Grantors

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Sponsors

Sponsors

Donors

Mill Mountain Theatre would like to thank the generous gifts from our Donors. We would not be here without you!

Donors

Standing Ovations 2022

Gifts of $5,000 and more

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

Producers 2022

Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999

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

Stars 2022

Gifts of $1,000 to $2,499

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

Leading Roles 2022

Gifts of $500 to $999

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

Scene Stealers 2022

Gifts of $1 to $249

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

VIPs 2022

Gifts of $250 to $499

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.

Performers

Michael Havens

*

Electric Guitar

Evin Bowman

*

Bass

Sarah Coleman

*

Vocalist

Seth Davis

*

Music Director/Arranger

Katie Emerson

*

Vocalist

Maddie Mae

*

Vocalist

Setting

There will be one 15-minute intermission

Songs & Scenes

Act I

“I’m Coming Out”

By Diana Ross

“9 to 5”

By Dolly Parton

“She Works Hard for the Money”

By Donna Summer

“Material Girl”

By Madonna

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”

By Cyndi Lauper

“Magic”

By Olivia Newton-John

“Total Eclipse of the Heart”

By Bonnie Tyler

“Mickey”

By Toni Basil

“Fast Car”

Tracy Chapman

“Gloria”

Laura Branigan

“All Through the Night/I Drove All Night”

By Cyndi Lauper

“Alone”

By Heart

“Straight Up”

By Paula Abdul

“Express Yourself”

By Madonna

“Take My Breath Away”

By Berlin

Act I

“Like Sugar”

By Chaka Khan

“Let’s Hear It for the Boy”

By Deniece Williams

“Hit Me With Your Best Shot”

By Pat Benatar

Act II

“I Love Rock n’ Roll”

By Joan Jett

“Fame”

By Irene Cara

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody”

By Whitney Houston

“Running Up That Hill”

By Kate Bush

“Eternal Flame”

By The Bangles

“It’s Raining Men”

By The Weather Girls

“Call Me”

By Blondie

“What’s Love Got To Do With It?”

By Tina Turner

“The Rose”

By Bette Midler

“If I Could Turn Back Time”

By Cher

“Finale: The Greatest Love of All”

By Whitney Houston

Production Staff

Director/Producing Artistic Director

Ginger Poole*

Music Director/Arranger

Seth Davis

Director of Production/Props Master

Matt Shields

Lights & Sound Designer

Savannah Woodruff

Spot Operators‍

Drew Callahan Trenten Woods

Production Photography

Ian Ridgway Richard Maddox

Venue Staff

School Administration Staff

Producing Artistic Director

Ginger Poole

Director of Development

John Levin

Business Manager

Larry Kufel

Director of Education

Victoria Buck

Production Manager/Props/Scenic Designer

Matt Shields

Creative Director of Public Relations

Ian Ridgway

Resident Musical Director

Seth Davis

ATD/Lighting & Sound Supervisor

Savannah Woodruff

Education Associate & Community Engagement Coordinator

Francesca Reilly

Teaching Artist

Josh Polk

Spot Operators‍

Drew Callahan Trenten Woods

Musicians

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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

Credits

Lighting equipment from PRG Lighting, sound equipment from Sound Associates, rehearsed at The Public Theater’s Rehearsal Studios. Developed as part of Irons in the Fire at Fault Line Theatre in New York City.

Special Thanks

*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

“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

United Scenic Artists ● Local USA 829 of the I.A.T.S.E represents the Designers & Scenic Artists for the American Theatre

ATPAM, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers (IATSE Local 18032), represents the Press Agents, Company Managers, and Theatre Managers employed on this production.

Meet the Cast

Michael Havens

*

Electric Guitar

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Pronouns:

he/him

Mike Havens was born and raised in Roanoke, VA and has been involved in music and playing guitar since the age of 12. He received his Bachelors’ degree in classical guitar performance from Radford University and was awarded a full scholarship for study towards a Masters’ degree at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. In 2001, he taught guitar studies at local colleges and universities including, Radford University, Emory and Henry College, Sweet Briar College, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, and Lynchburg College. In 2008, he was offered, and continues, a full-time position teaching guitar and electronic music at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, VA. Mike performs regularly as an acoustic and classical guitar soloist, is a member of the classical guitar and flute duo Con Eleganza, as a guest guitarist for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, and is the guitar and bassist for Roanoke’s Mill Mountain Theater.

Evin Bowman

*

Bass

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Pronouns:

he/him

Evin first began playing music with his middle school orchestra when he was 12 years old. A few years later, as a high school freshman, he made the leap to guitar. Now at 22, with a decade of experience under his belt, he has performed guitar with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, as well as guitar and bass for a multitude of Mill Mountain Theater shows. Notable performances include: A Chorus Line, Spring Awakening, Mama Mia, The Sound of Music, and Next to Normal.

Sarah Coleman

*

Vocalist

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she/her

Sarah Coleman is thrilled to be making her debut at Mill Mountain Theatre! This is her first show since the pandemic and it's so touching to be making a comeback alongside the powerhouse women in this cast! Sarah holds a BS in Theatre Performance from Radford University. Some favorite credits include: Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes), Heather Duke/Dance Captain (Heathers: The Musical), Edna (Bright Star), and Petulia (Hell in High Water) where she was featured on the Mississippi cast recording with original music from grammy nominee, Vasti Jackson. Thanks to her family, the crew, creative team and staff at MMT for everything they do, and YOU for supporting live theatre!

Seth Davis

*

Music Director/Arranger

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he/him

Seth Davis is a Georgia native who is very excited to be back onstage with this lovely group of performers. 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. Much love to the entire MMT family, and always, Travis.

Katie Emerson

*

Vocalist

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Pronouns:

she/her

Katie Emerson (she/her) is a NYC based actor, singer, and artist. She is thrilled to be back at Mill Mountain rocking it out with this super talented team after performances in The Marvelous Wonderettes and Piano Man. Most recently, she covered half of The Marvelous Wonderettes at Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Favorite credits: Kira/Clio (Xanadu), Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Peter Pan (Peter Pan), How the Grinch Stole Christmas North American Tour (Punky Who), and the countless new musicals she’s helped develop in NYC. Katie has performed Off-Broadway, all over the world and for President Bill Clinton. AEA. BFA Elon University.

Maddie Mae

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Vocalist

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she/her

Maddie Mae is an Orlando local with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance from UCF. #GKCO Maddie was an MMT apprentice in 2018 and has since loved returning to Roanoke. Some previous MMT credits include Spring Awakening, “Let’s Go to the Movies” concert, “Music of the Crooners” concert, as well as filming Polkadots: the Cool Kids Musical. Maddie was featured in BroadwayWorld’s 2020 Senior Showcase. She performed in Michael James Scott’s A Fierce Christmas at the Dr. Phillips Center’s Front Yard Festival. Maddie currently performs with a wedding band and can be seen at Universal Orlando Resort in the Hogwarts Frog Choir and the pop acapella show “Sing It!”. Thank you Ginger, Seth, and Matt! MsMaddieMae.com

Meet the Team

Ginger Poole

*

Director/Producing Artistic Director

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Pronouns:

She/Her

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.

Matt Shields

*

Technical Director & Props Designer

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he/him

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.

J.T. Fauber

*

Percussion

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Pronouns:

he/him

J.T. has been playing drums at Mill Mountain since 2008. His favorite show was My Son Pinocchio which included his wife Rachel on piano and both kids, Kyle and Caroline, on stage. Early in his career J.T. performed in the country show at Kings Dominion and on the La Boheme cruise ship. Currently he plays with The Boogie Kings, a ragtime / dixieland group that has been together since 1986. He also plays with the 1st Baptist Roanoke orchestra, The Winds of the Blue Ridge, and the Let's Dance big band. J.T. is the owner of Sun Tan City and Buff City Soap, both supporters of Mill Mountain Theatre.

Savannah Woodruff

*

Lead Electrician & Sound Engineer

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)

Pronouns:

she/they

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.

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2021 National Touring Cast

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Fortunato

Italian

|

104 Kirk Ave SW

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

Italian

|

104 Kirk Ave SW

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.

Martin's

Tavern

|

413 1st St SW

Casual dining on burgers, BBQ & other bar food in an open tavern setting with live music & a patio. ‍

Martin's

Tavern

|

413 1st St SW

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

American

|

110 Shenandoah Ave NE

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

American

|

110 Shenandoah Ave NE

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

American

|

110 Shenandoah Ave NE

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

American

|

110 Shenandoah Ave NE

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

Seafood

|

108 Campbell Ave SE

Modern tavern offering varied seafood, bar bites & a raw bar plus sports on TV & live music.

Awful Arthur's‍

Seafood

|

108 Campbell Ave SE

Modern tavern offering varied seafood, bar bites & a raw bar plus sports on TV & live music.

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Corned Beef & Co‍

Gastropub

|

107 S Jefferson St

Sports bar serves sandwiches & pub grub in expansive digs equipped with pool tables & countless TVs.

Corned Beef & Co‍

Gastropub

|

107 S Jefferson St

Sports bar serves sandwiches & pub grub in expansive digs equipped with pool tables & countless TVs.

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Crescent City Bourbon and Barbecue

Barbecue

|

19 Salem Ave SE

The smoked meat is made with care and passion in a stick burner smoker and indoor wood burning smoker.

Crescent City Bourbon and Barbecue

Barbecue

|

19 Salem Ave SE

The smoked meat is made with care and passion in a stick burner smoker and indoor wood burning smoker.

Marquee Deal!

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint

Hamburger

|

210B Market St SE

Bar chain serving creative burgers & a lengthy list of beers in a casual, funky space.

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint

Hamburger

|

210B Market St SE

Bar chain serving creative burgers & a lengthy list of beers in a casual, funky space.

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Nawab Indian Cuisine

Indian

|

118A Campbell Ave SE

Indian classics & all-you-can-eat buffet lunches, served in a low-key traditional dining room.

Nawab Indian Cuisine

Indian

|

118A Campbell Ave SE

Indian classics & all-you-can-eat buffet lunches, served in a low-key traditional dining room.

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Wasabi's

Japanese

|

214 Market St SE

Casual Japanese restaurant offering a large sushi menu, plus maki, traditional entrees & bento.

Wasabi's

Japanese

|

214 Market St SE

Casual Japanese restaurant offering a large sushi menu, plus maki, traditional entrees & bento.

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Raise a Glass

Sidecar

Tavern

|

413 1st St SW

Casual dining on burgers, BBQ & other bar food in an open tavern setting with live music & a patio.

Sidecar

Tavern

|

413 1st St SW

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.

Three Notch'd Brewing Co.

European

|

411 1st St SW

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.

European

|

411 1st St SW

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.

Twisted Track Brewpub

Pub

|

523 Shenandoah Ave NW

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

Pub

|

523 Shenandoah Ave NW

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

Pizza

|

120 Campbell Ave SE

Serving huge slices of pizza in downtown Roanoke, VA. Established in 2012.

Benny Marconi's

Pizza

|

120 Campbell Ave SE

Serving huge slices of pizza in downtown Roanoke, VA. Established in 2012.

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Billy's

American

|

102 Market St SE

Buzzy dining room with a full wooden bar plating refined American cuisine such as lobster Alfredo.

Billy's

American

|

102 Market St SE

Buzzy dining room with a full wooden bar plating refined American cuisine such as lobster Alfredo.

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Fork in the Market

American

|

32 Market Square SE

Quirky, independent eatery offering updated comfort food, a full bar, a patio & live music nightly.

Fork in the Market

American

|

32 Market Square SE

Quirky, independent eatery offering updated comfort food, a full bar, a patio & live music nightly.

Marquee Deal!

Texas Tavern

American

|

114 Church Ave SW

Family-owned since 1930, this 24/7 diner offers breakfast, burgers, sandwiches & its popular chili.

Texas Tavern

American

|

114 Church Ave SW

Family-owned since 1930, this 24/7 diner offers breakfast, burgers, sandwiches & its popular chili.

Marquee Deal!

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Marty Lauter and David Merino Perform TWO LADIES At The Laurie Beechman Theatre

Emily Wyrwa

October 6, 2025

Willkommen! Marty Lauter and David Merino are taking the stage for one night only in Two Ladies at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on Oct. 13 at 9:30 p.m. The pair, who closed the run of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway sharing the role of the Emcee, will be Emcees of their own.

In Two Ladies they present an evening filled with sisterhood, secrets from the bowels of the Kit Kat Club, and maybe a little desperation as they search for their next jobs…who knows, maybe this time, they’ll win!

Lauter, a Theatrely31 alum, is also known as “Marcia Marcia Marcia!” from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15. They’ve strutted through Broadway’s Kinky Boots and toured in Hello, Dolly! Merino has been seen in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway and as Angel in the National Tour of Rent. Together, they became the Kit Kat Club’s unexpected power couple.

Two Ladies: Tales from the Kit Kat Club plays The Laurie Beechman Theatre on Monday, Oct. 13 at 9:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Marty Lauter and David Merino Perform TWO LADIES At The Laurie Beechman Theatre

Emily Wyrwa

October 6, 2025

Willkommen! Marty Lauter and David Merino are taking the stage for one night only in Two Ladies at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on Oct. 13 at 9:30 p.m. The pair, who closed the run of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway sharing the role of the Emcee, will be Emcees of their own.

In Two Ladies they present an evening filled with sisterhood, secrets from the bowels of the Kit Kat Club, and maybe a little desperation as they search for their next jobs…who knows, maybe this time, they’ll win!

Lauter, a Theatrely31 alum, is also known as “Marcia Marcia Marcia!” from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15. They’ve strutted through Broadway’s Kinky Boots and toured in Hello, Dolly! Merino has been seen in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway and as Angel in the National Tour of Rent. Together, they became the Kit Kat Club’s unexpected power couple.

Two Ladies: Tales from the Kit Kat Club plays The Laurie Beechman Theatre on Monday, Oct. 13 at 9:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit here.

HAZBIN HOTEL: LIVE ON BROADWAY Will Play One Night at the Majestic Theatre, Hosted By Erika Henningsen

Emily Wyrwa

October 6, 2025

Straight from Hell to Broadway! Hazbin Hotel: Live on Broadway will come to the Majestic Theatre on Oct. 20 for a live concert celebrating the hit musical series. The evening will be hosted by series lead Erika Henningsen.

The concert will feature special performances from the talented cast featuring songs from both seasons one and two of the show. It will be available on Prime Video at a later date. Joe DeMaio serves as the director.

Hazbin Hotel follows Charlie, the princess of Hell, as she pursues her seemingly impossible goal of rehabilitating demons to peacefully reduce overpopulation in her kingdom. After a yearly extermination imposed by angels, she opens a hotel in the hopes that patrons will be "checking out" into Heaven. While most of Hell mocks her goal, her devoted partner Vaggie, and their first test subject, adult-film star Angel Dust, stick by her side. When a powerful entity known as the "Radio Demon" reaches out to assist Charlie in her endeavors, her crazy dream is given a chance to become a reality.

Season Two of the series premiers on Oct. 29, with two episodes rolling out weekly through Nov. 19.

Hazbin HotelL Live on Broadway is a one-night-only performance on Oct. 20 at the Majestic Theatre on West 44th Street in New York City. Fans can request tickets at 1iota here for a chance to attend. Cosplay is strongly encouraged.

Theatrely News

EXCLUSIVE: Watch A Clip From THEATER CAMP Starring Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, and Molly Gordon

Theatrely News

READ: An Excerpt From Sean Hayes Debut YA Novel TIME OUT

Theatrely News

"Reframing the COVID-19 Pandemic Through a Stage Manager’s Eyes"

EXCLUSIVE: Watch A Clip From THEATER CAMP Starring Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, and Molly Gordon

By: Maia Penzer

14 July 2023

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.

‍

READ: An Excerpt From Sean Hayes Debut YA Novel TIME OUT

By: Kobi Kassal

29 May 2023

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.

‍

Reframing the COVID-19 Pandemic Through a Stage Manager’s Eyes

By: Kaitlyn Riggio

5 July 2022

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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