RLT MorningSide Program

Rome Little Theatre presents

Photo: Rick Williams Studios

FEBRUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 20, 2022

Rome

Supported by

Little Theatre

2021-2022 Together

Again

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

That’s what

Friends

are for

Plan your next ladies night with a meal from us (706) 234-2244 • www.theseasonevents.com Photography: Syd + Lex Photography

Rome Little Theatre presents

FEBRUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 20, 2022 Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm

DIRECTOR

Jessica Stewart PRODUCER/STAGE MANAGER

Katie Farmer

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS ON ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW.

Thank you to our Donors and Members as of February 5, 2022

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) Brian Beals & Emily Beals Andrew & Jennifer Bressette Jim Curry Jason & Chris Davidson Jason G. Fordham Memorial Endowment Fund Kathy Patrick & Marty Cipollini 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 Bronze ($500-$999) Donald Barcik In honor of Judith L. Barcik Andrew & Jennifer Bressette Marilyn Clark Dhru Girard Frank Hood Cheryl Huffman Ashley Jennings Tommy & Mary Ortwein Plant Bowen - Georgia Power Co. Mike & Marsha Rogers The Spires at Berry College Jessica Stewart

Sustainer ($250-$499) Susan Anderson Mr & Mrs Jim Austin Austin Imports LLC Michael & Julianne Bailey Booker Family Randy & Sandy Davis Dr. D'Ann Downey & Dr. Randy Warley Judith Frasure Dottie Gregg Holly Hodge Gregory & Mary Kirby Gordon Leiter Drs. Eric & Jacqueline McDowell Melanie Morris Shelly & Jeff Peller Pam Powers-Smith Joseph Ready Bryan Rice Rebecca Sottilare Rick & Maegan Williams Silver Creek Pres Church Todd & Nicole Williams John & Diane Wilson Supporter ($100-$249) Jeffrey Amos Anonymous Donor In honor of Wyatt Earp Belvenia Attaway Alyssa Austin & Kira Austin Patti Barron Scottie Bates Mary Beauchamp Porter Bellew Patty Bing Deborah Brown Phil & Patty Carter Julia Chambers Elizabeth Chandler Elizabeth & Suzanne Clonts Joel Cook Addie Kate & Amy Cox Cynthia & Kathryn Davidson Monica Davidson Sandy & Randy Davis Marsha Dempsey In memory of Wayne Dempsey Janice P Dismuke Laura Dutton Susi Edwards Penny Evans-Plants & Zach Plants Jim Gill Mr & Mrs Leo Grajzar Dr & Mrs Bannester Harbin, Jr Brenda & Steve Harp Linda Hanson Mr. & Mrs. John P. Hine Diana Hoagland In memory of James Ross Lindner Cory Huskins Ashley Jennings Megan Keating Lynn & Stephen Kerkhof Mary Kirby Donald & Marilyn Lindholm Susan Little Mandy, Millie & Henry Maloney Virginia M McChesney In memory of Norris Gamble

Drs. Eric & 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 In Memory of Sue Montgomery Ruth Pinson Leigh, Sandra C Robinson & Liz Suffill Clara Rogers The Rouse Family Steve & Jamie Safigan Anne & James Segraves Betty Shiflett In memory and honor of Randy Davis 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 & Dave Willis Helga Waechtler CeCe and Tim Wallis Bradlee Walton 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 Logan & Abbie Yerbey Friend (up to $99) Drew Allison Jeffrey Amos Christopher Beeler Andi Beyer Stephanie Blakely Donna Bridges Vickie Brown Julia Byrum Suni Carroll Colt Chambers David Clonts Telena Cole Kathy Cooper Beverly Copen Amy Cornelius In memory of J. Ross Lindner LeeAnne Darville 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 Steven Flowers Maria Fontaine Philip Franssen

Charlotte Freeman Kelly & Matthew Goldin Charles Hardy Travis Helton In memory of James Ross Lindner Dianne Hix Allison Clark Holst & Nathan Holst Frank Hood Connie Huffman Raleigh Hussmann Suzanne Husting Steven Hutcherson Charles & Louise Jackson Rosemary James Alison & Justin Karch Susan Karch Holly Kelly Barbara Kirkpatrick Diann Kothe Jeanne Krueger Ada & Mark Lamade Timothy Larsen Addie Lay Joan Ledbetter The Lewinson & Loya Family Alix Lowery Vicki Lunceford John Marshall Katherine McNew Leah Min Carol Minshew & Jasmine & Rolando Cruz Terri Morgan Terry Morris Brinkley Owens Clara & Paul Pachomski Kay Parker Wendy Pharr Leslie Pearson David & Martha Pinson Katherine Powell Clover & Jennifer Pullen Gilda Rayner Jenny & Michael Reeber Michael Reedy Meg Robertson Jennifer Rodriguez Joel Rose Ken & Kathy Russell Angela Sanford In memory of Randy Davis Caron & Sarah Schabort Corinne See Nikki Selman Elton Sharp Brian, Grant & Jennifer Sikes Mary Smith Devon Smyth Steven Souder Kaye Stein Freda Storey Jacqueline Tucker 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 theaters 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 Alison Karch Allison Clark LaDonna Collins Dan Gitomer 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

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.

Cast

Jennifer Bressette*

Lindsey Chambers

Emily Earp

Louise Bouchard Carlisle

Dr. Mackenzie Novak

Clancy Driscoll

Rachel Ipe

Marie Kindred

Mary Ortwein

Felicia Taggart

Roxanne Bouchard

Elinor Hughes

Bang Valenzuela

Erika Wilson

Abbie Yerbey

Sophie Navarro

Grace Bouchard Driscoll

Devyn Driscoll

*RLT Debut

Cast Grace Bouchard Driscoll ………………………………………. Erika Wilson Louise Bouchard Carlisle….…………………..……….. Jennifer Bressette* Roxanne Bouchard……………………………………………. Marie Kindred Felicia Taggart………………………………..………………….…Rachel Ipe Devyn Driscoll…………………………………………..……… Abbie Yerbey Clancy Driscoll…………………………….………………………. Emily Earp Dr. Mackenzie Novak……………………………………. Lindsey Chambers Sophie Navarro…………………………………..………... Bang Valenzuela Elinor Hughes……………………………..……………………. Mary Ortwein *RLT Debut

The Setting The Driscoll home in Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood.

Springtime. The present.

Production Team Director ………………………………..……………..……… Jessica Stewart Producer/Stage Manager……………………………………… Katie Farmer Lighting Design…………………………………………..………Dan Gitomer Costume Design…………………………………………..…Hannah Shadrix Properties……………………………………….……..……… Emily Cochran Make-Up & Hair Design………………………………….…Haley Pendleton Set Design…………………………………….…..…..………Chris Davidson Sound Design………………………………..……Amy Scott, Michael Scott Technical Intern ………………………………..……………..…Olivia Harper Running Crew………………………………….………..…….…Tabitha Cook Cate Mendes Lighting Crew…………………………………………..…..…Jason Davidson Olivia Harper Set Crew…………………………………………..………………Drew Allison Pam Atkinson Steve Atkinson Andy Bressette Jennifer Bressette Blake Cauthen Chris Davidson Jason Davidson Emily Earp Katie Farmer Olivia Harper Alison Karch Miriam Loya Bryan Rice Fred Sanford Jessica Stewart Amanda Swendsen Bang Valenzuela Graphic Design ……………………………Chris Davidson, Megan Keating Photography/Video…………………………………………….. Rick Williams House Manager……………………………………………....… Drew Allison Audition Host ………………………………………….……. Leigh Robinson Casting Committee……………………………………….…..…Katie Farmer Michael Hillman Kathy Patrick Candice Spivey Jessica Stewart

Who’s Who Topher Payne - Playwright Topher Payne's theatrical career began at First United Methodist Church in Kosciusko, Mississippi.

He played a sparrow. Since 1999, he has made his home in Atlanta, working as an actor, director, designer, and writer- basically, anything people would let him do.

Topher was a 2017 Lambda Literary Award nominee for Perfect Arrangement, which was also awarded the 2014 M. Elizabeth Osborn Award by the American Theatre Critics Association. Perfect Arrangement had its OffBroadway premiere in 2015, and has since been produced in more than twenty states. It is published

by Samuel French, alongside his works Angry Fags and Evelyn in Purgatory. Topher is a seven-time nominee and three-time winner of The Gene-Gabriel Moore Playwriting Award, and was the recipient of the 2016 Suzi Bass Award for Best World Premiere for Let Nothing You Dismay. Readers of Creative Loafing have named him Atlanta’s Best Local Playwright for

the past eight years, and he was selected as one of “Ten Playwrights You Should Know” by Southern Theatre magazine.

Stage directing credits include The Glass Menagerie (Stage Door Players, 2020), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Springer Opera House, 2019), Morningside (New Stage Theatre, 2018), The Foreigner (Hangar Theatre, 2017), The House of Yes (Out of Box Theatre, 2015), and the world premiere of Joanie Drago's Trash (Process Theatre, 2013.) He began writing for television in 2016, and has scripted five films for The Hallmark Channel. Topher is a proud member of the Dramatist's Guild of America, and both the Canadian and American Writer's Guilds. He is a founding board member of The Jo Howarth Noonan Foundation for the Performing Arts, which provides continuing professional development for female theatre artists over the age of 40. In 2018, Topher was inducted into The Georgia Theatre Hall of Fame.

Special Acknowledgments Topher Payne The Spires at Berry College Rick Williams Studios Seven Hills Fellowship David Clonts Habitat for Humanity ReStore WLAQ

Mandy Maloney Alexis Tyson Maegan Williams Susan Karch Dan Gitomer River City Antiques

Who’s Who Jennifer Bressette* Louise Bouchard Carlisle Jennifer is a teacher who has always loved theater and is beyond excited for her stage debut. She wants to extend thanks and love to her husband Andrew for believing in her and encouraging her to audition. She would also like to thank her children, Liz, Drew, Lili, and Jacob for always reminding her how dramatic she can be. Jennifer is forever grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dream cast.

Lindsey Chambers Dr. Mackenzie Novak Lindsey is no stranger to the RLT stage. Most recently she performed as Betty Jean in The Marvelous Wonderettes. If she’s not on stage she’s either back stage helping with hair and makeup or up front assisting with concessions. As always she wishes her cast and crew a break a leg!

Emily Earp Clancy Driscoll Emily is thrilled to be back on the stage in this captivating production with such a wonderful cast and director. Most recently, she performed as Meg in RLT's production of Leading Ladies. Emily also had the opportunity to direct her first production at RLT, Love Letters, in 2021. She’d like to thank Jessica for this amazing opportunity, and the cast and crew *RLT Debut

for being like family. Emily would also like to thank her friends and family, especially Austen, for their constant love and support.

Katie Farmer Producer/Stage Manager Katie is thrilled to join forces with Jessica again to bring you another Topher Payne selection. When Katie is not hiding backstage, she can be seen working in the Enrollment Operations office at Berry College, studying for her Master of Studies in Law degree, or helping her trivia team with general knowledge.

Rachel Ipe Felicia Taggart Rachel is a mom of three and lover of the arts. When not performing, she enjoys adventuring with her family, hiking, writing and gardening. Though it's been a while since she's been on the RLT stage, you may remember her as Mrs. Mayor from Seussical the Musical in 2018. Rachel is thrilled to be gracing the stage once again and honored to be a part of this amazing cast of women.

Marie Kindred Roxanne Bouchard Marie is honored to be cast in her second Topher Payne play.

You may recall her portrayal as Jackie Garrett, in the 19-20

Who’s Who season production, Tokens of Affection. Marie has performed with community theatre companies in Rome and Calhoun since 2013, when she made her debut in the RLT stage production of Hairspray. She's extremely thankful to the casting committee for giving her the opportunity to bring life to Roxanne Bouchard for you today.

Mary Ortwein Elinor Hughes Mary moved to Rome from Boston with her native-Roman husband, Tommy, in 1972. She attended RLT productions for many years, and then auditioned for the 1st time in 1997. She debuted onstage as Mrs. Spencer in Anne of Green Gables.Since then, Mary has learned lots about live theater by volunteering at RLT as often as possible, onstage, backstage and out front. Mary was RLT's Office Manager for 12 years and has served on the Board of Directors.

Jessica Stewart - Director Jessica is extremely thankful to have the opportunity to work with the amazing cast and crew of Morningside. Endless gratitude to Katie Farmer, Amanda Swendsen, and Chris Davidson.

Shahara Bang Valenzuela Sophie Navarro Bang made her RLT debut in the early 90s, and most recently performed in Legally Blonde. She

also appeared in the Upstagers production of Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. While serving in the US Army as a student at SDSU, she studied Linguistics. At AIU, she graduated in International Business which led her to a career in MedEd. BANG! lives for world travel. Her years of volunteering with nonprofits such as American Cancer Society and JSL of Rome led her to receive the 2018 President’s Volunteer Service Award for National & Community Service.

Erika Wilson Grace Bouchard Driscoll Erika was first bitten by the theater bug a few years ago when she was in junior high. Since then, she has been on or behind the stage whenever life permitted. Erika and her family moved to Rome in 2014.

Her first RLT show was Bleacher Bums. She has also been seen on the RLT stage in Second Samuel, and An Evening of Culture: Faith County II. Abbie Yerbey Devyn Driscoll This is Abbie’s 4th RLT production.

Her recent appearances include Leading Ladies (Swing) and The Marvelous Wonderettes (Suzy).

She is profoundly grateful for the cast and crew’s hard work and good sense of humor, to her loved ones for their support, and especially to her husband, Logan, for laughing at the right times during line reads.