Four Performances this Week: Thur, Fri, Sat at 7:30 PM, Sun 2 PM
One audience member wrote:“My boyfriend and I attended “Red Herring.” …. this was an AMAZING PERFORMANCE! The acting was top notch, the comedy aspect was spot on and it kept us interested the entire time. It lasted about 2 hours which I believe is perfect. I highly recommend it for a date night!
At the James Lee Community Center Theater- 2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church
L to R: Patrick David, Christopher Crockett, Charlene Sloan, James McDaniel and Tina Thronson in Providence Players’ “Red Herring”
DcMetroArts.com reviewer Sophia Howe says:
“Red Herring at the Providence Players is a delightful mix of murder mystery, romance, and broad farce. A noir of the 1950s, it reminds us vividly of the joys, sorrows, and nightmares of that period. Red Herring is a genial tribute to what seemed like a simpler time. It is rewarding entertainment for all.”
Patrick David and Liz Mykietyn in the Providence Players production of “Red Herring”
“At first, we are introduced to Frank Keller (Patrick David), a broad-shouldered, strong-jawed G-man, and his girlfriend, fellow investigator Maggie Pelletier (Liz Mykietyn). David gives a fine performance; he has a lived-in look and brusque authority which works well with his character. Mykietyn is outstanding as the world-weary but ever-hopeful Maggie.”
Charlene Sloan and Christopher CrockettCharlene Sloan and Tina Thronson in the Providence Players production of “Red Herring”
“Next, we see a young couple watching the McCarthy hearings. The girl, Lynn (Charlene Sloan) seems enraptured with Senator Joseph McCarthy; it turns out that he is her Dad. Her devoted mother (Tina Thronson), is unaware that her daughter has secrets; for example, Lynn’s fiancé, James Appel (Christopher Crockett) has an unpatriotic occupation. Crockett’s acting has a subtlety and flair which makes his performance a pleasure to watch. Lynn is an unlikely Radcliffe girl but Sloan gives us a pitch-perfect portrayal of winsome desperation which draws us to her.”
Tina Thronson and James McDaniel in the Providence Players production of Red Herring
“[Spy] Andrei Borchevsky (James McDaniel), is having a torrid affair with his landlady, the widowed Mrs. Kravitz (also Tina Thronson). Both performers are versatile and engaging.”
Jayne Victor alphabetizes in ‘Red Herring”
“The smaller roles are all well played. Jayne L. Victor’s reaction during the melee at her wedding gown boutique is especially entertaining. Amanda Ranowsky (Dr. Kasden/Witness) Julie Janson and Andra Witt (Bartender/Announcer) and Michael Bagwell (Major Hartwell/Sen. McCarthy/Airport Announcer) all enter into the spirit of the production with brio”
Michael Bagwell, Christopher Crockett and Amanda Ranowsky count down to laughter in “Red Herring”
Julie Janson in the Providence Players production of “Red Herring”
Jayne Victor and James McDaniel in “Red Herring”
“Director Beth Hughes-Brown provides many comic touches; a couple of FBI agents in raincoats and hats patrol the audience before the show starts. A scene in a bridal shop turns into a hilarious screaming match. The music ranges from dark private-eye Guy Noir–like instrumentals to 50’s TV intros to Sinatra. Technical elements are very well executed. Robbie Snow’s costumes are ideal for the period; John White’s set design utilizes two moving set pieces on either side of the stage, which works well for the structure of the piece. The physical production complements the writing beautifully. Lighting Design (Chip and Jimmy Gertzog) and Sound Design (Khalid Mohammed) are up to the same high standard.” Read Sophia Howes full review on DCMTA
Remaining Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18
Final Sunday Matinee 2:00 p.m.
June 12
Love, laughter and espionage –the perfect evening out! Providence Players presents the zany spy farce/detective thriller/love story by award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger. Set in the 1950s, the play spoofs Red Scare era politics and culture. America’s on the verge of the H-bomb, Dwight Eisenhower’s on the campaign trail, and I Love Lucy’s on Monday nights. Meanwhile, Senator Joe McCarthy’s daughter just got engaged to a soviet spy, and a Boston detective has to find out who dumped the dead guy in the Harbor. Three love stories, a murder mystery and a nuclear espionage plot converge in this noir comedy about marriage and other explosive devices. (Not for young children – some bawdy humor and suggestive innuendo – PG13)
Liz Mykietyn and Christopher Crockett in the Providence Players Production of “Red Herring
The Providence Players close their 2015-2016 season with a number of belly laughs from Michael Hollinger’s comedy Red Herring. The production opens Friday, June 3rd and runs through the 18th at the James Lee Community Center Theater in Falls Church. Classified (highly) as a “comedic noir fable” Red Herring is a madcap mash-up of a spy thriller, hard-boiled detective story and romantic comedy. It’s 1952 and America likes Ike and hates Commies. Frank, a rough-and-tumble G-man and his tough-as-nails girlfriend, policewoman Maggie, are caught in a deliciously tangled plot involving three love stories, a murder mystery and nuclear espionage. Senator Joe McCarthy’s daughter just got engaged to a Soviet spy, and Boston detective Maggie Pelletier has to find out who dumped the dead guy in the Harbor — or else lose out on a honeymoon in Havana.
L to R: Charlene Sloan, Christopher Crockett and Tina Thronson in “Red Herring” opening Friday June 3rd from the Providence PlayersPatrick David as Frank Keller and Liz Mykietyn as Maggie Pelletier in PPF’s Red Herring
Over the course of two dozen, funny and surprising scenes, the play takes you from the fishing docks in Boston, to Senator Joseph McCarthy’s home in Wisconsin, back to various locale’s in 1952 Boston, and on to the South Pacific for a nuclear test. The show is fast paced and Director Beth Hughes-Brown has crafted a devilishly funny production.
James McDaniel and Tina Thronson
About the production Hughes-Brown says ” We all need a good laugh (and not a sarcastic one, or one where you feel the need to check to see who’s watching), but a good, life-affirming belly laugh. With that goal in mind, I’ve assembled some of the finest comedians I’ve come across in my theatrical career for your pleasure for two hours of your life with thanks to Michael Hollinger, who really knows how to string words together to accomplish “the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement” – a.k.a., the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of laughter! Red Herring is a romp of a show that will take you from bedroom to bedroom, to a fishing pier and a morgue, to a bar, hotel room and confessional, and of course a boat or two – all at the time of Senator Joe McCarthy’s hearings that tried to rout the Red Scourge (Commies!) from our country. It’s a who-dunnit and a love story at the same time – or rather, make that THREE love stories.”
Jayne Victor in “Red Herring”
Providence Players Board President Jayne Victor, who appears in the production says “PPF Board Member John Coscia had seen Hollinger’s play and suggested the company take a look at it as a possibility or this season. We vetted it at one of our monthly play readings and those present at the reading are still probably laughing. Fast paced, smart and very funny, we knew our audiences would love it.”
The play is challenging technically, particularly on a fairly small stage. “The challenge in this production is the multiple settings, 24 very fast paced scenes and the farcical timing of the play. Relatively simple settings, effective use of the entire stage, and the use of projection will help set the mood, place and pace of the show. Director Beth Hughes-Brown is a master at mounting this type of comedy and will have audiences in stitches with this production.” says Chip Gertzog, Technical Director for the production.
Jayne Victor and James McDaniel in the Providence Players’ “Red Herring”Liz Mykietyn as Maggie in “Red Herring”Charlene Sloan, Patrick David and James McDaniel in Providence Players’ “Red Herring”
Tina Thronson (the one who is armed and dangerous) has an arresting (or is it arrested) personality in “Red Herring”, opening June 3rd from The Providence Players
Beth Hughes-Brown (Director) has been making PPF audiences laugh both as an actress and as a director for 17 years. Previous directorial outings for PPF include Is He Dead?, Sleuth, Moon over Buffalo, A Christmas Carol, Witness for the Prosecution, Cash on Delivery, Arsenic and Old Lace, Play On! and Lend Me a Tenor. Some of Beth’s favorite roles with PPF have included Cookie in Rumors, Olive the Lush in Big Tree Falls (for which she received a WATCH nomination), Veta Simmons in Harvey, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Delilah in Good Help is So Hard to Murder, Messenger 7013 in Heaven Can Wait, Annabelle in George Washington Slept Here, and Dolly Dibble in MacBeth Did It. As a director, her productions have garnered numerous WATCH nominations and awards. She is married to Tim the Sultry, mother to Katie the Entrancing and Annie the Prodigious. By day, she is a government wonk.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 5 & 12
Love, laughter and espionage –the perfect evening out! Providence Players presents the zany spy farce/detective thriller/love story by award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger. Set in the 1950s, the play spoofs Red Scare era politics and culture. America’s on the verge of the H-bomb, Dwight Eisenhower’s on the campaign trail, and I Love Lucy’s on Monday nights. Meanwhile, Senator Joe McCarthy’s daughter just got engaged to a soviet spy, and a Boston detective has to find out who dumped the dead guy in the Harbor. Three love stories, a murder mystery and a nuclear espionage plot converge in this noir comedy about marriage and other explosive devices. (Not for young children – some bawdy humor and suggestive innuendo – PG13)
Michael Bagwell (Major Hartwell, Sen. McCarthy, Airport Announcer) is making his PPF debut in Red Herring. He was seen earlier this year as McNair the congressional custodian in 1776 at McLean Community Players (MCP). Other past roles include Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls (MCP), Cecil B. DeMille in Sunset Boulevard (Reston Community Players), Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown (Dominion Stage), and Tony in The Full Monty (Little Theater of Alexandria).
Christopher Crockett (James Appel, Woody, Harry) might look familiar; he was in PPF’s last show, Almost, Maine. Before that he appeared in On the Razzle at Silver Spring Stage. While living in Arizona he performed in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), A Few Good Men, and Torch Song Trilogy. Other local favorites include Montgomery Playhouse’s Barefoot in the Park and Proof and Rockville Little Theater’s You Can’t Take It With You. By day, he’s the astronomy writer for Science News Magazine.
Michael Bagwell and Christopher Crockett in Providence Players “Red Herring”
Patrick David (Frank Keller, Priest, Chairman) is still recovering from wearing high heels for Beth Brown in Is He Dead?, but is happy to back, working again under her talented direction (and playing his own gender). Past collaborations with Beth include the comedies Moon Over Buffalo, Play On and Sleuth. Patrick is also thrilled to be back with his Rumor’s director and stage wife (Liz Mykietyn and Charlene Sloan), and his youngest wren from Twelfth Night (Tina Thronson). He has appeared in many other PPF productions Patrick is a past PPF Board member, a talented set designer and a fixture at PPF’s set builds. Pat’s work has been recognized with a number of WATCH nominations.
Patrick David and Liz MyKietyn in “Red Herring” June 3 through June 18 -The Providence Players at the James Lee Community Center Theater
Julie Janson (Props, Bartender, Announcer) is participating in her ninth PPF production. Her previous properties work includes Rumors, Of Mice and Men (WATCH nomination), The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Other Desert Cities (WATCH award) and Calendar Girls (WATCH nomination). She has also performed in a number of PPF productions, including Of Mice and Men, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Glass Mendacity, and Almost, Maine. When she is not doing theater she serves in the U.S. Air Force and volunteers for Main Line Animal Rescue, Braille Tails, and Broadway Barks. Julie is thrilled to have been selected to make her PPF directorial debut next fall with our production of Amadeus.
James McDaniel (Andrei Borchevsky, Petey, Herbert) has performed in Community Theater for many years, and with a number of theater groups in the DC area. James is making his PPF debut in Red Herring. By day, he’s an instructional designer for Defense Acquisition University. He live with two cats, Tux the Wonder Cat and Sport (the Demon), and with his wife, Sherman, who provides outrageous customer service in buying/selling real estate.
Jayne Victor and James McDaniel in the Providence Players’ “Red Herring”
Liz Mykietyn (Maggie Pelletier) is overjoyed to be part of this Red Herring team alongside one of her best friends ever and amazing actress, Charlene Sloan. Sharing the stage with the incredibly talented Patrick David again is awesome! Liz joined PPF in 2005 with over 40 years of experience in acting, directing, writing, choreography and publicity for Community Theater. She received the WATCH award for Best Director for PPF’s Rumors in 2014. Liz loves performing with PPF, especially in her all-time favorite role as Truvy in Steel Magnolias and now as Maggie, too. Just this past winter, Liz appeared in PPF’s Almost, Maine and will be directing PPF’s holiday show Best Christmas Pageant Ever this coming December.
Liz Mykietyn as Maggie in “Red Herring”
Amanda Ranowsky (Dr. Kasden, Witness) is delighted to be under the direction of comedic genius Beth Hughes-Brown once again. She previously appeared on the PPF stage as Smitty/the Maid in Play On!, Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, Jean Louise in Snow White and the Family Dwarf, and Ginnette in Almost, Maine. She is thrilled to be working with this hilarious cast and amazingly talented crew. She is also very grateful to her family and friends for their constant love and support.
Charlene Sloan (Lynn McCarthy) is thrilled to be back at PPF! Favorite roles include The Queen in Snow White and the Family Dwarf (PPF), Chris Gorman in Rumors (PPF), Mrs. T/Bad Idea Bear in Avenue Q (Little Theater of Alexandria), Ruth Condomine in Blithe Spirit (PTC), Jean Perkins in Funny Money (LTA), and Kay Ridgeway-Mostyn in Murder on the Nile (PTC). Charlene can be seen on TV as the Host of “Lifestyles” on MeTV, 10 a.m. Saturday mornings. This past winter, Charlene served as props mistress and stealth actor in PPF’s production of Almost, Maine where her contribution was invaluable. Charlene also works with Broadway Barks and Braille Tails, wonderful organizations dedicated to the plight of homeless animals and increasing Braille literacy among the visually impaired.
Charlene Sloan, Patrick David and James McDaniel in Providence Players’ “Red Herring”
Tina Thronson (Mrs. Kravitz, Mrs. McCarthy) How lucky can a girl get? A long association with PPF in acting and directing, stage management and costume design, Tina has appeared on this stage in Lend Me a Tenor, The Skin of Our Teeth, Twelfth Night, Side Man and Other Desert Cities – to name a few. She is also proud to have directed The Laramie Project, Dinner with Friends, Steel Magnolias, Born Yesterday and Other Desert Cities for PPF – to name a few. Tina directed the Players’ first James Lee Community Center Theater show, The Man Who Came to Dinner, which garnered eight WATCH nominations and three WATCH awards. She is a past president and current member of the PPF Board.
Tina Thronson (the one who is armed and dangerous) has an arresting (or is it arrested) personality in “Red Herring”, opening June 3rd from The Providence Players
Jayne L. Victor (Van Norstrand, Clerk) is delighted to be back on the PPF stage under the direction of Beth Hughes-Brown. PPF acting credits include Calendar Girls, House of Blue Leaves, Dinner With Friends, Shadowbox, All My Sons (WATCH nomination), Big Tree Falls and Moon Over Buffalo. Other acting credits include LTA and Hexagon Theatre. Jayne has also directed two shows for PPF: Auntie Mame (eight WATCH nominations including Best Play) and last spring’s comedy The Glass Mendacity (WATCH nomination). Jayne has also done set decoration for the company and is the current president of the PPF Board.
Jayne Victor loves her desk job in “Red Herring”
Andra Whitt (Bartender, Announcer) Andra has acted, crewed, stage managed, propped, and board membered for PPF the past five years since first joining PPF for our 2011 production of Auntie Mame. She is a three time WATCH nominee. This talented and versatile actress made us cry with her riveting performance as Terry Glimmer in PPF’s Side Man and turned around and made us laugh as Essie in You Can’t Take It With You and as Claire in Rumors. Andra is a current member of the PPF Board and is the face of PPF in the Box Office this year.
James McDaniel and Tina ThronsonCharlene Sloan and Christopher Crockett
Beth Hughes-Brown (Director) has been making PPF audiences laugh both as an actress and as a director for 17 years. Previous directorial outings for PPF include Is He Dead?, Sleuth, Moon over Buffalo, A Christmas Carol, Witness for the Prosecution, Cash on Delivery, Arsenic and Old Lace, Play On! and Lend Me a Tenor. Some of Beth’s favorite roles with PPF have included Cookie in Rumors, Olive the Lush in Big Tree Falls (for which she received a WATCH nomination), Veta Simmons in Harvey, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Delilah in Good Help is So Hard to Murder, Messenger 7013 in Heaven Can Wait, Annabelle in George Washington Slept Here, and Dolly Dibble in MacBeth Did It. As a director, her productions have garnered numerous WATCH nominations and awards. She is married to Tim the Sultry, mother to Katie the Entrancing and Annie the Prodigious. By day, she is a government wonk.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 5 & 12
Love, laughter and espionage –the perfect evening out! Providence Players presents the zany spy farce/detective thriller/love story by award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger. Set in the 1950s, the play spoofs Red Scare era politics and culture. America’s on the verge of the H-bomb, Dwight Eisenhower’s on the campaign trail, and I Love Lucy’s on Monday nights. Meanwhile, Senator Joe McCarthy’s daughter just got engaged to a soviet spy, and a Boston detective has to find out who dumped the dead guy in the Harbor. Three love stories, a murder mystery and a nuclear espionage plot converge in this noir comedy about marriage and other explosive devices. (Not for young children – some bawdy humor and suggestive innuendo – PG13)
Liz Mykietyn and Christopher Crockett in the Providence Players Production of “Red Herring
The Providence Players close their 2015-2016 season with a number of belly laughs from Michael Hollinger’s comedy Red Herring. The production opens Friday, June 3rd and runs through the 18th at the James Lee Community Center Theater in Falls Church. Classified (highly) as a “comedic noir fable” Red Herring is a madcap mash-up of a spy thriller, hard-boiled detective story and romantic comedy. It’s 1952 and America likes Ike and hates Commies. Frank, a rough-and-tumble G-man and his tough-as-nails girlfriend, policewoman Maggie, are caught in a deliciously tangled plot involving three love stories, a murder mystery and nuclear espionage. Senator Joe McCarthy’s daughter just got engaged to a Soviet spy, and Boston detective Maggie Pelletier has to find out who dumped the dead guy in the Harbor — or else lose out on a honeymoon in Havana.
L to R: Charlene Sloan, Christopher Crockett and Tina Thronson in “Red Herring” opening Friday June 3rd from the Providence PlayersPatrick David as Frank Keller and Liz Mykietyn as Maggie Pelletier in PPF’s Red Herring
Over the course of two dozen, funny and surprising scenes, the play takes you from the fishing docks in Boston, to Senator Joseph McCarthy’s home in Wisconsin, back to various locale’s in 1952 Boston, and on to the South Pacific for a nuclear test. The show is fast paced and Director Beth Hughes-Brown has crafted a devilishly funny production.
James McDaniel and Tina Thronson
About the production Hughes-Brown says ” We all need a good laugh (and not a sarcastic one, or one where you feel the need to check to see who’s watching), but a good, life-affirming belly laugh. With that goal in mind, I’ve assembled some of the finest comedians I’ve come across in my theatrical career for your pleasure for two hours of your life with thanks to Michael Hollinger, who really knows how to string words together to accomplish “the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement” – a.k.a., the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of laughter! Red Herring is a romp of a show that will take you from bedroom to bedroom, to a fishing pier and a morgue, to a bar, hotel room and confessional, and of course a boat or two – all at the time of Senator Joe McCarthy’s hearings that tried to rout the Red Scourge (Commies!) from our country. It’s a who-dunnit and a love story at the same time – or rather, make that THREE love stories.”
Jayne Victor in “Red Herring”
Providence Players Board President Jayne Victor, who appears in the production says “PPF Board Member John Coscia had seen Hollinger’s play and suggested the company take a look at it as a possibility or this season. We vetted it at one of our monthly play readings and those present at the reading are still probably laughing. Fast paced, smart and very funny, we knew our audiences would love it.”
The play is challenging technically, particularly on a fairly small stage. “The challenge in this production is the multiple settings, 24 very fast paced scenes and the farcical timing of the play. Relatively simple settings, effective use of the entire stage, and the use of projection will help set the mood, place and pace of the show. Director Beth Hughes-Brown is a master at mounting this type of comedy and will have audiences in stitches with this production.” says Chip Gertzog, Technical Director for the production.
Jayne Victor and James McDaniel in the Providence Players’ “Red Herring”Liz Mykietyn as Maggie in “Red Herring”
Charlene Sloan, Patrick David and James McDaniel in Providence Players’ “Red Herring”
Tina Thronson (the one who is armed and dangerous) has an arresting (or is it arrested) personality in “Red Herring”, opening June 3rd from The Providence Players
Beth Hughes-Brown (Director) has been making PPF audiences laugh both as an actress and as a director for 17 years. Previous directorial outings for PPF include Is He Dead?, Sleuth, Moon over Buffalo, A Christmas Carol, Witness for the Prosecution, Cash on Delivery, Arsenic and Old Lace, Play On! and Lend Me a Tenor. Some of Beth’s favorite roles with PPF have included Cookie in Rumors, Olive the Lush in Big Tree Falls (for which she received a WATCH nomination), Veta Simmons in Harvey, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Delilah in Good Help is So Hard to Murder, Messenger 7013 in Heaven Can Wait, Annabelle in George Washington Slept Here, and Dolly Dibble in MacBeth Did It. As a director, her productions have garnered numerous WATCH nominations and awards. She is married to Tim the Sultry, mother to Katie the Entrancing and Annie the Prodigious. By day, she is a government wonk.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 5 & 12
Love, laughter and espionage –the perfect evening out! Providence Players presents the zany spy farce/detective thriller/love story by award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger. Set in the 1950s, the play spoofs Red Scare era politics and culture. America’s on the verge of the H-bomb, Dwight Eisenhower’s on the campaign trail, and I Love Lucy’s on Monday nights. Meanwhile, Senator Joe McCarthy’s daughter just got engaged to a soviet spy, and a Boston detective has to find out who dumped the dead guy in the Harbor. Three love stories, a murder mystery and a nuclear espionage plot converge in this noir comedy about marriage and other explosive devices. (Not for young children – some bawdy humor and suggestive innuendo – PG13)
Michael Bagwell (Major Hartwell, Sen. McCarthy, Airport Announcer) is making his PPF debut in Red Herring. He was seen earlier this year as McNair the congressional custodian in 1776 at McLean Community Players (MCP). Other past roles include Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls (MCP), Cecil B. DeMille in Sunset Boulevard (Reston Community Players), Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown (Dominion Stage), and Tony in The Full Monty (Little Theater of Alexandria).
Christopher Crockett (James Appel, Woody, Harry) might look familiar; he was in PPF’s last show, Almost, Maine. Before that he appeared in On the Razzle at Silver Spring Stage. While living in Arizona he performed in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), A Few Good Men, and Torch Song Trilogy. Other local favorites include Montgomery Playhouse’s Barefoot in the Park and Proof and Rockville Little Theater’s You Can’t Take It With You. By day, he’s the astronomy writer for Science News Magazine.
Michael Bagwell and Christopher Crockett in Providence Players “Red Herring”
Patrick David (Frank Keller, Priest, Chairman) is still recovering from wearing high heels for Beth Brown in Is He Dead?, but is happy to back, working again under her talented direction (and playing his own gender). Past collaborations with Beth include the comedies Moon Over Buffalo, Play On and Sleuth. Patrick is also thrilled to be back with his Rumor’s director and stage wife (Liz Mykietyn and Charlene Sloan), and his youngest wren from Twelfth Night (Tina Thronson). He has appeared in many other PPF productions Patrick is a past PPF Board member, a talented set designer and a fixture at PPF’s set builds. Pat’s work has been recognized with a number of WATCH nominations.
Patrick David and Liz MyKietyn in “Red Herring” June 3 through June 18 -The Providence Players at the James Lee Community Center Theater
Julie Janson (Props, Bartender, Announcer) is participating in her ninth PPF production. Her previous properties work includes Rumors, Of Mice and Men (WATCH nomination), The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Other Desert Cities (WATCH award) and Calendar Girls (WATCH nomination). She has also performed in a number of PPF productions, including Of Mice and Men, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Glass Mendacity, and Almost, Maine. When she is not doing theater she serves in the U.S. Air Force and volunteers for Main Line Animal Rescue, Braille Tails, and Broadway Barks. Julie is thrilled to have been selected to make her PPF directorial debut next fall with our production of Amadeus.
James McDaniel (Andrei Borchevsky, Petey, Herbert) has performed in Community Theater for many years, and with a number of theater groups in the DC area. James is making his PPF debut in Red Herring. By day, he’s an instructional designer for Defense Acquisition University. He live with two cats, Tux the Wonder Cat and Sport (the Demon), and with his wife, Sherman, who provides outrageous customer service in buying/selling real estate.
Jayne Victor and James McDaniel in the Providence Players’ “Red Herring”
Liz Mykietyn (Maggie Pelletier) is overjoyed to be part of this Red Herring team alongside one of her best friends ever and amazing actress, Charlene Sloan. Sharing the stage with the incredibly talented Patrick David again is awesome! Liz joined PPF in 2005 with over 40 years of experience in acting, directing, writing, choreography and publicity for Community Theater. She received the WATCH award for Best Director for PPF’s Rumors in 2014. Liz loves performing with PPF, especially in her all-time favorite role as Truvy in Steel Magnolias and now as Maggie, too. Just this past winter, Liz appeared in PPF’s Almost, Maine and will be directing PPF’s holiday show Best Christmas Pageant Ever this coming December.
Liz Mykietyn as Maggie in “Red Herring”
Amanda Ranowsky (Dr. Kasden, Witness) is delighted to be under the direction of comedic genius Beth Hughes-Brown once again. She previously appeared on the PPF stage as Smitty/the Maid in Play On!, Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, Jean Louise in Snow White and the Family Dwarf, and Ginnette in Almost, Maine. She is thrilled to be working with this hilarious cast and amazingly talented crew. She is also very grateful to her family and friends for their constant love and support.
Charlene Sloan (Lynn McCarthy) is thrilled to be back at PPF! Favorite roles include The Queen in Snow White and the Family Dwarf (PPF), Chris Gorman in Rumors (PPF), Mrs. T/Bad Idea Bear in Avenue Q (Little Theater of Alexandria), Ruth Condomine in Blithe Spirit (PTC), Jean Perkins in Funny Money (LTA), and Kay Ridgeway-Mostyn in Murder on the Nile (PTC). Charlene can be seen on TV as the Host of “Lifestyles” on MeTV, 10 a.m. Saturday mornings. This past winter, Charlene served as props mistress and stealth actor in PPF’s production of Almost, Maine where her contribution was invaluable. Charlene also works with Broadway Barks and Braille Tails, wonderful organizations dedicated to the plight of homeless animals and increasing Braille literacy among the visually impaired.
Charlene Sloan, Patrick David and James McDaniel in Providence Players’ “Red Herring”
Tina Thronson (Mrs. Kravitz, Mrs. McCarthy) How lucky can a girl get? A long association with PPF in acting and directing, stage management and costume design, Tina has appeared on this stage in Lend Me a Tenor, The Skin of Our Teeth, Twelfth Night, Side Man and Other Desert Cities – to name a few. She is also proud to have directed The Laramie Project, Dinner with Friends, Steel Magnolias, Born Yesterday and Other Desert Cities for PPF – to name a few. Tina directed the Players’ first James Lee Community Center Theater show, The Man Who Came to Dinner, which garnered eight WATCH nominations and three WATCH awards. She is a past president and current member of the PPF Board.
Tina Thronson (the one who is armed and dangerous) has an arresting (or is it arrested) personality in “Red Herring”, opening June 3rd from The Providence Players
Jayne L. Victor (Van Norstrand, Clerk) is delighted to be back on the PPF stage under the direction of Beth Hughes-Brown. PPF acting credits include Calendar Girls, House of Blue Leaves, Dinner With Friends, Shadowbox, All My Sons (WATCH nomination), Big Tree Falls and Moon Over Buffalo. Other acting credits include LTA and Hexagon Theatre. Jayne has also directed two shows for PPF: Auntie Mame (eight WATCH nominations including Best Play) and last spring’s comedy The Glass Mendacity (WATCH nomination). Jayne has also done set decoration for the company and is the current president of the PPF Board.
Jayne Victor loves her desk job in “Red Herring”
Andra Whitt (Bartender, Announcer) Andra has acted, crewed, stage managed, propped, and board membered for PPF the past five years since first joining PPF for our 2011 production of Auntie Mame. She is a three time WATCH nominee. This talented and versatile actress made us cry with her riveting performance as Terry Glimmer in PPF’s Side Man and turned around and made us laugh as Essie in You Can’t Take It With You and as Claire in Rumors. Andra is a current member of the PPF Board and is the face of PPF in the Box Office this year.
James McDaniel and Tina ThronsonCharlene Sloan and Christopher Crockett
Beth Hughes-Brown (Director) has been making PPF audiences laugh both as an actress and as a director for 17 years. Previous directorial outings for PPF include Is He Dead?, Sleuth, Moon over Buffalo, A Christmas Carol, Witness for the Prosecution, Cash on Delivery, Arsenic and Old Lace, Play On! and Lend Me a Tenor. Some of Beth’s favorite roles with PPF have included Cookie in Rumors, Olive the Lush in Big Tree Falls (for which she received a WATCH nomination), Veta Simmons in Harvey, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Delilah in Good Help is So Hard to Murder, Messenger 7013 in Heaven Can Wait, Annabelle in George Washington Slept Here, and Dolly Dibble in MacBeth Did It. As a director, her productions have garnered numerous WATCH nominations and awards. She is married to Tim the Sultry, mother to Katie the Entrancing and Annie the Prodigious. By day, she is a government wonk.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 5 & 12
Providence Players Open Michael Hollinger’s Noir Comedy “Red Herring” This Weekend in Falls Church
Liz Mykietyn and Christopher Crockett in the Providence Players Production of “Red Herring
The Providence Players close their 2015-2016 season with a number of belly laughs from Michael Hollinger’s comedy Red Herring. The production opens Friday, June 3rd and runs through the 18th at the James Lee Community Center Theater in Falls Church. Classified (highly) as a “comedic noir fable” Red Herring is a madcap mash-up of a spy thriller, hard-boiled detective story and romantic comedy. It’s 1952 and America likes Ike and hates Commies. Frank, a rough-and-tumble G-man and his tough-as-nails girlfriend, policewoman Maggie, are caught in a deliciously tangled plot involving three love stories, a murder mystery and nuclear espionage. Senator Joe McCarthy’s daughter just got engaged to a Soviet spy, and Boston detective Maggie Pelletier has to find out who dumped the dead guy in the Harbor — or else lose out on a honeymoon in Havana.
L to R: Charlene Sloan, Christopher Crockett and Tina Thronson in “Red Herring” opening Friday June 3rd from the Providence PlayersPatrick David as Frank Keller and Liz Mykietyn as Maggie Pelletier in PPF’s Red Herring
Over the course of two dozen, funny and surprising scenes, the play takes you from the fishing docks in Boston, to Senator Joseph McCarthy’s home in Wisconsin, back to various locale’s in 1952 Boston, and on to the South Pacific for a nuclear test. The show is fast paced and Director Beth Hughes-Brown has crafted a devilishly funny production.
James McDaniel and Tina Thronson
About the production Hughes-Brown says ” We all need a good laugh (and not a sarcastic one, or one where you feel the need to check to see who’s watching), but a good, life-affirming belly laugh. With that goal in mind, I’ve assembled some of the finest comedians I’ve come across in my theatrical career for your pleasure for two hours of your life with thanks to Michael Hollinger, who really knows how to string words together to accomplish “the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement” – a.k.a., the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of laughter! Red Herring is a romp of a show that will take you from bedroom to bedroom, to a fishing pier and a morgue, to a bar, hotel room and confessional, and of course a boat or two – all at the time of Senator Joe McCarthy’s hearings that tried to rout the Red Scourge (Commies!) from our country. It’s a who-dunnit and a love story at the same time – or rather, make that THREE love stories.”
Jayne Victor in “Red Herring”
Providence Players Board President Jayne Victor, who appears in the production says “PPF Board Member John Coscia had seen Hollinger’s play and suggested the company take a look at it as a possibility or this season. We vetted it at one of our monthly play readings and those present at the reading are still probably laughing. Fast paced, smart and very funny, we knew our audiences would love it.”
The play is challenging technically, particularly on a fairly small stage. “The challenge in this production is the multiple settings, 24 very fast paced scenes and the farcical timing of the play. Relatively simple settings, effective use of the entire stage, and the use of projection will help set the mood, place and pace of the show. Director Beth Hughes-Brown is a master at mounting this type of comedy and will have audiences in stitches with this production.” says Chip Gertzog, Technical Director for the production.
Meet the Cast and Director of Red Herring
Michael Bagwell (Major Hartwell, Sen. McCarthy, Airport Announcer) is making his PPF debut in Red Herring. He was seen earlier this year as McNair the congressional custodian in 1776 at McLean Community Players (MCP). Other past roles include Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls (MCP), Cecil B. DeMille in Sunset Boulevard (Reston Community Players), Caldwell B. Cladwell in Urinetown (Dominion Stage), and Tony in The Full Monty (Little Theater of Alexandria).
Christopher Crockett (James Appel, Woody, Harry) might look familiar; he was in PPF’s last show, Almost, Maine. Before that he appeared in On the Razzle at Silver Spring Stage. While living in Arizona he performed in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), A Few Good Men, and Torch Song Trilogy. Other local favorites include Montgomery Playhouse’s Barefoot in the Park and Proof and Rockville Little Theater’s You Can’t Take It With You. By day, he’s the astronomy writer for Science News Magazine.
Michael Bagwell and Christopher Crockett in Providence Players “Red Herring”
Patrick David (Frank Keller, Priest, Chairman) is still recovering from wearing high heels for Beth Brown in Is He Dead?, but is happy to back, working again under her talented direction (and playing his own gender). Past collaborations with Beth include the comedies Moon Over Buffalo, Play On and Sleuth. Patrick is also thrilled to be back with his Rumor’s director and stage wife (Liz Mykietyn and Charlene Sloan), and his youngest wren from Twelfth Night (Tina Thronson). He has appeared in many other PPF productions Patrick is a past PPF Board member, a talented set designer and a fixture at PPF’s set builds. Pat’s work has been recognized with a number of WATCH nominations.
Julie Janson (Props, Bartender, Announcer) is participating in her ninth PPF production. Her previous properties work includes Rumors, Of Mice and Men (WATCH nomination), The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Other Desert Cities (WATCH award) and Calendar Girls (WATCH nomination). She has also performed in a number of PPF productions, including Of Mice and Men, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Glass Mendacity, and Almost, Maine. When she is not doing theater she serves in the U.S. Air Force and volunteers for Main Line Animal Rescue, Braille Tails, and Broadway Barks. Julie is thrilled to have been selected to make her PPF directorial debut next fall with our production of Amadeus.
James McDaniel (Andrei Borchevsky, Petey, Herbert) has performed in Community Theater for many years, and with a number of theater groups in the DC area. James is making his PPF debut in Red Herring. By day, he’s an instructional designer for Defense Acquisition University. He live with two cats, Tux the Wonder Cat and Sport (the Demon), and with his wife, Sherman, who provides outrageous customer service in buying/selling real estate.
Jayne Victor and James McDaniel in the Providence Players’ “Red Herring”
Liz Mykietyn (Maggie Pelletier) is overjoyed to be part of this Red Herring team alongside one of her best friends ever and amazing actress, Charlene Sloan. Sharing the stage with the incredibly talented Patrick David again is awesome! Liz joined PPF in 2005 with over 40 years of experience in acting, directing, writing, choreography and publicity for Community Theater. She received the WATCH award for Best Director for PPF’s Rumors in 2014. Liz loves performing with PPF, especially in her all-time favorite role as Truvy in Steel Magnolias and now as Maggie, too. Just this past winter, Liz appeared in PPF’s Almost, Maine and will be directing PPF’s holiday show Best Christmas Pageant Ever this coming December.
Liz Mykietyn as Maggie in “Red Herring”
Amanda Ranowsky (Dr. Kasden, Witness) is delighted to be under the direction of comedic genius Beth Hughes-Brown once again. She previously appeared on the PPF stage as Smitty/the Maid in Play On!, Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, Jean Louise in Snow White and the Family Dwarf, and Ginnette in Almost, Maine. She is thrilled to be working with this hilarious cast and amazingly talented crew. She is also very grateful to her family and friends for their constant love and support.
Charlene Sloan (Lynn McCarthy) is thrilled to be back at PPF! Favorite roles include The Queen in Snow White and the Family Dwarf (PPF), Chris Gorman in Rumors (PPF), Mrs. T/Bad Idea Bear in Avenue Q (Little Theater of Alexandria), Ruth Condomine in Blithe Spirit (PTC), Jean Perkins in Funny Money (LTA), and Kay Ridgeway-Mostyn in Murder on the Nile (PTC). Charlene can be seen on TV as the Host of “Lifestyles” on MeTV, 10 a.m. Saturday mornings. This past winter, Charlene served as props mistress and stealth actor in PPF’s production of Almost, Maine where her contribution was invaluable. Charlene also works with Broadway Barks and Braille Tails, wonderful organizations dedicated to the plight of homeless animals and increasing Braille literacy among the visually impaired.
Charlene Sloan, Patrick David and James McDaniel in Providence Players’ “Red Herring”
Tina Thronson (Mrs. Kravitz, Mrs. McCarthy) How lucky can a girl get? A long association with PPF in acting and directing, stage management and costume design, Tina has appeared on this stage in Lend Me a Tenor, The Skin of Our Teeth, Twelfth Night, Side Man and Other Desert Cities – to name a few. She is also proud to have directed The Laramie Project, Dinner with Friends, Steel Magnolias, Born Yesterday and Other Desert Cities for PPF – to name a few. Tina directed the Players’ first James Lee Community Center Theater show, The Man Who Came to Dinner, which garnered eight WATCH nominations and three WATCH awards. She is a past president and current member of the PPF Board.
Tina Thronson (the one who is armed and dangerous) has an arresting (or is it arrested) personality in “Red Herring”, opening June 3rd from The Providence Players
Jayne L. Victor (Van Norstrand, Clerk) is delighted to be back on the PPF stage under the direction of Beth Hughes-Brown. PPF acting credits include Calendar Girls, House of Blue Leaves, Dinner With Friends, Shadowbox, All My Sons (WATCH nomination), Big Tree Falls and Moon Over Buffalo. Other acting credits include LTA and Hexagon Theatre. Jayne has also directed two shows for PPF: Auntie Mame (eight WATCH nominations including Best Play) and last spring’s comedy The Glass Mendacity (WATCH nomination). Jayne has also done set decoration for the company and is the current president of the PPF Board.
Andra Whitt (Bartender, Announcer) Andra has acted, crewed, stage managed, propped, and board membered for PPF the past five years since first joining PPF for our 2011 production of Auntie Mame. She is a three time WATCH nominee. This talented and versatile actress made us cry with her riveting performance as Terry Glimmer in PPF’s Side Man and turned around and made us laugh as Essie in You Can’t Take It With You and as Claire in Rumors. Andra is a current member of the PPF Board and is the face of PPF in the Box Office this year.
Beth Hughes-Brown (Director) has been making PPF audiences laugh both as an actress and as a director for 17 years. Previous directorial outings for PPF include Is He Dead?, Sleuth, Moon over Buffalo, A Christmas Carol, Witness for the Prosecution, Cash on Delivery, Arsenic and Old Lace, Play On! and Lend Me a Tenor. Some of Beth’s favorite roles with PPF have included Cookie in Rumors, Olive the Lush in Big Tree Falls (for which she received a WATCH nomination), Veta Simmons in Harvey, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Delilah in Good Help is So Hard to Murder, Messenger 7013 in Heaven Can Wait, Annabelle in George Washington Slept Here, and Dolly Dibble in MacBeth Did It. As a director, her productions have garnered numerous WATCH nominations and awards. She is married to Tim the Sultry, mother to Katie the Entrancing and Annie the Prodigious. By day, she is a government wonk.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 5 & 12
Another outstanding Providence Players cast under the devilishly funny direction of Beth Hughes-Brown bring laughter (lots), mystery, and romance to the PPF stage in this riotous mash-up of a spy thriller, hard-boiled detective story and romantic comedy. Come see “Red Herring” and laugh with us!
Opens This Friday- June 3rd Thru June 18th
At the James Lee Community Center Theater – 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church
Love, laughter and espionage –the perfect evening out! Providence Players presents the zany spy farce/detective thriller/love story by award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger. Set in the 1950s, the play spoofs Red Scare era politics and culture. America’s on the verge of the H-bomb, Dwight Eisenhower’s on the campaign trail, and I Love Lucy’s on Monday nights. Meanwhile, Senator Joe McCarthy’s daughter just got engaged to a soviet spy, and a Boston detective has to find out who dumped the dead guy in the Harbor. Three love stories, a murder mystery and a nuclear espionage plot converge in this noir comedy about marriage and other explosive devices. (Not for young children – some bawdy humor and suggestive innuendo – PG13)
L to R: Patrick David, Liz Mykietyn, Christopher Crockett, Charlene Sloan, Tina Thronson, James McDaniel in the Providence Players Production of “Red Herring”
The Providence Players Cast of Red Herring
Maggie Pelletier………………………………………..……….Liz Mykietyn
Frank Keller/Priest/Chairman……………………….…………Patrick David
Lynn McCarthy……..……….….……………………………….Charlene Sloan
James Appel/Woody/Harry….………………………………..Christopher Crockett
Mrs. Kravitz/Mrs. McCarthy……………………….……….….Tina Thronson
Andrei Borchevsky/Petey/Herbert…………………….….…..James McDaniel
Van Norstrand/Clerk……………………………………..……Jayne Victor
Dr. Kasden/Witness…….…………………………………..…Amanda Ranowsky
Bartender/Announcer………………………………….….….Julie Janson/Andra Whitt
Major Hartwell/Sen. McCarthy/Airport Announcer…………Michael Bagwell
Closing week for the Providence Players sweet, poignant, and witty hit romantic comedy Almost, Maine at the James Lee Community Center Theater. Providence Players’ audiences have really enjoyed this uniquely structured play. Nine stories, each unique and magical, yet connected by time, place and the theme of love, has made audiences smile, laugh-out-loud, think and perhaps shed a tear. The talented cast marvelously captures both the witty and absurd magic of these stories as well as the authenticity of each story’s message. The play is wonderfully unpredictable and is simply great theater.
Closing Weekend! – Don’t Miss This Hit
Audiences Love: “Loved, loved, loved, Almost, Maine”, “Very funny”, “Delightfully Surprising”, “Touching”. “Outstanding performances and the set is fantastic”. “A wonderful evening of theater.” “Love is in the air and especially in Falls Church!! Beautifully directed and awesome acting – all around just a beauty of a show.” “Even the scene changes are wonderfully entertaining”. “One of Providence Players’ best.”
Providence Players’ audiences are raving about this wonderful comedy. Nine stories, each unique and magical, yet connected by time, place and the theme of love, will make audiences smile, laugh-out-loud, think and perhaps shed a tear. The talented cast marvelously captures both the witty and absurd magic of these stories as well as the authenticity of each story’s message. The play is wonderfully unpredictable and is simply great theater.
Critics Rave: FIVE STARS for Almost, Maine: “The Providence Players of Fairfax’s production of ‘Almost, Maine’ introduces those unfamiliar with the show to the joys and wonderment within it, and offers creative artistic choices that highlight the joys and beauty of the play. With nine separate stories, there are moments that highlight specific actors [among] the excellent ensemble. Having seen the play twice before, I have not previously received the same sense of a small town’s community, which [director] Gertzog reveals during scene changes….The Providence Players of Fairfax has produced a lovely version of ‘Almost, Maine,’ with enough original artistic choices to make it fresh and lovely.” Chuck Leonard, DCMetroTheaterArts
Almost, Maine, by John Cariani
Directed by Chip Gertzog
On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover, the residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend—almost—in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. This whimsical slice-of-life, written by John Cariani and performed by the Providence Players, is witty, romantic, clever and a real crowd-pleaser. A hit when it premiered off-Broadway, critics from coast to coast have since praised the poignancy and surreal wonder of Almost, Maine‘s overlapping vignettes about the joys and risks of love.
The New York Times said “ALMOST, MAINE is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. A beautifully structured play, with nifty surprise endings (most but not all of them happy).”
Almost, Maine
At The James Lee Community Center Theater – 2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church
Final Two Performances – Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM April 15 & 16
Reserved: By Email At: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net
By Leaving a Voicemail At: 703-425-6782
Or Purchased at the Door
Run time is 2 hours WITH intermission.
CLICK ON THE PICS TO ENLARGE
Christopher Crockett and Amanda Ranowsky as Pete and Ginette. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence PlayersSusan Kaplan and Bob Thompson in Her Heart. Photo by Rob Cuevas and Chip Gertzog Providence PlayersJack Read. Julie Janson and Elizabeth Floyd in Sad and Glad. Photo by Rob Cuevas Providence PlayersJenny Madorsky and Christopher Crockett in This Hurts. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence PlayersAllison Turkel and Rob Cuevas in Getting it Back. Getting It Back. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence PlayersSteve Feder and Rob Cuevas in They Fell. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence PlayersLiz Mykietyn and Stuart Fisher in Where it Went. Photo by Chip Gertzog and Rob Cuevas Providence PlayersElizabeth Keith and Steven Feder in The Story of Hope. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence PlayersJack Read and Julie Janson in Seeing the Thing. Photo by Rob Cuevas Providence PlayersPhotos by Rob Cuevas, Providence Players
Stuart Fischer (Phil) has previously appeared at PPF in A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), It’s A Wonderful Life – A Radio Play in various roles and in Waiting in the Wings (Dr. Jevons). Stuart has also appeared in roles in productions with many other area theater groups. Recently he played Melchior in On the Razzle (WATCH Award Best Play Nominee) for SSS and previously played Professor Nemur in Flowers for Algernon (WATCH Award Best Play Nominee) for ESP. However, this play marks probably his first “blue collar” role since college.
Bob Thompson, 2nd Providence Players Production
Bob Thompson (East) is very excited to be one of the town folk of Almost, Maine (Almostians?) and is looking forward to working under the Northern Lights with Director Chip Gertzog and being a part of this very talented cast and crew. This is Bob’s second production with PPF,
previously starring as Rod in last fall’s critically acclaimed Calendar Girls. His acting credits include starring as Newton Fuller in LTA’s production of George Washington Slept Here, three productions of 1776 (120 shows), The Wizard of Oz (American Music Stage), Gypsy (McLean) and more recently as an extra on Netflix’s House Of Cards. In real life Bob is an Art Director, and he thanks his wife Elena for her support and for putting up with his need to be up here in the footlights from time to time.
Amanda Ranowsky, 4th Providence Players Production
Amanda Ranowsky (Ginnette) previously appeared on the PPF stage as Smitty/the Maid in Play On!, Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, and Jean Louise in Snow White and the Family Dwarf. She is thrilled to be a part of this show and working with such an amazingly talented cast and crew. Special thanks go to Chip for trusting her with the opening of the play, and to Chris for being a fantastically fun scene partner. She is also very grateful to her family and friends for their constant love and support.
Elizabeth Keith, 2nd Providence Players Production
Elizabeth Keith (Hope) is excited to return to PPF for Almost, Maine. Last year, Elizabeth played the double-wigged Blanche duBois in PPF’s hysterical production of The Glass Mendacity, and then learned the Charleston portraying Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby at RLT. Other credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (RLT), Proof (LTA – 2014 WATCH Award for Outstanding Featured Actress), The 39 Steps (LTA), Widdershins (LTA), Picnic (LTA), An Inspector Calls (DS – WATCH Award winner for Outstanding Featured Actress), The Dresser (PCP), Prelude to a Kiss (FP), and A Comedy of Errors (GAC). Off stage, Elizabeth is a fulltime law professor and proud mom of two beautiful girls. Thanks go out to the talented cast and crew, and to Michael for his love and support.
Photos by Rob Cuevas and Chip Gertzog, Providence PlayersAllison Turkel, 2nd Providence Players Production
Allison Turkel (Gayle) is happy to return to PPF, where she last appeared as The Head Nun in The House of Blues Leaves. Her other theatre experience includes Eliza in RAW, and Mudman/Golem in Dry Bones Rising both at Venus Theatre. Mrs. Baker in Come Blow Your Horn and Mrs. Adams in J.B. both at The American Century Theatre. Allison played Dinah in Dixie Swim Club at Port Tobacco Players and Veronica Shultz at the Hard Bargain Players production of Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche. Allison is eternally grateful to Toni for her boundless support!
Christopher Crockett, Providence Players Debut
Christopher Crockett (Pete, Steve) is new to PPF, so be gentle. Last year he performed as Sonders in On the Razzle at Silver Spring Stage. During a six-year stint communing with tumbleweeds in Arizona, he appeared in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), A Few Good Men, and Torch Song Trilogy (to name a few). Once upon a time he performed regularly in the DC metro area. Some favorites include MP’s Barefoot in the Park and Proof and RLT’s You Can’t Take It With You. By day he’s the astronomy writer for Science News magazine.
Jack Read, Providence Players Debut
Jack Read (Jimmy/Dave) is delighted to be working with PPF for the first time. He has worked on shows in various capacities with Providence Children’s Museum (Providence, RI), Artist’s Exchange (Warwick, RI), PlayMakers Rep, (Chapel Hill, NC), American Shakespeare Center (Staunton, VA), and a courtyard in Greensboro, NC. Jack works with hundreds of students and tutors as a literacy instructor and coordinator throughout DC Public Schools. He’d like to thank everyone, but especially Dad, PJ and Liz. For the denizens of Almost, a quote: “Why love what you will lose? There is nothing else to love.” – Louise Glück
Roberto “Rob” Cuevas, 2nd Providence Players Production
Roberto “Rob” Cuevas (Lendall, Randy) is a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and this is his second production with Providence Players, having appeared last as Fenris Ulf in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He’s also done work with McLean Community Players and just finished producing A Raisin in the Sun with Castaways Repertory Theatre. He wishes to thank the Providence Players family for having a chance to be a part of another wonderful PPF production and wishes to thank his family for the time needed to make this production a reality.
Julie Janson, 4th Providence Players Production
Julie Janson (Waitress, Rhonda) is performing in her fourth PPF production. You also may have seen her in other PPF productions including Of Mice and Men (Curley’s Wife), The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Mrs. Beaver), and The Glass Mendacity (Maggie the Cat). When Julie is not on stage she serves in the U.S. Air Force and volunteers with Mainline Animal Rescue and Braille Tails. She would like to thank Chip and this wonderful cast and crew for being a hoot to work with. Jeezum crow, I would flock with you anywhere.
Jenny Madorsky, Providence Players Debut
Jenny Madorsky (Marvalyn) is thrilled to be making her Virginia theater debut with the Providence Players! Almost, Maine is her first production post-college at Duke where she was last seen in the roles of Nora of Henrick Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Tekla in August Strindberg’s Creditors, and Louise in Steve Martin’s The Underpants. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a welcoming and multi-talented group and wishes the cast and crew many broken legs (but hopefully no more broken trees)!
Elizabeth Floyd, Providence Players Debut
Elizabeth Floyd (Sandrine) is delighted to be making her PPF debut with Almost, Maine. A recent transfer to the DMV area, Elizabeth studied Shakespeare at Elon University and the London Dramatic Academy. Her favorite roles include: Lucid Nightmares (Emily), Nunsense
(Sister Mary Leo), Naomi in the Living Room (Johnna), and Richard III (Queen Elizabeth). When she is not breaking hearts in Almost, Elizabeth is the Digital and Social Media Coordinator for The National Memorial Day Concert and A Capitol Fourth. Many thanks to PPF, the cast, crew, and the ever-fantastic Chip Gertzog. This is for Spot.
Liz Mykietyn, PPF Veteran Performer and WATCH Award Winning Director for PPF’s “Rumors”
Liz Mykietyn (Marci) travels in to ALMOST from her zoo in Ashburn to work with PPF. She’s been a member here since 2005 with over 40 years of experience in acting, directing, writing, choreography and publicity for Community Theater to include the honor of receiving WATCH. Best Director award for PPF’s RUMORS 2014. Rumors Rocked! She always has a great time performing here as well, especially as her favorite role of all time “Truvy” in Steel Magnolias. Liz is thrilled to be part of Maine with theater pal Julie and under dear friend Chip’s directorship (thanks Chipster). Hugs to my HAHAs, friends & family with their decades of support and shout out to Charlene for my Ebay Blades.
Susan Kaplan, PPF Veteran Performer, Company Founder, Two Time WATCH Award Winner for PPF.
Susan Kaplan (Glory) has appeared in or worked behind the scenes for many of Providence Players’ productions. Susan has won two WATCH Awards for Outstanding Props in a Play for the Players’ productions of Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Sideman. Susan, a founding member of the company, is proud to serve on the Board of Directors and thanks Chip for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this talented cast and crew. Many special thanks to Saul, Rachel, Ben and Lara for all their love and support.
Steven Feder, Providence Players Debut
Steve Feder (Man, Chad) is delighted to work for the first time with PPF. Recent roles include Jack in Brighton Beach Memoirs and multiple roles in Twentieth Century at PGLT. He is grateful for the efforts of all the people who make this show possible. Steve has an annoying dog, a wonderful eight month old daughter, and a v-e-r-y patient wife.
The Providence Players 2016 Student Scholarship Program Applications Due April 30
Once again, 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 area high schools. Scholarships are limited each year.
This year, we anticipate awarding three scholarships, each of $1500, to 2016 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.
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, 2016.
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, 2016.
Final performances: Thursday 4/14, Friday 4/15 and Saturday 4/16 at 7:30 PM. Closing week for the Providence Players sweet, poignant, and witty hit romantic comedy Almost, Maine at the James Lee Community Center Theater.
Closing Weekend! – Don’t Miss This Hit
Audience Member Comments: “Loved, loved, loved, Almost, Maine”, “Very funny”, “Delightfully Surprising”, “Touching”. “Outstanding performances and the set is fantastic”. “A wonderful evening of theater.” “Love is in the air and especially in Falls Church!! Beautifully directed and awesome acting – all around just a beauty of a show.” “Even the scene changes are wonderfully entertaining”. “One of Providence Players’ best.”
Providence Players’ audiences are raving about this wonderful comedy. Nine stories, each unique and magical, yet connected by time, place and the theme of love, will make audiences smile, laugh-out-loud, think and perhaps shed a tear. The talented cast marvelously captures both the witty and absurd magic of these stories as well as the authenticity of each story’s message. The play is wonderfully unpredictable and is simply great theater.
DcMetroTheaterArts.com’s Chuck Leonard says – FIVE STARS for Almost, Maine
“The Providence Players of Fairfax’s production of ‘Almost, Maine’ introduces those unfamiliar with the show to the joys and wonderment within it, and offers creative artistic choices that highlight the joys and beauty of the play. With nine separate stories, there are moments that highlight specific actors [among] the excellent ensemble. Having seen the play twice before, I have not previously received the same sense of a small town’s community, which [director] Gertzog reveals during scene changes….The Providence Players of Fairfax has produced a lovely version of ‘Almost, Maine,’ with enough original artistic choices to make it fresh and lovely.” Chuck Leonard, DCMetroTheaterArts
Almost, Maine, by John Cariani
Directed by Chip Gertzog
On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover, the residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend—almost—in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. This whimsical slice-of-life, written by John Cariani and performed by the Providence Players, is witty, romantic, clever and a real crowd-pleaser. A hit when it premiered off-Broadway, critics from coast to coast have since praised the poignancy and surreal wonder of Almost, Maine‘s overlapping vignettes about the joys and risks of love.
The New York Times said “ALMOST, MAINE is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. A beautifully structured play, with nifty surprise endings (most but not all of them happy).”
Almost, Maine
At The James Lee Community Center Theater – 2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church
Final Three Performances – Thurs, Fri, and Sat at 7:30 PM April 14, 15 & 16
Reserved: By Email At: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net
By Leaving a Voicemail At: 703-425-6782
Or Purchased at the Door
Great seats are still available for all weekend performances.
Run time is 2 hours WITH intermission.
Can’t make it tonight? Join us Friday or Saturday – Closing Weekend
Meet The Cast
Stuart Fischer, 4th Providence Players Production
Stuart Fischer (Phil) has previously appeared at PPF in A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), It’s A Wonderful Life – A Radio Play in various roles and in Waiting in the Wings (Dr. Jevons). Stuart has also appeared in roles in productions with many other area theater groups. Recently he played Melchior in On the Razzle (WATCH Award Best Play Nominee) for SSS and previously played Professor Nemur in Flowers for Algernon (WATCH Award Best Play Nominee) for ESP. However, this play marks probably his first “blue collar” role since college.
Bob Thompson, 2nd Providence Players Production
Bob Thompson (East) is very excited to be one of the town folk of Almost, Maine (Almostians?) and is looking forward to working under the Northern Lights with Director Chip Gertzog and being a part of this very talented cast and crew. This is Bob’s second production with PPF,
previously starring as Rod in last fall’s critically acclaimed Calendar Girls. His acting credits include starring as Newton Fuller in LTA’s production of George Washington Slept Here, three productions of 1776 (120 shows), The Wizard of Oz (American Music Stage), Gypsy (McLean) and more recently as an extra on Netflix’s House Of Cards. In real life Bob is an Art Director, and he thanks his wife Elena for her support and for putting up with his need to be up here in the footlights from time to time.
Amanda Ranowsky, 4th Providence Players Production
Amanda Ranowsky (Ginnette) previously appeared on the PPF stage as Smitty/the Maid in Play On!, Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, and Jean Louise in Snow White and the Family Dwarf. She is thrilled to be a part of this show and working with such an amazingly talented cast and crew. Special thanks go to Chip for trusting her with the opening of the play, and to Chris for being a fantastically fun scene partner. She is also very grateful to her family and friends for their constant love and support.
Elizabeth Keith, 2nd Providence Players Production
Elizabeth Keith (Hope) is excited to return to PPF for Almost, Maine. Last year, Elizabeth played the double-wigged Blanche duBois in PPF’s hysterical production of The Glass Mendacity, and then learned the Charleston portraying Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby at RLT. Other credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (RLT), Proof (LTA – 2014 WATCH Award for Outstanding Featured Actress), The 39 Steps (LTA), Widdershins (LTA), Picnic (LTA), An Inspector Calls (DS – WATCH Award winner for Outstanding Featured Actress), The Dresser (PCP), Prelude to a Kiss (FP), and A Comedy of Errors (GAC). Off stage, Elizabeth is a fulltime law professor and proud mom of two beautiful girls. Thanks go out to the talented cast and crew, and to Michael for his love and support.
Allison Turkel, 2nd Providence Players Production
Allison Turkel (Gayle) is happy to return to PPF, where she last appeared as The Head Nun in The House of Blues Leaves. Her other theatre experience includes Eliza in RAW, and Mudman/Golem in Dry Bones Rising both at Venus Theatre. Mrs. Baker in Come Blow Your Horn and Mrs. Adams in J.B. both at The American Century Theatre. Allison played Dinah in Dixie Swim Club at Port Tobacco Players and Veronica Shultz at the Hard Bargain Players production of Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche. Allison is eternally grateful to Toni for her boundless support!
Christopher Crockett, Providence Players Debut
Christopher Crockett (Pete, Steve) is new to PPF, so be gentle. Last year he performed as Sonders in On the Razzle at Silver Spring Stage. During a six-year stint communing with tumbleweeds in Arizona, he appeared in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), A Few Good Men, and Torch Song Trilogy (to name a few). Once upon a time he performed regularly in the DC metro area. Some favorites include MP’s Barefoot in the Park and Proof and RLT’s You Can’t Take It With You. By day he’s the astronomy writer for Science News magazine.
Jack Read, Providence Players Debut
Jack Read (Jimmy/Dave) is delighted to be working with PPF for the first time. He has worked on shows in various capacities with Providence Children’s Museum (Providence, RI), Artist’s Exchange (Warwick, RI), PlayMakers Rep, (Chapel Hill, NC), American Shakespeare Center (Staunton, VA), and a courtyard in Greensboro, NC. Jack works with hundreds of students and tutors as a literacy instructor and coordinator throughout DC Public Schools. He’d like to thank everyone, but especially Dad, PJ and Liz. For the denizens of Almost, a quote: “Why love what you will lose? There is nothing else to love.” – Louise Glück
Roberto “Rob” Cuevas, 2nd Providence Players Production
Roberto “Rob” Cuevas (Lendall, Randy) is a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and this is his second production with Providence Players, having appeared last as Fenris Ulf in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He’s also done work with McLean Community Players and just finished producing A Raisin in the Sun with Castaways Repertory Theatre. He wishes to thank the Providence Players family for having a chance to be a part of another wonderful PPF production and wishes to thank his family for the time needed to make this production a reality.
Julie Janson, 4th Providence Players Production
Julie Janson (Waitress, Rhonda) is performing in her fourth PPF production. You also may have seen her in other PPF productions including Of Mice and Men (Curley’s Wife), The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Mrs. Beaver), and The Glass Mendacity (Maggie the Cat). When Julie is not on stage she serves in the U.S. Air Force and volunteers with Mainline Animal Rescue and Braille Tails. She would like to thank Chip and this wonderful cast and crew for being a hoot to work with. Jeezum crow, I would flock with you anywhere.
Jenny Madorsky, Providence Players Debut
Jenny Madorsky (Marvalyn) is thrilled to be making her Virginia theater debut with the Providence Players! Almost, Maine is her first production post-college at Duke where she was last seen in the roles of Nora of Henrick Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Tekla in August Strindberg’s Creditors, and Louise in Steve Martin’s The Underpants. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a welcoming and multi-talented group and wishes the cast and crew many broken legs (but hopefully no more broken trees)!
Elizabeth Floyd, Providence Players Debut
Elizabeth Floyd (Sandrine) is delighted to be making her PPF debut with Almost, Maine. A recent transfer to the DMV area, Elizabeth studied Shakespeare at Elon University and the London Dramatic Academy. Her favorite roles include: Lucid Nightmares (Emily), Nunsense
(Sister Mary Leo), Naomi in the Living Room (Johnna), and Richard III (Queen Elizabeth). When she is not breaking hearts in Almost, Elizabeth is the Digital and Social Media Coordinator for The National Memorial Day Concert and A Capitol Fourth. Many thanks to PPF, the cast, crew, and the ever-fantastic Chip Gertzog. This is for Spot.
Liz Mykietyn, PPF Veteran Performer and WATCH Award Winning Director for PPF’s “Rumors”
Liz Mykietyn (Marci) travels in to ALMOST from her zoo in Ashburn to work with PPF. She’s been a member here since 2005 with over 40 years of experience in acting, directing, writing, choreography and publicity for Community Theater to include the honor of receiving WATCH. Best Director award for PPF’s RUMORS 2014. Rumors Rocked! She always has a great time performing here as well, especially as her favorite role of all time “Truvy” in Steel Magnolias. Liz is thrilled to be part of Maine with theater pal Julie and under dear friend Chip’s directorship (thanks Chipster). Hugs to my HAHAs, friends & family with their decades of support and shout out to Charlene for my Ebay Blades.
Susan Kaplan, PPF Veteran Performer, Company Founder, Two Time WATCH Award Winner for PPF.
Susan Kaplan (Glory) has appeared in or worked behind the scenes for many of Providence Players’ productions. Susan has won two WATCH Awards for Outstanding Props in a Play for the Players’ productions of Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Sideman. Susan, a founding member of the company, is proud to serve on the Board of Directors and thanks Chip for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this talented cast and crew. Many special thanks to Saul, Rachel, Ben and Lara for all their love and support.
Steven Feder, Providence Players Debut
Steve Feder (Man, Chad) is delighted to work for the first time with PPF. Recent roles include Jack in Brighton Beach Memoirs and multiple roles in Twentieth Century at PGLT. He is grateful for the efforts of all the people who make this show possible. Steve has an annoying dog, a wonderful eight month old daughter, and a v-e-r-y patient wife.
Remaining Performance Dates and Times
