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The St. Mark's Players Proudly Present

Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty

Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens ~ Music by Stephen Flaherty

Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle

Based on the works of Dr. Seuss

Directed by Rick Hayes ~ Music Directed by J. Wickert ~ Produced by R.C. Bates

Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International

Fridays, April 29, May 6 & 13, 2005, at 8PM

Saturdays, April 30, May 7 & 14, 2005, at 8PM

Sundays, May 1 & 8, 2005, at 3PM

Click here for larger image.

Act I

INTERMISSION

Act II

Seussical is presented through special arrangement with

and all authorized performance materials are supplied by

Music Theatre International, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019

212-541-4684, fax 212-397-4684, www.MTIShows.com.

The Orchestra

Special Thanks to

The Rev. Paul R. Abernathy
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Washington, DC

Will Ingham, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre

for loan of the bathtub and musical instruments

Halford Design and the crew at Six Flags America

Amy Conley

for music synthesis

Bob Bell and Abby Smith

for help with props

Soda Club  (www.sodaclub.com)

for donation of soda-making equipment

Beaver Press, Washington, DC

for printing programs & flyers and giving us support

The Cast

Eddie Arredondo (Wickersham brother/ensemble) is a member of Prince George’s Little Theatre and played the father in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever two years ago. He has helped construct the sets for several plays for both PGLT and the Cheverly Young Actors’ Guild, served as stage manager and properties manager, and assisted with costume “quick” changes. He would like to thank the director and cast for the opportunity to perform with them and the patience they have shown for his “lack of coordination.”

Jeffrey S. Auerbach (ensemble). This is Jeff’s fourth show on stage. Others were Sweet Charity and most recently Mame. He’s also been seen in the most recent John Waters movie, A Dirty Shame, as Baby Bear. He gives many thanks to his Aunt Doris, who actually made green eggs and ham for him and his brother when they were younger. He gives all his love to his family, especially Rachael and Jacob. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Jackie Baker (ensemble) is ten years old, from McLean, Virginia, and attends the Lab School of Washington. Her theater experience includes performances at school and in the 2004 Ford's Theatre production of A Christmas Carol. She wants to thank her Mom and Dad and sisters, who have inspired her and the cast and crew here in Whoville! She would also like to thank Rick Hayes, Jerry Dale, and RC. I know this show will be a very successful production.

Paula G. Becker (Mrs. Mayor, et al. Al? Who’s Al?) has played at St. Mark’s for 10 years. From Scotland to Whoville, she madly careers. Making dance steps and music she hopes you’ve enjoyed, ’cause her dog gets left home during practice, annoyed. The Lorax her hero, Mr. Geisel her guide, Paula works daily on Mom Nature’s side as a Wild-stuff ecologist. From your taxes she’s paid to protect plants and critters in this world that we’ve made. Remember the Once-ler...

Jennifer Blanton (ensemble) has previously been seen in the area in Anything Goes at MTA, Godspell at SCT, and Side Show at KAT. She was also part of the cast of HMS Pinafore at Wake Forest University, where she minored in theater while majoring in chemistry. During the day, Jennifer works for SAIC as a chemical weapons analyst. She would like to thank the cast and crew of Seussical for a wonderful experience.

M. Abigail Briggs (ensemble). Abby is a newcomer to the St. Mark’s stage, having joined the group as costume designer for The Heidi Chronicles last fall after moving to the D.C. area from Michigan. Her past productions include The Sound of Music, Bells are Ringing, Annie, The New York Idea, Oedipus Rex, Bye Bye Birdie, and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. She has enjoyed her short tenure with St. Mark’s, especially all of the talented people who make the craziness work. Abby lives with her husband Eric, a Rottweiler named Bear, and two cats—Samantha and Skeeter.

Fairfield Butt (Grinch). The Grinch is a perfect character for Fairfield, who has been playing him all his life. He’s the oldest of four boys, giving him the best opportunity to practice grinch-things, and the costume is one-of-a-kind! So let’s have fun!

David J. Clement Jr. (ensemble). This is David’s third theatrical production and second one with St. Mark’s Players. He caught the theater bug late in life but is very happy he did. He was in Sweet Charity with Elden Street Players and The Heidi Chronicles last fall at St. Mark’s. David would like to thank many people in his life, but he would definitely like to give his thanks to Jeff, best friend and co-Seussian. Also, he would like to thank Wynn Creasy for her unbelievable faith in his talents. Last but not least, David would like to thank everyone who came out to see the show. So please, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Amy Conley (Gertrude McFuzz, vocal music director). This is Amy’s second appearance with SMP (Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods). She has also appeared as Fraulein Schneider in the Little Theatre of Alexandria’s production of Cabaret and Lilli Vanessi/ Katharine in the Arlington Players’ production of Kiss Me, Kate, both of which garnered her WATCH nominations. Other local performances have been with Springfield Community Theatre (Side by Side, Oliver!), Tantallon Community Players (Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music, Guinevere in Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical, and LaVerne Andrews in USO Christmas Show). She has also served as vocal musical director on a number of productions, including Hello, Dolly, No, No, Nanette, SCT’s Side by Side, and TCP’s Putting it Together, and will be music director for Foundry Players’ fall musical Company. Amy is currently music director at Celebration Center of Religious Science in Falls Church. She also teaches private music lessons and works as a legal secretary.

Artist Malcolm Drake (Wichersham Brother #3), 20, has just returned to DC from New York City, where he was studying for his BFA in acting at Marymount Manhattan College. Previous roles and productions include Felix Ungar in The Odd Couple, Snoopy in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Robin Goodfellow (Puck) in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and, most recently, Belize in Angels in America.

Lucas English (ensemble) has been a member of the Prince George’s Little Theatre for three years and has performed in On Golden Pond (Billy Ray, Jr.), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Leroy Herdman), and A Christmas Carol (Peter Cratchet). He played Mordcha the innkeeper in the Cheverly Young Actors’ Guild production of Fiddler on the Roof last May. At school, Lucas has performed in several school talent shows and sung in the chorus for four years. He spent a summer with the YMCA’s Summer Acting Theater and has taken acting lessons with Chris McGriff (who is now directing on Broadway). He takes private voice lessons at the University of Maryland. Lucas has enjoyed working with everyone involved with this production and thanks the choreographer for the patience she has had with him during rehearsals!

Morgan Fannon (Sour Kangaroo) is excited to be joining St. Mark’s Players for Seussical. An aspiring actress and singer, she has appeared as Evita at Montgomery Playhouse, Deb in Sexual Perversity… and Helga in Cabaret at Kensington Arts Theatre, Maggie in A Chorus Line at Musical Theatre Center, and in various productions at AMS, RMT, and Sandy Spring Players. Love to Honey and Poppey. Make sure you come out to see her in Aida at Toby’s Dinner Theater starting in September.

Hillary Gaudio (Bird Girl #3) is very excited to be a part of Seussical. Spending her last five years in the beautiful state of Maine, Hillary graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Maine. She recently moved to DC to pursue her dream of singing. While in Maine, Hillary was involved in many productions with the university’s Opera Workshop, including Cosi fan tutte (Despina), Carmen (Micaela), and Orfeo and Euridice (Amore). She is extremely excited to be in her first production with St. Mark’s Players. She would like to thank all of her family and friends for their constant love and support. To Carl for his laughter and passion for dreams and to Angel for always challenging and pushing her to the next level.

Lexi Haddad (Jojo) is honored to be a member of this amazing production with the St. Marks Players. Lexi is a 10-year-old whose recent credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Changeling, and The Washington National Opera at The Kennedy Center. Lexi has appeared with many local theater companies, as well. Additional credits include commercials, nationally and regionally, as well as many film projects. Thanks to Linda Townsend Mgmt. and to Richard Hartzell. A very special thanks to Rick Hayes for believing that everyone is special.

Beth Hall (ensemble) is a St. Mark’s Players regular. Most recently she produced Steel Magnolias. She has also been on stage in Runaways and The Sound of Music and behind the scenes in several other productions. She is on the SMP board of directors and serves as treasurer and Stage Mom in Residence. Her day job is at U.S. EPA with the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. Beth dedicates her efforts in this show to Madeline—it’s a joy to share this experience with her.

Madeline Hall (ensemble, circus) has performed in St. Mark’s productions since she was eight years old. With experience in dancing, singing, acting, and stage-handing in school and professional plays. Last year she was in Runaways at St. Mark’s and The Sound of Music before that. She is in ninth grade at School Without Walls and wants especially to thank Anu and Devin for being there for her when she needed them most.

Richelle “Rikki” Howie (Mayzie, dance captain) is happy to be back at St Mark’s, her family away from home. Her last stint with SMP was as choreographer for Pippin in 2001. Thanks to the cast for your hard work; you’ve made this really fun for her. Thanks to Rick for this opportunity to be directed by the greatest (himself) and to Laurie who guilted her into doing the show. Thanks to those who came to see the show because without you there is no A-MAYZIE-NG Rikki! As always Lights! Camera! Life!!!!

Jon Keeling (General Schmitz), a graduate of Kenyon College, is enjoying his second musical following his award-winning (okay, this might be a lie) seven-line performance in St. Mark’s 1776. He appreciates the support of all his friends and their tolerance when he breaks into “How Lucky You Are” at 3 a.m. Sunday morning after a night out on the town.

Lisa Anne Kerwin (Yertle the Turtle/ensemble) started with SMP 11 years ago, in the chorus of The Music Man. She’s now president. ‘Nuf said. She has been in at least a dozen productions and has probably reset the church 100 times (really!). Her favorite roles include Mrs. Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, Chrissie in Dancing at Lughnasa, and every bitter old woman in Broadway history in An Evening at the Tonys. To support her theater habit, she teaches seventh grade English in Montgomery County, where her students are not at all surprised she is an actress in her spare time.

Sandy Kozel (ensemble). This is Sandy's second show with St. Mark's Players. She was Mrs. Sowerberry in Oliver! Recent roles include Mrs. Upson in RCP's Mame, Mrs. Webb in Our Town with the Foundry Players, and Maude Dunlop in LTA's The Music Man. When not trodding the boards, Sandy enjoys painting them, including the set for LTA's upcoming The Who's Tommy. There's nothing like a fun musical, and Sandy's “havin’ a hunch” you'll enjoy this one!

Elijah Lawrence (ensemble), a third grader at Janney Elementary School in Washington, has been studying theater, singing, and dance since he was four years old. He has performed recently in The Sword in the Stone (King Arthur) at Imagination Stage and in the Alden Theater's production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. He was featured as a soloist at the 2004 Imagination Stage gala and before the Maryland state legislature in 2005 on behalf of Imagination Stage. He is also a member of the Janney Notebusters Chorus. Elijah would like to thank his family for all of their love and support, Mr. Alex, Peter Y., Carol Gulley, Shelly Woods, and all the Whos in Whoville who made this production so much fun.

Bobbie Legg (Bird Girl #1). Theatrical by nature, Bobbie enjoys taking her creativity to the stage. Previous performances with St. Mark’s Players include Runaways and The Heidi Chronicles. By day, she finds meaning working as a psychotherapist with emotionally disturbed adolescents. This show is dedicated to her fabulous husband Eric, who entertains her many many thinks! and to Alexis for being an amazing friend.

Amy Lenander (ensemble) does not like green eggs and ham, but is pleased to be making her SMP debut with a fun group of Seussian creatures. Previously she’s flittered and giggled in numerous Harvard-Radcliffe Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ productions and locally performed in MTA’s Anything Goes. Amy enjoys her trips from the business world by day to the Plant of Who by night and hopes you enjoy the journey, too!

Zatha Loewen (ensemble) arrived in this wonderful world in 1992 with her mouth open in song and a book clutched in her tiny little fists. You’ll find her sprinkled throughout Seussical as a fish, lion tamer, and jungle creature. She has spent the first eighth of her life singing, running, reading, tumbling, unicycling, and loving her time on stage. This performance, her first with St. Mark’s Players, is her favorite of several productions. In Idaho Falls, Zatha (pronounced Zay-thaâ) began her acting career in A Christmas Story with the Idaho Falls Community Players, adding singing with the musicals Bugsy Malone, Jane Eyre, and Children of Eden at the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Centre. As Dr. Seuss would have said (but Albert Einstein was the one who really said it), “Knowledge is limited, but imagination encircles the world.”

Carla Okouchi (Bird Girl #2) is thrilled to make her first appearance with SMP. Her credits include Mousetrap (Ms. Casewell), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (narrator), The Teahouse in August Moon (ensemble), A Funny Thing…Forum (Tintinabula), Anything Goes (Ching), The King and I (Eva/Royal Wife), and The Cocoanuts (ensemble). Carla holds a BA in music education from Auburn University and teaches music at Hayfield Elementary School as well as private French horn lessons. At Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, she serves as an elder and youth leader and directs the children and youth choirs. Future plans include a trip to Vegas with her APA team as the Division 10 Champions. Many thanks to her amazing family, friends, and the entire Seussical cast and crew. Nalani, you have a heart as big as Gertrude's; Sean, may you be like Horton. I dedicate this show to my niece Taylor—always remember “anything’s possible”!

Veronica Over (ensemble). Seussical is Veronica's first play outside of school, and she is enjoying it. As a member of St. Mark's Church, she is excited to have her first part in a St. Mark's Players’ production. Veronica enjoys dancing and singing in family productions staged by her older sister Alexandra or their friend Maria. A fourth-grader at Sidwell Friends School, she plays soccer, basketball, and the piano and loves to write. She wants to thank the tech crew for giving the cast light on stage. She also wants to thank Beth for providing food every night at practice.

Donna Pasqualino (ensemble) is thrilled to be back in community theater after a long hiatus devoted to being a wife, mother, and office manager for the Senate Office of Legislative Counsel. Favorite past roles include Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Elvira in Blithe Spirit, Alice in You Can’t Take It With You, and Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors. Thanks to a great cast and crew for making her “theatrical comeback” such a wonderful experience and to her family for their constant love and support. Special thanks to you, Frankie, for encouraging me to share our love of theater again!

Ray Pearson (Horton the Elephant) has worked in theaters across the country for a long time, acting, singing, designing, improvising, or fetching tea for a pushy director (not our director, of course!). He is ever so grateful to all the Seussians who helped him find Horton’s heart and to his very important outside heartholders (David, Jeff, Chris, Barry, Karen, Claudia, Juan, etc.). Previous shows include performances in Diary of Adam & Eve, Ten L’il Indians, Company, A Funny Thing Happened…Forum, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Baby, Man of La Mancha, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, as well as a variety of fundraisers, Christmas shows, and music halls. He has also done set design and costume design for a number of shows. To David, you are my wings—you make me fly!

Ariel Pierson (ensemble) has always had a love for theater, but just started to be involved on the stage last spring! She began acting last May in the Cheverly Young Actors’ Guild’s Fiddler on the Roof as Chava. She had a role this past winter as Jonee in her school’s dinner theater production Meet Me at Luigi’s. Ariel just really feels blessed to be a part of St. Mark’s talented group!

Allan Rivlin (Mayor of Whoville) is delighted to join Tyler Amanda Rivlin as one of four parent–child pairs in this show. Seussical marks Rivlin's triumphant return to the American musical genre after a hiatus of more than 20 years. He was last seen in a musical as Ambrose Kemper in Hello, Dolly! at Stanford University in 1980 (which he also produced). He directed Stanford's 1981 production of Hair. Other roles have included Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls and Bellamy in The Fantastiks at Georgetown Day School. He has studied modern dance, ballet, and jazz at Dance Place, Joy of Motion, and the Washington Ballet, and as a dancer, he has performed with the Jan Taylor and Arlington dance theaters and as a member of the hunting party in the Washington Ballet production of Giselle at the Kennedy Center.

Tyler Amanda Rivlin (ensemble) is excited to be in her first production with St. Mark’s Players. She was last seen at Imagination Stage in the premier of The Secret Lives of Toads, an original, soon-to-be-published play by D. W. Gregory, where she originated the roles of the Mother, Brenda, and the Announcer. Tyler was a member of the Ballet Petite Musical Theater performance troupe, where she appeared in Once on this Island (another musical with Lyn Ahrens lyrics and book) at the Arena Stage Black Box Theater. Tyler performed with Ballet Petite at Disney World, King's Dominion, and the White House Easter Egg Roll.

Steve Rosenthal (ensemble) is happy to be making his first appearance with the St. Mark’s Players. Given how well he’s been fed during this show, he hopes this is not his last. He has done three previous shows with Rick—The Birds with Port City Players (Epops, King of the Birds) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Erronius) and The Ritz (Old Man Proclo, patron with a doll) at Little Theatre of Alexandria. He most recently appeared as Elisha J. Whitney in Anything Goes at Lazy Susan Dinner Theater. Special thanks as always to his wife Sue for all her love and support.

Alysia Scofield (ensemble) graduated from Michigan State University in 1992 with a BA in theater administration, after which she moved into the Deep South of Chapel Hill, N.C., to co-found the avant-garde theater company called the Somnambulist Project. She is so glad to finally be performing and sharing it with her kids.

Nancy Scofield (ensemble) is seven years old. She goes to Watkins Elementary on Capitol Hill. She likes being in the show because she is two characters.

Derek Van Tassel (Wickersham) is thrilled to be making his St Mark’s debut. He was last seen as George in It's Our Town, Too as part of the LTA Educational Showcase. This year, he received a WATCH nomination for his performance as Gregor in Mame at Reston Community Players. He also played Rooster Hannigan in the WATCH-nominated production of Annie at Aldersgate Church Community Theatre. Other favorite roles include Danny in Night Must Fall, Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap, the Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress, Mark in The Shadow Box, William in Light Up the Sky, and Linus in The Music Man. In 2002 Derek received the Thespian of the Year award from Thespian Troupe 1779.

John Franklin Wagner (Cat in the Hat) is delighted to be in his second production with St. Mark’s Players after appearing in last season's 1776. He suspects he'll take a break from theater once he enters law school this August, although he’ll keep his day job assisting a local nonprofit. He sings with the choir of St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill. Past

theater experiences include 42nd Street, Big River, Camelot, Chicago, The Curious Savage, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Fiddler on the Roof, Fools, Godspell, Gondoliers, Grease, The Matchmaker, The Odd Couple, Oliver, The Passion of Dracula, Patience, Pippin, Princess Ida, Ruddigore, Sweeney Todd, The Uninvited, West Side Story, and The Winter’s Tale.

Sylvia Woods (ensemble). This is Sylvia's first time working with St. Mark’s Players. She has participated in The Sound of Music and Guys and Dolls elsewhere. She would like to thank Supriya for encouraging her to audition and hopes to be in a future show with her.

The Creative Team

Jeffrey Scott Auerbach (lighting designer): One Light, Two Light, Pink Light, Blue Light. How’s the rest of that story go? Well anyway, this is Jeff’s thirteenth production (but who’s counting) with the St. Mark’s Players since 1999. Some of his favorite designs have been SMP shows directed by Rick Hayes, including Pippin and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He has been nominated for these accolades: American College Theater Festival, ACT, and WATCH awards. He would like to thank his crew, with a special hurrah for Jerry, David, and Sherri for their help in making this an amazing musical production. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Robert C. Bates (producer) has worked in many capacities in community and professional theaters. This is his second time producing a musical for SMP, the first time being Runaways (2003). His work with the Players includes house managing The Wizard of Oz (2000), running the box office for Dancing at Lughnasa (2001), designing the set for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2001), working as a stagehand for The Sound of Music (2003), stage managing Albertine in Five Times (2003), and running sound for Steel Magnolias (2004). RC recently finished stage managing Assassins at Colonial Players and designed the set for When an Inspector Calls for Bowie Community Theatre and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, the latter opening at Colonial Players in early June.

Michele Bell (properties) is thrilled to return to St. Mark's Players and once again have the opportunity to be “Rick Hayes's personal shopper.” Her involvement in local theater began when she relocated from Kansas in 1999. She has worked with St. Mark's providing props for Into the Woods and painting scenery and managing the house for The Sound of Music. Other Rick Hayes shopping expeditions include Port City's The Birds and LTA's The Ritz and Forum. A New Jersey native, Michele resides in Virginia with her husband Bob and their two “girls,” Jade and Amber. When she's not spending her director's budget, Michele is a client strategy specialist with CIGNA HealthCare. Many thanks and much love to Bob (and his power tools) who's always willing to build what I can't find to buy!

Chris Byrne (props runner). This is Chris’s fourteenth show with the Players. He has operated the light board for six shows. Chris can often be found in and around the nave of St. Mark’s, resetting furniture, along with other activities. He is a Capitol Hill and St. Mark’s native who had his Eagle Scout ceremony in the nave of St. Mark’s.

Russell Courter (sound board operator) holds a bachelor’s degree in music composition from Shenandoah University. He served five years as a trumpet player for the 283^rd Army Band at Fort Benning, Georgia. He has numerous theatrical credits, including many with Shenandoah Summer Music Theater and Shenandoah University theaters. He currently works for Booz Allen Hamilton and resides in Falls Church with his wife, Meghann, and son, Evan.

Jerry M. Dale Jr. (stage manager/assistant lighting designer/master electrician). This is Jerry's fourth season with the St Mark’s Players.
He is a member of the board of directors and stage managed The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Snow Angel, The Sound of Music, Ludlow Fair, and The Audition; served as assistant stage manager for Into the Woods, produced The Heidi Chronicles, was master electrician for 1776 and Becket; and is a regular for light hangs and strikes. Jerry has also worked with the Little Theatre of Alexandria as master electrician for Twigs and stage manager for The Ritz. This is Jerry’s first time working in lighting design; thanks to Jeff A. for all his guidance. He would like to thank everyone involved in the production and especially Warren for putting up with his theater habit.

Rose English-Arredondo (backstage manager): This is Rose's first play with the St. Mark's Players. She originally began assisting backstage during her son Lucas’s first performance, as Billy Ray Jr. in On Golden Pond. Since then, she has performed various jobs for several plays, including backstage management for Prince George’s Little Theatre's Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Christmas Carol and for the Cheverly Young Actors Guild production of Fiddler on the Roof. During Fiddler, she was voted Official Stage Mom by the 102 kids in the show. This past December, she was properties manager for A Christmas Carol and is currently working with PGLT as costumer and properties manager for Proof, which will be playing in July. She would like to thank Rick, Jerry, and J for keeping Lucas and Eddie busy, allowing her many quiet evenings at home!

Douglas Gowin (costumer). Itza Dougie Design has been designing for television, stage, and special events (like the Macy's parade and Sydney Mardi Gras) for nearly 20 years. Following Pippin and Into the Woods, this production of Seussical marks his third venture with St. Mark’s Players. His designs for The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Pajama Game, Cinderella, Oliver, Little Women, and The Ritz have been seen in area theaters in recent years. This performance is dedicated to his muse.

Sherri Haddad (light board operator). This is Sherri's first show with St. Mark’s Players and her first experience with technical lighting. When she is not chauffeuring Lexi around, or home schooling Lexi, or running her own retail business, she has a secret passion for heights. (Thanks, Jerry, for helping me overcome my incredible fear of heights.) Thanks to the cast and crew of Seussical.

Rick Hayes (director). This is Rick’s eighth directing assignment for the Players. His productions at St. Mark’s have included My Fair Lady, Godspell, Man of LaMancha, and Pippin, which received eight WATCH Award nominations and two awards. His other productions include The Birds, Talley’s Folly, Oleanna, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and Because He Can for Port City Playhouse; Sweeney Todd at the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Georgetown and A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum and The Ritz at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. Rick was named best director for St. Mark’s one-act production of Landford Wilson’s Ludlow Fair at the NVTA One-Act Festival. He is a former SMP board member. His next production is the Arlington Players’ Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Rick would like to thank the entire cast and crew for all their hard work. As always, thanks to Pooh for all his support and creative energy on this production. A Pooh bear’s a Pooh bear no matter how small.

Shannon Khatcheressian (choreography) was last seen starring as Molly in The Mousetrap (2FP). Her favorite performances include HAIR (SYNTCO), Jesus Christ Superstar (SYNTCO), Evita (VTC) and The Mousetrap (2FP). She has directed and/or choreographed more than 25 shows in the past six years, favorites include Joseph (2FP) and Once Upon A Mattress (SYNTCO). Shannon is co-founder and president of Centreville's newest theater company, 2nd Flight Productions (www.2ndflightproductions.com). You’ll also see Shannon at her second home, Chantilly High School, where she resides as the drama director. She would like to thank God; her parents; the amazing cast, production staff, and crew of Seussical and her amazing husband, Ryan.

Rebekah McKendry (choreography) holds a degree in theater arts from Virginia Tech as well as a master’s in dance and theater education. She currently teachers film at Robinson High School. Rebekah is an experienced choreographer as well as an actress and director. Previous shows include Joseph (2^nd Flight Productions), Laramie Project (Reston Community Players), Funny Thing…Forum (Little Theatre of Alexandria), Rocky Horror (State Your Name Theatre Company), and Mousetrap (2^nd Flight).

Edwin Morman (sound designer) served 10 years in the Air Force as an audiovisual director for the President of the United States. He is now an audiovisual consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean. Originally brought to SMP by pianist (now wife) Laurie Smith Morman to do last-minute sound design for Pippin, he has stayed on to become sound guru for the company. He also does sound design for other local theater groups.

Laurie Morman (rehearsal pianist) is happy to be returning to the St. Mark’s Players as a rehearsal pianist—her first attempt since having a baby in June 2003! She’s also pleased to be working with Rick, J, Rikki, Jerry, Ray, and the rest of the gang again! Better yet, it’s a special thrill to be doing a show with her sister Julie (keyboard) for the first time in 20 years! Other St. Mark’s productions have included Pippin, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver!, The Secret Garden, and Man of La Mancha. Her non-musical life is spent juggling her work at the U.S. Department of Energy and the demands of a toddler! Much love to Edwin and Madeline—you are my life!

Frank Pasqualino (co-set designer). Earlier this season, Frank directed The Heidi Chronicles for St. Mark’s and created the sound design for Becket. He has enjoyed directing, stage managing, and designing sets for various groups around Washington since relocating to the area more than 20 years ago. On stage, his most recent roles have been Gaetano Proclo in The Ritz and Marcus Lycus in Forum, both roles under the direction of Rick Hayes, making this Frank’s first show working backstage for Rick. This show is also Frank’s first working with his wife Donna in more than 15 years. It’s nice to have her back on stage again! Frank would like to thank Donna and their son Jesse for all their love, support, and encouragement while he pursues the magic of theater. Bruce, I know you are watching too!

J. N. Wickert III (music director), in more than 50 shows, has worked his way from on stage to backstage to the front of the orchestra pit. Prior to coming to the DC area, J was manager for the West Virginia Opera Theatre and assistant manager for the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. He worked with all 11 theater companies in Charleston, West Virginia, and was seen on stage in professional grand opera, community theater productions, and even a ballet or two! More recently J won the ACT Award for Musical Director for Zorba (TAP) and was nominated for a WATCH Award for Musical Direction for The Sound of Music (SMP). Over the years, his favorite on-stage roles have been George Reed in 1776 (FairStage) and Francis in Bad Habits (West Virginia State College). J has added Seussical to his other music-directing favorites, Blame It on the Movies and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

The 2004-05 Sponsors Circle

Archangels

Robert C. Bates

The Jordan family

Michael A. Pemberton and Chad M. Wilmer

Bill and Kay Pommerening

The Rutherford family

Ed Wilde

Angels

Alden Atwood

Pamela Caldwell-Foggin and Tom Foggin

Larry and Ellen Cardwell

Stephanie and David Deutsch

Rod Lawrence

Patrons

Margaret Crenshaw

Jim and Marilyn Meek

John Paynter

Geoff and Jo Rake

The Soble family

Kevin Sockwell

Sponsors

Mark and Susanne Allen

Lisa Anne Kerwin

Buzz and Lilly March

Bertha Martin

Mary Neznek

Friends

The Blumgart family

Nikki Felix

Kevin Kosty

William Parker

Jane and Bruce Sherman

The Sponsors’ Circle contributors are a major source of

support for the St. Mark’s Players. We sincerely thank each

of them for their generous contributions.

St. Mark’s Players’ Board of Directors

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

The Rev. Paul R. Abernathy, Rector

The Rev. Shearon Sykes Williams, Assistant Rector

Keith S. Reas, Director of Music

St. Mark's Players Production Archive