The Colonial Players, Inc.

CP 24 St Nick Marquee

Written by Lowell Swortzell
With a Holiday Showcase and Direction by Joe Thompson
Performance Dates: December 5 - 15, 2024
Run time: 1h 15m
(no intermission)

Join us this December at the Thomas family holiday party, where the descendants of Clement Clarke Moore like to reenact the creation of his most famous poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas", and how it was almost lost to the annals of time.

With a Holiday Showcase from Joe Thompson, this is a holiday party that everyone wants to attend and everyone will enjoy.

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

About the Director

Joe was rescued and raised by the Annapolis theater community, especially CP, and has been involved since he was about fourteen years old. He hasn't appeared on stage for a while - his last on stage role was the role of McNair in 1776 - but he loves directing and sound design, and writing and teaching. Joe’s most recent involvement was designing original scores for Marjorie Prime, here at CP, and The Returned, which was a Fringe festival original play written and directed by his son and daughter (Martin and Leslie Thompson) and co-produced by The Colonial Players. Before that Joe directed The Lost Boy here at CP in 2022. Other shows Joe has directed at CP include Annie, Company, Battle of Shallowford, Dearly Departed, and A Christmas Carol. He has also directed Disney's Beauty and the Beast, a collection of his original short plays entitled Say What, and The Canterville Ghost for Annapolis Children's Theater. Currently Joe is working on a new album of original music, to be released in January. Unlike his previous cds, this one is not children's music. Some of his music is available to stream for free at www.imaginesongs.com

Director's Notes

First off, thank you for joining in our celebration of Christmas and other December holidays. As the song says "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" Most December holidays celebrate light in some form. From Hanukkah candles to Christmas trees to Yule logs, we find joy and comfort in knowing that even at the longest nights of the year, there is light. That light represents hope, spiritual truth, and joy. The joy of connecting with loved ones and friends - to share what we have and what we know.I have had a blast with this show, working with friends old and new. Especially my assistant director and my stage manager, Hannah and Barbara, without whom this play would never have taken off. Special thanks as well to my producer Tim. Producers never get the recognition they deserve for all the many things they do to make the show a success. A special shout out to the mother and daughter duo Lesley and Emma Miller who brought calm professionalism to the rehearsals when we needed it most. And truth be told, Emma does my Yule song better than I ever could.A long time ago I was told that CP didn't do children's shows. But I pointed out that it is a community theater and a community needs children. So to our youngest cast members, thank you. You give us joy and keep us young. A few last call outs - Beth Terranova for her exuberant support and guidance, Erica Miller (our play consultant) for her eagle eyes and positive support during rehearsals, and to our dramaturg Mary Helen Pryal, Sarah Wade, Amy Atha-Nicholls and all those who transformed the lobby into a joyous and informative Holiday Wonderland.Now I have to stop writing and go buy some presents. So Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night. And yes Virginia, there most definitely is a Santa Clause. — JOE THOMPSON

The Cast

Julia Allmon (Max) - Julia is thrilled to be making her debut with The Colonial Players in the role of Max! She lives in the Baltimore area and is an active 7th-grade student at Odyssey. Previous roles include Matilda in Matilda the Musical Jr. and Alice in Alice in Wonderland the Musical Jr. at Odyssey Middle School. She is excited to be working alongside such a talented cast and is deeply grateful for this opportunity. Julia would like to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support and love.

Lesley (Miller) Baust (Mrs. Thomas / Mother - Alice Moore) - Lesley is so happy to be back on the CP stage! She was last seen here in 2022 as Maureen O’Rourke in The Lost Boy, and has been in many other productions over the years. She dedicates her performance to her biggest fan, her mother Susan, who sadly passed away this year. Huge thanks to Joe for giving her the opportunity to share the stage with her super talented daughter Emma (playing Janine/Harriet), the cast and crew for being such fun to work with, and to her wonderful husband Darryl for always being supportive of her creative endeavors! Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Tom Bethards (Mr. Blumenthal) - Tom is thrilled to appearing in this delightful holiday show! His previous roles at CP include: 1776 (Mr. Morris), Annie (Mr. Bundles/ensemble), A Christmas Carol (Dick Wilkins/Party Guest), The Merry Wives of Windsor (Boy George/Servant John or Robert), and Wit (Surly Technician). He has also appeared on stage at Silhouette Stages, The Little Theatre Of Alexandria, the Bowie Playhouse, and Howard County Summer Theater. In addition, he made his debut as a screen actor recently, in an interactive exhibit for the White House Historical Association. Tom is also an accomplished singer, currently as a bass in the Annapolis Chorale. He would like to thank Joe, the cast and crew, and his family for all of their support.

George W. King III (Mr. Brown / Santa Claus) - This is George’s second show with The Colonial Players, having previously appeared in Freaky Friday (Grandpa). He most recently performed in Oklahoma at Heritage Harbour (Curly). Other roles include The Wizard of Oz (The Wizard), and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Mayor August May Who) with Pasadena Theatre Company, and Bright Star (Daddy Murphy) with Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. He’s also performed locally with Woods Presbyterian Church in Jesus Christ Superstar (Priest/Mob Leader) and will appear in their spring show The Hunchback of Notre Dame (King Louis XI). George would like to thank his wife, Ameeta and their two sons, George IV & Rudy, for all their love and support!

Evie Kopicki (Elizabeth) - This is Evie's first production with The Colonial Players. She is so excited to be joining the show and helping spread Christmas cheer! Evie is in third grade and loves to paint, ride her bike, and cook. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Mila Kopicki (Hanna / Charity Moore) - Mila is thrilled to be performing again with The Colonial Players. She made her debut performance with CP last year as Fanny in A Christmas Carol, and is ready to spread more holiday cheer! Mila has also appeared in her elementary school productions of Go Fish, and Go West, as well as a production of High School Musical with CTA, and mentored in Annie for The Penguin Project. When she is not on stage, Mila loves singing, dancing, and making people laugh. She would like to thank Joe, Hannah, and Barb for making this show so fun. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Amelia Lang (Layla / Margaret Moore) - Amelia is thrilled to be making her debut with The Colonial Players in this production. She was most recently seen on stage in 2nd Star’s production of Matilda. She will next be seen with the Prince George’s County’s Middle/High School Honors Theatre Ensemble at various venues throughout the county in the Spring. Thanks to everyone supporting Amelia and this production, on stage and off. Merry Christmas!

Emma Miller (Janine / Harriet Butler) - Emma is delighted to be returning to The Colonial Players stage! And she is so happy to be sharing the stage with her mother once again! She was recently seen as Heather Chandler in Heathers, and Janis in Mean Girls at Stage and Screen Studios, and as Judy Bernly in 9 to 5 at Broadneck High School. She is excited to announce her upcoming performance as Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress at Broadneck High School! Happy Holidays!

Michael Carlton Smith (Mr Thomas / Father - Clement Clark Moore) - Michael Carlton Smith is CEO and Executive Music Consultant of Carlton Smith Music, an artist management consulting and music production agency. Michael received his start in the music industry as a DJ in New York City. He performed as a DJ and radio Personality across multiple radio stations and would later take on the role as manager of an independent music collective based out of New York. Michael appeared on projects listed in Amazon Studios, MSG Networks and BET. In 2019 he appeared in the Netflix Documentary Hip-Hop Evolution. Michael created the first music business curriculum for Anne Arundel Community College. A member of the Recording Academy, Michael served as a lead for the Academy’s public advocacy team and worked with Maryland Representative Dutch Ruppersberger to help pass the Music Modernization Act. Most recently Michael's foray into acting earned him the 2024 Baltimore 48hour Film Festival Best Actor Award for the short film "Who's There". A Visit from St. Nicholas is Michael's first theatrical performance.

Grace Evangeline Wenzel (Becca / Benjamin Moore) - Grace is eleven years old. She is excited to be a part of her first production with The Colonial Players. Her past performances have include Alice in Alice in Wonderland at Compass Rose Theater; Amanda Thripp in Matilda Jr. at JAPA; and Gretl in The Sound of Music at 2nd Star Productions. She has also been a member of the Washington Revels Children's Choir. In her free time Grace enjoys, swim team, chess, and reading. Grace would like to thank her family and everyone at The Colonial Players for making this such a great experience.

The Production Staff

Kimberly Barker (Props Designer) - Kimberly is excited to be back at The Colonial Players for A Visit from St. Nicholas. She most recently designed the props for 2nd Star Productions' Sister Act, and Urinetown. She also designed props for CP's Tartuffe. Kimberly has Music Directed many shows including Into the Woods, and Godspell (twice!) and directed shows including Fiddler on the Roof and Little Women, the Broadway Musical, along with roles on the stage, most recently as Sister Margaretta in The Sound of Music at 2nd Star. Kimberly owns and operates Barker Studios360 teaching private voice lessons in her home studio, and with AACPS APEX Arts. She has a degree in Vocal Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory.

Tim Brown (Producer) - Tim is returning to CP after a three-year hiatus and is thrilled to be back behind the scenes at his favorite theater. Previously, Tim stage managed, helped with lights and construction, and produced several shows. He finds that volunteering behind the scenes gives him a much greater understanding and appreciation of all of the aspects off-stage that make a play possible. That extra knowledge, he says, enriches his experience as an audience member.

Hannah Geib (Assistant Director) - Hannah is thrilled to be involved with her second CP production, this time around as an Assistant Director rather than performer. This is her first stage directing opportunity and she is grateful to The Colonial Players for the fantastic learning experience. Outside of directing, she has been involved with theater for many years as an actor and appeared most recently as Marianne in CP’s 2023 production of Tartuffe. She has also previously performed in shows with Building Better People Productions and Compass Rose Theater's Young Actors Studio in Annapolis. Hannah would like to thank Joe for his mentorship, kindness, and sense of humor; Barb for her diligence, wit and knowledge of dance; and the entire cast for being so lovely and for their willingness to have fun! She would also like to thank her family and Nicholas as always for their love and support of all her endeavors.

Barbara Kalafos (Stage Manager) - Barbara has worked most aspects of theater over the last 11 years, following her daughters’ interest from elementary school to college. She has worked with The Colonial Players the last couple of years, continuing to learn the art of theater. The work and dedication of the CP family never ceases to amaze! She is always grateful to her family for their love, support and encouragement!

Ernie Morton (Lighting Designer) - Ernie is the lighting designer.

Linda Ridge (Costume Designer) - Linda is happy to be working with her second production under the direction of Joe Thompson. She has spent the last 10 years costuming for the Annapolis Area Christian High School’s 3-4 productions a year. She has also worked in other community theatres costuming with Laurel Mill, The Salem Players, Spotlighters Theatre and recently with ASGT’s production of Big Fish this past summer. Linda is a nurse with the Oncology department at University of Maryland. She loves working with the creative and talented people at CP!