The Little ~ h e a K e On The Square Named a Partner in Excellence by the Illinois Arts Council.

Member of the National Alliance For Musical Theatre. Member of the Illinois Theatre Association.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. I

"AN UNUSUAL BANK NAME WITH UNUSUALLY GOOD SERVICE"

Hardware State Bank 102 W. State, Lovington, Illinois 61 937

Wishing evey happiness this J3oliday Season and

throughout the JVmyear

J b m our J?amily to Jours.

First National Bank O F S U L L I V A N

www.firstsullivan.com MemberFDIC

Barry Anderson Barry is happy to return to The Little Theatre On The Square this holiday sea- son, having appeared here as Charley in Where's Charley? and The Cat In The Hat in Seussical this past summer. Regional credits include: George M! (George M. Cohan), Bye Bye Birdie (Albert), Crazy For You (Bobby), Forever Plaid (Sparky), The Wizard Of Oz (Scarecrow), Honk! (The Cat), Fiddler On The Roof (Perchik), The AN Night Strut, and The Civil War.

Barry was also in the National Tour of My Fair Lady. A Wisconsin native, Barry is a music graduate of UW-Eau Claire, and as always, he sends thanks to his mom, dad and sister. Thank you all for supporting live theatre and Happy Holidays!

Braydon Babbs Braydon is excited to be returning to The Little Theatre stage. He has per- formed as the Mayor in The Music Man, Jr., and was in the casts of Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, An Old Fashioned Christmas and School House Rock Live! Jr. Braydon starred as Little Guido in the 2004 mainstage produc- tion Nine. He is a sixth grade student attending Mattoon Middle School. He has also done community service acting at the Cat Theatre in Charleston, Illinois. Braydon enjoys reading, singing, dancing, playing trombone, writing

plays and spending time with his family and friends.

Hannah Mariah Blevins Hannah is 9 years old. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia and moved here when she was one year old. She attends Jefferson Elementary in Charleston, Illinois where she resides with her parents, John and Amber Blevins, her dogs, Scruffy and Penelope and her cat, Kitty. She enjoys drama class, singing, drawing, writing, basketball and horseback riding. She has an older brother and an older sister who live in Tennessee.

Jay Duffer Jay has a wide range of credits including leading comic roles in Sophie, Totie, & Belle (Off-Broadway), South Pacific, Brigadoon, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (The Fireside Theatre, Ft. Atkinson, WI), Wild Thing (The New Acting Company), and Shakespeare's The Tempest (CCP). He wrote and directed his own play, Big Girls, Little World, which premiered at the prestigious 2003 New York International Fringe Festival. At home in New York City, he is the producing director of Can't Sleep

Productions, a founding member of Threads New Work Series, and a member of the Director's Lab for the Genesius Guild. Jay is thrilled to be celebrating the Christmas season at The Little Theatre On The Square alongside his wife and so many wonderful friends.

Melissa Duffer Melissa is very happy to be making her Little Theatre debut. A native Texan, Melissa now resides in NYC with her husband Jay. Regional credits include: Geminae in Forum, Apache dancer in Joseph ..., Alice in Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (The Fireside Theatre, Ft. Atkinson, WI), Kate Mullins in Titanic (Country Dinner Playhouse, Denver) Patty Simcox in Grease, Zaneeta Shinn in The Music Man (Beef and Boards, Indianapolis), and Dream Laurey in Oklahoma! (West Virginia Musical Theatre). Melissa has also performed in

musical revues and industrials overseas and in New York City. She would like to wish a "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."

Annie Fafara Annie (Anastasia) is 8 years old and attends 3rd grade at St. Mary's in Mattoon. 'Annie had a role in the cast of The Music Man, Jr. performed at The Little Theatre in the spring of 2002. Annie enjoys taking drama, voice and dance lessons offered through The Little Theatre's Outreach Program. She takes piano lessons in the Music Preperatory Program at Eastern IL University, as well as voice and piano from Louise Connet. She loves to sing and perform with her siblings Richie (9), Nathanial (6) and Natasia (5).

MacKenzie Gossard MacKenzie can hardly wait to perform in this show that centers around her favorite holiday! She just turned 9 and is in the third grade at Williams Elementary. She lives in Mattoon with her parents, Alan and Marilyn, her older brother Mason and her calico cat, Casey. MacKenzie is active in dance,

I L I taking ballet, tap, jazz and clogging lesson< She loves performing on stage and her credits include The Music Man, Jr. with TLTOTS Drama Program,

dance recitals, a school talent show and several church programs. She thanks her family and friends for their support, especially Aunt Vicki and Uncle Craig for always being there.

Marie Jagger-Taylor Marie resides in Macon, IL, with her agrarian husband Jody and their 3 bless- ings, Caleb (1 l), Emma (8) and Gabriel (5). She is Director of Education for The Little Theatre On The Square where she manages and instructs dance and drama classes for students 18 months to adult and is director of the touring program dedicated to bringing Arts into Education. Marie is also a freelance director/choreographer with regional credits including Annie, Fiddler, Grease, The Music Man, Oliver!, Oklahoma!, The Wizard of Oz and numer-

ous children's theatre productions. A member of Actors' Equity, Marie's past TLTOTS acting credits include Cassie in A Chorus Line, Maria in West Side Story, Nellie in South Pacifc, Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsenseland, this past summer, Lefleur in Nine. Happy holidays!

Steven Lane Steven is delighted to be making his debut with The Little Theatre On The Square. He's been given many opportunities to play a wide array of charac- ters including Cornelius in Hello, Dolly!, Danny Zuko in Grease, Harold Bride in Titanic, Mordred in Camelot, JacobIPotiphar in Joseph ..., Dr. Craven in The Secret Garden, Michael in I Do, I Do, Tommy in Brigadoon, Jonathan Harker in Drakula, The Ringmaster in Barnum, Benny Southstreet and Sky

Masterson in Guys and Dolls, Roger Sherman in 1776, Rooster in Annie, and his favorite, Che in Evita. Steven would like to thank Ed Flesch for giving him many of these opportunities, his family and friends for their love and support, and Jesus for being his all in all. - -

Evin Lehman Evin is 9 years old and a student at Sullivan Elementary School. She partici- pates in Children's Choir, baton, ballet, tap, jazz, drama and violin. After see- ing Hard Times, a play her Aunt Heidi adapted and directed for the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago, Evin became interested in acting. She performed in The Music Man, Jr. with her drama group and she enjoys

researching on the computer, playing with her friends and running 5K's. Evin would like to thank her teachers, family and friends for coming to the show.

Mikella Marley Mikella is the daughter of Mark and Michelle Marley and resides in Owaneco. She is 9 years old and a student at Montessori Children's House in Springfield. She began dancing before the age of two, and has been a member of the drama and dance programs in Sullivan for the past three years. She appeared in The

$22 Music Man, Jr. at The Little Theatre in 2001 and is currently a member of the girl band, Mood-n-Ati2d, with two of her friends from school. The band was

recently recorded with several other children for a new CD release featuring local Springfield musicians. Proceeds from the CD will benefit the Children's Cancer Unit.

Ann Morrow In another life, Ann teaches at Millikin University in the Theatre Department and the School of Music; she works not for the money, but for the personal fulfillment of modelling her fabulous wardrobe. She is very grateful for dear friends, wonderful family, amazing students, and the joys of being Lauren's mom.

I Marcie Passley Marcie is a native of Quincy, Illinois, now living in NYC. She received a BFA in musical theatre from Millikin University. Marcie is excited to be making her debut on The Little Theatre stage. She was most recently seen at the Fireside Theatre in Ft. Atkinson, WI as Nellie Forbush inSouth Pacific. Other favorite credits include Marian Paroo in The Music Man. Maria in The I Sound of Music, Hodel in Fiddler on the Rool, and Maria in west side Story. She would like to thank her family and friends for their tremendous support.

Elizabeth Pugh - Elizabeth is happy to be returning to The Little Theatre On The Square. She has been seen on the TLTOTS stage in An Old Fashioned Christmas, Honk!, Annie and The Sound of Music. Most recently Elizabeth played the role of Marion in The Music Man, Jr. performed by The Little Theatre's Drama Outreach Program. She has just started her junior year at Mattoon High School where she has been president of her class and involved in student council for the past two years. Elizabeth stays very active in dance, voice and

drama lessons and wants to give a special thanks to all of her instructors. Elizabeth also wants to thank her family for always encouraging her to "Reach for the Stars"!

Brandon Strawder Brandon is happy to be malting his Little Theatre debut. He recently finished playing the role of Chris in Miss Saigon at Broadway Palm West and Joe Cable in South Pacific at The Fireside Theatre. Other credits include West Side Story (Diesel, understudy Tony), Sleeping Beauty (Prince) and Annie Get Your Gun, all at the Marriott Theater with Directorlchoreographer Marc Robin. Thanks to mom and dad, Deb, Ed, Marguerite and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Special thanks to The Little Theatre and his love, Kristen.

Intermediate Sc

ents and his litt

Emma Taylor Emma is 8 years old and lives in Macon, Illinois where she enjoys helping her dad farm and her mom create dance steps. Emma's hobbies include playing sports, dancing, acting and singing. She also likes to play the drums, which are in her dad's shed. She roots with her dad for the St. Louis Rams' football team (Go Rams!) and has fun playing football with her family. Emma is a straight A student in Mr. Olmstead's third grade class at Meridian

:hool and the only girl stuck between two brothers, Caleb and Gabe.

Jordan Villanueva Jordan is thrilled to get the opportunity to perform on The Little Theatre stage this Christmas season. Jordan performed here in 2003 as Winthrop in The Music Man, Jr. under the direction of Marie Jagger-Taylor. Jordan also enjoys singing at various community organizations and celebrations. He has been active in the TLTOTS drama program for three years. Jordan is an avid piano player and reader. He also enjoys school, church, sports, spending time with his family and building with Legos. Jordan lives in Moweaqua with his par-

le sister, Kaitlin. He attends Bond Elementary School in Assumption where he is in the fourth grade.

Written and Directed By Ed Flesch

Music Direction by Choreography by Jason Yarcho Marie Jagger-Taylor

I Scenic Design By Li hting Desi n by Costume Design b Adam Liston - Idatthew d o s s Theresa L i p s 6

Production Stage Manager * Kim Glfford

Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

Cast (in alphabetical order)

Children (Note: not all children are in all performances) Braydon Babbs Hannah Mariah Blevins Annie Fafara MacKenzie Gossard Evin Lehman Mikella Marley Emma Taylor Jordan Villanueva

Orchestra: onductor1Keyboard - Jason Yarcho, Percussion - Rob Reder,

Reeds - Darrell Aydelott

Technical Staff Backstage Crew - Dan Jones, Dana Stremming

Spot Light Ops - Amber Cole, Hannah Cole Light Board Operator - Harrison Austin Sound Board Operator - Jason Dodough

Sound Engineers - Jason Dodough, Dan Jones Scenic Construction - Harrison Austin, Jason Dodough,

Ben Edwards, Dan Jones, Matt Fear Technical DirectorProduction Manager - Adam Liston

Act I Opening Medley: W' *:.* . ..

"It's Always Time for Christmas" Music and Lyrics By Ed Flesch. "We Need a Little Christmas" "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

Christmas in Hollywood: -- 2 "Happy Holidaysnfrom Holiday Inn "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"from Meet Me ln St. Louzs "Christmas ChildrenVfrom Scrooge "Silver Be1ls"from the Lemon Drop Kid "The Secret of Christrnasnfrom Say One For Me "White Christmasnfrom Holiday Inn "December the a5th"from Scrooge

Christmas Eve with the Bickersons *...,..

A Kid's Christmas '7; The G@ of the Magi by 0 Henry - A play with music

ACT I1 Twelve Days to Christmas Christmas On the Charts A Christmas Morning Fantasy The Nativity:

"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" "A Virgin Unspotted" "Born is He this Holy Child" "Angels We Have Heard on High" "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" "A Star Shown Brightly" Music by John Tanner, Lyrics By Ed Flesch

Finale - 0 Holy Night

Ed Flesch - Director Since 1978 Ed has been the Artistic Director of the Fireside Theatre in Wisconsin where he has produced and directed over 110 productions of Broadway musicals, plays and original musical revues. In addition, he has directed throughout the US in such theatres as Country Dinner Playhouse (Denver), La Comedia Theatre (Dayton), The Red Barn Playhouse (Rockford), and The Chateau Theatre (Chicago). As an actor he is best known for such roles as Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, Cemantes/Quixote in Man Of La Manchu, and Emile DeBecque in South Pacific. He is an accomplished playwright and conceived, produced and directed Madison, Wisconsin's first ever performing arts benefit for AIDS.

Jason Yarcho - Music Director Jason Yarcho, a native of Lincoln, Illinois, is a senior Piano Performance Major at Eastern Illinois University. Studying with Dr. W. David Hobbs, Jason has played/musical directed several shows across central Illinois and is thrilled to be a part of The Little Theatre. The past two years, Jason has won EIU's Concerto Competition playing Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F and Tchaikowsky's Piano Concerto #1 in Bb minor with the Eastern Symphony Orchestra. This past year Jason was voted Outstanding Performer by the EIU Music Faculty. After grad- uating, Jason plans on pursuing a career in musical theatre.

Adam Liston - Scenic DesignerIProduction Manager Adam Liston grew up in the deserts of Palm Spring, went to school amid the giant redwoods, commuted the traffic horrors of Los Angeles, and has now relocated up in the corn fields of Illinois year round. A graduate of Humboldt State University, Adam has been a professional theatre playwright, director and designer for the past 8 years with numerous theaters around California. For the past 4 years he ran a theater program for at-risk youth and developed a very healthy Peter Pan syndrome which may help explain why he has run off to play in the theater for the rest of his life. He wants to thank Erin for her endless support and love.

Matthew T. Gross - Lighting Designer Matthew is pleased to return to the Little Theatre for his 32nd show. When he is not in Sullivan, he lives and works in New York City as a freelance electrician and designer. Companies he works for include: The New York Shakespeare Festival, Playwrights Horizons, and the Signature Theatre Company. Shows he has worked on include Urinetown, Elaine Stritclt at Liberty, Take Me Out, Caroline, or Change, and three years of Shakespeare in Central Park.

Theresa Lipinski - Costume Designer Theresa is happy to be making her Little Theatre debut with It's Always Time for Christmas. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from Eastern Illinois State University and is currently pursuing an M.F.A. in costume design at Illinois State University, where her credits include Milcha Sanchez Scott's Roosters and Many Zimmerman's Metamorphoses. Theresa has worked on the costume staff at Opera Theatre of St. Louis for four seasons and she recently designed A Midsummer Night's Dream at Stagedoor Manor, a theatrical training camp in New York. She would like to thank her friends and family for their unyielding support.

Kim Gifford - Stage Manager Kim Gifford is a native of St. Louis. She has been involved with City Theatre (formerly City Players of St. Louis) for the last 4 years and currently holds the position of resident stage man- ager. Her last production with them was Stonewall Jackson's House. She most recently worked at the St. Louis Black Repertory Company as wardrobe mistress for Home tlze Musical and Pretty Fire. Other St. Louis credits include St. Louis Shakespeare Company, Actor Renaissance Theatre and the Muny 1st Stage. Dallas credits include Kitchen Dog Theater, The Undermain Theatre, Our Endeavors, and Junior Players.

COMING SOON TO ME LlTlLE THEATRE IN 2005

RED !"~LToN A PERFORM~NCE TRIBUTE BY

aw - M w February 24-27 & March 3-6 1

Torn Mullico pays tribute to Aqei-ica k most beloved clown, Red Skelton! I Veteran entertainer Tom Mullica ma6eallv transforms himself into the comedv eeniu of ~ e d S\kel&n live on stage! Join Freddy the ~ k k a d e Clem ~kdiddlehop~er , Gertrude & Heathcliff, The Mea Widdle Kid, George Applebee, and a legion of memc rable ch9facters in this wonderfully-funny tribute presen tation. .

Matinees: Fri. & Sun. 2 PM Saturday 4 PM Evenings: Thurs. through Sat. 8 PM C.s'

SINGLE Full Price - LOO SeniorKlhiM - d2.M T16?LET S ~ I I ~ m ~ p (2040) - nza Es Large Gmap (6l+) 71.00

The Little Theatre Stage 1

April 1 at 7 PM ApnlZat2&6PM 1

April 3 at 2 PM

"Once On This Island Junior" is a Caribbean adaptation of the popular Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Little Mermaid. It is the story of Ti Moune a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a young man from a wealthy family. When Daniel is returned to his people, the gods who rule the island guide Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudi hatred and death. With its poignant story and catchy Caribbean flavored score, Once On This Island Junior is a feast for the heart, mind and soul.

Tor Tickets Call : 217-728-7375 or Toll-Free 1-888-261-9675 www.thelittletheatre.org

me Linle meatre On The Square 2005 Summer Season MainsBge Sen'es

JUNE 8 - 19: A Broadway legend, 42nd STREET defined musical comedy with its star-is-born story, spectacular design, score of hit stan- dards, remarkable show chorus, and most-admired ensemble tap danc- ing ever. 42nd STREET tells the timeless, inspiring tale of Peggy Sawyer's rise from chorine to Broadway star. And those songs! Lullaby of Broadway, We're in the Money, I Only Have Eyes For You, and the spectacular title number.

JUNE 22 -JULY 3: SWING! is a celebration of the music and dance craze that swept the nation in the '30s and '40s. More than a dance revue, SWING! crosses ethnic and cultural barriers, highlighting an eclectic mix of Jive, Latin Swing, West Coast Swing, Hip-Hop Swing and Country Western Swing. It features classic tunes such as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Harlem Nocturne, It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), and Blues In The Night.

JULY 6 - 17: Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, nominated for nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, is an eye-popping spectacle that has been wowing audiences worldwide with record-breaking runs. Based on the Academy Award winning animated feature film, Disney's musical extrava- ganza is filled with technical wizardry, special effects as well as dazzling pro- duction numbers. Be our guest and experience the enchantment of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST next summer at The Little Theatre On The Square.

JULY 20 - 31: Rich in historical and ethnic detail, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. Its universal theme of tradition cuts across barri- ers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness. Its celebrated score features songs loved the world over: Sunrise, Sunset, If I Were A Rich Man and Matchmaker, to name a few. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is simply Broadway at its very best.

AUGUST 3 - 14: Close Every Door to Me, One More Angel, Any Dream Will Do and Those Canaan Days are but a few of the wonder- ful songs in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Set in biblical times, the story relates the life and adventures of Joseph and his eleven brothers. After being sold as a

1 lyh* 1 slave, Joseph is taken to Egypt where he interprets Pharaoh's dreams ! and saves the land from famine. After many trials, Joseph is finally

- - - reunited with his brothers. Music, song and dance echoes throughout this joyous and entertaining production.

Season and Group Tickets On Sale Now Single Tickets Available February 14,2005

We Invite You

1 2005 Summer Season Ticmdt Holders

2 Types of Little Theatre Season Tickets to Choose From!

lefctlar Season nckefs - After checking our schedule, you determine thether you will attend the first or second week of performances. Choose the ay and time you will attend. You will have the same seats for all five summer sea- on productions.

Matinee Subscriptions - $85.00 Eaclz Wednesday & Sunday - 2 PM Saturday - 4 PM

Evening Subscriptions - $95.00 Eaclz Tuesday through Saturday - 8 PM

v h Card - Want to or a season ticket holaer our not d what dares you will

,e able to attend? Then we recommend our Flex Card. This type of season ticket fleers you good seating to each production with a 48 hour notice prior to the how time you wish to attend.

a F

Flex Card - $1 00.00 Each

If you wish to become a season ticket holder, please contact the Box 0 (217) 728-7375 or toll free 1-888-261-9675 or come in Monday Friday 9 AM to 5 PM. - -

If you are unable to attend your reserved ~er form~@date / t ime and need to reschedule, a 24 hour notice prior to the perfo-& which you are holding tickets is required. No exchanges are allowed the All tickets resewed together must be exchanged together. We do not nor exchanges for performances already passed or exchange for another sh4rvp.:% $2.00 surcharge per ticket will be assessed if you exchange fiom a an evening. E made to provide you with the best as there are seats stil you wish to make exchanges in , we ask that you please wait intermission, rather than before w, or call the Box O f i e at:

(217) 728-7 11 free 1-888-2511

campaign W e are awfully proud of our new administration building, new dress- ing rooms, and the renovation of the theatre that took place last year. And we are very appreciative of the generosity of the many people and businesses that made it all possible. We could not have done it without you!

B u t ... we are still short of our overall fundraising goal! We were most fortunate to receive a loan from the United States Depart- ment of Agriculture, Rural Development Program, and that has given us some "breathing room" to complete the fundraising.

I f you have not made a contribution, we urge you to join us in this effort to Applaud the Past and Direct the Future of The Little Theatre On The Square.

O n e good way you can participate is to Adopt-A-Seat. If you com- mit to donating $1,000 to our Adopt-A-Seat campaign, we will place your name on the seat of your choice (if avail- able) on the seating chart plaque in the lobby. Ifyou wish, your donation may be paid over a three-year period but your name will be forever inscribed on the plaque.

M o s t importantly, we hope you will continue to attend our productions and that you will tell your friends about The Little Theatre On The Square!