphere to develop the role of Ranger Wilson. As always, Ashley is grateful to her family and friends for their encouragement and support. She would also like to thank the cast and production team for making rehearsals and the stage such a joy!

Meg Venton (Cecilia Delaunay Pettison) - Meg is so happy to be back onstage with this excellent cast and crew in such a terrifically well-timed play! It’s been a great opportunity to learn more American history and to check out the Civil War from another perspective. She has been gone from the stage for so long that any credits wouldn’t really ring a bell, but she hopes to do more theater now that her kids are grown. She dedicates her performance to Jack, Lily, and her brother Russell.

The Production Staff

Lois Banscher (Properties Co-Designer) Lois has been involved in over a dozen shows with Colonial Players, beginning in 2009 with The Curious Savage. Lois continues to be challenged in locating unique prop items; for example, the umbrella rifle for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, one of the items that helped her win the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors award for outstanding properties design last season. Lois and props partner Grace Bumgardner received a WATCH nomination in 2010 for Mrs. California, and in 2013 Lois was nominated for 1776. Lois teamed up with prop lady Connie Robinson for Shiloh Rules. “It is a pleasure working with Connie and her husband, John, on Shiloh!” In addition to volunteering with the Colonial Players, Lois is involved with various Annapolis community groups.

Nick Beschen (Assistant Director) This is Nick’s third experience with assistant directing. He has been more frequently seen on the stage, most recently as Dr. Watson in Sherlock’s Last Case. Acting is his first love, and he really enjoyed using his experience to work with the cast as they developed their characters. Every actor works differently in the process, and as AD, Nick gets to learn and teach at the same time. “What could be more fun? Thank you for coming to see our show, and please enjoy this very talented cast and crew.”

Alex Brady (Lighting Designer) Alex has been designing lighting in the Annapolis-Baltimore region since 2002. In 2016, he was nominated for the WATCH Award for Outstanding Lighting Design for both Venus in Fur and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Colonial Players. Alex serves as the resident lighting designer for the AACC Dance Company and works with various local theaters and high schools. He is SAFD certified in stage combat with the broadsword. Alex is an alumnus of the Graduate Institute at St. John's College and teaches for the Humanities and Fine Arts Departments at Anne Arundel Community College. He is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Society for Historic Swordsmanship, where he studies and instructs German longsword, sword and buckler, medieval dagger, and Italian dueling saber.

Jeannie Christie (Costume Co-Designer) Jeannie has been a member of The Colonial Players since the 1970's. She has recently served as production director on the board for the theater, as well as being a professional streetwalker giving colonial walking tours for Watermark. She is currently residing in Florida, basking in the sun and surf and taking a break from the hectic theater life. One thing she will tell you is that no matter how far from Annapolis she travels, Colonial Players will always be her theatrical home away from home.

Ben Cornwell (Sound Designer) Ben has been volunteering at Colonial Players since the 2000-2001 season. His first gig: running sound for Of Mice and Men. Since then he has designed sound for many shows, most recently Superior Donuts, Venus in Fur, Boeing Boeing, and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. He's been nominated for three Watch Awards for his sound designs here at CP. “I am happy to be working with such a talented cast, crew, and director! Thanks to Alex for the epic lightning to accompany my thunder and to Peter for understanding my passion for the theater.”

Ernie Morton (Stage Manager) Ernie is thrilled to be working with this exceptional cast. He has served as stage manager at CP for a number of shows since starting off with the 2014 festival of short plays. When Ernie is not running around backstage at CP he drives back and forth to DC, where he works as an analyst for the Coast Guard when he’s not playing saxophone with the Coast Guard Headquarters big band, The Cutters. In his infinitesimal spare time he looks for golf balls, usually finding ones other people have lost, not the one he played last.

Constance Robinson (Properties Co-Designer) Since 2003 Connie has volunteered as a public relations consultant, graphic designer, box office assistant, properties designer, and set decorator for Colonial Players. She also serves on the marketing committee. Connie has collected props for numerous productions at Colonial Players and one play at Dignity Players. She is proud to have received three WATCH nominations for properties designing. There have been many unique challenges collecting or creating unusual props that still make her wince, or laugh. Connie enjoys her volunteer hours because of the terrific people she works with who also devote their time and talents to the theater. She thanks her husband, John, for his help, and also thanks her family and friends for loaning personal belongings for set props, and for their enthusiastic support.

Jane Wingard (Set Painting Designer) Jane is a retired Prince George’s County visual arts and theater teacher. After retiring she became a partner in a scenic design firm and built the decor for casinos in Harrington, DE and Charlestown, WV and much of Six Flags America. She has designed and painted for major events held at most of the Smithsonian buildings and other DC and Baltimore landmarks. In 1996 she co-founded 2nd Star Productions and now serves as artistic director. Honors include the Bay Weekly's Best Local Artist, EdRoChar Award for directing, and ESTA Fest award for set design. Jane has won five WATCH Awards for design and painting as well as other WATCH nominations for directing, set design, painting, and decoration. Company honors for 2nd Star include multiple Ruby Griffith Awards for Best Overall Production and Best Musical. Her greatest prize is her family, including her husband, Marty Hayes, who began the family's theater bug many years ago. She is honored to be working with her many friends and favorite rivals at The Colonial Players.

Judi Wobensmith (Producer) Judi has been involved in over 200 productions in the Annapolis/DC area both on and off the stage. She has produced shows at Colonial Players, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, and Petrucci’s to name a few. Previous directing credits include: A Christmas Carol (four times at CP), The Music Man, Gigi, The King and I, Carnival, Marriages, Something’s Afoot (at Colonial Players and 2nd Star Productions), The Sunshine Boys, and Mrs. California, among others. She has served three terms on the Board of Directors at CP, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, and Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Judi has appeared in various TV commercials and documentaries. This season she serves on CP's artistic and production teams. Judi spends her spare time working at the House of Delegates in Annapolis.