Love Letters Program

Celebrate the object of your

Affection

(706) 234-2244 • www.theseasonevents.com Photography: Lindsey LaRue Photography

April 9,10,16,17,2021 Fridays at 7:30 & Saturdays at 2:30 DIRECTOR

Emily Earp PRODUCER

Chris Davidson STAGE MANAGER

Alison Karch Love Letters is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

LOVE LETTERS was presented at The Long Wharf Theatre, M. Edgar Rosenblum, Executive Director; Arvin Brown, Artistic Director.

2020-2021 Donors 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 G. Fordham Memorial Endowment Fund Wesley Walraven & Brian Moore Silver ($1000-1999) Baker Street Scientific Dixon Freeman & Cathy Aiken-Freeman Heyman Family Foundation Clara & Paul Pachomski In memory of Florence Pachomski Laurie Steber & Daniel Gitomer

Bronze ($500-$999) Andrew & Jennifer Bressette Jason & Chris Davidson Mr. & Mrs. Randy Eidson Frank Hood Cheryl Huffman Tommy & Mary Ortwein Kathy Patrick and Marty Cipollini The Spires at Berry College Jessica Stewart Sustainer ($250-$499) Susan Anderson Michael & Julianne Bailey Donald Barcik In honor of Judith L. Barcik Booker Family Silver Creek Pres Church Holly Hodge Gregory and Mary Kirby Gordon Leiter Drs. Eric & Jacqueline McDowell Melanie Morris Pam Powers-Smith Joseph Ready Bryan Rice Rebecca Sottilare Rick & Maegan Williams John & Diane Wilson Supporter ($100-$249) 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 Laura Dutton Penny Evans-Plants & Zach Plants Mr & Mrs Leo Grajzar Brenda & Steve Harp Mr. and Mrs. John P. Hine Diana Hoagland In memory of James Ross Lindner

2020-2021 Donors Cory Huskins Ashley Jennings Lynn & Stephen Kerkhof Mary Kirby Donald & Marilyn Lindholm Susan Little Mandy, Millie & Henry Maloney 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 Amanda, James & Avery Swendsen Martha Tapia Christina & David Tomlin Alice Twilley In honor of my son Cole Burden, Jamie Barton and Dave Willis Jeff, Jenny & Ryan Ward Cornerstone Insurance Solutions, LLC Anthony Warden Teresa Watters Todd, Nicole & Nash Williams Peggy Willis In memory of Dave Willis Lisa A Wilson Friend (up to $99) Jeffrey Amos Andi Beyer Vickie Brown Phil and Patty Carter Allison Clark Holst & Nathan Holst Telena Cole Kathy Cooper Amy Cornelius In memory of J. Ross Lindner William Davis Ruth Demeter Lynn Denson & Mary Denson Barbara Dewey Desmond & Kathleen Disney

Kimberly Drew Harvey Duncan Emily & Austen Earp Coleman Fannin & Cora Fannin Maria Fontaine Philip Franssen Charlotte Freeman Kelly & Matthew Goldin Charles Hardy Travis Helton In memory of James Ross Lindner Dianne Hix Raleigh Hussmann Suzanne Husting Steven Hutcherson Charles & Louise Jackson Rosemary James Alison & Justin Karch Susan Karch Ada & Mark Lamade The Lewinson and Loya Family Vicki Lunceford Virginia M McChesney In memory of Norris Gamble Katherine McNew Leah Min Jasmine & Rolando Cruz & Carol Minshew Terri Morgan Clara & Paul Pachomski Kay Parker Wendy Pharr Clover & Jennifer Pullen Jenny & Michael Reeber Michael Reedy Meg Robertson Jennifer Rodriguez Ken & Kathy Russell Corinne See Elton Sharp Brian, Grant & Jennifer Sikes Kaye Stein Stan Walker James Watson Meredith Weber Whitney Whittington The Wigley Family Al & Susan Williams Cara, Joyce & Joyce Williams Elena Williams Hal Wilson

Special Acknowledgments The Spires at Berry College Austen Earp Jason Davidson WLAQ Rome-News Tribune

HDTF Mandy Maloney Jim Powell Cameron Flaisch Photography

Rick Williams Studios Habitat for Humanity ReStore Brian Hales Jessica Stewart

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.

2020-2021 Board of Directors

Officers President Amanda Swendsen Past-President Suzanne Clonts Treasurer Emily Earp Secretary Andrew Bressette Allison Clark Matthew Cook 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

W

hat a year it’s been. For many, it’s been a year full of challenges and unknowns. For some, it’s been a year of great loss.

We’ve been forced to search for some deep part of ourselves that can sustain on its own.

To pause. To reflect. To just be.

While this often makes us uncomfortable, I believe it’s an essential part of who we are. This year has given us time to cherish the things and people we often take for granted. At Rome Little Theatre, we have patiently waited to open these doors for what’s seemed like the longest intermission. But today, we welcome you back in to share a tender story that takes a deep look at the relationships in our lives. A story about missed opportunities and honest emotions.

I am honored to direct this play. To light the stage, pull back the curtain and allow these incredibly talented actors to take you on a complicated journey filled with love and forgiveness. Thank you, Brian, Cynthia, Scott and Jenny, for bringing Andy and Melissa’s letters to life. For giving their d’s and t’s the voice they deserve. For believing in this beautiful, layered, raw vision. Thank you, Chris, for having faith in me and mentoring me throughout this process. Thank you, Alison and our production crew, for making this show run as smoothly as a new Parker 51 on paper. Thank you, Austen, my best friend and biggest supporter.

You are, at the heart of my life. Thank you, patrons, for believing in the power of theatre, a place where we can create magical moments that leave us changed for the better.

Emily Earp 2020-2021 Sponsors

Cast Andrew Makepeace Ladd III (April 9 & 17) ..…………… Scott McDaniel Melissa Gardner (April 9 & 17)….. ..............................…… Jenny Wear Andrew Makepeace Ladd III (April 10 & 16) ….………….… Brian Hales Melissa Gardner (April 10 & 16) ...........................….… Cynthia Hubler* *Newcomer to the RLT stage

Scott McDaniel Andrew Makepeace Ladd III

Jenny Wear Melissa Gardner

Brian Hales Andrew Makepeace Ladd III

Cynthia Hubler Melissa Gardner

Production Team Director ……………………………………………………………. Emily Earp Producer..........................................................….............. Chris Davidson Stage Manager ..................................................................... Alison Karch Lighting Design..................................................................... Dan Gitomer Sound ............................................................... Michael Scott, Amy Scott Hair/Makeup ………………………………………………….... Abbie Yerbey Photography ………..........................................................… Rick Williams Graphic Design........................................Chris Davidson, Megan Keating

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

Jason was a supporter of the arts in Rome and Memorial Endowment Fund Floyd County, particularly related to theatre and the preservation of the Historic DeSoto Theatre. Jason was a member of both the Rome Little Theatre Board of Directors and the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation Board at the time of his death. Jason had served as president of the Rome Little Theatre Board of Directors from 2009-2011.

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.

In addition to the $100,000.00 initial donation to establish the Jason G. Fordham Memorial Endowment Fund, 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.

Levels of Giving have been established to recognize those individuals and entities who so generously invest in the future of Rome Little Theatre and the Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation. Your support at any level is greatly appreciated.

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.

ROME'SNEWS/TALK/SPORTS

WLAQ1410.COM

WHO’ S WHO Emily Earp - Director Love Letters is Emily's directorial debut, but she is no stranger to the theatre. She has assistant-directed, produced and performed in numerous shows including Alice in Wonderland, Forever Plaid, and The Rocky Horror Show in which she appeared as Columbia. Emily would like to thank the cast and crew for bringing this story to life and her family for their love and support.

Brian Keith Hales - Andy Brian has played several roles in Rome Little Theatre productions since 2012, including Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and in Scrooge: The Musical, and Arthur in Spamalot, to name a few. He cares for his Down syndrome brother who is a real taskmaster. Since he moved here from Texas in 2010, Rome has truly become home.

Cynthia Hubler - Melissa Cynthia is excited to appear in her first production with RLT! Her most recent roles have included Amanda in The Glass Menagerie and Beatrice in The Effects of Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds with Back Alley Productions in Lafayette. Thanks to the entire production team and especially to Emily for the opportunity to be part of this vibrant theater!

Scott McDaniel - Andy Scott is thrilled to be back on the DeSoto stage with RLT for the first show of 2021. You may have seen him in past productions such as Almost, Maine (East) or Of Mice and Men (Candy). Scott would like to thank the production staff, and especially his stage penpal, for this wonderful opportunity.

Jenny Wear - Melissa Jenny is no stranger to the RLT stage. She was last seen as Mrs. Harcourt in the musical Anything Goes and is thrilled that we are all able to come together for Live Theatre again. Jenny is currently the Instructional AP at the Floyd County College & Career Academy and the Dual Enrollment Coordinator for Floyd County Schools.

Enjoy a slice of cake from Sweet Pickles Café 434 Broad St, Rome, GA 30161 706-237-6906 facebook.com/sweetpicklescafe OPEN: Monday-Friday 11am - 3pm

Sweet Pickles Café on Broad Street is a proud supporter of the Arts and Rome Little Theatre!

Weddings, reunions, corporate events, showers, birthday parties and more!

Ask us about Knockerball, hoverball, archery tag, soccer darts, inflatables and more!

We can make it a package deal to take care of food, bartender, DJ, linens, whatever you need!

4 miles from downtown!

Call: 706-266-1901 Email: lawrenceplantationevents@gmail.com Website: lawrenceplantation.com