On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Directors Beth & David Whitehead are pleased to announce the cast of Don’t Dress for Dinner, by Marc Camoletti.
In this raucous farce, Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with his chic mistress in his charming converted farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along too to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well, suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will not leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed. Warning: This play contains suggested sexual situations and adult content. No strong language. Tickets on sale now.
CAST
(* denotes Providence Players debut)
Bernard – David Wright
Jacqueline – Jayne L. Victor
Robert – Bruce Alan Rauscher
Suzette – Keely Sullivan den Bergh*
Suzette – Eileen Copas*
Suzanne – Ann Brodnax*
George – Gene Downing* Read more
DC Theater Arts Critic, Kendall Mostafavi, and opening weekend audiences are inspired by the women scientists of the early 1900s who “had to endure…to find fulfillment and balance in life, love, and ambition.
“Providence Players’ production of ‘Silent Sky’ is a delightful experience bursting with science, the importance of friendship, and the art of finding value in life….The cast does a great job bringing the material to life and keeping the energy flowing.” ~ Kendall Mostafavi
“Gunderson’s writing is incredibly witty and surprisingly funny, which buoys the energy of the show among the many moments of frustration, disappointment, and heartbreak in Henrietta [Leavitt]’s life.” ~ Kendall Mostafavi
A patron agreed:
“Attended the performance last night and it was amazing. The cast were all great and Tina Thronson rocked it as a director. If you have a chance go see this wonderful story of how women played a huge role in Astronomy you should do it.” ~ M.W., Audience Member
(Read the full review by clicking the banner below)
An inspiring and true-life story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer ahead of her time. It is 1900, and Henrietta has the opportunity to work at Harvard University to help map the stars but receives no scientific credit. She is eager to use Harvard’s telescope – the Great Refractor – but is told that she will not be able to access the telescope or do astronomical research. She will only be allowed to log the stars photographed by the men of the department. However, Henrietta will not be dissuaded, and begins the process of recording the changes she identifies in Cepheid stars – a scientific discovery that has profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy and astrophysics. Silent Sky is the poignant tale of a woman’s dedication to the stars, and the human touch that makes life under the vast sky beautiful and timeless.
Enjoy these sneak peek photos by Chip Gertzog.
Andra Whitt as Henrietta Leavitt. Photo by Chip Gertzog.
Photos include Amanda Ranowsky as Margaret Leavitt, Chris Persil as Peter Shaw, Lesleyanne Kessler as Annie Jump Cannon and Roxanne Waite as Williamina Fleming. All photos by Chip Gertzog.
by Marc Camoletti Directed by Beth & David Whitehead
In this raucous farce, Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with mistress in his charming converted farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along too to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well, suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will not leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed. Warning: This play contains sexual situations and adult content.
Providence Players of Fairfax is:
A non-profit community theater troupe. All participation is on a volunteer basis. No members of the cast or crew are compensated.
A membership organization. Membership is not required to audition. If cast, all actors (and in fact, all volunteers), are required to become members of Providence Players of Fairfax ($25 per individual or $60 per family – three or more) for the season (if not already a member).
Casting Announcement
Providence Players is casting 6 roles (3 Female and 3 Male). No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds and ethnicities are welcome and encouraged to audition!
Actors who audition one night may be asked to come back a second night, if available. You are not required to be available multiple evenings to be considered.
The Director reserves the right to extend the audition period pending initial audition response. Callbacks are scheduled but may not be necessary
Performance Dates and Times (at the James Lee Community Crtr.)
Preview: Thursday June 8 at 7:00 pm Evening Performances: Thurs. Fri. Sat.; June 9 – 24 at 7:30 pm Matinees: Sundays, June 11 & 18 at 2:00 pm
About the Play
Time: Present Day Setting: A Country Home
Characters
Bernard – Jacqueline’s husband and Suzanne’s lover.
Jacqueline – Bernard’s wife and Robert’s lover.
Robert – Bernard’s friend and Jacqueline’s lover.
Suzette – the cook.
Suzanne – Bernard’s mistress.
George – Suzette’s husband.
Additional Audition Information/Instructions:
HOW WE WORK: Most Providence auditions have actors up and down to read multiple times in multiple combinations and scenes. Most actors find this fun. As space allows, you will be able to watch the auditions. You may be asked to go outside with audition partners and work a bit on a scene. We will do our best to get you up multiple times reading for parts you are interested in. You will also be asked to read for other parts you may not be auditioning for. The Providence Players strives to make our productions open to interested and engaged actors & actresses, regardless of their level of experience. We try to make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
AUDITION PROCESS & SIDES: Auditions will consist of readings from the script. No monologue required. Sides for the audition process will be supplied at auditions.
AUDITION FORM: Please TRY TO COMPLETE, in a separate attachment, the Providence Audition Form and bring it with you to the audition.
Please come to auditions prepared to list any availability conflicts with rehearsal or the performance schedule. Space is provided on the audition form for this purpose.
Resumes and headshots will be accepted but are not required. We may ask to take a picture of you, but this is for internal use only and will not be shared.
Additional Rehearsal Information/Instructions:
Rehearsals begin the first week of May and include weekdays 6:30/6:45-9:45pm and some weekend days (times TBD), including tech rehearsals the weekend prior to opening week. Unless indicated otherwise, all rehearsals will happen at the James Lee Community Center. Rehearsals will be held in the evenings roughly from 6:30/6:45 to 9:45pm. and on Saturdays and Sundays as indicated.
In addition to the rehearsal schedule onstage, additional full cast readings of the play will take place in April – Dates and locations TBD.
A social gathering to pick up scripts will also be scheduled one evening in April – Date and location TBD.
Set build weekend is May 6 & 7, and all cast members are encouraged to attend.
About the Directors: Beth & David Whitehead
Beth and David Whitehead have been involved with Providence Players since 2003, and have directed several productions for the company, including team directing The Good Doctor in 2004. They have both been on stage in numerous productions, including the portrayal of a married couple in the recent Providence PopUp production of Parking Lot. Beth and David have taken on numerous production roles on many productions throughout the years. Beth and David serve as Providence Players board members.
On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Director Tina Hodge Thronson is pleased to announce the cast of Silent Sky, by Lauren Gunderson.
An inspiring and true-life story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer ahead of her time. It is 1900, and Henrietta has the opportunity to work at Harvard University to help map the stars but receives no scientific credit. She is eager to use Harvard’s telescope – the Great Refractor – but is told that she will not be able to access the telescope or do astronomical research. She will only be allowed to log the stars photographed by the men of the department. However, Henrietta will not be dissuaded, and begins the process of recording the changes she identifies in Cepheid stars – a scientific discovery that has profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy and astrophysics. Silent Sky is the poignant tale of a woman’s dedication to the stars, and the human touch that makes life under the vast sky beautiful and timeless. Tickets on sale now!
CAST
(* denotes Providence Players debut)
Henrietta Leavitt – Andra Whitt Margaret Leavitt – Amanda Ranowsky Peter Shaw – Chris Persil Annie Jump Cannon – Lesleyanne Kessler* Williamina Fleming – Roxanne Waite
About the Director
Tina Hodge Thronson
Tina Hodge Thronson has done everything for Providence Players from hanging lights, painting sets, and prompting to acting and directing. Her directing credits include And Then There Were None, Born Yesterday, Twelve Angry Men, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Steel Magnolias, and The Laramie Project. Major roles include the archetypal seductress, the archetypal wife, a wily Italian aunt, a housecoat-wearing landlady/spy, and a sympathetic barmaid. She is delighted to have the chance to direct such an inspiring story based on Henrietta – one of the most important women in the study of Astronomy.
DC Theater Arts Critic Linda Kinney and opening weekend audiences give rave reviews of Providence Players’ holiday production, “Cabaret Takes a Holiday!”
“The cabaret has a mixture of humor, nostalgia, and some teary-eyed ballads, with smooth transitions that have you on the edge of your seat wanting more.” ~ Linda Kinney, DC Theater Arts Critic.
Audiences shared:
“…delightful and so fun.” ~ Long-time patron
“…beautifully done!” ~ Audience member
“…so glad we came.” ~ Audience member
(Read the full review by clicking the banner below)
A night of music and storytelling with a holiday flair. Come join us as a group of talented singers interpret Broadway and jazz standards, classic cabaret music and holiday favorites. This special holiday show will be presented at The Italian Café, Providence Players’ favorite restaurant. A delightful evening filled with joy, music and laughter. Come sing along!
Enjoy these photos of a recent dress rehearsal. All photos by Chip Gertzog.
A Providence Players Mainstage Production
Directed by Tina Hodge Thronson
When Henrietta Leavitt began work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she wasn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joined a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculated projects in “girl hours” and had no time for the women’s theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempted to measure the light and distance of stars, she also had to take the measure of her own life on earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love and marriage.
This true story explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discovery, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, was difficult to envision when trapped within the constraints of society. Through their dedication and persistence, Henrietta and her female peers impacted both society and science and changed the way we understand the earth and the heavens.
Providence Players of Fairfax is:
A non-profit community theater troupe. All participation is on a volunteer basis. No members of the cast or crew are compensated.
A membership organization. Membership is not required to audition. If cast, all actors (and in fact, all volunteers), are required to become members of Providence Players of Fairfax ($25 per individual or $60 per family – three or more) for the season (if not already a member).
Casting Announcement
Providence Players is casting 5 roles (4 Female and 1 Male). No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds and ethnicities are welcome and encouraged to audition!
Actors who audition one night may be asked to come back a second night, if available. You are not required to be available multiple evenings to be considered.
The Director reserves the right to extend the audition period pending initial audition response.
Performance Dates and Times (at the James Lee Community Crtr.)
Preview: Thursday March 16 at 7:00 pm Evening Performances: Thurs. Fri. Sat.; March 17 – April 1 at 7:30 pm Matinees: Sundays, March 19 and March 26 at 2:00 pm
About the Play
Time: 1900 – 1920
Settings: Leavitt Home – Wisconsin
The Harvard Observatory – office in Cambridge MA
Ocean liner – mid Atlantic
Henrietta’s home – Cambridge MA
Characters
Henrietta Leavitt (LEH-vit): 30s, brilliant, self-assured, meticulous, excited to be in Boston – almost always wearing a period hearing aid.
Margaret Leavitt: 30s, Henrietta’s sister – a sweet, creative, a homebody.
Peter Shaw: 30s, the head astronomy apprentice – thus very entitled – but awkward around Henrietta.
Annie Cannon: 40s, the leader of the “computers”, serious, terse but not unkind.
Williamina Fleming: 40 – 50s, originally from Scotland, smart as a whip but doesn’t take herself too seriously – fun.
Understudies – given the potential impact of flu and COVID – the casting of understudies is TBD.
Note: Margaret is musical – auditioners should be able to sing a hymn – and appear to play piano. For the audition, just a few bars of any popular hymn will do.
Note: Peter also needs to be able to join in a hymn so please be able to sing a few bars.
Additional Audition Information/Instructions:
HOW WE WORK: Most Providence auditions have actors up and down to read multiple times in multiple combinations and scenes. Most actors find this fun. As space allows, you will be able to watch the auditions. You may be asked to go outside with audition partners and work a bit on a scene. We will do our best to get you up multiple times reading for parts you are interested in. You will also be asked to read for other parts you may not be auditioning for. The Providence Players strives to make our productions open to interested and engaged actors & actresses, regardless of their level of experience. We try to make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
AUDITION PROCESS & SIDES: Auditions will consist of readings from the script. No monologue required. Sides for the audition process will be supplied at auditions.
AUDITION FORM: Please TRY TO COMPLETE, in a separate attachment, the Providence Audition Form and bring it with you to the audition.
Please come to auditions prepared to list any availability conflicts with rehearsal or the performance schedule. Space is provided on the audition form for this purpose.
You will have an opportunity to update conflict information once you have the Theater Access Schedule (see below). Resumes and headshots will be accepted but are not required. We may ask to take a picture of you, but this is for internal use only and will not be shared.
Additional Rehearsal Information/Instructions:
A copy of the Theater Access Schedule for this show will be distributed at auditions. This is NOT the specific rehearsal schedule, but it will give you an idea of the commitment you are making – rehearsal space and performance – and how to identify conflicts. Unless indicated otherwise, all other rehearsals will happen at the James Lee Community Center. Rehearsals will be held in the evenings roughly from 6:30/6:45 to 9:45pm. and on Saturdays and Sundays as indicated.
In addition to the rehearsal schedule onstage, additional full cast readings of the play will take place in January – Dates and locations TBD.
A social gathering to pick up scripts will also be scheduled one evening in January – Date and location TBD.
About the Director: Tina Hodge Thronson
I have been an active member of the Providence Players for 25 years. Not only have I acted in numerous productions with Providence Players, but I have also had the good fortune to direct a very eclectic selection of plays. The list of plays includes Born Yesterday, Twelve Angry Men, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Dinner with Friends, Steel Magnolias, The Laramie Project, And Then There Were None and Other Desert Cities. Since I have a personal connection with astronomy and astronomers, I feel real delight at the prospect of bringing the passion and dedication of these astronomy pioneers to the stage in Silent Sky. My shows are noted for being fun to work on. I hope you will find the audition experience to be the same. Cheers, Tina.
Meet the incredible cast of “Cabaret Takes a Holiday.” Opens Friday, December 2! All cast photos by Chip Gertzog.
L-R) Jennifer Levy, Dean Reichard, Kerri Wilson, Barbara Schelstrate (music director), David Whitehead, Deborah Davidson (director), Courtney Camden, George Willis and Susan Dye.Courtney Camden
Courtney Camden is a DC based writer / actress excited to make her Providence Players debut! Recent credits include Godspell, Catch Me If You Can, Sister Act, & Clue: The Musical. She would like to thank her parents, friends, and Taylor Swift for their continued support and encouragement!
Susan R. Dye
Susan R. Dye is delighted to join the fun, creative Providence Players and be given another opportunity to sing! Susan has also been heard in Pinky Swear Productions’ Singing Our Hearts Out and Songs from the Heart, American Family Choir’s Christmas in Washington and Kennedy Center Honors performances, Hexagon’s musical satires, The Arlington Players’ Pirates of Penzance, Kiss Me Kate, H.M.S. Pinafore, Cabaret, and Promises, Promises, The Montgomery Playhouse’s Dictionary, and The British Players’ Snow White,Babes in the Wood, Mother Goose, Puss in Boots, and their 40th, 47th, 50thand 52ndOld Time Music Hall.
Jennifer Levy
Jennifer Levy is delighted to make her debut with Providence Players. Most recently seen in McLean Community Players’ production of The Show Must Go On, her other credits with MCP include productions of Footloose, Guys and Dolls, Oliver!, Damn Yankees, Calendar Girls, Life With Father, Children of a Lesser God and Born Yesterday. She performed in Vienna Theater Company’s productions of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” and “Cinderella.” For ten years, she was a featured performer in Hexagon’s annual satirical musical revue in Washington, D.C.
Dean Reichard
Dean Reichard is active in the DMV cabaret community, having conceived, directed, and performed in 16 installments of the CHAWbaret series at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop to date. Dean has performed in various showcases of the DC Cabaret Network (DCCN), including their 2022 Fringe Festival show “This Is Cabaret.” Other credits include Curtains (2019, TAP), CHESS (2015, KAT), Jekyll and Hyde: the Musical (2011, KAT), Side Show (2007, ESP), Jesus Christ Superstar (2006, SMP), a cappella group NWYT, and GMCW.
David Whitehead
David Whitehead is a veteran member of PPF and long-time board member having served as President and Treasurer. He has played many roles with PPF including Antonio Salieri in the 2016 production of Amadeus, which earned him a WATCH nomination for outstanding lead actor in a play. He has also been a set and light designer, stage manager, and currently manages PPF’s marketing efforts as well as serving as all around “fetch it” and “get it done” guy.
George Willis
George Willis, as a 1984 graduate of West Point, distinguished himself as a “singing soldier” and created musical bonds that he maintains as a member of the local West Point Alumni Glee Club. He came to the DMV in 1993 as a performer on the Spirit of Washington. He continued as the singing server, “Biscuit Boy,” at the Springfield Silver Diner. He has performed with several theater groups over the last 20 years, (most recently in MCP’s “The Show Must Go On”)and he hopes this performance with the Providence Players will lead to many more.
Kerri Wilson
Kerri Wilson is thrilled to be back on stage after transitioning to the administrative side of Theatre. Favorite past roles include Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Sonia in Godspell, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. She would like to thank Deborah Davidson for the opportunity to be a part of Providence Players, as well as the opportunity to be born. Josie Pye and Rachel Lynde, back together again!
About the Music Director: Barbara Schelstrate
Barbara Schelstrate
Barbara Schelstrate (Music Director) is glad to be taking a holiday with the Providence Players Cabaret! Other music-directing credits include Gilbert & Sullivan shows at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW), productions of Amahl and the Night Visitors and numerous musicals at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, the world premiere of Alice Adams at CHAW in 2016, and annual productions for an inclusive theater company, ArtStream, for which she also composes the music. Her other compositions include a one-act opera, Frigga and the Mistletoe, and a musical version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was presented at CHAW in 2017. Ms. Schelstrate also has a singing resume, having performed with the Washington National Opera Chorus in such productions as Aida and MacBeth.
Deborah Davidson
About the Director: Deborah Davidson
An actor and cabaret singer, Deborah Davidson is making her debut as a director with this show. Providence Players audiences saw her as Mattie Fae in Providence Players’ production of August: Osage County. She has written and performed in the one-woman shows With A Song in My Heart, I’m Still Here and A Sorta Cabaret at the Arts Club of Washington, the Corner Store on Capitol Hill, and the Indigo Room at the Atlas Arts Center. A Yale University Cabaret Fellow, she has appeared in many cabarets, including the Fringe Festival’s Naked Cabaret, CHAWbaret, and the D.C. Cabaret Network’s Showcase.
Local theatre appearances include 25 characters in 50 Ways, another Fringe production; Mme. Renaud in La Cage aux Folles (McLean Players); Hattie in Follies (Arlington Players); Mrs. Boyle in Prelude to a Kiss (Foundry Theatre); Gabrielle and the French Tart in Dear World (American Century Theatre) and multiple roles in The Laramie Project (Foundry Theatre) as well as lead performing roles in four Hexagon shows.
On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Director Deborah Davidson is pleased to announce the cast of “Cabaret Takes a Holiday.”
A night of music and storytelling with a holiday flair. Come join us as a group of talented singers interpret Broadway and jazz standards, classic cabaret music and holiday favorites. This special holiday show will be presented as a PopUp production at The Italian Café, Providence Players’ favorite restaurant. A delightful evening, and one special family-friendly matinee, filled with joy, music and laughter. Come sing along! Tickets on sale now!
CAST
(* denotes Providence Players debut)
Courtney Camden* Susan Dye* Jennifer Levy* Dean Reichard* David Whitehead George Willis* Kerri Wilson*
Accompanist: Barbara Schelstrate*
About the Director
Deborah Davidson
An actor and cabaret singer, Deborah is making her debut as a director with this show. Providence Players audiences saw her as Mattie Fae in Providence Players’ production of August: Osage County. She has written and performed in the one-woman shows With A Song in My Heart, I’m Still Here and A Sorta Cabaret at the Arts Club of Washington, the Corner Store on Capitol Hill, and the Indigo Room at the Atlas Arts Center. A Yale University Cabaret Fellow, she has appeared in many cabarets, including the Fringe Festival’s Naked Cabaret, CHAWbaret, and the D.C. Cabaret Network’s Showcase.
Local theatre appearances include 25 characters in 50 Ways, another Fringe production; Mme. Renaud in La Cage aux Folles (McLean Players); Hattie in Follies (Arlington Players); Mrs. Boyle in Prelude to a Kiss (Foundry Theatre); Gabrielle and the French Tart in Dear World (American Century Theatre) and multiple roles in The Laramie Project (Foundry Theatre) as well as lead performing roles in four Hexagon shows.
In this raucous farce, Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with his chic mistress in his charming converted farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along too to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well, suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will not leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed. Warning: This play contains suggested sexual situations and adult content. No strong language. Tickets on sale now.
