Meet The Cast

A Nice Family Gathering

A Comedy

By Phil Olson

December 4 - 14, 2008

Director:  Mary Fitzpatrick

 DIRECTOR’S NOTES

This play is set in Minnesota, and just like many regional plays set in the South or in New England, it has its own unique language and culture. For example, in Minnesota, the word “nice” is a very popular adjective. So much so, there’s a phrase “Minnesota nice” which is defined as hospitality and courtesy to others or a sort of smiling stubbornness and forced politeness.  Nice people, though, often keep their feelings to themselves. But sometimes, especially in the theater, their true feelings emerge to create a wonderful family connection – or in this case, “A Nice Family Gathering.” Thanks for attending this show. Take off your coats, boots, and scarves, make yourself comfortable and allow me to introduce the Lundeen family.

PLACE

The living room and front porch of the Lundeen family.

TIME

The present. Thanksgiving Day

 Act 1

Scene 1: Thanksgiving Day morning

Scene 2: The same day, a little later, before dinner

 Act 2

 Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)

Carl..................................... Ian Smith

Mom.................................. Jan Benes

Dad................................. Ray Kenney

Michael............................. Calvin Ladd

Jill........................... Rhiannon Mooney

Stacy............................... Meagan Cyr

Jerry.............................. Larry DeVault

Meet the Director

Mary Fitzpatrick: Mary has been active in community and professional theater for many years.  In 2006, she directed On Golden Pond for FWP and this past September played Gertrude in Hamlet at the Tarpon Spring Performing Arts Center.  Mary is on the faculty at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall.  She’s grateful to Francis Wilson Playhouse, to this terrific cast and crew, and to you the audience for making our play a part of your holidays.

 Meet the Cast

Jan Benes (Mrs. Lundeen – Mom) - Jan is very excited to be making her first appearance at FWP.  She has many years of experience in Community Theatre in the Pittsburg area.  She has appeared in many plays for WCP.  Some of her favorite roles being Madam Arcati in Blithe Spirit, Mrs. Savage in Curious Savage, and Lady Monica in While The Lights Were Out.  With such a talented cast she was happy to be picked for the role of Mom.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Meagan Cyr (Stacy) - Meagan is the oldest of four children in a very supportive family. She studied large animal science at the University of Florida and during her junior year she had a change of heart.  This is her first show. Thank you so much mom, family (& Pat) for supporting me with every crazy idea and decision I make!  This is only the beginning! Love you and enjoy!!!

“If you want to be irreplaceable you must be different” – Coco Chanel

Larry DeVault (Jerry) - Born in Fairmont, West Virginia, Larry studied drama at Fairmont State University and graduated from Purdue with a Master’s in Bio-Chemistry. He has extensive experience in theater, both in college and in Little Theater after moving to Chicago in 1969. He has been in Stalag 17, My Three Angels, Liliom, with lead roles in The Glass Menagerie, Bus Stop, The Rainmaker, Summer and Smoke, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Celebration, and he has been the drama director for Mame, 110 in the Shade, and Brigadoon.

Ray Kenney (Dad) - Ray has been acting for over 30 years, and at Francis Wilson Playhouse since 1985.  His performance as Norman Thayer in On Golden Pond earned him a Lary award in 2007.  It’s good to be back!

Calvin Ladd (Michael) - Calvin is originally from Minnesota.  He’s performed in a number of sketch comedies and has done quite a bit of “improv” comedy.  He’s now directing his efforts towards theatre.  Calvin says that because he’s from Minnesota the accent needed for this play was already there and that his family back there is so similar to this one it’s frightening.  I’m really happy to be working with this terrific director and cast.

Rhiannon Mooney (Jill) - Rhiannon is excited to be making her third appearance at FWP.  She was previously seen here as Margot in Dial M for Murder and as Catherine in The Foreigner.  After moving to Florida from Illinois, she has stayed active in numerous theaters in the area.  Special thanks to such a fun cast and director. Rhiannon sends much love and gratitude to her family and fiancé Ron for continual love and support.

Ian Smith  (Carl) - Ian Smith is a native of Vermont where his stage credits included The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, See How They Run, Col. Pickering in Pygmalion, Harry Beaton in Brigadoon and The Emperor in The Emperor’s Nightingale.  Since moving to Tampa Bay in 1998 his acting has consisted of performing with the Bay Area Renaissance Festival and Florida Pirate Festival.  This will be his second performance in the area; his last was The Mousetrap at the Carrollwood Players

Philippa Main: Stage Manager - Philippa is a senior at Berkeley Preparatory School.  She attended a Carnegie Mellon University course this summer where she focused on technical theatre.  She worked stage managing with Stage Works in South Tampa and assistant stage managing at school, most recently The Diary of Anne Frank.  I appreciate being given the opportunity to work here and thank my parents for supporting me and my theatrical passion.

Production Staff

Director.................................................................... Mary Fitzpatrick

Stage Manger............................................................... Philippa Main

Costumes................................................................. Scottie Michael

Producer.................................................................... Dianna Hanger

Set Design, Artistry & Construction......................... James Demetrius

Lighting Design.......................................................... Colleen Boylan

Lighting Tech.............................................................. Dianna Hanger

Box Office................................................................ Gabrielle Snapp

General Manager............................................................... Andy Rufo