M presented by StageCoach Theatre

M From Failure to Freedom One Woman’s True Story

A Play by Terry Smith Produced by Kat Brais Directed by Barbara Carpenter

May 6 - 21, 2023

20937 Ashburn Road Suites 115 and 120 Ashburn, VA 20147 www.StageCoachTC.com

571-477-9444

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Written and Directed by R. Aaron Thompson Produced by Jerri Wiseman Performances May 19 at Belly Love Brewing in Purcellville May 20 at Oatlands in Leesburg June 4 at Fleur de Cuisine in Ashburn

www.StageCoachTC.com 571-477-9444

M From Failure to Freedom One Woman’s True Story

A Play by Terry Smith Produced and Stage Managed by Kat Brais Directed by Barbara Carpenter Original Music by Fred Muller

20937 Ashburn Road Suites 115 and 120 Ashburn, VA 20147 www.StageCoachTC.com

571-477-9444

StageCoach Theatre Company 20937 Ashburn Road Suites 115 & 120 Ashburn, VA 20147

Owned and Managed by Jerri Wiseman, Terry Smith, and April Bridgeman ▪ Loudoun Chamber Small Business Awards WINNER Tourism & Entertainment ▪ Best of Loudoun Performing Arts ▪ Loudoun Favorites ▪ Most Loved Acting Studio ∙

StageCoach Theatre 2023 Season

April ∙ Murder on the Love Boat - Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre (through May) May ∙ The SpongeBob Musical - Teen Musical

June - August ∙ Disco is Dead - Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre ∙ School of Rock - Summer Camp Musical ∙ The Diary of Anne Frank - Summer Camp Play ∙ 9 to 5 the Musical - Summer Camp Musical

The theater and classrooms are available for theatrical productions, workshops, team building activities, and even birthday parties. We can help you host your event, either in-person or virtually. Contact us today!

We need more people to help us grow, specifically instructors for our after-school programs and camps and volunteers to help with shows.

Book your fundraisers and corporate events today!

Join our mailing list to get updated information about all upcoming shows, workshops and events.

Interested in entertainment or team building activities for corporate events? Contact us for virtual or in-person events.

Call (571) 477-9444 or email info@StageCoachTC.com for more information.

October/November ∙ Radio Play Murder- Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre ∙ Zombie Prom - Musical Theatre December ∙ Melekaliki-Murder- Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre ∙ A Christmas Story - Classic Theatre Ongoing monthly StageCoach Bandits Improv and Magic Shows, plus special events

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Director’s Note “M” is a difficult story to tell. Not just because of the subject matter – suicide – but because it’s true. And we know it’s true because this story is told using Melisande Smith’s own words.

Her journals, 15 in total, were the reference materials for this staged biography of a life cut short. The playwright also shares with us intimate knowledge of his shared life with her during 31 years of marriage. So, yes, this definitely passes the true story sniff test.

This isn’t meant to be a cautionary tale. Instead, it’s an invitation to meet M on her journey -- as a child, a rebellious 20 something, an adult struggling with jobs, marriage, family and self. And the best way to view this life, this kaleidoscope, is through her eyes.

Before we began the process of bringing “M” to the stage, if someone had asked me about Melisande, I would have said, “Oh yeah, I knew her.” But I didn’t. Not really. I was an infrequent observer of miniscule fragments of her life.

I was acquainted with Melisande Smith. And now, so are you.

- Barbara Carpenter

Production Team Playwright Executive Producer Producer Director Stage Manager Technical Director Lighting Designer Lighting Operator Sound Designer Sound Operator Livestream Operator Running Crew Set Design Set Construction Set Dressing and Props Set Painting Original Music Vocals Photos/Promo Video Program Front of House

Terry Smith Jerri Wiseman Kat Brais Barbara D. Carpenter Kat Brais Terry Smith Amy Hines Bates, Terry Smith Amy Hines Bates, Torie Dunlap Fred Muller Fred Muller Alec Negri, Ken Jones Mary Ann Hall, Marissa Dolcich Terry Smith, Barbara D. Carpenter Terry Smith Mary Ann Hall, April Bridgeman Cast and Crew Fred Muller Susanna Todd with Kat Brais Kat Brais Jerri Wiseman April Bridgeman, Mark Gatanas, Sanjith Jeyaguru, Addie Schafer Benko, Maggie Swan, Jerri Wiseman

Mental health and substance abuse prevention education programs.

For more information on prevention and intervention services:

Scenes Act 1 Scene 1: The Ending Scene 2: Detectives Scene 3: Contact Friends Scene 4: Suspect!

Scene 5: Detective Searches the House Scene 6: Family Discussion Scene 7: Friends are Hurting Scene 8: Week 2 - Lost Body, Funeral Scene 9: Week 3 - The Wake Scene 10: Week 4 - M’s Journals

Act II Scene 1: 1992 - The Beginning Scene 2: Mother Scene 3: Search for Self Scene 4: Self-Destruct Scene 5: Relationship with Terry Scene 6: Preparations

The Cast

Leah Daily (Melisande/Narrator) is honored to be on stage, alongside Allen McRae to help tell Melisande’s story. We all have a story, a past that has shaped us and makes us who we are today. Not everyone struggles nor has the past that M talks about. Listen with an open heart and mind, and “trust in your feelings and follow your intuition without question or doubt, in hope that your choice will change someone’s life.” Last year, Leah played Truvy in Steel Magnolias (SCTC). In 2021 she produced The 39 Steps and reprised the role of Eliza for the stage adaptation of The Hamilton Murders. Some of her favorite roles over the years include Heidi Holland in The Heidi Chronicles (WATCH Nomination, Best Actress); Jessie Mae in The Trip to Bountiful (RCP Best Supporting Actress) and Gertrude Dueter in The Underpants (FCT Best Supporting Actress), Estelle in No Exit (LTC), and Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Special thanks to Jay & Henry for their support, Barbara for this opportunity, and Terry for taking M’s words along with yours to write her story. Finally, Kat, Allen, Mary Ann and Amy you are amazing, and Fred, your music is, as always, perfect.

Allen McRae (Terry/Narrator) was last seen at StageCoach in Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe. His other shows here include Clue: On Stage, The 39 Steps and The Hamilton Murders. Last fall he appeared in NYC in the Off Broadway production of Masked. Other favorite shows done in the NoVa area are Middletown and Much Ado About Nothing (NextStop Theatre), California Suite (Providence Players) and several holiday shows with Encore Theatrical Arts Project. He’s also appeared in many local commercials and films, playing such varied roles as The Godfather, Bigfoot, Leonardo Da Vinci, and the US Ambassador to China. He’s honored to be involved in such a personal project for Terry Smith.

VIP PASS NO.123

StageCoach Theatre 2023 Season Tickets are available!

� Staged Performances Season Tickets includes tickets to 5 black box theatre main stage productions! A savings of 20%!

Pre-Sale Ticket � Dinner Theatre Season Tickets includes tickets to 5 dinner theatre productions for $300. A savings of $50! � Family Show Season Tickets includes tickets to 5 family theatre TICKET productions! A savings of 20% PLUS a free ADMIT ONE BONUS show Purchase online or contact �Variety Show Season Tickets includes tickets us at info@stagecoachtc.com to 12 staged performances. Choose from or call 571-477-9444 to make �Cloak Bundle: Sly’s Magic Shows and Drag your purchase.

Cabaret Shows OR �Dagger Bundle: Bandits Improv Show and You can use up to 2 tickets from your season package Rated S LIVE Sketch Comedy Great for experience gifts! per performance.

Give an Experience Gift!

Gift cards are available in any denomination.

Redeem for shows, classes, private lessons, or anything presented by StageCoach Theatre!

Purchase online or contact us at info@stagecoachtc.com or call 571-477-9444 to make your purchase.

Hilarity unleashed similar to “Whose Line is it Anyway?”

Book them for your next event!

Regular Performances on the Third Friday of the month Adults 18+ Reserved Tickets $15 + $3 service fee At the Door $20 Live Performances + Livestream

Contact us to plan an event that’s to die for! info@StageCoachTC.com

Monthly Performances on Fridays Sly’s (with an occasional Saturday!)

Fabulous for an Adult Audience Las Vegas Style PG/Intended Tickets $25 + $3 service fee Reservations are Encouraged!

Magic Show Live Performances + Livestream

Mystery Adventures StageCoach Theatre Company presents clever original murder mysteries that will capture your imagination as you work to catch nefarious and sneaky felons.

Talented actors will give you details, insider information, and answers to questions while you complete the adventure.

Perfect for social groups and for team building.

Mystery Adventures Wine Chiller Wine-themed Murder Mystery You are gathered for the 10th Annual Winemakers’ Honorary Invitational Society awards banquet but MURDER is on the agenda and you must help discover whodunnit!

Regular and Wild versions available.

Intended for adult participants.

In-person and online options.

For 10 - 20 people.

Contact us to plan an event that’s to die for! info@StageCoachTC.com

Consulting Detectives Sherlock Holmes-themed Murder Mystery

Ghost Stories A Haunted House-themed Murder Mystery

You are gathered for the first annual Consulting Detectives Symposium. When someone is murdered, you are called on to help solve the crime.

Welcome to the spooky, old Carlyle House, the site of a grisly murder that occurred 10 years ago. You must summon the ghost to find out what happened that night and solve the puzzles to reveal the murderer.

Family (ages 10+) & Adult versions available.

In-person and online options.

For 10 - 20 people.

Murder Mystery meets Escape Room For 8 - 20 people.

Rated S / It’s a Skit Show So you’ve been trying for years to get tickets to a certain late night TV show live from NY? Well, here’s your chance to experience world-crass comedy without having to trek all the way up to NYC. Original sketches! Digital Shorts! Live music performances!

Tell all your friends but don’t tell your mother – It’s A Skit Showtm. (Some material may be inappropriate for the humorless.)

For adult audiences Reserved Tickets $15 At the Door $20 Live Performances + Livestream

Contact us to plan an event that’s to die for! info@StageCoachTC.com

Team Building Unique Mystery Options available for your company through StageCoach Theatre. ◊ Killer Games Core Team Building Experience ◊ Mystery Adventures ◊ Improve with Improv Contact us to discuss options. In-person and virtual options are available.

PROPS

ACCESSORIES

Full shows available for rent: The Addams Family Aladdin Jr. Bye Bye Birdie Into the Woods Legally Blonde the Musical Oliver Once Upon a Mattress Peter Pan Shrek the Musical Thoroughly Modern Millie The Wizard of Oz & many more costume pieces

COSTUMES For more information, contact April at 703-727-7642 or

April@ StageCoachTC.com

BACKDROPS

StageCoach Foundation

StageCoach Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Arts in our local community by encouraging philanthropy, community building, and creative educational activities.

• Arts Education • Theatre Performances • Sponsorship We look forward to your support.

Your tax-deductible donations are always appreciated.

You can start by donating to

StageCoach Foundation, Inc.

or volunteering to help at theater performances.

Ask us how you can get involved.

StageCoach Foundation Fundraising We are raising money to cover scholarships and mentorships for our 2023 After School Classes, Show Team Camps, and Summer Camps. Please support our fundraising efforts to ensure that the Arts are available for all who desire it.

Please visit our website for more informaiton: https://stagecoachfoundation. org/

2023 Summer Camps

FALL 2022

AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES

June 12 - 23 - School of Rock for ages 10 - 19 (by audition) June 12 - 16 - Do Re Mi Music camp for PreK - age 6 June 26 - 30 - Acting Camp "Happy Birthday, Captain Hook" for ages 10 - 16 - Rising Stars Theatre Camp for ages 5 - 10 - Broadway Bound Musical Theatre for PreK - age 6 July 3, 5 - 7 - Improv Camp for ages 10 - 15 - Workshops for the Advanced Actor for ages 13 - 18 - Play in a Day for ages 5 - 10 July 10 - 14 - Acting Camp "The Fairy Godmother Club" for ages 10 - 16 - Junior Improv for ages 5 - 10 July 10 - 21 - Acting Camp "The Diary of Anne Frank" for ages 14+ (by audition only) July 17 - 21 - Kitty Cat Capers Musical Theatre for PreK - age 6 - Lights! Camera! Action! Cabaret Camp for ages 7 - 10 July 24 - 28 - Gifted Actors for ages 10 - 17 (by audition only) - Disney: The Movies - The Music Cabaret Camp for ages 7 - 10 - A Barnyard MOOsical Musical Theatre for PreK - age 6 July 31 - August 11 - 9 to 5 the Musical for ages 14 - 19 (by audition only) July 31 - August 4

- Playwriting for ages 10 - 18 - Jr Rising Starts Theatre Camp for PreK - age 8

August 14 - 18

- It's a Jungle Out There Musical Theatre Camp for ages 6 - 12

The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg Book by Kyle Jarrow Produced by Jerri Wiseman Directed and Choreographed by Torie Dunlap Music Directed by Linda Cirba The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world!

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau.

Performances will be held May 13, 20 and 21 at 2:00pm.

Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

is Dead

A Murder Mystery Written by Terry Smith and Veneé Galloway Produced by Jerri Wiseman Directed by Jeffrey Nattania

www.StageCoachTC.com 571-477-9444