Sister Act - Jan/Feb 2023

presents

book

material

Based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture “Sister Act” written by Joseph Howard produced by Kadira Coley and Alan K. Wray • directed by Mike J. Baker Jr. music direction by Colin Taylor • choreographed by Kathleen McCormack

by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner music by Alan Menken • lyrics by Glenn Slater additional book

by Douglas Carter Beane

Lettice

written by Peter Shaffer produced by sheri ratick stroud and Griffin Voltmann directed by Juli Tarabek Blacker

If you are a fan of witty British humor, then this is the perfect play for you! This comedy satire, written by the author of Equus and Amadeus, and written specifically for Dame Maggie Smith, centers around an overly exuberant tour guide who loves to embellish the history behind an English country house. Ultimately she is fired, but she refuses to go without a fight. Watch as Lettice and Lovage engage in a battle to the death of all that is sacred to the Empire and to the crown.

presents

book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner music by Alan Menken lyrics by Glenn Slater additional book material by Douglas

Carter Beane

Based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture “Sister Act” written by Joseph Howard produced by Kadira Coley and Alan K. Wray directed by Mike J. Baker Jr. music direction by Colin Taylor choreographed by Kathleen McCormack

SISTER ACT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019. Tel: (212) 541-4684 www.MTIShows.com

PRESIDENT Frank D. Shutts II

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

ARTISTIC SUPPORT Beverley Benda BOX OFFICE

Ira Forstater BUILDING Myke Taister DEVELOPMENT Christopher A. Tomasino EDUCATION

Heather Sanderson FRONT

Monty Montgomery

Stacey Becker

Hilary Adams

Fred C. Lash

Eleanore Tapscott

Ken Crowley

Treasurer Christopher A. Tomasino Secretary to the Board Lynn O’Connell

Jamie Blake

Charles Dragonette

Kim Smith-Salmon

Office

Jeffery Westlake

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.

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

Music by Lyrics by Book by Alan Menken Glenn Slater Cheri Steinkellner & Bill Steinkellner

Additional Book Material Douglas Carter Beane

Based on the Touchstone Pictures Motion Picture “Sister Act” written by Joseph Howard

Orchestrations by Doug Besterman

Vocal and Incidental Music Arrangements by Michael Kosarin

Dance Music Arrangements by Mark Hummel

Produced on Broadway by Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment in association with The Shubert Organization and Disney Theatrical Productions

Original Production Developed in Association with Peter Schneider & Michael Reno and Produced by Stage Entertainment

World Premiere Produced by Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena CA and Alliance Theatre, Atlanta GA

Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director

Susan V. Booth, Artistic Director

Lyla White, Executive Director

Tom Pechar, Managing Director

Tom Ware, Producing Director

Director’s Notes

Beginning in the late 1990s, a whole range of new Broadway musicals premiered, many with 20 or more sets. Why not? It was Broadway, after all. Broadway’s deus ex machina had to evolve to satisfy the rapidly changing attention span of younger audiences. In an effort to keep up, local theatres attempted these shows. The drawing room musical became a thing of the past. The new shows were difficult for local theatres that could not fly or lift. LTA tackled many of these shows with aplomb but not without challenges.

As set changes began numbering 30 or more, creativity was definitely needed. When I directed Anne of Green Gables – The Musical at LTA, I suddenly realized why no one had tried it before. How do you get a real horse, carriage, train station and Anne’s house, all integral to the show, onstage at once? Simple: rear film projections combined with orchestra and song. My next LTA endeavor, A Christmas Carol, was at the height of COVID. It combined 40-foot green screens lit by the out-of-work “Walking Dead” crew with 16 edited film sequences, complete with animated backgrounds. Dickens, Scrooge and the ghosts were then called upon to interact with these life-size projections before a live audience—a first for the American stage.

This brings us to Sister Act, with over 30 set changes, some in the middle of songs. Who thought of this? Broadway, of course. Not to mention four minutes of chase scenes, which can be intensely boring for today’s audiences. What you will see in this performance takes the box set community theatre into the 21st century. The film and theatrical world become one once again at LTA. We sincerely hope we have succeeded. Here is Sister Act like you have never seen it before, except perhaps in New York.

Mike J. Baker Jr. Director

SHOW SYNOPSIS

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Please be advised that a prop pistol, strobe light and gunfire will be used in this performance.

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. Starting September 1, 2022, LTA will no longer require proof of COVID vaccination or PCR testing (if not vaccinated), for audience admission to our facility, and we will no longer be holding out every third seat for social distancing. However, we will still be requiring wearing a mask indoors, including during a performance. Proof of full vaccination, including boosters, against COVID is required for all cast, crew, volunteers and staff, and for those auditioning at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. This may, hopefully, change later in the season.

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PERFORMANCE PARTNERS IN ART

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Basilica of St. Mary (Old Town Alexandria), Luana Bossolo, Frankie Carr, James Carr, Colton Carter, Council of the Little Theatre of Alexandria, Kimberly Crago, Audrey Macone, Alice McCormack, Margaret McCormack, Cora Parish, Prince William Little Theatre, Heather Sanderson, Art Snow, Madeleine Tarre, Tatiana Walker, Claire Wisser.

Video Crew: Gifty Amponsem, Mike J. Baker Jr., Jay Bartol, Paul Ciehoski, Jennifer Levy

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Cast (in order of appearance)

Deloris Van Cartier ............ Ashley Williams, Aja Goode (January 17, 18, 19) Michelle

Odette Gutierrez del Arroyo Tina

Jenni Philp Curtis

Paul Caffrey TJ

Luke Martin Ernie

Eddie Perez Joey

Evan Zimmerman Paola

Odette Gutierrez del Arroyo Eddie Alonzo Cook

Sister Mary Robert

Allison Meyer Sister Mary Patrick

Gina Tune Sister Mary Lazarus

Jennifer Reynolds Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours

Margaret McGarry, Maria Ciarrocchi (January 19, 20, 21) Sister Mary Theresa ............................................................................. Jennifer Levy Mother Superior

Christine Maxted, Margaret McGarry (January 19, 20, 21) Monsignor O’Hara

Peter Fannon News Reporter

Sandy Kozel Ensemble

Gifty Amponsem, Claire Aziza, Maria Ciarrocchi, Aja Goode, Julianna Laseter, James Miller, Josie Morgan, Bob Thompson, Lourdes Turnblom, David Valderrama

Sister Act is performed in two acts with one 15-minute intermission.

TIME/SETTING 1978, Philadelphia—various locations

For your own safety, look for your nearest EXIT. In case of emergency, WALK, DO NOT run, to the exit.

SCENES

Act I

Scene 1: Nightclub Scene 2: An alley Scene 3: Chase Scene 4: Police station Scene 5: Queen of Angels Cathedral, South Philadelphia Scene 6: The dining hall Scene 7: The chapel Scene 8: Police station Scene 9: The street Scene 10: Inside the bar Scene 11: The street outside the bar Scene 12: A hallway Scene 13: The music room Scene 14: In the church

Act II Scene 1: A confessional Scene 2: The church Scene 3: Curtis’ office Scene 4: Mother Superior’s office Scene 5: Mary Clarence’s room Scene 6: Changing room Scene 7: Eddie’s apartment Scene 8: Outside the Queen of Angels Scene 9: Queen of Angels Scene 10: All over Queen of Angels Scene 11: Sunday Papal Mass

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Mike J. Baker Jr.

Colin Taylor

Kathleen McCormack

Odette Gutierrez del Arroyo

Steven J. McBride Jr.

Sherry Clarke, Micheal J. O’Connor

Janie Downey

Russell M. Wyland

Matthew Randall

MUSICAL NUMBERS

Act I

Take Me to Heaven (Nightclub), Deloris, Michelle and Tina Fabulous, Baby!, Deloris, Michelle and Tina Chase #1, Deloris, TJ, Joey and Paola

The Perfect Place, All the Nuns Here Within These Walls, Mother Superior and Deloris It’s Good to be a Nun, Deloris and all the Nuns When I Find My Baby, Curtis, TJ, Joey and Paola I Could Be That Guy, Eddie and Homeless Here Within These Walls – Reprise, Mother Superior and all the Nuns Raise Your Voice, Deloris and all the Nuns Take Me to Heaven, Deloris and all the Nuns

Act II

Sunday Morning Fever, Deloris, Mother Superior, Monsignor, Eddie and all the Nuns Take Me to Heaven (Newscast), Deloris, TJ and all the Nuns Lady in the Long Black Dress, TJ, Joey and Paola I Haven’t Got a Prayer, Mother Superior Bless Our Show, Deloris and all the Nuns Benedicta-ta For Now, Mother Superior and all the Nuns

The Life I Never Led, Mary Robert Fabulous, Baby! – Reprise, Deloris, Eddie, Fantasy Dancers and all the Nuns Sister Act, Deloris When I Find My Baby – Reprise, Curtis

The Life I Never Led – Reprise, Mary Robert Chase #2, Deloris, Mother Superior, Curtis, TJ, Joey, Paola, 2 Altar Servers and all the Nuns Sister Act – Reprise, Deloris, Mother Superior, Curtis, TJ, Joey, Paola and all the Nuns Spread the Love Around, Full Company Follow us on instagram @littletheatrealex

MUSICIANS

Conductor, Colin Taylor

Reeds, Justin Baughman, Dana Gardner, Mila Weiss

Trumpets, Monique Abbitt, Jack Dusek, Alexander Grisos

Trombones, Melissa Bayliss, KC Collins, Scott Fridy, Bill Wright

Violins, Alexander Lew , Tasha Pulvermacher

Cello, Pam Clem

Guitar, Chuck Perryman

Bass, Ruben Vellekoop

Keyboards, Joe Faber, Steven J. McBride Jr., Elisa Rosman*

Drums, John Guido Vitullo

Percussion, Emilie Taylor

*On alternate dates

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Thanks, The Little Theatre of Alexandria

Meet the Cast (in alphabetical order)

Gifty Amponsem (Ensemble) cannot imagine a better way to make her LTA debut than with Sister Act. She has performed with Sandy Spring Theatre Group in Godspell and Encore Theater Company in Incognito and has done staged readings with The Essential Theater and 1st Stage Theater. Gifty completed the Honors Acting Conservatory at The Theatre Lab in DC and is honored to share her passion for performance with you all.

Claire Aziza (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her LTA debut! Favorite credits include Ensemble/Katie (u/s perf) in Meet Me in St. Louis (Riverside Center for the Performing Arts), Ermengarde in Hello, Dolly! (Mittelsächsisches Theatre in Germany), Featured Ensemble in Elf, the Musical (Narrows Theater in Brooklyn, NY), Yvette in Clue (virtual with Narrows Theater). Claire studied at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC and is a graduate of James Madison University with a B.M. in music theater. Thanks to her newlywed husband!

Paul Caffrey (Curtis) last appeared in LTA’s production of Something Rotten! as Brother Jeremiah. Some years ago, he appeared as Bill Sykes in Oliver! at LTA. He’s decided to take a few LTA acting classes and joining the talented thugs who support him.

Maria Ciarrocchi (Ensemble/understudy Sister Mary Martinof-Tours) is thrilled to return to the LTA stage with this group of incredible people in Sister Act! Prior to the pandemic, she spent three years originating the role of Suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt in 19 the Musical. Other favorite regional roles include Rose Seller in Oliver! (LTA), Shelby in Steel Magnolias (GTP) and roles in Chess (KAT) and Legally Blonde: The Musical (LTA). Maria lives in Alexandria and is COO of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. Love and enormous thanks to the best tribe a girl could ever ask for!

Meet the Cast

Alonzo Cook (Eddie) is an award-winning actor, model and decorated soldier who began as an extra and stand-in for Tyler Perry Studios and Paramount Pictures. With formal training at Stanford University; Zo booked the lead in the highly acclaimed Alcatraz: Art Behind Bars; lead in the touring of Lord Why Can’t I Do Right?; and most recently in NextStop Theatre’s Frankenstein. Zo is brand ambassador for Oxford Way Tailoring and Ghostfit fitness apparel. This is Zo’s debut at the LTA.

Peter Fannon (Monsignor O’Hara) appeared recently as another cassock-wearing character, Shylock, in Something Rotten! (LTA). He also portrayed Charles Dickens in LTA’s pandemic-year production of A Christmas Carol—theatrical “Balm in Gilead” if ever there was one! Some other roles at LTA were in Amadeus, Company, Dames at Sea, Little Me, Summer and Smoke and 1776; and elsewhere, A Shot in the Dark, Absurd Person Singular and Little Mary Sunshine, among others. His business background is the television industry, where he worked on the development of HDTV and other technologies.

Aja Goode (Ensemble/understudy Deloris Van Cartier) This is Aja’s first production with LTA, and she looks forward to sharing the stage with this amazing cast and crew. After spending many years in the field of dance, she is excited for her first musical production in 10 years. Credits include Georgia in Playing Juliet/Casting Othello (PPF) and Lutiebelle in Purlie Victorious (ACCT).

Odette Gutierrez del Arroyo (Michelle/Paola/Dance Captain) is thrilled to be back onstage in her second production with LTA. She is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, but grew up “all over” due to her father’s military career. Odette is a physician assistant and loves being able to combine her science career with her passion in the creative arts. Favorite credits include Something Rotten!, West Side Story, Legally Blonde: The Musical, Pippin and Chicago. Odette would like to thank her husband, Jake, their son, Luca, and her family for their continued support. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Meet the Cast (in alphabetical order)

Julianna Laseter (Ensemble) is so excited to make her LTA debut in Sister Act! She holds a bachelor’s degree in voice performance from Temple University. Favorite roles include Johanna in Sweeney Todd and Cosette in Les Misérables (Arts Association in Newton County), as well as performances as Pamina in The Magic Flute and The Governess in The Turn of the Screw (Temple University).

Jennifer Levy (Sister Mary Theresa) is delighted to be making her debut with LTA. She last appeared in Providence Players’ production of Cabaret Takes a Holiday and MCP’s fall production of The Show Must Go On. Her numerous credits with MCP include roles in Footloose, Guys and Dolls, Oliver!, Damn Yankees, Calendar Girls, Life With Father, Children of a Lesser God and Born Yesterday. She performed in VTC’s productions of A Child’s Christmas in Wales and Cinderella. For 10 years, she was a featured performer in Hexagon’s annual satirical musical revue in Washington, DC.

Luke Martin (TJ) is so excited to be returning to the Little Theatre of Alexandria in Sister Act. Luke made his LTA debut this summer in the musical Something Rotten!, and he is honored and thrilled to be back and to be a part of such an incredible show. Luke is tremendously thankful for the support of LTA staff and crew as he works to continue his theatre career, and he hopes you enjoy the show!

Christine Maxted (Mother Superior) is pleased to return to LTA, having been away since 2006. She serves as the theatre teacher at Gainesville High School and as a member of the Cappies Steering Committee. Favorite venues have included Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap, Harmen Center, Good Shepherd Players, Prince William Little Theatre and international venues in Prague and Budapest. Many thanks to the production team, her family and her husband, James, for gifting her this opportunity.

Margaret McGarry (Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours/understudy Mother Superior) is thrilled to be in her first LTA show! Most recently, she appeared in The Addams Family (Alice), Company (Joanne), And Then There Were None (Dr. Armstrong) and Anything Goes (Erma), all with GSP. Many moons ago, Margaret trained at the American Conservatory Theatre (San Francisco), the Williamstown Theatre Festival and Harvard University, where favorite roles included Trina in Falsettos, Diana in Lend Me a Tenor and Desdemona in Othello. Special thanks to her husband and three daughters for their tireless support.

Allison Meyer (Sister Mary Robert) is delighted to be back on the LTA stage and raise her voice with this fabulous cast! She was last seen at LTA in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and her other favorite credits include Philoclea, Head Over Heels (DTC); Audrey, As You Like It (Classic Theatre of Maryland); April, Company (GSP); Rapunzel, Into the Woods (Theatre@CBT); Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz: A British Pantomime (BP), and Charlotte, Oliver! (KAT). When not performing, Allison loves hiking with her pups, Sylvia and Lainey.

James Miller (Ensemble) is originally from the Pittsburgh area. He first appeared in musicals in the Groton/New London area in Connecticut, and later in the Pittsburgh area with various amateur theater groups. After a 20-year hiatus, he now performs with the Alexandria Singers as a singer and in comedy musical skits. This is Jim’s first production with LTA.

Josie Morgan (Ensemble) is a recent graduate of the University at Buffalo, where she received her B.F.A. in music theatre. She previously performed in Encore Stage and Studio’s Newsies (Romeo) and the City of Fairfax Theatre Company’s Footloose (Wendy Jo). She has acted in several student films and is continuing to pursue her love of storytelling through many mediums. Most importantly, she would like to thank the entire cast, crew and creative team for putting on this show!

Eddie Perez (Ernie) has acted in various shows in high school and college, as well as LTA’s Something Rotten! this past summer. His rate of survival for the shows he’s been in is about 50/50. This one will tip the scales.

Meet the Cast (in alphabetical order)

Jenni Philp (Tina) is delighted to be making her LTA debut in Sister Act! Hailing from Scotland, Jenni is appearing in her first production since moving across the pond in 2020, and she’s thrilled to have joined the wonderful LTA community. Previous credits include Maureen in Rent (UK), Calamity Jane in Calamity Jane (UK) and Anna in Spring Awakening (UNC Pauper Players).

Jennifer Reynolds (Sister Mary Lazarus) is thrilled to be making her LTA debut. Jenn hails from Chicago with stage credits that include A Broadway Tribute, Young Frankenstein, Our Town and The Tempest. Jenn has been a K-12 educator for 27 years, and in that time, she has been a drama coach and teacher. The stage is Jenn’s happy place, and she knows you will enjoy the high energy of Sister Act. She would like to thank her husband, Jason, for his love and support. She would also like to dedicate her performance to her dear father, who was always her number one fan. She knows he is smiling down upon her from up above.

Bob Thompson (Ensemble) is very excited to be back for his third show at LTA and to be working with Mike Baker and this talented cast and crew. His most recent roles include Herr Zeller in The Sound of Music and Monsignor O’Hara in Sister Act (PWLT), Crazy Old Maurice in Beauty and the Beast (TAP), Doctor Chumley in Harvey (MCP) and Sheriff Heck Tate in To Kill a Mockingbird (PPF). As always, he thanks his wife, Elena, and his family for their continued support.

Gina Tune (Sister Mary Patrick) is excited for her stage debut with LTA. Her previous stage experience includes Martha in The Secret Garden (Johnson Theatre), Nurse in Romeo and Juliet (Johnson Theatre), Mother in ’Night, Mother (Johnson Theatre) and Abby Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace (Playhouse). She graduated with a degree in musical theater from Murray State University and owns a vocal coaching company. She is also a recording artist with songs on all platforms. Follow her on IG @GinaTuneMusic or search Gina Tune on any music app.

Lourdes Turnblom (Ensemble) is delighted to be returning for her second show here at LTA. Most recently she could be found performing in LTA’s Something Rotten! (Ensemble). Her previous credits include Shrek the Musical (Gingy), She Kills Monsters (Vera) and Oklahoma! (Aunt Eller). She would like to thank all her friends and family for always cheering her on and especially her love, Alex, for always supporting her. Lourdes hopes you all enjoy the show!

David Valderrama (Ensemble) came from Venezuela a year ago, seeking the American dream. He thanks his aunt and uncle for their generosity and guidance throughout his journey, as well as his parents. He thanks his theatre colleague George for being like a mentor. He was part of Bright Star at the Annapolis Summer Garden in July 2022 and How the Grinch Stole Christmas at PTC in December 2022. He is excited to be part of this new production.

Ashley Williams (Deloris Van Cartier) This is Ashley’s first production at LTA, and she is elated to be here. Some of Ashley’s favorite past roles include Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors (CST), Rusty in Footloose (LCT) and Deloris in Sister Act! When she’s not onstage, you can find her teaching pre-K. Ashley is part of a variety of bands, including Juanita Williams and Family, JWCO and more. She always thanks her family, friends and God for all of their support and love. Ashley dedicates this performance to her past director Sharon Veselic! RIP, and Stay Fabulous Baby! Instagram: qweenshley

Evan Zimmerman (Joey) is extremely excited to be returning for his second production at LTA. Currently working toward his B.F.A. in musical theater at George Mason University, Evan wants to thank all those who have pushed and supported him in his training and continue to do so. Credits include Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, Gerard Carrier in Phantom, Pete in Almost Maine, Truffaldino in The Servant of Two Masters and Robin in Something Rotten!

Meet the Crew (in alphabetical order)

Mike J. Baker Jr. (Director) is an eight-time Emmy, five-time Telly and sixtime Videographer Award-winning TV host, reporter and producer. Mike hosted and produced “National Arts,” which aired on the Bravo cable network and Bravo International for seven years. Season Two of his new “National Arts” series began on the West Virginia Channel on Sunday, December 18, at 8 p.m. Mike is also working on a documentary, “Dickens in America,” for public television. Mike came to LTA in 1984, the year the U.S. was to land on Mars. Mike landed in Dracula instead. Over 30 LTA shows later, Mike calls LTA home. He has been a teacher at the theatre for nearly 20 years and served on the LTA Board. This is Mike’s fourth time directing at LTA. He says, “It is always a dream directing at LTA because the theatre dreams along with him.” He thanks the amazing cast and crew of Sister Act for taking this musical adventure with him.

Sherry Clarke (Co-Stage Manager) first “dabbled in the arts” with the typical neighborhood plays as a child. Fast forwarding through her late teens/early 20s, she was firmly ensconced in high school/college plays and musicals and began a very gratifying 13-year career as a vocalist based out of Seattle, traveling north to Alaska and south along the western coastline. LTA provided a new home in which to explore her theatrical roots once again, and she’s very pleased and excited to be working with the amazing cast and crew of Sister Act. You rock!

Kadira Coley (Co-Producer) is delighted to be working at LTA once again. This is her first time producing a show, and she is loving every minute of her journey. Kadira has been involved with LTA in many ways, including onstage and behind the scenes designing hair and makeup and stage managing. When not doing theater, she works for the city of Alexandria and sings with the Alexandria Singers. Kadira would like to thank her family for their support and sends a shout-out to her number one angel in heaven, Chin.

ACVA

Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association invites you to visit www.artseventsalexandria.com to view the arts calendar and schedule of events.

Charlotte Corneliusen (Set Dressing) mainly works as a producer at LTA but is excited to try her hand at set decoration on the main stage. She thanks Mike for believing in her. Charlotte is thrilled to have the opportunity to work on this show as one of the original co-producers of Sister Act in 2020. Previous LTA credits include A Christmas Carol (2020), A Few Good Men, Dracula, Anne of Green Gables – The Musical and two New Voices one-act festivals. She and Kathleen Barth staged Ghosts at Capital Fringe in 2018.

David Correia (Sound Design) is happy to be working with Mike Baker again. David has done sound designs for area community theaters including recent works of King Hedley II, [title of show] and The Bluest Eye (DS), Prelude to a Kiss, Something Rotten!, Bright Star and The Revolutionists (LTA), Sweeney Todd (Rooftop Productions) and The Explorer’s Club (Lorton Workhouse). Previous notable LTA productions include Hairspray (2011 WATCH Award for Sound Design in a Musical), Spamalot (2014 WATCH Nomination for Sound Design in a Musical), Proof (2014 WATCH Nomination for Sound Design in a Play) and The Nance (2018 WATCH Nomination for Sound Design in a Play).

Ken and Patti Crowley (Lighting Design) are excited to be working once again at the Little Theatre. Their most recent designs include LTA’s Something Rotten!, Fences, Rumors and The Nance, RCP’s A Little Night Music, Aida and Gypsy, PWLT’s Sister Act, DS’ [title of show] and Blue Fish Cove and TAP’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other noteworthy designs include Curtains, Picnic, The Secret Garden, The Will Rogers Follies, Widdershins, Into the Woods, Blithe Spirit, Das Barbecü, The Teahouse of the August Moon and I Hate Hamlet. They are the recipients of numerous awards, including LTA, RCP, FCT and WATCH Awards, for their lighting design.

Janie Downey (Property Design) first performed at LTA at age 10 in a class with Helen Todd. It’s so nice to be back! Janie is a professional “propper” with Opera Maine each summer. She recently returned to Alexandria to write a historical novel based in Alexandria in 1861. Janie sings with the Alexandria Singers and is a tour guide at the Apothecary Shop and Gadsby’s Tavern and with Historical Alexandria Ghost Tours. She hopes you enjoy this awesome show!

Meet the Crew

(continued)

Julie Fischer (Set Design/Assistant Producer) is honored to work with Mike and the production crew of Sister Act. She has worked on LTA sets as designer, master carpenter and set construction crew. Julie appreciates working with Jim, Jeff and everyone who volunteers their time and energy to this wonderful community.

Odette Gutierrez del Arroyo (Dance Captain) See Cast bio.

Jim Hutzler (Co-Master Carpenter) has worked on many LTA sets as master carpenter and set construction crew, often alongside the set painting of his wife, Mary. Recent WATCH Award nominations with cobuilder Jeff Nesmeyer include To Kill a Mockingbird, Anything Goes and Harvey. Recently he helped build the sets for Something Rotten! and Design for Murder. Thanks to all those volunteers who make LTA the special place that it is.

Robin Maline (Hair/Makeup Design) has had the pleasure of designing such shows as Bright Star, Blue Stockings and Something Rotten! (LTA) and many others in the greater DC area. She has been working as co-chair of Wigs and Makeup at LTA since November 2017. She 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!

Steven J. McBride Jr. (Vocal Director/Rehearsal Accompanist) has worked on over 40 musicals as music director, vocal director and pianist in schools, community theatres and non-Equity theatres, most recently as music director for GSP’s Company. Previous credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and The Producers (LTA), The Producers (Milburn Stone Theatre), Beauty and the Beast (PA Theatrical Arts) and Into the Woods and My Fair Lady (Henderson HS). Since coming to the DC area, Steve has been in demand as a vocal coach, accompanist and conductor. He currently serves as director of music ministries at Church of the Good Shepherd, Burke, VA.

Meet the Crew

Kathleen McCormack (Choreographer) is proud to be working with LTA for the first time! Past roles include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Jenny Anderson in Shenandoah, Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone, Elmira in Nevermore and Buddy’s Blues Margie in Follies (WATCH nomination: Outstanding Cameo in a Musical). Choreography credits: Shenandoah, The Pajama Game, Me and My Girl, Big River, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (WATCH nomination: Best Choreography), Damn Yankees, Jesus Christ Superstar and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Many thanks to family and friends for all their love and support!

Jeff Nesmeyer (Co-Master Carpenter) is pleased to be working again with Jim Hutzler and the great group of set construction volunteers. He has been involved with 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 won LTA Excellence in Set Construction Awards for Harvey, Dracula and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. He thanks LTA for its confidence in his carpentry abilities, Jim for his camaraderie, and his wife, Diane, for her support.

Micheal J. O’Connor (Co-Stage Manager) stage managed Playing Juliet/ Casting Othello for PPF; The Bluest Eye for DS; The Fantasticks, Legally Blonde: The Musical, A Christmas Carol and To Kill a Mockingbird for LTA; Time Stands Still for MCP; Leading Ladies and See How They Run for VTC; Bus Stop for RCP; and A Fine and Private Place for DS. He also was assistant stage manager for Shrek, Sunset Boulevard and 33 Variations for RCP. Micheal can be found backstage or in the tech booth, always in the dark.

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Meet the Crew (continued)

Jean Schlicting and Kit Sibley (Costume Design) are excited to design costumes for this fun production of Sister Act. They have costumed numerous productions for LTA, including recent productions of Something Rotten!, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Bright Star and The Producers. They have also costumed many theater, school, community and other events around the DMV and are recipients of many LTA awards and WATCH nominations and awards. Kit and Jean would like to thank the producers and this very talented cast and crew, as well as our longsuffering spouses. As always, Mike, it’s been an adventure!

Mary Beth Smith-Toomey (Master Electrician) is a master of all trades. She is thrilled to be working with Ken and Patti Crowley. Mary Beth is most often seen producing award winning musicals for LTA such as The Producers. She has stage managed productions such as Nude with Violin and she also stage manages for the education department showcases. Mary Beth has often worked lights on various productions. She has served as the Governor for Production at LTA.

Margaret Snow (Co-Wardrobe Coordinator) is highly appreciative to be working the wardrobe operation and to be working with our talented director, cast and crew. So how do nuns change quickly? From a wardrobe quick-change perspective, only the persons helping know.

Bill Steinkellner (Author) is an award-winning television and screen writer: Cheers and Disney’s Teacher’s Pet (Emmys, Golden Globes, BAFTAS, Writers Guild and People’s Choice Awards). Book writer (with wife, Cheri): Sister Act the Musical (London Palladium, Hamburg, Broadway 2011), Princesses (Goodspeed, 5th Avenue). Writer/director (with Paul Reubens): the original Pee-wee Herman Show (Groundlings, Roxy Theatre, HBO). Creator/director: Instaplay , L.A.’s first all-improvised musical-comedy. Author: the L.A. Times bestseller Postcards From the Moon.

Cheri Steinkellner (Author) has won four Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, The People’s Choice, BAFTA, Writers Guild Award, Parents Choice and TV-Land Legend Awards, for writing and producing Cheers (recently named one of the Top 10 Best Written Comedies in TV history), and The Jeffersons , Facts of Life , Family Ties and Who’s The Boss , and for creating the acclaimed Disney animated Saturday morning TV series and feature film, Teacher s Pet . A 2011 Tonynominee for Sister Act (with husband Bill Steinkellner, Alan Menken and Glenn Slater); Cheri has also written Princesses (with Bill, David Zippel and Matthew Wilder); and book and lyrics for Mosaic (with Georgia Stitt), and Jailbirds on Broadway (with Bill and Jeff Rizzo). Other stage includes Our Place , and - L.A.’s original - and longestrunning - improvised musical-comedy. An Indy Award winner and Ovation nominee for Hello! My Baby , Cheri currently teaches writing at Stanford and UCSB and directs youth theatre in beautiful Santa Barbara, where she and Bill raised their three favorite children/ writers/artists: Kit, Teddy, and Emma.

Colin Taylor (Music Director/Conductor) is thrilled to be back for his third musical at LTA, following The Producers in 2019, which earned him both a WATCH nomination and an LTA Award for best music direction. He studied orchestral conducting with Dr. John Devlin, current music director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. Colin has music-directed numerous DCarea productions over the past decade and, when not on the podium, he regularly performs in theatre pit orchestras as a reed doubler and in local instrumental ensembles as a clarinetist and bass clarinetist.

Robin Worthington (Co-Wardrobe Coordinator) is delighted to organize the crew that dresses the cast of Sister Act. As Co-Chair of LTA’s Wardrobe Committee, Robin has been a wardrobe mistress and assisted challenging quick changes behind the scenes since 2015 in some of the following productions: In the Heights, Grey Gardens, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged, Anne of Green Gables – The Musical, The Nance, The Producers, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Something Rotten!

Meet the Crew (continued)

Alan K. Wray (Co-Producer) is grateful to be working with Mike and the seasoned and talented crew and is especially grateful for all the hard work that Kadira has done in pulling out all of the stops to make the show a success. It has been wonderful to watch the dedication and hard work of cast and crew in bringing Sister Act to the stage. Thank you, Roland Gomez, for bringing me into this amazing theatre.

Russell M. Wyland (Rigging) has been an LTA member and volunteer for more than 30 years. During that time, he has worked in numerous capacities, including seven years as President and eight years as Governor for Production. However, his first love is rigging, the art of masking the stage with drapes, and making things fly from above and travel across the stage. Russ’ last rigging was for Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol.

Theater Abbreviations Used in LTA Playbills

ACCT – Aldersgate Church Community Theater

ACT – Alliance of Community Theaters

AS – Arena Stage

ASC – Annapolis Shakespeare Company

BCT – Bowie Community Theatre

BP – British Players

BST – Baltimore Shakespeare Factory

CCP – Chevy Chase Players

CFTC – City of Fairfax Theatre Company

CPA– Colonial Players of Annapolis

CRT – Castaways Repertory Theatre

CST – Clear Space Theater

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)

GSP – Good Shepherd Players

HBP – Hard Bargain Players

KAT – Kensington Arts Theatre

KT – Keegan Theatre

LMP – Laurel Mill Playhouse

LST – Loudoun Centre Theater

LTA – The Little Theatre of Alexandria

MCP – McLean Community Players

MP – Montgomery Playhouse

MPAT – Metropolitan Performing Arts Theatre

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

RHT – Round House Theatre

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 – Shakespeare Theatre Company

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

UVA – University of Virginia

VTC – Vienna Theatre Company

WAC – Workhouse Arts Center

WATCH – Washington Area Theatre

Community Honors

ZS – Zemfira Stage

Custom engraving, any occasion!

Custom engraving, any occasion!

Sister Act cast and crew, and the entire staff of LTAThank you for continuing to bring these wonderful productions to this beloved theatre. The commitment of your entire staff, and the obvious dedication of the casts and supporting crews is greatly appreciated by everyone in your audiences every night, every week, every month. Break a leg!

Sister Act cast and crew, and the entire staff of LTAThank you for continuing to bring these wonderful productions to this beloved theatre. The commitment of your entire staff, and the obvious dedication of the casts and supporting crews is greatly appreciated by everyone in your audiences every night, every week, every month. Break a leg!

www.swansonlaserengraving.com

www.swansonlaserengraving.com

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 Ken Ludwig’s and Jack Ludwig’s Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol.

Box Office Volunteers

Lloyd Bittinger

Luana Bossolo

Lynn Cook Martha Deal

Sara Deshong

Florence Ferraro

Ira Forstater

Michele Greene

Front of House Volunteers

Bilge Balkan

Danna Blais

Jamie Blake Martha Deal

Leslie S. Deneault

Shannon Doyle Florence Ferraro

Ira Forstater

Terri Griffith Rebecca Harrison

Barbara Hayes Gayle Hightower

Shelby Hinze

Diane Janik

Phil Krzywicki

Natalie Laclede Sara Lore Jeanne Louise Leslie A. Lynch

Bill Lynch

Bobbie Herbst

Brittany Huffman Page Dreher Schreiner

Patricia Skinner

Alison Tregea

Caterina Vittoria

Eve Young

Karen Maline

Lauren Markovich

Kirt Miller Monty Montgomery Lindy Price

Steven Rosenthal Heather Sanderson Edward Settle

Denise Settle

Patricia Skinner

Carol A. Strachan

Christina Tobias-Nahl Mary Beth Smith-Toomey Charlotte Tsoucalas

Mila Weiss

Tescia Yonkers Richard Young

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

DONORS

Founding Fathers

Anonymous x 3

Christopher Feldmann and Laura Beauchamp

Julie Fischer and Mark Lacy Family

Kevin Kuntz

Micheal J. O’Connor Karen Shotts Linda Windsor

Continental Congress

Kacie Carlyle

Barbara and John Cohoon

Chas Harris

Mary Hunstad-O’Konski Jim and Mary Hutzler

Catherine E. Jenkins Donna and Mark Samblanet Howard and Marg Soroos

Megan Waterhouse and Andrew Terrell

Patriots

Anonymous x 11

Joe and Elizabeth Carden Brian and Sandra Darville

Robert Doerschner

Jack Fannon

Anne Fesmire

Lowell and Celia Jacoby

Elizabeth Jay Mary McGowan and Steve Cohen

Michael Maibach

Jeff and Diane Nesmeyer

Northwest Financial Advisors Carole and David Preston Daniel Romasko

Jason Stevens

Chris Tomasino Harrison and Toni Wadsworth

Alexandrian

Anonymous x 17 Neale Ainsfield and Dr. Donna Sieckmann

Dr. and Mrs. James Alper

Ann Anderson

Nancy Appleby Jordan Barber

John Bartol

Cathy Becker

Alan Boehm

Gregory Bricker

Dale Brown

Dorothy Cass

Justin Cheevers

Gillian Chen

Catherine & David Clagett

Robert Comfort

Paula and Brian Coupe

Ann Daniels

The Rev. Stanley Dubowski

Jeffery Fannon

Sharon and Ron Field

Ira Forstater and Robin Fradkin

James and Maria Gentle Molly Gimmel

Marcia Gillespie

Bob Gronenberg

Barbara Hayes Kenneth & Therese Johnston

Kathy Kirmayer

In memory of Philip Kopp Freida L. LaChapelle

Kirk and Gabriela Lambert Susan & Andre L’Heureux Donna and Marty Malarkey Eileen Malone and Dale Brown

Karen Millslagle

Patricia Nicklin Kathleen Parrish Kathy and Clarence Parrish Karen Pilewski

Mary Jo Roos

Joan Sable

Robert Schapler

Jacqueline & Ralph Schenkel Jim and Jean Schlichting Katherine Schmauss Brian Shankman

Judy Smith

Smithsonian Associates/ Leah Connolly Wendy Sneff Donald Street Sheri Stroud

Michelle Suberly

Adrienne and Ron Taylor Edward Walker and Brenda Kurlansik

Founding Fathers .....................................................

David and Lynn Walters

Ed and Maria Ward

Sandra Welch

David R. Hunt & Kim Wells Raymond & Sheri Wolfe Katherine Wood

Minutemen

Anonymous x 13 Catherine Babin Ann and Ron Bachand Bertha Braddock David Bradley Cheri Brown

Susan Chase Shannon Clancy Dr. Daniel Cohen Heather Dean Delma Frankel John George Amanda Gross K. Wayne Heil Shanae Hill

Kelly Houlgate & Sheila Keyes

Anna Laurenzo

Maj. Gen. Patricia Lister Judith Livingston Nathan and Kara Macek Ed Maginnis

Greg and Cynthia Matthes James McAtamney Kate McNichols

Martin Mitchell Amy Morris Peter Pennington Katharine Panfil Pamela Robinson Kitty Russell Page Dreher Schreiner Robert & Maureen Simoniz Cate Smith

Edye Smith

In Memory of J.J. Stinson Dixie Strait Alison Tregea

Colonists

Anonymous x 67

Lynda Adamson Mary and Jim Albanese Mary Ellen Bayer Courtney Benton Corinne Blood

GIVING KEY

$1000–Above

Continental Congress $500–999

Patriots $250–499

Alexandrians $100–249

Minutemen $50–99

Colonists $25–49

Oleksandr Bondar

Amanda Brino

Joyce Brown Barbara Browne

Anne Carey Jacob Cassidy Nicholas Collins Deborah Craffen

Armando de Sauce

Catherine Dwan Edward Eder Bernadette Fernandez Hugo Gilbert Nancy Glynn

Orlando Gonzales

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hearin

Joan Johnson Shana Knight Maria Koelbel

Claudia Kostel

Hillary Leyendecker Joe Lore Elizabeth Mace Joann Manzek Col. Morrill Marston Felice Matera Robert Miller Fran Nadel Jennifer Nightingale Stephen Poston Alton Readen Laura Reese Marda Robillard Leslie Rothstein Michael Rowan Eric Schlesinger Jen Schumacher Amy Selby Guy Serle

John Shackleford Miranda Sim Anna Slother David Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Brynda Spellman

Wendy Swanson Deja Taylor Philip Taylor

Dr. Jacqueline Tibbetts Mrs. Juniper Thren

Florence Turner Kimberly Wells 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.

The Council of The Little Theatre of Alexandria

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.”