Directed by Robert Shirley April 9 – May 2, 2021

Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is funded in part by the citizens of Virginia Beach through a grant from the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission Director’s Note Songs For A New Day is a remembrance of the year we’ve survived and a celebration of the promise of a new day to come. The company of four women and four men will highlight the challenges, inspirations, and social conflicts we have experienced and the friendships and hope deepened through our camaraderie and survival. Broadway musicals, pop favorites, and standards that evoke the themes and emotions expressed through songs will attempt to entertain, provoke, and uplift our audiences. Thank you for choosing to support the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach, and congratulations on your emergence through the darkness that was COVID-19. Robert Shirley, Director

The videotaping or other recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

PRODUCTION STAFF Director……...………………….…………………. …………. …………………….. …………. …………. Robert Shirley Stage Manager……………..….…..………….... ……………..….…..…………..... ……………..….. Sarah Storminger Set Design…………………….……….……..…. …………………….……….……..…. ……………… Sandy Lawrence Light Design……………..…….………………… …………………….……….……..…. …………………… .Mike Hilton Light Technician……………….………………….. …………………….……….……..…. …………………Sherry Forbes Sound Technician…………….…………………..... …………………….……….……..…. …………………Bryce Collins Sound Editor………………….…………………... ……………….………………….... ……………….….Jeffrey Seneca Cover Art Work……...…..…………….…………………….……………. ……….……………. ……….…. James Bryan Theatre Maintenance……..……………………….. ……….…………………….……………. ……….….Paul Berryman SONGS FOR A NEW DAY Home……………………………………..……...Jessica Martinez Friend Like Me………………………………….Nick Richardson Tomorrow……………………………………………Kyra Hinson You And Me Against The World……..Ariel Bracey, Avir Johnson Soon As I Get Home…...…………………………....Ariel Bracey You’ve Got A Friend………………..……………….Kyra Hinson Bring Him Home…………...…………………...Nick Richardson Friendship………………….Karen Buchheim, Michael Singleton If You Believe……………………………………….Ariel Bracey Beautiful City…………….……………………..Nick Richardson Wind Beneath My Wings………………………..Jessica Martinez Time Heals Everything………………………....Karen Buchheim I Will Survive…………………………………….. .Kyra Hinson Where You Are………………………………….Jessica Martinez Why Am I Me? ………………….Avir Johnson, Nick Richardson The Impossible Dream……………………...... Michael Singleton I Am Woman………………………………...Ariel Bracey, Ladies My Shot……………………………………………..Avir Johnson We Are The World……………………………………...Company I’m Still Here…………………………………....Karen Buchheim You’ll Never Walk Alone……………………...Michael Singleton Brand New Day………………………………………...Company

FINALE—CURTAIN CALL—Brand New Day Reprise

Many thanks to the local groups who attend LTVB performances regularly:

Atlantic Shores, Westminster Canterbury American Association of University Women (AAUW) Williams Farm Recreation Center, Bow Creek Recreation Center, Jewish Community Center Seniors Club Biographies

Ariel Lee Bracey is a full time Registered Nurse (RN). She is currently enrolled as a student in Bradley University's DNP program. Prior to COVID, in her pastime she enjoys traveling, karaoke and participating in community theater. Helping people feel better whether it's in health care or entertainment, is her passion. She has done various shows with the Little Theatre community, including, but not limited to Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Hairspray, and Sweet Charity. She’s very excited to be a part of this production and enjoyed working with her director, Robert Shirley, again. Lastly, she would like to thank her family, friends, and her amazing fiancé for their unwavering support. Karen Buchheim has played many roles at LTVB including President, Director, Choreographer, Performer, Costumer, and Box Office Chair. Her most recent credits at LTVB include, Director for Threads, Miss Erikson in Present Laughter, Director/Choreographer for A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, Director/Choreographer Side by Side by Sondheim, Emily Brent in And Then There Were None, and Director/ Choreographer for Side Show. Karen was also Madame Armfeldt in A Little Night Music at LTN. Karen taught dance with the Virginia Beach City Public School’s Gifted and Talented Program for 22 years and danced and taught classes for The Old Dominion University Ballet Company for many years, as well. She loves musical theater and is very pleased to be performing with the members of this show after such an extended isolation! Kyra Hinson is a 17 year old senior at Salem High School. She is very excited to be back on the stage at her home theater, no matter how different it may be. Her most recent stage appearance was in the ensemble of Sweet Charity at LTN in 2019, but she isn’t always on the stage. She enjoys working behind the scenes and earned herself the name “Jack of all trades” during LTVB’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Kyra would like to thank her mom for introducing her to the world of theatre and for pushing her to do her best. Clifford Hoffman most recent appearances at LTVB have been A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (Senex), Spamalot! (Sir Robin), and It's Only A Play (James Wicker). He has appeared on stage with all of the performers in this show in previous productions and is in awe of their talents.

Avir Johnson is 15 years old and a freshman in Landstown High School’s STEM program. His passion for performing began in elementary school chorus (All City Chorus). He enjoys theatre and chorus as creative outlets. In addition to the arts, Avir enjoys playing sports in his free time. He is a starter on his school’s varsity wrestling and football teams. Avir first appeared at LTVB stage in 2018 in the sold-out show, Hairspray. Lastly, he is thankful to his director, Robert Shirley, for the opportunity to be in this meaningful show. He is extremely happy to be a part of this production and even happier to be doing another show alongside his big sister, Ariel Bracey! Jessica Martinez is thrilled to be a part of yet another wonderful show on the LTVB stage, even if it does look a little different this time. She was most recently seen as a member of LTVB’s Women’s Cabaret. You may also recognize her as a member of the ensemble in many shows such as Hairspray, and Spamalot, as well as Annie Shepard in It Shoulda Been You. Jessica is excited to work with this talented cast, and she would like to thank Robert for trusting her and guiding her in this show. Michael Singleton is proud to return to the stage with Songs for a New Day. Last seen at LTVB onstage in Side Show and behind the scenes with And Then There Were None and It Shoulda Been You. Michael has been on a few of Hampton Roads' stages; however, this return is most impactful having spent the past year missing the stage and its audiences. Michael sends thanks and support to the cast and crew of #SdaND. Thanks also go out to my friends and family for their support. Nick Richardson was last seen at LTVB as Hero in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Other LTVB credits include Side Show and Schoolhouse Rock LIVE!. He has worked on- and offstage at many local theaters, including Zeiders American Dream Theater, Virginia Musical Theatre, and Virginia Opera. He also sings at Old Donation Episcopal Church. Nick holds two degrees in theatre from Florida State University. Robert Shirley (Director) is a former teacher, administrator, and theatre arts director whose roles include; Petruchio, The Taming of the Shrew (Portfolio Award); Bill Sykes & Mr. Bumble, Oliver; Jigger, Carousel; Terry Connor, Side Show; Dracula, Dracula; Monster, Young Frankenstein; Anderson, Shenandoah; Nick, Baby; Joe, Shadow Box; Company, Side By Side By Sondheim; Jesus, Godspell; Herod, Jesus Christ Superstar; and Carney, Biloxi Blues. He directed The Boyfriend, Cinderella, Brigadoon, Camelot, Hello, Dolly!, The King and I, Olympus On My Mind, It Shoulda Been You, and recently, The Remains (World Premiere). Robert designed and built costumes for shows including The Secret Garden (World Premiere) Virginia Stage Company; The Nutcracker, ODU Ballet; Legends, Tidewater Dinner Theatre; Treemonisha, Hampton University; Damn Yankees, Tidewater Dinner Theatre and Little Theatre of Virginia Beach; and Jesus Christ Superstar, Kempsville Playhouse. NEW Season Pass Packages for the 2020-21 LTVB Season and beyond!

Choose a 5-pack or 3-pack pass for this season, or an 8-pack Multi-Season pass good for now through the 2021-22 season.

Their Own Words: A Women’s Cabaret March 12 - March 28, 2021

Songs for a New Day Apr 9—May 2, 2021

A Simple Romance A New Musical by Michael Hunsaker May 14—June 6, 2021

Michael Hunsaker Concert The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is funded, in part, by the citizens of May 23 & 30, 2021 Virginia Beach through a grant from the City of Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission. Lynn Ruehlmann - Storyteller Liz Terrell – Jazz Vocalist Additional funding is provided through the Hampton Roads Community June 12-13, 2021 Foundation from the Carol Chittum Endowment for the Theatrical Performing Arts and Nunsense Eugenia Smith Kennedy Fund. July 16 –Aug 8, 2021

Shows are subject to availability. We sincerely thank our donors who have given at the following levels: Angels ($1000 and above) Sandy Lawrence and Michael Smiley Juanita Felton (Tom) Jim & Jean Russell

Producers ($500 - $999) Lisa Stafford & Sherry Forbes Kay Burcher Directors ($250 - $499) We put up a new parking lot, thanks to your generous Nancy Bloom Linda H. Kaufman donations and a loan! Starr Janicki MaryLou Mahlman Future donations will help pay off the loan. Gary Thompson

Actors ($100 - $249) Cameos ($50 - $99) Anonymous Robert Korman Marilyn Abernathy Dorothy (Dottie) Holtz Spiros Apostolakis Donna & Dennis Lawheed Anonymous Susan Hyde Rose Busetti Stacey Luck Anonymous Jay and Nancy Lazier Robin & Brenda Chapman Anthony Maniglia Marisa Barone In memory of Gloria Malbon Anthony Crudup Dan & Robin Martineau Bonnie Bixby Gloria Maley Pat Ewell Erin Matteson Carolyn & Cliff Collings Patricia Paul Lynn Francois Frank McCaffery Raymond DuBois Len Scofield Jodie Frieden K. Spencer McDonald Kathryn Sinclair Fenter Stephanie M. Stearns Lorie Friedman Elizabeth Miklos Glenda Gray Gwynn Sullivan Joyce Gaus Sandy & Pete Nickenig Jennifer Hamilton Esther B. Vaughan Rosalind Gillett Jeff & Sue Rau Harley Handy Reggie Williams Beth Hundley Ross & Jo Anne Rooks Steven Jacobs Regina Valentine