The Children's Hour

Home , The Boy from Oz

Town and Country Players Doylestown, PA

PRESENTS

THE CHILDREN'S HOUR

by Lillian Hellman

with

Danielle Foley Caitlin Riley Makayla McClintic Sandra Hartman Ken Stephon Julia Levy

Director Producer Rob Rosiello Jillian Ambs

Stage Manager Mike McClintic

Set Designer Scenic Design Jon Knapp T. Mark Cole

Costume Designer Lighting/Sound Design Nancy Ridgeway Scott Monsees

The Children's Hour is presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. 440 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 Phone: 212-683-8960 Fax: 212-213-1539 www.Dramatists.com

A Note from the Director of The Children’s Hour

One Lie. Many Lives. The Children’s Hour was written and first performed in 1934 on Broadway. 84 years later, the subject matter couldn’t be any more timely. The power of words. The danger of anger. Today, we have a name for it: Bullying. But because of modern technology, and all the advances that are supposed to make life easier, we all are more vulnerable and we are all more responsible. There are many lessons to be learned from this particular play. We, as adults, have an ongoing and even greater responsibility for all we say and all we do. We are setting the examples, today, for those who will pick up and carry on beyond our days. What legacy are we to leave for them? The hope always is one of betterment and enlightenment, strength and understanding.

I’m proud to be a part of a theatre community that understands the need to tell stories like this- stories like The Laramie Project and The Children’s Hour are essential and help create a well-rounded vision of what kind of art we want to create today and what we are paving the way for tomorrow. And with all in life, we have also managed to find the humor in this brilliantly crafted play. Madeleine L’Engle, the author of A Wrinkle In Time, once said, “Maybe you have to know the darkness to understand the light.” And we also strive to always find the light.

May The Children’s Hour cast a new light on an ages old topic for you— May it also incite some great conversations and debates.

Rob Rosiello

T&C is pleased to be offering two post-matinee Talk Backs on

October 14 and October 21

You are also welcome to please seek any of us out after any show.

Beyond our performances, we encourage you to also seek out more information from one of many organizations that are dedicated to anti-bullying causes and helping to prevent the dire aftermath that can so often ensue, along with a few dates to remember this month:

October is National Anti-Bullying Month

The Matthew Shepard Foundation: An organization dedicated to empower individuals to embrace human dignity and diversity through outreach. They strive to replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance. matthewshepard.org

October 18 is National Spirit Day; wear purple to make a pledge against all forms of bullying and to support LGBT Youth. Sponsored by GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) glaad.org

The Trevor Project: dedicated to help youth struggling with thoughts of suicide, with a special focus on LGBTQ youth. thetrevorproject.org

October 24 is Unite Day, to bring an end to all forms of bullying.p acer.org/bullying

Peggy Rogers Devyn Costello-Henderson

Catherine Caroline Canterbury

Lois Fisher Megan Hayhurst

Mrs. Lily Mortar Sally Donovan

Evelyn Munn Caroline Gutsch

Helen Burton Michelle Patelmo

Rosalie Wells Julia Levy

Mary Tilford Makayla McClintic

Karen Wright Caitlin Riley

Martha Dobie Danielle Foley

Dr. Joseph Cardin Ken Stephon

Agatha Valerie Sharper

Amelia Tilford Sandra Hartman

Lois Fisher - Understudy Emma O'Reilly

Director Rob Rosiello

Producer Jillian Ambs

Stage Manager Mike McClintic

Set Designer/Master Carpenter Jon Knapp

Scenic Designer T. Mark Cole

Lighting and Sound Design Scott Monsees

Sound Technician Mason McClintic

Costume Designer Nancy Ridgeway

Properties Karen Abrams

Properties Annamarie Hughes

Wig Design Lynne Anne Donchez

Program Jillian Ambs

Program Ads Jean Laustsen

Running Crew Dave Levy

Running Crew Emma O'Reilly

Running Crew Emma Deeken

Talkback Moderator Sarah LeClair

Devyn Costello-Henderson as Peggy Rogers Devyn is thrilled to make her Town and Country Players debut! She has most recently been part of the Roger and Hammerstein's Cinderella for young audiences at the Bucks County Playhouse. Other favorite shows include Macbeth (Malcolm, Witch) and Secret Garden (Mary Lennox). Devyn loves to dance and sing as well as act. She also enjoys performing in an occasional classical concert.

Caroline Canterbury as Catherine Caroline “Carrots” is an 8th grader who has been acting since she was eight. She has been a regular at T&C’s Summer Workshops since 2013 and is thrilled to be in her second official performance on the T&C stage! She was last seen in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe as the White Stag, and a tree nymph. She wants to thank her family and friends for supporting her!

Megan Hayhurst as Lois Fisher Megan Hayhurst is excited to be playing the role of Lois Fisher in The Children's Hour. Megan has studied acting for film in New York for several years, and has been taking acting courses since she can remember. She recently studied Method and Meisner acting techniques at A Class Act New York, and acting for film at New York Film Academy and The Barrow Group. Her favorite thing she's learned so far is stage combat. She is a sophomore in high school, and her favorite subjects are math and science. She likes to use logic to solve problems, but understands the importance of bringing a creative aspect to the table. Megan is an accomplished pianist. She enjoys creating stories behind the music she plays, and is excited to be able to portray a character in a unique story on stage.

Sally Donovan as Mrs. Lily Mortar After a considerable absence, Sally returns to the stage most recently performing in Come Back, Little Sheba at Stagecrafters theater.In the past, Sally has appeared in “The Crucible”, “Little Murders”, “Oliver” , “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, “My Fair Lady”, “The King and I”, “The Music Man “, John Dos Passos' “USA”, Wings, Cinderella, the Lady of Larkspur Lotion and Crimes of the Heart. Sally has studied acting at Hedgerow theater and is presently under the tutelage of renown character actor, Joey Perillo. Side note: Sally appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy!

Caroline Gutsch as Evelyn Munn Caroline is ecstatic to be part of such a talented cast and back onstage at Town & Country after making her debut as a member of the Children’s Ensemble (Oopma-Loompa, child, squirrel) in Willy Wonka in the summer of 2017. Other shows include playing the role of Nala in Warwick Elementary School’s production of the Lion King Jr. Caroline has been attending workshops at T&C since 2014 and loves to sing in the Youth Choir at her church. A 7th grader at Holicong Middle School, Caroline loves to read, tumble, travel and spend time with family and friends. She is excited to get involved in the Holicong MS choir and musical this year. A special thanks to her parents, Rob and Jillian for this incredible opportunity and to all the amazing people associated with The Children’s Hour. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Michelle Patelmo as Helen Burton Michelle has been active in music and theater for 6+ years. She scored a lead role in her school musical, Legally Blonde last spring. She also plays clarinet and performs with Smith Vocal Arts show choir. She is currently in 8th grade. Michelle is very excited to play in her first ever dramatic acting role in The Children’s Hour and is grateful to T & C for this amazing opportunity!

Julia Levy as Rosalie Wells Julia is thrilled to be a part of this important and powerful production. After appearing on the T&C stage as Susan in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” as well as playing a pig and the Young Warden in “Holes,” Julia was backstage as Assistant Stage Manager in this summer’s production of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” She played the Chihuahua Narrator in her school’s performance of “101 Dalmatians Jr” last spring. She is a regular at the Summer Camp Youth Workshops at T&C, and she has taken acting classes at Lights Camera Acting since the age of five. Julia is in 6th grade, where she participates in Reading Olympics, plays the viola, and serves as a School Ambassador.

Makayla McClintic as Mary Tilford Makayla has previously performed at T&C as Archie in Bonnie & Clyde, the Elf in Lion Witch and the Wardrobe, and Alvin in the T&C Christmas Special. She is a three-year veteran of T&C’s great Summer Workshops. Makayla really appreciates Rob and Jillian for casting her as Mary. Makayla thanks her dad and Mariel for her audition prep and thanks her mom, brother, and dad for their tremendous support. She thanks her Ayee for being her biggest fan. She also thanks the other fabulous actors in this show – she’s learned so much about acting from this production. This performance is dedicated to her wonderful mom!

Caitlin Riley as Karen Wright This is Caitlin’s third time on the T&C stage. Previous credits include Karen Weston in August: Osage County and Romaine Patterson, et al. in The Laramie Project. At Old Academy Players, she’s portrayed Catharine Holly in Suddenly Last Summer and Annabella de Mateo in A Song I Forgot to Sing. Exuberant thanks to Rob, Jillian, and my wonderful castmates. This performance is dedicated to Spouse Lounge.

Danielle Foley as Martha Dobie Danielle is delighted to be in her first production at Town & Country Players. It has been a true joy working with this incredible cast and crew. Favorite past roles include: Laura (The Glass Menagerie, Steel River Playhouse), Ophelia/Nurse (Hamletmachine/Medeaplays, Underground Arts), Honey (365 Days/Plays, Filament Theatre Co./LA), Juliet (Farewell Juliet, Santa Monica Playhouse), Young Woman (Machinal, Miami Univ. of Ohio Main Stage), and Mary Warren (The Crucible, Forge Theatre). Internet T.V. Series Credits Include: Jenny in 30 Days of Night: Blood Trails, Miss Dewitt in Prom Queen. Thank you Stephen, Pearce, Mom, Dad, friends and all the good folks at www.wayneseniorcenter.com for all your love and support!

Ken Stephon as Dr. Joseph Cardin Ken is delighted to be performing in his fifth show on the T&C stage, having most recently played the roles of Dennis Shepard, Harry Woods, et al. in the 2017 production of The Laramie Project. His previous roles include Cmdr. Walter Stone in A Few Good Men and Sheriff Deon Gilbeau in August: Osage County. He also brought the role of Randall Cooke to life in the staged reading of Cold Stun, in last winter's T&C Signature Series event. When not onstage, Ken is busy performing as President of William Penn Bank in Bucks County.

Valerie Sharper as Agatha Val is happy to be a part of the wonderful cast of this classic play of the American stage. Favorite roles over the years include Joanne/Company, Drowsy Chaperone/The Drowsy Chaperone, Mrs. Potts/Beauty and the Beast, Sally/Follies,Kate Keller/All My Sons, Mrs. Lovett/Sweeney Todd, and Marilla Cuthbert/Anne of Green Gables. Break a leg everyone!

Sandra Hartman as Amelia Tilford Sandra recently played the role of Dora Chadwick in the world premiere of A Song I Forgot to Sing by Rob Rosiello at Old Academy Players. Recent roles include Violet in Suddenly Last Summer (OA), Lynn Fontanne in Ten Chimneys (OA) and Woman 2 in Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well (Steel River Playhouse). Regional credits include: A Little Night Music (Theater Barn, NY,) The Scarlet Pimpernel (Hedgerow Theatre) and Annie Get Your Gun (Merry Go Round Playhouse, NY). National Tours: Man of La Mancha, Carousel. Off Broadway: Mamaleh. Intl: Ensemble at Theater des Westens in Berlin, Germany for 7 years. Sandra studied music at the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and is a soloist at Christ Church and St. Michael’s. She works as an opera director and has staged over 30 productions for the Delaware Valley Opera Company, Boheme Opera, Center City Opera and New York Metro Vocal Arts Ensemble. She teaches voice at the Wolf Performing Arts Center and privately.

Emma O'Reilly as Lois Fisher - Understudy Emma is very excited to be a part of A Children’s Hour! She was last seen on the Town and Country Stage in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe as Centaur, and backstage on Running Crew for Peter and the Starcatcher. She was also involved in Lenape Players productions of Willy Wonka Jr. (Mrs. Bucket), Guys and Dolls (Arvide Abernathy), and High School Musical 2 (Ensemble). She’s eager to take part of this great show! She would like to thank Jillian and Rob for the opportunity! She sends love to family and friends. HI MOM!

SPECIAL THANKS

Jack Bathke and Langhorne Players Nancy Frick and Old Academy Players Graham Heuber

Rob Rosiello Director Directing credits: A SONG I FORGOT TO SING (World Premiere at Old Academy Players, Philadelphia), THE LARAMIE PROJECT, SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER, OUR INTOXICATION, DIE- NASTY, THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE and LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! Rob will direct LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART at Old Academy Players in Philadelphia (3/2019). Onstage credits include Louis in the Barrymore Award winning ensemble of ANGELS IN AMERICA PARTS I & II. Masters’ Degree in Theatre from Villanova University and teaches at Montgomery County Community College. His play COLD STUN will receive its world premiere in 2019 at Town and Country Players, directed by Sarah LeClair. Rob’s work with the winner of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE Seasons 1 through 5 led him on a nationwide tour on behalf of ABSOLUT and LOGO TV, and a chapter in an academic text book published last year- RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE AND THE SHIFTING VISIBILITY OF DRAG CULTURE. www.RobRosiello.com

Jillian Ambs Producer Jillian has been performing for more than 23 years in NY, PA and NJ and is a member of the T&C Board. She was most recently seen as Deirdre in Honky Tonk Queen at Old Academy Players and has produced The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, A Few Good Men and Good People here at T&C. You may remember Jillian from our 2017 season as Mrs. Bucket in Willy Wonka and as Melissa in Love Letters. Her resume includes leads & secondary roles in more than 1000 performances in addition to being part of a professional cabaret group for 3 years. She also works as the Choreographer for CRAFTPlayers of Newtown and performs as a Soloist for weddings and funerals. Jillian is also one of T&C's House Managers and she has worked hard to foster a love of theater in her 4 children who have appeared onstage with her in various roles over the years. Many thanks to everyone who made this show a success! This cast is just amazing and I am so proud of this production!

Mike McClintic Stage Manager Michael is very excited to help with this incredibly powerful play and looks forward to participating in his fourth production this season. A tremendous thank you to his amazing wife Lisa for her support and encouragement and general level of awesomeness. As always thanks to Mason, and Makayla for supporting my theater addiction. Break a leg Cast!

Jon Knapp Set Designer/Master Carpenter Jon most recently designed and built the set for Other Desert Cities earlier this season and he is pleased to be working again with the talented T&C company. In his 50 something years, he’s worked onstage and backstage both professionally and just for fun. He even spent time wrangling big cats (tigers, leopards, lions, etc) in a Vegas-style magic show. These days he’s wrestling with wild animals of a different sort as the father of two adult sons and a very patient wife. Jon dreams of one day finding an old theater and turning it into a barn.

T. Mark Cole Scenic Designer Mark is a traditional landscape artist and works under his abstract art pseudonym, Favi Dubo. Theatre credits: A SONG I FORGOT TO SING and SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER (Set Design); OTHER DESERT CITIES and THE LARAMIE PROJECT (Scenic Design). He’s a fine arts instructor and worked for the State of Maine cataloguing historic homes on Mt Desert Island. Mark co-authored two books on Stone Harbor, NJ with Arcadia Publishing and was twice commissioned for The ABSOLUT VODKA Masterpiece Program, a nationally juried art show and competition. Mark is a member of: Chester County Art Association, Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts,InLiquid.com and The National Trust. For 30 years he was the curator for The Brandywine Museum’s Holiday Exhibit of Betsy Wyeth’s Jewelry. Mark holds a BFA from West Chester University and studied Fine Art throughout Europe.

Scott Monsees Lighting and Sound Design Scott is excited to have an opportunity to work on The Children's Hour having most recently handled the Lighting/Sound and Special Effects for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Scott is a founding board member of Forté Dramatic Productions and was last seen as the Lighting and Sound Designer for Sylvia, The Boy from OZ, Willy Wonka, Company, and The Music Man. “I would like to thank my Friends and Family for all their help and support.” Congratulations to the cast and crew.

Mason McClintic Sound Technician After having a blast at T&C Summer Workshop this year, Mason is looking forward to his second show this season as a sound tech. In addition to tech, Mason has been seen on T&C’s stage as a member of the Wolfpack in Lion Witch and the Wardrobe. Mason thanks his mom, dad and sister for this support. He looks forward to seeing his sister, Makayla, and the other great actors in this fantastic show.

Nancy Ridgeway Costume Designer Nancy most recently appeared in the Choir of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and also directed this Other Desert Cities here at T&C and Honky Tonk Queen at Old Academy Theater this season. Next up, Nancy will be the Artistic Director for The Nutcracker.

Karen Abrams Properties Karen is thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and production team. Previous shows include Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike, The Pajama Game, Charlotte’s Web, The Secret Garden, Girls of the Garden Club, The Nutcracker, Drowsy Chaperone, Moon Over Buffalo, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, A Few Good Men and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Thank you, Rob and Jillian for asking me to join your team and to Annamarie for being my Props partner.

Annamarie Hughes Properties Anna is happy to be back at T&C and thrilled to be working with Rob, Jillian and with this wonderfully talented cast and crew. Anna originally became involved in T&C in 2000 and has loved being part of many amazing productions since. Most recently, Anna produced Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike at T&C this season. Anna also directed The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe in 2007; Arthur's Stone, Merlin's Fire: The Making of a King in 2009; and It’s a Wonderful Life in 2011. Past producer roles include Pajama Game, Charlotte’s Web, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Proof, and Gypsy. Onstage Anna has been seen in Honk!, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Follies, and Fiddler on the Roof. Much love to her amazing husband Bob and her six awesome kids: Rob, Dave, Meg, Chris, Sarah, and John. Enjoy the show!

Lynne Anne Donchez Wig Design Lynne Anne is very excited to be doing wig design work for The Children's Hour and is also especially happy to be working with Rob. Congratulations to T&C on their first 71 years!

Dave Levy Running Crew Dave is an elementary teacher in Doylestown. He also performs and teaches improv comedy. Recent on-stage credits include Peter and the Starcatcher, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and A Few Good Men. Dave is honored to be a part of such an important and powerful piece of theater like The Children’s Hour. I’m proud of you, Julia!

Emma Deeken Running Crew Emma loves being part of the fun at T&C. She is excited for her 1st time on crew and adding it to the list of experiences she has enjoyed, including summer workshops and the ensemble of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe!

Sarah LeClair Talkback Moderator Sarah is an accomplished Director here at T&C and will be directing the World Premiere of Rob Rosiello's Cold Stun here at T&C next season. We are grateful for her theatrical expertise in leading our talk back sessions.

T&C Raffle Our raffle helps to support the Building Fund. We offer custom raffle options for each show. Raffle tickets are $5.00 each or five tickets for $20.00. Each raffle ticket is also eligible for our end of year prizes which include a trip to a Broadway show of your choice as well as other prizes (see the list in the Clubroom). We appreciate your support. Thank you!

Volunteer to Earn a Free Ticket Members and Non-Members may volunteer to usher, direct parking or sell raffle tickets for our shows and will receive a FREE SEAT for any show in our 2017 season. If you are interested in volunteering, you may sign up on our website or fill out "Volunteer Form" in the Clubroom.

Become a T&C Member We would love to have you as Member of our T&C family! Members have the right to participate in all meetings, parties and events, and vote for the slate of plays for our 71st season in 2018, as well as vote for our Executive Board for the next year. Please feel free to pickup a Membership Application in our Clubroom.

Annual membership dues are: $30.00 (Individual)

$50.00 (Household) Any two Adults from one household

$75.00 (Family - 2 Adults and up to 4 Youth)

$20.00 (Youth - Grades 7 to 12)

Special Thanks to Our 2018 Gold Patrons

Jean & Frank Collins Teresa & Chester Davis Heide & Chester Davis June Fisher Donna & Brett Harrison Lisa & Dan Heine Alan Hoberman Sharon M. Holloway David H. Keller Harry & Betty Serpico Robert & Joy Snyder Kathy & Dave Sooy Pat & Jim Stabilito Peter Stevens Stephen Weiss John & Delores Winterbottom Nancy Staich Robert & Sharon Steck Ed Ritvo and Marie von Elten Jack & Paula Young

Become a Friend of Town and Country Players

Town and Country Players is celebrating its 71st season in 2018. Our theatre is run by volunteers and we rely on your generous, tax deductible financial support to help defray the cost of our lovely, new modern facility. Please add your name to our "Circle of Friends" so that we can continue to provide you with high quality productions and theatre workshops for many years to come.

Your donation will be acknowledged on our "Circle of Friends" page this season.

We are deeply grateful for your generous support.

Please enclose the form below with your check or money order and mail to:

Town and Country Players PO Box 323 Doylestown, PA 18901

Contributions can also be made through PayPal on our website at:

www.townandcountryplayers.org

Producer's Circle: $1,000 and up Director's Chair: $500 - $9999 Leading Role: $100 - $499 Supporting Cast: Up to $99

Name: ______

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Town and Country Players is a 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit organization Your gift is tax deductible.

Congratulations to our 2017 Season Award Winners!

2017 Member Award Winners:

Service Award: Jean Laustsen Lifetime Achievement Award: Ken Ambs Rafters Award: Anna Doyle Jr. Rafters Award: Noemi Nieves-Hoblin Marion Kolman Award (Female Acting): Stephanie Smith

2017 Towny Award Winners:

Best Actor in a Lead Role Paul Frank for Lenny Ganz in Rumors

Best Actress in a Lead Role Danielle Malat for Jo Galloway in A Few Good Men

Best Actor in a Supporting Role Jerome Neville as Col. Nathan Jessup in A Few Good Men

Best Actress in a Supporting Role Mary Saile as Cassie Cooper in Rumoes

Future Star Award Matthew Ballow as William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Excellence in Design Award Susan Galli for Props Design for Willy Wonka

Winner of the Town and Country Cup for the Best Production of the 2017 Season:

A Few Good Men Directed by Nancy Ridgeway Produced by Jillian Ambs

Town and Country Players would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of our donors. We greatly appreciate your financial support!

Producer's Circle ($1,000 and up) Sharon Holloway Central Bucks Sertoma Club Greg & Carol Landis

Director's Chair ($500 - $999) Ken and Jillian Ambs Bill and Jean Brenner Jim McIntosh (Merck Foundation) Valerie and David Sharper

Leading Role ($100 - $499) The Doylestown Dancing Divas (In Memory of Doris Donchez) Janyce Fadden (In Memory of Doris Donchez) Walter Hauck Alan Hoberman Ken and Suzanne Kaminski Greg and Danielle Malat Mike McClintic and Family Jim and Suzanne Palmer The Perignat Family (In Memory of John Auerbach) Jim and Pat Stabilito Nancy Staich Ed Ritvo and Marie von Elten Jack & Paula Young

Town and Country Players would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of our donors. We greatly appreciate your financial support!

Supporting Cast (up to $99) Anna Doyle Mary Gemmill Miriam & Reese Ewing Jack & Linda Barr Marian Disken The Dolceamores JoAnn Formeller Mark & Jacquelyn Grande David H. Keller Roberta Keck The McClintic Family (In Memory of Doris Donchez) Bruce McMahon Russ Naylor (In Memory of Doris Donchez) Karen Poli Chris Serpico The 2017 Holiday Show Ensemble Susan Webha (In Memory of Doris Donchez) James and Deborah Wodock (In Memory of Doris Donchez)

Gifts in Kind Lynne-Anne Donchez