2009-2010

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Presents

Annie Get Your Gun

Musical

Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin,

Original Book by Herbert and Dorothy Fields,

As Revised by Peter Stone Directed by

Jason Fortner

November 5-15, 2009 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater, FL 33755

(727) 446-1360 www.FrancisWilsonPlayhouse.Org

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From the President’s Desk

To our members and friends

Welcome to our first musical of the season!

I fell for Irving Berlin’s music as a young man when I first heard Alexander’s Ragtime Band. After that, I could not get enough – I was smitten. I watched the movie of the same name with Ethel Merman, and fell for her singing Tropical Heat Wave. I still watch Bing Crosby singing Berlin’s White Christmas every time they show the movie of the same name, or the wonderful movie Holiday Inn with Fred Astaire’s fabulous dancing.

Berlin is one of the greatest songwriters in history. For over sixty years he wrote an amazing body of work: about 1,500 songs; the scores for about 20 Broadway musicals and almost as many Hollywood movies. He had twenty-five number one hits (including White Christmas in three separate holiday seasons!). His songs were recorded by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Diana Ross, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Kate Smith, Al Jolson, Louis Armstrong and many, many other household names. In more modern times, Celine Dion sent another of his songs, God Bless America, to number one in the charts.

Berlin’s story is the American dream come true. He was five years old when his Russian refugee parents settled in New York. He soon started working as a newspaper boy, later becoming a street busker, singing for pennies, and at 18 landed a job as a singing waiter. It took very few years for him to start making his mark as a songwriter, and he was catapulted into fame by that very song which first captivated me: Alexander’s Ragtime Band!

Forty years later, Berlin wrote the songs for tonight’s musical, most of it in a single weekend, after Rodgers and Hammerstein asked him to step in when his close friend Jerome Kern, who was supposed to write the show, suddenly died. As you listen to the music tonight, remember you are in the presence of true genius.

George Gershwin called Irving Berlin “the greatest songwriter that has ever lived”, composer Jerome Kern said about him “he is American music.” And Berlin said: “God Bless America!”

Graham Jones

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Francis Wilson Playhouse

Benefactors

Executive Co-Producers M/M Bruce Black

Angels

Mrs. Nancy Neef Carnaby Ms Eleanor Jones M/M Robert Vest Ms Patricia S. Smith

Patrons

Ms Bobbi Wileman Adair M/M David Ford Mary & David Macdaid Mrs. Patti Baldwin LTC/Mrs. Peter Graubard M/M Gisella Monus M/M David Camburn Dr Paul & Maureen Gualtieri M/M Richard Mucciolo Mr. Donald Carroll M/M Joseph Hall Ms Jimmie Parker M/M Charles Carter Ms Dianna Hanger Mr. Michael Paysan M/M Joe Corbett Ruth & Rogers Hedberg Mr. Charles Possick M/M Charles DeBlaker M/M Robert Isinger M/M Egon Schreiner Mr. Bruce & Karen DeFelix M/M Tony Johannesmeyer Satendra & Marie SinghDr Helen Dexterr Graham & Peggy Jones M/M John Stockman M/M Henry Durlacher Ms Ann Kessler Elvina/Donald Tuttle M/M Allen Edelman M/M Ben H. Loper Steven & Mary Ann Whit M/M James Foit

Sustainer Members Mr. Howard Eddy Ms Eddy Licht Mr. William Rockenfeller Mrs. Babs Michael

We apologize if your name was inadvertently left off this list.

Please contact our box office as soon as possible for a correction of any oversight.

================================================= 2009-2010 Season Memberships

9 Show Extended Season ............................................................... $150 8 Show Season................................................................................ $135 6 Show Season (6 consecutive shows)........................................... $125

Francis Wilson Playhouse Benefactor Memberships “Sustainer Member” ......................................................................... $175 “Patron” (2 seats per show) ............................................................. $350 “Angel” (4 seats per show)............................................................... $750 “Executive Co-Producer” (6 seats per show)................................$1,100

Box Office (727) 446-1360

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Francis Wilson Playhouse

Clearwater, Florida

Board of Directors

Graham Jones ................................................ President Andy Rufo.......................................... 1st Vice President Babs Bailey .......................................2nd Vice President Cory McBride .................................................Treasurer Peggy Reay-Jones......................................... Secretary Kathleen Goelz ..................................... VP Investments Cherie Albury ....................................................Director David Camburn .................................................Director Dianna Hanger ..................................................Director Patricia Bates Smith .........................................Director Chick Svboda ....................................................Director Jules Vickers .....................................................Director Patti Baldwin ................................ Chair - First Nighters Sam McClelland ...........Chair – Dorothy Ellison Society

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Irving Berlin’s

Annie Get Your Gun Musical

Music and Lyrics by IRVING BERLIN, Original Book by

HERBERT AND DOROTHY FIELDS, As Revised by PETER STONE

November 5-15, 2009

Directed by Jason Fortner

Director’s Notes: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN started life as an idea by writer Dorothy Fields, who read a magazine article about Annie Oakley in the early 1940’s and thought it a good character for her friend Ethel Merman. A creative team was assembled, with Dorothy herself writing lyrics to the music of Jerome Kern, with a book by Dorothy and her brother Herbert and Rodgers & Hammerstein serving as producers. Disaster struck when Mr. Kern collapsed on the street and died shortly afterward.

Left without a composer, a search began to find a replacement. Irving Berlin, a name on the musical theatre scene for 30 years, offered his talents but the production team was wary of his ability to do a “new style” Broadway musical in the post OKLAHOMA! mold. He came back a few days later with several character songs written expertly and perfectly for the show, including the now classic “You Can’t Get a Man With A Gun”. Based on his “audition pieces”,

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Irving Berlin landed the job as composer and lyricist, with Dorothy Fields agreeing to step down as lyricist and serve as co-book writer only.

The show was a smash hit for Merman and company, and soon all the great ladies played the role on the road and around the world, including Mary Martin and Dolores Gray. MGM started the film version with Judy Garland, but she was replaced with Betty Hutton after Garland called in sick a few times too many. Fast forward to the 60’s, when Richard Rodgers produced a new revised version at Lincoln Center, eliminating several characters and songs, tweaking the book and adding the last new Berlin song to be performed on Broadway, “An Old Fashioned Wedding”.

This production again featured Merman, to which some New York theatre types re-named the show GRANNY GET YOUR GUN! Over the years the show has been revived, revised, re-orchestrated and translated for countless Annie’s in countless productions. A major London revival opened this past month in London at the Young Vic, starring Jane “Little Voice” Horrocks as “Annie”. Our version tonight is based on the 1999 Broadway revival, starring Bernadette Peters as Annie, followed by such diverse women as Reba McIntyre, Susan Lucci, Marilu Henner, Crystal Bernard and Cheryl Ladd. But no matter how it is revised, the great score of Irving Berlin and the raucous book by the Fields siblings (this time augmented by Peter Stone) have created a musical theater masterpiece, and we are excited to present the local premiere of this variation of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN.

ANNIE GET YOUR GUN is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals: www.rnhtheatricals.com

Meet the Directors and Crew Jason Fortner (Director/Choreographer) has directed many musicals here at the Playhouse, starting back with our very first musical Very Good Eddie. Since then he has directed such Playhouse productions as Good News, Babes In Toyland, Dracula The Musical, Naughty Marietta, Rose Marie, She Loves Me, Meet Me In St Louis, La Cage Aux Folles, How To Succeed…, Of Thee I Sing, Bells Are

Ringing, The Full Monty and others. On stage he directed and played the title role in our production of Barnum. Thanks to all who have supported him in local theatre these past 35 years.

Mark Jelks (Musical Director) has been a part of nearly every aspect of the performing arts. He has trained and performed as a dancer internationally and musically directing the national tours for such shows as Evita, A Chorus Line and Sweeney Todd. He has been musical director for The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Man of La Mancha, Oliver!, and Bells Are Ringing here at the

Playhouse.

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Rodney Carpenter (Associate Musical Director) is very excited to join the Francis Wilson Playhouse family! Rodney attended West Virginia University as a vocal performance major. His musical direction experience includes productions of Cats, Les Miserables, Leader of the Pack, and our upcoming production of Side Show. Rodney would like to thank Jason, Dianna, Mark, Ka-Rim and Janet

for making this show so great to work with! Janet Tucker (Stage Manager) is so glad to be back at Francis Wilson and with Jason again! Thanks to him she discovered the theater world 13 years ago and quickly decided that the “real show” is backstage and has been fortunate enough to stage manage many, many wonderful show in community theater over the years. This wonderful show is no exception! Love to my other Jason too!

Ka-Rim Troyli (Assistant Stage Manager) is still amazed that she has this opportunity to work so closely with the dynamic due of Jason and Janet. Thank you both for you tutelage, humor and good faith….and thank you to Mark, the crew and the talented cast for sharing their show with me.

Cast In Order of Appearance

Frank Butler .................................................... Donald Trey Ryan Buffalo Bill Cody ......................................................... John Zilles Dolly Tate .......................................................... Amy Ludkiewicz Tommy Keeler ................................................... Matthew Barnes Winnie Tate ........................................................ Kayley Kinports Charlie Davenport ..................................................... Tim Rankin Foster Wilson .....................................................George Kolitsas Mac, The Prop Man............................................ Jonathan Hecht Chief Sitting Bull ..................................................Mitchell LeVine Annie Oakley ................................................. Christina Capehart Billy, Annie’s Brother .......................................... Thomas Rowell Jessie, Annie’s Little Sister................................ Shianne Grubbs Nellie, Annie’s Other Little Sister............................Sarah Rowell Little Jake, Annie’s Little Brother...........................Arden Grubbs Running Deer .....................................................George Kolitsas Eagle Feather......................................................... John Hughes Sleeping Car Porter......................................Austin Hammesfahr Pawnee Bill....................................................Christopher Strong Messenger.......................................................... Jonathan Hecht Band Leader........................................................... John Hughes

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Mrs. Sylvia Potter-Porter ...................................... Kristen Rowell Mrs. Schuyler Adams ................................................Susan Mills

Showgirls / Roustabouts / Gypsies / Queens / Everybody Else: Colleen Boylan, Margaret Boylan, Moriah Carpenter, David Edwards, Erin Hamilton-Mullin, Ella Hampton, Pat Hughes, Melissa Labiak, Ellie LeVine, Mara Martin, Ellen O’Connell, Lisa Victoria Ohlemann, Jean Omero, Christian Emmanuel Pici, Michael Sporck

Meet the Cast

Matthew Barnes (Tommy Keeler) is so excited to be back at the Playhouse! He was last seen here in The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker as Horace III. He has also appeared in Bells Are Ringing, Brigadoon and Hello! Dolly. Thanks to my loving family and friends who are so supportive of everything I do. Colleen Boylan (Ensemble) is happy to be back performing after being the lighting designer here at the Playhouse for the 2008-2009 season. Previously seen in The Glass Menagerie (LARY award) at WCP, Joseph and Fiddler on the Roof at Tarpon Springs PAC, and Six Guns and Sasparilla at EOT. Margaret Boylan (Ensemble) is pleased to be back at the Playhouse and sharing the stage with her daughter, Colleen. She was last seen in Pajama Game at EOT. When not on the stage, Margaret teaches Math and Science to 3rd graders. Christina Capehart (Annie Oakley) is thrilled to be in her first performance at Francis Wilson. Past roles include Nancy in Oliver! (Tarpon Springs), Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (Eight O’Clock), Ado Annie in Oklahoma! (Tarpon Springs), and Lady Thiang (Lary Award, Tarpon Springs). She thanks Jason, Mark, and the whole cast and crew for everything. Love to Mom, Dad, and Sakura for all their

support. Enjoy the show! Moriah Carpenter (Ensemble) is happy to be returning to Francis Wilson Playhouse after her exciting summer here with Showdown. She has previously been in many other shows including The Nutcracker, The King and I, and Oliver. She would like to thank Mark Jelks for being a great teacher and her friends and family for all the love and support.

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David Edwards (Ensemble) last performed at the Playhouse in Man of La Mancha. He has performed many times for Jason and Mark and is pleased to be on stage again with them. David last performed in Once Upon A Mattress at Ruth Eckerd Hall with City Players and is currently performing at Howl O’Scream at Busch Gardens. Arden Grubbs (Little Jake) is in his first show. He is 6 years old and in the first grade at Safety Harbor Elementary, where he is the class clown. He would like to thank Jason for the opportunity to appear on stage. Shianne Grubbs (Jessie) is in her second show. She was in Hello Dolly at Ruth Eckerd Hall, where she also attended a summer workshop. She is 9 years old and in the 4th grade at Safety Harbor Elementary. She would like to thank Jason for the opportunity to appear on stage again. Erin Hamilton-Mullin (Ensemble) was last seen in Island Community Theatre’s Crimes of the Heart as Lenny, for which she received a LARY nomination. Favorite productions include Proof, Assassins, Sound of Music, and Jekyll and Hyde. She was an apprentice at Broadway Theatre Project 2009. Erin graduated from FSU’s theatre department, Stetson Law, and is getting her Master’s in

Health Administration at USF. Love to Kyle and family.

Austin Hammesfahr (Ensemble) is delighted to return to the Playhouse where he has appeared as Teddy in The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker and Bells Are Ringing. He has also worked with Jason in Hello Dolly at REH, and appeared in Little Mary Sunshine at SPLT, and King Island Christmas at American Stage. He is a sophomore in musical theatre at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts,

and teen correspondent for TBPAC. He has been doing children’s theatre since he was 9 with favorite roles in Urinetown, Oklahoma, Grease, Oliver, Secret Garden and Willie Wonka. He would like to thank Jason for his creative guidance and for giving him this opportunity and his family for their love, support and chauffeuring.

Ella Hampton (Ensemble) was born in Monticello, Florida and attended The Academy school. She then moved to Georgia and back to Tampa. Tried being a nurse assistant from 1986 to 2003 and wanted to try something different. Attended Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy in Tampa

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where she received experience in monologue and commercials. She is happy for this to be her first show.

Jonathan Hecht (Mac/Prop Man) is appearing in his second stage performance, but first musical. The fact that you didn’t notice that this is my first musical shows off the director’s talent. John Hughes (Eagle Feather/Bandleader/Ensemble) is sure that all personnel connected with this wonderful show are privileged to be on stage with him!!! Pat Hughes (Ensemble) had the pleasure of appearing in a previous production of Annie Get Your Gun and is glad to get another “SHOT” at it. She enjoys writing and directing shows for the “Little Theatre” group in Highland Lakes, however, nothing compares to working with Jason and Mark. They make the “magic” happen. I’m under your spell. Love ya.

Kayley Kinports (Winnie Tate) is excited to appearing in her first performance at the Playhouse. She has previously appeared in Oklahoma, The King and I, Urinetown, Oliver, and several ballets. She also performs with the Ruth Eckerd Hall Teen Choir. Kayley would like to thank her dance teacher Mark Jelks for his guidance, Jason Fortner for believing in her, and family and friends for their love and

support. Love to you face big sis. You know who you are! George Kolitsas (Foster Wilson/Running Bear) has much more stage time than in Something’s Afoot when he was the first character (Clive) to die. Thanks to Jason, Mark, Janet and this talented cast and crew. Thank you for supporting live theatre. Enjoy the show! Melissa Labiak (Can Can Girl / Dance Captain) is in her debut performance with Francis Wilson. Past shows include Big River, Carousel, and Spoon River Anthologies. She is currently an instructor of Expressions Academy of Dance and Performing Arts. I would like to thank my family, friends, and fellow cast mates for their support!

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Ellie LeVine (Ensemble) was last seen on the Playhouse stage as the grumpy old lady on the subway in Bells Are Ringing. She always enjoys working with Jason Fortner and Mark Jelks, and is especially happy to be sharing the stage with hubby, Mitchell.

Dr. Mitchell LeVine (Sitting Bull). Now most people think of Sitting Bull as a famous Sioux warrior. In fact, he was a Sioux holy man, familiar with ancient traditions and customs. Part of this tradition was his skill with herbs and medicines. Therefore, he was better known as a medicine man, and so, if there is any connection between Sitting Bull and Dr. LeVine, it is because they are both medicine men,

and if you think there is anything really serious about this relationship, then all I can say is this whole analogy is just a pile of bull!

Amy Ludkiewicz (Dolly Tate) is thrilled to be returning to Francis Wilson Playhouse, having performed once before as Michelle in Bells Are Ringing. Favorite regional roles include Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (EOT), Laurey Williams in Oklahoma! (TSPAC) and Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors (SPLT). Other roles include Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel, Phillia in A Funny Thing…, Yohan in Children of

Eden and Cinderella in Cinderella with the Hartford Ballet.

Mara Martin (Queen Victoria/Ensemble) is happy to return to the Francis Wilson stage. She was last seen at the Playhouse in A Grand Night for Singing. Other favorite shows include EOT’s Mame (Gooch) and SPLT’s H.M.S. Pinafore. Thanks go to Jason, Janet, Mark, Dianna, Ka-Rim and the cast and crew for making every show magical! And as always I thank my family and friends for their

support, because I couldn’t do this without you.

Susan Mills (Mrs. Schuyler Adams) has appeared in The Deputy (David Carradine). Legit credits include This was Burlesque (Ann Corio), Go Fight City Hall, My Favorite Year, What The Butler Saw, Fiorello, Oliver in Tarpon Springs. She appeared in “The Guiding Light” and recorded for 20th Century-Fox Records. She was the ASM for the National Company of Camelot (Robert Goulet). She is very

happy to be working Jason Fortner, and thanks him for this wonderful opportunity.

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Ellen O’Connell (Ensemble) is currently studying voice performance at USF under the tutelage of Dr. Warren Jaworski. She has been involved in productions since age six, including Guys and Dolls as General Cartwright, The Sound of Music as Mother Abbess, and Mrs. Harcourt in Anything Goes. She is forever grateful to her parents for putting her through piano and voice lessons, and her

wonderful boyfriend Rob, for encouraging her and believing in her.

Lisa Victoria Ohlemann (Ensemble) is in her first performance at a community theater. She just moved from Germany to the United States and is very excited about meeting new people through this production. Previously, she has enjoyed taking part in The Apple Tree and The Importance of Being Ernest as Cecily. A special thank you goes to her boyfriend who encouraged her to audition.

Jean Omero (Ensemble) is so happy to be back at the Playhouse. Since playing Rose Marie in 2002 she has been performing in Highland Lake Little Theater productions in various singing, dancing roles. Thanks Jason, for giving me this opportunity and thank you loving family, for putting up with me. Christian Emmanuel Pici (Ensemble) has been dancing for nine years and this is his first show at Francis Wilson. He is the youngest of eight kids. He was in City Player’s production of Once Upon A Mattress back in July. I would like to thank my parents, dance teacher, sister and family for their love and support and Jason for this great opportunity. Tim Rankin (Charlie Davenport) After recently playing one of the gangsters in SPLT’s Kiss Me Kate, Tim re-creates yet another classis Keenan Wynn role as Charlie Davenport. Tim has performed in theatres in New York, Chicago, and up-and-down the Eastern seaboard, along with performing in comedy clubs with D.C.’s well-known “Gross National Product” (political satire), and as a stand-

up on the improvisation comedy club circuit. Kristen Rowell (Sylvia Potter-Porter/Ensemble) is glad to be sharing the stage with two of her three children. Favorite roles include Mame, Angel City 4 in City of Angels, Rosa Bud in the Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Mom to Charles, Thomas, and Sarah. Kristen is glad to be living in Clearwater again and returning to the Francis Wilson stage. Thanks to her family for all their help and support. Love

you all.

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Sarah Rowell (Nellie) is 5 years old and in kindergarten at Plumb Elementary. She has played Gretel in The Sound of Music and Narrator in Aladdin Jr. Sarah loves to sing, dance, and draw. Thanks to her whole family! Thomas Rowell (Billy) couldn’t wait to get back on stage. He just moved here from Tallahassee where he played the Genie in Aladdin Jr., Kurt in The Sound of Music and young Don in Singin’ in the Rain. He is in 2nd grade at Plumb Elementary. He loves to draw and read. Thanks to his whole family!

Donald (Trey) E. Ryan III (Frank Butler) is pleased to be returning to the Playhouse for this wonderful production. He was last seen on this stage in Man of La Mancha. More recently audiences saw him as Sky Masterson in EOT’s production of Guys and Dolls and his LARY nominated performance as Junior in Dearly Departed. Trey dedicates his performance to his father. Thanks for everything Dad!!

Michael Sporck (Ensemble) is very happy to be back at the Playhouse, having previously appeared in Mirror Image, A Real Enchanted Musical. He is very new at theatre and acting. He would like to thank lots of people for giving him confidence to be an actor: his mother, who has stood behind him the whole time; Jason, and all of the rest of the directors, who are working to keep everything on track. He

is confident that this will be a great show. Christopher Strong (Pawnee Bill) has been performing on Bay Area stages for over 28 years, in over 80 shows, has won three LARY awards and is happy to be back at Francis Wilson in his 7th show. When not “treading the boards” he may be found creating at Christopher’s own hair salon in St. Petersburg. John Zilles (Buffalo Bill) is delighted to be making his debut with the Playhouse. While a young man, John sung in many equity musical theater productions including working with Howard Keel in Kismet. This year he performed in the St. Petersburg Opera productions of Into The Woods, La Traviata and Merry Widow. He played Dwight Babcock in EOT’s recent production of Mame,

Senex in Forum and Larry in Company at Antrum Playhouse in Wesley Hills, NY.

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Musical Synopsis Act I

Prologue: The Big Top ........“There’s No Business Like Show Business” Scene 1: The Front Lawn of the Wilson Arms Hotel In Cincinnati, Ohio “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly”........................Annie, Wilson & Kids “The Girl That I Marry” .......................................................... Frank “You Can’t Get A Man With A Gun” ...................................... Annie “Colonel Buffalo Bill” ............................ Charlie, Dolly & Ensemble “Show Business” (Reprise) ....... Charlie, Frank, Buffalo Bill, Annie Scene 2: A Pullman Car on the Overland Steam Train “I’ll Share It All With You” ..................Tommy, Winnie & Ensemble “Moonshine Lullaby”.......................................... Annie, Trio & Kids Scene 3: The Main Tent on the Minneapolis Fair Grounds “Show Business” (Reprise) ................................................... Annie “They Say It’s Wonderful” ....................................... Annie & Frank “My Defenses Are Down”...........................................Frank & Men Scene 4: Annie’s Dressing Tent “You Can’t Get A Man With A Gun” (Reprise) ...................... Annie

Act II Prologue: The European Tour .....................................Entr’acte Scene 1: The Upper Deck of a Cattle Boat “I Got Lost In His Arms” ........................................................ Annie Scene 2: The Ballroom at the Hotel Brevoort in New York City “Who Do You Love, I Hope”..............Tommy, Winnie & Ensemble “I Got the Sun in the Morning”...........................Annie & Ensemble “An Old Fashioned Wedding”.................................. Frank & Annie “The Girl That I Marry” (Reprise)........................................... Frank Scene 3: The Property Room Scene 4: The Shooting Match “Anything You Can Do” ........................................... Annie & Frank “They Say It’s Wonderful” (Reprise) ................................ Full Cast “Finale” ............................................................................. Full Cast

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Production Staff Director .................................................................. Jason Fortner Musical director .......................................................... Mark Jelks Associate Musical Director .............................Rodney Carpenter Stage Manager........................................................Janet Tucker Assistant Stage Manager .......................................Ka-Rim Troyli Set Design & Construction ................................... Jim Demetrius Costumer .................................................................... Mitzi Mess Lighting Design............................................................Andy Rufo Lighting Technician ............................................. Dianna Hanger Box Office .......................................................... Gabrielle Snapp Producer .............................................................. Dianna Hanger

Copyright laws prohibit the use of cameras or any recording devices.

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Advertise in our playbill – See choice of sizes below. For pricing information contact

Gabrielle Snapp, Box Office Manager, 727-446-1360.

A full season subscription reaches a circulation of over 15,000. Benefits include show ticket coupons to give to your customers.

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The First Nighters

Our fantastic ladies have a real surprise for Francis Wilson theatre patrons. They have decided on a very special update to the theatre that has been outside our operating budget but is becoming more obviously needed every day. They are going to rejuvenate our lobby. I know we are working towards our new theatre but that is going to take several years (unless someone drops a few million in our lap). This is what you do to your home when you can’t replace it. They have decided that our rather tired lobby needs an uplift and they are making it happen. They will be doing it with many contributions through the First Nighters Premier plus all other contributors they can entice to work with them. They have enlisted the donated services of a great interior designer/decorator and his plan for the lobby is outstanding. The First Nighters themselves are each making major personal donations to the project.

We hope you can share in this special project and make a donation. We would like to encourage everyone that wants to help make this an outstanding project happen to pick up one of the contribution cards in the lobby. Be assured that no amount is too small. Each and every contribution is appreciated. Check out the color scheme and some of the accessories on the easel in the lobby.

All donors to this benefit, please mark your social calendar for January 7, 2010. All donors will be honored during an exclusive cocktail party to unveil the new lobby. Attendees will include Aaron Fodiman, Margaret Word Burnside and several of our city officials.

We can’t say enough about these fine ladies and we can’t heap enough praise on their enthusiastic leader, Patti Baldwin.

We wish a heartfelt thank you to all the ladies.

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We are pleased to introduce you to "The Dorothy Ellison Society." The name honors a great lady whose contributions to the theatre spanned more than 60 years. She was one of our earliest members as a young woman, and stayed active as an actor, director, member of the Board, President of the Board and every other job there is in the theatre. In 1999, the auditorium was named after her to recognize her lifetime of achievements in our community and its theatre.

To join this prestigious group at the “Ensemble” level, all you need to do is make a donation of $50 or more to the Playhouse. Of course, we would like you to make an annual commitment at whatever level of giving that you can afford, so that we can be assured of not only being able to keep bringing you quality shows, but also to build a new theatre to replace our aging edifice. To make that as easy as possible, you can sign up for a monthly commitment using your credit card; just $10 debited each month gives you “Performer” level.

Society Recognition Levels:

"Founder" $5,000 or more

“Benefactor" $2,500 - $4,999

"Director's Circle" $1,000 - $2,499

"Star" $500 - $999

"Player" $250 - $499

"Performer" $100 - $249

"Ensemble" $50 - $99

The roster of Society members will be preserved indefinitely, and will appear on a “Founders” display plaque in the new theatre.

Members will receive: A certificate of membership

Recognition in the Theatre lobby Annual luncheon

Special invitations and information

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Coming December, 2009

December 10-20, 2009

A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens

Adapted for the Francis Wilson Playhouse by Sam McClelland

Our play begins in the World War I London household of Brian and Norma Kayley. It is Christmas Eve, 1916, and their son, Jonathan, is away at war. His fiancée, Stephanie, is their house guest. Jonathan’s grandfather, Timothy Cratchitt, who some seventy years ago was the “Tiny Tim” of our tale, comes to visit. He brings a unique tree-top decoration – not a star, nor an angel, but a figure of the spirit of Christmas Present, “just as Ol’ Ebenezer Scrooge described him”, he says. “Who is Ebenezer Scrooge?” Stephanie wants to know, which starts Grandfather Tim off as narrator of our tale.

From then on, we are transported back to that other London Christmas of 1843 where we meet all of the familiar Dickens characters; enjoy the music of carolers in the streets, join in a huge dance party at the Fezziwigs, and delight in the spirits who lead Scrooge to his redemption. Our narrator makes brief appearances throughout to tie the story together.

At the conclusion, Jonathan comes home on medical leave and is reunited with his family in time for Christmas. Mr. Timothy Cratchitt will conclude our play with his famous salutation, “God Bless Us, Everyone!”

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A Special Thanks To Our Contributors

General Fund

Deborah A. A’Hearn Milton and Kay Hooper

Donations in kind and (Furnishings, Costumes Props, etc)

Cherie Albury M/M H. William Isaly Hildegard Andreas Eleanor Jones M/M David Camburn Babs Bailey Peggy and Graham Jones Michael Crawford Dolores and Ronald Buckley Charles Kubecka Dee Ray Crews Alan & Stephany H. Dawson Mary and David MacDaid Mrs. Helen Dalzell Charles & Karleen DeBlaker Anita and Sam McClelland Patricia and Pat Moran Rich & Shelly Dennis Babs Michael Charles Napier Dorothy M. Dutcher Marguerite S. Sharkey Sharon Price Carol Enters Mrs. Ida Swartz M/M Thomas P. Evans Terry Sue Turner

Lillian and Claude Washabau

Dianna and Mary Hanger Betty and Jay Waxenberg Welcome Home Relocation Mary Ann White Ms. Shirley Wyckoff

Theatre Building Fund

Deborah A’Hearn In Memory of Larry Banks

In Memory of Henry Baldwin

M/M. Thomas Evans Mary Fitzpatrick M/M Glenn Blair Ms Debbie Baldwin Ruth and Rogers Hedberg Jennifer Blair Ms Delores Baldwin Kim and Rob Hedin Thella Brooks Mr. Joseph Baldwin Janice B. Hill Joan M. Dewey Ms Lori Baldwin Roberta and Raymond Hoopes M/M George Krissinger Ms Marci Baldwin James D & Susan Larsen M/M Clifford Perry Evelyn Kolkmeyer Dr. Harold & Mrs. Olive Lehmus M/M Richard Philpott M/M Robert Kontey Anita and Sam McClelland M/M George Roby The FWP First Nighters Mary and David MacDaid Tom Poddi M/M Jerry Lorch

Nancy and Jim Nadin M/M Michael Schmitt Nancy and Randolph Spoth Anna Marie and Frank Turk

Thomas H.& Kathryn J. Meachum M/M John Wookey Beverly and Donald Taylor

We apologize if your name was inadvertently left off this list.

Please contact our box office as immediately for a correction of any oversight ________________________________________________________________________

Please consider making a donation to our First Nighters Lobby Redecorating Fund using one of the cards in the lobby

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Francis Wilson Playhouse Upcoming Events 2009-2010

Visit us at www.FrancisWilsonPlayhouse.Org

Concert Series Hits From the Flops

November 28, 2009 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm

November 28, 2009

A Christmas Carol Musical Drama

Dramatization by Sam McClelland, Book by Charles Dickens December 10-20, 2009

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December

Side Show Musical

Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell, Music by Henry Krieger January 14 – 24, 2010

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3 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 3031

January

Concert Series A Night at the Operetta

February 13, 2010 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm

February 13, 2010

Harvey Comedy

By Mary Chase

February 18-28,2010

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7 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728

February

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Musical Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart,

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Soundheim March 18-28,, 2010

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7 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

March

Concert Series Songs That Got Away

April 10, 2010 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm

April 10, 2010