STONY BATTER PLAYERS
BURGIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
A CHORUS LINE A CHORUS LINE A CHORUS LINE A CHORUS LINE A CHORUS LINE A CHORUS LINE Music by Marvin Hamlisch with Lyrics by Edward Kleban Book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante Original Choreography by Michael Bennett and Bob Avian
DIRECTOR Laurie Mufson
CHOREOGRAPHERS Anne Reeder Bertram ’00 Denise Bennett P ’12, ’19, ’24 MUSICAL DIRECTOR ASST. CHOREOGRAPHER Lindsay Owen P ’24 Grace Bennett ’19
PRODUCTION MANAGER/ VOCAL DIRECTOR COSTUME & SET DESIGNER Jim Brinson Kelly Dowling P ’21, ’21, ’23 SOUND ENGINEER LIGHTING DESIGNER Pat McDaniel Walt Dowling P ’21, ’21, ’23 TECHNICAL SUPPORT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Matt Maurer P ’19, ’22, ’23 Jessica Doubell
*Live audiences are asked to please silence electronic devices and be mindful of the microphones for the live streaming of the production.
Thank you for your support! CAST
IN THE HOUSE: Dylan Dowling ’21 ...... Zach Keri-Ann Denis ’24 ...... Lori
DANCERS ON THE LINE: Linden Amster ’23 ...... Don Langley Owen ’24 ...... Maggie Dalila Melkumova ’21 ...... Mia Chelsea Ward ’23 ...... Connie Natalie Kochova ’22 ...... Gretchen Wren Dahbura ’21 ...... Cassie Finn Sipes ’22 ...... Sheila Michael Brannan ’23 ...... Bobby Ebube Onwusika ’21 ...... Bebe Jordyn Beard ’21 ...... Judy Kaitlyn Dowling ’23 ...... Richie Christopher Tompkins ’23 ...... Al Riley Schermerhorn ’23 ...... Kristine Carina Cole ’23 ...... Val Bob Hollis ’24 ...... Mark Matthew Tavarez ’22 ...... Paul Emma Shuford ’21 ...... Diana
CATTLE CALL DANCERS: Andrew Orders ’23...... Frank Kelsey Stiener...... Vicki
Grace Bennett ’19, Alison Curwen, Kelly Dowling, Kristi Magalhaes, Bryan Morgan, Alexandra Patterson, Laura Patterson, Dorothy Skuba Gray ’23, Schuyler Waters ’23 CREW
STAGE MANAGEMENT Charlotte Stauffer ’22 - Blocking and Production Shoki Nemoto ’21 - Music Ellie Miller ’23 - Crew Chief
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Dan Zagorii ’23
FOLLOW SPOT OPS DECK CREW Norah Copenhaver ’24 El Cole ’24 Michael Maurer ’22 Alison Huang ’22 Nathalie Maurer ’23 Tony Huang ’24 Bridge MacPhaille ’24 Samuel Zhao ’24
PROGRAM CREATORS FRONT OF HOUSE Ava Anthony ’23 Charlie Betkowski ’24 Chelsea Seaby Bruno ’21 Dorothy Skuba Gray ’23
BUILD CREW Charlie Betkowski ’24, Travis Byrd ’24, El Cole ’24, Norah Copenhaver ’24 Alison Huang ’22, Tony Huang ’24, Michael Maurer ’22, Nathalie Maurer ’23 Bridget MacPhaille ’24, Dorothy Skuba Gray ’23, Samuel Zhao ’24
Can you find the chicken?
A Stony Batter tradition that pre-dates Laurie Mufson’s tenure as Director of Theatre is for the Tech Crew to hide a rubber chicken somewhere onstage during our final show. Due to the uncertainty of weather they will be placing it somewhere each night we are able to perform A Chorus Line.
While this would never “fly” in professional theatre it is a uniquely Mercersburg activity that honors the hard work of our students behind the scenes! ENSEMBLE BIOS
LINDEN AMSTER as Don
Linden is a 10th-grade student at Mercersburg Academy, and he has been acting from a young age. His roles include Rolf in The Sound of Music, Captain Hook in Peter Pan, and George Spelvin in The Actor’s Nightmare. He has also appeared in The King and I, Our Town, and Mamma Mia! Linden is also a member of the Mercersburg Academy Band, has been playing trumpet for 10 years, and has made District Band twice. Linden is excited to be joining the cast of A Chorus Line with the role of Don Kerr.
JORDYN BEARD as Judy
Jordyn Beard has performed in countless musicals, plays, and musical events. Her most notable role has been Mary Sunshine in Chicago during her sophomore year at Rappahannock County High School (RCHS), and she was also assistant choreographer. She has been receiving musical training for eight years and plans to continue her training after graduation. Jordyn plays the flute and piccolo, sings, conducts, and enjoys musical theater. During her first performance of A Chorus Line in 2018, Jordyn was a member of the pit at RCHS as the only flute/piccolo player. Her favorite performing arts story is of the time she was able to play with her marching band through the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, as she is a life- long Disney fan.
MICHAEL BRANNAN as Bobby
Michael Brannan is a first-year 10th grader at Mercersburg. He is from Mississippi, where he has lived most of his life. This will be his first musical, but he has been a part of one play here and four plays at his previous school, Cardigan Mountain School, where he got the role of Prospero in The Tempest in his first play ever and, in his last play, brought Van Helsing to life in Dracula. When not acting, he enjoys other creative hobbies like writing and drawing, and he also has a passion for psychology, which he hopes to pursue. He hopes to use his experience as an actor to help give him insight into people’s minds to help them as a therapist. CARINA COLE as Val
Carina Cole, who is playing the role of Val Clark, is an upper middler here at Mercersburg Academy. She started acting and participating in choir in elementary school. Some of her past shows at Mercersburg include Mamma Mia! and Chicago. Her other past shows/roles include Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Fiona in Shrek, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Taylor McKessie in High School Musical. On top of being in the musical, Carina is also co-editor-in-chief of the Mercersburg News, vice president of the Women’s Activism Club, and a member of the literary staff of Blue Review. Carina wants to thank her mom and dad for always being so supportive of her.
WREN DAHBURA as Cassie
Wren Dahbura will be taking her final Stony Batter bow as Cassie in A Chorus Line! She has previously been seen in Anything Goes (Patience, the angel) and Chicago (Mona) as well as the 2018, 2019, and 2020 Fall and Spring Dance Concerts and the 2020 and 2021 Irving-Marshall Declamation at Mercersburg. Dahbura has been a part of numerous productions outside of Stony Batter, such as Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie) and performances with the Mid Maryland Performing Arts Center. Dahbura is very excited to pursue her passion for the performing arts at Muhlenberg College where she will double major in theatre management and business with a minor in dance. Many thanks to Laurie Mufson (director of the arts), Anne Reeder Bertram, Denise Bennett, Grace Bennet, Lindsey Owen, Jim Brinson, Kelly Dowling, Walt Dowling, and Jessica Doubell for making this production possible during a global pandemic.
KERI-ANN DENIS as Lori (understudy of Val)
Keri-Ann Denis is a 9th grader at Mercersburg Academy and she likes to cook and sew in her free time.
DYLAN DOWLING as Zach
Four-year Stony Batter Player, Class of 2021. Dylan has loved every moment he spent in this program. He wishes he had more time to participate in it, but nothing lasts forever! KAITLYN DOWLING as Richie
Kaitlyn Dowling is a 10th-grade actor and plays the role of Richie. She has been acting since age 8, encouraged by her theatrical family. Kaitlyn is also involved in various visual arts as well as performing arts. Other notable roles include ensemble member in Mamma Mia!, the Mouse King in The Nutcracker & The Mouse King: A Virtual Family Adventure, and herself in Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.
BOB HOLLIS as Mark (understudy of Mia)
Bob is a 9th grader and proud to say that this is his first musical at Mercersburg Academy! He hopes you enjoy the show!
NATALIE KOCHOVÁ as Gretchen (understudy of Judy)
Natalie, currently a junior, is a first-year international student at Mercersburg. She is originally from the Czech Republic. Theatre is her biggest passion, and A Chorus Line is her theatrical debut. She has danced since she was small and appeared at both the World Tap Dance Championship and the World Ballet Cup. In the future, she hopes to study medicine and get a minor in acting. Natalie is extremely grateful to her family and friends for their support and sends love to the cast for being her second family.
DALILA MELKUMOVA as Mia (Dance Captain)
Dalila Melkumova (Mia) is a senior at Mercersburg Academy. Born in Russia, she has been doing ballet since the age of 7, before switching to musical theatre in 6th grade. Back home, Dalila performed in Moscow Music Hall as a part of Children’s Musical Academy and appeared in Hairspray and The Adventures of the Elektronic and performed as Phillip Carlyle in The Greatest Showman. At Mercersburg, Dalila appeared in Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. and as Marie Stahlbaum in the fall 2020 production of The Nutcracker & The Mouse King: A Virtual Family Adventure. In her free time, she enjoys learning languages and reading. EBUBE ONWUSIKA as Bebe (understudy of Diana)
Ebube Onwusika, who plays Bebe in A Chorus Line, is from Lagos, Nigeria. She has been in multiple plays throughout her high school career, and last year, her first year at the Academy, she was a featured dancer in the Stony Batter production of Mamma Mia! Outside of theatre, Ebube enjoys playing the violin, studying math, and learning new languages. She deeply appreciates all the people who have been with her so far, including the cast, crew, directors, choreographers, friends and family. She has incredible excitement towards her final show with Stony Batter!
ANDREW ORDERS as Frank aka “boy in the headband”
LANGLEY OWEN as Maggie
Langley Owen began her dance career at the age of 3 and theatre career at the age of 9. She has appeared in Fiddler on the Roof at Mercersburg Academy, Totem Pole Playhouse’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, CCT’s James and the Giant Peach JR, Thoroughly Modern Millie JR, Shrek JR, and CVSM’s Beauty and the Beast JR, Annie JR, and Willy Wonka JR. Her most recent performances include Mamma Mia! and The Nutcracker & The Mouse King: A Virtual Family Adventure at Mercersburg Academy. She has also been a part of a multitude of honor choruses, including CVSM Honor Chorus and Franklin County’s District Chorus. Langley also enjoys art, music, and reading in her spare time. She thanks her dad, younger brother, and mom, Lindsay Owen (music director), for supporting her through her theatre journey!
RILEY SCHERMERHORN as Kristine
FINN SIPES as Sheila
Finn Sipes is a third year junior here at Mecrersburg. She has lived in town for 5 years and has done the musical for 2. She also plays volleyball in the fall. EMMA SHUFORD as Diana
Emma Shuford is so excited to be playing Diana in A Chorus Line! She was previously in the productions of She Kills Monsters (Farrah the Fairy), Chicago (Annie), Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr., Mamma Mia!, and The Actor’s Nightmare (Sarah). She also performed in the 2020 and 2021 Irving- Marshall Declamation at Mercersburg Academy. Emma has been a part of numerous productions outside of Stony Batter, such as Thoroughly Modern Millie (Cora), Footloose, Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin, Jr. (Jasmine), and The Music Man. Emma thanks Laurie Mufson, Anne Reeder Bertram, Denise Bennett, Grace Bennett, Lindsey Owen, Jim Brinson, Kelly Dowling, Walt Dowling, Jessica Doubell, the cast, and the crew for their hard work to make this production possible.
MATTHEW TAVAREZ as Paul
Growing up in Paterson, NJ, Matthew did not get the opportunity to try anything related to performing arts. Matthew’s passion for performing arts started with Intro to Dance and Acting 1 term courses taken in his 9th-grade year at Mercersburg Academy. He also was seen in the show Chicago and was in a spring scene his 9th-grade year. He can also be seen in dance concerts and pops concerts as a member of Chorale and Octet. He’s a friendly person to talk to. Do come say, “Hi!” after the show!
CHRISTOPHER TOMPKINS as Al
Christopher Tompkins is a lower middler at Mercersburg. His first musical role was in 8th grade as Oliver Warbucks in Annie. Christopher made his Stony Batter debut in last year’s production of Mamma Mia! as Sky. He would like to thank his father and sister for inspiring his love of theatre and the arts.
CHELSEA WARD as Connie
Chelsea Ward is performing in A Chorus Line as Connie Brown. She is a sophomore at Mercersburg Academy and enjoys art and fashion as much as performing.Her previous roles in Stony Batter performances include Lucy Westenra in Dracula, a woman of the dead in Our Town, and an ensemble member in Mamma Mia! CHARLIE BETKOWSKI EL COLE Front of House Deck Crew
NORAH COPENHAVER Followspot Op Known as ‘headband girl’, Norah is in the class of 2024 and is working spot opt for tech crew in “A Chorus Line”. They performed for a couple years in theatre , Choirs , and is playing flute in Mercersburg Academy’s band. They’re a legacy of 3+ Mercersburg Academy students and is an irving society legacy! Other than doing tech crew work , they typically go mountain biking or sleep , a lot. :)
ALISON HUANG TONY HUANG Deck Crew Deck Crew
BRIDGE MACPHAILLE Followspot Op
MICHAEL MAURER NATHALIE MAURER Followspot Op Followspot Op ELLIE MILLER Stage Manager Ellie Miller is a first year tenth grader at Mercersburg. This is her fifth time in tech crew and her eighth show overall. Her favorite show that she’s worked on is Murder on the Orient Express. She is very excited to be working backstage as an Assistant Stage Manager and her other interests include standup comedy and watching movies.
SHOKI NEMOTO Stage Manager
Shoki Nemoto is a four-year senior, and he listens to music all the time. His favourite musicians include: Zedd, Sia, and Lady Gaga.
CHARLOTTE STAUFFER Stage Manager
DOROTHY SKUBA-GRAY Front of House DAN ZAGORII Director of Photography
SAMUEL ZHAO Deck Crew Samuel is a freshman at Mercersburg. He loves singing and performing. He has been learning singing for several years and maybe will join the chorale next year. He really enjoys being on the stage doing his best. DENISE BENNETT GRACE BENNETT Choreographer Asst. Choreographer/Swing
JIM BRINSON WALT DOWLING Vocal Director Lighting Designer
KELLY DOWLING Production Manager and Set/Costume Designer
Ms D. has been a faculty member at Mercersburg for 6 years. She loves Shakespeare, puppets, animals, thrifting, and her family. She is exceptionally good at making things out of trash (which fancy people call it “upcycling.”) Ms.D has worked in theatre professionally for more than 25 years but has been dramatic all her life. Just ask her mom.
JESSICA DOUBELL Technical Director Mrs. Doubell has been the technical director at Mercersburg Academy since 2019. She grew up in a theater family and always knew she wanted to stage manage. She has worked near and far in her theatrical endeavors, but prefers to remain near her family now that she has created offspring. As always, she thanks her husband for understanding that he married into the theater life and for loving all of her many personalities. She also serves on the board of directors for Chambersburg Community Theater. Please, support all live theater and theatrical communities! Thank you. LINDSEY OWEN Musical Director
Lindsay Alexander Owen is a private vocal teacher at Mercersburg Academy, where she is music director and pit conductor for the musical theatre productions. She works as a music director for the Washington County Playhouse, Cumberland Valley School of Music, and Authentic Community Theatre’s Summer Institute for the Arts. Lindsay conducted a select children’s chorus for Totem Pole Playhouse’s musical production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which included several Broadway Equity actors. Lindsay earned a bachelor’s degree in musical arts in voice and piano from Vanderbilt University and a master’s of church music in choral conducting from Belmont University. She studied private choral conducting under the direction of Dr. Timothy W. Sharp, former executive director of the American Choral Directors Association of America. Her post-graduate work included study with the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus under the direction of Anne Tomlinson, and Judith Willoughby at Westminster Choir College’s Summer Institute in Princeton, N.J.
ANNE REEDER BERTRAM MATT MAURER Choreographer Technical Support
PAT MCDANIEL Sound Engineer
LAURIE MUFSON Director Please read on in this program for a feature on Laurie Mufson and her 23 years of service to Mercersburg Academy. MUSICAL NUMBERS
“I Hope I Get It” ------Company
“I Can Do That” ------Mia
“And...” ------Bobby, Richie, Val, and Judy
“At the Ballet” ------Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie
“Sing!” ------Kristine, Al, and Company
“Montage Part 1: Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love” ------Mark, Connie, and Company
“Montage Part 2: Nothing” ------Diana “Montage Part 3: Mother” ------Don, Judy, Maggie, and Company
“Montage Part 4: Gimme the Ball” ------Richie and Company
“Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” ------Val
“The Music and the Mirror” ------Cassie
“One” ------Company
“The Tap Combination” ------Company
“What I Did for Love” ------Diana and Company
“One” (Reprise)/Bows ------Company What is "A CHORUS LINE?" By Ava Anthony ’23 A Chorus Line first opened in 1975 and has since been a favorite of most who have seen it. It is a show that catches your attention for its entire duration. The musical is the longest-running show in Broadway history, being awarded nine Tonys during its entire run. A Chorus Line tells the story of a group of people auditioning for a musical. The director asks each person to tell their stories, and they do so in the form of song and dance.
With each musical number, we get to know each character and watch as they form connections with one another. There are enough characters with enough diversity that you can’t help but relate to them. A Chorus Line does not just entertain the audience, it makes them feel something. The audience experiences the story along with the characters, and they understand their sorrows and joys, their losses and triumphs. A Chorus Line is not just a story. It is the story of anyone who has ever dreamed of doing something great but is haunted by their insecurities or what others see in them. The beauty of A Chorus Line is that, as you watch, you find yourself in the characters, music, and choreography.
A Farewell to Laurie Mufson
A teacher, an inspiration, an artist. In May 1998, Laurie Mufson came to Mercersburg Academy as the complete package, staying with us for 23 years. Sadly, she has announced her retirement and will be leaving at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year. A Chorus Line marks the beginning and ending of Ms. Mufson’s journey at Mercersburg, as she directed the musical in both 1999 and 2021. The upcoming performance is much more than just the dance numbers and spectacle; it will be representative of the impact Ms. Mufson has made on our hearts and minds. Ms. Mufson’s footprints will continue to guide students down the right path. The strong foundation of love and creativity she created will stay strong and help provide stability for future Stony Batter members.
Words cannot express what she has done for so many faculty and students. Instead, let us honor her legacy by viewing the memories she will leave behind.
Thank you so much, Ms. Mufson.
For everything.
Kiss today goodbye and point me toward tomorrow Special Thanks
Karen and Jack Hawbaker, Suzanne Taylor
Alys Dahbura and the Miller Family
Lena Miller and the Housekeeping Staff
Ed Martin and the Facilities Team
Skip Sydnor and the Campus Safety Team
The Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
The Student Life Office
Rick Hendrickson, Jen Smith, Julie Maurer, and Katie Titus