Written by Lucy Kirkwood
Directed by Mary Fawcett Watko
Produced by Kaelynn Bedsworth and Heather Quinn
Performance Dates:
January 10 - February 1, 2020
Run time: 95m
(no intermission)

Two retired nuclear scientists reside in an isolated cottage by the sea as the world around them crumbles. Together they are going to live forever on yogurt and yoga, until an old friend arrives with a frightening request. The Children raises profound questions about whether having children sharpens or diminishes one's sense of social responsibility. A Tony Award nominee for Best Play in 2018, this genuinely haunting play asks us: What do we owe ourselves, and what do we owe the younger generations?

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

About the Playwright

Lucy Kirkwood is a playwright, screenwriter, and actor who was born in East London in 1984. Her first play, Grady Hot Potato, was produced in 2005, with Kirkwood in a starring role, and was selected for the National Student Drama Festival. The Children, her best-known play, was produced at the Royal Court Theatre in London and won the U.K. Writers’ Guild award for best new play before moving to Broadway, where it was one of five plays nominated for a 2018 Tony Award. She has written several other plays, including four produced in London’s West End theaters. She won the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Play for Chimerica, an examination of post-Tiananmen Square relations between China and the USA.

About the Director

Mary Fawcett Watko: “I have been working both as an actor and director for The Colonial Players since 1981 – WOW -- 38 years! Really!? Directing shows for Colonial Players over the years has been a great passion of mine. To name a few shows: Enchanted April, The Clearing, Angel Street, A Christmas Carol, Where Have All the Lightning Bugs Gone?. Directing for numerous other theaters includes Dial M for Murder, Blue Orange, Death and the Maiden, Sight Unseen. All very memorable. However, most memorable for me is not necessarily the shows I have directed or performed in as an actor, but the people I have been fortunate enough to meet and work alongside during the process of each production and who have become what I consider my “Players special friends,” people who do it “For the Love of It.” Herb Elkin is one of those special friends to whom I give many thanks for his assistance during the creative process of this show. The late Carol and Jack Youmans also were two of those special friends. Carol was my great mentor and gave me the courage to direct The Shadowlands for The Colonial Players back in 1994. It is with a sentimental heart that I dedicate this special show, The Children, to Carol and Jack. Welcome to this food-forthought play.”

Director's Notes

Many thanks go out to producers Heather and Kaelynn, to the designers and the whole production team, to every member of the staff for their dedication and time spent to bring this special show to our stage. To the actors who have worked tirelessly on their characters, I can’t thank you enough for being such a delight and joy! Thanks go to all for working together as a great team. Preparing The Children for our stage has been quite a journey. Playwright Lucy Kirkwood, I believe, wrote this play with one thing in mind – “Get the message out!” I have considered from day one that it is my responsibility, as the director, to try to do just that to the best of my ability. Knowing much about theater but absolutely nothing about the deep, looming subject matter of this play, I dug in with my research and, for additional help, used the trusty Google. It may not always be “spot on,” but Google is simply amazing! The Children is not a true story; however, I do believe a great deal of the play is based on information from the past and the present – and projections of the future, of which Lucy Kirkwood would like us all to be more aware. It is interesting that in August, during preparation for this show, an explosion on a Russian ship damaged a reactor and released radiation into the air, raising the same concerns depicted in The Children. Lucy Kirkwood believes it is our responsibility, to our current and future children, to bring these concerns to the forefront. It is my hope that this production will give you pause for thought and reason to ask this question: “What, if anything, can we possibly do to protect the children?

– MARY FAWCETT WATKO 

The Cast

Greg Jones (Robin) - Greg was last seen at CP as Beethoven in 33 Variations. Other roles here include Lane in Ernest in Love and, jumping back a few decades, one of the cast in the 1978 production of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well .... More recent Annapolis-area roles include Mr. Bumble in Oliver! (Annapolis Shakespeare Company), Monsignor O’Hara in Sister Act (Summer Garden Theatre), Mr. Lundie in Brigadoon (Compass Rose Theater), and Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd (Opera AACC). DC-area roles include Thomas Andrews in Titanic (Theatre Lab) and M in Samuel Beckett’s Play (Arcturus Theater Company). Greg has lent his disembodied voice to “characters” such as the BBC commentator in In Praise of Love (Washington Stage Guild), a hit man in the public radio play titled Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale, and a bike messenger dispatcher in the sequel, The Messenger’s Tale (both for Jabberwocky Audio Theatre). Greg has also written several plays, including the period comedy Divinity Place and the Hollywood-based comedy-drama All Save One, which premiered at the Washington Stage Guild in 2018 and won the 2017 Julie Harris Playwriting Award. Future projects include a staged reading of his latest play, Dead Air, sponsored by the Baltimore chapter of the Dramatists Guild on April 22, and an appearance with the Annapolis Symphony May 1 and 2, where he will read letters from various immigrants as part of the Symphony’s performance of Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: The Dream of America, in collaboration with the Annapolis Shakespeare Company. He is deeply grateful to the two Marys, Meg, and everyone at CP for their passion about this play. For Eric, always.

Mary MacLeod (Hazel) - Mary was last seen as the Host of the Garter in The Merry Wives of Windsor at The Colonial Players. Other favorite roles at CP include Eileen Osbourne in The Cripple of Inishmaan, Terry Glimmer in Side Man, Lady Boyle in Superior Donuts, Anna Cantor in The Babylon Line, Lettice Douffet in Lettice and Lovage, Nancy Shirley in Frozen, and Marjorie Taub in The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. She also loved performing as the aging British rocker in VVVC Production’s Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll, and in Dignity Players’ productions of Doubt (Sister Aloysius) and The Diary of Anne Frank (Mrs. Van Daan). Mary has been nominated for two WATCH awards, one for best performance by an actress in a leading role in Frozen and another for a performance cameo in Superior Donuts. She sends a huge thank you to Mary Fawcett Watko for casting her and for giving her the opportunity to be onstage with Greg and Meg. As always, she thanks Alan and Carter for all their patience and support.

Meg Venton (Rose) - An almost-native Annapolitan (from age 10), Meg saw a thrilling production of Wait Until Dark at The Colonial Players in the 1970's and was hooked for life. (As she has not acted regularly for many years and needs to have some sort of bio, she is going to have to mine material from way back when...) She began acting at age 11: Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan at Children's Theatre of Annapolis. She appeared in about a dozen plays by the time she entered college, including Olive Lashbrooke in The Voice of the Turtle and Polly in The Gingerbread Lady, both at The Colonial Players; Bianca in Othello with the Naval Academy Masqueraders; and Sandra in A Thousand Clowns with the Severna Park Players. Once in college, Meg earned a BFA in theater with a concentration in performance from Adelphi University. Among the roles she played there were Meg in The Hostage; Ma Ubu in Ubu Roi; Angel in When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?; and Aline in The Master Builder. In the ensuing years, Meg’s theater activity took a back seat to motherhood, but over the years she was able to appear as the washerwoman in A Christmas Carol and Puss In Boots in Joe Thompson's Kids' Cabaret, both at CP, as well as to teach children's drama at Preschool for the Arts at St. Anne's. Most recently, Meg appeared as Cecelia in Shiloh Rules at CP. She would like to thank Mary Fawcett Watko for her kindness and tact, Greg and Mary M. for their inspiring work, CP for choosing this complex play that examines what one generation owes the next, and her son and daughter for their love and understanding.

The Production Staff

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

Wes Bedsworth (Sound Designer) Wes has been volunteering at The Players since early 2007 when he was a sound technician for Moon Over Buffalo. Since then, he's gone on to sound design many other shows, lighting design one, program lights for a bunch, create a ridiculous Arduino-controlled illuminated grand piano for another, and provide technical consultation on more shows than he can count. Wes currently serves as the Technical Director on the Production Team, making sure that all of our lighting and sound equipment is seen and heard when it's supposed to be, and not seen nor heard when it's not supposed to be. Sometimes the equipment doesn't always behave, so he and the dedicated Technical Consultant Team stand at the ready to smack it around, when necessary. He is also honored to continue to serve as Operations Director on the Board, where his responsibilities vary from plumber to electrician to network administrator to HVAC technician to locksmith to general handyman, depending on what day it is and what broke this time. (Sometimes things break faster than they can be fixed!) By day, Wes supports the US Navy working for Cardinal Engineering, a generous annual supporter of CP. Wes sends his love to his supportive wife, Kaelynn, who (foolishly!) shares this hobby with him on a daily basis, and to his parents and sister Susan.

Herb Elkin (Assistant Director/Stage Manager) Herb has been a CP member and active volunteer for over 20 years. After performing onstage in several CP and other area productions, he found his true calling working behind the scenes. As CP's immediate past Vice-President and Treasurer, Herb continues to serve on several committees, but most enjoys stage managing. Recent credits include Towards Zero (2019), Quartet (2018), 33 Variations (2017), Good People (2016), Side Man (2015), Rocket Man (2014), Coyote on a Fence (2014), Trying (2013), and Going to St. Ives (2012), which received a regional WATCH award as Outstanding Play. He thanks CP's many volunteers and supporters who make everything possible, worthwhile... and enjoyable!

Laurie Nolan (Set Designer) Laurie has been involved with sets at Colonial Players for a LONG time. This seaside cottage has been a pleasure because it’s fun to work alongside such talented people who are so willing to collaborate. Thanks to Connie, whose prop-hunting skills and dedication spilled over into furniture and more---the best scout ever! Recent sets that Laurie has worked on include: The Secret Garden, Casa Valentina, and helper to designer Heather Quinn on Silent Sky. She particularly enjoys creating conceptual environments where imagination runs unhinged from “reality.” This is theater, right? When not working on sets here, she’s saving stuff and making stuff..

Written by Barbara Robinson
Directed by Erica Miller
and Rowena Winkler
Produced by Kaelynn Bedsworth
Performance Dates:
December 5 - 15, 2019
Run time: 60 minutes
(no intermission)

In this hilarious holiday classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids - probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!

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

About the Playwright

Barbara Robinson was the author of the hugely popular children’s novel, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which is ranked as a notable children’s book by the American Library Association and was included by the School Library Association on its list of the top 100 novels for young readers. The story of the dreadful Herdman children and their impact on the annual Christmas pageant was made into a TV movie in 1983 starring Loretta Swit, and then into the play that has become a staple Christmas-time offering by schools, churches, and theater companies across the country. Ms. Robinson wrote two other novels about the Herdmans -- The Best Halloween Ever and The Best School Year Ever. She also wrote dozens of short stories and articles that were published in magazines such as Redbook and Ladies Home Journal. Ms. Robinson grew up in a small Ohio river town and said that small-town atmosphere influenced most of her writing.

About the Directors

Erica Miller is very excited and extremely grateful to be a part of this funny, yet thought-provoking, show. This is Erica’s second time directing at The Colonial Players, although her last endeavor was just a three-minute play. She was last seen on the CP stage as Emily in Late Nights In Cars. Other favorite CP roles include Mistress Page (The Merry Wives of Windsor), Belle/Fred's Wife (A Christmas Carol), and Claudia (Nine). Offstage, Erica stays busy teaching performing arts for Drama-Pop LLC and chasing after her two-year-old son. Love and infinite appreciation to Rowena Winkler, Ian Miller, Britta Jureckson, and Kim Jureckson.

Rowena Winkler is so excited to make her directorial debut at The Colonial Players for such a fun and heartwarming show. You may have seen her on the CP stage as Anabella/German Reporter/Ensemble in Nine, but she’s also been active in the theater community in the Washington region as an actor and as choreographer for Guys and Dolls and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, ASoB). Other favorite roles include The Fortune Teller (Sideshow, DCT), The Witch (Into the Woods, The Heritage Players), and Jolene/Ensemble (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, PGLT). Special thanks to Erica for entrusting her as a partner in this creative endeavor. Love always to Derek and to Baby Winkler debuting in March 2020.

Director's Notes

When we saw that The Best Christmas Pageant Everwas selected for CP’s 71st season, we both knew we wanted to be involved due to our own positive personal experiences with the show. Erica grew up listening to the book on tape narrated by Elaine Stritch, and Rowena played Gladys Herdman many years ago in a community theater production back home in Pennsauken, NJ. Not only do we find the show to be incredibly funny, but we are also drawn to the themes of unconditionally accepting people who are different from you — a message that is needed today more than ever before. And with the Internet and social media making communication faster (but not necessarily clearer) between individuals, we felt it was important to infuse technology into our telling of this story. Although we’re used to seeing the dark side of social media and how it drives groups apart, we wanted to demonstrate how it can be used as a tool for gaining perspective and bringing people together. In Beth’s case -- through Mrs. Bradley’s example of showing patience, love, and acceptance toward the Herdmans -- she witnesses how being kind is the key to understanding the meaning of the Christmas story. Even if you don’t necessarily consider yourself to be religious, we hope you are as humbled as we are by the honesty of the actors putting on this show and driving this message home. We’re excited you’ve chosen to come along for the ride to experience the Herdman’s heartwarming transformation. We hope you find it as memorable and touching as we did going through this amazing process.

– Erica Miller and Rowena Winkler

The Cast

Jerrel Barnes (Ralph Herdman) - This is Jerrel’s first production at The Colonial Players. He is a senior at Broadneck High School and has been in productions there since his sophomore year. Most recently he was seen in the roles of King Creon in Antigone and Philip Lombard in And Then There Were None. Along with various stage performances, he’s acted in a number of student films, including Myself, which won best dramatic film at the Saul Zeantz film festival at Johns Hopkins University. After high school, Jerrel would like to pursue a career in film and theater acting. He thanks his parents for supporting all of his endeavors, his directors from previous and current productions, and all of his supportive friends who were there to keep his spirits up when times were tough.

Nilsson Benil (David) -  is performing in his first show ever after enjoying a musical theater camp during the summer. He is a first-grader at Key School who loves Legos, playing with the kids on his street, and now performing! He sends his love to his Mama, who he gets to be onstage with for the first time, and his Mom, who will be coming to see the show more times than she can count!”

Shannon Benil (Mrs. Armstrong) - Shannon is thrilled to share the stage with her son in his first show ever. She herself started performing at The Colonial Players at the young age of 16 (over 25 years ago!) and since has done five different productions of A Christmas Carol and a dozen other plays and musicals. Much love to her wife, Marcy, and they are both so proud of Nilsson for this show and everything he tries in life.

Ian Brown (Ollie Herdman) - Ian is a fourth-grader at West Annapolis Elementary, where he enjoys studying many subjects, especially math. The youngest of three brothers, he loves playing with Nerf guns and Legos. He also loves playing sports, with baseball as his favorite (first home run this year!), riding bikes, and climbing trees. This is his second appearance at The Colonial Players, having played the role of young Ethan in The City of Conversation in 2017. He is very excited to be a part of this fun cast and thanks his family, his fellow performers, and the crew for inspiration and support.

Mackenzie Currie (Alice Wendleken) - Mackenzie, a freshman at Broadneck High School, is so excited to be in her third production at The Colonial Players and her first production with her brother! Past roles include Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. (Children’s Theatre of Annapolis), Tiny Tim and Belinda Cratchitt in A Christmas Carol (CP), and Marta Von Trapp in The Sound of Music Broadway National Tour. She spends much of her time dancing, singing, and acting, but she loves to find time to babysit. She wishes to thank her friends, family, cast, artistic staff, and production team for their support and guidance. Special thanks to Erica and Rowena for this opportunity!

Tyler Currie (Hobie) - Tyler is a first-grader at The Severn School and is so excited that his theatrical debut is at The Colonial Players with this talented cast! Tyler loves playing soccer, singing, reading, drawing, and making videos for YouTube. He is so lucky to be performing with his older sister, who is a huge support and inspiration. Tyler would like to say thank you to his family, the production team, and the artistic staff for this fun and valuable experience.

Althea Francioch (Gladys Herdman) - Althea attends West Annapolis Elementary School and is in the fourth grade. She loves acting, reading, writing, and playing with friends. This is her first time acting with The Colonial Players, but she has performed in productions with Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. She is working toward her goal of becoming an actress and is very excited for this opportunity. She could not have done any of this without the support of her family.

Kathy Garrity (Mrs. Clausing, Firefighter) - Kathy is very excited to be in her first Colonial Players production! It has been years since she performed onstage. Kathy has been on the board of Children’s Theatre of Annapolis for over 14 years and has served as producer, production manager, makeup coordinator, and more. She thanks Erica and Rowena for their direction and her family and friends for their support. “Thank you, Katie, for the role reversal. You inspire me!“ Kathy is so impressed by this talented cast and learns new things from them every rehearsal. “Break a leg everyone, and Happy Holidays!”

Debb Hollingshead (Mrs. Slocum) - Deb is making her stage debut with The Colonial Players and is very excited to be able to share the stage with her son and this amazing cast. While she has no previous experience onstage, she draws from her classroom experience trying to keep the attention of her fourth-grade students. Currently, she stays active with grad school and being an assistant scoutmaster with Ian's troop. When she does have downtime, she enjoys a good long nap or hanging out with her friends and family.

Ian Hollingshead (Elmer Hopkins) - Ian is making his debut with The Colonial Players as Elmer. He is very excited to be part of this amazing cast! His previous stage show was Gypsy, where he was a newsboy. Currently he is a PVA Vocal student at Brooklyn Park Middle School. He is active in soccer and Boy Scouts as well. His hobbies are car collecting, movies, singing, and being with his family.

Keith Ivey (Leroy Herdman) Keith is extraordinarily happy to make his debut at The Colonial Players in this production. He is in the sixth grade and has participated in Mini Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival at Shipley’s Choice Elementary School, in Willie Wonka Jr. at Stage and Screen Productions as Charlie, and in BCPE at Woods Church, also as Charlie. Llamas are his passion. He enjoys sculpting and playing the tuba. He would like to thank everyone at The Colonial Players, his family, and especially his big brother, Gavin, for their support.

Laura Ivey (Grace Bradley) - Laura is thrilled to return to the stage after playing Meg in The Colonial Players 2017 production of Shiloh Rules. She is especially excited because she will be sharing the stage with her son, Keith, for the first time. Past credits at CP include Faye in Chapter Two, Helen in Enchanted Mesa, and Marisol in Clean. Her day job is with Edison Research. Laura is grateful to the cast and crew for creating such a special show and to her family and friends for their endless support. Much love and thanks to her husband, Kurt, and their sons Gavin, Nick, and Keith.

Rachel Leonovich (Imogene Herdman) - Rachel is excited to be in her first production at The Colonial Players. She is a junior at Annapolis High School and is 16 years old. She would like to thank her parents and grandparents for taking her to rehearsals and the whole cast for making this such a special experience. Enjoy the show!

Emma Miller (Claudia Herdman) - Emma is enjoying being back on the CP stage after having performed in the last two productions of A Christmas Carol (Fanny in 2016 and the Ghost of Christmas Past in 2018), and having worked as stage crew for The Merry Wives of Windsor and Generations earlier this year. Emma is a seventh-grader at Severn River Middle School and enjoys playing violin in the school orchestra and singing in a rock band with Priddy Music Academy. She sends thanks to Erica and Rowena for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show. Go, Herdmans!!

Lesley Miller (Reverend Hopkins) - Lesley is thrilled to be back on the CP stage, where she was most recently seen in The Merry Wives of Windsor. She has appeared in CP productions of A Christmas Carol eight times, playing various roles, and is so glad to be able to share the stage again with her daughter Emma (Claudia Herdman). She has performed with many theater groups in the area over the years including ASGT, 2nd Star Productions, Bowie Community Theatre, Theater 11, and Dignity Players. She recently joined an adult band with Priddy Music Academy and is having a great time singing with them.

Jackson Parlante (Charlie Bradley) - Jackson is a 13-year-old eighthgrader at Crofton Middle School. He is thrilled to be back at The Colonial Players in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever after appearing in the musical Nine two years ago. In his spare time, Jackson enjoys taking dance classes at Stageworkz Theater Arts, hanging out with friends, singing, and dancing. He would like to thank Erica, Rowena, Kaelynn, Emilie, Amy, Beth, and everyone who worked hard behind the scenes to make this show possible!

Zoë Price (Maxine) - Zoë is a high-school student who very much enjoys theater! With her mama’s love, she made her debut on the stage performing in elementary school talent shows. She advanced to theater productions during middle school, performing in Beauty and the Beast Jr., The Little Prince, and Aladdin Jr. Zoë started as an enchantress and a dancing spoon, then became the little prince of a far-away planet, and then flew through the vast desert sands as Iago, an obnoxious and very loud parrot! She reached the ocean blue last year, diving under the sea in The Little Mermaid. “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” -The Little Prince.

Kara Reese (Beverly) - Kara is a fourth-grader at West Annapolis Elementary School. This is her first theater production, and she is looking ahead to continue her pursuit of theater. Kara is a fan of comedy and art and enjoys hanging out with friends.

Sedona Salb (Beth Bradley) - Sedona is excited to be in her first production at The Colonial Players. She is a senior at Broadneck High School and has been a cast member in the Broadneck Dramatics Guild since her freshman year. Her favorite roles include Cookie Cusack from Rumors and Hero from Much Ado About Nothing. Sedona would like to pursue a career in theater and film whether it be acting, directing, or writing. She would like to thank Erica, Rowena, and the cast, crew, and creative team of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for making this such a fun and amazing experience. She also thanks her friends and family for supporting her in everything she does and for reminding her “what Christmas is all about.”

Jason Vaughan (Bob Bradley) - Jason is delighted to be onstage again at The Colonial Players and to be surrounded by an amazing cast and crew. Previous roles at Colonial include Howard in Moon Over Buffalo; Nicky in Bell, Book and Candle; and Reverend Mike in Durang’s Why Torture Is Wrong. Jason has also appeared onstage with Dignity Players of Annapolis (The Last Days of Judas Iscariot) and Baltimore’s Spotlighters (The Man Who Came to Dinner). During the day he works as a consultant in the historic preservation and heritage tourism field and currently serves on the board of the Maryland Federation of Art. Jason would like to thank Scott for all his patience and support.

Gin White (Mrs. McCarthy) - Gin is excited to be on The Colonial Players stage for the first time. Recent roles include Grandma Addams (The Addams Family) and Gwendolyn Holmes (Shout! The Mod Musical) at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. "Much thanks to my family for their encouragement to pursue the things I love."
 

The Production Staff

Amy Atha-Nicholls (Costume Designer) Shazam! Maker of stuff, nonsense, and mischief by decree. Amy has worn many hats, including puppeteer, costumer, pyrographer, designer, playwright, archer, wench (when required), and assassin on occasion (specializing in heart attacks...). Mostly she acts as Polly Filler for all the jobs that need doing. Love always to R & P, evermore O.

Richard Atha-Nicholls (Sound Designer) Richard is thrilled to be designing sound again for The Colonial Players. He previously engineered or designed sound for numerous productions, primarily at CP, Bowie Community Theatre, and Laurel Mill Playhouse. His sound design has garnered two WATCH nominations. Richard also has appeared on area stages, and in his spare time he helps run Discworld conventions. Occasionally, he has been known to direct. Love to C, A & P. Always in my heart, O.

Kaelynn Bedsworth (Producer) Kaelynn is delighted to welcome you all to The Colonial Players this holiday season! You may have seen Kaelynn grace the stage in The Secret Garden, Annie, 1776, Moonlight and Magnolias, and several A Christmas Carols. Behind the scenes, she has produced, costume designed, sound designed, and scene painted for many shows over the last 11 years, and currently serves on the Board of Directors. May all your holidays be just as full of Herdmans as ours are!

Bill Fellows (Set Designer) Bill’s first love is acting, but he can be found behind the scenes almost as much as onstage. He grew up in the home building industry, learning the construction skills that translated into set design and construction. Most recently, he co-designed and built the set for 2nd Star’s production of Gypsy and was involved previously in the productions of Chess, Ragtime (both for 2nd Star) and Frankenstein (BCT). He has also recently been a member of the casts of Amelie, Annie Get Your Gun, and Mary Poppins for 2nd Star; BCT’s Almost Dead and Frankenstein; and The Colonial Players’ The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Deborah Guy-Skriloff (Properties Designer) Deborah has truly enjoyed being welcomed into the CP family after 10 years of directing, producing, and acting in shows for children’s community theater in Dutchess County, NY. Huge thanks to Connie Robinson for showing her the ropes.

Emilie Holmstock (Stage Manager) Emilie is pleased to be a part of this lively holiday production at The Colonial Players. Though usually appearing onstage, she is often found working backstage on various projects. Her most recent credits at Colonial have been as assistant stage manager for Arsenic and Old Lace and onstage as Henrietta Leavitt in Silent Sky. In addition to performing in Annapolis, Emilie has appeared in various roles in Baltimore and DC, with recent favorites being Lusia in A Shayna Maidel (Strand Theater Company) and Abigail in The Crucible (Vagabond Players.) She wishes a warm holiday season to all, especially her CP Family who have truly given her a place to call “home”!

TJ Lukacsina (Lighting Designer) TJ is happy to finally be working with The Colonial Players. Other credits -- DIRECTING; Hairspray with Rockville Musical Theatre; Big Fish and Legally Blonde at Silhouette Stages; Into the Woods and Thoroughly Modern Millie at Heritage Players; Sweeney Todd and White Christmas with Laurel Mill Playhouse. LIGHTING: Jekyll & Hyde, An Immersive Experience; Striking 12; Always Patsy Cline, and Murder Ballad with Free-Range Humans; Cabaret with Silhouette Stages. MUSIC DIRECTION: 12 shows with Hammond High School. He sends many thanks to his friends and family who have exercised amazing patience with his schedule.

Written by Lillian Garrett-Groag
Directed by Alex Brady
Produced by Dona Weingarten
Performance Dates:
October 25 - November 16, 2019
Run time: 2h 20m
(including intermission)

Based on actual events, tells the story of a group of students at the University of Munich who chose to actively protest the atrocities of the Nazi regime. They published their thoughts in anonymous leaflets, which they titled "The White Rose" and which were distributed throughout Germany and Austria during the summer of 1942 and the winter of 1943. When the students are eventually captured, the police inspector of the town is pressured to obtain a conviction. Will the inspector send the students to certain execution or try to save them? Complex and filled with loyalty and patriotism, The White Rose is an intense and devastating drama confronting a reality that should never be forgotten.

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

About the Playwright

Lillian Garrett-Groag is a native of Argentina who built a long career in the United States as an actress, director, and playwright. She attended colleges in Illinois and Dijon, France, before earning masters and doctoraldegrees in Romance languages at Northwestern University. While appearing in a production of The Lion in Winter at Northwestern, she was spotted by a talent scout who persuaded herto move to Hollywood to pursue an actingcareer in movies and television. After a few guest appearances on TV shows, Ms. Garrett-Groag shifted her focus to live theater, and she has written, acted, and directed for many regional theaters, including Baltimore’s Center Stage. She was part of an ensemble cast in The Kentucky Cycle performed at the Kennedy Center and on Broadway. Her father was a member of an aristocratic Viennese family that opposed the Nazis and fled to Argentinain 1938 when Hitler annexed Austria. Ms.Garrett-Groag said it was the memory of her father, who died when she was just 14, that inspired her to write The White Rose.

About the Director

Alex Brady is making his main season directorial debut for The Colonial Players with The White Rose. He has previously performed onstage in several roles, most recently as Macbeth with The Theatre at AACC. Brady is a critically acclaimed lighting designer with more than 15 years of experience working with professional, academic, and community theaters across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington D.C. He has been nominated for multiple awards for his inventive and subtle approach to lighting. Brady is also the resident lighting designer for the AACC Dance Company, where he works with nationally renowned choreographer Lynda Fitzgerald. He regularly volunteers his talents with several local high schools as a designer and technical advisor. He is a full-time audio engineer and an adjunct faculty member at Anne Arundel Community College, where he teaches courses in film and architectural history. Brady is an alumnus of the Graduate Institute at St. John's College ('10) and currently serves on The Colonial Players Board as Education Director.

Director's Notes

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil isfor good men to do nothing.”- From a speech by John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 1961“

If you are aware of this, why do you not stiry ourselves? Why do you permit this autocrat to rob you of one sphere of your rights after another, little by little, both overtly and in secret?”- The White Rose, Leaflet 3, 1942

During our rehearsal process for The White Rose, I was asked, “Why did the Scholl siblings and their friends choose to die for their ideals?” I am certain that the answer to this question is central to the effort we have put into this production. It is also central to our understanding of the actions taken by members of Die Weisse Rose in Munich in 1942 and 1943. I know this because during World War II, my grandfather was a 17-year-old sailor on the Kriegs marine destroyer “Wilhelm Heidkamp”, which ran aground after the Battle of Narvik in1940. My grandmother, who passed away in June, was a 12-year-old Hitlerjugend Girl Scout in 1943. My family and I, along with many other Germans, live with the cultural shame and guilt ofevents that took place long before we were born. Because of this, I can’t help but keep returning to the question, “What would I have done?”

We all want to believe that we are as brave andstrong in our convictions as Sophie and Hans Scholl; Dietrich Bonhoeffer; or Oskar Schindler. These amazing people chose to sacrifice their lives and livelihoods for their principles. Sophie, Hans, and Pastor Bonhoeffer were executed. Schindler lived in poverty on the charity of those he saved until his death in 1974. In spite of this, we can’t help but find something in common with our Gestapo policeman, Robert Mohr. Like him, we want to get by; do our jobs; keep our families safe; and remain modestly successful. We want to go home and fix our garden gate to keep the troubles of the world out of our homes. “Politicians are all crooks,” we say. “I don’t mind people who aren’t like me,” we say. “The system is broken,” we say. Too often this is all the opposition that we muster. I can’t speak for you, but I fear that I might be a good man who does nothing. In the end, each of us must choose for ourselves: to sit quietly or stand in the face of overwhelming opposition, even if we are the only ones standing. “Why did the Scholl siblings and their friends choose to die for their ideals?” In a corrupt courtroom in 1943, certain of her death sentence and surrounded by Gestapo and Nazi officials, a brave 21-year-old woman gave us the only answer that we should ever need: “Well, somebody had to make a start.”

– ALEX BRADY 

The Cast

Tyler Heroux (Christopher Probst) - Tyler has been acting in theater since his sophomore year in high school. Shows include Mr.Green in Clue, Bruno/Louis in Shipwrecked! An Entertainment -- The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont, Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing, and, most recently, Peter Shaw in Silent Sky at The Colonial Players. He won the 2017 Baltimore Cappie Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Play and hopes to continue his theater dreams for many years to come. He is immensely thankful to his family and friends who have always been there to support him.

Matt Leyendecker (Anton Mahler) - Matt is pleased to appear in the-round for the second time at The Colonial Players. He last appeared as Sir John Falstaff in CP's production of The Merry Wives Of Windsor. He has also performed in several other local productions, such as BCT's Becky's New Car (2018 WATCH Nomination, Best Featured Actor in a Play), LMP's An Inspector Calls, Vagabond Players' Inherit the Wind, and PGLT's The Mousetrap and A Shot In The Dark. He is blessed to have the support of family and friends, most notably his fiancé, who has been a light shining through the darkness.

Joe Mariano (Robert Mohr) - Joe previously appeared at The Colonial Players as George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (WATCH award, best actor). Other notable roles include Beethoven in 33 Variations and Thomas Putnam in The Crucible, both at Silver Spring Stage; Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird and George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life at Laurel Mill Playhouse. Joe also appeared as the Padre in Man of LaMancha, Giuseppe Zangara in Assassins, the Duke in Measure for Measure, the Sergeant in Chesapeake Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Steve Hubbel in A Streetcar Named Desire at The Arlington Players, and Don Juan in Don Juan in Hell.

Nicholas Martinez (Hans Scholl) - Nicholas is a recent college graduate and new resident of Annapolis, and this is his first performance outside of school. He is really excited to perform for you, and he would like to thank his family and friends for showing him constant support and care throughout the process of the show. Nicholas hopes you enjoy the show!

Sam Morton (Alexander Schmorell) - Between his CP debut at 12 in The Curious Savage and his more recent roles in A Few Good Men and the one-act Quiche Isn’t Sexy, Sam has been busy studying English at the University of Rochester in New York. He is very proud that The White Rose is his first show after graduating and returning home to Annapolis. He would like to thank his family for their unfailing support and for enabling his theater addiction, and he hopes the audience will appreciate this haunting, moving play that our cast and crew have been working tirelessly on for the past several months.

Devin Thrasher (Sophie Scholl) - Devin recently graduated from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business with a degree in accounting. She spent most of her academic career performing with The Maryland Shakespeare Players in roles such as Friar Lawrence in Romeo & Juliet and Rosalind in As You Like It. She took a year’s hiatus from the theater to work for the entertainment department at Walt Disney World, but is eager to return with such a talented team.

Aaron Vonderharr (Bauer) - Aaron is just happy to be here. Most recently appearing in Towards Zero as Thomas Royde at The Colonial Players, he intended the next show to be something a bit more lighthearted, such as a comedy or a musical. And yet here we are. Thanks as always go to the production staff, fellow actors, and all the adoring fans who don't know it yet. tems engineer working at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. His career in thespace business is eclipsed in length only by his hobby of performance art. Since starting in 1973, he has performed onstage, screen, TV, radio, and now the internet. Bob has been in more than 46 movies and television shows, from Year One to Love Different, and from Evil Stepmothers to House of Cards. Onstage, Bob has performed in more than 40 dramas, comedies, and musicals and was last seen in Towards Zero at The Colonial Players as Inspector Leach. This is Bob's second production with CP, so it's only appropriate he plays two characters. He hopes you enjoy the performance of the cast and crew in this classic comedy.

Hadlee Walker (Wilhelm Graf) - Hadlee is a senior at Broadneck High School. This is his first show at The Colonial Players, and he is very excited about this opportunity. He enjoys tech and acting, and he has learned so much by doing both. Hadlee was nominated by the Baltimore Cappies for best comedic actor in a play. He is overjoyed to have such an amazing cast to work with and hang out with. He hopes to study theater and musical theater in college and is looking forward to working with such talented people in the future.

The Production Staff

Carrie Brady (Costume Designer) Carrie is happy to be costuming for The Colonial Players again after costuming Sherlock's Last Case (WATCH Award nominated), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, City of Conversation, 33 Variations (WATCH Award nominated), and last season's Silent Sky. Previously, she costumed for Spirited Productions, the Moonlight Troupers/The Theatre at AACC, and Bay Theatre Company. In addition to wardrobe, Carrie appeared on stage in Shiloh Rules at The Colonial Players, and has enjoyed helping out with sets at her alma mater, St. Mary's High School Theater. All this theater fun gives Carrie something to do when she's not working at the library of the Department of Legislative Services. With love and gratitude to Alex; ich bin stolz auf dich.

Janice Coffey (Assistant Director) Janice has produced, stage managed, and worked as a set designer and props mistress for several shows for Bowie Community Theatre and Greenbelt Arts Center. She is also a professional actor, having performed in film, TV, and theatrical productions and was last seen at The Colonial Players in Casa Valentina as Eleanor. This is Janice's first time as an assistant director. She thanks Alex for giving her the opportunity to help tell this important story and thanks the amazing cast for allowing her to be a part of their journey.

Tom Gross (Set Co-Designer) Tom is honored to be part of this production of The White Rose. His stagecraft experience has principally been in stage set piece planning and construction. Previous production credits include: Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar, Crazy for You, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Wiz, Oliver, Into the Woods, Legally Blonde, and The Great Gatsby with Saint Mary’s High School Drama Club; Last Rights and The Appeal with Spirited Productions in Annapolis; and a bit of set furniture repair for Sherlock Holmes’ Last Case with The Colonial Players. He thanks Alex for this opportunity to return to the backstage haunts. He is especially grateful to his wife, Maryanne, for her patient tolerance of his pursuit of this avocation

Andy McLendon (Stage Manager) Working with the talented cast and staff of The White Rose combines two of Andy's favorite pastimes: theater and history. The White Rose is the latest of many productions that Andy has stage managed since she first became involved with CP in the 1970s. She was last seen in her SM shirt with the production of the one act series, “Generations.” Other memorable productions with The Colonial Players include Casa Valentina, Calender Girls, The Secret Garden, Morning’s at Seven, Closer Than Ever, The Robber Bridegroom, Prelude to a Kiss, They're Playing Our Song, Enter the Guardsman, Cabaret, and Blood Brothers. Andy has volunteered for a number of jobs at CP, including conducting stage manager workshops.

Maureen Mitchell (Properties Designer) Maureen is excited about working with the CP production team of The White Rose as a firsttime properties designer. She was costume designer for CP’s summer “Generations” series of short plays and has worked on other CP productions. She is a graduate of Boston College, with a BA in Communications and Theatre, and has participated in the “From Page to Stage” production program at the Kennedy Center. Maureen has worked in radio news, TV engineering and operations, advertising, newspapers, and publishing, and also loves to perform. She has been seen in shows with ASGT, 2nd Star, Opera AACC, and “Broadway in Annapolis” shows produced by Live Arts Maryland. Her acting highlights include work as a TV extra with Viola Davis on the “How to Get Away with Murder” pilot and acting workshops at HB Studio in New York. She sang solo with church groups, performed at The White House during Christmas, and sang with a Capitol Hill Chorale tour in Prague, the Czech Republic, and Wittenberg, Germany. Maureen sings with the Annapolis Chorale and has previously performed with the Congressional Chorus and Hexagon, Inc. She recently completed her paralegal certification and presently studies voice at the Peabody Preparatory. She thanks director Alex Brady, the wonderful production team, CP officers, our loyal audiences, and her family for their unwavering support. "The time is now!"

Ernie Morton (Lighting Designer) Ernie is back as lighting designer for The White Rose after designing lights for last season's productions of Silent Sky and Towards Zero at The Colonial Players and Songs for a New World at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. He has also stage managed a dozen shows at CP, most recently A Christmas Carol and The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Bill Reinhardt (Sound Designer) Bill started in theatrical sound and lighting at community theaters in 1999, and most recently was the sound designer for Mamma Mia at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre and the designer for Rumors at The Colonial Players. He owned a professional sound and video company for ten years and enjoys the arts throughout the area. He is thrilled to be collaborating on The White Rose with such a talented team, and looks forward to many more years working on theatrical sound and lighting

Dona Weingarten (Producer) Dona has managed two Colonial Players' Promising Playwright Contests, the most recent of which progressed to a world premier summer production of Job Loss Figures by 2017 contest winner Andrea Fleck Clardy. Prior to becoming a very busy teacher (grades 6-12) for 30 years, Dona worked behind the scenes at Montgomery Players, Silver Spring Stage, and Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre as a lighting designer and technician. She is excited about working with the very talented staff and cast of The White Rose, an important play about young Germans' resistance to Adolf Hitler during World War II.

Written by Joseph Kesselring
Directed by Dave Carter
Produced by Judi Wobensmith
September 13 - October 5, 2019
Run time: 2h 15m
(including intermission)

The Brewster family is a once-elite American bloodline that has now descended into homicidal insanity. Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic and the most ostensibly normal of his clan, is forced to cover up for his sadistic kin while being torn between family loyalty and his desire to marry the woman he loves. Exploring motifs of family loyalty, nature versus nurture, and whether we can ever truly break away from our family’s influence, Arsenic and Old Lace is a dark, screwball comedy declared one of the funniest plays ever by the New York Times.

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

About the Playwright

Joseph Otto Kesselring was an American playwright best known for Arsenic and Old Lace, a hit comedy that ran for 1,444 performances on Broadway from 1941 to 1944. Kesselring was born in New York City in 1902 and spent much of his life in and around the theater. After a two-year stint as a vocal music teacher at Bethel College, he left that Mennonite institution and began working as a freelance playwright in 1933. He completed 12 original plays, four of which were produced on Broadway: There's Wisdom in Women, Arsenic and Old Lace, Four Twelves Are 48, and Mother of That Wisdom. Arsenic and Old Lacewas an international hit, running for 1,337 performances in London, and became a staple on the high school, community, and dinner theater circuits. The movie version, released in 1944, was also a comedy hit.

About the Director

Dave Carter is excited to be back directing the opening show of the season for The Colonial Players. He is honored and humbled and couldn’t be more pleased to be directing the classic Arsenic and Old Lace. Dave trained with Citrus Theatre as well as the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and has been seen on the CP stage in shows such as Communicating Doors, A Few Good Men, and, most recently, as “The Stiff” in Lucky Stiff. He also assistant directed Taking Steps, Boeing Boeing, and The Liar, a Ruby Griffith Award winner. Dave’s most recent directorial accomplishments were The Cripple of Inishmaan and Sex with Strangers. Dave would like to acknowledge his all-star cast and crew. He could not imagine going into the production that he would have a chance to work with a group of people so amazingly talented. It has truly been a pleasure. Lastly, Dave sends out a very special thank you to his family and friends for encouraging him in the craft he loves and for understanding, “I can’t. I Have Rehearsal.”

Director's Notes

In directing what may be my last show for a long time at The Colonial Players, as I will be moving to the great state of Washington next year and eventually back to my home state of Montana, I knew I wanted to do something big. So what better way than to take on one of the all-time classic comedies from the 1940s. Farce is my ultimate favorite genre, and what I love about Arsenic and Old Lace is that it is the type of comedy that is, as I like to call it, “almost farce.” It lingers just below the edge of farce but has boundaries that you can’t cross as you can in a true farce. The characters are extraordinary characters in an ordinary situation who don’t know they are extraordinary. The Brewsters have lived with insanity in the family so long that to them, this is just how family life is, and their world colliding with the real world creates a comedy that is unto itself hilarious. As a director, I didn’t want to do the same old Arsenic as it has been done over and over again, and I challenged myself to try to find a way to make it different while not destroying the classic comedy loved by so many. My first thought was maybe using the style of acting found in many 1940s films, more like what we have come to call, as a cast and crew, “acting with manners.” As I lay one night thinking about it, I fell into slumber, only to awaken the next morning, open my eyes, and say aloud, literally, “Oh my God. That’s It.” Who knew that in order to refresh a classic you could go retro instead of modernizing it, yet use modern technology in order to do so. What you will see tonight is a vision of one and a collaboration of many. I learned more as a director on this project than I ever had before. I learned what I can and can’t ask of a crew, and I learned to push back when I was told told something was not possible. Without them and their talents and patience and imagination, I could never have pulled off this huge undertaking. I am so proud of everyone who has worked on this show and brought my dream to life. The power of one may be great, but the power of many can move mountains. So sit back, relax, get ready to laugh out loud and be transported back to a time when black and white ruled the big screen.

– DAVID CARTER 

The Cast

Bernadette Arvidson (Abby Brewster) - Bernadette has been performing for many years in countless shows and thoroughly enjoys the beautiful ride that is: Live Theatre! Bern was last seen onstage at The Colonial Players as Dottie in Good People. Some of her favorite roles include Rita in Educating Rita, Belinda in Noises Off; and Juanita in Sordid Lives, a role that garnered her a Washington Area Theatre Community Honors Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a play. Bernie thanks the cast and crew for working diligently all summer, rehearsing and preparing the show for the pleasure of the Annapolis community. “We do it for you! Break a leg, my friends, and enjoy the show! “ Nana dedicates this performance to her beautiful new grandson, Ben.

Dann Alagna (Mortimer Brewster) - Originally from New York but raised in South Florida, Dann first found the stage at age12-ish and never looked back! Dann has performed in over 30 community theater productions and is thrilled to be back in-the-round for the sixth time! Past CP credits include Rumors, 33 Variations, Earth and Sky, and It's a Wonderful Life in addition to his WATCH-nominated turn as Zed the Village Idiot in Cinderella Waltz. Non CP credits include Cheaper by the Dozen, Grease, Greetings, and Hot L Baltimore. Dann is the director of Free Range Improv in Annapolis, winner of three consecutive Rammie Awards from Rams Head Onstage for best comedy show of the year. Dann is grateful to be included on the stage with such an amazing ensemble cast and thanks Director Dave Carter for this opportunity and for his friendship. Dann dedicates this performance to his parents, Phil and Diane, who will be coming from Florida to be in the audience. "Momm and Dadd, you did everything right! I love you!” For Carol and Dick, thank you.”

Bill Deck (Officer Brophy) - Bill has performed in four productions with The Colonial Players and was last seen here as the light-hearted Captain Whittaker in A Few Good Men in 2014. 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 feeds the soul, and he looks forward to performing with a yet another wonderful cast. He would like to thank Elizabeth Schiro for help and support in creating Officer Brophy. “Thank you to Dave Carter and The Colonial Players for this opportunity.”

John Halmi (Teddy Brewster) - John is excited to return to The Colonial Players, where he played the title role in Shipwrecked! The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself), Bobby in Company, and Valmont in Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Other local credits include Kiss Me, Kate (General Howell, Live Arts Maryland); Once Upon a Mattress (Dauntless, Live Arts Maryland); The Last Five Years (Jamie, Dignity Players); and Mr. Marmalade (Bradley, Standing O Productions). John has performed in several productions with City Center’s acclaimed Encores! Series in New York City and has also been seen at Carnegie Hall, the Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, and on London’s West End. He is a graduate of The University of Michigan’s musical theater program. When not on the stage, John is a mathematics teacher for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. “Thanks, as always, to Dave for his incredible support and love.”

Larry Levinson (Mr. Gibbs/Lt. Rooney) - Arsenic and Old Lace marks Larry’s debut at The Colonial Players. A 30- year veteran of the WashingtonBaltimore theater scene, he most recently appeared as Jefferson Davis in Black Confederates in both the DC and Baltimore Fringe Festivals (with Colonial Players President Shirley Panek). His favorite roles include Aaranow (Glengary Glen Ross), Paul Grunman (Mother, May I), Abe Moscovitz (The Interview), Frank (Detroit, Best Baltimore Small Theater production, 2015), and, best of all, a dead theater critic (The Real Inspector Hound). “Jeff and Shirley – Love yooz guys.”

Steve Mangum (Officer O’Hara) - Steve is thrilled to return to The Colonial Players in one of his favorite plays of all time. A familiar face in local theater, he last appeared here as a Marine in A Few Good Men. Steve’s recent credits include Eugene in Crazy For You at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, Roscoe Dexter in Singin’ in the Rain at 2nd Star Productions, and Ambrogio in The Barber of Seville at the Annapolis Opera. By day, Steve works at the Broadneck Branch of Anne Arundel County Public Library as an Early Literacy Specialist and storyteller. Steve thanks Dave and the cast and crew for this phenomenal experience and his family and friends for their love and support.

Brooks Schandelmeier (Jonathan Brewster) - Brooks is excited to be in his first production at The Colonial Players after a 10-year hiatus from theater. He currently performs improv comedy with Free Range Improv and stand-up comedy in DC and Baltimore.

Bob "Gunslinger" Singer (The Rev. Dr. Harper/ Mr. Witherspoon) - Bob is a systems engineer working at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. His career in thespace business is eclipsed in length only by his hobby of performance art. Since starting in 1973, he has performed onstage, screen, TV, radio, and now the internet. Bob has been in more than 46 movies and television shows, from Year One to Love Different, and from Evil Stepmothers to House of Cards. Onstage, Bob has performed in more than 40 dramas, comedies, and musicals and was last seen in Towards Zero at The Colonial Players as Inspector Leach. This is Bob's second production with CP, so it's only appropriate he plays two characters. He hopes you enjoy the performance of the cast and crew in this classic comedy.

Mary Suib (Martha Brewster) - Mary is new to the The Colonial Players and Annapolis and is delighted with both. Mary has been involved in a wide variety of theater activities and has loved participating in them all. Favorite stage roles include Violet in August: Osage County and Kate in All My Sons. Film has offered opportunities to be a flesh-eating vampire and a know-it-all church secretary. Darcy, the Whippet, is a loyal companion who is assisting in learning lines.

Steve Tobin (Dr. Einstein) - Steve has mostly been sitting in the director's chair for the last 25 years, but is thrilled to be finally appearing in a production of Arsenic and Old Lace  after all this time – especially with such a fun cast and crew. Steve's only other CP acting stint was as the yellow-eyed Jacob Marley in 2016's A Christmas Carol. As a director, Steve led CP's Ruby Griffith Award-winning The Liar in 2015 (with Dave and Sarah), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike in 2017, and last season's 80's Shakespeare extravaganza, The Merry Wives of Windsor. Steve did his professional acting apprenticeship at The NJ Shakespeare Festival, and his favorite (very) past acting roles include Ken Harrison in Whose Life is it Anyway?, John Merrick in The Elephant Man, and Florizel in The Winter's Tale. In his spare time Steve enjoys being with his family, embarrassing his daughter with endless “Dad Jokes,” and watching Sumo wrestling. ”As always, gratitude and love to Jo, Diana, Mary Frances, Jeannie, and Dad.”

Jack Venton (Officer Klein) - Jack is an Annapolis-based actor, appearing recently in AACC's productions of Romeo and Juliet and Dragon Hunting Support Group. He is excited to step back into community theater, and would like to extend warm thanks to his friends and family for their support.

Sarah Wade (Elaine Harper) - Sarah is thrilled to be back onstage with Arsenic and Old Lace. Most recently, she had the honor of directing last season's A Christmas Carol. Prior CP credits include Honey in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (for which she won a WATCH award for Best Supporting Actress); Gabriella in Boeing Boeing; Cecily Cardew in Ernest in Love; twins Sabine and Isabelle in The Liar; multiple roles in A Christmas Carol; Catherine in These Shining Lives; the Star-to-be in Annie; Jessica in Communicating Doors; and Kitty in Taking Steps. She has also been behind the scenes as a sound designer for Sex with Strangers, Calendar Girls, Watch on the Rhine, and Side Man. " Thanks to everyone for understanding that I can't, I have rehearsal. Love always to Eric."

The Production Staff

Lois Banscher (Properties Designer) Lois joined The Colonial Players 10 years ago because she enjoyed the staged performances and wanted to learn something new…just for the fun of it, and to see what these creative theater people were all about. Her first introduction was to JoAnn Gidos, who became Lois’ “props guru,” and little did she know that a journey was to begin. Since, Lois has propped on over 20 productions and received three WATCH nominations and an award for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf in 2016. Each production presents new challenges, and that’s what makes it interesting. Thanks to everyone involved, and welcome to Sarah Irving, who has joined the Arsenic and Old Lace prop team journey. But most of all kudos to Director Dave Carter and his dream! Bully, Bully!

David Cooper (Sound Designer) After a 20-year hiatus, David has been re-engaging in the theater community and is thrilled to be involved with another show at The Colonial Players. He has performed in, provided behind-the-scenes support for, and been sound designer for a number of shows during the last two seasons. “Thanks and break a leg to the cast and crew of Arsenic and Old Lace!”

Drea Lynn (Costume Designer) Drea Lynn has been involved in performing arts in and around the Annapolis area for over 35 years as a performer, artist, entertainer, and instructor with numerous local, regional, and national companies. She is pleased to return to The Colonial Players as costume designer for this new twist on a classic show! Production credits for Colonial include lighting design for Dog Logic; producer for The Unexpected Guest, the shape of things, Earth and Sky, and A Christmas Carol; and, most recently, award-winning costume design for 1776. She has appeared onstage in Jekyll & Hyde, Assassins, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and the Ruby Griffith award-winning production of Enter the Guardsman. When not working with theater, Drea can be found singing with her band Wheelhouse Rock Band throughout Maryland.

Jeff Mocho (Assistant Director) Jeff Mocho is excited and kind of nervous being on this side of the casting table. It has been a long while since he last directed, and he would like to thank Dave Carter for the opportunity to be a part of this production. Most recently, he appeared at The Colonial Players as Master Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Other roles at CP include Tom Novacheck in Venus in Fur and one crazy weekend as Lt. Kaffee in A Few Good Men. “Much love to Shirley, Emma, Alice. Thank you for letting me share this life with you. Special thanks to Mom and Dad, who are here all the way from Albuquerque, NM just to see the show! No Pressure.”

Shirley Panek (Stage Manager/Understudy (Elaine)) Shirley has been spending more time backstage than onstage recently and is happy to stage manage such a talented and fun cast. Previous production credits include stage manager (1776, Bat Boy, Venus in Fur, Nine, A New Brain); producer (33 Variations, Sex with Strangers); and lighting designer (Calendar Girls, Cripple of Inishmaan, Clue - The One Week Musical Project, A Few Good Men, Dead Man's Cell Phone, Trying, Moonlight and Magnolias, and 2012 WATCH nominee Chapter Two) - all at Colonial Players. Love to J, A, & E.

Pam Peach (Makeup/Hair Designer) Pam is no stranger to The Colonial Players, having worked here as both an actor and wig and makeup designer. After an absence from the arts of almost 10 years, she is happy to return to her roots. Previously a staff wig designer for Olney Theatre and Toby's Dinner Theatre, she also designed or maintained wigs and makeup for the Eisenhower Theater and National Opera Company at the Kennedy Center, Theater J, Rep Stage, Everyman Theatre, Folger Shakespeare Theatre, University of Maryland Theatre Department, Maryland Opera Studio, and her personal favorite, maintaining Santa's wigs and beards for Macy's Santaland in NYC. Currently her passions are being an accessories stylist and team leader with Premier Designs Jewelry and crazy cat mom who will gladly share pet pictures even if you don't ask.

Paul Webster (Lighting Designer) Paul is excited to be returning to The Colonial Players as a lighting designer! He studied Theater at Drew University and began work as a lighting designer for the inaugural season of the Compass Rose Studio Theater in Annapolis, lighting shows like Lost In Yonkers, The Miracle Worker, and Oliver!. After living in North Carolina for five years, Paul is thrilled to be back behind the light board!

Judi Wobensmith (Producer) Judi has been involved in many productions in the Annapolis/DC area both onstage and offstage since 1979. She has produced shows at The Colonial Players, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, and Petrucci’s, to name a few. Two of her CP productions were nominated for WATCH Awards. Previous directing credits include: A Christmas Carol (four times at CP), The Music Man, Gigi, The King and I, Carnival, Marriages, Something’s Afoot (at Colonial Players and 2nd Star Productions), The Sunshine Boys, and Mrs. California among others. She has served three terms on the Board of Directors at CP and two terms as production director at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre and Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. Judi has also appeared in various TV commercials and documentaries as well as on MPT. She spends her spare time working at the House of Delegates in Annapolis. She thanks all the production staffs, past and present, for giving unstintingly to all the productions on which they have worked. But then, every volunteer at CP invests a lot of time and love. Judi would like to thank her husband, John, for supporting her in all of her theater forays.