Little Women

Welcome to LeedsCenterfortheArts!

Welcome back to Leeds Center for the Arts! We are delighted to have you here for Little Women: the Broadway Musical - a show that has been an absolute joy to produce! The actors have given so much of themselves to take you on this journey, and our Creative Team has taken our wonderful Director’s concepts and made them a beautiful and heartfelt reality. It’s our privilege and pleasure to offer you this fresh new take on a timeless classic.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the newest member of the Leeds Family: Bo List. Bo will be joining our team as Director of Development, leading fundraising efforts and advocating for our community. He has been a long time fixture in the Kentucky arts scene, teaching with and advising us here at Leeds for years. We could not be more thrilled to have him here with us!

As we end our current season we continue to be grateful for our patrons, volunteers, performers, creative teams, donors, board and staff, who have made possible a tremendous year of productions, concerts, arts education and youth leadership opportunities. As a community, you have helped us engage and inspire through passion and collaboration to bring great art to Clark County and the region. You have already done your part by joining us on this magical journey, and we hope you will continue to play a role as an audience member, subscriber, donor, or sponsor in 2023 and beyond!

Tracey Miller Producer Winchester Council for the Arts

Loma's at the Winchester Opera House

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Upcoming Events

Matilda Auditions

May 18 & 19, 2023

Scooped

May 20, 2023

Winnie the Pooh performance Workshop

June 5-17, 2023

Theo & Brenna

June 10, 2023

Matilda: the Musical

August 11-27, 2023

TheKentuckyArtsCouncil,thestatearts agency,providesAmericanRescuePlan fundstoWinchesterCouncilfortheArts withfederalfundingfromthe NationalEndowmentfortheArts

Leedsisfundedinpartbya grantfromSouthArtsin partnershipwiththeNational EndowmentfortheArts.

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Beth Wyatt

Mary T. Yeiser

21'-22'

SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION SPARK

Our brand new arts education program is LIVE! Check out our current offerings in music, acting, and dance!

YOUTH BOARD

The Leeds Youth Advisory Board consists of highly motivated high school leaders from the greater Winchester area. It meets biweekly to work on arts-based projects, strengthen leadership skills through seminars, and enhance the greater community through enrichment opportunities.

Visit our website for more information.

SCHOLARSHIPS

We work hard to make the arts accessible for all, and want to give youth the tools they need to succeed in arts- based higher education and careers.

We offer two scholarship funds: The Gordon Liddle Fund for private arts instruction, and the Vanessa Rogers Fund for higher arts education.

Visit our website for more information.

May20,2023

Little Women Speciality Cocktails

Jo -Bourbon, Lemon, Tonic

Amy - Tequila, Strawberry, Lime, topped with soda

Beth - Peach Sangria

Meg - Amaretto, Lemon, Simple Syrup, topped with merlot

Cast:

Jo March.......................................................................................................J. Morgan Shaffo

Meg March / Clarissa ....................................................................................Rebecca Keith

Beth March ........................................................................................................Emma Erwin

Amy March / Troll.................................................................................................Ellie Miller

Marmee / Hag.......................................................................................................Karyn Czar

Laurie / Rodrigo...................................................................................................Jacob Ernst

Mr. Laurence.....................................................................................................Patrick Lucas

Professor Bhaer............................................................................................Jackson Becker

John Brooke / Braxton ............................................................................................CJ Knorr

Aunt March.....................................................................................................Charlene Hess

Mrs. Kirk / Swing.......................................................................................Mary Kate Knight

Jo Shadow / Rodrigo 2 / Swing.......................................................................Elena Guerra

Mr. March / Mr. Dashwood / Knight / Swing................................................Russell Day

Understudies do not perform unless announced.

There will be a 15 minute intermission between acts.

Photography or videography of today's performance is strictly prohibited.

Please note that flashing lights will be used in today's performance.

Creative Team:

Director..................................................................................................................Vivian Snipes

Music Director......................................................................................................Steve Crosby

Producer................................................................................................................Tracey Miller

Assistant Director..................................................................................................Esther Neel

Stage Manager..................................................................................................Kieshaun Butts

Assistant Stage Manager......................................................Brady Ernst, Tommy Flanigan

Choreography...............................................................................Kieshaun Butts, Ellie Miller

Lighting Design...................................................................................................Becki Tonges

Sound Design..............................................................................................Adam Schoedinger

Costume Design.....................Mary Kate Knight, Ellie Miller, Maine State Musical Theatre

Scenic Design............................................ Vivian Snipes, James Miller, Lawrence Buckland

Scenic Painting........................................................................Travis Clark, Mary Kate Knight

Wig Design..........................................................................................................Tammy Knight

Dialect Coaching....................................................................................................Patti Heying

Production Photography.................................................................................Sally Horowitz

Headshot Photography...................................................................Homestead Studios LLC

Special Thanks: Ruth Blevins, Jackson Becker, Tommy Flanigan, Jacob Ernst, Kieshaun Butts, Nathan Smith, Mason Rhodus, Shaquita Brown, Alice Jones, Woodford Theatre, Lucky Dog Cafe, Kim Miller, SCAPA-Lafayette, The Lin Family, Sadie Hess, Jeff Stone, Mary Grashel, Carol Preston, Lisa Lair

Meet the Cast

Jackson Becker - Professor Bhaer

Jackson Becker is so thrilled to return to the Leeds Center for the Arts stage in this production. His previous credits include: Uncle Fester (The Addams Family: The Musical), Charlie (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown), and Smee (Peter and the Starcatcher). When he isn’t on the stage, Jackson loves spending time with his family, friends, and his two cats Mateo and Matilda! He also wants to thank Elena Guerra for everything she does!

Karyn Czar - Marmee / Hag

Karyn is excited to be making her Leeds Theatre debut with this amazing cast and crew. Some previous credits include Hannah in 'Newsies', Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn in 'The Music Man', Mrs. Brill in 'Mary Poppins' with the Lexington Theatre Company and Martha in 'White Christmas' with Woodford Theatre. She has also performed with Lexington Children's Theatre, Studio Players, AthensWest and Bluegrass Theatre Guild. By day she is a reporter for 91.3 WUKY, Lexington's NPR affiliate. Karyn would like to thank her wonderful fake family and friends who have been beyond supportive. Special thanks to her coaches Mara Davi, Kathrin Thawley, Brittany Benningfield and Brock Terry. To the cast and crew

"This has been an incredible experience and I am beyond blessed to be surrounded by so many talented and giving artists. I am eternally grateful to Vivian for this opportunity. I would like to dedicate this performance to Melanie and Alex Simpson and B2. To God be the Glory!"

Russell Day - Mr. March / Mr. Dashwood / Knight / Swing

“Russ” has had a passion for performing since childhood. In 2011, he was honored with receiving KTA’s (Kentucky Theatre Association) All Star Cast award. He attended Eastern Kentucky University where he became a member of the Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Fraternity, later becoming president of said fraternity. He began performing at Leeds in 2015, his credentials including: Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables, Barnett Lloyd from Crimes of the Heart, and Cinderella’s Prince from Into the Woods. He hopes you enjoy the telling of this beautiful story of family and love.

Jacob Ernst - Laurie / Rodrigo

Jacob is an actor from Lexington who is finishing up his degree at UK this year. He is a proud Lafayette-SCAPA and GSA Drama alum. This is his third production with Leeds- Addams Family (Lucas U/S), Peter and the Starcatcher (Prentiss)- as well as working as Teaching Artist for SPARK. Former credits include Nathan Detroit (Guys and Dolls), Mr Banks (Mary Poppins), Sam (Grace), Mac (The Nightman Cometh), and many others. He is beyond ecstatic to be telling one of his all time favorite stories alongside such an incredible cast and creative team. Laurie has always been a character he’s really connected with and Little Women has always held a special place in his heart. He couldn’t be more honored to be playing this role and telling this story. He can’t wait for you all to see it!

Emma graduated in 2018 from the UK Department of Theatre + Dance with a B.A. in Theatre and certificate in Musical Theatre. She has participated in countless productions in both the Columbus, OH and Lexington area, but her true passions lie in Theatre Education. Her favorite roles have been Lucy (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown), Penny (Hairspray), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), and Gertrude (Seussical). In the past, she served a multitude of duties for the WTYA program including Stage Manager, Assistant Director, and Choreographer, and currently serves as Company Manager/Assistant Director

for ACTivate: Artists With Purpose through Voices Amplified. She has also directed and choreographed shows at several schools in central Kentucky and through Woodford Theatre and ACTivate. She is THRILLED to be back onstage with her Leeds Family, and is so thankful for the safe creative space they’ve cultivated for artists and audiences alike. Special thanks to her wonderful mom for her literal lifetime of tutelage and support, Logan for being the best partner, and Chewie and Binx for providing lots of fur baby kisses and cuddles at the end of the day.

Elena Guerra is a UK Theatre Alum, where you may have seen her as Chick Boyle in Crimes of the Heart, Annabel in Bike America, or Ensemble in Shrek the Musical Her most recent credits are Molly Aster in Peter and the Starcatcher, Grandma in The Addams Family, and Emily Webb in Our Town at Leeds Center for the Arts. She also enjoyed her acting internship with AthensWest Theatre Company where she was Shelby (U/S) in Steel Magnolias and Olivia (U/S) in Twelfth Night. Elena looks forward to closing out Leeds' Season of Family with the best sisters a person could ask for.

Charlene is thrilled to be given the opportunity to shake a couple decades of dust off her theater experience, which consisted mainly of high school plays and choir In the time since then, she adapted her love of singing and acting to a Kindergarten classroom before deciding to tackle the task of homeschooling her own children. She has also been involved with her church's music for many years. She wants to thank her husband for being willing to take over evening chauffeuring to kid activities. Also, her daughter for the crash course in theater lingo and etiquette. Lastly, her son, who said it was alright if she missed his

baseball games and assured her that she was perfect for the role of a grumpy old woman...Thanks?! Enjoy the show!

Mary Kate is excited to be in her sixth production with Leeds Center for the Arts. She loves being on stage as well as in the director's chair! Some of her favorite theatre experiences include: Bird Woman (Mary Poppins), Meg (Little Women), Ida (Honk!) and Prudy Pingleton (Hairspray). She would like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support.

Emma Erwin - Beth March

Elena Guerra - Jo Shadow / Rodrigo 2 / Swing Charlene Hess - Aunt March Mary Kate Knight - Mrs. Kirk / Swing

Rebecca Keith is excited to be returning to the Leeds stage! Her previous roles at Leeds include Alice (The Addams Family) and Rapunzel (Into the Woods). A graduate of Transylvania University, she has performed with various local theatre groups. Notable credits include Spring Awakening (Wendla), Spamalot (Patsy), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Snug/Stu), Clue: The Musical (Miss Scarlet), White Christmas (Rita), and Into the Woods (Little Red). She is currently studying voice with Dr. Brittany Benningfield in the hopes of continuing her education and becoming a voice teacher as well as a performer.

She would like to thank her partner Steven, her family and friends, and her many mentors for their continued support.

This is CJ's third performance with Leeds. He performed as Lucas in The Addams Family and as Captain Scott in Peter and The Starcatcher He will also be a part of the ensemble in Voices Amplified's production of The Prom. CJ graduated from Arcadia University with a B.F.A in Acting. CJ would like to thank his friends and family for being with him throughout his theatre journey. He especially wants to thank his parents and his girlfriend Rachel for supporting him in every new production he is in. He hopes that everyone enjoys the show and that they continue to support the arts.

Patrick Lee Lucas (Mr. Laurence) has acted, sung, and danced in Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio. Favorite roles include: Music Man (Harold Hill), Hello Dolly! (Cornelius Hackl), A Christmas Story, The Musical (The Old Man), Big Fish (Edward Bloom), Mary Poppins (Mr. Banks), Hairspray (Wilbur), Children of Eden (Adam), and A Little Night Music (Frederick). In preparation for this role, he channeled some Victorian facial hair.

Ellie Miller is a director, choreographer, educator, and performer. She serves as the Director of Marketing and Outreach here at Leeds, and often choreographs or directs many of the musicals. She loves working with children, and is the primary dance teaching artist for Leeds’ arts education program, SPARK. She has loved being able to be back on stage with friends new and old! She loves this community and has seen so much amazing artistic growth- and it is truly evident in Little Women! Special thanks to Tracey, James, Tessa, Jesse, MK, Steve, Sally & Ralph. Enjoy the show!

Rebecca Keith - Meg March / Clarissa CJ Knorr - Mr. John Brooke Patrick Lee Lucas - Mr. Laurence Ellie Miller - Amy March / Troll

J. Morgan Shaffo - Jo March

J. Morgan Shaffo is tickled pink to be back for a second show at Leeds! You may have seen her last as Alf in Peter and the Starcatcher She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from WKU and spent her time after college performing regionally in interesting places from New York to Amish Country. Some of her favorite roles include Roz in 9 to 5, Mazeppa in Gypsy (McLeod Summer Playhouse), Ensemble in Les Mis (Flat Rock Playhouse) and Hen in Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type (Old Creamery Theatre). Covid gave her the opportunity to make a major career change and she is now a Casting Director (ok... Hiring Manager lol) for Kroger.

She'd like to thank her family for their support in all her adventures, Lusie&Sam&Josey for accepting all her FaceTime calls, and Leeds for letting her explore a dream role she didn't even know she had.

Vivian

Snipes - Director

Vivian Snipes knew in sixth grade (thanks, Mr. Maas!) she would work in theatre and by ninth grade (thanks Jerry Whiddon and Craig Babcock!) she had decided to specialize in theatre for young audiences. Much to her parents’ chagrin, as a senior in high school, she announced that she “wasn’t going to college but was going to get a job in theatre!”. And (fortunately) went straight to work for Library Theatre in Washington, DC. Later ‐‐ while teaching elementary school, working toward a degree in Interrelated Arts at the University of Maryland and volunteering at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park ‐‐ she met and married

Larry. Shortly thereafter they moved to Kentucky to work for Lexington Children's Theatre where they remained (working side by side on a daily basis if you can believe it) until retiring after 41+ years in December of 2020. Her career with LCT permitted her to stretch her artistic wings in multiple capacities including teaching artist, designer, stage manager, costumer, production manager, director, and writer / rewriter! Now LCT's Artistic Director Emeritus she loved her job and the challenges that each new day brought … like collaborating with Larry on scripts (though we don’t bicker quite as much as the Fisherman and His Wife). LCT taught her The Tallest Tale Ever Told can be told in two words ("I can't!") and that with a bevy of dedicated, creative artists gathered around, "You CAN!". Those two words have been repeatedly proven truthful here at Leeds. It's been an honor and gift to collaborate with such an amazing group of artisans. Thank you for building such a rich world within the Leeds family and the Winchester community.

Steve Crosby - Music Director

Steve is a Winchester native who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Education from Georgetown College. He has been part of the musical theatre scene in Clark County for 37 years, having directed 20+ musicals and shows. Steve is currently the Family Pastor at Calvary Christian Church. He and his wife, Shanda, have three children, Caleb, Keegan and Kaeton. He is especially proud of his grandkids, Crowder, Crosby Kate and Cruz!!