FLOODLIGHT Page 1

November 2019

Written by

Charles Dickens

Adapted by

Donna Ferragut

Produced by

Jim Howard

and Carol Strachan

Directed by

Kelsey Yudice

Order Your

Tickets Now!

Call the Box Office

703-683-0496

FEATURED PRODUCTION Director Kelsey Yudice and Producers Carol Strachan and Jim Howard,

together with Stage Manager Lloyd Bittinger, are delighted to announce that

after a successful audition and callback process, the cast of this year’s

production of A Christmas Carol is as follows: Bob Chaves (Scrooge),

Kevin Broderick (Marley and Pawnbroker Joe), James Seravitis (Bob

Cratchit), Tom Bethards (Mr. Fezziwig and Ghost of Christmas Present),

Devin Walsh (Young Scrooge and Topper), Aimee Meher-Homji (Mrs.

Fezziwig and Mrs. Pipchin), Erika Olander (Mrs. Cratchit), Charlotte

Nichols (Miss Fezziwig and Martha), Sharon Fernandez (Ghost of

Christmas Past and Mary), Zoey Vighin-Carlos (Belinda and Urchin),

Florence Ferraro (Ghost of Christmas Future), Luca Loiezan-Schmidt

(Boy Scrooge and Turkey Boy), Kaidon Grill (Tiny Tim), Julia Stimson

(Fan), Emily Hemmingson (Belle and Ruth), and Alexandra Beach, Chase

Bolden, and Arielle Seravitis (the Cratchit children).

John Downing’s two-level set will be built by Tom O’Reilly, painted by

Mona Wargo, and lit by Bill Glikbarg. Ceci Albert and Mary Wallace are

designing the costumes, Sarah Mendez is in charge of overseeing the

wardrobe during the run, and Chanel Lancaster is designing the hair and

makeup. Carol Starke is providing the props and Russ Wyland is dressing

the set, while Art Snow is looking after special effects. Musical

accompaniment will be by Gyr Turshen and photography by Matt Liptak.

Finally, Genie Baskir is hosting the double tech dinner and Monty

Montgomery is handling the punch, hot chocolate, and candy cane bar for

the opening night party. Several LTA newbies have signed up to work lights,

sound, and props and to help build and paint the set.

We are still seeking a sound designer, a master electrician, and other crew

people in some areas, so please contact the producers if you would like to

contribute to this fine production, LTA’s annual fundraiser.

The Little Theatre of Alexandria

Russell Wyland, President

Brendan Quinn, Governor for

Membership

Kirstin Apker, Floodlight Coordinator

Linda Wells, Floodlight Editor

Next Floodlight December 16th

Inside This Issue

President’s Column Page 2

Thank You Page 2

New Members Page 2

Auditions Page 3

Awards Nominees Page 4

Governors at Work Page 5

Council Corner Page 6

FLOODLIGHT Page 2

President’s

Column

Russell

Wyland

Pondering the “Community” in Community Theater

LTA is a community theater. It is good to occasionally ponder this idea and to remember that “community” has

many meanings and implications.

We are, of course, a member of a community: Old Town Alexandria is our home and, as such, both holds out

opportunities to us and asks us to be good civic members in return. Alexandria residents make up 80 percent of our

audiences, students, and volunteers. However, I am very proud of LTA’s recent participation in discussions with the

City Council and the Traffic and Parking Board about what our volunteers, students, and patrons need to keep the

arts strong in Alexandria. We are doing our civic duty. We know our elected officials are supportive of the arts, and

the hard work of LTA Board members, volunteers, and patrons will, I hope, result in a better parking situation

around LTA. A special thank-you to Ashley Amidon for spearheading LTA’s efforts. Her work has been exemplary

and reflects well on the theatre.

The other way to think about community is that we are constantly forming and re-forming the community within our

walls. We are a safe and respectful place for anyone who loves theater. An improv class is a community, a

production is another community, and Awards Night and the Annual Meeting are yet others. Even when we attend

other theaters, our LTA membership means that others identify us with the community at 600 Wolfe Street. When

we renew our membership or buy a ticket or do anything at LTA, we are committing ourselves to making our

community stronger. Thank you, one and all, for making that commitment.

Russell Wyland, President

Thank You from

A Few Good Men On behalf of ourselves and our director,

Kathleen Barth, we want to express

our sincere thanks to the designers,

cast, crew members, and all volunteers

who helped make A Few Good Men such a success. You

handled the truth and helped us tell our story!

Carol Clark, Katie Kellenberger, and Robert Kraus,

Co-Producers

New Members

Betty Brown Patricia Nicklin

Terri Griffith Nina-Sophia Pacheco

Carly Horton Justine Summers

Shannon Labadie Zalina Truitt

Lauren Markovich Allison Turkel

Cynthia Mullins Emma Williams

FLOODLIGHT Page 3

Upcoming Auditions It’s Hollywood, 1939. Legendary film producer David O. Selznick is five

weeks into shooting Gone with the Wind when he realizes the script is awful

and the director doesn’t have a clue. He has a few short days to replace them

both and restart shooting or the production will shut down. Over the course of

five days, three writers frantically craft (and act out all the parts for!) one of

the most memorable screenplays of all time.

Audition Notes

Auditions are open. No appointments are required. Auditionees will be asked

to read from the script. Sides will be available at the audition. Monologues are

not requested and will not be heard. This show includes physical comedy.

Therefore, auditionees should dress comfortably and be prepared to move.

If you have a headshot and acting résumé, you may submit them with your

audition form, but these materials are not required. Auditionees may be asked

to have their pictures taken.

Auditionees will be asked for a complete list of their conflicts starting with

callbacks (December 17, 2019) through strike (March 22, 2020). Conflicts

during the rehearsal period do not automatically keep one from being cast.

Conflicts that are declared after the rehearsal period begins, however, can get

one removed from the show.

Character Descriptions

LTA is seeking four actors for this funny and affectionate comic romp that

takes the audience behind the scenes of an iconic story.

David O. Selznick (male, actual 37, 30s - 50s): A legendary Jewish

Hollywood producer. He is a larger-than-life personality who truly believes in

the worth and potential of Gone with the Wind. He is driven to prove his own

worth in an industry that isn’t always friendly to him and those like him. He is

also great at manipulating those around him.

Ben Hecht (male, actual 45, 30s - 50s): A Jewish screenwriter and playwright

pulled in to help recraft the screenplay (even though he hasn’t read the book).

He is no-nonsense and couldn’t care less for the glamour of Hollywood. His

relationship with Fleming is antagonistic. He has no interest in the project and

has many other places he would rather be. He is also very interested in the

Jewish cause as WWII looms in Europe.

Victor Fleming (male, actual 50, mid 30s - 60s): The director that Selznick

has pulled in to take over the film. He is burly, physically imposing, and

tightly wound. He also has places he would rather be. He has come up

through the ranks and fully enjoys the glamour of Hollywood and his position

in it. He and Hecht butt heads quite often.

Miss Poppenghul (female, 20s - 30s): Selznick’s smart and efficient

secretary. She is somewhat modern but can work with her lot in life. She can

also hold her own with the more powerful men around her. This role is open

to any ethnicity.

Written by

Ron Hutchinson

Produced by

Rachel Alberts

and Russell Wyland

Directed by

Juli Tarabek Blacker

Audition Dates

Saturday, December 14, 2019

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Callbacks

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

7:00 p.m.

For additional information or to

volunteer for this production, please

contact producer Russell Wyland via

RussellWyland@gmail.com.

FLOODLIGHT Page 4

LTA Award Nominees 2018 - 2019 Winners will be announced at Awards Night on Sunday, November 10th, at 7:00 p.m.

Excellence in Sound Design

Alan Wray for August: Osage County

Janice Rivera for Dracula

Janice Rivera for You Can’t Take It With You

Excellence in Props Design

Michelle Hall for Dracula

Helen Bard-Sobola and Margaret Chapman for You Can’t Take It With You

Betty Belanus and Susan Townsend for The Savannah Disputation

Excellence in Costume Design

Juliana Confrancesco for The Fantasticks

Erin Nixon for You Can’t Take It With You

Ashley Amidon for The Savannah Disputation

Excellence in Lighting Design

Franklin C. Coleman for August: Osage County

Jeffrey Scott Auerbach and Kimberly Crago for Dracula

Franklin C. Coleman for You Can’t Take It With You

Excellence in Set Design

Matt Liptak for Dracula

Grant Kevin Lane for You Can’t Take It With You

John Burgess for The Savannah Disputation

Excellence in Set Painting

Mary Speed for August: Osage County

Stacey Becker, Matt Liptak, and Mona Wargo for Dracula

Sandy Kozel for The Savannah Disputation

Excellence in Set Construction

Dan Remmers for August: Osage County

Jim Hutzler and Jeff Nesmeyer for Dracula

Dan Remmers for The Savannah Disputation

Excellence in Set Decoration

Charles Dragonette for August: Osage County

Grant Kevin Lane for You Can’t Take It With You

Deborah Remmers for The Savannah Disputation

Excellence in Makeup Design

Robin Maline for August: Osage County

Robin Worthington for A Christmas Carol

Susan Boyd for You Can’t Take It With You

Excellence in Hair Design

Robin Worthington for A Christmas Carol

Susan Boyd for You Can’t Take It With You

Best Bit Part

Andy Izquierdo as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar

Melissa Dunlap as Grand Duchess Olga in You Can’t Take It With You

Melissa Dunlap as Gay Wellington in You Can’t Take It With You

Best Performance in a Minor Role

Lawrence O. Grey, Jr., as Mr. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol

Chantel F. Grant as Rheba in You Can’t Take It With You

Kate Ives as Mrs. Kirby in You Can’t Take It With You

Best Junior Performance

Camille Neumann as Jean Fordham in August: Osage County

Miranda Tonsetic as Fan in A Christmas Carol

Best Supporting Role in a Musical

Thea Simpson as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar

Stephen P. Yednock as Bellomy in The Fantasticks

Janice Zucker as Hucklebee in The Fantasticks

Best Supporting Role in a Play

Tom Flatt as Charlie Aiken in August: Osage County

Gayle Nichols-Grimes as Mattie Fae Aiken in August: Osage County

Michael J. Fisher as Father Murphy in The Savannah Disputation

Best Performance in a Musical

Rachel Hogan as Luisa in The Fantasticks

Luis “Matty” Montes as Matt in The Fantasticks

Christopher Overly as El Gallo in The Fantasticks

Best Performance in a Play

Nicky McDonnell as Barbara Fordham in August: Osage County

Bernard Engel as Martin Vanderhof in You Can’t Take It With You

Mary Jo Morgan as Mary in The Savannah Disputation

Best Musical Director

Christopher A. Tomasino for Jesus Christ Superstar

Paige Rammelkamp for The Fantasticks

Best Choreography

Michael Page for Jesus Christ Superstar

Michele Koros for A Christmas Carol

Jason A. Ellis for The Fantasticks

Best Director

Susan Devine for August: Osage County

Stephen Jarrett for You Can’t Take It With You

Will Jarred for The Savannah Disputation

FLOODLIGHT Page 5

The most recent meeting of the Board of Governors convened

on September 18th. Treasurer David Hale reported that LTA

continues to be in a strong position. Subscription revenue has

increased over last year, and while expenses for The Producers

were higher than expected, revenue was also significantly

higher. The Board also heard updates on preparations for

switching our phone/Internet contractor from Verizon to

Comcast, a move that will both reduce costs and increase access

speed throughout the building.

The Board agreed to pursue a half-day retreat in November to consider some of the larger, overarching ideas/issues

that are often difficult to address at its monthly meetings. The Board also agreed to review and, if necessary, edit

their job descriptions with an eye to having them completed by the end of the year. In this same spirit, the Board

agreed that it is again time to review its policy manual, which was last revised in 2014.

The Board discussed the new position of LTA safety officer. Since most departments have relayed concerns about

volunteer and patron safety, President Russell Wyland is eager to consolidate all related responsibilities under one

volunteer.

Governor for Building Frank Shutts confirmed that Premiere Works has been contracted to undertake the project

of renovating the women’s restroom. The Board has approved the contract after considering bids from multiple

companies. The work will begin over Christmas, which means that LTA will be unable to participate in this year’s

First Night celebration.

Governor for Publicity Rachel Alberts gave an update on advertising for current and upcoming shows. She has

arranged a pre-theatre dinner menu collaboration with The Alexandrian Hotel’s Jackson 20 restaurant.

The Board discussed recent efforts by the Alexandria City Council to further restrict parking in the area around

LTA. In President Wyland’s absence, Governor for Seasonal Planning Ashley Amidon represented LTA at the

Alexandria Parking and Traffic Board meeting on Monday, September 23rd, and again on Monday, October 28th.

She also worked with President Wyland, Governor for Development Sarah Holt, Governor for Box Office Ira

Forstater, and Governor for Artistic Support Susan Boyd to develop a statement as well as to reach out via social

media to members and volunteers.

Russell Wyland, President

Your Board

of Governors

at Work

Annual LTA Ladies Holiday Dinner

Monday, December 9th, 6:00 p.m.

Tempo Restaurant (4231 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia)

The cost is $35.00, which includes appetizer, entrée, dessert, non-alcoholic drink, taxes, and tip (alcoholic drinks

are extra). A finalized menu will be sent out via email prior to the event.

We will be doing a $20 gift exchange. Bring a gift if you wish to participate. Wear something festive! There will

also be a prize for the best holiday ensemble.

Space is limited, so please RSVP by November 25th. To reserve a spot, make a check payable to Rachael

Hubbard and mail to: Rachael Hubbard, 4111 Whispering Lane, Annandale, VA 22003.

Questions? Email Rachael Hubbard at rachaelmarkhubbard@gmail.com.

FLOODLIGHT Page 6

On Wednesday, August 14th, a small group of cast members from our production

of August: Osage County got together in the Shakespeare Garden at The Little

Theatre to dedicate and christen the recently installed show brick with some Jack

Daniels. So now the brick is official and will serve us for years to come to

remember the success of the production and the terrific group of cast and crew

who made it all happen. The inscription on the brick reads “Eat the fish … !” This

is taken from a line in the show when Barbara Fordham (Nicky McDonnell) and

Ivy Weston (Carlotta Capuano) are rather forcefully trying to convince their

mother Violet Weston (Diane Sams) to eat some catfish along with them. It is a

little bit of an inside joke as to what the missing word might be, but those who

were a part of the show will probably remember it.

The Shakespeare Garden brick project was begun in October 2016. Altogether we

have installed about 160 bricks in the garden and the program is now being

discontinued. It is possible that we may have another campaign at some time in

the future, but that has not been decided upon at this time. Please take some time

and visit the garden to view the many bricks there dedicated to theatre family and

friends, as well as bricks commemorating some of our past shows.

Carolyn Winters

LTA Council Director

The Arts Build Communities

Council

Corner

Did you know that in case of an emergency, LTA has three AEDs

(automated external defibrillators)?

They are located as follows:

1) in the lobby, near the Council (Green) Room

2) in the cast entrance hallway, near the backstage door

3) in the Alexandria Academy, on the first floor

In Case of Emergency

Pictured left to right: Lloyd

Bittinger (producer), Fred Lash

(Beverly Weston), Elizabeth

Keith (Karen Weston), Eric

Kennedy (Steve Heidebrecht),

and Camille Neumann (Jean

Fordham), christening the show

brick with a small bottle of Jack

Daniels. Photo from Carolyn

Winters

LTA Holiday Brunch Sunday, December 15th, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the LTA Green Room

RSVP online at: http://thelittletheatre.com/performances/#newsandannouncements

FLOODLIGHT Page 7

The Little Theatre of Alexandria

600 Wolfe Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

Box Office: 703-683-0496

Business Office: 703-683-5778 x2

Fax: 703-683-1378

www.thelittletheatre.com

Mark Your Calendars

11/10 LTA Awards Night

11/23 LTA Council holiday

decorating

12/6 A Christmas Carol

opens

12/9 LTA Ladies Night

12/15 LTA Holiday Brunch

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Board of Governors, under the direction of the President, is

responsible for managing the affairs and operations of The Little

Theatre of Alexandria.

The Governors for the 2019 – 2020 season are:

President.................................................................................Russell Wyland Governor for Artistic Support......................................................Susan Boyd Governor for Box Office..............................................................Ira Forstater Governor for Building........................................................Frank D. Shutts II Governor for Development.............................................................Sarah Holt Governor for Education...................................................Michael J. Baker, Jr. Governor for Front of House......................................................Robert Kraus Governor for Membership.......................................................Brendan Quinn Governor for Production................................................................Alan Wray Governor for Public Relations.................................................Rachel Alberts Governor for Seasonal Planning..............................................Ashley Amidon Governor for Technical Support.................................................Ken Crowley

Additional officers are:

President Pro-Tem....................................................................Rachel Alberts Treasurer........................................................................................David Hale Board Secretary.....................................................................Lynn O’Connell Executive Secretary……………………………………………Jamie Blake LTA Council Director……………………………………...Carolyn Winters

membershipgovlta@gmail.com