Written by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Rick Wade
Performance dates:
April 17 - May 16, 2015
Run time: 2h 25m

Some consider Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest the funniest play written in English. CP seeks to capture all its wit and piquant satire in this musical version. The story is of the courtship of two affluent young ladies, Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, by the young self-indulgent gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff. Each man has been slightly dishonest in order to get what he wants, and the struggle against major challenges: the formidable Lady Bracknell, Gwendolen's mother, and the truth itself. When all is revealed to everybody, even Jack, it leads to an unexpected happy ending and three weddings!

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

About the Author and Composer

Lee Pockriss wrote the music and Anne Croswell the book and lyrics for the 1960 off- Broadway production of Ernest In Love. Three years later, they teamed up with book writer David Shaw to write the music and lyrics for a Broadway production of Tovarich. That show won a Tony for Vivien Leigh for best actress in a musical and received a grammy nomination for best original cast album. Pockriss, who died in 2011, was a well-known writer of popular songs for many years and also wrote for movies in addition to his work for stage musicals. He was born in Brooklyn in 1924 and studied music at Brooklyn College and New York University. His talent was recognized early on. A 1950 New York Times article on the presentation of awards by the American Federation of Music Clubs noted that the $100 first prize in composing went to a young graduate student named Lee Pockriss. He was the author of some big pop music hits beginning in 1957, when he and co-author Paul Vance received a Grammy nomination for the Perry Como hit, "Catch a Falling Star.” Three years later, they hit the top of the pop charts with the novelty song, "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini." Working without a partner, Pockriss wrote a string of hit songs, including Anita Bryant's "My Little Corner of the World" recorded in 1960; Shelley Fabares' "Johnny Angel" recorded in 1962; and Clint Holmes' 1972 hit recording of "Playground In My Mind.” Pockriss’s movie credits included seven songs for MGM’s animated film The Phantom Tollbooth, the score for The Subject was Roses and, the title song for Stagecoach. Anne Croswell, a graduate of Randolph-Macon Women's College, worked in New York City as a copywriter for an advertising agency and as an assistant television producer before establishing her career as an author, lyricist, and songwriter. She wrote the score for television productions of Who’s Earnest and Huck Finn. One of her songs, “Believe in Stevenson,” was written for the Democratic National Committee and ecame the campaign song for Adlai Stevensen, the party’s unsuccessful candidate for president in 1952. 

About the Director

Ernest In Love is the 25th production Rick Wade has directed at Colonial Players since becoming a member in the late 1960s. Among them are The Trip To Bountiful, Amadeus, She Loves Me, Driving Miss Daisy, Inherit The Wind, Our Town, and Hello, Dolly!. He also has directed several editions of A Christmas Carol, the musical version of the Dickens classic for which he wrote the adaptation and lyrics with music by Dick Gessner. It has been produced by CP for more than 30 years.

Director's Notes

Oscar Wilde’s comedy The Importance of Being Earnest is considered by many to be the best comedy ever written in the English language and a model for the works of many English and American playwrights. So why attempt to make it into a musical? That was the question many critics asked when Ernest In Love opened off Broadway in 1960. But Ernest debuted to glowing reviews and has been seen in professional, college, and community theaters ever since. The authors answered the “why” question by adhering closely to the original and writing songs to which, one suspects, Wilde himself might have found his toes tapping. I first suggested this musical to Colonial Players nearly 40 years ago, betting that audiences would leave the theatre smiling … having spent a light, funny, joyous evening in the theater. Imagine that? They’ve finally gotten around to bringing Ernest In Love to the East Street stage. My bet hasn’t changed.

– RICK WADE

About the Choreographer

This is Lindsay Zetter's first time working with The Colonial Players, but she has spent her whole life as an audience member of the theater. Classically trained in ballet since age three, she has been choreographing since her freshman year of high school. She received a degree in Arts Management from Indiana University, where she had the opportunity to take classes at the Jacobs School of Music. Since 2011, Lindsay has been Associate Artistic Director of Academy Ballet School and has staged and choreographed full-length youth productions of Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and The Wizard of Oz. She would like to thank Rick for this wonderful opportunity, the cast for being a delight, and her friends and family for all of their support.

The Cast

Greg Anderson (Greengrocer) - Greg is excited to be back at CP, having appeared in the One-Act Festival last summer, as well as in CP's most recent A Christmas Carol as the Ghost of Christmas Present. His favorite roles include Bobby Dwayne in The Hallelujah Girls (Prince George's Little Theatre); Fred Gailey in the U.S. stage premiere of Miracle on 34th Street (PGLT); Leon in Fools (PGLT); Teddy in Arsenic and Old Lace (PGLT); G.W. in Sordid Lives (Bowie Community Theatre); the Tin Woodman in The Wizard of Oz (BCT); Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Muses Rage); Schroeder in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Muses Rage); Ken in Rumors (Church Hill Theatre); and the big guy with the white beard in The Elves Who Saved Christmas, written by daughter Tiffany Shannon for Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Greg thanks Suzanne, Gabriel, Harper, and the other VIPs for their support, and truly appreciates being given the opportunity to work with Rick, Roger, Carol, and this talented cast and crew!

Steven Baird (Algernon Moncrieff) - Steve is thrilled to be returning to The Colonial Players. Previously, he appeared as Fred / Young Scrooge in 2014's A Christmas Carol. Elsewhere, he has appeared in Evil Dead: The Musical (Ash) at Greenbelt Arts Center, The Mousetrap (Giles) at Laurel Mill Playhouse, and Spamalot! (Patsy) at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. He would like to thank his friends and family for all their love and support, especially his girlfriend, Elsbeth, for bearing with him for eight months of continuous shows. He promises to take a break after this one. It's in writing now, so it's official.

Barbara Bartos (Lady Bracknell) - This is Barbara’s debut performance with The Colonial Players, and she is delighted to return to the stage, after a lengthy absence, to play the inimitable Lady Bracknell. Barbara’s past theatrical experience includes performing as a featured singer with the British Embassy Gilbert & Sullivan Society in Washington, DC. Barbara performed in a number of Off-Off Broadway showcases in roles including Toby in The Gingerbread Lady and The Dancer in Jules Feiffer’s People. Her past regional theater and university roles include Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, Kate in Taming of the Shrew, and Ellen Manville in LUV. Barbara is currently a member of the Naval Academy Chapel Chorale. She is president of Speakers.com, a celebrity speaker’s bureau which she co-founded with her husband and partner, Glenn. They live in Annapolis. She is very grateful to now be a member of this prodigious theater company!

Nick Beshen (Perkins) - Nick has performed in many shows at Colonial Players over the last 20 years, most recently as Dwight in last season’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone. He appeared in Communicating Doors and as Dr. Lyman Hall in 1776 during the 2012- 13 season. Nick appeared nine or ten times in CP’s ever-popular version of A Christmas Carol. Favorite roles include Martin Chalmers in the award-winning Between Mouthfuls at Colonial Players, two roles in Almost, Maine at Dignity Players, and Horatio in Pasadena Theatre Company’s Hamlet. Nick is thrilled to be on stage again with such a great cast. He would like to thank his wonderful partner, Leigh, for all her love and support.

Doug Dillner (Bootmaker) - Dr. Dillner could write that he is so very pleased to be part of this fine troupe of talented actors this evening, but he won’t; he could give you a litany of all the productions he has been in since high school (c. 1700’s!!) but he won’t; he was going to tell you about how much he appreciates his wife’s support in his ventures in acting, but he won’t; he could wax theological on his blessings from Christ, his Lord, but he won’t; he has chosen finally to thank each of you for joining us this evening and wishes each of you a pleasant theater experience.

Rob Glass (Tobacconist) - Rob is excited about his first show with The Colonial Players! Last summer, he could be found at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre in his return to the stage in Monty Python's Spamalot! (Sir Not-Appearing-in-This-Show, u/s Robin, Lancelot). In addition to acting, Rob received his bachelor's in secondary education at Towson, with a minor in music performance, and enjoys his career as a Spanish teacher in Queen Anne's County. He is also active in the music community on the Eastern Shore as a percussionist for the Mid-Shore Community Band and directing a show choir at a local middle school. Shout outs to his parents and all of his arts teachers in high school and college, particularly Mr. Stauffer and Dr. Levin.

Dianne Hood (Miss Prism) - Dianne always feels most at home appearing on The Colonial Players stage and has been fortunate to be able to do so in now 22 shows since Carnival in 1977. She last appeared at CP in 2013 in the 24-Hour Project of While the Lights Were Out (Lady Monica Wickenham). Favorite roles here include Moon over Buffalo (Charlotte Hay), The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife (Lee Green), Blood Brothers (Mrs. Lyons), Angel Street (Bella Manningham), and Dancing at Lughnasa. (Agnes). Favorite non-CP shows include Enchanted April (Lotty Wilton) at Tred Avon Players, the one-woman show Kitchen Sink (Francine) at Church Hill Theatre, the one-woman show The Year of Magical Thinking (Joan Didion) at Strand Theatre in Baltimore, The Laramie Project (various roles) at Dignity Players, 52 Pick-Up (Woman) at Standing O Productions. Other favorites include Breaking the Code (Sarah Turing) at Performance Workshop, Something's Afoot (Miss Tweed) at 2nd Star, True West (Mom) at Compass Rose, Kimberly Akimbo (Kimberly) at Vagabonds, Clean House (Virginia) at Fells Point Corner Theatre, and Spinning into Butter (Dean Kenney) at Theatre Hopkins. Dianne's performing work includes stage plays, film, voice-over narrations, as well as roleplays to help train medical students and mental health professionals. She sends love to her wonderful husband Duncan (Dr. Chasuble), their three children, and their three grandchildren!

Duncan Hood (Dr. Chasuble) - Duncan is so glad to be doing this play, and even more so to be doing it with his wife, Dianne, back at their home theater, Colonial Players. Duncan was last seen playing about 13 characters in 39 Steps at Dignity Players. He appeared in the 2011 Clint Eastwood film J. Edgar as the radio announcer. The roles he has played over the past 20 years include: George in Moon over Buffalo; Scrooge in A Christmas Carol; Emcee in Cabaret; Flint in Something’s Afoot; The Man in 52 Pick-Up; The Playwright in Enter the Guardsman; van Sweiten in Amadeus; Jethro Crouch in Sly Fox; Michael in Dancing at Lughnasa; The Narrator in Blood Brothers; Inspector Rough in Angel Street; Hysterium twice and Psuedolus once in three productions of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; Major General in two productions of Pirates of Penzance; Pap in Big River; Porter and Ross in Macbeth; and Dr. Kalmar in Studio Theater’s production of A New Brain. Voice-over credits include national and regional commercial, book, and industrial projects. Video game credits include three characters in Star Trek, Next Generation; and five characters in Fallout 3 by Bethesda Softworks. Duncan has been an international sailing instructor trainer for the American Sailing Association for 28 years and holds a 100-ton USCG Master’s License.

Eric Hufford (Jack Worthing) - Happy, as always, to be back on the CP stage, Eric just finished up as the assistant director for Colonial Players’ Watch on the Rhine. Favorite roles on stage at CP include Leslie Bainbridge in Taking Steps and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. He has also played roles such as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at other venues. "I'd like to thank Sarah for always supporting me in everything I do. Enjoy the show!"

Greg Jones (Lane) - Greg happily returns to the Colonial Players stage, where he last appeared 37 years ago in Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. In the intervening years, favorite roles at other theaters have included Arthur in Camelot, Fredrik in A Little Night Music, John in Oleanna, Bernard in Arcadia, and Lenny in Rumors. Greg’s cabaret and concert performances range from the sublime (a European tour with jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Max Roach) to the ridiculous (opening act for Barry Manilow’s mother – honest!). Since returning to this area, Greg has been thrilled to participate in the year-long reading series of Noel Coward’s 10-play cycle, entitled Tonight at 8:30, at the Washington Stage Guild. His next appearance there is scheduled for May 12, when he will play a broken-down vaudevillian ham. After this performance, he leaves it to you to decide if this is typecasting. For Eric, always.

Erica Jureckson (Gwendolen Fairfax) - Erica is so thrilled to be performing in this musical with The Colonial Players. She has now come full circle. This time last year, Erica moved to Annapolis from her hometown of Lancaster, PA, and this was the first theater she performed in. Erica was last seen as Josefa Lantenay in A Shot in the Dark with Prince George's Little Theatre. Other local credits include Storyteller and Aphra in Second Star's Children of Eden, and various parts in the One-Act Festival at Colonial Players. Erica is a Theater Arts graduate of Point Park University in Pennsylvania. She wishes to thank her soon-tobe husband, Ian Miller, for his eternal devotion, and thanks her father and mother for knowing what is required to be truly affectionate parents. She also wishes to thank Rick Wade for this opportunity. "I cannot deliver him a stinky product. I really have to be presenting him a package. A beautifully wrapped, glossy, sweet smelling show." -Waiting for Guffman.

Sherri Millan (Effie) - Sherri has been involved in the performing arts since childhood. The earliest experience she remembers was from a Christmas service at St. Mark’s on the Hill when her mother was asked by the priest if Sherri would be their baby Jesus. Sherri loves music and has enjoyed being surrounded by it her entire life. At 15, after moving to Annapolis, she began playing guitar and writing songs. Sherri has had the good fortune to play with many a great musician. She toured South East England and continues to performs at Leadbetter’s Tavern, in Fell’s Point. Sherri is very excited to be making her debut with the Colonial Players as Effie in Ernest In Love .

Natalie Nankervis (Alice) - Natalie is delighted to be performing in her second Colonial Players production. Her favorite roles include Widow Corney in Oliver! and Ms. Meloncamp/Stepmother in Life is Not a Rehearsal at St. Mary's High School. Natalie is a proud member of the Young Actor's Studio at Compass Rose Theater. She is also a member and choreographer of St. Mary's A Cappella group, Nothing But Treble, which has competed in the ICHSA competition for two years consecutively. Natalie is overjoyed to announce that she will be attending NYU:Tisch to participate in their Meisner Summer Intensive Pre-College Program this summer. "Thank you to the directors for their dedication and love for the theater. I'd like to give a special thank you to my incredible teachers who have touched my life and guided me through my journey on stage: Laura Jauregui, Mr. Martelli, and Mrs. Ruttum. Thank you to my wonderful parents who have always supported me. Love you, Jack.”

Heather Tuckfield (Piano Teacher, Dancing Master) - Heather is delighted to be making her debut with Colonial Players. She has been performing in community theater productions for over 35 years. Some favorite roles include Queen Eleanor in The Lion in Winter, Maude Kinch in Be My Baby, Reverend Mother in Nunsense I and II, and Charlotte in Moon Over Buffalo, to name a few. Heather is a graduate of UCLA with a degree in Speech Communication. She recently retired, having worked at Chesapeake Bay Foundation for 23 years. She and her husband, Mel, have been married for over 41 years and have three married children, three grandchildren, and three very active grand dogs. Heather wishes to thank her husband for his undying love and support.

Sarah Wade (Cecily Cardew) - Sarah is thrilled to be back on the stage after her foray behind the scenes as sound designer for Watch on the Rhine. Before that, she was seen as twins Isabelle/Sabine in The Liar. She also appeared this season in A Christmas Carol as the Charwoman. Previously, she had the distinct pleasure of portraying Catherine Donahue in These Shining Lives ("and we were shining!"), Star-to-be in Annie, Jessica in Communicating Doors, and Kitty in Taking Steps. Outside of Colonial Players, she was seen as Lisa Morrison in Dignity Players' Collected Stories and Compass Rose Theater's Oliver! as Bet. She would like to thank the director for the opportunity; Lois and Carol for teaching her so much; Eric for walking the dog when we get home late; and, of course, her friends and family for understanding, as always, that: "I can't, I have rehearsal."

The Production Staff

Jean Carroll Christie (Stage Manager) Jeannie’s most recent assignment for Colonial Players was as costume designer three years ago for Bell, Book and Candle. She began her association with Colonial Players in 1972 working on Generation. Since then, she has been involved in all areas of theatrical production at CP except for sound design. She held three positions on the Board of Directors and designed costumes for many shows, including, in recent years, The Spitfire Grill, Frozen, The Violet Hour, and The Christmas Doll. Jeannie has also worked with the town crier of Annapolis, Fred Taylor, creating period attire for him.

Annie Flood (Rehearsal Pianist) Annie is delighted to be the rehearsal pianist for Ernest In Love . After working as a substitute accompanist for A Christmas Carol earlier this season, she has very much enjoyed the opportunity to work more extensively with the directors and cast of Ernest. Annie is a private music instructor for piano and voice in the Annapolis area and also collaborates as a pianist and vocalist with churches, schools, and soloists in the area. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where she studied Piano Performance and Vocal Performance. She is grateful to Roger Compton, Rick Wade, and Carol Youmans for the warm welcome to Colonial Players.

Frank A. Florentine (Lighting Designer) Frank’s background stretches over a wide array of lighting projects from ballet to museums to special events to show caves. He retired as the lighting designer of the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum on Dec. 31,2009, after 25 years in that position. Frank recently won the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors award for best lighting design of a musical for his design for last season’s Bat Boy and was nominated for a second lighting award for his work on Coyote on a Fence. Other credits at CP include 1776, Sunshine, and Chapter Two, which was a WATCH nominee for lighting design in 2012. Frank designed the lighting for three show caves over the past 10 years in Arizona, Oklahoma, and Montana. He resides in the Annapolis area and has designed lighting for a sailboat in the Eastport Yacht Club's annual Christmas Parade of Lights for the last 22 years. Most recently, he designed the lighting for the 9/11 Memorial of Anne Arundel County. Frank worked in professional theater as a production manager, stage manager, and associate lighting designer. He traveled nationally and internationally with several ballet companies, including a 65,000-mile tour with the late Rudolf Nureyev. Frank is a Fellow of the Illuminating Engineering Society and is Lighting Certified by the National Council of Qualified Lighting Professionals.

Joanne Gidos (Properties Designer) JoAnn is delighted to be a part of another Rick Wade directed production. This theater season, she has supported A Raisin in the Sun at Compass Rose Theater and Big Fish at Severn School. Her thanks go out to her husband, Mike, and Charlotte Robinson for their assistance.

Edd Miller (Set and Floor Designer) Edd has a long history with Colonial Players as a director, actor, set designer, and volunteer in other areas. His most recent set designs were for Rocket Man, the first show of the current season, and Dead Man’s Cell Phone, the final show of the 2013-14 season. Edd was nominated twice for Washington Area Theatre Community Honors awards for his set designs for Chapter Two and In the Next Room…. He won the 2012 WATCH award for best direction of a play for Going to St. Ives, which also won awards for best play (out of 83 plays judged) and for best lead actress. Last year, Edd directed and designed the set for Coyote on a Fence, which won him another WATCH nomination for best direction of a play. Other recent set designs for CP include productions of Annie; Sunlight; In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play; and Taking Steps. Edd also has directed 14 shows and acted in many others since joining CP in 1964. He thanks CP for the friendships of a lifetime, but most of all for bringing his late wife, Dolores, into his life. Edd is a retired interior designer and buyer for a large furniture company. He keeps busy as a standardized patient working with teaching hospitals in the Baltimore-Washington area.

Joan Townshend (Assistant Director) Joan has been active in regional theaters since moving to Maryland. In addition to acting, (her favorite roles were Ethel P. Savage in The Curious Savage and Lady Thiang in The King and I), she has directed, stage managed, run lights, and designed sound. Her other theatrical adventures included hosting Capital City Profiles, an interview show on public service access. She is an organization consultant to local governments, churches, and not-for-profit organizations. Thanks to Rick for sharing his talent with me and to Rolph for his great support of my hobby!

Carol Youmans (Producer, Costume Designer) Carol has been an active member of Colonial Players for more than 30 years, starting as a set painter and learning how to design sets, lights, and sound while working toward directing. Since 1985, she has directed many shows at Colonial Players, including her favorites: In the Next Room three seasons ago, Dog Logic, Macbeth, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Having served many times on the Board of Directors, she is currently Artistic Director, planning the new season between working on this show both as costumer and producer. It is a privilege to be working again with Rick Wade, who introduced her to Colonial Players as an assistant to the director on his show, Our Town, in 1980 and as set designer for the first production of A Christmas Carol.

Written by Aaron Sorkin
Directed by Jeff Sprague
Performance dates:
October 17–November 8, 2014

The excitement of courtroom drama and the lively dialogue among Sorkin's interesting, complex characters makes seeing this play a wonderful theatre experience. Two young marines have been charged with murder. They are defended by a trio of officers intent on learning the truth when an exercise in illegal discipline results in the death of a third marine. As they investigate the events leading up to the death, the codes, ethics and personalities of the men’s commanding officers reveal a complicated mix of duty and psychology.

To download the production postcard for A Few Good Men to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading. A PDF of the playbill is also available in the same location under the Production Playbills heading!

About the Playwright

Aaron Sorkin grew up in a suburb of New York City and developed a love of theater at an early age when his mother took him to see Broadway shows. He was very active in theater at his high school in Scarsdale and then attended Syracuse University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. After college, Sorkin worked odd jobs such as limousine driver and deliverer of singing telegrams to pay the bills while he tried to establish himself as an actor. But he says it did not take long to realize he was more of a writer than an actor. He had two shows produced at off-Broadway theaters before he hit the big time in 1989 with A Few Good Men. It was his ticket to fame and success, and even before the play opened on Broadway, it was optioned for a movie. Sorkin moved to California to write the screenplay for the movie version, and went on to achieve great success as a writer for film and television, He is best known as the creator of The West Wing, an enormously popular political drama set in the White House. Sorkin was one of three original producers and wrote or co-wrote almost all of the 88 episodes shown from September 22, 1999 until he left the show four years later. Sorkin’s many awards include an Oscar for best adapted screenplay for The Social Network and four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series for The West Wing.

About the Director

This is my first foray into directing a mainstage production. Previously, I directed Terrence McNally’s short war drama, Botticelli, for Colonial Players’ 2010 One-Act Festival. While I’m entering the brave new world of full-length play directing with this show, I’ve previously acted in many plays and musicals over the last eight years (at CP and elsewhere). Favorite performances include John Adams in 1776, Dr. Bruce Flaherty in Blue/Orange, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, and the Ratcatcher (et al.) in Kindertransport (2007 WATCH Award recipient). I would be remiss if I did not send my thanks to the intrepid producer of A Few Good Men, Beth Terranova. From helping to deconflict the myriad of conflicts associated with such a large cast to coordinating our wonderful and specific costumes, she has been absolutely vital to getting this production off the ground. Further, her experience as a director has been invaluable to me in managing the show, and I just can’t possibly ever thank her enough for agreeing to lend her logistical Superwoman talents to us for a few months. Also, similar thanks must go to Theresa Riffle, my assistant director, who is always able to see what I miss, and whose patient and skillful guidance consistently gives the performers assurance that progress is being made. To Mr. Sorkin, thank you for such wonderful words. To my cast of thousands and dedicated designers and crew (Terry, Shirley, Lois, Ernie, et al.), thank you for taking the journey with me. To my beautiful wife, Kathleen, thank you so much for letting me explore this part of the theatrical experience. To the audience, thank you for coming! Sit back and prepare to be entertained. And lastly, as this is a show for you, to those who have worn the uniform of the United States, from a fellow veteran…, just, thank you. 

Director's Notes

When I was a young teen, my mother had a season subscription to the Mechanic Theater in Baltimore. She would attend with a group of professional colleagues from the A.A. Board of Education, and she really got to see some great stuff over the years (a performance by the late Jason Robards, for example). The National Tour of A Few Good Men was set to come through during the ’91-’92 season, and, for whatever reason, it held little appeal to the circle of 40-something female educators comprising my mom’s theater group. I was a high school freshman recently cast in the PHENOMENAL production of South River High School’s Guys and Dolls (all kidding aside, I still remember my lines from that one), and my mom chose me as a substitute to see the Sorkin courtroom drama. I was mesmerized by the dialogue and the characters. To someone such as me with aspirations of military service, this was the most magical theater experience I had ever had. I still vividly remember the show, from Jessep’s patronizing of Galloway to Kendrick’s zealous Southern tone. A few months later, the movie came out, and “you can’t handle the truth!” became an iconic cinematic line. Deservedly so. After seeing that play, I vowed that I would, at some point in my life, be part of a production of it. Check that one off the bucket list. I had submitted AFGM while a member of the Play Selection Committee a few years ago, but the huge male cast was a turnoff, and it was scrubbed. Last year, I tried again, and thanks to the success of 1776, I was somehow able to convince our Artistic Team to take a chance on a play requiring 18 young to middle-age male actors in good physical shape. Well, we got them, and they’re here for you tonight (plus a couple of talented ladies, too). AFGM is a show about honor. It’s a show about duty. It’s a show where none of the characters is morally right all the time. Conversely, none is always morally wrong. Even Kendrick and Jessep, if you think about it, have some redeeming qualities (no, seriously, think about it!). You, as an audience member, will know the facts of the case before the characters do. That doesn’t matter, because it’s the characters who make this show worthwhile. While Aaron Sorkin didn’t serve in the military or practice law, he has given us a script that honestly shows the humanity of those who wear the uniform. People don’t lose their identity because they wear olive drab, and they are subject to many of the same foibles as their civilian counterparts. In short, our military members have nobly answered the nation’s call, but they are just as complex as the rest of us. This is something to be celebrated. Indeed, “supporting the troops” means a hell of a lot more when they are recognized as people instead of bumper sticker slogans. I’m a graduate of Virginia Military Institute and a former Air Force officer. This play is being produced in Annapolis, which is the birthplace of thousands of naval careers. This has been a labor of love. We have done our best to “get it right” for those who have worn the uniform. I hope you all will enjoy the production.

– JEFF SPRAGUE

The Cast

Brandon Bentley (Lt. Sam Weinberg) - Brandon is performing in his first full-length play with A Few Good Men. He made his Colonial Players debut with the 2014 One-Act Festival, appearing in both Sure Thing and Tough Cookies. While Brandon is new to performing before live audiences, he's no stranger in front of cameras. He co-starred in (as well as wrote and directed) the 2012 horror short The Crossing (featuring Josette Dubois and Christina McAlpine of Colonial Players) and hosted the YouTube movie review series Someone Has To Review It! It's an honor for his first full-length live performance to be based on an Aaron Sorkin play. He gives a big round of thanks to his girlfriend, Josie Dubois, for giving him the confidence to go on stage, and to his parents, who led the way for all of his aspirations in the arts!hile."

Dave Carter (Cdr. Walter Stone) - Dave is excited to be involved in his second season with Colonial Players after directing a play in the July One-Act Festival. He appeared last season in Communicating Doors and These Shining Lives, which was 1st runner-up for best play for the 2014 Ruby Griffith Award. A Few Good Men is a show he has always wanted to be a part of, and now that wish is finally coming true. Dave trained with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and wants to thank his family and friends for being so supportive of his creative efforts.

Bill Coffin (Capt. Matthew Markinson) - Bill is returning to the stage after a 10-year hiatus spent raising a family. He has an MFA in Dramatic Arts from New School University in NYC, where he was a working finalist at the Actors Studio from 2000 to 2003. Bill worked in the industry as a voice actor, stage performer, and film actor before relocating to Annapolis. In recent years, he has performed as a human prop in local film and television productions, including The Wire, Veep, and Body of Lies, in order to cover his union dues. Bill thanks his wife and children, The Boat School, and Colonial Players for this serendipitous opportunity.

Bill Deck (Capt. Isaac Whitaker) - Bill has performed in three productions with Colonial Players and was last seen onstage here as the light-hearted Detective Weber in Earth and Sky in 2010. Since 2002, he has appeared with Dignity Players in Permanent Collection and performed with the Tred Avon Players in productions of The Rainmaker and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. Bill believes that acting is great therapy, and he looks forward to performing with a wonderful cast. He would like to acknowledge Jennifer, his family, and Dann for their support. Thanks to Jeff Sprague and Colonial Players for the opportunity and privilege to be one of “A Few.”

Kyle Eshom (Cpl. Hammaker/Marine Ensemble) - Kyle is thrilled to be performing for the first time at Colonial Players. A recent transplant from Colorado, Kyle began his exploration of the Annapolis theater scene by performing as Billy Lawlor in Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre's production of 42nd Street this summer. Kyle is a Spanish teacher at Severna Park High School and gives a special thank you to the students and staff for welcoming him with open arms for the second year in a row. And to his new husband, Christian: "Thanks for picking me, and thanks for your endless support of all my crazy ideas!"

Isaac J. Everett (Cpl. Dunn/Marine Ensemble) - This is Isaac's first show in two years. He appeared in a number of shows in high school and community theater, and the two-year respite was taken due to enlistment in the U.S. Navy. He dearly missed theater during this time and is quite happy to be back.

Fred Fletcher-Jackson (Pfc. Louden Downey) - Fred is making his debut with Colonial Players doing probably his favorite play ever. Other credits include Andrew Rally in I Hate Hamlet (Pasadena Theatre Company), an extra in The Taming of the Shrew (Chesapeake Shakespeare Company as an acting intern), and most recently Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot (Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre). He has many performance credits at Children's Theatre of Annapolis and UMBC, where he is a senior with a major in theater and a minor in writing and recently directed their Musical Theatre Club's production of Grease. Fred refuses to grow up, as evidenced by his obsession with ‘90s Nickelodeon shows, professional wrestling, and chocolate milk. “A special thank you to my wonderful family and all friends past and present, especially the three J's. They mean a lot to me.'"

Ethan Goldberg (Cpl. Jeffrey Howard) - Ethan is very excited to return to CP, where he appeared as Jan Warrick in The Unexpected Guest. He has also been seen in such roles as Sir Bors in ASGT's Spamalot, Geoffrey in 2nd Star Production’s Something's Afoot, Old Man Strong in AACC's Urinetown, and Lt. Brannigan for the Moonlight Troupers’ production of Guys and Dolls. Colonial Players is one of Ethan's favorite theaters, and he would like to thank Beth, Jeff, and the board for inviting him back to do what he loves. Ethan dedicates this performance to his older brother Sam. "Hope to be half the man you are. Love ya, bro." Can you handle the truth?

Erin Hill (Lt. Cdr. Joanne Galloway) - Erin is pleased to be back on the Colonial Players stage, having last appeared here as Mrs. Daldry in In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play. A native New Yorker, Erin has enjoyed performing in various community and professional productions for the last 15 years. She made her debut with the Players in 2009's The Lion in Winter as Alais, and has since found an extended family amongst her various costars and crew members. Favorite roles include Sally in Cabaret (Musical Theatre Factory), Roz in Moon Over Buffalo (Elmwood Playhouse), and Babs in Mrs. California (Colonial Players). Erin is thrilled to be a part of this production after a year’s hiatus. Thanks to Jeff for the opportunity to play a role as challenging and rewarding as Jo, Paul and Pat for always giving her encouragement, and her husband and family for their endless support. During the day, Erin is a reading specialist for Anne Arundel County schools. By far her most rewarding role ever is as "Mommy" to her beautiful, hysterical, and charismatic eight-month-old daughter Teagan. Convinced that Teagan has inherited her dramatic streak, Erin is now preparing for her next role as disciplinarian.

Jamie Austin Jacobs (Lance Cpl. Harold Dawson) - Jamie Austin is ecstatic to be making his Colonial Players debut alongside an amazing cast. He recently graduated from Frostburg State University with a B.A. in Theater with a focus on acting. There, he performed in numerous productions. In his senior year, he appeared as Starcat in Psycho Beach Party, Tom Sawyer in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and John Quincy Adams/Soloist in Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson. Alongside his father, Jamie Austin is a youth football coach for the Pasadena Panthers. He plans to move to California one day to become an agent. Until then, you might see him hanging around the Annapolis/Baltimore area doing more productions!

Steve Mangum (Lt. Everson/Cpl. Brewster/ Marine Ensemble) - A college senior pursuing his B.A. in Theatre at UMBC, Stevie is excited to be part of this production. You may have seen him on this stage last winter as Rooster in Annie. Other favorite roles elsewhere 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 fulfills 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 Jeff and the entire cast and crew for another great experience and his family for their love and support.

Jeff Mocho (Capt. Julius A. Randolph/Lt. Daniel Kaffee u/s) - Jeff is happy to return to Colonial Players. He appeared here as Reece in Communicating Doors and Michael Starkwedder in The Uninvited Guest, when he met and fell in love with leading lady Shirley Panek. Thanks to Shirley, Drew, and Emma for being your fantastic selves and for welcoming me into the family. Lots of love to Mom and Dad, who are coming all the way from Albuquerque to see the show.

Lyana Morton (Senior Amn. McConnell) - Lyana is thrilled to be making her Colonial Players onstage debut. She was previously seen hiding behind the curtain as set designer and stagehand last July for the One-Act Festival This or That. “Thanks to Jeff, Beth, the amazing cast and crew, and a special thanks to Mom for getting me obsessed with theater in the first place, and to Dad for putting up with it long enough for us to get hooked, too.”

Sam Morton (Pfc. William Santiago) - Sam is happy to further his involvement with Colonial Players in his first major community theater role after parts in The Curious Savage and the 2012 and 2014 One-Act Festivals. Most of the time he is performing year-round in Broadneck High School productions and on the Broadneck Improv Team, which he co-directs. He would like to thank his family for their support and his friends for making it easy to love theater.

Pat Reynolds (Capt. Jack Ross) - Pat has been an actor for the last 20 years. A small sampling of his favorite roles at CP include: Adam in the shape of things, Septimus in Arcadia, C. K. Dexter Haven in The Philadelphia Story, Elyot Chase in Private Lives, Richard The Lion Heart in The Lion in Winter, Paul Gauguin in Inventing Van Gogh, David Ames in Earth and Sky, and Bruno Richard Hauptmann in Hauptmann. Pat has performed with the local improv comedy group, Free Range Improv, for the past two years. He dedicates this show to his father, John, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient in the United States Marine Corps. “Thank you to my wonderful fiancé Amanda for all of your love and support.”

Erik Schultz (MP/Sergeant-At-Arms) - This is Erik’s first performance with Colonial Players and his first play in ten years. Previous roles on stage have included the older brother in Neil Simon’s Prisoner of Second Avenue, Jeff Barry in Leader of the Pack, and Van Helsing in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. He is a 13-year Air Force veteran currently serving as a major in the Air Force Reserves, and his first assignment was at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, where his first crew commander was none other than our illustrious director (then-lieutenant), Jeff Sprague. Erik has two daughters, Olivia (10) and Sophia (6), and lives in Springfield, VA, with his fiancée, Stacy Burleigh. Erik and Stacy are very excited about getting married on an Alaskan cruise ship in August of 2015!

Andrew Seabrook (Sgt. Thom/Marine Ensemble) - Andrew is excited to make his debut with Colonial Players. This is his first role since playing Shanaar in Sean O'Casey's Cocka-Doodle-Dandy with the Priory Players at St. Anselm's Abbey School. Andrew works as a network engineer in Bethesda, and he would like to thank his lovely girlfriend, Molly, for encouraging him to audition.

David Thompson (Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep) - David is excited to be returning to The Colonial Players, where he played the title role in Pippin, Utterson in Jekyll & Hyde, Booth in Assassins, and Einstein in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Credits at other theaters include the title role in Sweeney Todd, David in the American premiere of Terence Rattigan’s After The Dance, Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Molokov in Chess. David would like to send thanks to family and friends - especially Sarah, Violet, and Garrett - for their love and support.

Paul Valleau (Lt. Daniel Kaffee) - Paul is wonderfully grateful to be doing this amazing role, to be with this tremendous cast, and to share this story on the Colonial Players stage. This is his second performance with Colonial Players following his appearance in last season’s In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play as Leo. He began performing in 2010 in Des Moines, Iowa, where a few of his previous roles included Leo Bloom in The Producers, Kent in Reasons to Be Pretty, and Robert in Don't Dress For Dinner. “I moved to Maryland in January 2013 for the love of my life, my fiance, Kristi, and have never looked back. The support of my family and friends has taken me places I could have only dreamed and further allows my dreams to become a reality.”

Ben Wolff (Lt. Jonathan Kendrick) - Ben is appearing in his first role at Colonial Players and his first play in over a decade. He now realizes this was way too long a hiatus, acknowledges his mistake, and is atoning by getting the shortest haircut he's ever had. Ben discovered acting while attending The Key School in Annapolis. His previous plays include: A Streetcar Named Desire, The Crucible, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Twelfth Night, and Museum, as well as musical performances in Me and My Girl, Coconuts, and Into the Woods. He is extremely thankful to have the opportunity to contribute to community theater in his hometown. "Participating in plays provided me with some of my happiest and most satisfying memories. The opportunity to perform again, with the support of Annapolis' remarkable artistic community, was too tempting to pass up." Ben works as a policy analyst for the Montgomery County Council and lives in Wheaton, but will always call Annapolis home. He would like to thank his parents and brother for their support, as well as Parker Rouse, Jake Binstock, Dave Carter, and Beverly Hill van Joolen for providing the inspiration and motivation to make this happen.

The Production Staff

Terry Averill (Set Designer) Terry is active in many areas at Colonial Players, including acting, directing, and designing lights and sets. He was set designer last season for Bat Boy and had previously designed sets at CP for Kindertransport and Earth and Sky. He also worked with Edd Miller on set design for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, which he directed. Other directing credits at Colonial Players include Romantic Comedy, Sunlight, and Kindertransport. Terry won a Washington Area Theatre Community Honors award for his lighting of CP’s Earth and Sky. He has acted in a number of productions at Bowie Community Theatre and directed their productions of Language of Angels and Love, Sex, and the IRS. He is an architect and was president of Colonial Players for four years.

Lois Banscher (Properties Designer) Lois enjoyed being part of the team for A Few Good Men, especially working with Jeff Sprague, whose theater dream of directing this classic drama has finally come true. And, wow! What a cast! Lois became involved with Colonial Players in 2009 shadowing props guru JoAnn Gidos, her mentor, while working on The Curious Savage. Other credits include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Sunlight; Spitfire Grill; Little Women; Lettice and Lovage; Taking Steps; Mrs. California and 1776 (WATCH nominations for both); Going to St. Ives; The Diviners; Coyote on a Fence; and, most recently, Bat Boy. Lois lends a helping hand with other projects including “Talk Back” sessions this past season, coordinating appreciation packets given to patrons in June, coordinating lobby pictorial displays, and any other “unsung hero” tasks when help is needed. Lois thanks Colonial Players team members for their support. As for A Few Good Men, she says: “What’s not to like about working with such fine “gentle men?”

Ernie Morton (Stage Manager) Ernie is reprising his role from the summer One-Act Festival. But his favorite role is father to Lyana (Senior Amn. McConnell) and Sam (Pfc William Santiago) and as husband to Gwen (not appearing in this show).

Shirley Panek (Lighting Designer) After appearing as Louise in Colonial Players’ 66th season opener, Rocket Man, Shirley stepped offstage into the lighting booth and the role of lighting designer again for A Few Good Men. Other lighting designs include Dead Man's Cell Phone,Trying, Moonlight and Magnolias, and Chapter Two (2012 WATCH nominee) at The Colonial Players and Art at Dignity Players. Shirley would like to thank Jeff Sprague for the opportunity to work on this complex plot and for his unwavering commitment and vision for the show. Thanks also to the cast and production staff and crew for their patience during tech week. “Love to Drew, Emma, and Jeff Mocho (break legs, babe!) -- the lights that shine in my life every day.”

Theresa Riffle (Assistant Director/Sound Designer) After serving as sound designer for Coyote on a Fence earlier this year, Theresa is excited to be working on A Few Good Men with this fabulous production staff and cast. As an actor, she was last seen on the CP stage as Annie in two performances of In the Next Room, or the Vibrator Play. You also may have seen her as Anna Hauptmann in Hauptmann, Evelyn in Kindertransport, or Phoebe in Romantic Comedy. Theresa currently serves as secretary on the CP Board of Directors. She would like to thank Jeff for letting her be a part of this fantastic production, and, as always, sends a big thank you to Jem and Josh for their boundless love and support.

Beth Terranova (Producer/Costume Coordinator) As a 14-year Army veteran and eight-year Navy civilian, Beth was honored by Jeff's request to produce A Few Good Men and accepted without hesitation. For Colonial Players, Beth has previously produced Moonlight and Magnolias, Chapter Two, three One-Act Festivals, and the workshop production of Ben Franklin: An Ingenious Life. Most recently, she designed costumes for the Players’ highly acclaimed productions of These Shining Lives and Coyote on a Fence. Her costume designs have also been seen on the CP stage in Going to St. Ives, Cinderella Waltz, Lettice and Lovage, The Diviners, The Lion in Winter, The Philadelphia Story, She Loves Me!, Hauptmann, and Moon Over Buffalo. Among other backstage credits, Beth stage managed last season’s Superior Donuts and directed and designed the set for 1776. Her other set designs were seen on the Players’ stage in She Loves Me! and Hauptmann, both of which she also directed, and The Spitfire Grill. On stage, Beth was most recently seen at CP as Aunt March in Little Women and as Ellen in Two Rooms. Beth is a four-time nominee for Washington Area Theater Community Honors (WATCH) awards: for costumes (Cinderella Waltz, Going to St. Ives), for featured actress (Two Rooms), and for director (Hauptmann). She won the award as Outstanding Director for Hauptmann, which also won the award for Outstanding Play. Beth produces the News and Cues newsletter for Colonial Players and serves CP as a costume consultant/wardrobe curator, Bylaws Committee member, and WATCH judge.

Written by Steven Dietz
Directed by Scott Nichols
Performance dates:
September 5–September 27, 2014
Run time: 2h 30m

This production of Rocket Man kicks off our 66th season that includes a mix of music, comedy, and drama. Donny is in his mid-40’s and has piled all his belongings out onto his lawn topped by a sign that reads, “Here’s My Life - Make an Offer.” His daughter, his ex-wife and his good friend, Buck, are mystified by his actions, but he is determined to transcend the boundaries and un-grasped opportunities of his current life and seek a second chance. This serious comedy/drama, rich with existential overtones, will take audiences down their own roads not taken, exploring alternative universes and worlds where lifelines move backwards, and nudging them as only theater can, into introspective musings on action, family and life.

To download the production postcard for Rocket Man to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading. A PDF of the playbill is also available in the same location under the Production Playbills heading!

About the Playwright

Steven Dietz would seem to have little in common with Tennessee Williams and Edward Albee except that all three wrote plays. But Dietz, little-known author of Rocket Man, shares something else with those giants of the American theater. In 2010, he tied with Albee and Williams for the No. 8 spot on the list of the nation’s Top Ten Most Produced Playwrights. Since his first play was produced in 1981, he has written more than 30 plays and has adapted about a dozen plays from other sources. Dietz has never had a work produced on Broadway, but his work is popular with regional, community, and college theaters around the country. Colonial Players produced his play Inventing Van Gogh in February of 2011. Dietz has won numerous awards, including two from the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays, the Lila Wallace/Readers’ Digest Award, and the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Mystery. He also is a director and has worked with some of America’s leading regional theaters, including Louisville’s Humana Festival, the Sundance Institute, and Seattle Repertory Theatre. Dietz teaches playwriting and directing at the University of Texas.

About the Director

This is the first main stage production Scott Nichols has directed at Colonial Players. This summer, he directed the original one-act play Queen of the Northern Monkeys at CP’s One-Act Festival. For the 2008 one-acts, he directed Hamlet, Act VI, which was performed in the Maryland Community Theatre Festival. Scott performed recently at CP as Sheriff Reynolds in Bat Boy and previously as 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 also performed in Dignity Players’ two-person show, Stones in His Pockets, and in Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde. 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 Jason for always being there to provide love, patience, and understanding. 

Director's Notes

What if we were given a second chance to seize all those missed opportunities of our lives? Or, what if a parallel universe existed where our lives turned out quite differently? Recently divorced and in the midst of a mid-life crisis, Donny has put all of his belongings on his front lawn with a sign, “Here’s my life. Make an offer.” Then, putting his recliner under the skylight in his attic, he stares at the stars and contemplates this universe and his other life. Would everything be perfect in this parallel world, or as Louise believes, would we all make the same mistakes in new and interesting ways? When in the course of our journey we stop and look back at our choices, it is only natural to have regrets. But we cannot let these regrets take over our lives and keep us from realizing the rest of the road still lies ahead. This is a play about the road not taken. In Donny’s other world, we live our lives backward. We start out old and work our way back to childhood, counting down life’s milestones in reverse. It is fascinating and challenging to wrap our heads around this alternate reality. Do other timelines exist? If so, do we exist and continue to exist within them? There is much in this play open to interpretation and imagination. Like life, not everything comes neatly packaged with a bow on top. But this is one of the magical things about theatre—when the conversation continues even after the play has ended. So I hope you enjoy the questions and ideas this play raises. And I hope you go have a glass of wine afterwards and continue the discussion.

– SCOTT NICHOLS

The Cast

Ben Carr (Donny) - Ben is excited to be back performing at Colonial Players. Some of his previous roles at CP include Biff Loman in Death of a Salesman, Michael Wells in Two Rooms, Tom Donahue in These Shining Lives, and Hertel Daggett in Dog Logic. He has also performed at Standing O Productions in Retreat From Moscow and Tracers and at Dignity Players in Stones in His Pocket. He would like to thank Scott and the rest of the cast for making this such a wonderful experience. "Most importantly, I would like to tell my wife, Cassie, that I love you and I promise this will be the last one....for a while."

Laura E. Gayvert (Rita) - Laura is thrilled to be back at Colonial Players with such an incredible cast. She was last seen in Crimes of the Heart and Sordid Lives at Dignity Players. Prior to that, she appeared at BCT in The Seven Year Itch and in several productions at Colonial Players, including Trip to Bountiful, Moon Over Buffalo, Wonder of the World, and Frozen (NOT to be confused with the new Disney film…obviously) for which she was nominated for the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Agnetha. “Thanks to Director Scott Nichols for giving me this great opportunity and, of course, most especially to my husband, my tether, for his love and support.”.

Paige Miller (Trisha) Paige is excited to be back at Colonial Players for this production of Rocket Man. Her most recent roles include Shelley in Bat Boy at Colonial Players and Marcy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at James Madison University. Paige would like to thank her friends and family for being so supportive of her decision to pursue her love of performing. Lastly, she would like to thank Scott for this amazing opportunity!

Shirley Panek (Louise) - Shirley is excited to be a part of this wonderful show and amazingly talented cast. Last seen in Colonial Players' Superior Donuts (Ofc. Randy Osteen), Shirley has spent more time backstage than onstage recently: lighting designer for Dead Man's Cell Phone, Communicating Doors, Trying, Moonlight and Magnolias, and Chapter Two (2012 Washington Area Theatre Community Honors nominee); and stage manager for both Bat Boy and 1776. But performing is still her favorite, and this show is no exception. Two favorite roles include Laura Warwick in The Unexpected Guest and Kaye in Dog Logic at Colonial Players. Other favorites include Grete in Sight Unseen (Dignity Players) and Monica Welles in Rehearsal for Murder and Lucia Armory in Black Coffee (Bowie Community Theatre). “Thank you, Scott, for your vision and patience, the cast for all the fun and laughter through rehearsals, and Herb and crew for all your hard work. Love to Drew, Emma, and Jeff. Thanks for all your love and support.”

Timothy Sayles (Buck) - Tim is very happy to be back on the Colonial Players stage, where he recently played the roles of Luther Flynn in Superior Donuts, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, and John Dickinson in 1776. His most recent role, at Bowie Playhouse, was that of headwaiter Rudolph in the 2nd Star production of Hello, Dolly!, winner of this year's top prize (best overall production) in the Ruby Griffith Awards. Tim thanks Scott for the opportunity to be in such a wonderfully strange and thought-provoking play, and he can scarcely believe his good fortune in sharing the stage with such marvelous friends and gifted actors as Ben, Laura, Paige, and Shirley. Tim lives in Annapolis, where he has been editor in chief of Chesapeake Bay Magazine since 1996.

The Production Staff

Terry Averill (Lighting Designer) Terry returns as lighting designer for Rocket Man after lighting the streets of New York for last season’s production of Annie. He won the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors award for best lighting design for Earth and Sky in 2010. Terry has directed and acted in several Colonial Players productions, most recently appearing onstage as Arthur Przybyszewski in the 2014 production of Superior Donuts. He is currently in his fourth summer portraying abolitionist John Brown at the Smithsonian’s National American History Museum. Terry designed the set for Bat Boy last season as well as for Kindertransport, one of the shows he directed at CP. Other directorial assignments include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Sunlight. Terry is an architect and just completed four years as president of Colonial Players.

Herb Elkin (Stage Manager) Herb’s most recent CP stage managing credits include Coyote on a Fence (2014), Trying (2013), Going to St. Ives (2012), The Diviners (2011), Dog Logic (2010), The Lion in Winter (2010), Over My Dead Body (2009), Two Rooms (2009), and Enchanted April (2008). Prior to becoming active behind the scenes, he appeared onstage in several CP and other area productions. Herb serves as CP's Vice President and works at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Edd Miller (Set and Floor Designer) Edd has a long history with Colonial Players as a director, actor, set designer, and volunteer in other areas. His most recent set design was for Dead Man’s Cell Phone, the final show of the 2013-14 season. He designed sets last season for Annie and Coyote on a Fence, which he also directed. 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. Other set designs for CP include productions of Sunlight, In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play, and Taking Steps during the 2012-13 season. Edd also has acted in and directed many shows since joining CP in 1964.

Kaelynn Miller (Sound Designer) Kaelynn is trying out the new-to-her role of sound designer since Scott asked her ever so nicely. She has been involved in many productions over the last five years, both onstage and off, in a variety of roles from actress to child wrangler to set painter to last-minute button sewer to warm-up leader to costume designer. Kaelynn serves as Treasurer on CP’s Board of Directors. By day she works in the music industry as a customer service representative for an orchestral instrument accessory distributor, where some days she actually gets to use her bachelor’s degree in music. Kaelynn would like to let everyone know that she completely blames Wes for giving her yet ANOTHER job that people will now ask her to do at the theater, but she loves him anyway.

Jim Reiter (Music Designer) Jim says Rocket Man is, like good music, lyrical, quirky, and profound, so selecting and matching the right song to the right moment was a delight. He played Gordon in Dead Man’s Cell Phone in June at Colonial Players, where he also appeared in Moonlight and Magnolias, A Christmas Carol, Dog Logic, She Loves Me!, Proof, and Driving Miss Daisy. Jim received the 2008 Outstanding Featured Actor Award from the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors for his multiple-character performance in Colonial’s Hauptmann. Other music design credits include Art and Collected Stories at Dignity Players, where he directed The 39 Steps. He has also appeared with the Annapolis Chorale, Annapolis Shakespeare Company, and Bay Theatre. At 2nd Star Productions, Jim directed 1776, The Music Man, Once upon a Mattress, and How to Succeed in Business.

Constance Robinson (Properties Designer) In past years, Connie volunteered as marketing assistant and graphic designer for Colonial Players in addition to working in the box office. In 2013, she was properties designer for Collected Stories with Dignity Players. At Colonial Players, Connie earned a Washington Area Theatre Community Honors nomination for best props for the 2013 production of In The Next Room, or The Vibrator Play. She also collected props last season for Annie and designed props and helped decorate the set for Dead Man’s Cell Phone. "It has been a pleasure gathering props with the enthusiastic duo of Director Scott Nichols and Set Designer Edd Miller for Rocket Man, one of many plays written by the talented Steven Dietz." Connie will be the properties designer for CP’s traditional holiday musical, A Christmas Carol, to be directed by Carol Youmans. Connie thanks her husband, John, for his continued support, creative prop assistance, and for loaning the theater his books, tools, and other essentials.

Tom Stuckey (Producer) Tom is a longtime member of Colonial Players who is willing to tackle all sorts of duties as long as they don’t involve acting. He produced Annie and Coyote on a Fence during the 2013-14 season. He also produced Going to St. Ives (2012) and Hauptmann (2008) for CP, both of which won the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors award for best play. Tom handles newspaper publicity and edits show programs. He also does set painting, helps with lighting, ushers, and has held four positions on the CP Board of Directors. He has been involved with Colonial Players for more than 45 years.

Hannah Sturm (Costume Designer) After several years of bouncing through different roles at Colonial Players, Hannah is thrilled to design costumes for Rocket Man. She is a recent graduate of St. Mary's College of Maryland with a BA in Theater, Film, and Media Studies. Currently completing an internship with the Maryland State Archives, Hannah is doing soul searching and job searching for a career in the arts. “Thanks to Mom, Dad, Dingo, and A for being the lights in my sky.”

Written by Lillian Hellman
Directed by Terry Averill
Performance dates:
February 27 - March 21, 2015
Run time: 2h 30m

The first in our American Standard series, this play takes place in America in 1940, before Pearl Harbor drew America into World War II. Sara, daughter of a privileged family, has returned home after 20 years away. She had married a German citizen and was raising her three children in Europe as he had become intensely involved in the anti-fascist efforts in Germany opposing the rise of Hitler. They have returned to her home for safety and rest, but he will need to return to Germany to continue his dangerous underground work. He is recognized by a houseguest of the family, and the violent outcome of that discovery shocks the sheltered American family out of their ignorance, bringing home the struggle that is going on in Europe.

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

About the Playwright

Lillian Hellman (1905-1984) was an award-winning American playwright and author whose works included Broadway plays, Hollywood screenplays, memoirs, a novel, and the book for a 1957 Broadway production of Candide. The Children’s Hour and Watch on the Rhine were among her most successful plays, both winning the New York City Critics Circle Award for best play. Because of her left-leaning political views and activities, her 46-year career was marked by controversy during the World War II era and the post-war rise of communism. Ms. Hellman was a harsh critic of Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his House Committee on Un-American Activities and was eventually blacklisted by the committee because of her membership in the Communist Party. Maureen Corrigan, on National Public Radio, rated her as the most famous woman American playwright of the 20th century, describing her as a difficult woman who “drank like a fish, swore like a sailor, and slept around like, well, like most of the men in her literary circle…”

Sources: Wikipidea, www.notablebiographies.com.

About the Director

Terry Averill is active in many facets of theater at Colonial Players, including acting, directing, designing sets and lighting, and serving two terms as president. He recently received a Washington Area Theatre Community Honors nomination for best performance in a leading role for his portrayal of the donut shop owner in Superior Donuts. He has directed several plays at CP, including 2012’s Sunlight. Terry has also acted and directed at other theaters, and has performed as John Brown at the Smithsonian’s National History Museum. Terry thanks the cast and staff for their hard work and dedication to Watch on the Rhine.

Director's Notes

Watch on the Rhine is a war of sorts, a battle of wits to decide what really is worth fighting and dying for. It is a play about the struggle for honor and human nobility. It is about sacrifice. Justice and freedom do not come without a steep price. This play summarizes what Americans in 1940 needed to do to defend not just their own families, but other families threatened by the Nazi regime. It is a call to arms.

In 2015, we live in a world of plenty. We have access to a plethora of “toys,” electronics, and gadgets to satisfy our every whim. We are “fat and happy.”. And yet our complacency, almost smugness at times just as in this play, may prove to be a dangerous thing. I believe we must keep an eye out for the erosion of the “natural”’ and inalienable rights we take for granted. If we do not, we may become like the Farrelly household in the play, taken by surprise that within their comfortable household, under their very noses, the seeds of avarice,self-satisfaction, and deception are growing.

The character of Teck DeBrancovis is not an aberrant human being. He is not an ‘evil’ man. To describe him in such terms is to miss the point of the play. It is Teck’s self-interest and his amorality that are his downfall. Left unchecked, his brand of cynicism can undermine the very foundation of the society we hold so dear, NOT to take arms to fight against this is abhorrent. In the play, it is Kurt Muller who steps in to save innocent lives; a person with rock solid ideals. Where are such men in 2015?

Each individual must decide what is “right” and just, and then must act accordingly. The question is: Will we know the point at which we must act? When the time comes, will we be honorable and courageous enough to live with the consequences of an action that may be defined as unlawful, in order to defend our own and others’ right to liberty? I hope so. Words are cheap. Heartfelt action makes all the difference, although it comes at a very high price.

In 1940, there was no assurance that America would have the courage or foresight to enter the war that had begun in Europe the prior year. I like to think Lillian Hellman’s work played a small part in our country’s decision to defend American ideals in lands distant from our own, eventually playing a part in the fall of Hitler and fascism. And I like to imagine that our re-creation of Hellman’s Watch on the Rhine, through the dedicated work of our artistic team of actors, designers and crew, might be exactly the hero Lillian Hellman describes. It is selfless art at its best, not done merely for applause, but for the opportunity to plant a seed in the minds and hearts of our audience that may someday bear fruit, as Watch on the Rhine did in 1940. If in the end we accomplish that, we have done our job.

– TERRY AVERILL

The Cast

Shannon Benil (Marthe de Brancovis) - Shannon is so grateful to get back to her first true love -- acting. After years of musicals (which she loves doing as well!), she is so happy to be doing a non-musical play again. Some of her other favorite non-musical roles include Irina in Chekhov's Three Sisters, Ella in Sam Shepard's Curse of the Starving Class, Pegeen Mike in John Synge's The Playboy of the Western World, and Molly in Neil Simon's Jake's Women (the last two here at Colonial Players). She sends her love to her parents and to her wife, Marcy, who so often plays single mom to their two-year-old son so that Shannon can feed her theater addiction.

Dave Carter (David Farrelly u/s) - Dave is excited to be involved in his second season with Colonial Players, where he appeared in Communicating Doors, These Shining Lives (runner up for best play in the 2014 Ruby Griffith Award competition), and A Few Good Men. Behind the scenes, he was assistant director for our previous show, The Liar, and directed a play in the 2014 One Act Festival. He is excited to be back on the stage in this wonderful production, and he wants to thank his family and friends for being so supportive of his creative efforts.

John Coe (Kurt Muller) - John might summarize his life with words from Tolkien: "Not all those who wander are lost." After years of living all across the country, he returned to his native Annapolis in May 2013. With a lifelong interest in theater, he is thrilled to join Colonial Players for his first role on stage since performing several Shakespeare plays in high school.

Daniel M. Lopez II (Joseph) - Daniel was born in Baltimore and has lived in Annapolis most of his life. He attended Anne Arundel County Public Schools and graduated from Annapolis Senior High School in 1995. With two friends, he started a band called Major Damage, which performed at community events. In 2012, Daniel became a member of the Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corps, learning to play the baritone. “I appreciate every bit of support from each of you for allowing me this opportunity. Terry, Pete, Sandra, and Jolita, thank you!”

Mary MacLeod (Anise) - Mary is excited to be appearing in Watch on the Rhine. She has acted in many productions in the Washington, DC/Annapolis area. Some of her more recent favorites include Doubt at Dignity Players, and, at Colonial Players, Superior Donuts (WATCH Award nomination for best performance in a cameo role), Lettice and Lovage, Frozen, and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. She extends gratitude to Director Terry Averill and the rest of the talented cast. And, as always, she thanks her husband, Alan, and her daughter, Carter, for all their patience and support.

Cece McGee-Newbrough (Fanny Farrelly) - CeCe is happy to be returning to Colonial Players, where she has always enjoyed performing. She has acted on this stage in many plays, and among her favorites are Sylvia, Lost in Yonkers, Born Yesterday, Dancing at Lughnasa, House of Blue Leaves, and The Clearing. Some of her most recent performances include The Laramie Project and Death and the Maiden at Dignity Players, and Table Manners at Bay Theatre. Many thanks to her family, friends, and three cats -- Tater, Tots & Tangles.

Katie McMorrow (Babette Muller) - Katie is excited to be performing in her second production at Colonial Players after appearing as Belle in A Christmas Carol earlier this season. She is 16 years old and attends South River High School, where she has performed with the concert choir and in Rock and Soul Revue. She would like to thank her mom for encouraging her to stay in theater and strive to reach her full potential on stage. Also a thank you to Matt and Shane for being the most supportive friends she could ask for.

Eli Pendry (Joshua Muller) - Eli, 18, is a senior homeschooled student living in Annapolis. He is thrilled to appear in his first Colonial Players production. Eli has been in three shows with Compass Rose Theater (Romeo and Juliet, Lost In Yonkers, and Look Homeward, Angel). He has also appeared in multiple Young Actors Studio productions at Compass Rose, including The Little Prince and Seven in One Blow. Eli has been acting since the age of nine, but when he is not acting, he enjoys swimming, soccer, and Shakespeare.

Theresa Riffle (Sara Muller) - After serving as sound designer last season for Coyote on a Fence (earning a WATCH Award nomination) and as assistant director and sound designer for A Few Good Men, Theresa is excited to be working with this fabulous production staff, cast, crew, and dear friends. She has appeared on the CP stage in Hauptmann, Kindertransport, Romantic Comedy, and two performances of In the Next Room. Theresa serves as Secretary on the CP Board of Directors and as the co-chair of the CP Archives Project Team. She would like to thank Terry for letting her be part of this fantastic production, and, as always, she sends a big thank you to Jem and Josh for their boundless love and support.

Timothy Sayles (Teck de Brancovis) - Compared to the many hardworking Colonial Players veterans involved in this production, Tim is a new kid on the block, landing his first CP role in 2010. But he is now a regular, having appeared at CP in seven plays and two musicals, 1776 and Annie. Tim has also performed at several other local theaters, and this year he earned a WATCH nomination for best cameo in a musical for the part of Rudolph in 2nd Star's much-decorated production of Hello, Dolly!. A writer, editor, and magazine consultant, Tim lives in Annapolis and was editor-in-chief of Chesapeake Bay Magazine from 1996 to 2014.

Andrew "Drew" Sharpe (Bodo Muller) - Drew (age 12) is excited to be performing in this production with Colonial Players. He appeared in 2010, 2012, and 2014 in CP’s A Christmas Carol. Other credits include Children of Eden (2014) with 2nd Star Production, Amahl and the Night Visitors (2013) with Opera AACC, Into the Woods (2013) with Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it All For You (2013) with Bay Theatre Company. He would like to thank his directors for this opportunity along with his family for their support!

Benjamin Wolff (David Farrelly) - This is Ben's second appearance at Colonial Players after performing in last year's production of A Few Good Men (WATCH Award 2014 nomination for best play). Ben would like to dedicate this performance to his loving grandpa, Jonas Wolff, who survived the Nazis and built a new life in America.

The Production Staff

Mark Allen (Fight Choreographer, Makeup) Mark is the Marketing Director for Broadway Across America and has performed in, choreographed, directed, and produced live theater for over 25 years. He started his stunt work in 1999 at Old Tucson Movie Studios in Arizona, where he studied for just under five years. He has played Zorro, Batman, countless cowboys, drunks, and many other roles throughout his career and really enjoys jumping off buildings! He studied stage makeup and prosthetic effects in both high school and college and has managed teams of makeup professionals for Halloween events at both Six Flags and Cedar Fair theme parks.

Eric Hufford (Assistant Director) This is Eric's first foray into directing, and he is incredibly excited to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the other side of the production process. Before attempting the directing lifestyle, you may have seen Eric on the stage at CP as Leslie Bainbridge in Taking Steps or Thomas Jefferson in 1776. He has also played roles such as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. "I'd like to thank Terry for giving me this opportunity to latch on and learn as much as I can. I'd also like to thank Sarah for always supporting me in everything I do. Enjoy the show!"

Bonnie Persinger (Costume Designer) Though she has been a theater audience member for many years, this is Bonnie’s first staff position at Colonial Players. In college, she costumed A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Oedipus the King. Since then, her costuming skills have been limited to Halloween, Mardi Gras, and the Renaissance Festival. Thanks to all crew and cast for teaching me the process at Colonial Players.

David Pindell (Set Designer) Making his debut as a designer with The Colonial Players, David is excited to work with the seasoned members of the cast and staff of Watch on the Rhine. Previously, David worked as a graphic designer with the Joliet Drama Guild in Illinois and is currently an architectural designer in Annapolis.

Constance Robinson (Properties Designer) In past years, Connie has volunteered as Marketing Assistant and Graphic Designer for The Colonial Players in addition to manning the phone at the box office. In 2013, she was properties designer for Collected Stories directed by Lois Evans at Dignity Players. For the 2013-14 season at Colonial Players, she enjoyed collecting props for In The Next Room, Or The Vibrator Play and Annie. She also volunteered as set decorator in addition to being properties designer for Dead Man's Cell Phone. For the current season at CP, Connie has gathered props for Rocket Man and A Christmas Carol and now for Watch on the Rhine. Connie thanks her husband, John, for his support.

Matthew Shogren (Lighting Designer) This is Matt’s debut as a designer at CP, having joined the CP family with the 2014 One Act Festival as both a member of the hang team and the tech booth crew. His previous credits include various positions with The Arlington Players, Keegan Theatre, American Music Stage, Baltimore Science Fiction Society, NVCC Annandale's event center. and the DC Convention Center. He is thankful to his parents for their early introduction and support of technical theater.

Beth Starnes (Stage Manager) Beth, a first-time stage manager, has assisted in countless community theater and school productions. She’s done everything from crew, hair/ wigs, make-up, programs, props, tech, and tickets to director of a musical. Beth’s most recent credit was animal costume designer for 2nd Star’s Children of Eden. In real life, Beth is the librarian for Southern High School, where she is passionate about digital literacy and teen reading. Most importantly, she is mother to three wonderful teens: Stephanie, Austin, and Daniel (her actor who started all this). Beth would like to thank her fantastic husband, Jeff, for his support.

Sarah Wade (Sound Designer) Sarah is very pleased to make her debut as sound designer at CP for Watch on the Rhine. Sarah was just on the CP stage in The Liar, playing identical twins Isabelle and Sabine. Prior to that, she was seen in A Christmas Carol, These Shining Lives ("and we were shining."), Annie, Communicating Doors, and Taking Steps. She also performed in Dignity Players’ production of Collected Stories. She was the sound designer for Compass Rose's productions of The Miracle Worker and To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as appearing in Oliver!. Many thanks to Eric, as well as family and friends, for understanding that: "I can't, I have rehearsal."

Play and lyrics by Richard Wade
Music by Dick Gessner
Performance dates:
November 28–December 14, 2014
Run time: 90 minutes

Colonial Players is pleased to present our traditional holiday show, A Christmas Carol. Warm your heart to the music, characters, and story of Scrooge’s redemption through the visits of the Ghosts of his Christmases Past, Present, and Future. Travel with him through time and the streets of the London of 170 years ago to discover the true meaning of Christmas and rekindle your holiday spirit.

To download the production postcard forA Christmas Carol to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading. A PDF of the playbill is also available in the same location under the Production Playbills heading!

About the Author

Richard Wade has been writing, directing, and occasionally performing for Maryland theaters for more than 40 years. In addition to A Christmas Carol, he has written the plays and lyrics for eight other musicals produced locally and regionally. His play, Foxgloves, was included in last summer’s One-Act Play Festival at Colonial Players. He has directed many productions for CP, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, Bay Theatre, the Annapolis Opera, and other companies. He is proud to have served for five years as president of Colonial Players and for many years on its Board of Directors. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Arnold and are particularly happy that their daughter, Sarah, is an active Colonial Players member and is in the cast of A Christmas Carol once again.

About the Composer

Dick Gessner collaborated with Rick Wade to write the music for A Christmas Carol and also wrote music for Wade’s adaptations of children’s musicals Pinocchio, Puss ‘n Boots, Rumpelstiltskin, and Treasure Island. A popular entertainer in the Annapolis area for many years, Gessner is now retired and living in Florida. He served as musical director for many productions in Maryland, including Carnival, Fiddler on the Roof, and My Fair Lady at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre and Little Mary Sunshine; The Apple Tree; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; The Contrast; and Carnival at Colonial Players. 

About the Director

Carol Youmans has been a devoted participant in community theater for more than 30 years, learning most of what she knows about theater from workshops and experience gained by working on every aspect of theater at Colonial Players. She has designed sets, lights, costumes, and sound and has crewed and served on many boards, most recently as artistic director; previously she was president, director of marketing and community outreach, vice president, house director, and others. Her links to A Christmas Carol go back 33 years when, as a new member of Colonial Players, she was tapped to design the set for the first production of the new musical by Rick Wade and Dick Gessner. Now, after directing many other shows at Colonial Players, she is delighted to have her hand on the helm of this beloved show. Thanks to this happy, talented cast and hard-working creative staff, it has been a most marvelous time of the year, keeping Christmas at CP. 

About the Music Director

After 13 years without a “Hilli-Ho Chirrup” while he was serving as the Academic Dean of Webb institute of Naval Architecture (one of America’s best kept college secrets) in Glen Cove, NY, Roger Compton (or Bob Cratchit, as he was known around Colonial Players for 15 years) is delighted to be back in Maryland, retired (for the second time), and involved again with Wade and Gessner’s A Christmas Carol. While in New York, he returned to his primary musical interest (i.e., the musical in musical theater) by founding the Webb Family Singers – a mixed chorus of students and staff numbering as many as 30 singers (from the total student body of about 80) – and directing the musical aspects of two shows directed by Jill Compton (Mrs. Cratchit in earlier productions). Roger and Jill have founded an adult community chorus in Prospect Bay, where they reside. When not singing, they enjoy boating on the bay, travelling, and golfing.

Director's Notes

Charles Dickens was a social reformer whose concern for the poor and downtrodden infused his stories with characters struggling with ill fortune. He wrote A Christmas Carol partly to awaken his society to the sufferings of the lower classes and to rail against prevailing social attitudes and legislation that did nothing to help them. The habit of celebrating Christmas as a time of good will among all men, a time for people of all classes to smile benevolently upon each other, was in decline in 1843. Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol to remind his readers of the benefits of taking time to appreciate all of our fellow travelers on this earth and to lift up the ones who need it most. “I have a great faith in the poor,” he wrote in a letter in 1844. “To the best of my ability, I always endeavor to present them in a favorable light to the rich.” Many of the happenings in the story come out of Dickens’ childhood. When the family moved to London in 1824 from Chatham, Dickens’ father fell on hard times and went into debtors’ prison, and the 12-year-old Dickens was removed from school to work in a boot-blacking factory. It was a scarring experience. The family scraped out a living from a house in Camden Town like that of the Cratchit’s four rooms: two up, two down, only with six children and parents. Dickens drew on first-hand experience in telling of the death of Tiny Tim, as he had lost a brother and sister when he was very young. He knew what being poor meant, and he believed “…that these creatures have the same elements and capacities of goodness as yourselves.” A Christmas Carol was a resounding success from its first appearance to our times 160 years later. A friend wrote to Dickens: “Well, you should be happy yourself, for you may be sure you have done more good, and not only fastened more kindly feelings, but prompted more positive acts of benevolence, by this little publication, than can be traced to all the pulpits and confessionals in Christendom, since Christmas 1842.”

The Cast

Greg Anderson (Ghost of Christmas Present, Second Gentleman) - Greg is excited to be back at CP, having first appeared in the One-Act Festival last summer. He is also excited to be performing again in A Christmas Carol with daughter Kaitlin Shannon. A few years back, Greg, as Bob, held Kaitlin, as Tiny Tim, on his shoulder in PGLT’s production. His favorite roles with PGLT, BCT, and other groups include Bobby Dwayne in The Hallelujah Girls; Fred Gailey in the U.S. stage premiere of Miracle on 34th Street; Leon in Fools; Teddy in Arsenic and Old Lace; G.W. in Sordid Lives; Tin Woodman in The Wizard of Oz; Hysterium in … Forum; Schroeder in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown; and the big guy with the white beard in The Elves Who Saved Christmas, written by daughter Tiffany Shannon for Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Greg thanks Suzanne, Gabriel, Harper, and the other VIPs for their support, and truly appreciates being given the opportunity to work with Carol, Roger, Tom, and this talented cast and crew!

Steve Baird (Nephew Fred, Young Scrooge) - Steve is thrilled to be making his debut at Colonial Players. Previous roles include Patsy in Spamalot at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre and, at Laurel Mill Playhouse, Giles in The Mousetrap and Sam in The Wild Party. As a drummer, he has appeared in numerous pit orchestras for shows such as Rent at Stevenson University, Shrek: The Musical at Children's Theatre of Annapolis, and Urinetown at Heritage Players. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support, especially his wonderful girlfriend, Elsbeth, for keeping him sane during back-to-back shows.

Remy Browne (Fanny Phantom) - Remy is nine years old and a fourth-grade student at Mayo Elementary School. She is a member of the Royal Academy of Dance under the tutelage of Eileen Razetti. She has performed in the recitals: Snow White, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, and, most recently, The Wizard of Oz. She also studies piano and enjoys creative writing. Remy is very excited about participating in her first production with The Colonial Players.

Mackenzie Currie (Tim Cratchit) - Mackenzie Currie, a fourth-grade student at Arnold Elementary School, is overjoyed to be playing Tiny Tim in her Colonial Players debut. She is excited to be a part of such a talented cast in this beloved and celebrated play. Mackenzie started musical theater and dance at the age of four, and has enjoyed performing with the Annapolis Musical Theater Company. Her favorite performances include roles in Matilda, Oliver!, and Seussical. When she isn't singing and dancing, she can be found on a sailboat or a basketball court. She hopes to continue performing with Colonial Players and learn to play a guitar, and her biggest dream is to one day perform on the big stage.

Dr. Doug Dillner (Undertaker’s Man, Party Guest) - This is Dr. Dillner’s ninth appearance in A Christmas Carol at Colonial Players. In the past, he has been Scrooge, Marley’s Ghost, Mr. Fezziwig, Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, and is delighted to reprise his role as the Undertaker’s Man this year (still pushing to be Tiny Tim though!) Dr. D. started acting in high school, and it has been his avocation ever since. He has enjoyed playing such characters as Henry Higgins (My Fair Lady) and the Innkeeper (Man of La Mancha) as well as a host of others. He wants to thank his wife for putting up with his avocation and especially wants to thank his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all he has brought to him.

Kirsti Dixon (Ghost of Christmas Past) - Kirsti is very excited to be in her first production with The Colonial Players. She has been involved in theater since high school, when she performed in the fall musicals and in three years of Rock ‘n Roll Revival at Severna Park High School. At the University of Maryland College Park, Kirsti sang in an all-girl a capella group called The UMD Treblemakers and performed in and directed many studentrun productions such as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive), A Very Potter Musical (Ginny, Co-director), and AVPS (Luna, Co-director). She would like to thank her family and her boyfriend for always being so supportive of her theatrical passion.

Michael N. Dunlop (Ebenezer Scrooge) - Michael is very happy and excited to return to The Colonial Players as Scrooge in this year's production of A Christmas Carol. In the mid- 80s, Mike was in the cast for two productions, with Marvin Hunter as Scrooge the first year and Dan Higgs as Scrooge the following year. He is honored to be in such company. Previously, Michael worked with several local production companies, including Colonial Players, where he appeared in Something's Afoot, Sly Fox, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Trying. He was recently seen in the Compass Rose Studio Theater's To Kill a Mockingbird and Prince George’s Little Theatre's productions of Deathtrap and Don't Dress for Dinner. He also been active with Bowie Community Theatre, appearing in a number of productions, including Daddy's Girl, Dearly Departed, and Dearly Beloved. Michael has been a SAG AFTRA member since 1988 and has acted in film, television, and commercial video productions in the Baltimore/Washington market, with a recent role in Veep on HBO. He is the owner and operator of Dove Video Productions in Annapolis. This company supports producers with a variety of video services.

Peter Eglitis (Mr. Fezziwig, Third Gentleman) - This is Peter’s first performance as an adult with The Colonial Players…, or anywhere else for that matter! He had a dream; then he woke up! It has been over 30 years since Peter appeared on stage in a middle school production, and in an effort to fill another slot and check it off his bucket list, here he is. Along with family, singing has always been on top of his “to do” list, with plenty of time spent in choir practice and singing in the shower. “Thank you, Darice and Jim, for your vote of confidence!”

Dean Fisher (Bob Cratchit) - This is Dean’s first stage role ever. He is crossing one item off of his bucket list by performing in A Christmas Carol this year. Dean’s annual reading of A Christmas Carol to his three children has been the highlight of his holiday seasons these past twenty years or so. He was surprised to learn that the show would entail singing and dancing as well as acting, but he showed up to audition anyway. Dean is honored to have been selected for the role of Bob Cratchit as one of the many things he does is work with Maryland’s local governments and non-profits on energy efficiency programs that benefit low and moderate income people. Dean raises his cup to all who have supported, indulged, and enabled his desire to be in this play. Bless us all!

Van Fisher (The Mistletoe Man) - Van is excited to have his firstever acting role in this year's A Christmas Carol. He has really enjoyed getting to the know The Colonial Players community through his participation in this play. Van plays lacrosse and attends Broadneck High School. “I wish the merriest of Christmases to you and yours.”

Patti Grieb (Party Guest) - Patti joins the cast of Colonial Players’ A Christmas Carol for the 14th time in the last 20 years. This year, she appears as Party Guest, Bump Woman, and Mean Aunt. Over the years of participating in this production, Patti has played many roles, including Mrs. Fred, Mrs. Fezziwig, Charwoman, Laundress, and, two years ago, Ghost of Christmas Past. When not performing her full-time job as office manager for a busy dental practice, Patti enjoys travel, Jazzercise, and spending time with her hubby, four children, and six grandchildren. She would like to thank all of the production staff, cast, and crew for another wonderful production.

Anna Grace Keller (Belinda Cratchit) - Anna Grace is a seventh-grade student attending Severna Park Middle School. She was just five years old when she appeared in her first musical, School House Rock. Anna Grace continued acting and appeared in musical performances, including Annie JR and Mulan JR. Her inaugural Colonial Players’ performance was as Duffy in Annie. She is an accomplished pianist and flutist. Anna Grace enjoys playing goalie for her select A division field hockey team, is an avid ski racer, and loves fostering animals for the SPCA. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support.

Allison Martin (Martha Cratchit) - Alley is very excited to be in her first show at Colonial Players as Martha Cratchit. Alley is a junior at Southern High School. Some of her credits include Judy Bernly in 9 to 5, Rita in Thoroughly Modern Millie, the Witch in Into the Woods, and Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical. Alley would like to thank her family, friends, and fellow cast members for all of their ongoing support.

Katherine McMorrow (Belle) - Katie is very excited to be joining The Colonial Players family with her first appearance in our production of A Christmas Carol. Primarily a vocalist, she has performed with various bands and choruses around Maryland. Sixteen years old, she performs with her school, South River High School, in Rock and Soul Revue. She is pleased to take on a serious acting role at Colonial Players.

Kaelynn Miller (Mrs. Cratchit) - Kaelynn is delighted to be a part of her second A Christmas Carol production. Favorite onstage credits at CP include Annie (Grace Farrell), 1776 (Martha Jefferson), and Moonlight and Magnolias (Miss Poppenghul), with behind-the-scenes credits on too many shows to count. Last year, Kaelynn was nominated for two Washington Area Theatre Community Honors awards: one for her portrayal as Martha Jefferson and one for the craziest costume creations ever in Shipwrecked! At CP, Kaelynn serves as treasurer and membership chair. She pays her bills by working as a customer service representative in the music industry, which actually sort of relates to her Bachelor's degree in Music and Vocal Performance. Kaelynn wishes a Christmas season full of hot cocoa and hippopotamussesses to all the people who make her smile on a daily basis.

Ava Phillips (Fanny) - This is Ava's first performance with Colonial Players. She spends a lot of time in the performing arts world. Along with playing the violin, flute, and piano, she sings and has participated in various choral groups. Her acting experience includes summer programs and workshops at Childrens Theatre of Annapolis. Ask her and she will tell you, "I love acting.”.

Kaitlin Shannon (Fred’s Wife) - Kaitlin is thrilled to be making her Colonial Players debut in A Christmas Carol! She’s also very excited to be sharing the stage again with her stepfather, Greg Anderson. Kaitlin is so glad to be returning to the theater after being away from it for far too long. She’s been seen in previous productions with 2nd Star and PGLT and has worked with her sister, Tiffany Shannon, at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. She would like to thank the cast and crew for a wonderful experience and for such a fun way to spend this festive time of year! When she’s not performing, Kaitlin works as a Realtor and loves to help her clients find new homes. Kaitlin would like to dedicate this performance to Kevin and Baxter!

Andrew "Drew" Sharpe (Scrooge as a boy, Turkey Boy) - Drew (age 12) is excited to be performing in his third production of A Christmas Carol with The Colonial Players. He has also appeared as Tiny Tim (2012) and Boy Ebenezer (2010). His other theater credits include: Young Abel, Storyteller in Children of Eden (2014) with 2nd Star Productions in Bowie; Amahl in Amahl and the Night Visitors (2013) with Opera AACC (Anne Arundel Community College); the Narrator in Into the Woods (2013) with Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre; Thomas in Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You (2013) with Bay Theatre Company. Drew is a chamber singer with the All Children's Chorus of Annapolis; he also likes to play the piano and trumpet. Outside of the arts, he's an active 6th grader. He would like to thank his directors for this opportunity and his family for all their support! Happy Holidays!

Deb Sola (Mrs. Fezziwig) - Deb is thrilled to be joining The Colonial Players as Mrs. Fezziwig for this, her first production with the company, as well as her first experience performing in a theaterin-the-round! Deb has performed with 2nd Star Productions with ensemble roles in Little Shop of Horrors and Hello, Dolly! Deb plays a “Geek” during the day in her role as a high school computer science teacher and loves being back on the stage again! Many moons ago, she participated in high school, college, and community productions. Her years of dedication as a church musician, cantor, and prior member of the Columbia Pro-Cantare choir have helped to keep her vocal chops up. She considers herself a “Top-Chef” in her own kitchen and lives to travel. Hugs and love to my supportive husband and family who make every day of my life joyous!

Daniel Starnes (Peter Cratchit, Dick Wilkins) - Daniel, an 11th grade honor roll student at Southern High School, is proud to make his fifth consecutive appearance in CP’s A Christmas Carol. He continues toward his goal of one day appearing in every speaking male role in this endearing Annapolis tradition. Daniel has appeared in various local theater productions. Some of his recent and favorite roles have been Abel/Japheth in Children of Eden and Barnaby in Hello, Dolly!, both at 2nd Star, 9 to 5 at Southern High School, Leather Apron in 1776 at Colonial Players, Ren in Footloose at AACC Kids in College, and Freidrich in The Sound of Music at Compass Rose Theater. When not onstage, Daniel loves ping-pong, DC Comics, and video games. Daniel would like to thank the wonderful CP production staff and his teachers, friends, and family who support his acting addiction/hobby.

Fred Taylor (Ghost of Jacob Marley, First Gentlemen) - Fred is thrilled to return to the Colonial Players stage, where he has appeared in A Christmas Carol as well as 1776, Busie Body, Death of a Salesman, Rebecca, and Arcadia. He has also performed with Pasadena Theatre Company. He failed retirement in 1996 and is currently the courtside announcer for UMBC's basketball programs, a tour guide with Watermark, and the official Town Crier for Annapolis. He dedicates his performance to: "My entire support team from Catonsville to Durham. NC and everywhere in between, especially my eight grandchildren. Love you ALL. And to Carol, and her entire production team, backstage crew, and terrific cast, a gazillion thank yous. God Bless Everyone! Merry Christmas!"

Anna Thomas (Belle Phantom, Choreographer) - Anna Thomas is a 17-year-old senior at Broadneck High School. She has lived in Annapolis for 12 years and has danced with The Academy Ballet School for the past 10 years. This summer she danced with the American. Academy of Ballet in Purchase, NY. She has also danced in many of the Academy Ballet School's productions, and most recently she was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She has never been part of any Colonial Players productions before, but would like to thank her ballet teacher, Mrs.Razzetti, as well as Mrs. Youmans for giving her the opportunity to be a part of something so special.

Allison Valliant (Laundress) - Allison is thrilled to be a part of the cast of A Christmas Carol. This is her first production with the Colonial Players. Allison, who has a B.A. in theater, is a 2010 graduate of Washington College, where she was cast in numerous roles, including Mrs. Miller in Doubt, Helen in Fat Pig, and a Protean in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, to name a few. She would like to thank her parents, sister, other family, and friends for being so supportive and as excited as she was to have gotten the chance to be a part of this show. 

Sarah Wade (Charwoman) - Sarah is very pleased to be back in A Christmas Carol as the Charwoman. She was most recently seen on the CP stage as Catherine Donahue in These Shining Lives. Prior to that, she had the pleasure of performing at Dignity Players as Lisa Morrison in Collected Stories. Back on the CP stage, she was the Star to Be in Annie, Jessica in Communicating Doors, and before that, Kitty in Taking Steps. At Compass Rose Theater, she appeared as Bet and the Strawberry Seller in Oliver! and sound designer for their productions of The Miracle Worker and To Kill a Mockingbird. She would like to thank Lois Evans and Carol Cohen for teaching her so much, Eric for everything, and her friends and family for always understanding that, "I can't, I have rehearsal."

The Production Staff

Eric Gasior (Lighting Designer) Eric is proud to be working with The Colonial Players on his second production after designing lights for last summer’s One-Act Festival, This or That. Other credits include lighting design in Baltimore with the Yellow Sign Theatre (Darkspell) and Fluid Movement (Hound Dog Crew, Gliteracy: A Book Review). He worked on the tech crew in Washington for The Rude Mechanicals (Henry VI, The Importance of Being Earnest). Since 2009, he has been the technical director for Balticon, the largest Mid-Atlantic literary science fiction convention, and was the technical director for the North American Discworld Convention in 2013. In his spare time, he is a systems engineer at Millennial Media in Baltimore.

Constance Robinson (Properties) In past years, Connie has volunteered as marketing assistant and graphic designer for Colonial Players in addition to manning the phone at the box office. In 2013, she worked as properties designer for Collected Stories with Dignity Players. For the 2013-14 CP season, she enjoyed being the properties designer for In The Next Room, Or The Vibrator Play; the sold-out musical Annie; and Dead Man's Cell Phone. She was properties designer for Rocket Man, the opening production of the current season. “It is a pleasure working again with Director Carol Youmans for this wonderful musical.” Connie thanks her husband, John, for his support, and also appreciates when family and friends donate props.

Andy Serb (Sound Designer) Andy showed up at Colonial Players in May, 2009, and the following day found himself operating the sound system for Over My Dead Body. He went on to run sound and lights for Wonder of the World, Little Women, A Christmas Carol, and 1776, and has designed sound for The Curious Savage, Chapter Two, Wit, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You, The Actor’s Nightmare, and In The Next Room. Andy's experience began with running sound systems for numerous churches and bands, which sparked his interest and led him to broaden his horizons into more technical venues. While attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, he managed sound for the academy's praise band; during those four years he stepped up as lead sound tech and lighting coordinator for Anything Goes, Fiddler on the Roof, Me and My Girl, and Oliver!.

Dianne Andrew Smith (Costume Designer) Dianne has been a member of The Colonial Players “family” for many years. She made her first stage appearance at Players in Godspell, then Carnival, Tricks, and several summers in Cabaret for Kids. Dianne graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in design. Her first professional job was to design and create her roommate’s bridal gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses. She was the costume designer for three years for Severna Park High School’s first Rock ‘n Roll Revival shows. Though she has had many “jobs” with CP, this will be her first time as costumer. Happy Holidays!

Tom Stuckey (Stage Manager) After producing Rocket Man, the first show of the current season, Tom returns as stage manager for the 30th production of A Christmas Carol. His favorite previous experience as stage manager was many years ago for The Diary of Anne Frank, which he contends had the most difficult scene change in Colonial Players history. (Other stage managers probably disagree.) Tom has been involved with Colonial Players since 1969, when he appeared in the ensemble for Carousel, and has been involved with dozens of productions onstage and offstage. He currently handles newspaper publicity and edits programs, along with other duties such as painting sets, hanging lights, ushering, and serving on committees.

Joan K. Townshend (Producer) Joan has been active both onstage and backstage with Colonial Players. Her favorite roles were Praskowia in The Merry Widow at AACC Opera and Ethel Savage in The Curious Savage at CP. She has directed The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Over My Dead Body, and Spitfire Grill for CP. Stage managing and working in the light and sound tech booth keep her grounded and aware of all the pieces that go into making theater come alive! She sings in two choirs and keeps busy with five children and seven grandchildren. When not busy with theater, she consults with organizations on leadership and change management.

Adapted by David Ives from the play
by Pierre Corneille
Directed by Steve Tobin
Performance dates: January 16 - February 7, 2015

This sparkling comedy, fast witted and robustly-paced, is the story of a man who can't tell the truth, and his servant who can't tell a lie. Together, they roar into Paris and into the immediate pursuit of ladies they meet in the Tuilleries Gardens. Full of spicy banter, mistaken identities and passions running away with common sense, this timeless tale was originally written in 1643 in iambic pentameter. David Ives has updated it with romping, contemporary language still in verse. Audiences will be dazzled as the story bounces to its hilarious conclusions.

To download the production postcard for The Liar to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading. A PDF of the playbill is also available in the same location under the Production Playbills heading!

About the Playwright

Pierre Corneille was born in Rouen, France in 1606 to a distinguished family of lawyers. He was an immediate success with the presentation of his first play, Mélite, in 1629, but this play and those that quickly followed were insipid romances that were the fashion of the time. Mélite's success and Corneille’s other poetry brought him to the attention of Cardinal Richelieu (of Three Musketeers fame), and in 1634, he was invited to be one of Richelieu's “5 Poets,” a group of dramatists established to realize Richelieu's vision of virtue through drama. Corneille chaffed at the restrictions that Richelieu imposed, and after his initial contract was up, he returned to Rouen. Corneille's career reached its zenith with his most famous creation, Le Cid (The Lord) in 1637. Originally billed as a “tragicomedy,” it was immensely popular and groundbreaking in that it stretched the constraints that the Acadamie Francais had imposed on what constituted a valid dramatic work. Corneille disregarded the required “three unities” of time, place, and action (a play should take place within 24 hours, in one geographic location, and have one plot-line), and in doing so created a controversy almost unimaginable to modern audiences – “The Quarrel of Le Cid.” Richelieu commissioned a special review of Le Cid, and after public campaigning that would rival any current election season (including accusations of immorality, slander, and betrayal), the Acadamie judged that the play, while popular, could not be considered a “truly, great and important classical” work. Furious, Corneille stopped writing plays for a while, but when he started again in 1640, his next four plays were all more “conforming” tragedies. He even attempted to rewrite Le Cid in a more traditional mold, with later versions labeled as a tragedy. With the death of Richelieu at the end of 1642, Corneille began to try again at pushing boundaries. This time, however, he started by writing his most famous comedy, Le Menteur (The Liar). Like Le Cid, The Liar is based on a Spanish story by Juan Ruiz de Alarcón y Mendoza that Corneille transformed into a comedy of manners. Corneille’s The Liar depends less on physical humor (as with Italian comedia) and more on wit, the absurdities of courtship, and Parisian life. In writing The Liar, Corneille invented the comedy of manners, which he described as “the portrayal of social intercourse among persons of good breeding.” Corneille continued to write plays for another 30 years, periodically going into “retirement” for a few years when a play received a bad review. In his later years, he was eclipsed in popularity by both Racine and Moliere and died in rather poor circumstances in 1684. Almost 200 years later, Corneille was “rediscovered” and acclaimed as the father of modern French theater, having produced its first great tragedy and its first great comedy. Today’s version of The Liar is a modern translation and adaptation by American playwright David Ives. Corneille and Ives seem to be a perfect match – classical post-modernists, if there can be such a thing. They both love words, absurdity, and human foibles. And The Liar seems to be the perfect catalyst for their collaboration. In Ives' own words: “The Liar is one of those plays that seem to be made out of almost nothing, yet end up being about so much…. It’s one of those plays that are both a view on our world and their own separate world, one that we would happily inhabit.” We hope that you enjoy inhabiting this world for a few hours.

- STEVE TOBIN - with acknowledgments for some content to The Ensemble Theatre of Santa Barbara and Anna Jensen.

David Ives is a contemporary American author with almost 50 plays to his credit. He is best known for his short comedic plays and for translations and adaptations of plays such as The Liar, a 17th century farce by Pierre Corneille. After college, Ives worked in a Hollywood bookstore, was a junior editor at Foreign Affairs magazine, and earned an MFA in playwriting at Yale. One of his early works was a short comedy, Sure Thing, which was part of the Colonial Players One Act Festival last summer. His first big success was All in the Timing, a presentation of six short plays that ran for 606 performances. He was nominated for a Tony Award for best play in 2012 for his comedy, Venus in Fur.

About the Director 

Steve Tobin returns to The Colonial Players after a long 25- year hiatus. As a young upstart director, Steve helmed the CP production of a borscht-belt comedy murder mystery called Catch Me if You Can, and for the quarter-century since, Steve has been uncatchable -- focusing on family and work. Some persistent detective work by former cast members and The Liar coaxed Steve out of “retirement,” and he is more than thrilled to be back. Steve received his undergraduate degree in theater from Yale, where he studied with Nikos Psacharopoulos and Murray Biggs and performed in or directed over a dozen different productions. He did his professional acting apprenticeship at The New Jersey Shakespeare Festival under Paul Barry, where, in addition to numerous acting roles, he returned to be the assistant director for their nightly repertory productions of Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Directing credits also include Laura (Trinity Players), Pool Fever (Source), and staged readings of Lysistrata and The Birds at St. Johns College (where he also served as a directing mentor to the King William Players from 2003- 2007). Favorite past (very past) acting roles include Ken Harrison in Whose Life is it Anyway?, John Merrick in The Elephant Man, Florizel in The Winter's Tale, Peter in Diary of Anne Frank, and Reynaldo/Gravedigger in Hamlet. In his spare time, Steve enjoys making awful puns, being with his family, and writing about himself in the third person. 

Director's Notes

What a wonderful and exhilarating experience it has been to come back to CP after all of these years. A homecoming and reunion in my backyard. And all it took was The Liar on the slate and an invitation from Darice Clewell to come back and check out CP again – that, and the stars and schedules aligning for the first time in years! The Liar represents in one package two of my theater passions: classical theater and Catskills humor. Corneille and Ives have given us a gift for the lovers of language and laughs. Many people think that CP has taken a risk in producing a verse translation of a classical piece – but I don't think so, and I am grateful for their choice and their trust in me. I have never understood why many people are put off by verse plays. Maybe it's because we were forced to READ Shakespeare in school, instead of EXPERIENCING it on the stage. There is such fun in plays like this. They are not “deep”; they are not “THEATRE.” They are funny, silly, and entertaining. They are as enjoyable as Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks, and Carl Reiner. Don't think of Corneille as “classical.” Think of him as the 371-year-old man (apologies Mel). In any case, I hope that this production leads to bringing back more of the “classics” to East Street. I want to thank the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication. Words are important – whether they are from the script or from the heart -- and my words cannot do justice to their efforts. And finally, I want to thank my family – Joanna, Diana, Mary Frances, Mom, Dad, and Jeannie – for all they have given me. Their inspiration, patience, understanding, wisdom, and love make everything I do possible.

The Cast

Seth Clute (Alcippe) - Seth is delighted to return to The Colonial Players after a brief absence for deployment overseas. He was in two plays in the 2012 Colonial Players One Act Festival and also played Barnette Lloyd in Crimes of the Heart at Dignity Players in 2012. When not acting, Seth manages operations for Monumental Helicopters, a tour company for Annapolis and Baltimore. On weekends, he is a Medevac Company pilot and platoon leader for the Maryland Army National Guard. "I would like to thank my family and friends for their love and support. I couldn't have made it without them."

Rebecca Ellis (Lucrece) - Rebecca is thrilled to be back in-the-round at The Colonial Players. Originally from Chicago, she received her BFA in acting from Northern Illinois University. Since moving to Maryland, Rebecca has appeared on area stages with Rep Stage (Hanna, A Shayna Maidel), Bay Theatre Company (She, Here We Are), Quotidian (Chris, Dancing at Lughnasa), and Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (Ophelia, Hamlet; Margery Pinchwife, The Country Wife; Celia, As You Like It) among others. At CP, Rebecca appeared in Hay Fever, The Trip to Bountiful, A Shayna Maidel, and Rebecca. She will portray Clara Bow in the upcoming The Clara Bow Project with LiveArtDC.

Fred Fletcher-Jackson (Dorante) - Fred absolutely despises being a part of this show. See? He's been practicing. This is his second show with The Colonial Players after playing Pfc. Louden Downey, one of A Few Good Men. Other favorite roles include Sir Robin in Monty Python's Spamalot (Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre), Andrew Rally in I Hate Hamlet (Pasadena Theatre Company), and the Jester in Once Upon a Mattress (twice, with UMBC's Musical Theatre Club and at Children's Theatre of Annapolis). He's a senior at The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, studying theater with a minor in writing. “A huge thank you to lawyers everywhere for being my biggest inspiration for this part and to the cast and crew, my wonderful family, friends, and especially the three J's.”

Ethan Goldberg (Phileste) - Ethan is ecstatic to be back with Colonial Players. His previous roles here include Cpl. Jeffrey Howard in A Few Good Men and Jan Warrick in The Unexpected Guest. He has been seen in other roles in Maryland such as Geoffrey in Something’s Afoot at 2nd Star Productions, Sir Bors in Spamalot at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, Paul Mann in Rent at Laurel Mills Playhouse, and Lt. Brannigan in Guys and Dolls and Old Man Strong in Urinetown, both at Anne Arundel Community College. Ethan loves this theater, and for some strange reason they keep inviting him back to do what he loves. He loves this cast and dedicates this show to his little sister Brooke, whom he loves and is so proud of. "Love you Goldberg. You amaze me with your talent and charm!"

Natasha Joyce (Clarice) - Natasha previously choreographed Annie and Company at The Colonial Players and is thrilled to return this season, this time on the stage! Her most recent roles include Rona in Terrapin Theatre Troupe's production of Spelling Bee and Nurse Tate in The University of Ghana's production of It Runs in the Family. Natasha is a senior Theatre Performance major at the University of Maryland. This spring, she will perform in the university’s mainstage production of The Human Capacity. She would like to thank her loving and supportive family, friends, and, of course, the hilarious cast and crew of The Liar.

Nicole Musho (Stagehand Michelle) - Nicole is excited to be involved in her first show with The Colonial Players. She recently moved from the Philadelphia area, where she was involved in theater productions all through high school, and is greatly enjoying getting to know the Annapolis area. Nicole recently graduated from Washington College, where she studied Spanish and International Studies and acted in a variety of stage productions such as Monologues from the Edge, The Imaginary Invalid, Where is Smeesh?, and Thoughts. Nicole loves to travel and spent a year studying in Spain and traveling throughout Europe. She also spent about three weeks in Santiago, Chile. Nicole hopes to continue getting to know the Annapolis area and taking advantage of the many theater opportunities it provides.

Marc Rehr (Geronte) - Marc Rehr has, for many years and ways appeared in, oh so many plays, in cities, burgs, and towns of yore, from Washington to Baltimore. With this production of The Liar, he hopes, and does indeed aspire to make his Colonial Players debut a happy experience for all who view our little play. And let us say he'll play his part as best he can; with all his heart. of all the good shows and bad shows he's rehearsed He'd like to add, "This one is verse!!!!!!!!!"

Jeff Sprague (Cliton) - Jeff is happy to once again be on the stage at The Colonial Players. He has performed in several plays and musicals here, with favorite roles including John Adams in 1776; multiple characters in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change; and the Ratcatcher (et al) in Kindertransport (2007 WATCH Award recipient). Other favorite roles include Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and Dr. Bruce Flaherty in Blue/Orange. Outside of acting, Jeff recently directed the 2014 production of A Few Good Men as well as the 2010 one-act play, Botticelli. By day, Jeff is an attorney in Washington D.C. He sends his thanks to the cast and production team, and sends his love to his beautiful wife, Kathleen. Enjoy!

Sarah Wade (Sabine / Isabelle) - Sarah is very pleased to join the cast of The Liar. She was just seen at CP as the Charwoman in A Christmas Carol, and portrayed Catherine Donahue in last season’s These Shining Lives. Prior to that, she had the pleasure of performing at Dignity Players as Lisa Morrison in Collected Stories. Other roles at CP include the Star to Be in Annie, Jessica in Communicating Doors, and Kitty in Taking Steps. At Compass Rose Theater, she appeared as Bet and the Strawberry Seller in Oliver! and was sound designer for their productions of The Miracle Worker and To Kill a Mockingbird. She would like to thank Lois Evans and Carol Cohen for teaching her so much, Eric for everything, and her friends and family for always understanding that, "I can't, I have rehearsal.".

Mike Winnick (Stagehand Michele) - This is Mike's premiere performance with The Colonial Players, and he couldn't be more excited to be a part of this production. He is a new Annapolis inhabitant and has been exploring the theater scene since he arrived. He has some high school theater experience and is happy to take his involvement to the next level with The Liar. He would like to thank his wonderful girlfriend for her support and her help writing this bio. He would also like to thank his parents for putting up with him.

The Production Staff

Alex Brady (Lighting Designer) Alex has been designing lighting in Annapolis and Baltimore since 2002. Over the last 15 years, he has worked with diverse companies including Everyman Theater, the Annapolis Opera, the AACC Dance Company, and The Colonial Players. His recent production credits include These Shining Lives at CP, SHOUT! at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, and Running Amuck with the AACC Dance Company. He is a proud alumnus of the Graduate Institute at St. John's College and also teaches for the Humanities Department at Anne Arundel Community College. In his spare time, Alex enjoys studying and fighting with several medieval and colonial weapon systems.

Dave Carter (Assistant Director) Dave is excited to be involved in his second season with The Colonial Players after directing a play in the July One Act Festival. He appeared last season in Communicating Doors and These Shining Lives, which was first runner-up for best play for the 2014 Ruby Griffith Award. He was most recently seen as Cdr. Walter Stone in A Few Good Men. Dave feels quite honored to have been asked to assistant direct such a wonderful show as The Liar. Not only is farce his favorite theater genre, but he enjoyed being able to work under Steve Tobin and learn from such an accomplished director. Dave especially thanks his family and friends for their support and understanding as he reclaims his passion for theater.

Barbara Marder (Producer) Barbara has been associated with The Colonial Players for more than 25 years. She has served on the board as Education/Special Projects Director and on a variety of committees, including Play Selection Promising Playwrights Play Selection, as a play consultant for several short plays, and as producer for last season’s These Shining Lives. She directed Taking Steps, Splendour, and a full-length rehearsed reading of the Promising Playwright winning script Coal Creek. Barbara retired as chairman of Performing Arts at Anne Arundel Community College, where she directed a large variety of plays and musicals over a 35-year career. Additionally, she has served as an adjudicator for the American College Theatre Festival for many years, as a board member of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, and as a theater panelist for the Maryland State Arts Council. Currently, she enjoys working part time as a standard patient and role player for local medical schools.

Ernie Morton (Stage Manager) After stage managing A Few Good Men and the summer One Act Festival This or That last year, Ernie is excited to be working again at CP on The Liar with this amazing production staff and cast. Ernie’s last appearance on the stage was as Dr. Josiah Bartlett in 1776. He would like to thank Steve and Barbara for inviting him on this marvelous journey and teaching him so much. He sends his love to Lyana, Sam, and Gwen, and special thanks to Gwen for introducing him to the wonderful world of Colonial Players, much to her lasting regret.

Emily Parry (Properties Designer) Emily is proud to be working on her second show at The Colonial Players after stage managing Communicating Doors last year. A multi-theater veteran and a full-time student at Anne Arundel Community College, she is happy that she can devote her time to the hobbies she loves. Props are a new experience for Emily, but she loves and lives to learn. She is grateful to her cast and crew for their talent and support. She also extends a special thank you to her husband, David, for all of his love and patience. Enjoy the show.

Linda Swann (Costume Designer) Linda is happy to be back working amongst some truly fantastic people. Past favorites for costuming include Les Liaisons Dangereuses with CP, Hello, Dolly! with 2nd Star Productions, Into the Woods with ASGT, and Camelot with 2nd Star, for which she won a WATCH Award. When not costuming, she spends her time teaching middle school reading and language arts, singing with the Boogie Knights, and attempting to keep her house clean. She’d like to thank the cast and crew for putting up with her, God for giving her the passion to play dress up with living dolls, and her husband for putting up with theater laundry being done before his. Enjoy the show!

Krisztina Vanyi (Set Designer) Krisztina started working with CP this summer as a floorpainter/designer/prop builder for the 2014 One Act Festival. After assisting the lighting designer for Rocket Man and also assisting the set designer of A Few Good Men (hurray for Terry for both!), she makes her debut as set designer for this show. She enjoys every minute of creative work and is forever grateful for all the mentoring and friendships joining CP brought into not only her life but also into her incredibly talented daughter's life (love you Cseni!). CP is home, and the people here are all one family working on spreading the joy of live theater. It is great to belong to such a wonderful community!