Book by Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Directed by Joe Thompson
Performance dates:
Nov 8 - Dec 7, 2013
Run time: 2h 30m
Based on the Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” this heartwarming musical in two acts takes place in the beginning years of the 1930s which were some of the hardest years in American history due to many economic events -- the stock market crash; the Dust Bowl; the Great Depression. Americans needed hope and a reason to believe that things were going to get better, and a young red headed orphan name Annie showed that optimism could be contagious. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous and magical world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations and befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
About the Annie Creative Team
Martin Charnin is an actor, composer, lyricist and director who conceived the idea of writing amusicalbasedonHaroldGray’s“LittleOrphan Annie.” He persuaded composer Charles Strouse and librettist Thomas Meehan to join his improbable quest to turn a comic strip about an orphan girl into a Broadway hit.
Charnin began his show business career as one of the Jets in the original production of West Side Story. He began writing lyrics during the run of the show, and his first composing partner was Mary Rogers. After 1,000 performances on Broadway plus a national tour of West Side Story, Charnin wrote music and lyrics for many Off-Broadway and cabaret revues, working with stars such as Julius Monk, Dionne Warwick, Mary Travers, and Leslie Uggams. He received one of his two Tony Award for his lyrics for Annie. He also has won seven Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, three Gold Records, two Platinum Records, six Drama Desk Awards, and a Peabody Award for Broadcasting.
Annie was Thomas Meehan’s first Broadway show, and it resulted in the first of his three Tony Awards for best book of a musical. He also won with collaborator Mel Brooks for The Producers and with collaborator Mark O’Donnell for Hairspray. Other Broadway writing credits include Young Frankenstein, Cry-Baby, Elf the Musical, Bombay Dreams, and I Remember Mama. In addition, Meehan is a long-time contributor of humor to The New Yorker and Emmy Award-winning writer of television comedy. He worked with Mel Brooks on motion picture scripts for Spaceballs and The Producers.
For half a century, Charles Strouse has been one of America’s most prolific composers, writing music that ranges from opera to “Those Were the Days,” the theme song that opened more than 200 episodes of the popular television series, All in the Family. He is the composer of more than 30 musicals, including 14 that played on Broadway. Among his musicals in addition to Annie are Bye, Bye Birdie, Golden Boy, Applause, and It’s A Bird... It’s A Plane... It’s Superman. Strouse composed film scores for movies such as Bonnie and Clyde and The Night They Raided Minsky’s. He is the winner of three Tony Awards and two Grammy Awards.
About the Director
Joe Thompson got his start at Colonial Players in 1968 when Tom Stuckey told him that CP’s production of Carousel needed more guys in the chorus. Since then he has done a bit of everything at the theater -- working backstage, acting, directing, serving on the board, playing in a show band, designing sound, and writing plays. He appeared in last season’s 1776 as McNair, congressional custodian, and also performed in Over My Dead Body and The Diviners. At Colonial Players, Joe directed Company (2011), The Battle of Shallowford (2006), Dearly Departed (2001), and A Christmas Carol (1999). In 2008, his production of Beauty and the Beast for Children’s Theatre of Annapolis was 1st runner- up for the British Players Ruby Griffith Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Musical. Other directing credits include Inspecting Carol (2008) for Bowie Community Theatre and Footloose (2002) for Annapolis High School. Joe has won awards for his music and his plays. His song “PU” was chosen best children’s song by the Songwriters’ Association of Washington. He also won first place in the children’s category in a national competition sponsored by Just Plain Folks Music Organization for “Pirates in the Bath.” Joe’s original songs written for Bowie Community Theatre’s production of Dearly Departed earned him a Washington Area Theatre Community Honors award for best sound design.
Director's Notes
Golly, I love this play. It has everything -- a plucky young heroine, catchy songs, dastardly villains, a dog, and a whole lot of love.
In this age of cynicism, Annie is a play that speaks to that very special part inside us that is still optimistic and has an innocent faith that even in the face of impossible odds, dreams can still come true and hope can be triumphant. We Americans have rarely faced a time as seemingly hopeless as the Great Depression. But somehow, we managed to overcome even that. Or at least our grandparents did. During the recent government shutdown, my cynical side doubted if we could still pull together regardless of our politics and solve our problems. But then my inner Annie spoke up. “Leaping lizards Joe, of course we can. That’s what this whole play is about. It’s not just about the 1930s. People of good faith always find a way.”
Okay. The truth is, I need my inner Annie. I think we all do.
One of the reasons I asked to direct this play was because of my own personal family history, which in some ways is similar to Annie’s -- complete with songs, of course, but no choreography. (Too bad. I might be a better dancer if only. . .) The other reason was, I love to see children excited and happy. Heck, I like to see grown ups excited and happy. Annie, the musical, makes people feel good. There is nothing wrong with that. I also thought that The Colonial Players stage with its intimate arena space would allow us to see the characters close-up and personal, providing a different perspective on the show. As I write this, the show hasn’t opened yet, but from what I see so far, I think I was right.
I have to end by pointing out what is extremely obvious to anyone involved in theater. It is always a group effort -- but especially when I direct. There are so many talented people involved In a show like this, and I try to be guided by the plethora of imaginative spirits that surround me. Thank you to all who have designed, produced, stage managed, crewed, teched, built, music directed, choreographed, performed or edited video. Thank you as well to the parents who have allowed me to borrow their talented kids till late in the evening. A special thank you has to go to my assistant director Sandy, who has worn a zillion hats on this production. (Sandy do you have the figures on the exact number of hats?)
So I guess the moral is “the sun will come out tomorrow,” but what tomorrow looks like depends on what we all pull together and build. Call me naive if you want to, but Annie and I don’t mind at all.
~Joe Thompson
About the Music Director
Roger Compton is serving as musical director for his second show at Colonial Players since returning to Maryland from Glen Cove, NY, where he was academic dean of one of America’s best kept college secrets, Webb Institute of Naval Architecture. Last year, Roger was musical director and his wife, Jill, was director of A Christmas Carol. The couple met when they appeared in CP’s inaugural production of the beloved Christmas story and performed in the show 15 times before moving away from Annapolis. While in New York, Roger celebrated his love of musical theater by founding the Webb Family Singers -- a mixed chorus of students and staff numbering as many as 30 singers from a total student body of about 80. He also handled music for two shows directed by Jill. Roger sings with the Annapolis Chorale and, with Jill, has founded a community chorus in Prospect Bay, where they reside and enjoy boating on the Chesapeake Bay and golfing.
About the Choreographer
Natasha Joyce is thrilled to be back for her second Colonial Players production, having choreographed Company in 2011. She was trained at the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Design in Motion Studio, Annapolis High School Senior Dance Company, and the University of Maryland School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies. Natasha recently returned from a semester at the University of Ghana, Accra, where she learned Ghanaian traditional dance. She is currently studying for her B.A. in Theatre and Voice at the University of Maryland College Park.
The Cast
Tom Bethards (Mr. Bundles / Cordell Hull / Ensemble) -- Tom is thrilled to return to Colonial Players for this production. You last saw him as Mr. Morris in 1776. He has made many appearances with the Washington Revels, including the past four May Revels. While not making a fool of himself onstage, he enjoys studying jazz piano, jazz singing, folk singing, cooking, and the outdoors. He would like to thank Joe for casting him, Sandy for all of her great advice, and his fellow cast members, friends, family, and everybody at Colonial for their support.
Lizzy Dixon (Annette / Ensemble) -- Lizzy is a freshman at Annapolis High School, where she was cast as Mary in the fall production of Pride and Prejudice. She is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this amazing cast for her first performance with Colonial Players. She was most recently seen as Charlotte in 13 the Musical at Studio 180. In the rare moments when she’s not acting or singing, Lizzy loves yoga, fashion, film, and art. She would like to thank all of the people who made this possible, including her family for listening to her constant singing, the amazing directors, and Corinne for supporting her through everything. “Enjoy the show, everybody!”
Annalie Ellis (Pepper) -- An accomplished actor, singer, and dancer, Annalie has been performing non-stop for the past three years. Most notably, Annalie played Helen Keller in the professional production of The Miracle Worker at Compass Rose Theater in Annapolis. Other roles and productions include Once On This Island (Erzulie), Lil’ Abner (Scragg), and holiday shows with The Talent Machine Company. She also appeared in The Little Mermaid (Princess) with Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Annalie also has several on-camera credits including Nickelodeon, Investigation Discovery, School Court TV (Champion Season 2), and commercial work. Annalie dances at Stageworkz Theater Arts Studio and is a member of their performance group, Starworkz. In addition to theater, Annalie loves to sing current music, play piano, and is learning guitar. Annalie would to thank Joe and all of the production staff at Colonial Players, Ms. Aly and Ms. Cyndi for their guidance and encouragement, and her family and friends for their support.
Daphne Eckman (Annie) -- A home-schooled sixth grader, Daphne is thrilled to be performing in her first show with Colonial Players. Daphne’s previous stage experience has been with the Annapolis Musical Theatre Co., where she was featured in Seussical as Gertrude McFuzz, Oliver! as The Artful Dodger, and Into the Woods as Little Red Riding Hood. Besides singing and theater, Daphne loves to produce stop-motion videos, play the piano, and study Latin, too! “I’d like to thank my friends and family for their support, and also a special thanks to my awesome voice teacher, Priscilla Smith, for always challenging me and reminding me that I‘m never fully dressed without a smile.”
Georgia Eckman (Kate) -- A lively home-schooled fourth grader, Georgia is very excited to be in her first production with Colonial Players. Georgia has been in various shows with the Annapolis Musical Theater Company at Maryland Hall such as Into the Woods, Seussical, and Oliver! In her free time she especially enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, but also finds time to write stories and play the piano. “Thank you to my voice and musical theater teacher, Priscilla Smith, for encouraging me, and to my family and friends for coming out and supporting me. Leapin’ Lizards!”
Rick Estberg (Bert Healy / Harold Ickes / Ensemble) -- Maybe having multiple personalities is not all bad, as Rick demonstrates by playing numerous roles in this show. He’s thrilled to be back with CP, having first appeared in its recent production of 1776. In earlier days he performed in several shows with the Pasadena Theatre Company. His favorite roles include King Pellinore in Camelot, Uncle Billy in It’s A Wonderful Life, and any and all ghosts in A Christmas Carol. He recently completed a four-year assignment with the Defense Department at NATO in Belgium. While there, he helped direct an American middle school production of The Canterbury Tales, playing Chaucer as the oldest member of the cast...by 40 years. Rick extends great thanks to Joe and his crew for giving him this marvelous opportunity, and humblest apologies to anyone and everyone who helped him to attempt to “dance” in this show.
Rebecca Feibel (Miss Hannigan) -- Rebecca is thrilled to return to the Colonial Players’ stage as Miss Hannigan. Rebecca is president of West Arundel Creative Arts and a mom to two awesome redheads. Favorite roles include Morgan LeFey in Camelot and Aunt Eller in Oklahoma (both at 2nd Star Productions), Matron Wick/Royal Lady in The Christmas Doll (Colonial Players), and Sonia in Godspell (ASGT). It’s been a pleasure working with my “little girls” in Annie. Big thanks to the entire production team, especially our fearless leaders: Joe, Sandy, and Roger.
Anna Grace Keller (Duffy) -- Anna Grace began her acting training at birth and has been fine tuning her skill set for years. Anna Grace was just 5 years old when she appeared in her first musical, School House Rock. The cast consisted of all sixth graders except for Anna Grace. Throughout elementary school, she continued acting and appearing in musical performances, including Annie JR and Mulan JR. She is an accomplished pianist and flutist. Anna Grace enjoys playing goalie for her field hockey team and is an avid skier. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support.
Tami Howie (Boylan Sister / Cecile / Perkins / Ensemble) -- Tami is thrilled to be back on the stage again. She is a corporate lawyer and lives in Crofton. Tami’s stage credits include Annie, Oliver and various shows at Kings Dominion. She currently is the lead singer in the band Better Off Red and is the acting coach for two award-winning Destination Imagination teams. Tami thanks Walter, Richie, Catherine, and Johnny their support and directors Joe Thompson and Sandra Rardon for giving her this opportunity.
Rachel Kalafos (July) -- Rachel is in the eighth grade at Severna Park Middle School. She is very excited about her first Colonial Players production. Her theater include Charlie in Willy Wonka JR and Belle in Beauty and the Beast JR at Jones Elementary School. Her roles at AACC Kids in College include Sharpay in High School Musical, Marty in Grease, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, and Wendy in Peter Pan. She has also participated in the SPMS shows Seussical and School House Rock Live. Rachel is an accomplished pianist and stays busy in soccer and summer swimming and diving. Rachel is excited about her third year in Pop Choir at SPMS.
Sarah Kalafos (Tessie) -- While this is Sarah’s debut with Colonial Players, she is very excited to work with director Joe Thompson again. She is in the sixth grade at Severna Park Middle School and loves the theater and all things musical. She has appeared at Jones Elementary School as Rooster in Annie JR and Mushu in Mulan JR. In addition, she has been active in AACC Kids in College Summer Theater, where her roles include Jaycee Squires in The Music Man, Charlie in Willy Wonka, and an ugly stepsister in Cinderella. Sarah stays busy in soccer, summer diving and Pop Choir at Severna Park Middle School. She would like to thank the cast and crew at The Colonial Players for making all this possible.
Vivien Kaplan (Molly) -- Six-year-old Vivien has had a passion for musicals since discovering Singin’ in the Rain when she was 2. She has been performing with Annapolis Musical Theatre Co. since age 4 and has also performed at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. She currently attends the lower elementary program at Montessori International Children’s House. She loves reading, singing, dancing, and making videos. She loves watching classic movies with her mom, especially silent film comedies and Busby Berkeley musicals. She is very excited to be a part of the Annie cast and thanks the directors for choosing her to be Molly!
Charlize "Char" Lefler (Molly) -- A fourth-grade student at Shipley’s Choice Elementary School, Charlize is so excited to be performing in Annie, her first Colonial Players production. This past summer she appeared in The Talent Machine’s production of Once on this Island. Charlize has studied voice at the Priddy Music Academy, where she is currently a lead singer in two rock bands, Gray Skies and Mistaken Identity. She also performs at various venues across Maryland and competes with her bands at The Priddy Battle of the Bands competition. In addition to her absolute love of singing, Charlize enjoys tap dancing, playing the violin, art, and reading. “I would like to thank all of my teachers, directors, family, and friends for their support. I have learned so much from all of you. Thank you for supporting my dream to be in musical theater. Performing is what I love to do!”
Alessandra "Sandra" Lopez (Tessie) -- Alessandra is so excited to be in her first show with Colonial Players! Sandra is a seventh grader at Bates Middle School, where she is focusing on vocal studies in their Performing and Visual Arts program (PVA). She is also starting her first year in Children’s Theatre of Annapolis’ traveling theater troupe, Second Stage! At CTA, Sandra has been cast as Baby Bear in their upcoming production of Shrek the Musical. Past shows include Les Miserables (Columbia Conservatory for the Theatrical Arts) and South Pacific (United States Naval Academy).
Isabella "Bella" Lopez (Duffy) -- Isabella is thrilled to be in her first production with Colonial Players! Bella is in the ninth grade at Broadneck High School, where she is extremely active with the Drama Club. Most of her free time is spent at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA), where she has been a member of their traveling theater group, Second Stage, since its inception last year. Bella is currently in rehearsals for their upcoming production of Shrek the Musical, portraying the roles of Peter Pan and the exploding bird! Past shows have included Les Miserables (Columbia Conservatory for the Theatrical Arts), The Little Mermaid (CTA), and Annie (CTA).
Stevie Mangum (Rooster Hannigan / Ensemble) -- A college senior pursuing his B.A. in Theatre at UMBC, Stevie is thrilled to be finally portraying the smarmy con artist in his Colonial Players debut. He first auditioned for Rooster in his elementary school production of Annie JR, but was heart-broken when cast instead as Daddy Warbucks. Recently you may have “seen” him as a puppeteer of Audrey II in 2nd Star Productions’ Little Shop of Horrors. Favorite roles include Motel in Fiddler on the Roof, Prez in The Pajama Game, Nick Piazza in Fame, and Charlie Cowell in The Music Man. Additionally, Stevie portrays a very rewarding role through Tiffany Shannon Productions as assistant instructor in the musical theater workshop program at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Stevie would like to thank Joe, Sandy, and Roger for this marvelous opportunity, the cast and crew for being so welcoming, and his family for giving him another chance to live the dream.
Rob Meek (Lt. Ward / Howe / Judge Brandeis / Ensemble) -- Rob, in his acting debut, is joining his daughters Yasmeen and Zarah in the Colonial Players production of Annie. Rob is a physician practicing otolaryngology in Annapolis. He specializes in voice and sinus disorders. He frequently treats singers and actors for voice disorders when they are unable to perform. Rob comes from a musical background. He studied as a classical pianist through high school, played in the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, and has played and sung in multiple bands. “I would like to thank my acting and voice coaches, Yasmeen and Zarah Meek.”
Yasmeen Meek (Radio Sound Effects / Ensemble) -- This is Yasmeen’s first time performing at Colonial Players, and she is thrilled to participate in their production of Annie. She is in the eighth grade at Severn School. Yasmeen was introduced to musical theater in elementary school. At Chesapeake Academy, she performed in Geppetto and Son and Anastasia. Her other acting experience includes The Witches at CTA, Hansel and Gretel with the Washington National Opera, and Peter Pan with the AACC Theater Program. Yasmeen’s hobbies include lacrosse, piano, skiing, and, of course, musical theater. “I would like to thank Beverly Van Joolen for introducing me to the theater world, Ryan Shookman and Polly Parr for honing my musical and vocal skills, and the cast and directors of Annie for making it such a fun show!”
Zarah Meek (July) -- Zarah is excited to be part of the Colonial Players production of Annie. She is a fifth grade student at Severn Lower School. Zarah has starred in her school’s production of Jungle Book, AACC’s Theater Program’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Seussical at Maryland Hall. Zarah enjoys lacrosse, singing, skiing, and reading. “I would like to thank Beverly van Joolen for introducing me to theater, Ryan Shookman and Polly Parr for coaching me in voice and piano, and the cast and directors of Annie for making it such a fun show!”
Kaelynn Miller (Grace Farrell) -- Fresh off producing Communicating Doors, Kaelynn is delighted to get back to singing and dancing in her favorite pair of shoes. She has been involved in many productions over the last five years, both on the stage and off in a variety of roles, from actor to smushed banana cleaner to set painter to last-minute button sewer to usher to costume designer. Kaelynn currently serves as Treasurer on The Colonial Players Board of Directors. To pay her pesky bills, she works in the music industry as a customer service representative for an instrumental accessory distributor, where some days she actually gets to use her bachelor’s degree in music. Kaelynn sends love and thanks to her friends and family for their lifelong support, especially to Wes, for sharing and dragging her back into this wonderful, completely crazy world of theater all those years ago.
Natalie Nankervis (Boylan Sister / Ensemble) -- Natalie is appearing in her first Colonial Players Production. She is a sophomore at St. Mary’s High School and has appeared in productions of Almost, Maine (Ginette) and The Wizard of Oz (Core Dancer). Natalie is a member of St. Mary’s a capella ensemble, Nothing But Treble. She would like to thank Mr. Martelli and Mrs. Ruttum for giving her the courage to branch out. Also, Natalie would like to dedicate this performance to Monique because she told her to, to Simone because she’s magnificent, and to MK because she buys her Starbucks. “Love you Mom and Dad!”
Catherine Osikowicz (Kate) -- Catherine is an active 4th grader at Nantucket Elementary School and is extremely proud to be joining the cast of Annie. Earlier this year Catherine performed Annie with the Pasadena Theatre Company. She enjoys singing, dancing, and acting and has appeared in dance recitals at SBE dance and summer camp productions at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Catherine was named a Maryland State Champion with her Destination Imagination acting team this year and placed in the top 20 in the world at the global competition. Catherine also enjoys playing lacrosse and swimming and is currently learning to play the saxophone. Catherine thanks her family for their support and directors Joe Thompson and Sandra Rardon for giving her this opportunity.
Maddie Poole (Lily St. Regis / Ensemble) -- Maddie is a senior at Broadneck High School. This is her first time to perform with Colonial Players, and she’s honored to be a part of this amazing cast. She’s previously performed with Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, Broadneck High School, Merely Players, Annapolis Opera, and the Talent Machine Company. She thanks Joe Thompson for being such a great director and giving her this opportunity, the entire artistic and production staff, Stevie for making this so much fun, and everyone who has helped make this show a success. Maddie also thanks her family for all of their support, and her wonderful voice teacher, Ms. Deborah Brown. “Thank YOU for coming, and happy holidays.”
Lisa Rodvien (Mrs. Greer / Boylan Sister / Ensemble) -- Lisa is happy to be returning to the musical theater stage aftera decade-plus-long hiatus. Her professional musical theater career began in the early 1980s with, among others, Annie. Over the years she has sung and danced as Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes, Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Maggie in A Chorus Line, and many other cherished roles. In her free time, she teaches choral music and global music at MacArthur Middle School. An avid ukulele player, she loves any and all things Hawaiian, and in recent years has begun learning the dance form and art of hula. She wants to thank her family and friends for supporting her return to the theater and her wonderful new pals at Colonial Players for being such a welcoming band of thespians.
Timothy Sales (Daddy Warbucks) -- Tim has spent a lot of time on the Colonial Players stage in the past few years—as a Chicago wiseguy in Earth and Sky, a fire-breathing academic in the ideological drama Sunlight, and, most recently, a cool and considerate John Dickinson in the musical 1776. On other local stages he’s played everything from Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof to British army sergeant Froggy LeSeuer in The Foreigner. He is thrilled to be part of Annie and cannot find the words to properly thank Joe and Sandy for trusting him with such a marvelous role. “Break legs, my wonderful, talented cast mates! Daphne, I’m sorry I can’t actually adopt you--your mom and dad won’t hear of it, though Georgia thought it was a pretty good idea.” Tim has been editor in chief of Chesapeake Bay Magazine since 1996 and lives in Annapolis. He has three grown children, two sweet grandchildren and two reasonably well behaved cats.
Eric Small (Franklin D. Roosevelt / Ensemble) -- Eric is excited to perform with The Colonial Players for the first time. He began acting in 2011. Memorable shows are One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Unnecessary Farce. Eric directed the play Murder Can Be Habit Forming. He also acts on TV for Investigation Discovery. He enjoys Renaissance and Pirate Festivals. Eric thanks Kate and Brandon for their love and support.
Katherine Small (Mrs. Pugh / Sophie / Ensemble) -- Kate takes pleasure in her first production with Colonial Players. She was bitten by the theater bug at age 10 when she was cast in her first Shakespeare play. Since then, she has been in many productions for the screen and stage, most recently working in productions for Discovery Channel: “House of Cards,” “A Christmas Carol 2.0,” and “Be My Baby.” Through the years she has also done many behind-the-scenes jobs including production design, directing, stage managing, costuming, makeup, lights, and sound. She hopes you enjoy this program as much as she has enjoyed being a part of it. 831 egs. You make it all possible.
Sarah Wade (Star to Be / Ensemble) -- Sarah most recently appeared as Jessica in Communicating Doors at Colonial Players. Before that, she was seen in CP’s Taking Steps as Kitty and as the Charwoman in A Christmas Carol. She also played Bet in Oliver! at the Compass Rose Studio Theater, as well as sound designing their productions of The Miracle Worker and To Kill a Mockingbird. Other credits include Lola Heart in the Benevolent Man’s Society’s Blank Spaces and Ionesco in The Shepherd’s Chameleon and the Girl in Starcrossed for the festival of short plays at Colonial Players. She thanks her family and friends for their endless patience and love because, “I can’t tonight, I have rehearsal!”
Camille White (Pepper) -- Camille is ecstatic to be working at Colonial Players for the first time. She also will appear as Young Fiona in Shrek in January at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, where she has been in eight shows including The Little Mermaid as Scuttle and Alice in Wonderland as Tweedle Dum. In her free time she enjoys dancing and talking. She would like to shout out to the orphans in this cast for being great friends. Thanks to the directors and everyone who helped out. Have a great show!!
Ed Wintermute (Drake / Ensemble) -- Annie is one of Ed’s favorite shows. He has appeared in two previous versions, as Warbucks at ASGT and multiple small roles (Bundles, Lt. Ward, Butler, etc.) at Burn Brae Dinner Theatre. At Colonial Players, Ed has appeared in every production but one of the popular musical, A Christmas Carol. He has also performed recently at CP as Uncle Willie in A Philadelphia Story and as Mr. Laurence in Little Women.
The Production Staff
Terry Averill (Lighting Designer) -- Terry is active in many areas at Colonial Players including acting, directing, and designing lights and sets. He won the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors award for his lighting of Earth and Sky in 2010. Most recently, he designed the complex set for our previous show, Communicating Doors. He also designed sets for Kindertransport and Earth and Sky and worked with Edd Miller on set design for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, which he also directed. Other directing credits at Colonial Players include Romantic Comedy, Sunlight, and Kindertransport. Terry is an architect and is in his second term as president of Colonial Players.
Wes Bedsworth (Sound Designer / Technician) -- Wes has been involved with more than 30 different productions at Colonial Players since he joined CP 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 best sound design for Hauptmann, Kindertransport, and The Diviners. Wes serves as Operations Director on the CP Board, Technical Director on the Production Team, and as one of the CP Webmasters. He works as a senior systems engineer in Washington, D.C, and also sings in two choirs at his church. Wes would like to thank his parents, sister Susan, and girlfriend Kaelynn for their love and support.
Susie Collins (Stage Manager) -- Susie perceives the backstage life as being part of a team within a team. The backstage crew lives a parallel life that swirls around the players and the audience. Together, everyone involved in the show creates a sort of seismic wave of creativity that lives for a few hours, then subsides back onto the shores of everyday life. She wishes to thank the following for inviting her along for the jaunt: Colonial Players, Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, the Annapolis High School Drama Club, and, most recently, Marley Elementary School, where together with her husband, Joe Thompson, she has created a drama club called Marley Players. Twenty-four very lively kids, 8 to 11 years old, transforming a school cafeteria into a place of creativity and joy. Talk about a tidal wave!
Edd Miller (Set Designer) -- Edd has been designing sets for many years for Colonial Players, including sets last season for Sunlight; In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play; and Taking Steps. He also has acted in and directed many shows since joining CP in 1964. Edd won the 2012 Washington Area Theatre Community Honors award for best direction of a play for Going to St. Ives, which also won awards for best play among the 83 plays judged and for best lead actress. Edd also was nominated for a WATCH award for best set decoration for his work on last season’s production of Chapter Two.
Sandra Rardon (Assistant Director) -- Sandra’s previous experience at Colonial Players has been on the stage with appearances as Abigail Adams in 1776 last spring and as Shelby Thorpe in 2012 in The Spitfire Grill. Some of her other favorite roles include Diana in Lend Me A Tenor (2011) with Pasadena Theatre Company, Songs For A New World (2011) with Dignity Players, and, with Timonium Dinner Theatre, Miss Sandra in All Shook Up (2009), Vi Moore in Footloose (2009), and Maria in The Sound of Music (2006). Sandra also appeared in the U.S. premiere of Girlfriends by Howard Goodall (2003). In addition, her voice may be heard on The Music Man JR. soundtrack produced by Music Theatre International, and on the original U.S. cast recording of Girlfriends.
Constance Robinson (Properties Designer) -- Connie recently worked as the properties designer for the Colonial Players’ Victorian- period production of In The Next Room, or The Vibrator Play. She previously worked as props assistant to JoAnn Gidos at CP, and will be the properties designer for Dignity Players’ production of Collected Stories next January. Connie also volunteered as the marketing assistant and graphic designer for Colonial Players for 2003-05, designing newspaper ads, rack cards for advertising, and a CP patron survey card. Connie has enjoyed finding props for Annie that are appropriate for the 1930s. Always a challenge! She thanks her husband, John, for helping to modify props and for his on-going patience.
Tom Stuckey (Producer) -- Tom began his association with Colonial Players in 1969 as a member of the chorus in Carousel. After a few more appearances on stage, he realized he was more of a behind-the-scenes person. Tom has produced a number of plays at CP, including Going to St. Ives and Hauptmann, both of which won awards for best play and best direction as well as acting awards in the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors competition. He has served in several positions on the CP board, including president, and works frequently on set painting, hanging lights, and ushering. He edits programs and handles print media publicity as a member of the marketing team.
Carol Youmans (Costume Designer) -- Carol has been an active member of Colonial Players for over 30 years, starting as a set painter and learning how to design lights and sound and working toward directing. Since 1985, she has directed many shows at Colonial Players. Among her favorites are In The Next Room, Dog Logic, Macbeth, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at CP, and, with Jim Gallagher, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. Having served many times on the Board of Directors, she is currently Artistic Director. Costuming has been a design component she has always enjoyed guiding as a director. It’s fun to have been able to design costumes for Annie without having to direct! Thanks to all the seamstresses!
