Too Many Daughters Program

PLAY DESCRIPTION In this witty one act play, the Ashworth daughters (of which there are twelve - or is it thirteen?) struggle to find suitors that will meet their mother's high standard. Her standard, of course, being that they must be filthy rich. Their task is made all the more difficult because their choices are so limited, due to the high number of potential suitors who have been killed when their horses fell on top of them. In the meantime, they must fend off unwanted proposals, snooty cousins, and the dreaded Dowager Countess.

CAST Florence Ashworth – Jameson Reising Nicolas Ashworth – Daggert Brister Henrietta Ashworth – Phillipa Tolle Imogen Ashworth – Caroline Henry Cordelia Ashworth – Annalee Rollins Felicity Ashworth – Violet Friedl Alastair Blackwood – Xavier Yasay Gwendolyn Blackwood – Amara Joe-Nwankwo Cecil Thorburn – Leo Millican The Dowager Countess (Lady Thorburn) – Chisom Joe-Nwankwo Peter Billingsby – Xavier Yasay Head Servant – Clara Elizabeth Lee Servant – Elliette Vincent

Daughters: Elizabeth Ashworth – Evelyn Broderick Roseabella Ashworth – Jacqueline Donahue Marianne Ashworth – Emerson Rose Duke Isabella Ashworth – Liz Heil Madeline Ashworth – Emme Hickman Alice Ashworth – Katherine Lowery Madison Ashworth – Maddie Luea Estelle Ashworth – Emily Mzumara

PRODUCTION TEAM AND CREW Director – Crystal Kurek Production Manager – Diane Meier Student Stage Manager – Catherine Rose Martinez Set Designer – George Downer Set Construction – Micah Smith Props Masters - Josie Griffin & Abby Scharf Costume Designer – Mary Cecilia Meier Lighting Designer – Saba Michael Lighting Assistants and Operators – Mary Margaret Krog and Grace Nelley Sound Designer and Engineer – Mary Cecilia Meier Hair and Makeup Designer – Avery Nute and Estella Pike

Headshots – Amie Pike Publicity and Program Design – Maria Marchetti and Amelia Strobel Usherettes – SCA Theatre Guild Thank you to all the amazing students and parent volunteers for helping to create our beautiful production!

MEET THE CAST Evelyn Broderick (Daughter-Elizabeth)

is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theater credits include St. Henry’s production of The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin), and Nashville Theatre School’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Oompa Loompa). She especially enjoyed all the fun outfits and learning about the way they spoke in this Jane Austen production. She would like to thank her family and is excited for her first SCA show!

Daggert Brister (Nicholas Ashworth)

is a sixth grader at Overbrook Catholic School. Recent theater credits include the Overbrook Musical and Overbrook Choir.

His favorite Jane Austen quote is “One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.” Special thanks to his parents.

Jacqueline Donahue (DaughterRoseabella) is an eighth grader at St.

Cecilia Academy. Other theater credits include Hippie Show and Grim Brothers’ Spectacular. She would like to especially thank Megan Donahue.

Emerson Rose Duke (Daughter-Marianne)

is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. She has been in numerous stage productions including Charlotte’s Web, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Mean Jean the Recess Queen, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Little Mermaid.

Emerson Rose also dances at Nashville Ballet and will be performing in her sixth Nashville Ballet Nutcracker this holiday season. Not surprisingly, her favorite quote from the show is “You’re all sinful!”, as exclaimed by Cordelia Ashworth. She would like to give all glory to God and special thanks to her parents, Ms. Kurek, and her friends for cheering her on. Emerson wishes all of her SCA Junior High cast mates a great show... break a leg!!

Violet Friedl (Felicity Ashworth) is a

seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include The Wizard of Oz (Jitterbug). She especially enjoyed learning about proper posture and behavior in the late 1700s/early 1800s.

She would like to thank her mom and dad for supporting her and driving her to and from play practice.

Liz Heil (Daughter-Isabella) is an eighth

grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theater credits include The Giver (Fiona), Madagascar (Lemur Lee), 101 Dalmatians (Boxer Dog, Dogcatcher), The Little Mermaid (Pirate, Sea Creature) Finding Nemo (Jellyfish, Tad’s Parent), Frozen (Guard, Butterfly), Seussical, Kids (A Who, Fish), Descendants (Ensemble), A Hill of Magic Beans (Rumpelstiltskin, Billy Goat), Matilda (Big Kid), and James and the Giant Peach (Matron Nurse). One thing she’s learned about the time period in which Too Many Daughters took place was everything was very neat and put together. They also enjoyed doing the little things like sewing a bow on a bonnet, or sketch, or play card games with family. Thank you to all who came. Also, a special thanks to all her past and present directors for shaping her into who she is today.... she could not have done it without you.

Josie Griffin (Props Master) is an eighth

grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Recent theater credits include a minor lead role in a Nashville Theatre production. She thinks Jane Austen is an amazing writer and wishes to thank her family for letting her do this.

Caroline Henry (Imogen Ashworth) is an

eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Recent theater credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Napkin, Wolf), Nashville Repertory Theatre’s 2023 and 2024 A Christmas

Carol (Alice Cratchit, Ensemble), and Akiva School’s Into the Woods (Witch). Her favorite quote from this Jane Austen production is “Just because someone’s rich, that doesn’t make them better than everyone else.” Special thanks to her family for always supporting her.

Emme Hickman (Daughter-Madeline) is

an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s production of Beauty and the Beast (Knife). Her favorite quote from this Jane Austen production is “All I know is what my heart tells me.” She would like to thank her family, the cast and crew, and Mrs. Kurek.

Amara Joe-Nwankwo (Gwendolyn Blackwood) is an eighth grader at St.

Cecilia Academy. Other theater credits include a skit at Overbrook’s musical and St. Cecilia Academy’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Her favorite quote from this Jane Austen production is “Just because someone’s rich, that doesn’t make them better than everyone else.” She would like to thank her Mom, Dad, siblings, and friends.

Chisom Joe-Nwankwo (The Dowager Countess-Lady Thorburn) is an eighth

grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theater credits include the “Cowardly Lion” in a musical skit and St. Cecilia Academy’s production of Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble/Narrator Understudy).

Her favorite lines from this Jane Austen production are

“Stop, wait! Well, I’ve done everything I could” and “Which one’s Henrietta?”. Special thanks to her amazing parents and siblings for always supporting her, her favorite forensics coach for helping her master the art of acting and inspiring her love for performing, her wonderful friends who are so supportive and encouraging, and her talented show director for always finding a way to accommodate her when she had other extracurriculars.

Mary Margaret Krog (Lighting Assistant)

is a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theater credits include skits at Overbrook Catholic School. Her favorite quote from the show is “Show some ankle.” She would like to thank Mrs. Kurek and Mrs. Meier.

Clara Elizabeth Lee (Head Servant) is a

seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include Chicken Little (Chicken Little) and various roles in the Centennial Youth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker over 4 years. She has enjoyed learning about the lifestyle of the Jane Austen Period and wishes to thank Mrs. Meier and her family.

Katherine Lowery (Daughter-Alice) is a

seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include the musical at her old school. Her favorite line from this Jane Austen production is “UGH” because it can show so much emotion in the smallest form. She would like to thank her mother for enrolling her in SCA.

Maddie Luea (Daughter-Madison) is an

eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Laundry Lady) and The Little Mermaid (Fluke). Her favorite line from this Jane Austen production is “All I know is what my heart tells me”. She would like to thank her mom, Mrs. Kurek, and all the cast and crew members.

Catherine Rose Martinez (Stage Manager)

is an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theater credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Featured Dancer). Her favorite thing she learned from this Jane Austen production was the activities or the fun things they would do in their free time. She would like to thank her mom for picking her up from practice and letting her do this even when she has many other activities. Thank you to her sister, Ania, for inspiring her to become who she is today. Thank you, Dad, you are always supporting her and doing everything you can to help.

And of course, a big thank you to her best friend Emme Hickman, you have always been the best support and friend and are always encouraging her to be her best!

Mary Cecilia Meier (Costume Designer & Sound Designer/Engineer) is a junior

at St. Cecilia Academy and has been involved in six SCA productions. Some of her roles include the understudy for the Stage Manager in Our Town, White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, Kate in Annie, and Student Costumer for Beauty and the Beast.

Saba Michael (Lighting Designer) is

a senior at St. Cecilia Academy. Past theater credits include Lighting Designer for Hello Dolly, Our Town, Beauty and the Beast, and Alice in Wonderland and spotlight operator for Annie, A Wrinkle in Time, and Little Women. Her favorite Jane Austen quote is “The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” Special thanks for everyone in theater the last four years for making it so fun, Mrs. Kurek and Mrs. Meier for their amazing direction, and her family for supporting her love for theater.

Leo Millican (Cecil Thorburn) is an eighth

grader at St. Henry School. Other theater credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Young Prince/ Candlemaker), stagehand for Annie and Alice in Wonderland, and spotlight operator for Our Town. His favorite quote from the show is by Henrietta when she says, “I don’t understand the question.” He wishes to thank his sister because she is the one who introduced him to SCA plays, and changed his acting career forever, and now has been doing them since sixth grade.

Emily Mzumara (Daughter-Estelle) is an

eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Past theater experiences include participating in Forensics. Her favorite quote from the show is Nicholas’ line, “Oh wait, stop. Well, I’ve done everything I could.”

Special thanks to her sisters, mom and dad, cast, and St. Cecilia Academy.

Grace Nelley (Lighting Assistant) is a

tenth grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Chip), Alice in Wonderland (The Dormouse), and Our Town (Sam Craig). One thing she learned about Jane Austen is that she published her books anonymously. She wishes to thank Mrs. Kurek and Mrs. Meier for making this show possible.

Avery Nute (Hair & Makeup Designer) is

an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include St. Ann’s production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (Belle), St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Madam de la Grande Bouche), Shrek, Jr. (Teen Fiona), and Aladdin, Jr. (Ensemble/Dancer). She loved doing the hair and makeup for this Jane Austen production. She would like to thank her mom, dad, and brothers for making her strive to do better, and Emerson Rose Duke for always cheering her on!

Estella Pike (Hair & Makeup Designer) is

a seventh grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include The Wizard of Oz (Tinman). Her favorite Jane Austen quote is “For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in return.” Special thanks to her mother and father for encouraging her to be a part of this.

Jameson Reising (Florence Ashworth) is

an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s 24-Hour Musical, The Little Mermaid (Seagull/Beggar/Princess 1). In this Jane Austen production, she learned that people said words completely differently compared to how we say things today. She would like to thank Ms. Jones, her family, and her friends.

Annalee Rollins (Cordelia Ashworth) is

an eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s 24-Hour Musical, The Little Mermaid (Seagull/Princess). Her favorite line from this Jane Austen production is “But I can’t help but marvel at the fact that I am so willing to lower myself so much to your station. You are so, so beneath me. I’m way up here, and you’re all the way down here.” Special thanks to Emro --her hype girl-- and to all of the cast and crew!!

Abigail Scharf (Props Master) is an

eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Other theater credits include St. Cecilia Academy’s Beauty and the Beast (Monsieur D’Arque/Candlestick). She wishes to thank her mama.

Phillipa Tolle (Henrietta Ashworth) is an

eighth grader at St. Cecilia Academy.

Recent theater credits include Junie B. Jones the Musical, Jr. (Lucille), Bugsy Malone the Musical, Jr. (Waitress/ Opera Singer/Down and Out), A Love for Three Oranges (Strolling Player/ Grotesque/Court Member), and Seussical the Musical (Vlad Vladikoff). She loved learning about proper posture and ways of speaking during the Jane Austen period, which she will never forget, because for a while, she had to walk around with a book on her head to maintain good posture! She would like to thank her mom, dad, and sister Nelly, for planning around the rehearsal times, so she could participate and always supporting her throughout the whole process. She also wants to dedicate her performance to her cousin, Blair, who loved the arts, and has always been her inspiration.

Elliette Vincent (Servant) is a seventh

grader at St. Cecilia Academy. Other theater credits include The Wizard of Oz (Ozian). She enjoyed learning how Jane Austen was from the 1700’s. She would like to thank her dad.

Xavier Yasay (Alastair Blackwood/Peter Billingsby) is an eighth grader at St. Ann

School. Recent theater credits include St. Ann’s productions of The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Sebastian), Beauty and the Beast, Jr. (Cogsworth), Shrek, Jr. (Pinocchio), and Aladdin, Jr. (Sultan). One thing he learned about Jane Austen is that she did not have

a middle name. He would like to thank Mrs. Nute for inviting him to join the play, his godmother, Yana Ancell, for driving him to campus, and of course, his parents for their support.

SCAgrams To: Jacqueline Donahue, Jacqueline we are so proud of everything that you have accomplished this year! I look forward to seeing what you accomplish later in your SCA years to come and love you so much!

To: Emerson Rose Duke, We are so incredibly proud of you! We can’t wait to watch you shine on stage. You are loved!!

Love, Mom & Dad To: Violet Friedl, Congratulations, Violet! You make us proud!

Love, Mom, Dad, Spencer and Ollie To: Liz Heil, Liz, we are so proud of you! You never stop amazing us with your courage and determination. We love how you’ve embraced life at St. Cecilia. Watching your Godgiven talents shine and your dreams come true is such a gift. Good luck in the play!

Love, Dad, Mom, Ann & Gabby (AKA your biggest fans)

To: Clara Elizabeth Lee, Congratulations on your SCA stage debut, Clara Elizabeth!

Love, Mom, Dad, Margaret, Charlotte, and Harris To: Jameson Reising, Congratulations Jameson - BRAVO!!!

To: Phillipa Tolle, Phillipa, You are such a joy to watch learn and grow.

We are so proud of the young lady you are becoming.

Keep shining your light and always remember that you are blessed and so loved.

Mom, Dad and Nelly

FROM THE DIRECTOR The first Jane Austen novel I ever read was Sense and Sensibility in eighth grade. From there, I moved on to Pride and Prejudice and Emma in special part due to the six-hour BBC version starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and the new movie adaptation starring Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma. I even had my parents take me to visit Chawton Cottage, her home and museum in England, and learned how to play and sing songs from movie and television adaptations of her novels.

I loved her stories. The tales of true love triumphing against all the odds of wealth and position and societal expectations. I loved her choice of words such as “felicity.” I loved her humor and wit and came to appreciate her wisdom and her deep knowledge and understanding of human character. Her heroines were virtuous but also imperfect. When Lizzie or Emma made a mistake and then tried to learn from it, it gave me hope and inspiration.

When Sister Josemaria shared with me her wish for SCA’s Junior

High to have its own drama productions, I began trying to think of ideas. I happened to see in one of my anglophile magazines that 2025 marked the 250th Anniversary of the birthday of Jane Austen.

And that’s when I knew. What could be a more perfect way to celebrate the introduction of SCA’s Junior High Drama Department than by honoring in play form one of the greatest feminine authors of all time?

I came across Claire Epstein’s delightful parody, which takes Austen’s most popular and traditional plot elements and characters to create an original story. It is a lovingly silly ode to the authoress, and one our junior high actors have embraced fully. I’m so proud of them for taking on this challenge of not only learning and putting on a show in a month’s time, but for striving to portray these Austen characters from the Regency Era. As Pope St. John Paul II says in his Letter to Artists, “Art has a unique capacity to take one or other facet of the message and translate it into colors, shapes, and sounds which nourish the intuition of those who look or listen.” Thank you for sharing your God given talents!

A special thank you to all our wonderful volunteers- George and Micah for the beautiful set, Judy and Erica for planning and executing our special Jane Austen birthday tea, our talented SCA high school students Mary Cecilia, Saba, and Grace, and all the parents for their help and dedication. Thank you to Sister Josemaria for all your support, for enabling me to do this show and to be the Jane Austen geek that I am, and for the chance to work at SCA! And lastly, thank you to Diane Meier for all your help, support, leadership, guidance, and friendship. I’m so grateful for each of you!

Sincerely,

Crystal Kurek

THANK YOU Maria Marchetti and Amelia Strobel - Marketing George Downer - Set Designer Micah Smith - Set Construction Judy Reising and Erica Nute - Tea Planning Collette Barkley and Georgie Tramontin - Harpists Uchida Media Group, Amie Pike, and Justin Yasay - Photography Mary Cecilia Meier - Costumes & Sound Saba Michael and Grace Nelley - Lighting Daggert Brister, Leo Millican, and Xavier Yasay - Gentlemen Actors All our Volunteers All our Family and Friends Mrs. Meier Sister Josemaria

And, of course,...

Jane Austen

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