I Love You Because - Programme

-PROGRAMME-

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WELCOME Welcome to the show. We are delighted to be performing the South West premiere of “I Love You Because.” The inspiration for this little gem of a show was Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” Though ultimately quite different from the Austen original, a number of ingenious parallels remain. “P&P’s” Bennet sisters have become the Bennet brothers: Jeff and (aptly) Austin. The women they fall for have P&P family names as well - Fitzwilliam Darcy has been spun into Marcy Fitzwilliams and Charles Bingley has become Diana Bingley. One of the show’s best songs, “Even Though,” brings back memories of Mr. Darcy’s declaration that he admires and loves Elizabeth despite her awful family and her socially inferior position. The only reference that remains is a quartet of characters looking for love, and ultimately finding it in the most unlikely mate.

Next on the agenda is “Just So” a musical by the creators of last years musical, “Honk.” It is a musical based on the immortal short stories of Rudyard Kipling. “Just So! takes you on a fantastic journey along the banks of Africa’s great, grey-green, greasy Limpopo River to meet an amazing collection of strange and wonderful creatures. This will take place on 3rd to 5th December at 7.30 pm nightly with a 2.30 matinee on the Saturday. It has a very talented cast and is sure to be a fabulous show and we hope it’s as big a success as “Honk.”

In which ESL were thrilled to receive two nominations in the prestigious rose bowl awards (the Oscars of the South West) Becca Long was nominated for Best Actress in a musical for “Ida” in “Honk” and Mark Sellick was nominated for his excellent publicity material. We are very proud of them and wish them all the best of luck.

Please enjoy the show. DVD’s of tonight’s shows are available to pre-order. They are £10 each and will be excellent quality. If you’d like to reserve on please phone Ali on 07773 001305 or Tracey on 07804615072 If you wish to be added to our mailing list, please give your name and address or e-mail to a member of cast or one of our helpers. We hope you enjoy the show!

Kerry Knowles, Chairman Music by JOSHUA SALZMAN

Book and Lyrics by RYAN CUNNINGHAM

‘I Love You Because’ is presented through special arrangement with and all authorised performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide - www.theatricalrights.com

‘I Love You Because’ is kindly sponsored by...

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THE AUTHORS RYAN CUNNINGHAM (Book and Lyrics)

Ryan is a native of Needham, MA, and he holds a B.A. in Theatre and Graphic Design from the University of Notre Dame and an M.F.A. from NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. At Notre Dame Ryan wrote the book to CHANCE AT LOVE with Composer/ Lyricist Tommy Curtin, which toured nationally in the summer of 2001. With Composer Joshua Salzman he wrote the book and lyrics for the Off-Broadway musical I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, for which he received a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Lyrics. Current projects include QUEEN ESTHER, a family musical based on the Jewish holiday of Purim, and an untitled song cycle. Also with Joshua Salman, he makes his television writing debut this year creating songs for Disney’s JOHNNY AND THE SPRITES, starring John Tartaglia. Ryan is a member of The Dramatists Guild and the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop.

JOSHUA SALZMAN (Music)

Joshua is the composer of I LOVE YOU BECAUSE. Current projects include QUEEN ESTHER, a family musical based on the Jewish holiday of Purim, and an untitled song cycle. With Ryan Cunningham, he makes his television writing debut this year creating songs for Disney’s JOHNNY AND THE SPRITES, starring John Tartaglia.

Joshua holds an M.F.A. from NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program and degrees in composition and music education from Muhlenberg and Moravian Colleges.

He has served in the music departments of WICKED and ALL SHOOK UP and is currently on faculty at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Memberships include: The Dramatists Guild, AFM Local 802 and the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop.

AUTHOR’S NOTES

When we began work on I LOVE YOU BECAUSE one of us was about to get engaged and the other had recently become single. The obvious question arose, “How does one get from one place to the other? And in New York City of all places?”

We talked about it endlessly, with each other, our friends, or strangers in bars, until finally a good friend suggested that we read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. It immediately struck us with its sophistication, emotional honesty, and humanity. It didn’t have a naïve or antiquated view on love, but instead presented love as a complex and difficult prospect that takes knowing who you are, as much as it takes knowing who you are looking for.

We began work on updating the piece and changing the genders, and inserting our own experiences until I LOVE YOU BECAUSE took on a life and a story of its own. However, what remains of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is what attracted us to the story in the first place; the notion that in order to find love you must move past your preconceived notions of what love is going to be for you and embrace all of its surprises, both good and bad. Because it’s easy to say, “I love you anyway,” but hard and all the more rewarding to say, “I love you because”.

CAST AUSTIN BENNET

James Moore

MARCY FITZWILLIAMS

Vicky Shadwick

JEFF BENNET

James Sellick

DIANA BINGLEY

Jessica Withers

NEW YORK WOMAN

Natalie Cummings

NEW YORK WOMAN

Tracy Hunt

NEW YORK MAN

Mark Sellick

CUSTOMER

Hannah Long

CUSTOMER

Laura Newman

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT ONE Another Saturday Night in New York

Austin and Company

Oh What a Difference

Jeff and Austin

The Actuary Song

Diana and Marcy

But I Don’t Want to Talk About Her

Austin and Marcy

Coffee

Austin and Marcy

The Perfect Romance #1

New York Man and New York Women

The Perfect Romance #2

New York Man and Customer

The Perfect Romance #3

Landlord and Neighbour

Because of You

Marcy and Austin

We’re Just Friends

Diana and Jeff

Maybe We Just Made Love

Austin

Just Not Now

Marcy

ACT TWO Alone

Marcy, New York Man, New York Women and Customers

That’s What’s Gonna Happen

Jeff, Austin and New York Man

Even Though

Marcy

But I Do

Austin, Diana, Jeff and Marcy

What Do We Do It For?

Marcy, Diana, New York Man, New York Women and Customers

Marcy’s Yours

Diana, Jeff and Austin

Goodbye

Austin

I Love You Because

Company

JAMES MOORE AUSTIN BENNET

Sponsored by CMM CONSULTANTS LTD James is one of Exit Stage Left’s original members and has graced the stage on many occasions roles such as “Eddy” in “Stags and Hens,” “Billy” in “Billy” and “Seymour” in “Little Shop of Horrors.” He has also designed excellent sets for many of our shows, the most impressive being “Hot Mikado.”

James completed his degree in drama at Birmingham School of Acting last year and, after a year as an LSA, he has just returned to Writhlington School as a full time teacher. Throughout the years with ESL he has been a great motivator so we are delighted that he put these talents to use in his career.

James has worked at summer schools in Birmingham during the summer running various workshops for carers.

M M C

James has loved every minute of playing Austin and would like to dedicate his performance to Miranda Sings, someone who has taught him everything he knows.

CMM Consultants Ltd Sales & Marketing Consultancy Chris Moore Telephone: 01225 690804 Mobile: 07824 426845

VICKY SHADWICK MARCY FITZWILLIAMS Sponsored by FLOORWISE Vicky has recently become a primary school teacher and has just started her career in St John’s Infant School in Glastonbury.

She has spent a long time sorting her classroom out to make it look amazing and has worked very hard with her planning over the summer and would like to thank Jane for all her help and guidance.

Vicky has appeared in a number of fabulous roles over the years including the ditsy “Sue” in “Slice of Saturday Night”, Dorothy in “The Wiz” and, of course, her heartbreaking portrayal of Mrs Johnstone in “Blood Brothers” wowing audiences.

Vicky saw “I Love You Because” in London several years ago and loved it so she was delighted to win the part of Marcy in ESL’s version.

However she is more excited about her role as Wildebeest No 2 in “Just So!” alongside the wonderful Tim Bond in December, a sight not to be missed!!

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JAMES SELLICK JEFF BENNET

Sponsored by KEPELLA LIMITED After seeing ESL’s version of “Little Shop of Horrors”, James fell in love with musicals and held a longtime ambition to play the part of the plant. He actually realised this ambition when he gained the role in Encore’s production in July and impressed everyone. He was so good that it was even suggested that the CD of the film was playing. However, the group’s MD, Rob Henderson, filmed James’s performance as proof and it was great to be able to see James really getting into the part even though he wasn’t seen on stage. (Search YouTube for “James Sellick, Encore”) He played “Nicky” and “Trekkie” in our “Avenue Q” excerpt and amazed everyone with his versatility and had the audience in stitches.

James has thoroughly enjoyed playing the part of goofy knucklehead, Jeff, a part he has settled into with ease. Wonder why?

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JESSICA WITHERS DIANA BINGLEY

Sponsored by FOCUS INTERIORS Jessica is another longtime member of ESL. She has played many different roles over the years including the principle girl in panto many times, both with ESL and Encore.

She was a fabulous “Kate Monster” in our “Avenue Q” section and sang beautifully as Sophie in “Mamma Mia.” This is Jess’s biggest challenge to date as Diana is a part unlike any she has ever played. She has enjoyed it immensely, especially rehearsing “We’re Just Friends” although she did tend to get sidetracked a little bit!!

Jessica is looking forward to “Just so” when she will be the part of the Martha, the rhino. It’s inevitable that people will say she is type cast when they see her chavtastic outfit. With the help of Paige, she managed to sort out the whole outfit from her wardrobe!

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NATALIE CUMMINGS NEW YORK WOMAN Sponsored by BLOBBLE Natalie is currently studying for a degree in Drama and English at Bath Spa University and is due to start her second year next week.

She models Wedding Dresses for Solitaire Brides in Midsomer Norton and loves the posing.

She regularly goes to the Theatre Royal and secretly longed to be on stage. After reassurance by Ali, Natalie took the plunge and auditioned for this show and has found it a lot of fun. It will be her first part since she played Mrs Christmas in primary school.

Her biggest claim to fame so far is sitting next to James Sellick in Writhlington School’s “Grease” when he was just a chorus boy! She can be seen as second Wildebeest from the left in “Just So” in December!

TRACY HUNT

NEW YORK WOMAN Sponsored by OLD MEADOW PROPERTIES Tracy has been a dedicated member of ESL since the first show where she helped with the music. She then joined us on stage with our production of “Billy” in 2005 with a fantastic performance as Billy’s Mother.

Since then she has appeared in most of our shows with the most notable being “Katisha” in “Hot Mikado” surprising many people.

With the help of her family she devised a quiz which raised money to pay off costumes. Even though she is not in “Just So” she still comes along to rehearsal every week to support us in any way she is needed for which we are every grateful.

In her spare time she teaches her lovely sons the words to all the songs. If anyone saw Cameron and Tyler at the recent Bath Blues Brothers gig you will know they are destined to be on stage in the future. Tracy, there’s still room for them in “Just So!!”

OLD MEADOW PROPERTIES LEE MOONEY, COMPANY DIRECTOR OLD MEADOW HOUSE, LIPYEATE, COLEFORD, BATH BA3 5PW TEL: 01373 812668 FAX: 01373 812025

MARK SELLICK NEW YORK MAN

Sponsored by BELT UP SCHOOL OF MOTORING Mark has just created his own business, ‘Blobble’ and one of his first ventures was to put together this programme, the innovative postcard flyers and the poster for this production.

Mark’s was thrilled to discover his “Honk” poster has just been nominated for best publicity material in the South West Rosebowl Awards.

Mark is a member of the Bath Blues Brothers who are quickly becoming more and more popular, playing gigs around the country.

He recently played the role of “Seymour” in “Little Shop of Horrors” with Encore and has appeared as “Marius”, in excerpts from “Les Mis” at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London.

Mark will be playing the lead role of “Eldest Magician” in “Just So” – after hearing his trio with Pip and Laura we are in for a treat.

Mark totally disrupted the rehearsal last week when he found a cat wandering about outside and brought it in. So, if a cat wanders onstage during the show, you know who’s to blame!

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HANNAH LONG

LAURA NEWMAN

Sponsored by HILLSIDE CARPENTRY

Sponsored by HILLSIDE CARPENTRY

CUSTOMER

CUSTOMER

Hannah has recently taken over as the froup’s choreographer.

Even at such a young age she has a natural flair for dancing.

Hannah has been in the group since she was ten and played a number of roles, amazing everyone with her beautiful singing voice.

Special praise must go to her performance as “Mary Poppins” in “Supercalifragilistic.”

Not only did she learn the whole dance in sign language, she also said the word backwards… properly - unlike Julie Andrews who cheated.

She will be hilarious as the giraffe in “Just So” and is delighted that the role entails tap dancing. Hannah is very proud of her sister, Becca, who was nominated for “Best Actress in a Musical” at the South West Rosebowl Awards and has her fingers crossed.

Laura has just qualified as a hairdresser but is doing another year at college … if you saw how she cut Jess’s hair you’d understand why!! Just a joke.

We are delighted that she has helped with hair for this production – Vicky demanded a personal hair stylist so Laura jumped at the chance.

Known for her singing voice, Laura surprised a lot of people when she played “Lowbutt” in “Honk”. Her excellent portrayal had the audience rolling about the aisles.

She will be playing the part of the “Kolokola Bird” in “Just So” – a role made for her. Her solo, “Wait A Bit,” is worth the ticket price alone.

She is one of the most dedicated, hard working members of ESL and, along with her family, she really is an asset to the group.

Hillside Carpentry For all your carpentry needs Jason Long 39 Hillside View Peasedown St John BATH BA2 8ES

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CREATIVE TEAM AND CREW DIRECTOR

Alison McCausland

ASSISTED BY

James Moore, Vicky Shadwick

PROMPT

Tanya Roy

LIGHTING DESIGN

Ryan Collins, Liam King

LIGHTING OPERATOR

Liam King

SOUND OPERATOR

Ryan Collins

SPOTLIGHT

Kerry Milverton

STAGE MANAGER

Paige Blacker

ASSISTED BY

Josh Ditte, Lance Jukes, Hannah Long, Laura Newman

PROPS

Alison McCausland, George Mills, Lee Mooney

COSTUMES

Alison McCausland

SET DESIGN

James Moore

SET CONSTRUCTION

Antony Blacker, Gary Newman, Jamie Smith Aaron Short, Keaton, Scott

SCENIC ARTISTS

James Moore, Paige Blacker, Mia Idiens, Josh Ditte, Lance Jukes

HAIR STYLIST

Laura Newman

PUBLICITY MATERIAL/PROGRAMME

Mark Sellick

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lorraine Cross

TICKETS

Party Plus, Cherry Gilham, Tracey Withers

FRONT OF HOUSE

Maria Blacker, Kerry Knowles, Lee Mooney, Chris Newman

BAR MANAGERS

Kevan Doe, Tracy Doe

BAR STAFF

Bharti Baron, Lucy Fuller, Alex McAlpine, George Mills, Sally Milverton, Kevin Stenner

RAFFLE

Kerry Knowles, Sharon Martin

DVD RECORDING

Jerry Curd

SPECIAL THANKS Exit Stage Left would like to thank Gary, Antony, James, Mark, Paige, Laura, Chris, Dangerous Bryan and King Liam for their hard work and dedication; All the cast for everything they have done; All our sponsors and advertisers for helping us raise much needed funds for the production; Dawn, our biggest fan, for being so amazing and for helping in every way possible; The two Kev’s and Tracy for their hard work; Ryan Day for his expertise and Grant from Ladbrokes for the free bet; Tanya, Tracy and Penny for their efforts in raising money for costumes with their excellent quiz; Bath Blues Brothers for their superb fundraising gig; Kilmersdon Village Hall committee for their hospitality with special thanks to Cherry Gilham for her continued patience and support; Radstock & Westfield Methodist Churches for making us so welcome at rehearsals.

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD

EXIT STAGE LEFT PRESENTS...

BASED ON THE STORIES BY

RUDYARD KIPLING Book/Lyrics by ANTHONY DREWE

Music by GEORGE STILES

KILMERSDON VILLAGE HALL, RADSTOCK

THURSDAY 3rd - SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER PERFORMANCES 7:30PM - SATURDAY MATINEE 2:30PM

To book tickets, please telephone Cherry on 01761 436767, Alison on 07773 001305 / 01761 419456, Tracey on 01761 418758 or at Party Plus, Midsomer Norton. Tickets are priced at £7.00 Adults, £5.00 Concessions.

Paintcraft Painting & Decorating Wall & Floor Tiling General & Garden Maintenance Contact: Steve Doughty Tel: 01761 452319 Mobile: 07790396771

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The Bearberry Club The Management and Staff of The Bearberry Club would like to thank their patrons for the support and help they have given us over the last 22 years.

Graham Nairn TEL: 07850 970 595 EMAIL: gsncourier@aol.com

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