Team
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Mill Mountain Theatre
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Book: David Simpatico
Songs: Bryan Louiselle ,Faye Greenberg, David N. Lawrence, Greg Cham, Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, Ray Charm, Andrew Seeley, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Adam Watts, Jamie Houston & Andy Dodd
Music Adapted, Arranged and Produced: Byran Louiselle
Based on a Disney Channel Original Movie written by Peter Barsocchini
Grantors
Sponsors
Special Thanks
Donors
Mill Mountain Theatre would like to thank the generous gifts from our Donors. We would not be here without you!
Donors
The Honorable and Mrs. G. Steven Agee *
Avis Construction Company, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Jason E. Bingham *
Boxley Materials Company
Carilion Clinic
Ceres Foundation Inc.
Roanoke Arts Commission
Commonwealth of Virginia, Rebuild Virginia CARES grant
Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc.
Freedom First Federal Credit Union
The Sam & Marion Golden Helping Hand Foundation, Inc.
The Huntly Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Shields Jarrett *
Jewell Machinery
The Louise R. Lester Foundation
W. E. McGuire Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Kathryn B McQuade Foundation *
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Roanoke Women's Foundation
The Honorable and Mrs. Frank W. Rogers, III *
Skyline National Bank
Edgar Thurman Foundation For Children
U.S. Small Business Administration, Pandemic Economic Stimulus grants
Virginia Commission for the Arts
Brandon Oaks Retirement Community
Center in the Square
Davenport & Company LLC
Mrs. Anne G. Downing
Ms. Sarah Copenhaver and Mr. G. Franklin Flippin, Esq.
Mr. & Mrs. W. Heywood Fralin Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Garbee *
Gentry Locke Attorneys
The Glebe
Dr. Anthony-Samuel LaMantia Ph.D. *
Mr. & Mrs. G. John Levin, Jr.
Member One Federal Credit Union
Mr. & Mrs. G. Marshall Mundy
Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op
The Roanoke Star
Marsh & McLennan Agency
Truist Bank
Mrs. Mary Meade G. Winn
American National Bank & Trust Company
Anonymous donors to Mill Mountain Theatre
Anstey Hodge Advertising Group
ARD Properties LLC
Mr. and Mrs. John T. Avis *
Mr. and Mrs. L. Scott Avis
Better Sofas, Inc
Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop *
Mr. and Mrs. Abney S. Boxley, III *
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Brock, Jr.
Business Solutions
The Candy Store
Mr. and Mrs. George B. Cartledge, Jr.
City of Salem
Claytor-Wirt Associates
Cox Communications Charities
Mr. and Mrs. Warner Dalhouse
Dixon, Hubard, Feinour, & Brown Inc.
Dominion Risk Advisors, LLC
Dunkenberger-Waskey Group at Morgan Stanley
Elk Hill Advisors, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. William D. Elliot
Entre Computer Center
Mrs. Sibyl N. Fishburn
5 Points Creative
Frith, Anderson & Peake, P.C.
Dr. Gary E. Glontz
Ms. Nancy O. Gray and Mr. David N. Maxson *
Dr. Robyn Hakanson and Mr. Erik Moledor *
Mr. Harry W. Hamilton, III
Mr. and Mrs. John Higginbotham
Howell's Motor Freight, Inc.
Innovative Insurance Group
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jones, Jr.
Kiwanis Club of Roanoke
Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Lawrence *
Dr. and Mrs. Lee Learman *
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lionberger, III
Mr. and Mrs. Charles I. Lunsford, II
Lunsford, A Trustpoint Company
Miller, Long & Associates, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry G. Norris
Oakey's Funeral Service & Crematory
Ms. Yvonne Olson
Ms. Nancy R. Patterson *
Mr. and Mrs. William N. Powell
Punch Boutique
Mrs. Carolyn W. Rakes
Roanoke Animal Hospital
Roanoke Gas Company - RGC Resources, Inc.
Roanoke Valley Orthodontics
Mr. and Dr. John G. Rocovich, Jr. *
Frank W. (Bo) Rogers, Jr. Fund
Rosie's Gaming Emporium
Ms. Rachel Sailer and Mr. Peter Barber
Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Smith *
Dr. and Mrs. Donald G. Smith, Jr.
Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Division
Mr. Maury L. Strauss
Ms. Lesleigh B. Strauss
Sun Tan City
Mr. and Mrs. Joel Tenzer *
Dr. Bruce R. Thomas and Ms. Linda Bowden
Dr. and Mrs. John T. Tielking
Mr. and Mrs. Raphael M. Traen
Will Trinkle and Juan Granados *
Mr. Charles J. Wehrmeister *
Mr. and Mrs. Barton J. Wilner
Woods Rogers PLC
Ms. Cathy Acri
Reverend and Mrs. George C. Anderson *
Mr. & Mrs. D. James Bailey III
Mr. and Mrs. W. Chan Bolling *
Mr. and Mrs. J. Keith Bown
Ms. Dorothy S. Clifton and Dr. Lou Singer
Connexions Professional Services
Mr. & Mrs. Grimes W. Creasy
Dr. and Mrs. Antonio T. Donato
Dr. and Mrs. F. Joseph Duckwall
First Citizens Bank
The Honorable and Mrs. Robert W. Goodlatte
Mr. and Mrs. Will Griffeth
Mrs. Robert Jaeger
Dr. and Mrs. David A. Kinsler
Laurence Kufel *
Mr. and Mrs. William L. Lee
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Long
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds G. Lynch lll *
Dr. Elizabeth Rice Martin and Mr. Eddie Martin *
Mast General Store, Inc.
Dr. and Mrs. G. A. McClellan
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip McKeage *
Mr. and Mrs. Robert McMican
Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Meidlinger
Ms. Donna L. Mitchell
The Newbern Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Nordt, III *
Mr. & Mrs. J. Lee Osborne *
P1 Technologies, Inc.
Capt. and Mrs. Gary S. Powers *
Mrs. B. J. Preas *
Dr. Randall R. Rhea
Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Timmermann
Mr. and Mrs. Raphael M. Traen
Ms. Vicki Turner
Ms. Yvette Van Hise
Mr. and Mrs. Joe H. Vaughn
Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Vietmeier
Wabtec Graham-White
Mr. and Mrs. Byron L. Yost
Ms. Kailey Absher
Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Akers
Mr. and Mrs. David K. Allen *
AmazonSmile Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Don H. Andree
Mr. and Mrs. Briggs W. Andrews
Ms. Sharon Angle
Mr. Andrew S. Arbury, III
Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Ashwell
Anne T. Avis
Ms. Brenda Ayers
Ms. Bettie Baber
E R Bane Trust
Mr. & Mrs. D. Stan Barnhill
Dr. and Mrs. Vincent T. Basile
Ms. Ashleigh Bayer
Mrs. Ruth G. Babylon
Ms. Kathy Bibb
Ms. Mary H. Bivens
Mr. Norman Blanchard
Ms. Joellen K. Bland
Ms. Cynthia Blevins
Ms. Leanna Blevins
Dr. and Mrs. John Bouldin
Ms. Nancy A. Bourne
Mr. Alexander Bowman, Jr.
Ms. Amanda Bozack
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Bradshaw Jr.
Ms. Michelle Brandt
Ms. Henriette B. Brooks
Ms. Stephanie Bryant
Ms. HelenRuth Burch
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bush
Mr. Andrew Callahan
Capt. Anne Cannon
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Carlin
Mr. Zachary Carney
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Carroll
Mr. and Mrs. Reed Carter
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Cates
Ms. Gloria Cauley
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Celin
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry W. Cheadle
Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Childress
Mr. & Mrs. W. R. Clemmer, Jr.
Mr. William Colbert
Carl E. Coleman Family Trust
Mr. and Mrs. W. Patton Coles, IV *
Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Conner
Mrs. Mary Ann Conrad
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas C. Conte
Mr. John Cornthwait
Mr. and Mrs. James G. Cosby
Frankie Courtemanche
Mr. & Mrs. Grimes W. Creasy
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Cribbs
Mr. Mark Culbreth
Mr. and Mrs. Declan F. Daly
Mr. & Mrs. H. Lawrence Davidson
Ms. Michelle Davis
Ms. Elizabeth G. Deisher
Kelly Derrick
Ms. Stacy Deyerle
Mrs. Barbara M. Dickinson
Dr. Elizabeth H. Duckworth & Mr. John M. Duckworth
Ms. Jeanne M. Duddy
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Dunkenberger, Sr.
Ms. Kathy Dupont
Ms. Patricia Ebbett
Mr. Charles L. Echols Jr.
Ms. Melvina Edwards
Ms. Christina Englehart
Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. English
Mr. and Mrs. John L. Ewart, Jr.
Ms. Kelly T. Farber
Ms. Emily Farmer
Ms. Janet Faulkner
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory W. Feldmann *
Ms. Victoria Ferris
Mr. Eric E. Fitzpatrick
Mr. and Mrs. Juergen F. Fleck
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Francis, Jr.
Ms. Gail Godsey
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Goldstein
Mr. Mark Goodes
Dr. James J. Gooding
Mr. Glen Graye
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Greear
Dr. and Mrs. Frank Guilfoyle
Mr. James E. Hall, Jr.
Dr. & Mrs. Geoffrey Harter
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Harvey
Dr. & Mrs. J. Bruce Hauser
Ms. Katherine Havener
Mr. and Mrs. Walker B. Healy Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. John L. Hess
Ms. Jessica Hilbish
Mr. and Mrs. Frank F. Hill, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Hite, III
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Hoff
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Holdgreve
Macel Holloway
Ms. Donna B Horak
Mr. Chris Howard
HHHUNT Homes Richmond
Ms. Carin Hunt
Dr. and Mrs. Alvin J. Hurt
IBM International Foundation
Mr Richard L Ikenberry
Mr. and Mrs. John Jackson
Mr. Edward F. Jennings Jr.
Ms. Sarah Jernigan-Tompkins
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jewell
Marcia and Lewis Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Pegram Johnson, III
Drs. James and Janet Johnson
Ms. Erma L. Jones
Mr. Pedro Martin Jose Juan
Mrs. Ann M. Journell
Mrs. J. Robert Justice
Mr. and Mrs. William K. Keesee
Mr. Matthew Kelley
Mr. and Mrs. Herman D. Kemp, Jr.
Ms. Victoria Kessler
Mr. Joshua Kier
Mr. and Mrs. Rich Kirchhoff
Ms. Shoshana Knapp
Mr. and Mrs. Alton L. Knighton, Jr.
Kroger
Dr. and Mrs. Arthur A. Kunkle
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kurshan
Mrs. Susan P. Lancaster
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Laughon
Mr. Terry Lauver
Mr. and Dr. Todd A. Leeson
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony F. Lefkowicz
Ms. Zoe Manoukian
Ms. Tara A. Marciniak
Ms. Jane Markson
Mr. Gene H. Marrano
Mr. Robert Martin
Ms. Lee B. McBride and Ms. Katherine M. Rakes
Mr. Norman Foggin and Mrs. Kathryn McCathern
Debra McClure
Dr. and Mrs. Maston R. McCorkle, Jr.
Mr. W. D. McCoy
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas McLaughlin
Mr. and Mrs. John G. McLeod
Ms. Amber McLoney
Mr. and Mrs. John D. McMillen
Ms. Bette McNamara
Ms. Melissa Merritt
Mr. Thomas Mesner and Ms. Jeanne Larsen
Mr. and Mrs. David Moledor
Ms. Connie Jo Montz
Ms. Pamela Morgan
Leslie J. Morrissett and Rebecca F. Morrissett
Ms Katherine Mortara
Mr. Marcus B. Moses
Mr. and Mrs. Allan Mower
Ms. Suzana Muller
Ms. Bethany Murphy
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Myers
Richard Nance
Ms. Jacquelyn Nasca
Ms. Carmen Neal
Ms. Rhonda Neely
Theresa Ruth Neilsen-Steinhardt
Network For Good
Mr. and Mrs. John Nicklo
Dr. and Mrs. James R. Niederlehner
Mr. and Mrs. Robert O. Nordt, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. George W. Norton
Ms. Rachel Nunez
Amanda O'dell
Mrs. Phyllis A. Olin
The Rev. and Dr. David Olson
Mr. Patrick J. O'Reilly
Dr. and Mrs. Ronald B. Overstreet
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Padis
Ms Melissa Palmer
Mr. & Mrs. John C. Parrott, II
Mr. Jeffrey Pasciak
Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Pasternak
Dr. and Mrs. John W. Pendleton
Mrs. Ashley Pennington-Tripp
Ms. Joan K. Petrus
Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Pooley
Mr. and Mrs. John Powell
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pratt
Dianne & Nick Prout
Mr. Mauricio Ramos
Jacqueline Rearick
Dr. and Mrs. Wayne G. Reilly
Mr. Ian Ridgway
Mr. William Riedy
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rigsby
Mr. and Mrs. James A. Robertson
Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Rottkamp
Mr. Carl Milton Rowan
Mr. James Royalty
Mrs. Charles B. Ryan
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Sailer
Mr. Connor Savage
Ms. Sharon Schwind
Ms. P. Annie Seago
Ms. Sally A. Seagraves
James C. Sears, Ed.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick N. Shaffner *
Ms. Katherine Shaver
Mr. and Mrs. Barry L. Shelor
Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Silverman
Mrs. Gene H. Smallwood
Ms. Diane T. Smith
John H. Smithey, Jr.
Ms. Mary J. Snedegar
Ms. Ann Marie Soltis
Ms. Melanie Starks
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce C. Stockburger, Esq.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur P. Strickland
Mr. Robert Stutes
Ms. Leila Summo
Ms. Angela Swain
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Swanson
Mr. and Mrs. William B. Symonds
Ms. Anne T. Tiffany
Mr. and Mrs. David Todd
Ms. Ann Penny Tully
Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Vernon
Mrs. and Mr. Jane I. Wallace
Mr. Jason Walsh
Mr. & Mrs. J. Robert Walton
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy R. Ward
Mr. and Mrs. Lilburn E. Ward, III
Ms. Tiffany Waters
Ms. Maureen Watson
Hugh and Jaye Harvey Wellons
Ms. Virginia West
Ms. Judy West
Mr. Roy Westmoreland
Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Whaley
Mr. and Mrs. Damon W. White
Mr. and Mrs. James Whitney
Mrs. Pamela H. Wiegandt
Ms. Deborah Wilhelm
Ms. Kimberly Williamson
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry W. Willis
Mr. and Mrs. J. David Wine
Ms. Edna Wood
Ms. Savannah Woodruff
Mr. Trenten Woods
Mrs. Lee H. Woody
Ms. Vella Wright
Mr. and Mrs. Keith F. Young
Mr. and Mrs. Carlton W. Alcorn
Mrs. Lynn D. Avis
Ms. Hazel Bernard
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Brailsford
Ms. Helen A. Burnett
Mr. and Mrs. Russel M. Danstrom
The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. David Dixon, III
Mr. Paul A. Economy and Mr. Randy Craver
Mrs. Lauren Ellerman *
Mrs. Marianne E. Gandee *
Dr. and Mrs. Charles D. Gilliland
Dr. & Mrs. J. Bruce Hagadorn
Donna Hancock
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Janoschka *
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Jernigan Jr.
Robyn and David Johnsen
Mr. and Mrs. James F. Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Keely
Mr. Talfourd H. Kemper
Anna and Tom Lawson
Mr. and Mrs. Kirk A. Ludwig
Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Machado
Ms. Martha L. Martin
Dr. Suzan R. and Dr. John R. Merten
Paul and Robert Metz
Mr. Bob Mills
Ms. Leisa Mundy
The Muse Family Foundation *
Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Nash
Dr. and Dr. Michael S. Nussbaum
Mr. and Mrs. Mike O'Brochta
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis J. Pillis
Mr. Dale Rakes
Ms. Mary L. Sailer
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Shaver
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Sheahan
Mr. and Mrs. Barry L. Shelor
Janet M. Siems
Dr. and Mrs. Bertram Spetzler
Dr. and Mrs. Brian A. Torre
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Whittle
Mr. & Mrs. W. Lee Wilhelm, III
Mr. Adam Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Scott W. Winter
Tributes
Mill Mountain Theatre is honored to acknowledge gifts made in tribute or memory of special friends. To make such a gift please contact John Levin at (540) 342-5761 or development@millmountain.org.
Tributes
In honor of Nancy Agee and on her birthday by Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop
In special commemoration of Ginger Poole Avis and Jack Avis being honored at the 2022 Multiple Sclerosis Society Dinner of Champions by current and former presidents of Mill Mountain Theatre’s Board of Directors including: David Allen, Nancy Gray, Macel Janoschka, John Jessee, Cynthia Lawrence and Will Trinkle, and by Ginny Jarrett
In honor of Ginger Poole Avis by Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas C. Conte, by Ms. Melvina Edwards, by Nancy Gray and by Macel and Stephen Janoschka
In honor of Jack Avis by Ginger Poole Avis
In memory of Jim Ayers by James C. Sears, Ed D
In memory of Willeyne McCune Clemens, Dorothy Meyer Hannaford and Sam Zulis by Nancy Ruth Patterson
In memory of Tracy D’Souza by Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Rottkamp
In memory of Becky Gilbert by Paul and Robert Metz
In honor of Mary Hubbard by Macel and Stephen Janoschka
In honor of Randall Hubbard by Macel and Stephen Janoschka
In memory of Timothy A. Kelly by Talfourd H. Kemper; by Mr. and Mrs. Charles I. Lunsford, II; by Mr. W. D. McCoy; by Mr. and Mrs. John G. McLeod; by Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Nordt, III; by Mr. and Mrs. William N. Powell, and by Mr. and Mrs. James A. Robertson
In honor of the MMT Team by Ms. Edna Wood
In honor of Tuillo Brenna O’Reilly by Mr. Patrick J. O’Reilly
In honor of Nancy Ruth Patterson by Mr. and Mrs. Walker B. Healy, Jr.
In honor of B.J. Preas by Mr. and Mrs. Jerry W. Cheadle
In memory of Charles Ruff, Jr. by Mr. and Mrs. Gregory W. Feldmann
In honor of Maury Lee Strauss by Ms. Lesleigh B. Strauss
In memory of Crystal Lynn Van Hise by Mrs. Yvette Van Hise
In honor of Susan Williams by Mr. Adam Williams
Performers
Ben Armstrong
*
Chad Danforth
Maud Artur
*
Mongo
Leah Bouldin
*
Ms. Darbus
Emma Harvey
*
Kelsi Neilson/Ms. Tenny
Calan Johnson
*
Zeke Baylor
Elise LeGault
*
Gabriella Montez
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Sylvia MacNab
*
Jackie Scott
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Will McLoney
*
Jock/Kratnoff
Charles Meidlinger
*
Troy Bolton
Caroline Moledor
*
Sharpay Evans
Emily Mower
*
Cyndra
Jadyn Rhodes
*
Taylor McKessie
William Richardson
*
Ryan Evans/Coach Bolton
Ruby Spence
*
Martha Cox/Moderator
Isla Whittle
*
Ripper
Elliott Wiegard
*
Susan
Brynne Wiegard
*
Cathy
Setting
East High School
There will be no intermission.
Songs & Scenes
*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
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“Actors’ Equity Association (“Equity”), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers, Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an International organization of performing arts unions. www.actorsequity.org
Production Staff
Venue Staff
School Administration Staff
Musicians
Board of Directors
President
Macel H. Janoschka
Vice President
J. Lee E. Osborne
Treasurer
Lori D. Cauley
Secretary
Nathaniel L. Bishop
Board Members
David K. Allen, Lauren Ellerman, Linda Garbee<, Nancy O. Gray, Dr. Robyn Hakanson, Laurence E. Kufel, Dr. Anthony-Samuel LaMantia, Cynthia Lawrence, William L. Lee, Reynolds Lynch III, Dr. Elizabeth Rice Martin, Laura McKeage, Nancy Ruth Patterson, Gary S. Powers, Doris Rogers, Edward M. Smith, Judy Tenzer, Will Trinkle, Maxwell Huddleston Wiegard
Student Advisory Board
Letter from the Director
Meet the Cast
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Ben Armstrong
*
Ben Armstrong is a rising junior. His favorite credits include: Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Prince Topher) Addams Family (Lucas Beineke) Junie B. Jones: The Musical (Herb) Mary Poppins Jr. (Bert) At Virginia Children’s Theatre. As well as: You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (Schroder) And, The little mermaid (Flounder) At P&HCC. Ben is a member of Youth Professional Ensemble at VCT and Dance Conservatory here at MMT. This summer Ben had the opportunity to go to NYC and study with Broadway stars and Veterans at BroadwayEvolded’s summer intensive. Ben would like to thank his mom, the cast, and the entire Mill Mountain Theatre staff for their continued love and support.
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Maud Artur
*
She is French and she is the correspondent of Elise Legault. She comes to spend a month in the United States for her holidays, to learn the language and to enrich herself with American culture.
Leah Bouldin
*
Leah Bouldin is a rising junior excited to return for her third MMT production. She most recently appeared in MMT's As You Like It as Jacques. This performance of High School Musical will be her musical theater debut, and she is so thankful to the Mill Mountain family for allowing her this opportunity. She would also like to thank her parents for their love and support, and her brother for inspiring her love for the arts. She hopes you have as much fun watching this production as she did performing it.
Emma Harvey
*
Emma Harvey (Kelsi Neilson / Ms. Tenny) is thrilled to be returning to the Trinkle Mainstage for High School Musical! Emma is a rising sophomore at Blacksburg High School, where she is a member of the Madrigal Singers. Favorite credits include The Sound of Music with Mill Mountain Theatre and Cinderella, The Addams Family, and Annie with Virginia Children’s Theatre. She is a member of MMT’s Conservatory Company and studies voice with Nancy Jones (Tempo Studio) and ballet with Jodie Wall (New River Academy of Dance). When not onstage, she enjoys playing any stringed instrument she can get her hands on, reading, writing, and hanging out with friends. She would like to thank the staff at MMT for this opportunity and her friends, family, and (most especially) her cat Ginny for their unwavering support!
Calan Johnson
*
Calan Johnson is thrilled to be back on the MMT stage and is so thankful for this opportunity. Calan is a rising 7th grader at James Madison Middle School. He loves Star Wars, Stranger Things, and musical theatre. Recent shows include: Aladdin Jr. (Aladdin) and Matilda Jr. (Bruce) at RCPS/JMMS. A Christmas Story (Ralphie) at Mill Mountain Theatre and The Addam’s Family (Pugsley) at Virginia Children’s Theatre. Thank you to friends, family and the cast/crew/creative team of MMT - we’re all in this together!
Elise LeGault
*
Elise LeGault is a rising senior at Cave Spring High School. She is thrilled and honored to be able to perform with such a wonderful cast and is excited to see how live theater will continue to grow after the pandemic. Elise has been performing for over 8 years and has participated in the acting, musical theater, and dance conservatories at Mill Mountain Theatre throughout high school. She would like to thank her friends and mentors for their continued support of her passion for the arts. Special thanks to the crew, teachers, and directors at Mill Mountain Theatre for the endless opportunities they have provided. Glory be to God!
Sylvia MacNab
*
Sylvia MacNab is a junior at Blacksburg High School. She is excited to be returning to Mill Mountain Theatre. Favorite credits include: Fun Home (Small Alison), The Sound of Music (Brigitta), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena), Beauty and the Beast (Chip), The Music Man (Amaryllis), The Christmas Cup (Brenda), and Willy Wonka Jr. (Charlie). She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support and encouragement. Enjoy the show!
Will McLoney
*
Will is thrilled to join MMT’s Conservatory Company and is so excited to perform in High School Musical! Will is a rising 8th grader. Recent performances with MMT include As You Like It as Oliver/Martext and A Christmas Story as Scut Farkus/Black Bart. Other roles this year include Cecco the pirate in Peter Pan Jr. (VCT) and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid Jr (Cave Spring Middle School). Past roles include Munchkin Barrister (OZ), George Banks (Mary Poppins Jr.), Friedrich Von Trapp (The Sound of Music), and Little Boy Blue (Babes in Toyland). Will enjoys singing and plays piano, trumpet, and French horn. He would like to thank his voice and acting teacher, Michelle Cha, as well as Victoria, Tiffany, and Seth at MMT for all their support and encouragement. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Charles Meidlinger
*
Charles Meidlinger is beyond stoked to be a part of MMT's High School Musical! He will be attending NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts to study drama in the fall. Favorite credits include: Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet, George in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Joseph Pulitzer in Newsies. Many thanks to the cast and crew for a great final production here as a student. Enjoy the show!
Caroline Moledor
*
Caroline Moledor is a high school senior who is so thankful to be performing in her 14th production with MMT! Some of her favorite credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena), The Tempest (Miranda), The Sound of Music (Louisa), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Chef Louis), A Christmas Story (Helen Weathers), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Katie/Mrs. Van Tassle), Shrek the Musical TYA (Pig #2), and Let’s Go to the Movies. She has also been a member of MMT’s Music Theatre Conservatory for 4 over years, and is a 4-time winner of MMT’s Write Stuff! young playwrights’ festival. When not performing onstage, Caroline enjoys writing and producing music. She would like to dedicate this performance to her brother James.
Emily Mower
*
Emily is excited to perform on the Trinkle MainStage again after appearing in MMT’s A Christmas Story (Helen Weathers). Recent shows include Peter Pan Jr. (Tiger Lily) and Annie Jr. (Annie). Emily has been dancing with Valley Dance Productions for many years and takes voice lessons from Susan Lewis Music Studio. She is a rising 7th grader at Roanoke Catholic School. In her spare time, Emily enjoys Scouting, horseback riding, wakeboarding and reading graphic novels. A special thank you to the MMT staff for always providing such great opportunities. Go Wildcats!
Jadyn Rhodes
*
Jadyn Rhodes will be a junior at William Fleming High School in Fall 2022. She has been doing theatre for 5 years. She has been seen previously seen in Peter Pan, Willy Wonka, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Scrooge, and the One Act Play That Goes Wrong. Her knack for performing arts is not isolated to drama, Jadyn has also been involved in choir and dance for numerous years. She attributes her love for performing arts to her involvement with her church youth group that led to performances at the Roanoke Civic Center and Jefferson Center with Kimoyo ltd., the UBU awards, and with the Quest Academy. Lastly, Jadyn would like to thank her family for encouraging her to follow her dreams.
William Richardson
*
William is an upcoming sophomore at Cave Spring High School who has been performing since around the age of 8 years old. He spends his time playing video games, Singing, Acting, Dancing, and spending time with his friends. Performing is one of his favorite things to do. Some of his most recent credits include Burton’s Center of Performing Arts Godspell (We Beseech Thee Soloist), CSHS/HVHS’s Into The Woods (Cinderella’s Prince), and CSMS Frozen Jr. (Olaf). He can’t wait to make a bigger and better comeback in the following years!
Ruby Spence
*
Ruby is thrilled to be part of another show with MMT! Other than theater work, Ruby's hobbies include crocheting, writing songs, and going on bike rides. She would like to thank all staff and cast for not only making a great show, but for helping her feel included. She is eternally grateful for the support of her (very enthusiastic) friends and family.
Isla Whittle
*
Isla is a rising 7th grader who was in her school's production of Matilda Jr. & caught the acting bug! During the school year she plays travel soccer and school volleyball. She's excited to join MMT this summer.
Elliott Wiegard
*
Elliott is very excited to be performing again for Mill Mountain Theatre this summer. Elliott was previously in Willy Wonka Junior. Elliott has been performing for the Southwest Virginia Ballet company since 2019 and has taken dance since she was three. Most recently Elliott starred as Lavender in James Madison Middle’s Matilda Junior. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support and the wonderful directors and choreographers of High School Musical.
Brynne Wiegard
*
Brynne Wiegard, 7th grader at James Madison, is thrilled to be cast in High School Musical for Mill Mountain Theatre! She has previously acted in Willy Wonka Junior for MMT and Annie, Matilda, Jack and the Wonderbeans, Songs of the Past, Oz the musical, and Cinderella for Virginia Children’s Theatre. Brynne recently started as the title character in Matilda for James Madison Middle. Brynne loves musical theatre, lacrosse, basketball, running and creating art from river glass. She is grateful for the love and support from her family and friends.
Meet the Team
Victoria Buck
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Victoria is originally from Columbus, Georgia, where she spent her childhood acting, singing, and dancing in local theaters and studios. After graduating from high school, her passion for the performing arts and education led her to Greenville, South Carolina, where she received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts from Furman University, and then on to Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia, where she received both her Master of Letters (MLitt) and her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Shakespeare & Performance. In her time as an artist, Victoria has worked primarily as an educator and actor, serving several theaters in Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, including the Springer Opera House, the Warehouse Theatre, and the American Shakespeare Center. Currently, Victoria resides in Roanoke, Virginia, where she works as the full-time Director of Education for Mill Mountain Theatre, a Visiting Lecturer in Theatre at Hollins University, an actor, a guest artist, and a private acting coach. She is so grateful for all of the wonderful students and colleagues she gets to work with!
Ginger Poole
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Ginger Poole is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and an Associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Union. She has studied, taught, choreographed, and performed throughout the U.S. She has worked in GA, HI, FL, MS, SC and VA with, Theatre in the Square, The Alliance City Series, Theatre Gael, Synchronicity Performance Group-GA, Mill Mountain Theatre-VA and SC Children’s Theatre. Originally from Atlanta, she has worked with the N.F.L. and The Atlanta Falcons as their director and choreographer and The Atlanta Opera. Prior to coming to Mill Mountain Theatre, she was based out of North Carolina where she has worked with Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina, in over 25 productions. She was a part of the Education program at Flat Rock Playhouse for 5 years where she taught for their Apprentice Companies and their Conservatory Program in Acting, Dance, and Musical Theatre. Ginger has taught at The University of Southern Mississippi, Western Carolina University, William Carey College, Mississippi University for Women, and currently teaches at Hollins University. With Ginger’s strong background in dance she finds herself not only acting and dancing on stage but also directing the choreography and classroom skills for her students. Ginger holds her M.F.A. in Acting Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi and continues to teach acting and dance. She has worked with students that range in age from kindergarten through professionals.
Ginger has worked in commercials, voice-overs, film, stage, and the classroom, and was profiled in the book FIRESTARTERS as “the actor”.
Ginger serves on the following Board of Directors: South Eastern Theatre Conference (SETC Secretary, Second Term), Junior League of the Roanoke Valley (Past President and Current Nominating Committee, Second Term), Burton Performing Arts Advisory Board, The Roanoke City Public Schools Education Foundation, and she has served on the Review Panel for theVirginia Commission for the Arts. She was the recipient of the DePaul’s Women of Achievement Award in the Arts in 2013 and was named the 2016 Kendig Award recipient for Individual Artist. Ginger is also a guest host with WSLS, the NBC affiliate, Daytime Blue Ridge television show, and is the host of the new Mill Mountain Theatre Podcast, Meet Me at Mill Mountain. She is very proud to be a member of the Mill Mountain Theatre team and looks forward to its continued growth, success, and artistic influence in the region.
Seth Davis
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Seth Davis is a Georgia native who is very excited to be a part of the Mill Mountain family after first serving as Associate Music Director for Mill Mountain’s 2013 production of The Sound of Music. Seth is a music director and musician in both the musical theater and classical music realms, in addition to being a teacher, clinician, and coach for performers and musicians of all ages. Regional credits include Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Spring Awakening, See What I Wanna See (Actor’s Express), Illyria: A Twelfth Night Musical (Georgia Shakespeare), Time Between Us, A Diva’s Christmas, Hair (Serenbe Playhouse) and The Andrews Brothers (Stage Door Players). Seth has also served as musical director for Georgia Tech and Oglethorpe University in addition to teaching at The Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre and judging many regional music and theater festival competitions.
Josh Polk
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Josh is a performer, educator, and musician currently based in Virginia. You may remember him from his days as a conservatory student, but he recently completed his B.A. in Musical Theatre at JMU. Some of his favorite onstage credits include Musidorus in Head Over Heels and Antonio in 12th Night the Musical. Offstage, he has had experience directing, music directing, and costume designing. As a teaching artist, Josh values collaboration and is committed to empowering all of his students. He is incredibly excited to be returning to MMT as a member of the education team and cannot wait to get started!
Addie Pawlick
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With an MFA in lighting design from the University of Houston, Addie has designed at several theatres in the Houston area including A.D. Players, Rec Room, and The Landing Theatre. While Addie currently calls West Palm Beach Florida home, she is a Virginia native and received her undergraduate degree from Radford University. Some of her favorite credits from various theatres include: The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls, Dear Charlotte, Pass Over, and Stuart Little the Musical.
Jessica Gaffney
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Jessica Gaffney earned her Master of Fine Arts in costume and scenery design at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Ms. Gaffney has designed costumes for over seventy-five theatrical productions, her work has been seen Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and in Regional Theatres across the country. Favorite Mill Mountain Theatre costume design credits include: Next to Normal and Disney’s The Little Mermaid Junior. In addition to theatrical design, Ms. Gaffney has designed costumes and scenery for several award winning film and video projects. Ms. Gaffney is the Chair of Theatre at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC.
Matt Shields
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Matt Shields is a native of Virginia. Having grown up in Loudoun County, he first moved to the region in 2013 to attend school at Radford University where he graduated with a BS in theatre. After working for a few other companies, Matt is happy to call MMT his artistic home. In the past few years Matt has served in a variety of jobs around Mill Mountain, including Props Master, Costumes Manager, Teaching Artist, Scenic Designer, and Company Manager. Matt is very happy to now be serving MMT as the Production Manager and is grateful to MMT for all the faith they have put in him over the years.
Erin Markham
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Erin Markham is a Roanoke native with a lifelong passion for the theatre. She graduated summa cum laude from Radford University with a B.S. in Theatre and an emphasis in stage management. Along with stage managing several productions and student projects at Radford, Erin worked as a Box Office Assistant and an Assistant to the Chair. In previous summers, Erin has worked with Christiansburg Dance Academy and the Virginia Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities. Her most recent work includes run crew for Mill Mountain Theatre’s A Christmas Story and guest artist stage manager for Radford University’s The Drowsy Chaperone. Erin is excited to be back at Mill Mountain this summer to assist in creating meaningful theatre in her hometown.
Henry Stevens
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Henry is super excited to be back at MMT, this time as an ASM. Notable credits include West Side Story and Legally Blonde where he served as a spotlight operator. In his free time, Henry loves to play Magic the Gathering.
Spencer Wade
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Spencer is a rising 7th grader at James Madison Middle School and is thrilled to join Mill Mountain Theatre’s stage crew. He got his start on tech crew with his school’s recent musical production, Matilda Jr. Outside of theatre, Spencer is a competitive diver with New River Diving and loves assembling Lego Architecture and Lego Idea sets. He enjoys vacations at the beach and his three weeks each summer at Camp Maxwelton nestled at the foot of Jump Mountain in Rockbridge Baths, VA.
Jimmy Ray Ward
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With an MFA in Design from UNC-Greensboro, his credits include work at many theatre companies along the East coast such as Spoleto Festival USA, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Seaside Music Theatre, Flatrock Playhouse, and the Gainesville Theatre Alliance. Locally, Jimmy designs for Opera Roanoke, Roanoke Children's Theatre, and Mill Mountain Theatre, where he worked as resident designer for its last nine seasons. Some favorite designs over the years include scenery for Il Trovatore, The Flying Dutchman, The Adventures of Frog and Toad, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Seussical, and Grease, costumes for Hamlet, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph…Technicolor Dreamcoat, and lighting for Driving Miss Daisy, Wit, and Rapunzel, among many others. Despite years of working in a field he loves, Jimmy feels that his best productions to date are his children, Henry and Lily, Gracie and Frank.
Savannah Woodruff
*
Savannah Woodruff was born and raised in Southern Pines, North Carolina, where she was encouraged to become involved in technical theatre in high school. Savannah is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and received a BFA in Technical Production. Prior to joining the Mill Mountain Theatre staff, she worked as a member of Weston Playhouse Theatre Company’s Intern Company. Savannah is grateful for the support of her family (and especially her cats) in her endeavors, and is thrilled to be able to continue working and growing with Mill Mountain Theatre.
Pre-Show Snack or
Post-Show Dinner?
Don’t let the evening end when the curtain comes down. With The Marquee Local, you can find the perfect place for a pre-show snack, an evening meal, or a post-show cocktail. Enjoy exclusive deals from our local partners as you catch up, discuss the show, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Grab a Bite
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Fortunato
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Roanoke, Virginia, Fortunato is the region's only traditional Italian kitchen & Neapolitan style pizzeria.
Fortunato
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Roanoke, Virginia, Fortunato is the region's only traditional Italian kitchen & Neapolitan style pizzeria.
Marquee Deal!
Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.
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Martin's
Casual dining on burgers, BBQ & other bar food in an open tavern setting with live music & a patio.
Martin's
Casual dining on burgers, BBQ & other bar food in an open tavern setting with live music & a patio.
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The Pine Room
From the snack n' share options and hearth flatbreads to the farmland offerings and signature items, The Pine Room features American Rustic cuisine that presents simplistic, sustainable, and high-quality ingredients in an inviting presentation.
The Pine Room
From the snack n' share options and hearth flatbreads to the farmland offerings and signature items, The Pine Room features American Rustic cuisine that presents simplistic, sustainable, and high-quality ingredients in an inviting presentation.
Marquee Deal!
Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.
The Regency Room
Enjoy dining al fresco! Spring is here and it's patio season! The Regency Room and The Pine Room Pub are the perfect place to enjoy dinner or drinks on the patio with spring in the air!
The Regency Room
Enjoy dining al fresco! Spring is here and it's patio season! The Regency Room and The Pine Room Pub are the perfect place to enjoy dinner or drinks on the patio with spring in the air!
Marquee Deal!
Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.
Awful Arthur's
Modern tavern offering varied seafood, bar bites & a raw bar plus sports on TV & live music.
Awful Arthur's
Modern tavern offering varied seafood, bar bites & a raw bar plus sports on TV & live music.
Marquee Deal!
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Corned Beef & Co
Sports bar serves sandwiches & pub grub in expansive digs equipped with pool tables & countless TVs.
Corned Beef & Co
Sports bar serves sandwiches & pub grub in expansive digs equipped with pool tables & countless TVs.
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Crescent City Bourbon and Barbecue
The smoked meat is made with care and passion in a stick burner smoker and indoor wood burning smoker.
Crescent City Bourbon and Barbecue
The smoked meat is made with care and passion in a stick burner smoker and indoor wood burning smoker.
Marquee Deal!
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Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint
Bar chain serving creative burgers & a lengthy list of beers in a casual, funky space.
Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint
Bar chain serving creative burgers & a lengthy list of beers in a casual, funky space.
Marquee Deal!
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Nawab Indian Cuisine
Indian classics & all-you-can-eat buffet lunches, served in a low-key traditional dining room.
Nawab Indian Cuisine
Indian classics & all-you-can-eat buffet lunches, served in a low-key traditional dining room.
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Raise a Glass
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Sidecar
Casual dining on burgers, BBQ & other bar food in an open tavern setting with live music & a patio.
Sidecar
Casual dining on burgers, BBQ & other bar food in an open tavern setting with live music & a patio.
Marquee Deal!
Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.
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Three Notch'd Brewing Co.
The food menu features traditional European foods like handmade sausages in traditional German, Polish, and English styles, as well as Belgian hand-cut fries, mussels, steak frites, and Polish pierogies.
Three Notch'd Brewing Co.
The food menu features traditional European foods like handmade sausages in traditional German, Polish, and English styles, as well as Belgian hand-cut fries, mussels, steak frites, and Polish pierogies.
Marquee Deal!
Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.
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Twisted Track Brewpub
In addition to hand crafted beer, we offer pub fare with yet another twist and a selection of wines, ciders and soft drinks – something for everyone.
Twisted Track Brewpub
In addition to hand crafted beer, we offer pub fare with yet another twist and a selection of wines, ciders and soft drinks – something for everyone.
Marquee Deal!
Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.
Benny Marconi's
Serving huge slices of pizza in downtown Roanoke, VA. Established in 2012.
Benny Marconi's
Serving huge slices of pizza in downtown Roanoke, VA. Established in 2012.
Marquee Deal!
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Billy's
Buzzy dining room with a full wooden bar plating refined American cuisine such as lobster Alfredo.
Billy's
Buzzy dining room with a full wooden bar plating refined American cuisine such as lobster Alfredo.
Marquee Deal!
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Fork in the Market
Quirky, independent eatery offering updated comfort food, a full bar, a patio & live music nightly.
Fork in the Market
Quirky, independent eatery offering updated comfort food, a full bar, a patio & live music nightly.
Marquee Deal!
Texas Tavern
Family-owned since 1930, this 24/7 diner offers breakfast, burgers, sandwiches & its popular chili.
Texas Tavern
Family-owned since 1930, this 24/7 diner offers breakfast, burgers, sandwiches & its popular chili.
Marquee Deal!
While You Wait
With the help of our friends at Theatrely.com, Marquee Digital has you covered with exclusive content while you wait for the curtain to rise.
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EXCLUSIVE: Watch A Clip From THEATER CAMP Starring Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, and Molly Gordon
Finally, summer has arrived, which can only mean one thing: it's time for camp! Theater Camp, that is. Theatrely has a sneak peak at the new film which hits select theaters today.
The new original comedy starring Tony Award winner Ben Platt and Molly Gordon we guarantee will have you laughing non-stop. The AdirondACTS, a run-down theater camp in upstate New York, is attended by theater-loving children who must work hard to keep their beloved theater camp afloat after the founder, Joan, falls into a coma.
The film stars Ben Platt and Molly Gordon as Amos Klobuchar and Rebecca-Diane, respectively, as well as Noah Galvin as Glenn Wintrop, Jimmy Tatro as Troy Rubinsky, Patti Harrison as Caroline Krauss, Nathan Lee Graham as Clive DeWitt, Ayo Edebiri as Janet Walch, Owen Thiele as Gigi Charbonier, Caroline Aaron as Rita Cohen, Amy Sedaris as Joan Rubinsky, and Alan Kim as Alan Park.
Theater Camp was directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman and written by Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman & Ben Platt. Music is by James McAlister and Mark Sonnenblick. On January 21, 2023, Theater Camp had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
You can purchase tickets to the new film from our friends at Hollywood.com here.
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READ: An Excerpt From Sean Hayes Debut YA Novel TIME OUT
Actor Sean Hayes is what we in the biz call booked and blessed. On top of his Tony-nominated performance as Oscar Levant in Good Night, Oscar, Hayes has partnered with Todd Milliner and Carlyn Greenwald for the release of their new YA novel Time Out.
Heralded by many as Heartstopper meets Friday Night Lights, Time Out follows hometown basketball hero Barclay Elliot who decides to use a pep rally to come out to his school. When the response is not what he had hoped and the hostility continually growing, he turns to his best friend Amy who brings him to her voting rights group at school. There he finds Christopher and… you will just have to grab a copy and find out what happens next. Luckily for you, Time Out hits shelves on May 30 and to hold you over until then we have a special except from the book just for Theatrely:
The good thing about not being on the team the past two weeks has been that I’ve had time to start picking up shifts again at Beau’s diner and save up a little for college now that my scholarship dreams are over.
The bad part is it’s the perfect place to see how my actions at the pep rally have rotted the townspeople’s brains too.
During Amy’s very intense musical theater phase in middle school, her parents took her to New York City. And of course she came back home buzzing about Broadway and how beautiful the piss smell was and everything artsy people say about New York. But she also vividly described some diner she waited three hours to get into where the waitstaff would all perform songs for the customers as a way to practice for auditions. The regulars would have favorite staff members and stan them the way Amy stans all her emo musicians.
Working at Beau’s used to feel kind of like that, like I was part of a performance team I didn’t know I signed up for. The job started off pretty basic over the summer—I wanted to save up for basketball supplies, and Amy worked there and said it was boring ever since her e-girl coworker friend graduated. But I couldn’t get through a single lunch rush table without someone calling me over and wanting the inside scoop on the Wildcats and how we were preparing for the home opener, wanting me to sign an article in the paper or take a photo. Every friendly face just made the resolve grow inside me. People love and support the Wildcats; they would do the same for me.
Yeah, right.
Now just like school, customers have been glaring at me, making comments about letting everyone down, about being selfish, about my actions being “unfortunate,” and the tips have been essentially nonexistent. The Wildcats have been obliterated in half their games since I quit, carrying a 2–3 record when last year we were 5–0, and the comments make my feet feel like lead weights I have to drag through every shift.
Today is no different. It’s Thursday, the usual dinner rush at Beau’s, and I try to stay focused on the stress of balancing seven milkshakes on one platter. A group of regulars, some construction workers, keep loudly wondering why I won’t come back to the team while I refuse proper eye contact.
One of the guys looks up at me as I drop the bill off. “So, what’s the deal? Does being queer keep ya from physically being able to play?”
They all snicker as they pull out crumpled bills. I stuff my hands into my pockets, holding my tongue.
When they leave, I hold my breath as I take their bill.
Sure enough, no tip.
“What the fuck?” I mutter under my breath.
“Language,” Amy says as she glides past me, imitating the way Richard says it to her every shift, and adds, “even though they are dicks.” At least Amy’s been ranting about it every free chance she gets. It was one thing when the student body was being shitty about me leaving the team, but the town being like this is even more infuriating. She doesn’t understand how these fully grown adults can really care that much about high school basketball and thinks they need a new fucking hobby. I finally agree with her.
[She’s wearing red lipstick to go with her raccoon-adjacent eyeliner as she rushes off to prepare milkshakes for a pack of middle schoolers. I catch her mid–death glare as all three of the kids rotate in their chairs, making the old things squeal. My anger fades a bit as I can’t help but chuckle; Amy’s pissed-off reaction to Richard telling her to smile more was said raccoon makeup, and her tolerance for buffoonery has been at a negative five to start and declining fast.
I rest my arms on the counter and try not to look as exhausted as I feel.
“Excuse me!” an old lady screeches, making me jump.
Amy covers up a laugh as I head to the old lady and her husband’s table. They’ve got finished plates, full waters. Not sure what the problem is. Or I do, which is worse.
“Yes?” I say trying to suppress my annoyance.
“Could you be bothered to serve us?”
Only five more hours on shift. I have a break in three minutes. I’ll be with Devin at Georgia Tech tomorrow. “I’m sorry, ma’am,” I say, so careful to keep my words even, but I can feel my hands balling into fists. “What would you—?”
And suddenly Amy swoops in, dropping two mugs of coffee down. “Sorry about that, you two,” she says, her voice extra high. “The machine was conking out on us, but it’s fine now.”
Once the coffee is down, she hooks onto a chunk of my shirt, steering us back to the bar.
“Thanks,” I mutter, embarrassed to have forgotten something so basic. Again.
“Just keep it together, man,” she says. “Maybe you’d be better off with that creepy night shift where all the truckers and serial killers come in.”
Honestly, at least the serial killers wouldn’t care about my jump shot.
It’s a few minutes before my break, but clearly I need it. “I’ll be in the back room.”
Right before I can head that way though, someone straight-up bursts into the diner and rushes over to me at the bar. It’s a middle-aged dad type, sunburned skin, beer belly, and stained T-shirt.
“Pickup order?” I ask.
“You should be ashamed,” he sneers at me. He has a really strong Southern accent, but it’s not Georgian. “Think you’re so high and mighty, that nothing’ll ever affect you? My kid’ll never go to college because of you and your lifestyle. Fuck you, Barclay Ell—”
And before this man can finish cursing my name, Pat of all people runs in, wide-eyed in humiliation. “Jesus, Dad, please don’t—”
I pin my gaze on him, remembering how he cowered on the bench as Ostrowski went off, how he didn’t even try to approach me. “Don’t even bother,” I snap.
I shove a to-go bag into his dad’s arms, relieved it’s prepaid, and storm off to the break room.]
Amy finds me head in my arms a minute or two later. I look up, rubbing my eyes. “Please spare me the pity.”
She snorts and hands me a milkshake. Mint chocolate chip. “Wouldn’t dare.” She takes a seat and rolls her shoulders and neck, cracks sounding through the tiny room. “Do you want a distraction or a shoulder to cry on?”
For more information, and to purchase your copy of Time Out, click here.
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Reframing the COVID-19 Pandemic Through a Stage Manager’s Eyes
When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency in the United States in March 2020, Broadway veteran stage manager Richard Hester watched the nation’s anxiety unfold on social media.
“No one knew what the virus was going to do,” Hester said. Some people were “losing their minds in abject terror, and then there were some people who were completely denying the whole thing.”
For Hester, the reaction at times felt like something out of a movie. “It was like the Black Plague,” he said. “Some people thought it was going to be like that Monty Python sketch: ‘bring out your dead, bring out your dead.’”
While Hester was also unsure about how the virus would unfold, he felt that his “job as a stage manager is to naturally defuse drama.” Hester brought this approach off the stage and onto social media in the wake of the pandemic.
“I just sort of synthesized everything that was happening into what I thought was a manageable bite, so people could get it,” Hester said. This became a daily exercise for a year. Over two years after the beginning of the pandemic, Hester’s accounts are compiled in the book, Hold Please: Stage Managing A Pandemic. Released earlier this year, the book documents the events of the past two years, filtering national events and day-to-day occurrences through a stage manager’s eyes and storytelling.
When Hester started this project, he had no intention of writing a book. He was originally writing every day because there was nothing else to do. “I am somebody who needs a job or needs a structure,” Hester said.
Surprised to find that people began expecting his daily posts, he began publishing his daily writing to his followers through a Substack newsletter. As his following grew, Hester had to get used to writing for an audience. “I started second guessing myself a lot of the time,” Hester said. “It just sort of put a weird pressure on it.”
Hester said he got especially nervous before publishing posts in which he wrote about more personal topics. For example, some of his posts focused on his experiences growing up in South Africa while others centered on potentially divisive topics, such as the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Despite some of this discomfort, Hester’s more personal posts were often the ones that got the most response. The experience offered him a writing lesson. “I stopped worrying about the audience and just wrote what I wanted to write about,” Hester said. “All of that pressure that I think as artists we put on ourselves, I got used to it.”
One of Hester’s favorite anecdotes featured in the book centers on a woman who dances in Washington Square Park on a canvas, rain or shine. He said he was “mesmerized by her,” which inspired him to write about her. “It was literally snowing and she was barefoot on her canvas dancing, and that seems to me just a spectacularly beautiful metaphor for everything that we all try and do, and she was living that to the fullest.”
During the creation of Hold Please, Hester got the unique opportunity to reflect in-depth on the first year of the pandemic by looking back at his accounts. He realized that post people would not remember the details of the lockdown; people would “remember it as a gap in their lives, but they weren’t going to remember it beat by beat.”
“Reliving each of those moments made me realize just how full a year it was, even though none of us were doing anything outside,” he adds. “We were all on our couches.” Readers will use the book as a way to relive moments of the pandemic’s first year “without having to wallow in the misery of it,” he hopes.
“I talk about the misery of it, but that’s not the focus of what I wrote... it was about hope and moving forward,” Hester said. “In these times when everything is so difficult, we will figure out a way to get through and we will move forward.”
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