The Little Theatre of Alexandria

FLOODLIGHT FEATURE PRODUCTION

August 2012

FUNNY MONEY: A COMEDY Meet Henry Perkins, a regular hard-working guy. On his way home from work one day, he accidentally ends up with a briefcase that isn’t his own. Upon examination, he finds the briefcase full of cash! This British farce follows Henry as he tries to escape his humdrum life and spice it up with this new “funny money.” You’ll love this comedy of errors by the master of farce, Ray Cooney. The Funny Money cast includes: Erik Harrison (Henry Perkins), Charlene Sloan (Jean Perkins), Ted Culler (Vic Johnson), Gayle Grimes (Betty Johnson), Larry Grey (Det. Davenport), Marisa Johnson (Det. Slater), John Shackelford (Bill), and Michael Metz (Passer-by).

Written by Ray Cooney Produced by Leighann Behrens Directed by Shawn g. Byers

Funny Money is produced by Leighann Behrens assisted by Jennifer Lyman and Carolyn Winters, and directed by Shawn g. Byers. Our talented crew includes: Margaret Evans-Joyce (Stage Manager), Sarah Boyd (Stage Manager), Marian Holmes (Set Design), David Doll and Dan Remmers (Master Carpenters), Chris Hardy (Lights), David Correia (Sound), Sean Doyle (Master Electrician), Bev Benda (Costumes), Jennifer Caballero (Wardrobe), Heather and Ben Norcross (Props), Rebecca and John Johnson (Set Dressing), Kevin O'Dowd (Set Painting), Cheryl Strausbaugh (Accent Coach), and Russ Wyland (Rigging/Special Effects). Inside This Issue The Little Theatre of Alexandria Margaret Evans-Joyce, President

Order Your Tickets Now! Call the Box Office 703-683-0496

President’s Column

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Auditions Coming Up Page 3

Eddie Page, Governor for Membership

Volunteer Spotlight

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Eddy Parker, Floodlight Coordinator

Council Corner

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Thank You

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A Look Into the Past

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Linda Wells, Floodlight Editor Next Floodlight Deadline September 10, 2012

Producer and Director Meet and Greet Page 7

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Jamie, I’m sorry! Jamie Blake left the Board of Governors, and in my last President’s Column, I did not acknowledge that. Jamie was Governor for Development and was also President pro tem for two years. For the many times I asked her advice and the always times she was there for me, I thank her. Shortly after the Annual Meeting, Bill Parker resigned as Box Office Governor. Joanna Henry was appointed by the new Board of Governors to replace him. Bill, thank you for all your hard work. Tina and the Board will miss your guidance. Welcome, Joanna!

Margaret Evans-Joyce President “Jamie Blake left the Board of Governors, and in my last President’s Column, I did not acknowledge that. Jamie was Governor for Development and was also President pro tem for two years. For the many times I asked her advice and the always times she was there for me, I thank her.”

PLANNING YOUR GIFT Have you considered including The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) as a beneficiary of your estate? LTA can suggest tools that will assist you in making plans that will support the artistic and education programs of the theatre in the future, as well as provide your estate with tax benefits. Supporters of LTA who make planned gifts are invited to be members of The LTA Legacy Society. The LTA Legacy Society recognizes those who have demonstrated their concern for the long-term well-being of LTA by notifying us of their bequest or other planned gift. For additional information, please call Virginia Lacey at 703-683-5778 ext. 2 or [email protected].

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Six of us (Ken and Patti Crowley, Bobbi Herbst, Rachel Alberts, Joanna Henry and I) went to The Ruby Griffith Awards for the 2010 - 2011 season on Sunday, July 15th, at the Bretton Woods Recreation Center in Germantown, Maryland. The awards honor the best performances in community theater in Washington, D.C.; Maryland; and Virginia. The awards have been administered by the British Embassy Players since 1972. At that time, only one award was presented, The Ruby Griffith Award for All-Around Production Excellence. With the start of the 1991-1992 season, however, two new achievement awards were added: The Ruby Griffith Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Musical and The Ruby Griffith Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Play. Three runners-up under each of these categories are also recognized. The winner for All-Around Production Excellence was Kensington Arts Theatre for its production of Sunday in the Park with George. The winner for Outstanding Achievement in a Musical was Rockville Musical Theatre for Kiss Me Kate. The winner for Outstanding Achievement in a Play was The Little Theatre of Alexandria for Rabbit Hole. Many thanks to the wonderful cast and crew of that fantastic production and to the producers Rachel Alberts and Bobbi Herbst and director Joanna Henry for bringing it to life. It was a great afternoon! Well, as usual, I’ve enjoyed chatting with you. Thank you for all you do for The Little Theatre of Alexandria.

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AUDITIONS COMING UP Show Description: From the producers and director of LTA’s 2011 Outstanding Production of the Year, Widdershins, comes a different kind of ghost story. Spend this fall on a spiritual journey in Ira Levin’s Cantorial. A yuppie couple moves into their new apartment, a converted synagogue on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. They are not alone! As they unpack, the voice of the synagogue’s original cantor is heard. With the assistance of the next-door deli owner, they set off to discover the meaning behind the cantor’s chant - B’nay Base-Choh K’vot Chee-loh.

Character Descriptions:

Written by Ira Levin

Warren Ives: (Late 20s to mid 30s) works in commodities. He was adopted as a baby by a strict Protestant political family. He has no knowledge of his real parents, a source of mystery in his life. The actor should be comfortable working with power tools and climbing ladders. Some singing skills would be a plus.

Produced by Jamie Blake and Eileen Doherty

Lesley Rosen: (Late 20s to mid 30s) is Warren’s girlfriend – the practical one of the two. She was raised in the Jewish faith, though it would appear she no longer practices. She works as a publicity writer.

Directed by C. Evans Kirk

Morris Lipkind (50s plus) is the Jewish owner of the next door deli. He attended services at the synagogue when it was open. He now must pray in the basement of an arcade. The actor will need to be able to speak Hebrew/ Yiddish.

Audition Dates: Saturday, August 25 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, August 26 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Callbacks (if needed): Tuesday, August 27 7:30 p.m.

There are three smaller roles to be cast. Rehearsal for these roles will be less intense. These actors will also be asked to double as “special effects” and to assist backstage. These roles will be great for someone who is looking to gain experience, or to get back into performing, or for an acting student wanting to practice their craft. Philip Quinn: (30 to 40s) is an academic specializing in psychic research. Donna Quinn: (late 20s) is Philip’s pregnant wife. William Morris: (50 to 60s) is Warren political father.

Audition Notes: Auditions will be readings from the script.

If you would like to work on the production, or have questions, please contact the producers, Jamie Blake ([email protected]) or Eileen Doherty ([email protected]).

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Auditions are first come, first served. No appointments are necessary. If you have a black-and-white headshot and acting resume, you may bring them with you; all auditionees, however, will be asked to have their picture taken by the LTA photographer. Please bring an accurate list of rehearsal conflicts with you to the audition.

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT JAMIE BLAKE

Curtain Call for Woman in Black Have sympathy for your audience. That’s what “the actor” (Erik Harrison) advices Arthur Kipps (Elliott Bales) as he instructs him in how best to entertain a crowd. Kipps is less concerned with acclaim than he is compelled to tell his story a hair-raising tale of strange houses and dark omens of death. Kipps has retained an actor to help him develop his manuscript, the story of his early life and the harrowing events that took place when, as a young solicitor, he was assigned to handle the estate of Alice Drablow. She lived in a secluded English manor called Eel Marsh House, cut off from the world by fog-filled marshes and only accessible at low tide. While attending to his job, he encounters strange locals who refuse to speak of Drablow or the house. Kipps begins to hear strange sounds, see figures in the marsh and, of course, a woman in black. Director Kristina Friedgen manages to invoke various locations of Edwardian England with sparse stage setting while the actors, with the help of a few props, transform flawlessly into a myriad of characters and accents. Harrison, simply known as “The Actor,” steps in to play the role of young Kipps, while Bales, donning various hats, jackets and attitudes fulfills the rest of the colorful characters. Both actors are marvels in their parts, constantly coming in and out of various disguises and making the audience feel as if they are in the ghostly marshes with them. Although her stage presence is brief, Erin Gallalee as the Woman in Black leaves an impression on audiences that will linger long after the final curtain.

Jamie Blake has been involved with LTA since 1984. In her own words, “I had a roommate who had been very active in theater growing up, and so we headed to LTA. The people were wonderful and, naturally, full of drama. I used to be one of the younger ones, and now I’m becoming one of the elders and I’m not liking it much.” What a lucky break for LTA. Her first show at LTA was Anastasia, working props with her roommate. Alan Stuhl and Rance Willis were the stage managers and they had to explain the difference between stage right and stage left! “They took me under their wings and guided me since I knew nothing about theater.” Her first musical was Applause, and someone said, “run the spotlight,” but instead, she found her home – and it was with props. When asked about her favorite shows, she was quick to reply, “Steel Magnolias holds a special place in my heart because it was my first show that I coproduced. My favorite musical is The Will Rogers Follies because towards the end of the show, Will talks about his wife and says he always loved Betty Blake, which happens to be my mom’s name and I could see my dad saying that. At the time, he had recently died, so every night, I was there to hear that line. I loved that show!” Jamie, a local girl, was born in Quantico, Her dad was a Marine, so she moved around a lot in three states: Virginia, California, and North Carolina. She is a graduate of East Carolina University with a BS in Education. For the last 17 years, she has been the Director of Member Services for a trade association downtown. Her interests outside of theater include college basketball. She’s a big ACC Fan – NC State Wolfpack is her team! “I’m also a big Redskins fan and that will never change.” In addition to sports, she enjoys antiques and has helped with her family’s antiques business, The Blake Collection, at the Mount Vernon Antiques Center. When asked to share something interesting that would not know about her, she said, “My favorite rock star is Rick Springfield. I would travel the world to see him if I could.” Jamie recently completed two terms on the Board of Governors as Governor for Development, and this season will be co-producing Cantorial and Dial “M” for Murder. Her years of tireless efforts for LTA are one reason why LTA is the success that it is today. Congratulations, Jamie!

By Laura Fries Reprinted from AlexandriaNews.org

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New Members Victoria Anne Albert William E. “Elliott” Bales Sean Cafferky Mavourneen Carr Brenna Carroll Sherry Clark Carol Counselman Ricky Drummond Malia Du Mont Paige Edwards Richard Engel Zachary Frank Kvyomars "Q" Golparvar Will Hawkins Mark Hubbard Michelle Jacobeen Valerie Klaassen Pam Leonowich Lauran Marueen Michael McAdoo Lesya Melnychenko Olivia Mullaney Ben Ribler Rebecca Roberts Roxanne Scher Daniel R. Sherman Margo Shiffert Charlene Sloan Jean Vita

COUNCIL CORNER Hopefully LTA members know about the LTA Council and are aware of some of the many projects that the Council has made possible through its financial support. For those who may not be as familiar, here are just a few: Commercial ice-making machine Cooking range for the Council Green Room Computerized box office system Folding chairs and tables for events, classroom and rehearsal room Enhanced sound and technical systems Renovations of rest rooms and lobby Draperies in the Council Green Room Several grand drapes over the years Winter holiday decorations These are just a few of the areas where the Council has provided complete or significant funding to make those things happen with membership dues and some special contributions. The annual dues of $75.00 are used for the various projects, and each member receives a complimentary ticket for each show in the regular LTA season. In addition, Council members are invited to participate in three social events per year (mark your calendar for the next one on September 23rd), and they are invited to a complimentary wine and cheese reception on opening night of each regular LTA show. Is this a bargain or what? But even more importantly, think of all the good things made possible by Council membership. Please consider this your personal invitation to join us on the Council. Membership applications are available from LTA, or you may contact me: [email protected] or 571-215-3028. See you on the aisle at LTA! John Johnson LTA Council Director

Thank You from The Woman in Black Many thanks to the remarkable cast and crew of The Woman in Black for their dedication and consistent hard work. Everyone gave 150% throughout the rehearsals and performances, and it was very much appreciated by us and the 686 members of the audience. Well done. Kristina, Rance, and Sharon

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The Arts in Alexandria Challenge by Robin Parker Through my marketing work with LTA, I have become involved with The Alexandria Arts Forum, and am amazed at the many varied visual and performing arts groups we have at our fingertips. However, we have realized that many of us are so involved in our own organizations and genres that we do not even recognize the extraordinary talents and variety of visual and performing arts that surround us. I recently had the opportunity to stage-manage for one of these groups, QuinTango, and was blown away by the caliber of their performance, and wondered what else I may have been missing. Because of this, I’ve set out to see more of our neighboring arts organizations, and I’d like to issue the following challenge; attend an arts event of an organization that is new to you – just one – in the next year! And look outside of your preferred discipline. The Alexandria Singers, The Washington Balalaika Society, The Del Ray Artisans, and The Kathy Harty Gray Dance Theatre are just a few of the over 50 arts organizations we have surrounding us. A great opportunity to see many of these groups is during Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope, a new initiative in its second year, is designed to focus on the thriving visual and performing arts in and around the City of Alexandria. Alexandria arts events in September and October 2012 are showcased. Funny Money and Cantorial at LTA fall under the Kaleidoscope umbrella, and are both highlighted events. (continued on page 7)

A Look into the Past Can you guess what show and year these LTA productions were?

Production 1

Production 2

Production 3

Production 4

Production 5

Production 6 Answers on page 7

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(continued from page 6) Take the challenge: in the next year, see one event presented by an Alexandria arts group with which you are unfamiliar. Check out the Kaleidoscope web site at www.artskaleidoscope.org to learn about some of these groups. I think you will be as amazed as I have been at the richness of the arts in Alexandria!

Answers: Production 1: 1960-1961 The Merry Wives of Windsor Production 2: 1978 Dark of the Moon Production 3: 1970 Toys in the Attic Production 4: 1950 George Washington Slept Here Production 5: 1954 Love for Love Production 6: 1995 You Can’t Take It with You

Second Annual Producer and Director Meet On Friday, July 13th, the Green Room was buzzing with chatter at the second annual Producer and Director Meet and Greet kicked. Over 80 members and guests enjoyed an evening of conversation about volunteer opportunities at LTA. After our guests signed in, they were given a list of every Board of Governor Member and 2012 - 2013 Season producer and director. The guests’ mission was to seek out the people on the list, introduce themselves, and obtain a signature from as many as possible. It was a great icebreaker, and the guests seem to really enjoy the scavenger hunt. The program portion was short, with comments from President Margaret Evans-Joyce and Governor for Membership Eddie Page. Additional comments were made by Eddy Parker and Becky Patton, both of whom made their first appearance at last year’s Meet and Greet and talked what great opportunities LTA has to offer. Door prizes were donated by Columbia Firehouse, The Pines of Florence and Alexandria Cupcake. A great time was had by all. A special thanks to our LTA Co-Event Coordinators Maria Ciarrocchi and Shari Simmans-Bolouri. We recruited 13 new volunteers!

Thank You from All the King’s Women Director Ellen Dempsey and producers Robert Kraus and Alan Wray want to thank our very talented cast and crew. Numerous aspects of Elvis and his effect on individuals were humorously and respectfully presented. Many patrons left the theatre with memories of a monologue or skit that was their personal favorite. We want to thank the producers, cast, and crew of The Woman in Black for their help and cooperation with keeping both shows on track and running together smoothly.

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The Little Theatre of Alexandria 600 Wolfe Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Box Office: 703-683-0496 Business Office: 703-683-5778x2 Fax: 703-683-1378 www.thelittletheatre.com [email protected]

Mark Your Calendars 8/25 8/26

Auditions for Cantorial Auditions for Cantorial

9/3

Labor Day - LTA Office Closed

9/8 9/29

Funny Money Opens Funny Money Closes

9/30 10/2

Auditions for A Christmas Carol Auditions for A Christmas Carol

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Volunteer Info

The Board of Governors, under the direction of the President, is responsible for Did you know that it takes the time managing the affairs and operations of The Little Theatre of Alexandria. and talent of nearly 150 volunteers The Governors for the 2012-2013 season are: to stage each production? President.........................................................................Margaret Evans-Joyce Governor for Artistic Support...................................................Beverley Benda Governor for Box Office...............................................................Joanna Henry Governor for Building......................................................................David Hale Governor for Development............................................................Frank Shutts Governor for Education..............................................Roland Branford Gomez Governor for Front of the House...............................................Lloyd Bittinger Governor for Membership................................................................Eddie Page Governor for Production...............................................................Russ Wyland Governor for Public Relations....................................................Rachel Alberts Governor for Seasonal Planning...................................................Ken Crowley Governor for Technical Support...............................................Chris Feldmann Additional officers are: President Pro-Tem............................................................................Eddie Page Treasurer..........................................................................................David Hale Board Secretary.......................................................................Carolyn Winters Executive Secretary.......................................................................Libby Guinn

For more information on volunteering at LTA, please contact: Eddie Page Governor for Membership 703-328-1973 [email protected] Thank you for your service!