Bright Star - Jan/Feb 2022

directed by Emily “EJ” Jonas

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

presents

BRIGHT STAR

Inspired by A True Story music, book & story by Steve Martin & Edie Brickell

produced by Hilary Adams & Jamie Blake directed by Emily “EJ” Jonas

Bright Star is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com

PRESIDENT Frank D. Shutts II

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

ARTISTIC SUPPORT Beverley Benda

BOX OFFICE .................................................................................................................................................. Ira Forstater

BUILDING Ken Brown

DEVELOPMENT Christopher A. Tomasino

EDUCATION .................................................................................................................................. Heather Sanderson

FRONT OF HOUSE Monty Montgomery

MEMBERSHIP .......................................................................................................................................... Stacey Becker

PRODUCTION Alan Wray

PUBLIC RELATIONS Rachel Alberts

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

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Ken Crowley

Treasurer .................................................................................................................................................... David B. Hale

Secretary to the Board Lynn O’Connell

Executive Secretary Jamie Blake

Archivist .......................................................................................................................................... Charles Dragonette

Business Manager 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. The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Director’s

Notes

“If you knew my story, you’d have a good story to tell.”

Bright Star is the story of one woman at two points in her life: First, from 1945 to 1946, as a well-to-do magazine editor in Asheville. Second, a flashback to 22 years earlier in 1923, when she was a wild young gal growing up barefoot and carefree in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Alice’s spunky personality matches with her first love, Jimmy Ray, who also happens to be the mayor’s son. Her story is woven with that of an idealistic young man named Billy, with whom she shares a mysterious connection. From the outset, Alice is torn between her family’s expectations and her own desires. Even with the obstacles she faces, she does not stay small but finds strength, hope and love along the way.

Bright Star is based on a true story inspired by a newspaper article headlined “The Iron Mountain Baby,” dating back to the turn of the 20th century. It led Steve Martin and Edie Brickell to write and compose this heartfelt bluegrass musical experience. In this production, my hope is to emphasize the children of the town. Throughout the show, you will notice children holding lanterns. These are meant to shine light on the moments of Alice’s story that frame her choices, journey and world. Stories are one of the ways we create community. We hear and tell them at gatherings and in towns; during the holidays, and as part of ceremonies; and most especially, with our dearest friends and family. These stories are remembered and passed down from generation to generation. Each lantern illuminates this oral tradition as the children of our town light the moments they will recall for future generations.

Bright Star showcases the challenges of parenthood, heartache, and what it means to remember the roots of home. It pushes us to see how far one can go to find resilience, love and fierce courage in overcoming even the most difficult circumstances. After the last two years enduring a global pandemic, we could all use more light in our lives. Our hope is that you will feel the light and love from our entire cast and crew as we tell our story.

Sending light to you all.

SHOW SYNOPSIS

When successful literary editor Alice Murphy meets an ambitious young soldier just home from World War II, their connection inspires Alice to confront her past. Together they discover a stunning secret with the power to transform their lives.

ORIGINAL PRODUCTION

BRIGHT STAR

Inspired By a True Story

Music, Book & Story by Music, Book & Story by Steve Martin Edie Brickell

Produced by Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, John Johnson Zebulon LLC, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Len Blavatnik, James L. Nederlander, Carson & Joseph Gleberman, Balboa Park Productions

The Shubert Organization, Jamie deRoy/ Catherine Adler/Cricket Jiranek

In Association With Rodger Hess, A.C. Orange International, Broadway Across America, Sally Jacobs & Warren Baker

Diane DiMenna, Exeter Capital, Agnes Gund, True Love Productions And The Old Globe

The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.

The Cast (in order of appearance)

Alice Murphy ..............................................................................................Maura Lacy

Billy Cane ................................................................................................Preston Grover

Daddy Cane ..........................................................................................Joseph Peacock

Margo ................................................................................Audrey Landau Townsend

Max/Featured Dancer ............................................................................Drew Goins

Florence/Ensemble ............................................................................Jasmine Jones

Edna ............................................................................................Caleigh Riordan Davis

Daryl ........................................................................................................Ashton Schaffer

Lucy ..............................................................................................................Audrey Baker

Mama Murphy ......................................................................................Patricia Nicklin

Daddy Murphy ..................................................................................Steven Palkovitz

Mayor Dobbs ......................................................................................Jamey Pellegrini

Jimmy Ray Dobbs ............................................................................Joshua Nettinga

Stanford ......................................................................................................Michael Gale

Dr. Norquist/Ensemble ..........................................................Rene “Kieth” Flores

Stationmaster ......................................................................................Jeremy Venook

Clerk/Ensemble ....................................................................................Alicia Braxton

Ensemble/Featured Dancer ................................................Anna Longenecker

Ensemble ........................Sally Ann Flores, Maya Focht, Eamonn Herbold, Carolina Sramek, Sophia Stine, Xander Stine, Maya Topalhan, Elena Wear, Leah Wong

SETTING

The play jumps in time between 1923-24 and 1945-46 in North Carolina. It is based on a true incident.

Content Warning: Bright Star: Contains adult themes including references to violence against children that could be distressing to some young audiences.

Bright Star is performed in two acts with a 15-minute intermission.

January 14, 2022

Mount Vernon and Alexandria AAUW (American Association of University Women)

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

They are located as follows:

1. in the lobby, near the Council Green Room

2. in the cast entrance hallway, near backstage door

3. in the Alexandria Academy, on the first floor

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, proof of vaccination and physical distancing requirements to continue. This may, hopefully, change later in the season.

LTA COVID Pandemic Health and Safety Standards

The Crew

Producers ................................................................Hilary Adams and Jamie Blake

Assistant Producer ............................................................................Rachel Alberts

Director/Intimacy Coordinator/Fight Choreographer ......Emily “EJ” Jonas

Music Director ............................................................................Paige Rammelkamp

Assistant Music Director ....................................................................Justin DeLong

Stage Manager ....................................................................................Ramah Johnson

Choreographer/Dialect Coach ......................................................Pauline Lamb

Set Design ......................................................................................................Matt Liptak

Set Construction ..................................................Jim Hutzler and Jeff Nesmeyer

Assisted by Kevin Blaum, Shah Choudhury, Han Miller

Set Painting Design ..............................................................................Stacey Becker

Assisted by Susan Burkhead, Kathy Murphy, De Nicholson-Lamb, Chris Sheedy

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

Technical Director/Properties Design ........................Allison Gray-Mendes

Assisted by Kirstin Apker, Griffin Voltmann

Lighting Design ..........................Jeffrey Scott Auerbach and Kimberly Crago

Assistant Lighting Designer ..................................................................Cleo Potter

Master Electrician ............................................................................Kimberly Crago

Assisted by Lloyd Bittinger, Jacquanna Davis, Pam Leonowich, Micheal O’Connor, Donna Reynolds, Sherry Singer, Marg Soroos, Adrian Steel, Danielle Taylor, Leslie Teitel

Sound Design ..........................................................................................David Correia

Assisted by Keith Bell, Sarah Smith, Alan Wray

Costume Design ..................................................Jean Schlichting and Kit Sibley

Assisted by Janus Johnston, Lanea Sterret

Wardrobe Coordinators ......................Karen Sagun and Robin Worthington

Assisted by Alisa Beyninson, Luana Bossolo, Margaret Snow

Makeup Design Larissa Norris

Hair Design ........................................................................................Chanel Lancaster

Assisted by Karen Maline, Robin Maline, Megan Teitel

Rigging ..............................................................................................Russell M. Wyland

Photographer ..............................................................................................Matt Liptak

Double Tech Dinner ........................................Sponsored by Nicky McDonnell and hosted by the LTA Council

Assisted by Luana Bossolo, Margaret Chapman, David Correia, Paul Donahoe, Joel Durgavich, Rachael Hubbard, Zell Murphy, Patricia Nicklin

Audition Coordinator ........................................................................Carol Strachan

Assisted by Robin Gold, Zell Murphy, Sherry Singer

A special thanks to those people whose names were not available when this playbill went to press.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PLANTS GARDEN SUPPLIES LANDSCAPE HOME DÉCOR UNIQUE GIFTS & MORE

Rachel Alberts, Jeffery Westlake, Crissy Wilke, Alan Wray

Musical Numbers & Musicians

Act I

If You Knew My Story..........................................................................Alice Billy, Company

She’s Gone ......................................................................................................................Daddy Cane, Billy Bright Star ............................................................................................................................Billy, Ensemble

Way Back in the Day ......................................................................................................Alice, Ensemble

Whoa, Mama ............................................................................................Jimmy Ray, Alice, Ensemble

Firmer Hand/Do Right ................................Daddy Murphy, Alice, Mama Murphy, Ensemble

A Man’s Go-a-Do Jimmy Ray, Mayor Dobbs

Bright Star Underscore Ensemble

Asheville Margo, Ensemble

Picnic Dance Stanford

What Could Be Be-er Jimmy Ray, Alice, Townsfolk

I Can’t Wait—Part I Alice, Ensemble

I Can’t Wait—Part II Alice, Jimmy Ray, Ensemble

Please, Don’t Take Him ....................................Mayor Dobbs, Alice, Stanford, Mama Murphy, Daddy Murphy, Ensemble

A Man’s Go-a-Do (Reprise) ......................................................................Mayor Dobbs, Ensemble

Act II

Entr’acte

Sun’s Gonna Shine ..........................................................Alice, Mama Murphy, Margo, Ensemble

Heartbreaker ..............................................................................................................................Jimmy Ray

Another Round..........................................................................................Lucy, Daryl, Billy, Ensemble

I Had a Vision ................................................................................................................Alice, Jimmy Ray

Always Will ..........................................................................................................Billy, Margo, Ensemble

Sun’s Gonna Shine (Reprise) ......................................................................................Mama Murphy

I Can’t Wait (Reprise) ................................................................................................................Ensemble

So Familiar/At Long Last ............................................................................................Alice, Ensemble

Finale ......................................................................Jimmy Ray, Alice, Billy, Margo, Daryl, Company

Musicians

Piano/Conductor Paige Rammelkamp, Lucia LaNave

Keyboard 2 Justin DeLong

Banjo Chuck Perryman

Mandolin Patrick Costanzo

Guitar Clyde Bowie, Noah Dail

Fiddle Jason Labrador

Cello Tim Thulson

Bass ..............................................................................................Sara Korpeck Farris, Stephen Kelsey

Percussion ............................................................................................Emilie Mitchell, Sedale McCall

Meet the

Cast (in alphabetical order)

Audrey Baker (Lucy) is excited to return to LTA after playing Miss Evangeline Barley in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Since then, she made her pandemic debut as Kitty in a virtual production of The Drowsy Chaperone (SMM). A San Francisco native, Audrey performed in regional theater throughout the Bay Area; favorite roles include Kate Monster/Lucy in Avenue Q and Muriel in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. When not onstage, Audrey works to pass legislation to lower prescription drug prices.

Alicia Braxton (Clerk/Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her LTA debut in Bright Star. This will also be her first show since moving to the DMV area. She has been active in community theatre in the past, and some of her favorite stage credits include Hello Dolly! , The Pirates of Penzance, 42nd Street and Damn Yankees . A huge thanks to my mom for her continuous love, support and patience.

Caleigh Riordan Davis (Edna) is thrilled to be making her LTA debut! She is a recent graduate of American University whose favorite roles include Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (WST), Varya in Too Much Unhappy (AU DPA), Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice (AU Rudes), Ophelia in Hamlet (BADA) and April in Company (AU Players). She is overjoyed at the return of live theatre and would like to thank everyone involved in this production. Thank you for coming to the show!

Rene “Kieth” Flores (Dr. Norquist/Ensemble) is ecstatic to be back at LTA, having last been seen as one of the immigrant masses in Ragtime . Favorite roles include the Narrator/Old Man, Into the Woods (TCP); Gomez Addams, The Addams Family (TCP and CT); Che, Evita (SMP); Bellamy, The Fantasticks (VTC); and the King, The King and I (SP). Thanks to EJ and the entire production crew of Bright Star for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful show. Love to Sally (aka the Mrs. and fellow castmate) and my mini-me, Melody.

Sally Ann Flores (Ensemble) is excited to be making her LTA debut in Bright Star , having recently been onstage as Mrs. Peters in The Social Secretary (SP). Favorite roles include Miss Hannigan, Annie (ZS); Bloody Mary, South Pacific ; Irene Molloy, Hello Dolly! (CRT); and the Queen of Hearts, Alix in Wonderland (CT). Thanks to EJ and the entire cast, crew, orchestra and production team for this tremendous experience. Love to Kieth, my partner onstage and in real life, and to our own bright star, Melody.

Michael Gale (Stanford) is grateful to be performing in his seventh LTA musical. Past LTA roles include Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar, Malcolm MacGregor in The Full Monty, Tateh in Ragtime, Purser in Anything Goes, killer-rabbit puppeteer in Spamalot and a community member in In the Heights. Michael has also appeared at Dominion Stage as Band Leader in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and as Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald in Assassins . Offstage, Michael works in international development. Love to Sarah and Calvin.

Drew Goins (Max, Featured Dancer) is so happy to be back at LTA for Bright Star, a musical that holds a special place in the heart of this journalist and North Carolina native son. Drew was last (and first) seen at LTA in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Monty) in early 2020; here’s hoping this production doesn’t also kick off a pandemic. Thanks to his show team, his life team and everyone else—y’all know who you are.

Preston Grover (Billy) is thrilled to be making his LTA debut! Originally from North Carolina, he spent six nomadic years pursuing a career in music and theatre before recently settling down in DC. Favorite credits include Mamma Mia! (Axelrod Performing Arts Center), Pompadour (Stage Door Theater) and many shows at sea with Norwegian Cruise Line. Preston would like to thank his friends and family for their incredible love and support and the Puns volleyball team for welcoming him to the city.

Meet the Cast (continued)

Jasmine Jones (Florence/Ensemble) is grateful and thrilled to return (in person) to the LTA stage in this beautiful musical, Bright Star. A sales rep by day, Jasmine loves spending her free time singing and supporting theater in all its wonderful forms. A few of her favorite shows over the years include Tartuffe (Perisphere Theatre), Sister Act (Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre) and Noah: Apocalypse (LiveArt in DC). Jasmine is forever grateful to her family for being part of every audience!!

Maura Lacy (Alice Murphy) is overjoyed to tell this story and make her LTA debut with Bright Star. Favorite credits include Belle in Beauty and the Beast (CFTC), Kira in Xanadu (LTC), Catherine in Pippin (The Legacy Theatre, GA) Amber in Hairspray! (RCP), Olive in The 25th…Spelling Bee (MET), Janet in Boeing Boeing (MET), Niki in Curtains (TAP) and Lady Eugenia in A Gentlemen’s Guide…(RCP). All the love and thanks to God, EJ, Paige, Katy and Judy, and this beautiful cast and crew. For Granny, the best storyteller. Mauralacy.com

Anna Longenecker (Ensemble/Featured Dancer) is thrilled to be a part of her first LTA production! Favorite past credits include Valerie Clark (A Chorus Line), Sally Bowles (Cabaret) and Hunyak (Chicago) through UNC Pauper Players. Outside of LTA rehearsal, Anna is a member of Capitol Movement’s contemporary dance company. She is so grateful for the entire Bright Star production staff and cast!

Joshua Nettinga (Jimmy Ray Dobbs) is over the moon to be performing with this talented cast and crew in his LTA debut. A trial attorney originally from Southern California, he recently moved from Alaska, where he appeared in a number of productions, including The Music Man and Let Nothing You Dismay. He was also honored to participate in the first staged reading of Amy Berryman’s Walden at the Last Frontier Theater Conference. His bright stars are his wife, Jen, and twin babies, Rosie and Eliza.

Patricia Nicklin (Mama Murphy) is delighted to be in her third LTA production, having appeared as Pamela in A Fox on the Fairway and as Mrs. Montague in The Haunting of Hill House. Recent favorite roles include Passepartout in Around the World in 80 Days (Theatre Lab of DC) and, as a member of the Stonehill Theatre Foundation, the suffragist Alice Paul in Republic Undone; Dolly Madison in The Republic for Which We Stand; and music director for Arguing with God. Pat and her husband live in Old Town Alexandria, and she is proud to be a part of her community theatre.

Steven Palkovitz (Daddy Murphy) is excited to be onstage a second time at LTA after appearing in A Christmas Carol (2017). His most recent show was The Laramie Project with the Sterling Playmakers in June 2021. He has also acted in productions with the Reston Community Players, the Vienna Theatre Company, Stagecoach Theater, the McLean Community Players and Providence Players of Fairfax, among others. Keep an eye out for him as an extra in the movie Wonder Woman 1984. Enjoy the show!

Joseph Peacock (Daddy Cane) is thrilled to be making his LTA debut in Bright Star under the direction of his friend and work colleague Emily Jonas. At age 16, Joe played Edwin in a summer camp production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury and went on to perform in a variety of high school and college productions. Among the many choral groups with which Joe has sung are Yale Concert Choir, the Russian Chorus of Middlebury College Russian School, Toonkunstkoor Amsterdam, Slavic Male Chorus of Washington, DC, and Fairfax Choral Society.

Meet the Cast (continued)

Jamey Pellegrini (Mayor Dobbs) This is Jamey’s first performance with LTA, but he is a veteran of the stage. Some of his favorite past roles include Seymour ( Little Shop of Horrors ), Tateh ( Ragtime ), Marryin’ Sam ( Li’l Abner ), Mr. Potter ( It’s a Wonderful Life ), Adam/Noah ( Children of Eden ), Greg ( Sylvia ) and Bob Ewell ( To Kill a Mockingbird). He wants to thank his wonderful wife and family for their continued love and support and the staff of Bright Star for the opportunity to perform.

Ashton Schaffer (Daryl) is thrilled to make his LTA debut in Bright Star ! Some previous theater credits include: TAP: Together at Last! A Musical Revue; NextStop Theatre Company: Matilda; Monumental Theatre Company: Pippin; Upper Room Theater: Les Misérables, Beauty and the Beast; Westminster Players: Godspell; InterAct Story Theatre: Bobtail Bong Bong, A Monkey’s Tale. Ashton holds a B.M. in musical theater from The Catholic University of America and is the education manager for Synetic Theater in Arlington. @Ashton.G.Schaffer

Audrey Landau Townsend (Margo) is so excited to make her LTA debut in Bright Star. This is her first show post-college, and she is thrilled to be onstage again. Favorite roles include Claire in Ordinary Days, Woman 1 in Songs for a New World and Susan in Company (Company Carolina—UNC Chapel Hill). Audrey would like to thank her family and friends for their support and wish her mom a happy, happy birthday!

Jeremy Venook (Stationmaster) is excited to be making his LTA debut in Bright Star and to be returning to musical theatre more generally after a long hiatus. Favorite past roles have included Robert in The Drowsy Chaperone, Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Laurie in Little Women (all with the Harvard-Radcliffe Dramatic Club).

Leah Wong (Ensemble) is ecstatic to be in her first community theatre production ever. Her other stage experiences include UC San Diego’s The Vagina Monologues, Penn Law Light Opera’s La Cage Aux Folles and New York City Upright Citizens Brigade improv comedy. An earnest, loving student of music, movement and storytelling, she is beyond grateful to have experienced it all with LTA and the Bright Star cast and crew.

The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)’s rights and actionable under United States Copyright Law.

Public Relations Staff

Publicity .................................... Rachel Alberts

Graphics Simmons Design

Playbill Editor ................... Carol Hutchinson

Playbill Coordinator Bobbie Herbst

For information concerning Playbill advertising, please call 703-683-5778.

Meet the Crew

Hilary Adams (Co-Producer) is thrilled to make her producing debut with Bright Star. An LTA member and volunteer since 2014, Hilary has acted, run props and even pinch-hit on the sound board on dozens of shows and is the current chair of LTA’s NextGen Committee. She has directed several one-act plays as part of LTA’s New Voices series. Coming up, she is assistant directing Blue Stockings here at LTA. Hilary is honored and humbled by all the people who made this opportunity possible, especially the LTA Board of Governors, the immensely talented production team and her loving and supportive fiancé.

Rachel Alberts (Assistant Producer) has been directing, producing and writing plays for children for a dozen years. Rachel also teaches drama in the Alexandria public schools and is a founder, writer and director for LTA’s PET (Partnership in Educational Theater) Project, a community outreach program that performs literature-based programs for local schools using LTA actors. She is a two-time recipient of LTA’s Award for Excellence in Producing, serves on the board as the Governor of Public Relations and is a recipient of Alexandria’s Salute to Women Award for Cultural Affairs.

Jeffrey Scott Auerbach (Co-Lighting Design) and Kimberly Crago (Co-Light Design/Master Electrician) are an award-winning light design duo active at LTA, ACCT, DS, TAP and other local theatres. Jeff and Kimberly are thrilled to work with this talented cast and crew. Their most recent productions have been A Christmas Carol, Wait Until Dark and Ripcord. They wish to thank the producers and EJ for this opportunity. Jeff thanks David and Katie for their love and support. Kimberly thanks Steve for being a real swell guy.

Stacey Becker (Set Painting Design) is excited to be working with this talented crew and cast. She recently co-produced this year’s A Christmas Carol and is happy to be back in the paint room with a paintbrush in hand. Her latest work behind the scenes was paint designer for Ripcord and before that, A Christmas Carol (2020). Enjoy the show!

Jamie Blake (Co-Producer) is thrilled to be working with this fabulous cast and crew. This is one of her favorite complex but heartwarming shows. Jamie has spent the last 30-plus years at LTA and loves every minute of it. She’s been on and off the LTA Board of Governors, has won Best Producer twice and a very, very long-ago New Member Award. Special thanks to her sister Liz, brother-in-law Mark, and Rocco for keeping her balanced. She thanks her mom and dad who always supported her theatre endeavors.

Edie Brickell ( Bright Star Writer and Composer) released the debut multiplatinum album SHOOTING RUBBER BANDS AT THE STARS with New Bohemians in 1988. Her recent works include a 13-track collaboration with Steve Martin titled LOVE HAS COME FOR YOU. The album won a Grammy for Best American Roots Song and inspired the musical Bright Star. Their second album, SO FAMILIAR, is out now.

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David Correia (Sound Design) has done sound designs for musicals at LTA including A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Anne of Green Gables, Hairspray (2011 WATCH Award winner for sound design in a musical) and Spamalot (2014 WATCH nomination for sound design in a musical). He just finished sound designing Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Rooftop Productions). Previous nonmusical productions include The Count of Monte Cristo, The Judicial Murder of Mrs. Surratt and Fools (ACCT), The Boys Next Door and Hamlet (PCP), Proof (2014 WATCH nomination for sound design in a play at LTA) and most recently The Bluest Eye (DS). Follow

Meet the Crew (continued)

Justin DeLong (Assistant Music Director) is new to the LTA family and is very excited to be a part of bringing this beautiful story to you. He is a fulltime voice teacher and coach and loves to make time performing and music directing whenever possible. Most recently, he was the music director for Godspell at Hornet’s Nest Theatre. Justin worked as a recording engineer before returning to school for a degree in contemporary vocal pedagogy, which has allowed him to pursue his dream of working with other singers for a living. He is also a commissioned choral arranger and has worked extensively as an accompanist for soloists and ensembles in both live and recorded settings.

Charles Dragonette (Set Dressing) is happy to be caught up in the mad whirl as theater gets into full swing. He has completed set, set dressing and props design for DS, ACCT and LTA, including the acclaimed Rumors, and brought Shoestring Theatre Company’s The Frenchman to the stage in his spare time. Bright Star is one of five shows on tap through next summer, including the pandemic-delayed LTA production of Blue Stockings.

Allison Gray-Mendes (Technical Director/Properties Design) is thrilled to be back at LTA for an encore following Wait Until Dark . She has also previously designed props and set dressing with TAP for Curtains and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (WATCH nomination) and assisted on Beauty and the Beast and Sweeney Todd. Thanks to her mother, who poured loads of creativity into supporting her three kids as a stay-at-home mom. Thanks also to her husband, Mark, for being wildly enthusiastic anytime she takes on a new show!

Jim Hutzler (Co-Set Construction) has worked many LTA shows as master carpenter and set construction crew as well as building for other local theatre companies. He most recently built A Christmas Carol with Jeff Nesmeyer. WATCH nominations with Nesmeyer include To Kill a Mockingbird in 2016, Anything Goes in 2017 and Dracula in 2018. Thanks to all who make LTA the special place it is.

Ramah Johnson (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be working backstage on her first show with LTA! Previously she has stage managed for St. Mark’s Players (The Drowsy Chaperone). She is excited to be using her executive skills to bring this fun, touching show to life. Ramah wishes to thank her partner, David, and her daughters, Kendall and Casey, for their unwavering support.

Emily “EJ” Jonas (Director/Intimacy Coordinator/Fight Choreographer) is a local performer and director from Alexandria. She is also the arts coordinator/drama director at Burgundy Farm Country Day School. EJ is excited to return to the LTA stage, this time as a director and intimacy coordinator. A favorite previous role at LTA is Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre from Spelling Bee (2014). Most recently, she performed in Together at Last! at TAP and directed its production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2019). EJ is a recent M.F.A. graduate of Emerson College, where she completed her degree in theatre education and applied theatre. Thank you to all of the Bright Star production team and cast for making her vision for this story come to life … especially with a lantern.

Pauline Lamb (Choreographer/Dialect Coach) (she/her) is a professional DMV dancer/ choreographer/teacher for musical theater for all ages! She is thrilled to be back at work as a creative after this long hiatus! Previous shows she has choreographed include Assassins (PTC), Sweeney Todd and Beauty and the Beast (TAP), Bullets Over Broadway and Mamma Mia! (ASGT), Use All Available Doors (PSP) and many more! She sends her love to EJ for entrusting her with her vision, and hopes you enjoy the story that we tell and the light that we bring.

Chanel Lancaster (Hair Design) just finished designing wigs and hair for LTA’s A Christmas Carol. She also did hair and makeup for Wait Until Dark (LTA), The Bluest Eye (DS) and The Revolutionists (LTA). Chanel would like to thank the Bright Star cast and crew for this wonderful opportunity. Most of all her husband, Austin, for all of his love and support.

Meet the Crew (continued)

Matt Liptak (Set Design/Photographer) most recently designed the set for A Christmas Carol. Bright Star marks his 12th set design for LTA. He has also designed, painted and dressed sets for RCP, DS, PCP and ACT. Notable shows include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (LTA Award winner), Harvey (WATCH Award nominee), Dracula (WATCH Award and LTA Award winner), Steel Magnolias (WATCH Award winner) and Last Summer at Bluefish Cove (WATCH Award nominee). Liptak thanks Kieran for his constant support.

Steve Martin (Bright Star Writer and Composer) is one of the most wellknown and pervasive talents in entertainment. His work has earned him an Academy Award, five Grammy Awards (two for comedy, three for music), an Emmy, the Mark Twain Award and the Kennedy Center Honor. As an author, Martin’s work includes the plays Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Underpants, and Meteor Shower. Also an accomplished banjoist, Martin created the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, an award established to reward artistry and bring greater visibility to bluegrass performers.

Jeff Nesmeyer (Co-Set Construction) is pleased to be collaborating on another Matt Liptak set design with Jim Hutzler. He has been involved in set builds at LTA, PCP and DS since 2006, when Frank Pasqualino asked him to help the crew build the set for Love, Sex and the IRS . He was nominated for two WATCH Awards for Anything Goes, Harvey and Dracula, all at LTA, and he won LTA’s Excellence in Set Construction award for Harvey, Dracula and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Jeff thanks Jim Hutzler for his camaraderie; his wife, Diane, for her support, and Frank for getting him started in theatre.

Larissa Norris (Makeup Design) has been active in a variety of roles both onstage and off in the DMV theatre scene for the past 13 years. She won two WATCH Awards for her makeup designs for The Producers (LTA) and Time Stands Still (RCP) and has been nominated for a total of eight WATCH Awards for her makeup design or hair design in local shows. Other makeup nominations were for Steel Magnolias (LTA), Dreamgirls (DS), 9 to 5 (TAP) and Dracula (LTA) and her bloody special effects makeup for Bug (DS), and she received a hair nomination for the retro styling for A Streetcar Named Desire (LTA). Larissa is a makeup artist in the area— check out Larissa Norris Makeup on Instagram to see her work. Larissa is excited to work with this creative team and with this fabulous cast!

Cleo Potter (Assistant Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be returning to LTA for her second production! Most recently, Cleo served as an ASM for LTA’s 2021 production of A Christmas Carol. Having grown up in the NOVA area attending LTA shows as an audience member, Cleo is pleased to have found her way into the production process.

Karen Sagun (Co-Wardrobe Coordinator) has been an avid theater lover since her first “performance” as Snoopy’s moving doghouse in a high school production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Since then, she has mostly worked front of house but was delighted to return backstage as a wardrobe assistant for LTA’s production of Fences. Many thanks to Robin and the rest of the LTA family for welcoming her to the crew of Bright Star.

Kid Sibley and Jean Schlichting (Co-Costume Design) were pleased to costume Bright Star. They just finished costuming LTA’s A Christmas Carol 2021, and they have costumed many shows at LTA and elsewhere. They have been nominated for and won LTA and WATCH awards for their work. Kit and Jean are grateful to LTA’s Board of Governors for keeping the lights on during the pandemic.

Meet the Crew (continued)

Robin Worthington (Wardrobe Coordinator) has worked with costumers and wardrobe crews on many LTA productions, and helped costumers for other area theaters as well, throughout the years; but her favorites are the musicals, with quick changes backstage and memorable tunes that send her humming into the night after performances. Robin is especially excited to support Bright Star, which brings back her fond memories as a college student and young mother in North Carolina. She is grateful for the support of her family and friends, who understand how volunteering at LTA brings her great joy.

Russell M. Wyland (Rigging) is a 20-plus-year member of LTA. He has worked in some capacity on almost every show produced at LTA. He won the LTA Award for Outstanding Set Decoration for Nude with Violin, The Full Monty and Avenue Q and has rigged in excess of 131 productions over the past 20 years. Russ has served a total of seven years as LTA President and eight years as Governor for Production. His next effort will be as co-producer with Bobbie Herbst and Rachel Alberts for Something Rotten! in the summer of 2022.

LTA is offering Winter-Spring classes and workshops for youth and adults. Join us for improv, acting, voiceovers, tech classes and more! Registration is now open! Visit www.thelittletheatre.com and click on “classes”.

THE LITTLE THEATRE OF ALEXANDRIA 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

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 A Christmas Carol.

Box Office Volunteers

Lloyd Bittinger

Luana Bossolo

Rachel Dixon

Sharon Dove

Bernard Engel

Joan Evans

Peter Fannon

Ira Forstater

Front of House Volunteers

Rachel Alberts

Kirstin Apker

Margaret Barchine

Kevin Blaum

Ken Brown

Veronica Cartier

Janice Clark

Rita Costello

Isabel Craine

Leslie Deneault

Sara Deshong

Paul Donahoe

Marilea Fried

Marjorie Greenberg

Barbara Hayes

Leslie Lynch

Andrew Martineau

Natalie Martineau

Brittany Huffman

Carol Hutchinson

Micheal J. O’Connor

Kay Parker

Steve Percy

Patricia Skinner

Sheri Ratick Stroud

Kendra McLauchlan

Dee Pocock

Mendis

Kirt Miller

Meghan Mohon

Julie Naughton

Lynn O’Connell

Kurmit Rockwell

Susan Ross

Nancy Ruiz

Heather Sanderson

Howard Soroos

Sharon Steeg

Emmanuel Taye

Mary Beth

Smith-Toomey

Tescia Yonkers

Richard Young

Joanna Henry

Bobbie Herbst

Mark & Patti Higgins –

In Memory of Nancyanne Burton

Dr. David Hunt & Dr. Kimberly Wells

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

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 (42)

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

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

Denise Katz

Edward Keusenkothen

Roberta Klein

Kathy Koczyk

Philip Krzywicki

Giving Key

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.

Theater Abbreviations Used in This Playbill

ACCT – Aldersgate Church Community Theater

ACT – Alliance of Community Theaters

AMDA – The American Musical and Dramatic Academy

AS – Arena Stage

ASC – Annapolis Shakespeare Company

ATMTC – Adventure Theatre and Musical Theater Center

AU DPA – American University Department of Performing Arts

AU Rudes – AU Rude Mechanicals

BADA – British American Drama Academy

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

MET – Maryland Ensemble Theatre

MP – Montgomery Playhouse

MPAT – Metropolitan Performing Arts

Theatre

MSA – Metropolitan School for the Arts

MTA – McLean Theatre Alliance (now MCP)

MTC – Musical Theater Center

MVCCT – Mount Vernon Community

Children’s Theatre

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

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

WST – Wildwood Summer Theatre

ZA – Zemfira Stage

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 Donohoe

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 12.20.21

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.”