Blue Stockings - Feb/Mar 2022

written by Jessica Swale

produced by Lloyd Bittinger, Margaret Chapman and Christine Farrell

directed by Marzanne Claiborne

presents

Blue Stockings

written by Jessica Swale

produced by Lloyd Bittinger, Margaret Chapman and Christine Farrell directed by Marzanne Claiborne

Blue Stockings is performed by arrangement with Nick Hern Books, The Glasshouse, 49A Goldhawk Road, London W12 8QP. All actors in this production are amateur actors while performing in this production.

Cover

PRESIDENT Frank D. Shutts II

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

ARTISTIC SUPPORT

BOX OFFICE

Beverley Benda

Ira Forstater

BUILDING ...................................................................................................................................................... Ken Brown

DEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION

FRONT OF HOUSE

Christopher A. Tomasino

Heather Sanderson

Monty Montgomery

MEMBERSHIP .........................................................................................................................................

Stacey Becker

PRODUCTION Alan Wray

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Rachel Alberts

SEASONAL PLANNING ............................................................................................................... Eleanore Tapscott

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Treasurer

Secretary to the Board

Ken Crowley

David B. Hale

Lynn O’Connell

Executive Secretary ...................................................................................................................................

Archivist

Business Manager

Jamie Blake

Charles Dragonette

Crissy Wilke

Box Office Manager ......................................................................................................................... Jeffery Westlake

Legal Counsel

Brian T. Goldstein, Esquire

The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Public Performances: Wed.–Sat. at 8:00 p.m. and Sun. at 3:00 p.m.

of this production is strictly prohibited.

Photo: Johnston (Frances Benjamin) collection, Prints & Photographs Division, Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-100288

Director’s Notes

Blue Stockings has at its heart the true story of women’s campaign to win the right to graduate from Cambridge University. Elizabeth Welsh, the mistress of Girton College during the period of the play, was a real person, as was Dr. Maudsley, a renowned psychiatrist of the day. The science he espoused was in fact the prevailing science of the time. The remaining characters are fictional and serve to tell a multilayered story of the many facets of love, the cruel injustice of the class divide, generational differences in approach, even when agreement exists, and outright opposition.

What makes Blue Stockings so much more than a historical drama is the fact that its underlying theme is change, or, more specifically, the path that change traverses. Regardless of the topic—civil rights, gender equality, scientific discovery, to name a few—the process of changing prevailing societal beliefs is made through slow, methodical steps that often encounter resistance from many directions, some unexpected. The characters in this play are a microcosm of society, with each one representing a position of willingness to accept change or to depart from societal norms to make change. The ones who perceive that they have the most to lose are unwilling to allow change. The ones who perceive that they have the most to gain are the initiators of change. The ones in the middle hold varying opinions about whether change is good or bad. Some are indifferent. Notably, all these characters can be found circling any current issue.

This production of Blue Stockings has been a truly collaborative effort among the cast and production team, with many not only playing their assigned role but also going above and beyond what they originally signed up to do to contribute to the overall production. I am grateful to each of them. It has been my privilege to lead them on this journey to present to you, our audience, what I hope will be an engaging and thought-provoking theatrical performance.

Marzanne Claiborne Director

Cast (in order of appearance)

Dr. Maudsley ........................................................................................... Robert Heinly

Elizabeth Welsh ............................................................................................ Liz LeBoo

Tess Moffat ............................................................................................ Madeline Byrd

Maeve Sullivan ............................................................................ Ilyana Rose-Dávila

Celia Willbond .................................................................................... Melissa Dunlap

Carolyn Addison ..................................................................................... Tegan Cohen

Mr. Banks .................................................................................................. Paul Donahoe

Edwards .............................................................................................. Ali Cheraghpour

Lloyd ........................................................................................................... James Blacker

Holmes ......................................................................................................... Michael King

Will Bennett John Paul Odle

Ralph Mayhew .............................................................................Michael Townsend

Miss Blake ...................................................................................... Elizabeth Replogle

Miss Bott.................................................................................................... Anne Hilleary

Librarian ..................................................................................................Joel Durgavich

Minnie ................................................................ Hilary Adams, Khalia Muhammad

Billy Sullivan ............................................................................................ Michael Rufo

Professor Radleigh .................................................................................... Will Cooke

Professor Anderson............................................................................Joel Durgavich

Professor Collins ................................................................................... Robert Heinly

Waiter ........................................................................................................ Manus Nunan

Mr. Peck .................................................................................................... Manus Nunan

Mrs. Lindley ............................................................................................. Anne Hilleary

Man in Tea Parlor ................................................................................Joel Durgavich

Woman in Tea Parlor .................................. Hilary Adams, Khalia Muhammad

SETTING

It is 1896 at Girton College, Cambridge, home to Britain’s first female university students.

Blue Stockings is performed in two acts with one 15-minute intermission.

SCENES

ACT I

Prologue

Scene 1 – The Laws of Motion

Scene 2 – Sightseeing

Scene 3 – The Happiness Equation

Scene 4 – The Wandering Womb

Scene 5 – Out Without Hats

Scene 6 – Fragments of the World

Scene 7 – The Dictionary

Scene 8 – The Great Escape

Scene 9 – The Garden of Eden

Scene 10 – The Merits of Moral Science

Scene 11 – An Arrival

Scene 12 – Science of the Heart

Scene 13 – An Education

ACT II

Scene 1 – An Offer

Scene 2 – The Telescope

Scene 3 – Time Travellers

Scene 4 – Bread and Circuses

Scene 5 – Outcasts

Scene 6 – Raising the Banner

Scene 7 – An Emergency Summit

Scene 8 – King of Hearts

Scene 9 – Broken Hearts

Scene 10 – The Viva

Scene 11 – Voting Day

Scene 12 – If You Had to Choose

SHOW SYNOPSIS

Set against the backdrop of Cambridge University in the late 19th century, Blue Stockings tells the story of women who risk defying contemporary social expectations for a world-class education, and the men whose worldview is enhanced or challenged by their presence at the prestigious school. The central theme of struggling for and acclimating to social change makes this play timeless in nature, despite its Victorian setting.

PERFORMANCE PARTNERS IN ART

March 8, 2022 • Alexandria Celebrates Women

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

LTA Safety Officers Stacey Becker and Ken Brown, Mary Hutzler, Bob and Diane Sams, Linda Wells, Jeffery Westlake, Crissy Wilke, the Council of the Little Theatre of Alexandria, and our Box Office and Front of House volunteers.

Crew

Producers ................... Lloyd Bittinger, Margaret Chapman, Christine Farrell

Director ....................................................................................... Marzanne Claiborne

Assistant Director ................................................................................. Hilary Adams

Stage Managers ............................................ Meredith Kirchner, Joan A.S. Lada

Assistant Stage Managers .......................................... A.K. Camper, Steve Lada

Assistant to the Director ........................................................ Khalia Muhammad

Costume Design ...................................................................................Joan Lawrence

Wardrobe Chief .................................................................................. Margaret Snow

Assisted by Alisa Beyinson, Jamie Blake, Robin Worthington

Italian Language Coach ...................................................... Domenica Marchetti

Dance Choreographer Melissa Dunlap

Dramaturg ................................................................................................. Leslie Wilkes

Fight Captain............................................................................................ Michael King

Hair/Wig/Makeup Design ............................................................... Robin Maline

Assisted by Susan Boyd, Kadira Coley, Karen Maline, Lanae Sterrett

Lighting Design .............................................................................. Franklin Coleman

Master Electricians ............................... Nick Friedlander, Pamela Leonowich

Assisted by Lloyd Bittinger, Kimberly Crago, Iris Ellis, Micheal O’Connor, Donna Reynolds, Sherry Singer, Marg Soroos, Leslie Teitel

Property Design ............................................................................... Donna Reynolds

Set Design ..................................................................................... Charles Dragonette

Set Construction .......................................................... Jim Hutzler, Jeff Nesmeyer

Assisted by Kevin Blaum, Shah Choudhury, Julie Fischer, Greg Matthes, Dan Remmers

Set Dressing ................................................................................. Charles Dragonette

Set Painting ............................................................... Diedre (De) Nicholson-Lamb

Assisted by Stacey Becker, Beverley Benda, Margaret Chapman, Kathy Murphy

Sound Design ................................................................................................. Alan Wray

Special Effects Coordinator ..................................................................... Art Snow

Stage Combat Choreography .............................................................. Steve Lada

Meet the Crew

Audition Coordinator

Assisted by Donna Kenley, Laura Peterson, Sherry Singer, Carole Steele

Our special thanks to all those people whose names were not available when this program went to press.

LTA COVID Pandemic Health and Safety Standards

LTA will continue to follow all current health and safety standards set by governmental authorities while the COVID pandemic continues, and we will maintain our full participation in the ALX Promise program sponsored by the Alexandria Health Department and Visit Alexandria. As our new season begins, we expect our limited seating, face covering, and physical distancing requirements to continue much as they have this spring. This may, hopefully, change later in the season.

Meet the Cast (in alphabetical order)

Hilary Adams (Minnie/Woman in Tea Parlor) is thrilled to be returning to the LTA stage after four years of working behind the scenes (her most recent gig was producing Bright Star, which opened in January)! Recent roles include ensemble in Jesus Christ Superstar (LTA), Woman in Utopia Found (The Britches & Hose Theater Company) and Guildenstern in Hamlet (PCP). She is grateful to Marzanne and the production team for this opportunity, as well as her eternally supportive fiancé. Enjoy the show!

James Blacker (Lloyd) is excited to make his LTA debut in Blue Stockings. An avid actor in secondary school, he returns to acting after a 20-year break. An IT manager by profession, he received theatrical training through the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. Much love to his wife, Juli, for taking care of life while it is his turn on the stage!

Madeline Byrd (Tess Moffat) is thrilled to return to the LTA stage! She is honored and humbled to work on this production with such a remarkable team. She has appeared locally as Elma in Bus Stop and Lotty Wilton in Enchanted April (both at ACCT), Nina in Stupid F#%*ing Bird and Catherine Givings in In the Next Room (both at PCP), and Singing Woman/Vendor in A Streetcar Named Desire (LTA). Madeline has a B.A. in Theatre from the College of William & Mary.

Ali Cheraghpour (Edwards) is excited to be making his LTA debut in Blue Stockings. He was last seen onstage as Abe in Disgraced (GAC) and Officer Klein in Arsenic and Old Lace (TAP). His favorite theater experiences include playing Cassius in Julius Caesar and directing an outdoor production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare on the Lawn). Ali also enjoys writing screenplays and performing improv comedy in his free time. He hopes he makes you laugh!

Meet the Cast

Tegan Cohen (Carolyn Addison) was last seen at LTA as Nurse Goodbody in The Sunshine Boys (LTA Award). She has also appeared as Jennifer in Snakebit (DS), Elvira in Blithe Spirit, Chloe in Arcadia and Brooke/Vicki in Noises Off (all at PWLT), Corie in Barefoot in the Park (CRT), Chris in Rumors and Donalbain in Macbeth (both at Vpstart Crow), and Aldrich in Freeze Tag and Dunyasha in The Cherry Orchard, both at the Theatre Lab (School of Dramatic Arts). Merci to all!

Will Cooke (Professor Radleigh) is happy to be making his second appearance on the LTA stage, having played Harold Wilson here in The Audience in 2018. He has appeared in a wide range of plays, musicals and operas over the past 50 years, both in central New York and the DMV. Will is a graduate of Georgetown University (A.B.) and holds an M.F.A. from the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting of George Washington University.

Paul Donahoe (Mr. Banks) is thrilled to perform in his fourth play at LTA. He appeared in To Kill a Mockingbird, The Audience and August: Osage County. At ACCT, he was in Defying Gravity and The Giver. His professional credits include Ah! Wilderness, Hamlet and A Christmas Carol at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, NJ, and A Long Day’s Journey into Night and Blood Wedding at the Intiman Theater in Seattle, WA. He received his M.F.A. in acting at Ohio University.

Melissa Dunlap (Celia Willbond) is delighted to return to the LTA stage. She last appeared here as Gay/Olga in You Can’t Take It with You. Most recently she played Meg in Leading Ladies (VTC). Some of her favorite roles have been Rose in Enchanted April (ACCT), Jean Louise in To Kill a Mockingbird (LTA), May in Fool for Love (PCP), Sarah in Laughing Stock (LTA) and Elmire in Tartuffe (Shared Headquarters Allied Powers Europe).

Meet the Cast (continued)

Joel Durgavich (Librarian/Professor Anderson/Man in Tea Parlor), since his last performances at LTA as Station Master in Anne of Green Gables and Boolie in Driving Miss Daisy, has been seen lurking around offstage at LTA, helping with props and as backup assistant stage manager in some recent productions. He was also seen at ACCT as Frederick Arnott/Florian Ayers in Enchanted April and Virgil Blessing in Bus Stop just before COVID-19 hit. Shoutout to his wife, Margaret, and son, Daniel, for their continued support for his acting “career.”

Robert Heinly (Dr. Maudsley/Professor Collins) returns to the LTA stage for the first time since portraying Winston Churchill and Anthony Eden in The Audience. He has also been seen at LTA in many productions of A Christmas Carol, playing Marley and many others, as well as Sheriff Tate in To Kill a Mockingbird. Other favorite productions include Jesus Hopped the “A” Train (1st Stage) and the world premiere of John Bavoso’s Blight (Pinky Swear Productions). He also appeared in To Kill a Mockingbird at PPF (WATCH nomination).

Anne Hilleary (Miss Bott/Mrs. Lindley) is delighted to be back at LTA. Her recent roles have included Ms. Davidson in Southern Hospitality and Costanza in Enchanted April (both at ACCT), for which she received the 2018 WATCH Award for Outstanding Cameo in a Play. She has also appeared as Veta Simmons in Harvey and as Lady Cravenshire in Calendar Girls (both at MCP). Anne is grateful to the stellar cast and crew of Blue Stockings and to her family and friends for their love and support.

Michael King (Holmes) is ecstatic to join this amazing cast and making his LTA debut. His most recent credit was Chris in Sweat (SSS). Other credits include House of Blue Leaves and Wit (both at SSS). He also appeared as Kevin in Superior Donuts (RCP). He trained in acting at the Studio Acting Conservatory in D.C. Michael wants to thank his very understanding friends and family for always supporting him as he pursues his passion for theater.

Meet the Cast

Liz LeBoo (Elizabeth Welsh) has been involved in theater most of her life. She has played roles spanning from gangsters to governesses, appearing as Rachel/Roscoe in One Man, Two Guvnors (VTC) and Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest (CFTC). Other productions have included A Christmas Carol and Key for Two (both at LTA), A Tuna Christmas (MCP) and The Twelve Plays of Christmas (PCP). Liz is very happy to be back at LTA and honored to be part of the Blue Stockings cast.

Khalia Muhammad (Minnie/Woman in Tea Parlor) is excited to be a part of her first LTA production. Though she is new to LTA, she most recently appeared in The Bluest Eye at Dominion Stage. She has studied at the School of Creative and Performing Arts in New York and McKinnon Acting School in Maryland. She is thankful for the opportunity to help tell such a moving story to the audience.

Manus Nunan (Waiter/Mr. Peck) is delighted to be making his LTA debut in Blue Stockings. This is his first role on an American stage. In the U.K. he won awards at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. His favorite roles were Macbeth, Salieri in Amadeus and Prospero in The Tempest. After serving around the world as a British Army officer, he moved to Old Town in 2015 and has finally found his way back to his love for theater.

John Paul Odle (Will Bennett) is excited to return to this role two years in the making. Previously at LTA, he was in A Few Good Men as Lance Cpl. Dawson, The Nance as Ned and the titular Spike in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. In addition, he has worked at ACCT with roles in Bus Stop as Bo and The Count of Monte Cristo as Maximilian. Most recently, he performed in Picnic as Alan at the newly formed NOVA Nightsky Theater in Fairfax.

Meet the Cast (continued)

Elizabeth Replogle (Miss Blake) is honored to be part of this important production, and beyond excited to finally bring it to the stage after two long years. Previous roles at LTA include Magda in Key for Two, Renee in The Odd Couple (Female Version) and Marie-Celeste in Nude with Violin. Much gratitude to this talented and resilient cast and crew, and kudos to the LTA leadership for working so hard to keep us all safe. Nevertheless, we persisted!

Ilyana Rose-Dávila (Maeve Sullivan) is ecstatic to return to LTA after playing Boy Mute in The Fantasticks in 2019. Ilyana was nominated for Best Actor in a Community Theatre Production by BroadwayWorld for Boy Mute and for Valentine in The Count of Monte Cristo (ACCT). She also appeared as Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (MCP). She is an Eckerd College graduate with a B.F.A. in theatre. She is currently a stage manager at GALA Hispanic Theatre in DC. Ilyana would like to thank her family for their support.

Michael Rufo (Billy Sullivan) feels like the luckiest guy in the world after enthusiastically having taken classes at LTA. During one of his last classes, he decided to audition for Blue Stockings and, amazingly, he was cast as Billy! This is his LTA debut, and he is excited to be acting with such a talented group of actors and thankful for having found an amazing family in the cast and crew.

Michael Townsend (Ralph Mayhew) is delighted to be returning to the LTA stage! He acquired much of his theatrical experience while attending the University of Mary Washington, where he was involved with both the mainstage and the student-run black box. Some of his favorite past roles have included Paul Bratter in Barefoot in the Park (Waterworks Players) and Tim in Noises Off, and roles in Lysistrata, Sunday in the Park with George and Macbeth (all at UMW).

Meet the Crew (in alphabetical order)

Hilary Adams (Assistant Director) is thrilled to assistant-direct her first mainstage show at LTA. She recently co-produced Bright Star at LTA, assistant-directed A Daughter’s a Daughter (TAP), and has directed many productions in LTA’s New Voices series. Hilary has worn many hats at LTA: actor, producer, hair/makeup designer, props crew and NextGen Committee Chair. She is grateful to Marzanne and the rest of the production team for this opportunity and would like to especially thank her partner for being her rock during this and every show.

Beverley Benda (Vocal Coach) is a professional soprano and was a member of the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” for nearly 29 years and a freelance artist across the country. With degrees from James Madison University, Eastern Illinois University and the Eastman School of Music, she has been a professional vocal coach for over 40 years, a position she has also enjoyed in LTA’s Education Department. She has applied her talents as well to CD recordings for film and TV soundtracks, most notably Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

Lloyd Bittinger (Co-Producer) has served as President of LTA and as Governor for Front of House and in numerous other capacities over the years, including being a proud member of the lighting crew, having taken the formal lighting classes provided by Kimberly and Jeff. He was honored with the Wachovia Bank Award for Outstanding Service to LTA in 2008 and received the best producer award for August: Osage County (along with director Susan Devine) and has produced or stage-managed numerous productions of A Christmas Carol.

Margaret Chapman (Co-Producer) is producing at LTA for the first time. She is so excited to finally get to see this show onstage after a two-year hiatus. For the past few years, she has been designing props and/or producing shows for LTA, St. Mark’s Players and Fat and Greasy Citizens Brigade, including Sister Act: The Musical, Evita and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). She also serves on the Council of the Little Theatre of Alexandria and as the President of the St. Mark’s Players Board of Directors.

Meet the Crew

Marzanne Claiborne (Director) alternates between directing and lighting design. She directed Enchanted April (ACCT), which received six WATCH nominations and one win. She recently served as assistant director on The Bluest Eye (DS) and Fences (LTA). Favorite lighting designs include Driving Miss Daisy (WATCH nomination), To Kill a Mockingbird (LTA Award), The Fantasticks, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, Steel Magnolias, Key for Two and The Fabulous Lipitones (all at LTA). She also did the lighting designs for A Streetcar Named Desire (TAP), Fabulation (PCP) and Bus Stop (ACCT).

Franklin Coleman (Lighting Design) lit pre- and post-COVID shows The Diary of Anne Frank and Musical of Musicals, the Musical (both at RCP). Recent shows at LTA have been The Savannah Disputation (Ruby Griffith Outstanding Non-Musical Award), You Can’t Take It with You and August: Osage County. He has been nominated for the WATCH Award for Outstanding Lighting Design 12 times and won it four times, including for Hairspray (LTA). He has been nominated for the Patty Dillaber Mickley Award 11 times and won it five times, most recently for Proof (LTA).

Charles Dragonette (Set Design/Set Dressing) is delighted to return to where we left off pre-pandemic! Since the return to live theater, he has designed props, sets and set dressing at ACCT, DS and LTA, including the acclaimed Rumors. Concurrent projects have included LTA’s Bright Star (set dressing) and ACCT’s Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition (set design and set dressing).

Melissa Dunlap (Dance Choreographer) is pleased to be part of Blue Stockings. She first did a can-can at age eight in her dance school recital. Since then, she has danced with the Detroit City Ballet and Burke Civic Ballet in various roles in The Nutcracker. Melissa has choreographed youth theater productions for Shared Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.

Meet the Crew (continued)

Christine Farrell (Co-Producer) is proud to be a member of the production team for Blue Stockings. Favorite past LTA productions include Harvey, The Audience, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Odd Couple (Female Version), The Game’s Afoot, Spamalot, The 39 Steps, 33 Variations, Rabbit Hole and Company. She is happy to be back working behind the scenes and helping the audience experience live theater!

Nick Friedlander (Co-Master Electrician) is lit to be working with his lights family again and is especially excited to be right alongside his “Aunt” Pam and “Grandma” Marzanne. He most recently scared the LTA audience along with Lauren Markovich as the co-stage manager for Wait Until Dark, and his favorite LTA production was with Rob Cork as co-stage manager for The Producers (WATCH Award). Many thanks to his ever-supportive parents and to his loving extended theater family who have raised him well.

Jim Hutzler (Co-Set Construction) has worked on many LTA sets as master carpenter and set construction crew, as well as building for other local theater companies. WATCH nominations with co-builder Jeff Nesmeyer include To Kill a Mockingbird in 2016, Anything Goes in 2017 and Dracula in 2018 (all at LTA). Thanks to all who make LTA the special place that it is.

Michael King (Fight Captain) is delighted to be working with other cast members to help them through the more exciting scenes in this show and making sure they don’t hurt each other. He thanks Steve, the Stage Combat Choreographer, for helping him expand his resume.

Meredith Kirchner (Co-Stage Manager) is delighted to co-stage-manage her first production at LTA. Meredith has been an assistant stage manager for numerous LTA productions including August: Osage County, The Producers, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Audience. She also runs sound for productions at Alexandria Country Day School and with Bravo Productions. She co-produced The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with Bravo Productions.

Meet the Crew

Joan A.S. Lada (Co-Stage Manager) has been privileged to be part of the stage manager team for 18 LTA productions: The Who’s Tommy, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Into the Woods, The Philadelphia Story, 1776, Gypsy, Lady Windemere’s Fan, Chicago, 33 Variations, Avenue Q, Spamalot, The Rocky Horror Show, In the Heights, West Side Story, Anything Goes, The Audience, August: Osage County and Jesus Christ Superstar. Many thanks to Meredith. Love to Stephen. As always, love and thanks to my parents for the gift of theater.

Steve Lada (Stage Combat Choreography) is a founding member of the Noble Blades stage combat troupe. He has performed at the Maryland Renaissance Festival and in the Washington Opera’s productions of Tristan und Isolde and Julius Caesar. His stage combat has been honored with the WATCH Award for Outstanding Achievement in Combat Choreography for Richard III, Veronica’s Room, Romeo and Juliet, The Miracle Worker and Kiss Me, Kate. As always, he thanks the love of his life for getting him started on this incredible journey.

Joan Lawrence (Costume Design) is very excited to be costuming her first show with LTA and to be working again with Marzanne. She has designed costumes for a wide range of community theaters in the D.C. and Northern Virginia area. Among her favorites are A Streetcar Named Desire, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, She Loves Me, Beauty and the Beast (all at TAP), Love in Ruins (Capital Fringe), The King and I, The Sound of Music, A Little Princess, Charlotte’s Web (all for St. Andrew’s Players) and The Children’s Hour (Maret School).

Pamela Leonowich (Co-Master Electrician) is happy to say that Blue Stockings marks her 120th consecutive show at LTA. She is proud to follow in her mother’s theater footsteps. Her mother managed and designed productions for the troops during World War II with the British Entertainments National Service Association. Pam is pleased to be teaming with lighting designer Franklin, co-master electrician Nick, and director Marzanne. Special thanks to our dedicated light crew.

Meet the Crew (continued)

Robin Maline (Hair/Wig/Makeup Design) has had the pleasure of working on such shows as August: Osage County, The Producers, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (all at LTA) and many others in the greater D.C. area. She has been working as co-chair of wigs and makeup here at LTA since November 2017. Robin would like to thank her parents, Rob and Karen, and her brother Charlie for their unending love and support as well as Susan Boyd for passing on her great wisdom. Enjoy the show!

Domenica Marchetti (Italian Language Coach) is excited to be helping out as the Italian language coach for this production of Blue Stockings. She is a cookbook author and cooking teacher with a focus on Italian home cooking. Her recipes and articles have been published widely in the U.S. and in Italy. When she’s not in her kitchen or at her computer (and when there is not a pandemic going on), Domenica can be found in Italy, hosting culinary tours and conducting “research”—i.e., eating.

Khalia Muhammad (Assistant to the Director) is excited to be part of her first LTA production. Although she is new to LTA, she most recently appeared in The Bluest Eye (DS). She has studied at the School of Creative and Performing Arts in New York and McKinnon Acting School in Maryland. She is thankful for the opportunity to help tell such a moving story to the audience.

Jeff Nesmeyer (Co-Set Construction) is pleased to be working again with Jim Hutzler. He has been involved in set builds at LTA, PCP and DS since 2006. He was nominated for WATCH Awards for Anything Goes, Harvey and Dracula (all at LTA). He has won LTA Excellence in Set Construction Awards for Harvey, Dracula and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Jeff thanks LTA for its confidence in his carpentry abilities, Jim for his camaraderie, and his wife, Diane, for her support.

Meet the Crew

Diedre (De) Nicholson-Lamb (Set Painting) is pleased to be working at LTA again with the wonderful cast and crew of Blue Stockings. She most recently painted Enchanted April (WATCH nominee) and On Golden Pond (both at ACCT) and Grey Gardens, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife and The Rocky Horror Show (LTA Award), all at LTA. She painted LTA sets for Sweeney Todd and Witness for the Prosecution (LTA Award nominee) and for Picnic (WATCH nominee and LTA Award). De thanks her family and LTA for their support.

Donna Reynolds (Property Design) has designed props for several shows at LTA and elsewhere, most recently for Enchanted April (ACCT). She has also stage-managed Ripcord, The Haunting of Hill House and The Savannah Disputation (all at LTA) and can usually be found running lights during LTA shows. Donna is happy to return to the crew of Blue Stockings.

Art Snow (Special Effects Coordinator) is happy to be working with special effects again. The role of fog in Blue Stockings is an interesting item to contemplate. The emergence and divergence of many ladies through the fog of intellectual and real-life situations has useful lessons for us all to think about.

Margaret Snow (Wardrobe Chief) is happily appreciative to be working the wardrobe operation and to be working with our talented director, cast and crew. So, how much starch should go into a blue stocking? From a literary lady’s perspective, just enough to hold one’s ground for as long as it takes, as is magnificently depicted by this show.

Leslie Wilkes (Dramaturg) is pleased (and amazed) to finally be using her English major to good account. She is having a wonderful time exploring facts and experiences in late 19th-century England. Blue Stockings is a striking account of part of the journey of social change.

Meet the Crew (continued)

Alan Wray (Sound Design) most recently designed sound for LTA’s Fences, Rumors and Moonlight and Magnolias as well as The Producers (WATCH Award), Picnic (WATCH nomination), 33 Variations (LTA Award) and the chilling Widdershins (LTA Award). Alan designed sound for TAP’s She Loves Me and The Seagull (WATCH nomination) and for Dominion Stage’s Spring Awakening and The Boys in the Band (WATCH nomination). Occasionally he can be seen producing shows: His last co-production was Ripcord with Lynn O’Connell. Alan is delighted to be working with Marzanne on this production.

Russell M. Wyland (Rigging) has been an LTA member and volunteer for almost 32 years. During that time, he has worked in many different capacities, including seven years as President and eight years as Governor for Production. His first love, however, is rigging: the art of masking the stage with curtains and making things fly from above and travel across the stage. Beyond rigging, Russ also serves as a set decorator and producer. His next effort will be as co-producer of Something Rotten in the summer of 2022.

Theater Abbreviations Used in This Playbill

ACCT – Aldersgate Church Community Theater

ACT – Alliance of Community Theaters

AS – Arena Stage

ASC – Annapolis Shakespeare Company

ATMTC – Adventure Theatre and Musical Theater Center

BCT – Bowie Community Theatre

BST – Baltimore Shakespeare Factory

CCDC – Capital City Players of DC

CCP – Chevy Chase Players

CFTC – City of Fairfax Theatre Company

CRT – Castaways Repertory Theatre

CSC – Centenary Stage Company

CT – Chalice Theater

DTC – Damascus Theatre Company

DS – Dominion Stage

ES – Encore Stage

ESP – Elden Street Players (now NST)

FCT – Fauquier Community Theatre

FP – Foundry Players (now CCDC)

FST – First Stage Tysons

FT – Ford’s Theatre

GAC – Greenbelt Arts Center

GFP – Great Falls Players (now MCP)

HBP – Hard Bargain Players

KAT – Kensington Arts Theatre

KT – Keegan Theatre

LMP – Laurel Mill Playhouse

LSDT – Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre

LTA – The Little Theatre of Alexandria

LTC – Landless Theatre Company

MCP – McLean Community Players

MP – Montgomery Playhouse

MPAT – Metropolitan Performing Arts Theatre

MSA – Metropolitan School for the Arts

MTA – McLean Theatre Alliance (now MCP)

MTC – Musical Theater Center

NST – NextStop Theatre

NVP – Northern Virginia Players

NVTA – Northern Virginia Theatre Alliance

OTC – Olney Theater Center

PCP – Port City Playhouse

PGLT – Prince George’s Little Theatre

PPF – Providence Players of Fairfax

PTC – Potomac Theatre Company Inc.

PTP – Port Tobacco Players

PWLT – Prince William Little Theatre

RCP – Reston Community Players

RLT – Rockville Little Theatre

RMT – Rockville Musical Theatre

SCT – Springfield Community Theater

SMP – St Mark’s Players

SP – Sterling Playmakers

SSS – Silver Spring Stage

ST – Signature Theatre

STC – StageCoach Theatre Company

UMW – University of Mary Washington

TACT – The American Century Theater

TAP – The Arlington Players

TAT – The Alliance Theatre

TBP – The British Players

TCP – Tantallon Community Players

2FT – Second Flight Theatre

VTC – Vienna Theatre Company

WATCH – Washington Area Theatre

Community Honors

WS – Washington Savoyards

ZA – Zemfira Stage

FUTURE AUDITION AT THE LITTLE THEATRE OF ALEXANDRIA

Producers Carol Strachan and Alan Wray and Director Maggie Mumford are pleased to announce auditions for Prelude to a Kiss, written by Craig Lucas.

Dates: Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27. Additional information will be posted on thelittletheatre.com under Opportunities.

DCMetroTheaterArts.com

Your complete DC area theater coverage.

SUMMER THEATER CAMPS

Children in 3-8th grade are invited to join us for a memorable summer at our beautiful Old Town theater. Now in its 14th year, LTA is the premier Alexandria location for performing arts summer camps, featuring Acting; Musical Theater; Shakespeare; Improvisation; Playmaking; and a variety of specialty themed camps. Camps are full-day, mornings, afternoons and include an optional extended day program.

For online registration, go to thelittletheatre.com/summer-camps Students aged

The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s (LTA) Governor for Membership is looking to fill the Chair position of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee with a special emphasis on Inclusion.

The purpose of the Chair will be to support the LTA Board and uphold the theatre’s Mission and Vision Statements as well as the Code of Conduct. The role of the Chair will be to:

• Create your own Committee.

• Develop Cultural Programs throughout the year.

• Expand theatre awareness among our diverse communities by promoting productions and recruiting for auditions.

• Make recommendations to the LTA leadership on inclusiveness and implementing strategies at all levels of the theatre.

The DEI Chair must have a positive attitude and is passionate about DEI in the theatre community. You will receive satisfaction knowing you filled an essential role in building a strong, diverse, and culturally aware volunteer base. You will receive lots of support, recognition, and appreciation. Volunteering at LTA is a privilege and volunteering here will change your life.

Please contact Stacey Becker the Governor for Membership at membershipgovlta@gmail.com

LTA’s winter/spring session for youth and adults are in full swing! Join us for improv, acting, singing, and more! To view this schedule and register online, visit LTA’s website www.thelittletheatre.com and click on classes.

Thank You!

LTA wishes to recognize and thank all of the volunteers who have given their time and talents by helping with house managing, ushering, or working in the box office for our previous production of Bright Star.

Box Office Volunteers

Lloyd Bittinger

Kat Cassedy

Martha Deal

Sara Deshong

Sharon Dove

Joan Evans

Ira Forstater

Gary Gladstone

Suzan Gladstone

Brittany Huffman

Front of House Volunteers

Kevin Blaum

Dee Brown

Sarah Bueter

Veronica Cartier

Laura Clarke

Rita Costello

Leslie S. Deneault

Shannon Doyle

Joan Evans

Jean Frane

Amy Halvorsen

Betsy Hansen

Annie Jackson

Glen MacDonald

Kirt Miller

Meghan Mohon

Melissa Nielson

Micheal J. O’Connor

Aracely Ode

Page Dreher Schreiner

Sheri Ratick Stroud

Eve Young

Madelaine Morgan

Christina Nahi

Aracely Ode

Edna Rogers

Steven Rosenthal

Susan Ross

Ann Rowan

Heather Sanderson

Ana Shannon

Arlene Tredeau

Mila Weiss

Tescia Yonkers

Richard Young

Founding Fathers

Anonymous (2)

Jim Barthmaier

Laura Beauchamp & Christopher Feldmann

Nora Mead Brownell

Margaret Chapman & Joel Durgavich

Marzanne Claiborne & Leslie Wilkes

In memory of Clova and Windsor Demaine

Charles Dragonette & Alan Wray

The Fischer Lacy Family

Jeff Haslow and Marty Smith

Marian Holmes

Steffen & Jennifer Krause

Beth Leonard

In memory of Grace Machanic

Shirley McKinley

David & Michelle McNally

Jean S. Moore

In Memory of Alice and Tom O’Connor

Micheal J. O’Connor

Mrs. Lydia A. Odle

In Memory of Robert C. Odle, Jr.

Mr. David C. Schwark & Mrs. Suzanne C. Schwark

Greg & Pam Sullivan

Linda Windsor

Continental Congress

KC Carlyle

Barbara and John Cohoon

In Memory of Barbara Helsing

In Memory of Eileen Farrell

Jim & Mary Hutzler

Elizabeth and William Jay

Jill & Joe Kale

James & Catherine Kelley

In Memory of Chris Macey

In Memory of Grace Machanic

Linda L. Mayer

Mary Hunstad & Peter O’Konski

Melissa A. Nielson & Edward R. Yawn

Jeanne & Dan Porter

Carole & David Preston

In Memory of Leslie Reed

Howard & Margaret Soroos

In Memory of Allen and Jean Stuhl

Andrew Terrell & Megan Waterhouse

Walter J. and Gail Woolwine

Patriots

Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Alfredson

Anonymous (7)

Ronald E. Becker

Michael and Niki Bennett

Clare Bisceglia

Luana Bossolo

Nicole and Maya Brettell

In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Lucy Capaldi

Gregory Clarke & Julie Ann Chapman

David & Catherine Clagett

Barbara and John Cohoon

Patricia C. Cosler

Stephen & Kimberly Crago

DONORS

Mr. & Mrs. C. Wallace DeWitt

Robert Doerschner

The Reverend Stanley A. Dubowski

Dennis & Myrna Dunn

Jack & Kelly Fannon

Jim & Alexandra Hartz

James and Mary Hutzler

In Memory of Sue Kahn

Pat & Ken Lore

Linda L. Mayer

Mary McGowan & Steve

Cohen, In Memory of the Fabulous Ruth Padgett

Anne Monahan

Dolores and Tom Mulkerin

Zell Murphy

Jeff & Diane Nesmeyer

Melissa Nielson & Edward Yawn

Carole & David Preston

In Memory of Leslie Reed

Kent, Gail, and Elizabeth Replogle

A. Leo Romaneski

In Honor of Frank D. Shutts, II

Howard & Margaret Soroos

Mary Beth Smith-Toomey

Susan Swain

Harrison & Toni Wadsworth

Kelley Wells

Scott Wirtzman

Alexandrian

Neale Ainsfield & Dr. Donna Sieckmann

Ms. Martha Alliston

James and Gay Alper

Jerome Andersen

Anonymous (10)

The Apker Family

Carol Atkins

Jay Bartol

Mary Katherine Baumeister

Dick & Cathy Becker

Beverley Benda

Lloyd Bittinger

In Honor of the Blake Family

Edward C. Blau

Kevin Blaum

Mr. & Mrs. Alan Boehm

Susan Bowman

Tamara Preston Boyd

Patricia Bradford

Gregory Bricker

Herb & Dee Brooks

Dale Brown & Eileen Malone

Jim & Sue Buchanan

Lesley Buckles

Lesley Buckles In Memory of Dick Schwab

Nick & Diane Burakow

In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Carolyn L. Cain

Elisabeth Campbell

Lucy Capaldi

KC Carlyle

Marilyn Carney

Justin Cheevers

Gillian Chen

Conductor’s Fan Club

Angela Tarkenton Cordle

David Correia

Patricia Cosler

Brian & Paula Coupe

Robert B. Crane

Bob & Judy –In Honor of Ken Crowley

Tom Dabney

Ann S. Daniels

Kevin Deardorff & Lisa Blumerman

Michael deBlois

David Dender

Susan Devine

K.M. Dillaber

The Dipalma’s

Rob Doerschner

P.M. Donahue

Michael Doughton & Caleb Queen

Dennis Dunn

Angelo Esposito

Margaret Evans-Joyce

In Honor of Peter Fannon

Chief Faith Federspiel

Sharon & Ron Field

Dorinda Fitt

Karen Ford

Ira Forstater & Robin Fradkin

Delma Frankel

Thomas & Rita Foss

Sarah & Michael Gale

Jeff & Donna Gathers

James & Maria Gentle

Marcia Gillespie

Molly Gimmel

Lotte Goldman

Barbara & Stephan Hayes

In Memory of Barbara Helsing

John. J. Heyman

Jim & Terry Howard

Linda Jasper

William Jenkins

Kenneth and Therese Johnston

Bonnie Jourdan

Sheila & Neil Jurinski

Vicki Kadilak

Judy and Orron Kee

Janet Kennelly

Richard and Eleanor Knott

Karen Kopp in Memory of Philip Kopp

Robert Kraus & Larissa Heyman

In Memory of Dianna Kreutz

In Memory of Dick and Dianna Kreutz

Freida Lachapelle

Ladies’ & Gentleman’s Matinee Society

Kirk and Gabriela Lambert

Fred and Donna Lash

Dale & Bob Latiff

Kirby Lee

Pamela Leonowich

Susan & Andre L’Heureux

William W. Lohr

Jennifer Lyman

In Memory of Chris Macey

Bruce and Susan Machanic

Sara Maddux

Bob & Joanne Madison

The Maibach Foundation

Donna & Marty Malarkey

Estelle Marlor

Nicky McDonnell

J.J. & Pat Miller

Anne Monahan

Theresa Monroe

Thomas & Dolores Mulkerin

Murphy Family

Northstrat on Behalf of Nancyanne Burton

David & Pamela Orr

In Memory of Ruth Padgett

Kathleen Parrish

Kathy & Clarence Parrish

Jim Pearson & Laurie Marichak

Elena Polyak

Gary & Ana Rasmussen

Susan and Les Ravitz

In Memory of Leslie Reed

Donna Reynolds

Stasia & Pat Rhoads

Cliff Rieger

Mary Jo Roos

James Rorke

Ann Rowan

Tami & Peter Salmon

Mark & Donna Samblanet

Tom Sargeant

Jacqueline & Ralph Schenkel

Jean & Jim Schlichting

Katherine Schmauss

Page Dreher Schreiner

In Memory of

Richard N. Schwab

Leanne M. Shott

Karen Jadlos Shotts

Aubrey & Carolyn Smith

Carolyn & Tom Smith

Judith Smith

Patricia Spencer Smith

George & Marisa Souza

Bob & Sharon Spivey

Adrian Steel

Donald Street

In Memory of Allen Stuhl

April Stull

Maria Sullivan

Adrienne & Ron Taylor

Lois Van Bergen

Edward Walker & Brenda Kurlansik

Katherine Ward

Sandra H. Welch

Rance R. Willis

Linda W. Windsor

Raymond M. & Sheri H. Wolfe

Chris & Gail Wollenberg

Kathy Wood

Richard Young

Minutemen

Dr. Lynda G. Adamson

Martha Alliston

Anonymous (9)

Diana Banat

Ronald & Sheila Barrett

Dominic Beamer

Robert & Joann Bingham

Joseph Bischoff

Gloria Black

David and Katherine Breen

Cheri L. Brown

In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Marcia Carpentier

JT Caruso

Shah and Leah Choudhury

Ronald Cogan

Lisa Cohen

Dee Colby

Linda Couture

Angelique Dimmick

Jeffery Dowers

Julie & Paul Edwards

Philip Eisenstat

Alan English

Karen and John Forster

Elizabeth Gaston

Jeff & Donna Gathers

Aaron Geduldig

Mary Clair Gildea

Niki Gilliam

Michael and Jean Glendon

Joanne Goodell

Geoffrey Goodrum

Kacie Greenwood

Bob Gronenberg

Raul Grumberg

Susan Hart

Karl Wayne Heil

In Memory of Barbara Helsing

Suzan & David Henderson

Joanna Henry

Bobbie Herbst

Mark & Patti Higgins –In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Dr. David Hunt & Dr. Kimberly Wells

Ellen Ing for David

Ray and Judy Isaacs

Vernon Kahiler

James & Charlene Kegerreis

Melissa Keiser

Victor and Barbara Kernus

David Kimmelman

In Memory of Dick & Dianna Kreutz

Kirk and Gabriela Lambert

Dr. Valerie Larkin

In Honor of Chuck Leonard

Wilma Probst Levy

The Livingston Family

Noreen Lopez

Nathan and Kara Macek

In Memory of Chris Macey

Raymonde Magliozzi

Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Mannion

Bill & Joan McCulla

In Memory of Brian McNamara

Kate McNichols

Mary Jo Morgan

Brian Murphy

In Memory of Alice O’Connor

Pierella Paci

In Loving Memory of Ruth Padgett

Laura Peterson

Mrs. Jackie Phillips

Omar Rojas & Sara Deshong-Rojas

Col. Melvin H. Rosen

Steven Rosenthal

Rob & Donna Roth –In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Kitty Russell

Brian and Kathy Shankman

Eric Schlesinger

Martha H. Schumacher

Robert & Maureen Simoniz

Barbara Slavik

Wendy Sneff

Mrs. Mary Stauss

Mark Stein

In Memory of J.J. Stinson

Capt. & Mrs. Donald Taggart

In Memory of Gene Vaughan

Hildegard White

Dr. Marta Wilson

Raymond and Sheri Wolfe

Colonists

Mr. Clermon Acklin

Lynda Adamson

Mr. and Mrs. Albanese

Martha E. Alliston

Anonymous (52)

Mr. Kevin Brehm

Ellie Briscoe

Betty Brown

Dee Brown & Glen MacDonald

Joan Burg

In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Gabby Carter

Dorothy Cass

Ronald E. Cogan

John Coogan

Mary Crosby

Angela J. Davis

Jacqueline Doherty

In Honor of Dave Dunn

Joan Ebbs

Robert Eckert

Bernard & Veda Engel

Dan & Marie Ernst

Avery Clifford Evans

Debbie Funkhouser

Aaron Geduldig

Kathy Giannetti

Karen Gruber

David Hale & Russ Wyland

Joe Harr

Kalynne Harvey

Joseph Hearin

Raymond Heatherton

Ginger Higgins

Ms. Sherada Hobgood

Alma Kasulaitis

GIVING KEY

Denise Katz

Edward Keusenkothen

In memory of Stephanie Kirkpatrick

Roberta Klein

Kathy Koczyk

Philip Krzywicki

Lynn Lacey

Catherine Love

Mr. & Mrs. Greg & Cynthia Matthes

Maureen Melton

Ed & Eleanor Metzbower

Judith Mitchell

Kim Monroe

Tony Morris

Jane Neubig

Shawn Newman & Sara Hefler

Mr. & Mrs. Alan Newton

Soledad Pellegrini & Timo Lorenzo-Schmidt

Cynthia Picha

Linda Plaskow

Jason Pyzel

Jill Randolph

Irene Rehbock

Patricia Richter

Emily Ryan

Margaret Sarisky

Roxanne Sayre

Diana Schwanhausser

Rivon Shaneyfelt

Nancy L. Siegal

Wendy Swanson

Christina Tobias-Nahi

Lauren Walker

Thomas Walker

Mark Weitz

Sheila Woods

Linda Ysewyn

Every effort has been made to ensure that this list of contributors is correct and complete as of the date this program went to press. If your name has been omitted or misspelled, please accept our apologies and inform us of the error so that the correction can be made.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution online, visit www.thelittletheatre.com and click on opportunities, then donations. You may also contact the business office at 703-683-5778, ext. 2 and donate by phone.

In case of an emergency, LTA has three AEDs (automated external defibrillators)

The Council of The Little Theatre of Alexandria

Zell Murphy II................................................................................................................................... Director

Rachael Hubbard................................................................................................................... Vice Director

Donna Hauprich .............................................................................................................................Secretary

Lloyd Bittinger Financial Officer

Frank D. Shutts II ........................................................................... Honorary Member, LTA President

Jay Bartol

Jamie Blake

Luana Bossolo

Leslie Buckles

KC Carlyle

Margaret Chapman

Franklin C. Coleman

Charlotte Corneliusen

David Correia

Kimberly Crago

Susan R. Devine

Paul Donahoe

Sharon Rochelle Dove*

Joel D. Durgavich

Margaret Evans-Joyce

Peter M. Fannon*

Ira Forstater

Duane Goddard*

Kacie Greenwood

David B. Hale

Ronald Hardcastle

Barbara H. Hayes

Bobbie Herbst

Kira Simon Hogan

Marian Holmes*

David B. Kahn

Algis & Suzanne Kalvaitis

Judith Kee* Oron Kee

Kirk Lambert

Patricia B. Nicklin

C. Lynn O’Connell

Micheal J. O’Connor

Eddie Page

James Pearson

Jayn L. Rife

Benjamin Robles

Heather Sanderson

Jean Schlichting

Margo Shiffert

Patricia Spencer Smith

Kim Smith-Salmon

Mary Beth Smith-Toomey*

Arthur & Margaret Snow

Howard & Marg Soroos

Rance R. Willis*

Frank & Carolyn Winters

Russell Wyland

Kenneth P. Zabielski

* Distinguished Member Rev 1.31.22

The Council of the Little Theatre of Alexandria is a group of dedicated members who support financial projects for the theatre and provide numerous social events with dinners, receptions, and other member gatherings. The Council promotes and supports volunteerism throughout the theatre to ensure continued success in all areas, i.e., backstage, front of house, box office, etc.; we also provide need-based scholarship funding to support numerous adult and youth educational programs within the theatre. The Council is proud to sponsor the Shakespeare Garden which has become a community favorite with many stopping in just to relax and “waste my time in it.”