Rome Little Theatre Leading Ladies Program

Ken Ludwig's

OCTOBER 1 - OCTOBER 10, 2021

Rome

Little Theatre

2021-2022 Together

Again

530 Broad St, Rome GA 30161 • romelittletheatre.com • 706-295-7171

Surprise your

Leading Lady with a meal she doesn’t have to cook

Join our weekly Meals To Go list at www.theseasonevents.com (706) 234-2244 • www.theseasonevents.com Photography: Rebecca Casto

Rome

Little Theatre

2021-2022 Together

Again

Ken Ludwig's

OCTOBER 1 - OCTOBER 10, 2021 Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2:30

DIRECTOR

Chris Parker PRODUCER

Alison Karch Originally Produced by The Cleveland Playhouse, Michael Bloom, Artistic Director, Dean Gladden, Managing Director on September 7, 2004 and Alley Theatre, Gregory Boyd, Artistic Director, Terry Dwyer, Managing Director on October 15, 2004 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. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists

“Ken Ludwig's Leading Ladies” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Thank you to our Donors and Members as of September 26, 2021

Honorary Lifetime Members Wendell Barnes Scottie Bates Paul Beyer* Wain Bates Karen Bowling Neal Brackett Debby Brown* Jim Curry Chris Davidson Sandy Davis Keith* & Betty* Finley Jason Fordham* Cornelia* & Norris* Gamble Paul Griffin Sidney Guy Johnston* Joel* & Joan Jones Angela & Wayne Jones Megan Keating Gordon* & Peggy* Leiter Becky & Tiff Magruder Virginia McChesney Marlene Millard Chuck Morris Mary Ortwein Don Rusaw Abbie Snyder* Dave Willis* *Deceased Platinum ($5000+) Jason & Sarah Clairy Gold ($2,000-4,999) Jim Curry Jason & Chris Davidson Jason G. Fordham Memorial Endowment Fund Laurie Steber & Daniel Gitomer Wesley Walraven & Brian Moore Silver ($1000-1999) Baker Street Scientific Sylvia & Randy Eidson Dixon Freeman & Cathy Aiken-Freeman Heyman Family Foundation Clara & Paul Pachomski In memory of Florence Pachomski Kathy Patrick and Marty Cipollini Bronze ($500-$999) Donald Barcik In honor of Judith L. Barcik Andrew & Jennifer Bressette

National Christian Foundation Care of Mr. & Mrs. Greg Yerbey Frank Hood Cheryl Huffman Ashley Jennings Tommy & Mary Ortwein Plant Bowen - Georgia Power Co. The Spires at Berry College Jessica Stewart Sustainer ($250-$499) Susan Anderson Mr & Mrs Jim Austin Austin Imports LLC Michael & Julianne Bailey Booker Family Silver Creek Pres Church Judith Frasure Holly Hodge Gregory and Mary Kirby Gordon Leiter Drs. Eric & Jacqueline McDowell Melanie Morris Shelly and Jeff Peller Pam Powers-Smith Joseph Ready Bryan Rice Rebecca Sottilare Rick & Maegan Williams Todd & Nicole Williams John & Diane Wilson Supporter ($100-$249) Anonymous Donor in honor of Wyatt Earp Jeffrey Amos Belvenia Attaway Alyssa Austin & Kira Austin Patti Barron Scottie Bates Mary Beauchamp Porter Bellew Patty Bing Deborah Brown Julia Chambers Elizabeth Chandler Elizabeth & Suzanne Clonts Joel Cook Addie Kate & Amy Cox Cynthia & Kathryn Davidson Monica Davidson Sandy and Randy Davis Marsha Dempsey In memory of Wayne Dempsey Janice P Dismuke Dr. D'Ann Downey and Dr. Randy Warley Laura Dutton Susi Edwards Penny Evans-Plants & Zach Plants Mr & Mrs Leo Grajzar Dr & Mrs Bannester Harbin, Jr Brenda & Steve Harp

Linda Hanson Mr. and Mrs. John P. Hine Diana Hoagland In memory of James Ross Lindner Gayle Hoyt Cory Huskins Ashley Jennings Lynn & Stephen Kerkhof Mary Kirby Donald & Marilyn Lindholm Susan Little Mandy, Millie & Henry Maloney Virginia M McChesney In memory of Norris Gamble Drs. Eric and Jacqueline McDowell Amy, Cate,Claire, Emma & Vincent Mendes Betty Zane Morris In memory of William L.“Bill” Morris Linda Owens Daniel & Helen Paracka Christopher, Ivey & Olivia Parker Ruth Pinson Leigh, Sandra C Robinson & Liz Suffill Clara Rogers The Rouse Family Steve & Jamie Safigan Anne & James Segraves Mr & Mrs William D Sparks David Sweitzer Amanda, James & Avery Swendsen Martha Tapia Christina & David Tomlin Alice Twilley In honor of my son Cole Burden, Jamie Barton and Dave Willis Helga Waechtler Jeff, Jenny & Ryan Ward Cornerstone Insurance Solutions, LLC CeCe & Tim Wallis Bradlee Walton Anthony Warden Teresa Watters Todd, Nicole & Nash Williams Peggy Willis In memory of Dave Willis Lisa A Wilson Logan and Abbie Yerbey Friend (up to $99) Drew Allison Jeffrey Amos Christopher Beeler Andi Beyer Stephanie Blakely Vickie Brown Julia Byrum Phil and Patty Carter Allison Clark Holst & Nathan Holst David Clonts Telena Cole Kathy Cooper Beverly Copen Amy Cornelius In memory of J. Ross Lindner Cynthia Davidson William Davis

Ruth Demeter Lynn Denson & Mary Denson Barbara Dewey Desmond & Kathleen Disney Kimberly Drew Harvey Duncan Emily & Austen Earp Rebecca Eaves Coleman Fannin & Cora Fannin Katie Farmer Maria Fontaine Philip Franssen Charlotte Freeman Kelly & Matthew Goldin Charles Hardy Travis Helton In memory of James Ross Lindner Dianne Hix Frank Hood Connie Huffman Raleigh Hussmann Suzanne Husting Steven Hutcherson Charles & Louise Jackson Rosemary James Alison & Justin Karch Susan Karch Diann Kothe Jeanne Krueger Ada & Mark Lamade The Lewinson and Loya Family Vicki Lunceford John Marshall Katherine McNew Leah Min Jasmine & Rolando Cruz & Carol Minshew Terri Morgan Terry Morris Clara & Paul Pachomski Kay Parker Wendy Pharr Leslie Pearson David & Martha Pinson Clover & Jennifer Pullen Gilda Rayner Jenny & Michael Reeber Michael Reedy Meg Robertson Jennifer Rodriguez Ken & Kathy Russell Corinne See Elton Sharp Brian, Grant & Jennifer Sikes Mary Smith Devon Smyth Kaye Stein Freda Storey Stan Walker James Watson Meredith Weber Whitney Whittington The Wigley Family Al & Susan Williams Cara, Joyce & Joyce Williams Elena Williams Hal Wilson

Our Story

B

orn of the American Little Theatre Movement, Rome Little Theatre is proud to be one of the oldest community theatres in the country. From its founding in 1933 to its WWII hiatus and its 1956 revival, and from its residencies at the Gordon Theatre and the Maple Street Community Center to its current home at the Historic DeSoto Theatre, RLT is woven artfully into the rich, historical fabric of Rome, Georgia.

For decades, RLT has been committed to entertaining, engaging, and enriching our community through the practice and promotion of the theatre arts. Our success is built on the generous contributions of generations of volunteers, donors, and patrons.

The mission of RLT is to present amateur theatrical productions, encourage interest in drama, and contribute to the cultural and educational life of the community.

RLT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

2021-2022 Board of Directors

Officers President Amanda Swendsen President-Elect Andrew Bressette Treasurer Emily Earp Secretary Alli Clark LaDonna Collins Dan Gitomer Alison Karch Mandy Maloney Amy Mendes Mary Ortwein Chris Parker Kathy Patrick Jessica Stewart Rick Williams Rome Little Theatre at the historic DeSoto Theatre 530 Broad St. Rome GA 30161 romelittletheatre.com facebook.com/rltrome

Director’s Note Wow. It’s been a long road since we started this adventure. We cast Leading Ladies prepandemic, and we have been through quite the gauntlet trying to tell the story of Jack and Leo and Meg and the residents of York, PA. The only reason we have been able to get to this point a year and a half later is that we have had a very dedicated cast that has wanted to see this through. I think when you see what they’ve created for you, you're going to love it. I can’t thank them enough for their hard work and willingness to work through zoom calls, masked rehearsals, added auditions, changes in production staff, and my own foibles. Many thanks also to Alison Karch, whose attention to detail as a producer helped us stay on track. A big thank you to Chris Davidson, who has tirelessly worked as the RLT Executive Director while simultaneously designing our set AND preparing for her production of Frozen, Jr. She’s an incredible person, and RLT is lucky to have her talents and passion. Finally, a huge thanks to my family, Ivey and Olivia, for not kicking me out and putting me on a train to parts north. (There’s a train?)

We hope you enjoy our show. And remember, “you are not defined by where you start, but by where you end up.”

BREAK A LEG! from

We’re proud of the many students, faculty, staff and alums that contribute to the success of Rome Little Theatre.

Cast Jack…………………….....………………...……………………… Nate Holst Leo ……………..……………………………...……………….. Rick Williams Meg ……………….……………………………………………..… Emily Earp Florence ………………………………………………….…….. Elisha Linder Doc …………………….....…..……………………………….…… Jim Curry Butch ………………………….….…………………………... Andy Bressette Audrey ………………………….….………………………..….. Emily Tumlin Duncan ……………………………………………………… Michael Hillman Moose Frank ……………….….…………………………….. Andy Bressette Conductor ………………………………………………..…. Michael Hillman

Special Acknowledgments Georgia Power Plant Bowen

Erin Kennedy Skye Kennedy

Jim Hunter & Brooks Building Group

Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Rome, GA

Jack Karch

Going Caching

Rome Social Club

Berry College Theatre Company

Hannah Morris and Solace Salon

WLAQ Greg Grey

Reinhardt College Theatre Rome News Tribune Department Floyd County Schools

Stella Link

Abbie Yerbey

Trip Booker

Invest in the Future of Rome Little Theatre and the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation.

Support the Jason G. Fordham Memorial Endowment Fund.

The Jason G. Fordham Memorial Endowment Fund was established following Jason’s death on September 24, 2013.

Jason G Fordham

Memorial Endowment Fund Jason was a supporter of the arts in Rome and Floyd County, particularly related to theatre and the preservation of the Historic DeSoto Theatre.

The Jason G. Fordham Memorial Endowment Fund not only honors Jason’s contributions to theatre but also serves as his legacy and provides on-going support for Rome Little Theatre and the Historic DeSoto Theatre for many years to come.

Both Rome Little Theatre and the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation gladly accept donations to the Jason G. Fordham Memorial Endowment Fund to honor Jason’s legacy and his many contributions to theatre as well as provide on-going support for Rome Little Theatre and the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation.

Contributions to the Jason G. Fordham Memorial Endowment Fund may be safely made at romelittletheatre.com or mailed to the Historic DeSoto Theatre, 530 Broad St, Rome, GA 30161.

Production Team Director …………………………………………………..……… Chris Parker Producer/Stage Manager …………………….……………….. Alison Karch Choreographer ……………………………………………..…. Laurie Steber Lighting Designer ............................................................ Jason Davidson Lighting Crew …………………………………………………… Dan Gitomer Tess Davidson Sound Design .........................................………………....... Michael Scott Amy Scott Costume Design ……………………………………………. Mandy Maloney Properties ……………………………………………………… Mary Ortwein Makeup & Hair Design …………………………………. Lindsey Chambers Set Construction and Decoration ……………..…………..Nathan Maloney Dan Gitomer, Drew Allison Jason Davidson, Chris Davidson Amanda Swendsen, Rick Williams Alison Karch, Chris Parker Bethany Allison, Nate Holst Running Crew ………………………………………………… Lindsey Davis Jessica Stewart Katie Farmer Lindsey Chambers Marie Kindred Graphic Design....................................……………….…... Chris Davidson Megan Keating Photography ...........................………....…………………. Cameron Flaish Rick Williams House Manager ………………………………………………… Drew Allison Audition Hosts …………………………………………...… Carol Murchland Leigh Robinson Katie Farmer Casting Committee ………………………………………..…….. Ali Booker Marie Kindred Chuck Morris

EVENT-STUDIO-WEDDING-PORTRAIT

706.767.8100

cameron�laischphotography@gmail.com Rome, GA

Cast

Andrew Bressette Butch

Jim Curry Doc

Emily Earp Meg

Michael Hillman Duncan

Nate Holst Jack

Elisha Linder Florence

Emily Tumlin Audrey

Rick Williams Leo

Who’s Who Ken Ludwig - Playwright Ken Ludwig has had six shows on Broadway, seven in London's West End, and many of his works have become a standard part of the American repertoire. His 28 plays and musicals have been performed in over 30 countries in more than 20 languages and are produced throughout the United States every night of the year. Lend Me a Tenor won two Tony Awards and was called “one of the classic comedies of the 20th century by The Washington Post. Crazy For You was on Broadway for five years and won the Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical. In addition, he has won the Edgar Award for Best Mystery of the Year, two Laurence Olivier Awards, two Helen Hayes Awards, and the Edwin Forrest Award for Contributions to the American Theater. His plays have starred, among others, Alec Baldwin, Carol Burnett, Tony Shaloub, Joan Collins and Hal Holbrook. His stage version of Murder on the Orient Express was written expressly at the request of the Agatha Christie Estate, and his latest play, Dear Jack, Dear Louise, won the 2020 Charles MacArthur Award for Best New Play of the Year and is optioned for Broadway. His book How To Teach Your Children Shakespeare, published by Penguin Random House, won the Falstaff Award for Best Shakespeare Book of the Year, and his essays are published in the Yale Review. He is a graduate of Harvard and Cambridge and is a frequent guest speaker for groups as varied as The Oxford-Cambridge Society, The Jane Austen Society of North America, The Folger Shakespeare Library, and The Baker Street Irregulars.

For more information, see his website at www.kenludwig.com.

Andrew Bressette - Butch Andrew has appeared in many recent RLT productions including playing Carmen Ghia in The Producers and Neville Craven in The Secret Garden.

When not on the stage, Andy enjoys cooking and baking and has treated his family to many desserts featured on The Great British Baking Show. Andy serves as the vice-president for enrollment at Berry College. Andy thanks his wife Jennifer for her love and support through the show and looks forward to future performances with RLT. Jim Curry - Doc Jim, a native of Rome, Georgia, has appeared in over 40 stage productions, most recently as Speed in the River Arts District Playhouse’s production of The Odd Couple. Some of Jim’s most memorable roles include Wilfrid Robarts in Witness for the Prosecution, Jack Manningham in Angel Street, Rev. Samuel Parris in The Crucible, Inspector Javert in Les Miserables, and Rufus R. Buckley in A Time to Kill.

Emily Earp - Meg Emily is thrilled to finally be back on the RLT stage in this hilarious production!

She had her directorial debut with Love Letters earlier this year, and she has performed in a variety of RLT productions, including Into the Woods, White Christmas, and The Rocky Horror Show. Emily would like to thank Parker for the role of a lifetime, the cast and crew for keeping her laughing, the patrons for patiently waiting to see this show, and her family for all their love and support.

Michael Hillman - Duncan Michael is extremely honored and excited to be a part of this fantastic cast and to be returning to the RLT stage after a four

Who’s Who year absence. Michael is an English teacher at Calhoun City High School.

He has been in several productions at RLT over the years, including the role of Renfield in Dracula, Karl and Steve in Clybourne Park, and Vice Principal Panch in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Michael would like to thank his family for their continued support.

Nathan Holst - Jack Leading Ladies is Nathan's fourth show with RLT (Of Mice and Men, Scrooge, Anything Goes). He is thrilled to be part of such an amazing production (a year and a half in the making) with such a great cast, and direction of Chris Parker.

Special thanks to Alli, Henry, Rich and Lynn for their patience with the time commitment and late night rehearsals, and to his fellow cast members for allowing him the time to learn how to walk in heels, and not laughing too hard when he fell over... a lot.

Alison Karch - Producer By day, Alison is an Assistant District Attorney for Haralson County. By night, she is at the theater producing for the wonderful cast of Leading Ladies. She wants to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work during this strange time in the theater. We are all so happy to be back and performing! Metmoyer!

Elisha Linder - Florence Elisha is thrilled to be back on stage!

She has found her niche as a loud, domineering older woman, and she is loving every minute. When not performing at RLT, she is putting on an energetic, mathematical show for 3rd graders at Armuchee Elementary. A huge thank you to her husband Jamie for his constant love and support.

Christopher K. Parker - Director Leading Ladies is the second production Chris has directed at Rome Little Theatre. He also directed 2015’s Bleacher Bums. He has appeared in numerous stage productions including The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (RSF), Seussical the Musical (RLT), and Faith Healer. He is an English teacher and athletics coach at Coosa High School in Rome and is retiring from the Army Reserve.

Chris lives in Rome with his leading ladies: his wife, Ivey, and his daughter, Olivia.

Emily Tumlin - Audrey Emily first stepped on the RLT stage at 7 years old. The latest production she was in at RLT was Anything Goes. Most recently, she played Olivia in Twelfth Night at Shorter University. She has also been involved with the Rome Shakespeare Festival and RAD. Emily hopes you enjoy the show and being back in this beautiful theater.

Rick Williams - Leo Rick is thrilled to be back on stage after all this time. Leading Ladies is Rick’s third show at RLT. He previously appeared as Leo Bloom in The Producers and Chad in Almost, Maine. He would like to thank the cast and crew for their commitment to this production and for making rehearsals so much fun. He would also like to thank his family for their constant support as well as his wife, Maegan and two daughters, Luciana and Alysia.

A Special Thank You Georgia Power - Plant Bowman