Crimes of the Heart open Friday at Little Theatre of NSB

The Mcgrath sisters are, from left, Babe, played by Brittany Kretz; Meg, played by Sarah de la Hoz and Lenny, played by Heidi Ackerson.

“Crimes of the Heart,” will open at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach May 18. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this play teems with humanity and humor as it examines the plight of three Mississippi sisters betrayed by their passions.
The drama takes place in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, where the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of the family patriarch, their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the local hospital.

Babe and Barnette dance

Lenny, the oldest sister, played by Heidi Ackerson, is unmarried at and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, the middle sister, played by Sarah de la Hoz, who quickly outgrew Hazlehurst, is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast; while Babe, played by Brittany Kretz, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her husband in the stomach.
Their troubles, grave and yet, somehow, hilarious, are highlighted by their priggish cousin, Chick, played by Joey Reader, The cast also includes Ryan Mcnally and Will Bordelon and is directed by Karen Poulsen.
In the end the play is the story of how its characters escape the past to seize the future. Performances are May 18-20 and 24-27. For ticket information, call the Little Theatre box office at 386-423-1246 or visit NsbPlayers.org. The box office is open 1-4 p.m. weekdays and two hours before each performance. The theater is at 726 Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach.

The cast of “Crimes of the Heart,” front, from left, Heidi Ackerson, Sarah de la Hoz, Brittany Kretz; back, from left, Will Bordelon, Joey Reader and Ryan McNally.

‘On Golden Pond’ opens April 13 at Little Theatre of NSB

“On Golden Pond” Tony Award Winner in 2005 for Best Revival of a Play will open at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach April 13, with performances April 14, 15, & 19-22.

Mike Funaro and Patti Earl play Ethel and Norman Thayer in "On Golden Pond.' Photos by Sandi Carroll

This insightful production focuses on an aging couple, Ethel and Norman Thayer, played by Patti Earl and Mike Funaro, who spend each summer at their Maine home on a lake called Golden Pond. During the year the story takes place, it is Norman’s 80th birthday.
Charlie, the mailman, played by David Jenkins, stops by and reminisces about the Thayer’s daughter, Chelsea, whom he used to date. A letter arrives from Chelsea saying that she is coming from California with her boyfriend Bill to celebrate Norman’s birthday. She has not visited her parents in years.
It becomes clearer that Norman is struggling with memory loss, as he continues to forget names and places that should be familiar.
Chelsea, played by Karin Jenkins, brings her fiancé Bill, played by Sam Goodman, and his son, Billy, played by Chris Tyson. They are on their way to Europe and ask Ethel and Norman to watch the 13-year-old boy while they’re away.
Ethel and Norman reluctantly agree and as the summer fades, the three grow close and the boy becomes the grandson they always wanted.
This heartwarming story explores the often turbulent relationship of a young woman and her father and the difficulties faced by a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage.
For ticket information, call the Little Theatre box office at 386-423-1246 or visit NsbPlayers.org. The box office is open 1-4 p.m. weekdays and two hours before each performance. The theater is at 726 Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach. For more information visit www.NsbPlayers.org.

Norman (Mike Funaro), Billy (Chris Tyson) and Ethel (Patti Earl) talk at the start of summer day at their cabin on Golden Pond.

Cast members of "On Golden Pond" are (front, l-r) Mike Funaro, Patti Earl, Karin Jenkins; (back, from left) David Jenkins, Chris Tyson and Sam Goodman.

‘Pajama Game” opens at Little Theatre

Mandee Mitchum (Sandra), Rena Katz (Virginia), Heather Nettles (Babe), Susan Cardillo (Brenda), Javana Angelique (Poopsie) and Danielle Grau (Mae). Click on any photo to bring up in new window, then click on magnifying glass to enlarge. All Photos by Sandi Carroll

The musical “The Pajama Game” will be presented by The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach Feb. 24, 25, 26 and March 1, 2, 3, 4 and March 8, 9, 10 and 11. The musical is based on the novel “7 ½ Cents” by Richard Bissell. It features a score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross.

The story deals with labor troubles in a pajama factory, where worker demands for a seven-and-a-half cents raise are going unheeded.

In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent. David Santiago, playing Sid is earnest, with a fine voice and assured presence. Heather Nettles is a Babe to match him, falling for Sid’s personal charms but standing fast with her fellow union members.

Prez (Robert Roam) puts the moves on Gladys (Bernadette Suidock)

Babe is the “good” Good Girl, while Bernadette Suidock as the perky bookkeeper Gladys is the “bad” Good Girl. Her strutting, jealous, boyfriend Hines, played by Franco Bottley is the factory timekeeper. The cast is complimented with many Little Theatre veteran actors and some wonderful new ones including Robert J. Roam, Chris Jenkins, Ida Anderson, John Palermo, John Lipka, Danielle Grau, Susan Cardillo, Javana Angelique, John Hardebeck, Bill Walker, Rena Katz, Mandee Mitchum, Joey Reader, and Violet Anne.

“The Pajama Game” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and all authorized materials are also supplied by MTI. Performances are evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

This show is directed by John Stenko with musical direction by Lizzie Brahm-Kriger. Daniel Walker is the choreographer for this musical.

Tickets are selling out fast, so call or visit the box office Monday through Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm at (386) 423-1246. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors and $10 for students under 18. Visit www.nsbplayers.org for additional information. The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach is located at 726 Third Avenue, NSB.

The cast of "The Pajama Game" - ready to entertain theater-goers at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach.

‘I Hate Hamlet’ opens Jan. 13

Pat Justin and David Lowe as Lillian Troy and John Barrymore. Photos by Sandi Carroll

Prepare to be thoroughly entertained at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach with its presentation of “I Hate Hamlet” Jan. 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. This comedy by Paul Rudnick explores what happens when a young actor is offered the chance of a lifetime – an opportunity to perform Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Central Park – only he’s not really sure he wants to.

Andrew Rally, played by Rob Baldwin, moves from Los Angeles to New York and rents an apartment that once was the famous John Barrymore’s abode. His indecision about playing Hamlet and his angry shout of “I hate Hamlet” raises the ghost of  Barrymore, played by David Lowe, who fortified by champagne and a massive ego, sets about to change Andrew’s mind and have him fulfill his actor’s destiny. Andrew wrestles with his conscience, while Barrymore, his sword and a cast of quirky characters pop in to add to the fun. The quick comedy and larger than life personalities provide non-stop laughs.
Carrie Van Tol  plays Felicia Dantine, the “nu-yawk” realtor and free-lance psychic who brings Rally and Barrymore together. Alexa Baldwin plays Rally’s wealthy girl friend Deirdre McDavey, thrilled at the idea of her man starring in “Hamlet.”  Pat Justin plays Lillian Troy, Rally’s imperious agent — who, as fate would have it, was one of Barrymore’s many sexual conquests. Sam Goodwin plays Gary Peter Lefkowitz,  a kaleidoscope of bright shirts and brash opinions, and Rally’s deal-making representative in LA. The production is directed by John Stenko.
Tickets are available at the Box Office Monday through Saturday from 1 to 4 PM at 726 Third Avenue, Beachside, NSB or by calling (386) 423-1246. Visit the website for information about this show and other Little Theatre activities at www.NsbPlayers.org. “I Hate Hamlet” is presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

Alexa Baldwin, Pat Justin, Carrie Van Tol and Rob Baldwin

Pat Justin (front, l-r), Alexa Baldwin, Carrie Van Tol; Sam Goodwin (back, l-r), David Lowe and Rob Baldwin.

‘Dashing Through the Snow’ opens at Little Theatre

Sister showdown

Ho! Ho! Ho! “Dashing Through the Snow” will open at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach Friday, Dec. 2. Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, the comedy will be performed Dec. 2,3, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 and 10 at 2 p.m.
Holiday hilarity abounds in Tinsel, Texas and the laughs are non-stop. In the days leading up to Christmas, guests at the Snowflake Inn B&B go to extraordinary lengths to keep their Yuletide plans on track.
Inkeeper Trina Walcott has her hands full with a pair of feisty, feuding aunts, a troop of ham actors on a secret mission, a rendezvous between Mrs. Claus and an amorous elf, and a raucous visit with the Futrelles: Honey Raye, Twink, Frankie, Rhonda Lynn and their loveable sidekick, Raynerd.

The Futrell sisters

Directed by Aaron Collins, the cast includes Rosemary Sha, Heidi Ackerson, Steven Smith, Karen Poulsen, Will Bordelon, Marie Bonham, Sara Marsh, Beverly Palmer, Laurie Biedrzycki, Barry Kite, Jenanna Cartez, Liz Davis, Patti Earl, Janie Hale, Bernadette Siudock and Stephen Realo.
The Little Theatre is at 726 Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Call 386-423-1246 or visit nsbplayers.org for ticket information.

The cast of "Dashing throught the Snow." All photos copyright Sandi Carroll

‘Joseph’ opens at Little Theatre

The Narrator (Jennifer Simmons) and Joseph (David Jenkins). Photos by Sandi Carroll

The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Oct 14-16, 20-23 and 27-30 with evening performances at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
“Joseph” has an award-winning score by the legendary composing team of Andrew Lloyd Webber, music and Tim Rice, lyrics.
The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. The biblical “coat of many colors” story is told by The Narrator (Jennifer Simmons).
Joseph, (David Jenkins) his father’s favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. He is purchased by Potiphar, and thwarting advances from Potiphar’s wife lands him in jail.
When news of Joseph’s gift to interpret dreams reaches the Pharaoh (Peter Alden), Joseph is well on his way to becoming second in command. Eventually his brothers, having suffered greatly, find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed but no longer recognize. After testing their integrity, Joseph reveals himself, which leads to a heartfelt reconciliation of the sons of Israel.
Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock ‘n’ roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless.
The artistic director is Little Theatre veteran,Ted Pack, with Shelly Wawrzonek as assistant artistic director. Music is under the direction of Dr. Richard Martorano. Choreography is by Daniel Walker. There is a large cast that includes a chorus of children from the local area.
For ticket information, call the Little Theatre box office at 386-423-1246 or visit NsbPlayers.org. The box office is open 1-4 p.m. weekdays and two hours before each performance. The theater is at 726 Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach. For more information visit www.NsbPlayers.org.

The cast of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

Pharaoh (Peter Alden), The Narrator (Jennifer Simmons) and Joseph (David Jenkins)

‘Alone Together’ opens at Little Theatre Sept. 9

(I am adding a note here to advise you to get your tickets to this very funny play. The opening night audience just loved it. The play is well-directed, well-acted and hilarious. Don’t miss it!)

The story of a couple who can’t seem to keep the empty nest empty enough to suit them as they approach their middle years will take center stage at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach Sept. 9-18 when “Alone Together” by Lawrence Roman is performed.

George (Keith Poulsen) show Helene (Melinda Tedeschi)a "situation map" of where they are and where their children now reside. Photos by Sandi Carroll

It is the story of George and Helene Butler, played by Keith Poulsen and Melinda Tedeschi, who have just seen their third and youngest child, Keith (Shane Benton), leave the nest as he heads off to college in another state.
George is so happy about this new chapter in his life that he draws a map with pegs in Texas, New England and Washington State, indicating the distance between parents and children for a visual exclamation point to the couple’s new course in life.
The Butlers are looking forward to peace, quiet, a romantic resurgence … maybe even a trip to Europe.
But the empty nest starts to fill up again with the arrival of Michael (Drew Purkey), who is stressed out about his MIT teaching position. Hot on his heels is Elliott (Robert Roam), whose skirt-chasing has gotten him bounced out of his Texas home and marriage and back into his parents’ home in Los Angeles.
Knowing that his room at home is available while he’s at school, Keith offers it to a female friend, Janie (Violet Stoll), so the once-quiet household is again filled to capacity and filled with chaos.
This is a hilarious and thought-provoking comedy that explores family life and the enigma of close relationships.
The production is directed by Little Theatre veteran, Harriet Winokur.
Performances will be Sept. 9-11 and 15-18, with evening shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
For ticket information, call the Little Theatre box office at 386-423-1246 or visit NsbPlayers.org. The box office is open 1-4 p.m. weekdays and two hours before each performance. The theater is at 726 Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach. For more information visit www.NsbPlayers.org.

The cast of "Alone Together" Keith Poulsen (front, l-r), Shane Benton, Melinda Tedeschi; Drew Purkey (back, l-r), Violet Stoll and Robert Roam.

The Butlers are ready to enjoy some "Alone Together" time.

Mom fusses over Keith as he gets ready to leave for college.

‘The Foreigner’ runs through Aug. 7 at Little Theatre of NSB

An inspired comic romp opened last night at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach. The hilarious performance had the audience in stitches. This is one funny play, so don’t miss it. Performances run through Sunday, Aug. 7

“Froggy” LeSeuer, a British demolition expert, arrives at a fishing lodge in rural Georgia to run training sessions at a nearby army base.

Charlie and Froggy, (Zach Goodrich and Barry Kite)Froggy has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers.

So Froggy, before departing, tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English!
Once alone the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should-the evil plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate; the fact that the minister’s pretty fiancée is pregnant; and many other damaging revelations made with the thought that Charlie doesn’t understand a word being said.

Charlie and Owen, (Zach Goodrich and Ober Tyus)

Ellerd (Robert Roan) and Charlie (Zach Goodrich)

This fuels the nonstop hilarity of the play and sets up a wildly funny climax in which things go uproariously awry for the “bad guys” and the “good guys” emerge triumphant.
The cast includes Barry Kite as Froggy, Zach Goodrich as Charlie Baker, Cody Gigold as Rev. David, Janie Hale as Betty Meeks, Tobert Roan as Ellerd Simms, Ober Tyus as Owen Musser and Donna Corporon as Catherine Simms.
For ticket information, call the Little Theatre box office at 386-423-1246 or visit NsbPlayers.org. The theater is at 726 Third Ave.

The cast of The Foreigner: Janie Hale (front from left), Barry Kite, Zach Goodrich, Donna Corporon, Ober Tyus (back from left), Robert Roan and Cody Gigold.

"The Foreigner" photos by Sandi Carroll - sandi116@bellsouth.net

“Blithe Spirit” opens Friday at Little Theatre

"You can't see her?" Charles asks Ruth, pointing at the ghost of his late wife Elvira. Pictured from left, Karin Jenkins, David Jenkins and Karen Poulsen. Copyright photo by Sandi Carroll

Noel Coward’s comedy hit “Blithe Spirt” opens Friday (May 20) at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach. This classic tale features Charles Condomine,, a fussy, cantankerous novelist, played by David Jenkins.

Charles is haunted by the ghost of his late wife, clever and insistent Elvira, played by Karen Jenkins, who is called up by a visiting medium, Madame Arcati, played by Pat Justin.

Charles is now married to Ruth (the role is shared by Karen Poulsen and Brittany Kretz in separate performances), who is accidentally killed and “passes over” to join Elvira in haunting poor hapless Charles.

Also appearing in the production are Dan Blazi as Dr. Bradman, Heidi Ackerson as Mrs. Ackerson and Rhonda Atkins as Edit.

The players in this show include David Jenkins as Charles, Karin Jenkins as Elvira, Pat Justin as Madame Arcati, Dan Blazi as Dr. Bradman, Heidi Ackerson as Mrs. Bradman, and Rhonda Atkins as Edith.

“Blithe Spirit” is directed by veteran stage actress and director, Shelly Wawrzonek, assisted by stage manager Diane Parent and technical director Ted Pack.

Reserved seating is available by calling the box office at 386-423-1246. The show runs for seven performances May 20, 21 & 26-28 at 8 p.m. and May 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. The Little Theatre is located beachside in New Smyrna Beach at 726 Third Avenue.

Madame Arcati (Pat Justin) looks into her "crystal ball." Copyright photo by Sandi Carroll

Charles tries to keep Elvira from smashing Ruth with a table. From left, Brittany Kretz, Karin Jenkins and David Jenkins. Copyright photo by Sandi Carroll

The cast of Blithe Spirit (front, from left) Karen Poulsen, David Jenkins, Brittany Kretz, Heidi Ackerson, Daniel Blazi; back, from left, Pat Justin, Rhonda Atkins and Karin Jenkins. Copyright photo by Sandi Carroll

Foxfire opens at LT April 8

“Foxfire” a drama with music by Susan Cooper and Hume Cronyn, opens Friday, April 8 at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach.

The cast of Foxfire includes (l-r, seated) Cody Gigold, Joey Reader, Don Campbell, (l-r, standing) Bobbi Fouts, Will Bordelon and Bill Walker. Copyright photo by Sandi Carroll.

Bound to her land, her home, and her roots, Annie Nations, played by Bobbi Fouts, lives on the Georgia farm where she raised her children and is now alone after the passing of her husband, Hector, played by Don Campbell.
With the spirit of her husband still present in her mind, the peaceful life she has known for seven decades is threatened by a real estate developer who wants to buy her land and by her son Dillard, a country singer who has returned home to try to convince her to move off the mountain.
This moving play is a tribute to the generation of pioneers who carved a life out of the mountain soil.
Will Bordelon plays Annie’s son, Dillard Nations. Cody Gigold plays brash real estate developer Prince Carpenter. Joey Reader plays Holly Burrell, a family friend who comes to visit Annie and Bill Walker plays the family doctor.
Dillard confronts conflicts of his own, while Annie faces the decision of whether to stay or go. Is it time to leave her home and its memories of her husband and family?
As flashbacks throughout the show help portray important times in the Nations family, all can relate to the joy of relationships and the struggle of holding onto one’s own roots.
The production is directed by Ted Pack. Carol Choma is the stage manager.
Performances will be held at 8 p.m. April 8, 9, 14-16 and April 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. For more information, call the Little Theater box office at 376-423-1246.

Information below for LT cast members who would like to order photos. Click on contact sheet to open larger in another window.