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.