On Saturday night, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and her husband Lou joined more than 130 other theater goers at the James Lee Community Center Theater to laugh and enjoy the Providence Players current production of the Tony Award winning Christopher Durang comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.
Fairfax County Board Chairman Sharon Bulova with the cast of the Providence Players hit comedy “Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike”. On stage at the James Lee Community Center thru June 17, 2017 – L to R: Ari Post (Spike), Connie Shabshab (Masha), Jayne L. Victor (Sonia), Sharon Bulova, Lindsey Doane (Nina) Christian Faulkner (Vanya), Edythe Kelleher (Exec Dir SFDC), Rachel Arling Samson (Casandra)
Chairman Bulova, along with the entire Board, is a supporter of the arts in Fairfax County and enjoying a rare evening “off” to laugh at a great comedy is no surprise. But, what most audience members did not know was that she was also in attendance to see her Communications Director Lindsey Doane on stage. Lindsey is making her Providence Players debut in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike as the character Nina. Chairman Bulova could be seen with a beaming smile and more than one hearty laugh as she watched Lindsey and the rest of the outstanding cast perform.
The Providence Players is proud to perform at the James Lee Community Center, one of the many busy and diverse community centers operated by the County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. PPF is also a member and grant recipient of the Arts Council of Fairfax County (funded in part by the County Board) and has been honored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (sponsored by Supervisor Linda Smyth and then Chairman, now Congressman Gerry Connolly) for artistic excellence and community involvement.
The Providence Players of Fairfax, is winding up its 19th season with Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. The production runs through June 17 at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church. Tickets are available for all remaining performances and the best seat selection is available through PPF’s no fee online ticketing link.
Opening weekend audiences laughed and loved the Providence Players’ Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Tickets are available for for all three shows this weekend but our final Sunday matinee is selling quickly. Join us at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church for some outstanding community theater and a ton of laughs. Just two weekends remain. Best seat selection is always through our no-fee online ticketing system.
Christian Faulkner (Vanya) with Connie Shabshab (Masha) and Ari Post (Spike) in the Providence Players Production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
The Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF), winds up its 19th season with Christopher Durang’s Tony Award winning comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. The production runs through June 17 at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church. Not for Young Audiences – Mature Themes and Language
Rachel Arling Samson is Casandra in the Providence Players Production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Master of comedy Durang blends middle-age despair, dashed dreams, and squandered hopes into a hilarious farcical comedy. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, skewers the classic dramas of Chekhov through an absurdist tale of family dysfunction. But you don’t have to be a student of Russian literature to appreciate this hilarious play. Siblings Vanya and Sonia live a quiet life in the Bucks County farmhouse where they grew up. But when their movie-star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with Spike, her 20-something boy toy, an unforgettable weekend ensues. Add a clairvoyant cleaning lady, someone named Hootie Pie, a sweet young aspiring actress, and plans that could devastate the family, and you have a laugh-out-loud stage offering that will be a sure-fire audience favorite.
Connie Shabshab is Masha in the Providence Players Production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Nominated for six Tony Awards in 2013, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is one of the most lauded, beloved and decorated Broadway plays of recent years. The Broadway production won 2013 “Best Play” honors from all the major New York awards programs (Tony Awards, Drama Desk, Drama League and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards) as well as numerous other awards.
Lindsey Doane (Nina) and Christian Faulkner (Vanya) in the Providence Players Production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
The Providence Players production of Vanya is directed by Jimmy Gertzog whose 2012 PPF directorial debut production of Side Man garnered 10 WATCH Award nominations including nominations for Best Play and Best Director. Jimmy is a PPF Board Member and has been active with the company since its inception. He has artistic credits for lighting design, sound design, technical direction, and stage management for numerous PPF productions. He has also acted for the company.
THE CAST OF THE PROVIDENCE PLAYERS PRODUCTION OF VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
Vanya – Christian Faulkner
Sonia – Jayne Victor
Masha – Connie Shabshab*
Spike – Ari Post
Casandra – Rachel Arling Samson* Nina – Lindsey Doane*
Lindsey Doane (Nina) Jayne Victor (Sonia) in the Providence Players Production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Opening weekend audiences laughed and loved Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Four shows this week/weekend. Join us for some outstanding community theater and a ton of laughs. Final two weekends. Best seat selection is always through our no-fee online ticketing system.
The Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF), winds up its 19th season with Christopher Durang’s Tony Award winning comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. The production runs through June 17 at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church. Not for Young Audiences – Mature Themes and Language
Master of comedy Durang blends middle-age despair, dashed dreams, and squandered hopes into a hilarious farcical comedy. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, skewers the classic dramas of Chekhov through an absurdist tale of family dysfunction. But you don’t have to be a student of Russian literature to appreciate this hilarious play. Siblings Vanya and Sonia live a quiet life in the Bucks County farmhouse where they grew up. But when their movie-star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with Spike, her 20-something boy toy, an unforgettable weekend ensues. Add a clairvoyant cleaning lady, someone named Hootie Pie, a sweet young aspiring actress, and plans that could devastate the family, and you have a laugh-out-loud stage offering that will be a sure-fire audience favorite.
Connie Shabshab
Nominated for six Tony Awards in 2013, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is one of the most lauded, beloved and decorated Broadway plays of recent years. The Broadway production won 2013 “Best Play” honors from all the major New York awards programs (Tony Awards, Drama Desk, Drama League and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards) as well as numerous other awards.
Lindsey Doane and Christian Faulkner
The Providence Players production of Vanya is directed by Jimmy Gertzog whose 2012 PPF directorial debut production of Side Man garnered 10 WATCH Award nominations including nominations for Best Play and Best Director. Jimmy is a PPF Board Member and has been active with the company since its inception. He has artistic credits for lighting design, sound design, technical direction, and stage management for numerous PPF productions. He has also acted for the company.
THE CAST OF THE PROVIDENCE PLAYERS PRODUCTION OF VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
Vanya – Christian Faulkner
Sonia – Jayne Victor
Masha – Connie Shabshab*
Spike – Ari Post
Casandra – Rachel Arling Samson* Nina – Lindsey Doane*
Connie Shabshab, Ari Post and Jayne Victor in a scene from the Providence Players production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Join us for a ton of laughs! Its opening weekend and tickets are available for all three performances this weekend. The Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF), winds up its 19th season with Christopher Durang’s Tony Award winning comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. The production opens Friday June 2 and runs through June 17 at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church. Not for Young Audiences – Mature Themes and Language
L to R: Connie Shabshab, Christian Faulkner and Jayne L. Victor are Masha, Vanya and Sonia. On Stage June 2 thru June 17 in the Tony Award winning Comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”, Christopher Durang’s hit comedy on stage from the Providence Players June 2 through June 17. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Master of comedy Durang blends middle-age despair, dashed dreams, and squandered hopes into a hilarious farcical comedy. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, skewers the classic dramas of Chekhov through an absurdist tale of family dysfunction. But you don’t have to be a student of Russian literature to appreciate this hilarious play. Siblings Vanya and Sonia live a quiet life in the Bucks County farmhouse where they grew up. But when their movie-star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with Spike, her 20-something boy toy, an unforgettable weekend ensues. Add a clairvoyant cleaning lady, someone named Hootie Pie, a sweet young aspiring actress, and plans that could devastate the family, and you have a laugh-out-loud stage offering that will be a sure-fire audience favorite.
Christian Faulkner (sitting) as Vanya, Connie Shabshab (Masha) and Ari Post (Spike) in the PPF production “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”
Nominated for six Tony Awards in 2013, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is one of the most lauded, beloved and decorated Broadway plays of recent years. The Broadway production won 2013 “Best Play” honors from all the major New York awards programs (Tony Awards, Drama Desk, Drama League and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards) as well as numerous other awards.
The Providence Players production of Vanya is directed by Jimmy Gertzog whose 2012 PPF directorial debut production of Side Man garnered 10 WATCH Award nominations including nominations for Best Play and Best Director. Jimmy is a PPF Board Member and has been active with the company since its inception. He has artistic credits for lighting design, sound design, technical direction, and stage management for numerous PPF productions. He has also acted for the company.
THE CAST OF THE PROVIDENCE PLAYERS PRODUCTION OF VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
Vanya – Christian Faulkner
Sonia – Jayne Victor
Masha – Connie Shabshab*
Spike – Ari Post
Casandra – Rachel Arling Samson* Nina – Lindsey Doane*
Connie Shabshab, Ari Post and Jayne Victor in a scene from the Providence Players production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Meet the Cast of the Providence Players Production of
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
The Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF), an award winning non-profit community theater troupe serving Northern Virginia and the DC Metropolitan area, closes its 19th season with Christopher Durang’s Tony Award winning comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. The production runs from June 2 through June 17 at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church.
L to R: Connie Shabshab as Masha, Christian Faulkner as Vanya and Jayne Victor as Sonia in the PPF Production of Christopher Durang’s Tony Award winning comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 2 – June 17
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 4 and June 11
Adults $20 Seniors (62+)/Students $17
Location: James Lee Community Center Theater, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
Not for Young Audiences – Mature Themes and Language
Master of comedy Christopher Durang blends middle-age despair, dashed dreams, and squandered hopes into a hilarious farcical comedy. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, skewers the classic dramas of Chekhov through an absurdist tale of family dysfunction. But you don’t have to be a student of Russian literature to appreciate this hilarious play. Siblings Vanya and Sonia live a quiet life in the Bucks County farmhouse where they grew up. But when their movie-star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with Spike, her 20-something boy toy, an unforgettable weekend ensues. Add a clairvoyant cleaning lady, someone named Hootie Pie, a sweet young aspiring actress, and plans that could devastate the family, and you have a laugh-out-loud stage offering that will be a sure-fire audience favorite.
A scene from the Providence Players production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. At the James Lee Community Center Theater in Falls Chutch. June 2 through June 17, 2017
Meet the Cast of the PPF Production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Vanya – Christian Faulkner
Christian is excited to return to the PPF Stage. Previous PPF roles include: The Mirror in Snow White and the Family Dwarf; Jonas Slonaker/Greg Pierotti, The Laramie Project; Lieutenant McElroy, Rehearsal for Murder. Past favorite roles: Mordred, Camelot; Mortimer, Arsenic and Old Lace; Action, West Side Story; Dorn, The Seagull; The Rev. David Lee, The Foreigner; and Casanova, Camino Real. PPF production service: Costume Design for Calendar Girls, The Glass Mendacity, House of Blue Leaves, Side Man, & Auntie Mame (WATCH nomination); Costume Assistant, The Shadow Box; Assistant to the Director, Waiting in the Wings.
“VSMS is a very funny well written play–audience members are sure to identify with the sibling rivalry and crazy family dysfunction and will enjoy the comedic family situations.” – Christian Faulkner. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Sonia – Jayne Victor
Jayne is also excited to be part of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike especially in the role of Sonia. Her prior acting credits include Red Herring, Calendar Girls, House of Blue Leaves, Dinner With Friends, The Shadowbox, All My Sons (WATCH nomination), Big Tree Falls and Moon Over Buffalo (PPF); Auntie Mame (LTA) and Hexagon. Jayne is the current President of PPF and an accomplished director as well as actor. Jayne’s dream is to be a guest star on Dancing With The Stars!
“The play has heart and lots of different emotions, but mostly it will make audiences laugh. And really is there anything better for the soul?” – Jayne Victor. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Masha – Connie Shabshab
Connie is making her Providence Players debut in VSMS as Masha. She is a native of the metropolitan D.C. area who studied theater at the University of Maryland. On other local stages Connie has played Jessie in Night, Mother at Dominion Stage, for which she was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a play. Victoria in Victor Victoria, Annie Brooks in The Art of Murder, Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn in The Music Man, and Queenie/Grace in Honk!
“On the heels of performing in a serious drama- the fun, vivacious, attention seeking Masha was very appealing” [Connie was recently in ‘night, Mother’ at Dominion Stage]. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Spike – Ari Post
Ari first joined Providence Players to fulfill community service requirements for his high school civics class. Fifteen years later and he’s still here, though it is far from an obligation. He was last seen in their 2012 production of Side Man, and has appeared in The Shadow Box and The Laramie Project over theyears. A special thanks to his director, Jimmy, who caters to his theatrical hysteria as no one else would, and to Liz, his rose of a different name.
“This show rewards a sensitive audience, those who appreciate theater as a window into the soul. It is so full of life, love and humanity. If you like reading novels, you will love this play. And, you will laugh!” – Ari Post. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Casandra – Rachel Arling Samson
Rachel hails from South Carolina, where she most recently appeared in productions with the SC Shakespeare Company and Columbia Children’s Theatre. Some of her favorite past credits include Metamorphoses, Silence, Cymbeline, The Clean House, and Evil Dead: The Musical. Rachel earned a B.A. in Theatre at Wofford College and studied abroad at the Gaiety School of Acting—National Theatre School of Ireland. She is delighted to be making her Providence Players debut.
“I first read the play after it won the Tony in 2013, and I’ve wanted to act in it ever since. I think it’s one of Durang’s funniest works yet. It’s also full of relatable themes that deal with navigating family relationships and confronting the fear of wasting one’s life. The Chekhov references are a nice touch (though you don’t need to understand them to enjoy the play).” – Rachel Arling Samson. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Nina – Lindsey Doane
Lindsey graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA where she performed in main stage productions including Uncommon Women and Others (Kate Quin), The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Henrietta Iscariot/Mary Magdalene) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Philostrate). She attended the Virginia Governor’s School for Theatre and enjoyed taking classes through the Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC). While at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology she performed in numerous plays and musicals and assistant directed Into The Woods. Lindsey is honored to make her PPF debut while working for Chairman Sharon Bulova of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
“Who wouldn’t want to dive into such outrageous characters and a plot full of mayhem? What fun!” – Lindsey Doane. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Nominated for six Tony Awards in 2013, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is one of the most lauded, beloved and decorated Broadway plays of recent years. The Broadway production won 2013 “Best Play” honors from all the major New York awards programs (Tony Awards, Drama Desk, Drama League and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards) as well as numerous other awards.
The Providence Players production of Vanya is directed by Jimmy Gertzog whose 2012 PPF directorial debut production of Side Man garnered 10 WATCH Award nominations including nominations for Best Play and Best Director. Jimmy is a PPF Board Member and has been active with the company since its inception. He has artistic credits for lighting design, sound design, technical direction, and stage management for numerous PPF productions. He has also acted for the company.
L to R: Connie Shabshab (Masha), Ari Post (Spike) and Jayne Victor (Sonia) in the Providence Players Production of ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. June 2 through June 17, 2017
Master of comedy Durang blends middle-age despair, dashed dreams, and squandered hopes into a hilarious farcical comedy. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, skewers the classic dramas of Chekhov through an absurdist tale of family dysfunction. But you don’t have to be a student of Russian literature to appreciate this hilarious play. Siblings Vanya and Sonia live a quiet life in the Bucks County farmhouse where they grew up. But when their movie-star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with Spike, her 20-something boy toy, an unforgettable weekend ensues. Add a clairvoyant cleaning lady, someone named Hootie Pie, a sweet young aspiring actress, and plans that could devastate the family, and you have a laugh-out-loud stage offering that will be a sure-fire audience favorite.
Nominated for six Tony Awards in 2013, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is one of the most lauded, beloved and decorated Broadway plays of recent years. The Broadway production won 2013 “Best Play” honors from all the major New York awards programs (Tony Awards, Drama Desk, Drama League and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards) as well as numerous other awards.
Christian Faulkner (Vanya), Jayne Victor (Sonia), Connie Shabshab (Masha) and Ari Post (Spike) open June 2nd in the Providence Players production of the hit comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”
June 2 through June 17, 2017
At the James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Road Falls Church,VA
Performance Dates and Times: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 2 – June 17 Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 4 and June 11
Ticket Information:
Adults $20 Seniors (62+)/Students $17
All Seating is Reserved Order Online Here (No Fee – and Best Seat Selection
Reserve by Email: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net
Reserve by Phone: 703-425-6782
The Providence Players production of Vanya is directed by Jimmy Gertzog whose 2012 PPF directorial debut production of Side Man garnered 10 WATCH Award nominations including nominations for Best Play and Best Director.
An Outstanding Cast!
PPF opens “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” on June 2nd at the James Lee Community Center Theater in Falls Church. Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players
The Cast of the Providence Players Production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Vanya – Christian Faulkner
Sonia – Jayne Victor
Masha – Connie Shabshab*
Spike – Ari Post
Casandra – Rachel Arling Samson* Nina – Lindsey Doane*
As a way of nurturing future theater artists and recognizing the contribution graduating high school seniors have made to the arts community in our region, PPF has established a scholarship program that provides scholarships to college-bound students from select area high schools. Scholarships are limited each year.
This year, we anticipate awarding three scholarships, each of $1500, to 2017 graduating seniors with a demonstrated commitment to theater arts who have been accepted to a U.S. accredited college or university or conservatory program with an intent to further contribute to theater arts. Eligible graduating seniors must (1) reside within the school boundaries of Annandale, Fairfax, Falls Church, George Mason, J.E.B. Stuart, Marshall, Woodson or Yorktown high schools OR (2) have been a member of PPF for at least one year. It is not required that applicants to be committed to a theater arts major in college, only that they plan on continuing their involvement and contribution to theater arts in the future.
Applications Due By April 30, 2017
Applications can be emailed but supplementary materials that must be mailed must be received by April 30th
The 2017 Scholarship Application Form (in Word and in pdf format) is now available. Applications must be completed and emailed to providenceplayers@cox.net no later than April 30, 2017. Supplementary materials, including letters of recommendation, listed on the application form must be mailed to PPF at the address shown on the application. PPF must receive these supplementary materials by April 30, 2017. Applications will be reviewed by a committee appointed by PPF. The committee will consist of community representatives, including members of the arts community. The criteria for the awards shall be as follows:
40% based on the applicant’s past involvement in theater arts and contributions made to theater arts;
10% based on the applicant’s contribution to Providence Players of Fairfax (if any); and
50% based on the applicant’s potential to further contribute to theater arts.
Decisions on the scholarship awards will be announced by June 1, 2017.
Julie Janson chats with Beth & David Whitehead, Director & Stage Manager of To Kill a Mockingbird
This weekend, the Providence Players of Fairfax will close the third production of its 19th season, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Christopher Sergel, directed by Beth Gilles-Whitehead. DcMetroTheaterArts.com Reviewer William Powell wrote that the show “is easily one of the top five shows on D.C. area stages this year, worthy of every accolade and award it may receive.” Tickets for this American classic, based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel and one of the best loved stories of all time, have been selling out fast. Closing night (Saturday 4/8) is completely sold out and just a few tickers remain for tonight’s performance (Friday, 4/7). Throughout the run of To Kill a Mockingbird, Providence Players member Julie Janson has been chatting with members of the cast and crew. In this interview with Mockingbird director Beth Whitehead and her stage manager (for this production) husband, David Whitehead we not only discussed the show, but theatre/family balance and the differences between community and professional theatre.
Beth and David Whitehead Photo by Josh Whitehead
Julie: What is your theatre background?
Beth: I began theatre in high school, continued on to get a B.A. in theatre arts at the University of Washington, Seattle, then went on to get my masters in theatre (acting) at Cornell University. After graduating from Cornell I moved back to Seattle to pursue professional theatre.
David: I also started doing theater in 9th grade with my first production of You Can’t Take It With You. I did some 20 productions in high school then was accepted into Webster University’s Conservatory of Theater Arts from where I moved to Seattle to start my acting career. I worked as a professional actor and director until 1996, so for 12 years.
How did you meet?
Beth: We met at the Seattle Children’s in 1984. We were cast as mother and son in an original musical called, “Tall tales from Mark Twain”. We went on to work at the theatre for a while and fell in love. We got married in 1985.
Once you decided to start a family, how did you balance that with your love for theater?
Beth: We traveled to Alaska, Montana and did theatre out of the area before starting a family. We decided that when we started having kids we would have one of us home with them. I was teaching acting, directing, doing commercials and industrial ad’s and working in the education area of the Seattle children’s theatre. David was acting and beginning to work in development at the children’s theatre. They were doing a capitol campaign to build a whole new facility on the grounds of the Seattle center. He was very good at fund raising. Between the different jobs we were juggling the kids and family life. And with some help we have always been home with our kids the majority of their growing up. I was able to volunteer a lot with their schools, I ran a drama program at the grade school for six years and also be home with the four kids.
David: I remember I took a role in Orphans at San Jose Rep and I was gone from home for two full months. Fun show, but tough being on the road and apart. I decided after that show not to travel (unless very special) and take only roles in Seattle (though in 1989, I did accept a role in Bill Irwin’s Largely, New York which performed at the Kennedy Center and went to Broadway later that year). In 1992, I accepted roles in four major theater productions while holding down a full-time job as a Development Associate at Seattle Children’s Theater. That entire year, I never got a day off. After some reflection, I gave up acting and took a full-time Development Director position for another children’s organization. Though I still did some directing here and there, I left professional acting behind.
Beth and David Whitehead, on stage together in 1984. Photo by Chris Bennion
What are the biggest differences between professional and community theatre?
Beth: In professional theatre there are more defined roles. You have bigger teams to help in each area. The actor acts, the director directs, the designers design. They definitely collaborate. The equity rules define how many hours and breaks to keep actors from being abused. Community theatre allows many people to be involved, cross over, help each other and build a great community without worrying about making a living.
David: As a professional, you take the jobs you can get, because it puts food on the table. In community theatre you get to choose what roles you want to play and get opportunities to do roles you would never get the chance to play professionally. It’s much more fun, challenging and exciting. Believe me, after you done the same roles in Christmas Carol four times in a row (I did that), you want to do interesting and different kinds of work. Community theater definitely offers that. And it’s a community – you build friendships and it’s almost a family: a volunteer community of artists who work together to produce some very exciting theater. In professional theater, you fight to get in. In community theatre, you are welcomed in.
Many people in community theatre would like to try professional theatre. What advice do you have for them?
Beth: You have to sacrifice a lot, you have to know that your chance of making a living in the theatre is slim, you have to have a lot of drive, a lot of discipline and a lot of passion. Besides working on your craft. You also have to be willing to get lots of different kinds of work to support yourself while pursuing your career. Once you are an equity actor you cannot do amateur work anymore unless you withdraw from the union. So making the decision or being offered your equity card is a big decision. You may never act again. Ask a lot of actors for advice and mentoring before making this decision.
David: Ditto. Be prepared to work hard for little. You have to want it badly, and you need to recognize your own gaps in craft and talent, so you can work on them. There is a pretty big chance you won’t get where you want to be – and even if you do, it can take a long time of sacrificing.
For this show, you are both filling significant roles. What do you like about working together on a show?
Beth: We love working together. We always have. I’ve directed David, costumed him, acted with him, we’ve written shows together, I’ve done props for him, run lines at home with him. We collaborate very well. It has been great having our kids watch us continue doing theatre as we raised them and also getting them involved if they had interest. Our priorities have always been faith, family and doing theatre.
David: I’ve never been a stage manager, but it’s fun! And it’s particularly fun with Beth. Planning is easier because you live in the same house, and it’s easier to reflect on what needs to happen next. I serve the director, and Beth LOVES that! She is quite straightforward about what she wants – because she is so good at seeing what she needs to see. Beth is a very talented director, and it is always more fun when you trust the artistic vision. It’s a lot of fun working with Beth.
Sophia Manicone as Scout with Director Beth Whitehead Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Plauers
Beth, let’s talk a little more about this hit show you are closing this weekend. As the director, what was your creative process for bringing this show to life?
The creative process for this show has really been first, getting to know the book over and over, inside and out. Getting inside the head and heart of Harper Lee and chewing on all the details of the world she created. The many interesting, complex people in her story have been a joy to live with. Second, setting up the auditions and having many talented folks come and want to be part of this story has been humbling. Having 85 people want to say and become the characters of this classic novel was eye opening. Third, casting the show early enough so the young actors, who really drive the story, could work on their lines and be really comfortable with them before starting rehearsals. Fourth, really guiding the actors to what I believe is so important in this story, the love of Atticus with his children and their love, respect and devotion to living in a world that he wants for them. A world with truth, integrity and compassion. Each person in this story is real and has to be grounded in truth or it doesn’t work.
Why were you interested in directing this show?
This is a book for all times, all generations and all who want to dig deeply into their true and authentic self. To be the one whom stands up for others, one who tries to walk in another’s shoes, one who wants to make each encounter a real moment of grace. Harper Lee’s words resonate and to hear them on stage is a gift. This story is a gift. I wanted to share it.
To Kill a Mockingbird has been staged many times. Why do this show now?
Doing a play of a great piece of literature is something all theatre should be doing, often. So many reasons to do this show now, ten years ago, ten years from now. The main reason; we can be better, we can do better, we must do better. This story is a loving way of showing us how.
What do you hope people will have taken away from seeing To Kill a Mockingbird?
I hope people will take away a sense of hope and purpose. That they will want to continue to integrate their words with their actions and make a difference. There is a part of us in each character in this story in each of us. But I believe we strive to live an Atticus kind of life. Which is why we read this book over and over. We love being Scout and imagining a dad like Atticus. This is a love story between Atticus and his children and the truth of how to live.
For a Chance for any Last Minute Tickets for To Kill a Mockingbird:
Three Performances Remain – To Kill a Mockingbird – Don’t Miss this Hit
This weekend is the final weekend of PPF’s critical and audience hit, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Christopher Sergel, directed by Beth Gilles-Whitehead. DcMetroThetaerArts.com reviewer William Powell wrote that the show “is easily one of the top five shows on D.C. area stages this year, worthy of every accolade and award it may receive.” Tickets for this American classic, based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel and one of the best loved stories of all time, are selling out fast.
Throughout the run of To Kill a Mockingbird, Providence Players member Julie Janson has been chatting with a number of members of the cast and crew. In this interview, Robert Heinly who portrays Atticus Finch, discusses his creative process and the relevance of Mockingbird in today’s world.
Robert Heinly – Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players
Julie: Please tell our readers where they may have seen your work on local stages.
I have portrayed Sheriff Heck Tate twice before and am relishing the opportunity to play the heroic Atticus this time around. Most recently I participated in an immersive production on the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe entitled A Within a Dream: Madness, with a group called Through The Fourth Wall, staged at the Torpedo Factory this past fall. I have been seen in several productions of A Christmas Carol at LTA and have worked as well with The American Century Theater, Accokeek Creek Theatre Co, and Dominion Stage over the years.
What is your creative process?
I am not terribly scientific in my approach to theatre. I make no bones about drawing from any and all sources for inspiration and interpretation, be it film versions, other stage versions, books, other actors both known and unknown to me. My “trick” if I can even be said to have one, is handwriting my lines out. I generally go through a script, write everything out, write out cues and scenes, then go back and re-write lines that give me trouble. I believe that the hand writing slows the thought process down and allows the words to sink in in a more encompassing way.
Robert Heinly (Atticus), Brendan Dure (Jem), Mihara India (Calpurnia), and Sophia Manicone (Scout) Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players
As a classic show, To Kill a Mockingbird has been staged many times. Why do this show now? (Warning: Spoilers)
As far as the timeliness and timelessness of the story, one need look no further than the relationship of father and daughter, father and son, father and community to see that good transcends all. Atticus has a beloved respect for the law and the justice system, but even that falls prey to “the right thing to do” in the final scene. We know from the first few words of the trial testimony that Tom is innocent, that the Ewells, out of their hatred and resentment and bigotry, have concocted this story against Tom to assuage their own unhappiness. It is only the moment in history, in American history, that allows them the brief and unfortunate satisfaction of victory in the case, and it is the sadness of that victory and the hope that comes out of the little step that is taken, that foretells the advancement of us as a nation and as a group of human beings. As we have seen over the last few months, that message and hope are being forced to relive themselves, to be revisited, to be reinstilled in us. I did this play a year ago just after Ms. Lee’s passing and it felt important then as always, but it feels so much more so at this moment. It is arguably the greatest American novel and so incredibly pertinent to the current climate of our country.
Robert Heinly (Atticus) with Kevin Harnisch (Judge Taylor) and Philip Kershaw (Tom Robinson) Photo by Chip Gertzog
“Robert Heinly’s performance as Atticus Finch was in a word, breathtaking. Spot on. Brilliant. Perfect.” – William Powell, DcMetroTheaterArts.com
Michael Donahue as Bob Ewell and Robert Heinly as Atticus Finch Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players
An American classic based on the Pulitzer prize-winning masterwork and one of the best-loved stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird is a gripping and heart-wrenching tale of coming-of-age in the South. Set in a town poisoned by prejudice, the play portrays a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, Scout, as her father—a crusading local lawyer—risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.
To Kill a Mockingbird plays through April 8, 2017 at the James Lee Community Center Theater – 2855 Annandale Road, in Falls Church VA 22031. Most performances have been sold out. For the best possible seat selection, order tickets online as soon as possible. There is never a fee for online ticket purchases from The Providence Players
You may also reserve tickets by e-mail providenceplayerstickets@cox.net, or call (703) 425-6782, and leave a message.
Remaining Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
April 6, 7, 8
Read More of Julie Janson’s Conversations with the To Kill a Mockingbird Cast and Crew:
Closing Week of To Kill a Mockingbird – Don’t Miss this Hit
Performing to standing ovations from record breaking sell out audiences and reviewer accolades, the Providence Players run of To Kill a Mockingbird has just three more performances – Thursday April 6, Friday April 7, and Saturday April 8 all at 7:30 PM – at the James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church. As of Tuesday 4/4/17, tickets are still available for all three performances:
Caden Mitchell performs the role of Charles Baker Harris (“Dill”) in the Providence Players production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” Photo by Jessica Wallach, Portrait Playtime
Throughout the run of Mockingbird, Providence Players member Julie Janson has been chatting with a number of members of the cast and crew. In this interview with nine year old Caden Mitchell who performs the role of Dill, we not only discussed the show, but what it is like to do theater as a child. Caden’s mother, Laura, also provides some advice to parents who have children interested in doing theater.
Julie: Please tell our readers where they may have seen your work on local stages.
Caden: I have been in four plays at Creative Cauldron – my biggest part was playing the lead role of Puppet Pinocchio in Pinocchio. That’s when I was seven. This fall I was Michael Darling in Peter Pan, Jr. – The Musical at my school.
What made you want to do theater in the first place?
I love talking, and I love showing myself to other people — and that’s what acting is. My mom enrolled me Creative Cauldron’s theater programs for kids three years ago and I loved it right away.
Theater can take up a lot of time – how do you balance school and theater?
During school when I have free time I go over my lines, even at recess. I also work on homework during any down times at school so I don’t have to bring it home. When I’m doing a show, my mom keeps my schedule free of other stuff, because she knows what a big commitment doing a play is.
Caden Mitchell as Dill with Sophia Manicone as Scout – Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players
You have a large role in this show – how do you learn all of your lines? What do you do to build your character?
In the beginning, I just went to my room and read and re-read the lines. Once I started getting the hang of them, I made up raps and songs for some of them to help me memorize them. And my mom and brother ran lines with me. Once rehearsals really started, I pretty much knew my lines by that time, but I still go over my script every day, and I work on any parts that I know need more work. At school I try to walk like Dill, and talk like Dill (in a southern accent). Basically whatever I am doing, I imagine what and how Dill would do it. I do those things every single day.
What is your favorite thing about doing theater? What are your plans for theater in the future?
I just love getting up there and showing people what I can do. I hope to keep doing as much acting as I can. When I grow up I’d like to be an actor and a director.
How do your parents help you when you are part of a show?
My parents both go over lines with me, and my mom, who also acts, sometimes gives me tips about putting more action in my voice or ideas for what I can do to make certain funny parts better. They also drive me everywhere, feed me and boss me to get plenty of sleep and all that so I can be ready to perform.
What advice would you give to other young people who want to try theater?
I would tell anyone that theater is a great experience for life. No matter what part you get – big or small – it’s a good part. Also, you don’t have to worry about being good enough. There isn’t a specific way to be good as an actor. If you find a natural way to show your character, it’s good. Everyone can do that with a little practice. Also, you should know that if you feel really nervous on opening night, it’s completely normal, everyone feels that way. Once you get past opening night, it feels like you just won a million dollars.
Sophia Manicone (Scout), Caden Mitchell (Dill) and Brendan Dure (Jem) in “To Kill a Mockingbird” – Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players
How do you feel about this show? What do you think other young people can learn from it?
The lesson of the story is understanding that people’s differences are what make them better, not something to be afraid of. Seems like that’s something everyone needs to know right now, not just young people.
Laura, what advice would you give parents who have children in theater or who are considering theater? How do you balance show and other school/life responsibilities?
Laura: In our family we see theater the way lots of people see sports or academics. It’s not something to do because you’re naturally good at it or because you want to be an actor someday, you do it because it’s exceptionally good life experience. Theatrical arts help kids develop self-confidence, public speaking, discipline, creativity, self-expression, research, love of literature, team contribution, honestly I could go on and on. Caden’s a bit of an exception because it turns out he has some talent and does imagine himself continuing theater, but neither of those things are the goal, just happy coincidences. My other son, who’s in a non-speaking role in To Kill a Mockingbird (and understudying Jem), is an introvert who in no way imagines a career in theater, and yet he has come to love doing performances, and has been cast in some really great parts. So, my advice would be that every child benefits tremendously from theater. It is a big commitment though, so when the boys are in a show, we limit any other activities, so they can focus on that and still have time to sleep, play and manage school.
“Scout’s friend Dill, was played with a wise-beyond-his years feistiness by Caden Mitchell” – William Powell, DcMetroTheaterArts Review
An American classic based on the Pulitzer prize-winning masterwork and one of the best-loved stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird is a gripping and heart-wrenching tale of coming-of-age in the South. Set in a town poisoned by prejudice, the play portrays a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, Scout, as her father—a crusading local lawyer—risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.
To Kill a Mockingbird plays through April 8, 2017 at the James Lee Community Center Theater – 2855 Annandale Road, in Falls Church VA 22031. Most performances have been sold out. For the best possible seat selection, order tickets online as soon as possible. There is never a fee for online ticket purchases from The Providence Players
You may also reserve tickets by e-mail providenceplayerstickets@cox.net, or call (703) 425-6782, and leave a message.
Remaining Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
April 6, 7, 8
Read More of Julie Janson’s Conversations with the To Kill a Mockingbird Cast and Crew:
Sophia Manicone is Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players
