Merrily We Roll Along presented by First Act Theatre Arts

PRESENTS

Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Book by GEORGE FURTH

Based on the original play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart

Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

Originally Directed on Broadway by Harold Prince

Originally produced on Broadway by Lord Grade, Martin Starger, Robert Fryer and Harold Prince in association with Ruth Mitchell and Howard Haines

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Jana Latchaw Milbourn Director

Andrew Schmidt Music Director

Matt Edwards

Rehearsal Accompanist

Becky Ochoa Lighting Designer

Becky Ochoa Assistant Director/Stage Manager

Nick Perry Choreographer

Becky Talken Production Coordinator

Joel Gray Sound Designer

from the director

Dreams don't die, so keep an eyeonyourdream (And before youknow where youare, there you are)

Time goes by and hopes go dry

But you still can try for your dream

Tend your dream (How does it happen?)

Dreams take time (Once, it was all so clear)

Time goes by (How can you get so far off the track?)

Why don't you turn around and go back?

Bend your dream (How does it happen?

Where is the moment?)

With the road (How can you miss it? Isn't it clear?)

How can you let it slip out of gear?

How did you ever get there from here?

WheneverItrytoexpresstheimportanceofthisshowinafewwords,Isimplyfallshort.It’s toolayered,toonuanced,toospecificandpersonaltoeachpersonwhoexperiencesit.Itruly believeyouwillwalkawayfromthistheaterwithalottothinkabout,anditmaybedifferent fromwhatresonateswithmeorwithwhomeveryouaresittingnextto-whichinitselfisso beautiful Nonetheless,Iwilltrymybesttocommunicateafewpointsthatfeelimpactfuland importanttome

WhenIfirstreadthesynopsisofMerrilyWeRollAlong,Ithought,“Howtragic”Andatfirst glance,itis

Thisisastoryofafriendshipthatbeginsonarooftopin1957,wherethreerecentcollege graduatesgathertoseeSputnik,thefirstsatellite,asymbolofthebrightfutureinstorefor them Itendsindisillusionanddisappointment,thefriendseachintheirownwayshaving failedtorealizethosebrightfutures Thestoryisplayedbackward,anditisofmyopinionthat we’renotjustseeingtimemovebackward,butwe’reseeingFrank’sreflectiononhislifeas heaskshimselfthequestion,“HowdidIgettobehere?”Wewatchastimemoves backwardsandseetheexactchoices-theexactmoments-thatledFranktowhereheis now Weseethecauseandeffectofhisdecisions,actionsandinactionsandhowthey impacthisrelationships,hisdreams,hislife

So Yes “Howtragic,”iscorrect AND Ibelievethisstoryoffersanenormousamountof wisdom(andhope)ifwelookalittlecloser

Ifwe’renotcareful,andwedonottaketimetopauseandreflect,ifwedonotlistento thewisdomofthosewetrust,ifwedonotlookatourselvesinthemirror,werisk missingoutonrealizingouractionsorwordswerenotwhatwemeant,werisk abandoningourdreams-thedreamsthatalwayslivewithinus.Weriskmissing opportunitiestomendrelationships,ourliferollsby,andbeforeweknowit-we’ve losteverything.

Post-ShowReflection:I’dliketochallengeyoutotaketimetonightortomorrowtoreflecton whatyousawthisevening-takeamomenttoconnectwithyourselforwithafriend.Howdid yougettobehere?Whatdoesthisshowandstorystirupinyou?Perhapsitremindedyouof achildhooddreamandyouwanttorevisitit Maybeyou’velivedyourlifeinsurvivalmode andhaveyettogiftyourselfsometimetolookbackandevaluate,reflectandredirect Maybe itremindedyouofadearfriendyouhaven’tspokentoinyears,andyougivethemacall Whateveritmaybe,howincrediblyextraordinaryitisthatthisisyourveryown-unique, messy,vulnerable,beautiful,nuanced,important,don’t-blink-or-you-might-miss-it-human experience.

Thankyouforjoiningus.

JanaLatchawMilbourn Director

artistic team

Jana, Andrew, Becky, & Nick (Not Pictured)

Musical numbers

ACT ONE

PROLOGUE

"Overture"……….....................................................................................................Orchestra

"Merrily We Roll Along".....................................................................................Company

SCENE ONE - 1976 - Frank’s Apartment - Bel Air, California

"That Frank"...........................................................................................................Company

"Transition 1"……...................................................................................................Company

SCENE TWO - 1973 - NBC Studios

"Old Friends –– Like it Was"…...............................................................Mary & Charley

"Franklin Shepard, Inc."..........................................................................................Charley

"Transition 2"……...................................................................................................Company

SCENE THREE - 1968 - Frank’s Apartment - NYC

"Old Friends"……….......................................................................Mary, Frank, & Charley

"Growing Up –– Part 1"……….................….................................................................Frank

"Growing Up –– Part 2"…........................................................................................Gussie

"Transition 3"…......................................................................................................Company

SCENE FOUR - 1967 - Manhattan Courthouse - NYC

"Not a Day Goes By"…..................................................................................................Beth

"Now You Know"…...............................................................................................Company

Musical numbers

ACT TWO

SCENE ONE - 1964 - Alvin Theatre - NYC

"Act 2 –– Opening"………...........................................................................................Gussie

"It’s a Hit" Joe, Frank, Mary, Beth, & Charley

"Transition 4".........................................................................................................Company

SCENE TWO - 1962 - Gussie and Joe’s Brownstone - NYC

"The Blob –– Part 1"............................................................................................Company

"The Blob –– Part 2"……....................................................................Company & Gussie

"Growing Up"……........................................................................................................Gussie

"The Blob –– Part 3" Company

"Good Thing Going"……..........................................................................Charley & Frank

"The Blob –– Part 4"…….....................Charley, Frank, Dory, Gussie, Joe, & Guests

"Transition 5"……...................................................................................................Company

SCENE THREE - 1960 - NBC Studios

"Bobby and Jackie and Jack"…..................................Charley, Frank, Beth, & Pianist

"Not a Day Goes By –– Act 2" Beth, Mary, & Frank

"Transition 6"…….............................................................................................Tyler & Dory

SCENE FOUR - 1957-1959 - NYC

"Opening Doors"………............................Charley, Frank, Mary, Joe, 1st Girl, & Beth

"Transition 7"……….................…...................................Beth, Frank Jr., & Mrs. Spencer

SCENE FIVE - 1957 - A Rooftop on 110th Street - NYC

"Our Time –– Part 1" Frank & Charley

"Our Time –– Part 2"…............................................................................Frank & Charley

"Our Time –– Part 3"…........................................................................................Company

cast of characters

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Jacob Banman.....................................................................................TV Host, Ensemble

Lakyn Bradley..............................................................................................K.T., Ensemble

Logan Burns………......................................................................................Tyler, Ensemble

Devin Cunagin………..................................................................................Charley Kringas

Kade Day……….....................................................................................................Mary Flynn

Cole Edwards……….................................................................................Franklin Shepard

Mya Evans………...............................................Bunker, Featured Dancer, & Ensemble

Jason James……….........................................................................Mr. Spencer, Ensemble

Lily Jensen Photographer, Ensemble

Issy Kiser………........................................................................................Jerome, Ensemble

Grace Mackay………..............................Meg Kincaid, Featured Dancer, & Ensemble

Nash McGinness-Wood………..............................................................................Frank Jr.

Jeremiah Okken……….........................................................Scotty, Pianist, & Ensemble

Meredith Pickard………..................................1st Girl, Featured Dancer, & Ensemble

Rachel Pishny……….............................................................................TV Host, Ensemble

Caroline Powell Stage Manager, Ensemble

Solomon Puckett.........................................................................................Joe Josephson

Brie Quinlan................................................................................Mrs. Spencer, Ensemble

Mary Rosa...................................................................................................Dory, Ensemble

Rowan Sopher...............................................................................................Ru, Ensemble

Melody Steffen....................................Terry, Evelyn, Featured Dancer, & Ensemble

Kaitlyn Talken.................................................................................................................Beth

Jadyn Valentine...............................................Make-Up Artist, Minister, & Ensemble

Brenna White Gussie Carnegie

ORCHESTRA ROSTER

Reed 1................................................................................................................Mike Steffen

Reed 2................................................................................................................Cheryl Parisi

Reed 3………...................................................................................................Amy Schwartz

Reed 4………........................................................................................................Holly Hague

Synthesizer………......................................................................................Deana Wagoner

Piano……….....................................................................................................Maddie Jenkins

Drums………........................................................................................................Nick Heffner

Bass………..........................................................................................................Lucas Sander

Trumpet 1……….......................................................................................................Lee Hake

Trumpet 2 Sandi Harkins

Trombone……….................................................................................................Lucas Taylor

Meet the Cast

Jacob Banman as TV Host, Ensemble

Jacob is 16 years old and a sophomore at Blue Valley High School. This is his 19th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Jacob’s favorite role is Archie in 13 Off stage, Jacob enjoys reading, singing, and hanging out with friends. Jacob would like to thank the artistic team, his parents, and Jesus for blessing him with his gifts.

Lakyn Bradley as K.T., Ensemble

Lakyn is 17 years old and a senior at St. James Academy. This is her 3rd show with First Act Theatre Arts. Lakyn’s favorite roles include Wednesday in The Addams Family and Natalie in All Shook Up. Off stage, Lakyn enjoys writing, hanging out with friends, and watching YouTube. Lakyn would like to thank her mom and friends.

Logan Burns as Tyler, Ensemble

Logan is 17 years old and a homeschooled junior. This is his 20th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Logan’s favorite role is Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Logan’s only hobby is acting because #theaterislife Logan would like to thank his family, friends, and his cat.

Meet the Cast

Devin Cunagin as Charley Kringas

Devin is 17 years old and a junior at Olathe East. This is his 13th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Devin’s favorite roles include Lonny in Rock of Ages and Jesse Tuck in Tuck Everlasting. Off stage, Devin enjoys sitting next to Brenna White at First Act Studios waiting for the next rehearsal, and also, juggling. Devin would like to thank his family, the amazing directing team and his best friend, Johnny. I love you bro, you’re my rock.

Kade Day as Mary Flynn

Kade is 17 years old and a senior at Anderson County High School. This is their 22nd show with First Act Theatre Arts Kade’s favorite roles include Molly Aster in Peter and the Starcatcher and Veta Simmons in Harvey. Off stage, Kade enjoys playing DnD and watching movies. Kade would like to thank their family and friends.

Meet the Cast

Cole Edwards as Franklin Shepard

Cole is 18 years old and a senior at Faith Christian Academy. This is his 21st show with First Act Theatre Arts. Cole’s favorite roles include Harold Hill in The Music Man, Javert in Les Misérables, Stage Manager in Our Town and this one! Off stage, Cole enjoys spending his time hanging out with friends, playing games, and reading. Cole would like to thank his friends and family for all the support they’ve given him over the years and most importantly, God for giving him this opportunity

Mya Evans as Bunker, Featured Dancer & Ensemble

Mya is 15 years old and a freshman at Lee’s Summit West High School. This is her 18th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Mya’s favorite roles include Katherine Blake in Freaky Friday and Mae Tuck in Tuck Everlasting. Off stage, Mya enjoys reading, putting together puzzles, and hanging out with friends. Mya would like to thank her family for their continued support, the directing team for giving her this opportunity, her vocal & acting coaches Hillary Talken, Patrick Graham, and Jana Latchaw Milbourn for helping her grow as an artist and most of all God, without whom none of this would be possible!

Jason James as Mr. Spencer, Ensemble

ason is 17 years old and a senior at St. James cademy. This is his 9th show with First Act heatre Arts. Jason’s favorite role is William Barfee

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. ff stage, Jason enjoys playing games and omposing. Jason would like to thank his vocal oach Matt Richardson.

Lily Jensen as Photographer, Ensemble

Lily is 17 years old and a senior at Mill Valley High School. This is her 13th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Lily’s favorite roles include Ethel Toffelmier in The Music Man and Mrs. White in Clue. Off stage, Lily enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her friends Lily would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her through everything.

Meet the Cast

Issy Kiser as Jerome, Ensemble

Issy is 17 years old and a senior at LEAD Innovation Studios. This is her 2nd show with First Act Theatre Arts. Issy’s favorite role is Ruth Kelly in Harvey. Off stage, Issy enjoys being around her family and friends! Issy would like to thank her mom, dad, all her siblings, and all her friends.

Grace Mackay as Meg Kincaid, Featured Dancer, Ensemble

Grace is 17 years old and a senior at St. Teresa’s Academy. This is her 13th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Grace’s favorite roles include Young Nala in The Lion King, Factory Soloist in Les Misérables, and Meg in Merrily We Roll Along. Off stage, Grace enjoys doing yoga, shopping, trying new coffee shops, and going to concerts. Grace would love to thank her family for supporting her in everything she does, her friends for constant encouragement, and God for the ability to do all these things.

Meet the Cast

Nash McGinness-Wood as Frank Jr.

Nash is 10 years old and a fourth grader at Rising Hill Elementary. This is his 8th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Nash’s favorite role is Winthrop Paroo in The Music Man. Off stage, Nash enjoys playing pool, video games, Legos, memorizing random sports facts, and eating. Nash would like to thank his directors and his family for all their support.

Jeremiah Okken as Scotty, Pianist, Ensemble

Jeremiah is 15 years old and a sophomore at Kansas City Christian School. This is his 16th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Jeremiah’s favorite role is Barnaby Tucker in Hello, Dolly! Off stage, Jeremiah enjoys playing guitar. Jeremiah would like to thank his parents for driving him crazy long distances

Meet the Cast

Meredith Pickard as 1st Girl, Featured Dancer, Ensemble

Meredith is 17 years old and a junior at Blue Springs South High School. This is her 15th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Meredith’s favorite role is Dan’s Wife in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Off stage, Meredith enjoys reading, working at Panera, getting coffee at 7Brew, and hanging out with the zesty besties Meredith would like to thank her friends and family for always being by her side.

Rachel Pishny as TV Host, Ensemble

Rachel is 14 years old and an eighth grader at Aubry Bend Middle School. This is her 8th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Rachel’s favorite role is Alma Hix in The Music Man and her favorite show is Peter and the Starcatcher. Off stage, Rachel enjoys singing, reading, singing with the Youth Chorus of Kansas City, swimming with her swim team, and did I mention singing? Rachel would like to thank her parents, God, her cats for being the laziest emotional support animals ever, and Jacob Banman for convincing her to do this show.

Caroline Powell as Stage Manager, Ensemble

Caroline is 14 and an eighth grader at Summit Lakes. This is her 6th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Caroline’s favorite roles are Betty Chumley and Miss Johnson in Harvey Off stage, Caroline enjoys wrestling. Caroline would like to thank her mom for putting her in First Act and her best friend, Ella.

Solomon Puckett as Joe Josephson

Solomon is 18 years old and a senior at Lincoln College Prep. This is his FIRST show with First Act Theatre Arts. WOO. Solomon’s favorite roles include Billy Cane in Bright Star and Amos Hart in Chicago. Off stage, Solomon enjoys playing guitar and piano, playing soccer, and spending time with his friends and family. Solomon would like to thank his family, his friends, Fritz Sullivan, and the great cast and crew of this show.

Meet the Cast

Brie Quinlan as Mrs. Spencer, Ensemble

Brie is 17 years old and a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. This is her 12th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Brie’s favorite role is Emily Webb in Our Town. Off stage, Brie enjoys reading and hanging out with her friends. Brie would like to thank her parents for always supporting her and her sisters for always being there for her.

Mary Rosa as Dory, Ensemble

Mary is 16 years old and a sophomore at St. James Academy. This is her 4th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Mary’s favorite roles include a War Woman in Les Misérables and a Barfly in All Shook Up. Off stage, Mary enjoys watching movies and hanging with her family. Mary would like to thank her family for always supporting her, anyone who had to drive her to rehearsal, and God for blessing her with so many gifts and talents.

Rowan Sopher as Ru, Ensemble

Rowan is 16 years old and a sophomore at Lee’s Summit North High School This is her 7th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Rowan’s favorite role is Winnie Foster in Tuck Everlasting. Off stage, Rowan enjoys spoiling her dog, going shopping, and driving her friends everywhere. Rowan would ike to thank the directing team, her vocal teacher, Ginger, her family, and friends

Meet the Cast

Melody Steffen as Terry, Evelyn, Featured Dancer, Ensemble

Melody is 17 years old and a senior at Liberty North High School. This is her 22nd show with First Act Theatre Arts. Melody’s favorite role is an Alabama Lamb in Big Fish. Off stage, Melody enjoys reading, writing, and playing the guitar. Melody would like to thank her family for always supporting her, the directors for giving her this opportunity, her First Act family for being the best friends ever, and God for everything.

Kaitlyn Talken as Beth

Kaitlyn is 16 years old and a homeschooled ophomore. This is her 23rd show with First Act Theatre Arts. Kaitlyn’s favorite role is Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly! Off stage, Kaitlyn enjoys watching old movie musicals, spending hours roaming the River Market Antique Store, and going on sister adventures Kaitlyn would like to hank her sisters and her parents.

Jadyn Valentine as Make-Up Artist, Minister, Ensemble

Jadyn is 16 years old and a sophomore at Kansas City Christian School. This is her 16th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Jadyn’s favorite role is a Waiter in Hello, Dolly! Off stage, Jadyn enjoys playing volleyball and soccer, reading books, hanging out with friends, writing poetry, playing piano and ukulele, and watching various TV shows. Jadyn would like to thank her mom, dad, sister, and all of the people she’s met through First Act.

Brenna White as Gussie Carnegie

Brenna is 17 years old and a senior at St Teresa’s Academy. This is her 17th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Brenna’s favorite role is Clerk in Bright Star. Off stage, Brenna enjoys sitting at First Act Studios and waiting for her next rehearsal because it is the only thing she lives for! Brenna would like to thank her awesome mom and this awesome directing team.

Congratulations!

Nash McGinness-Wood

Nash - You make us so proud with your hard work, your courage, and your kind heart! Keep growing and being the kind person you are and you will go far. We love you. Trish, Michelle and Tatum

Rachel Pishny

We can always count on you to bring us the news and shine brightly on stage! Love, Mom & Dad

Brie Quinlan

Congratulations Brie! We love you so much and are excited to watch you do what you love on stage! Love, Dad, Mom, Bronwyn & Bethany

Mary Rosa

Congratulations, Mary! We are so very proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, Clare, Norah, Anna, & Sarah

Melody Steffen

Congratulations on another fabulous show Melody! We just love watching you perform! Love, Dad, McKenna, Mae, and Louie

Brenna White

Congratulations Brenna! We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see you play superstar Gussie. You are always a superstar in our eyes. We love hearing your incredible voice. Love you so much- Mom, Dad and Alex

parent committees

Backstage Pishny*

Powell

Costumes Evans*

Green Room

Jacobs (Sopher)*

Banman

House

James

Jensen

Rosa

Steffen*

Makeup Burns, Ginger*

Marketing/PR Fulk (Cunagin)*

Opportunity Baskets

Valentine*

White Props

Bradley Day* Kiser

Refreshments

Mackay

Okken

Pickard*

Quinlan Sets

Evans

Puckett

Talken*

Tech

Burns*

Edwards

*Committee Head

Special Thanks

First Act Theatre Arts would like to extend special thanks to the following organizations and individuals for their generous contributions to this show.

John Rohr and the Goppert Center Staff for hosting this production

Village Presbyterian Church for hosting our auditions

Evangel Church & Kaw Prairie Community Church for hosting our classes

Colonial Presbyterian for hosting our rehearsals

Erin Hillier & Darci Foster for being our tireless class coordinators

Maggie Miller for her dedicated service to our HEART program

Erin Barton & Steve Kleinschmidt for their excellent show photos

Dennis Ryan for the terrific show recordings

Rick Aldrich & Totally His Graphics for our awesome show shirts

Dennis Hoge for his help with all things warehouse

Ginger Burns for her assistance with makeup

Cynthia Liggett for her help with props

Pam Bray & Gina Milbourn for their assistance with the organization of our costumes

Jeremiah, Jason, & Mya for being our student worship team

Brenna, Melody, & Kaitlyn for being our student social media team

Krystal Robinson for volunteering time, energy, and expertise with costumes

Hope Williams for her expertise and assistance

Ann Morrison, Broadway’s Mary Flynn, for her encouraging video for the cast

Jack Hancock for performing and recording the Judge voiceover

The First Act Board and Staff for all of their support

Our amazing parent committees and wonderful volunteers: without you, our show would never be possible!

Becky Talken for making our production run smoothly

Our wonderful Artistic Team for putting this show together

And most importantly, our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ through whom all things are possible!