The Little Theatre of Alexandria

MD Theatre Guide Local Kicks Arlington Connection Alexandria Times AlexandriaNews.org Did you see LTA Board Member Rachel Alberts and cast members from A Christmas Carol yesterday morning on Fox News!? If not, check out this link! Make sure to choose the 3rd video (under the main video screen) to see the LTA segment! Fox News DC

The cast of the 2011 LTA production of A Christmas Carol (photo by Shane Canfield).  Due to overwhelming turnout, The Little Theatre of Alexandria has added a performance of the beloved Christmas classic "A Christmas Carol," Sunday, December 18 at 5 p.m.  Tickets are available at www.thelittletheatre.com A Christmas Carol was the first play in which I ever performed. Although I was only 12, it made a huge impact on me and it continues to be one of my favorite stories. The rich characters are more to me than just characters - they serve as examples of what could have been or what could be. Of course there is Scrooge - synonymous with all things curmudgeonly. Scrooge is the "villain" of the story. But why? He was neither dishonest nor a cheat. He worked hard, minded his own business, paid his taxes and avoided many of the vices over which we spend so much time obsessing. Scrooge's villainous flaw is that he had shut himself off - closed his heart. A Christm

Actor Joseph Machosky as Tiny Tim and Marcus Fisk as Scrooge in the LTA production of A Christmas Carol . Photo credit: Shane Canfield, http://www.cimages.org/ . What attracted you to  A Christmas Carol ? I knew that Tiny Tim was a nice kid and I really wanted to be Tiny Tim. I also knew the play happens in London and that it would have English accents. I really like talking in English accents. What do you find appealing about your character? Tiny Tim is so nice and kind and even though he is really sick he is still very happy and loves his family. What do you want audiences to take away from the play? I would like them to feel the true meaning of C hristmas . It helps you remember that Christmas isn't about presents. It's about being kind to others and giving to those who don't have anything. It's also about loving your family. And as Tiny Tim would say "God bless us All, God bless us everyone." The LTA production of A Christmas Caro

Thanks to Shane Canfield for taking these amazing pictures of A Christmas Carol!  A full gallery can be seen on our   LTA Facebook Page The Fezziwigs, (Janette Moman and Larry Grey) prepare to celebrate the holidays in the Little Theatre of Alexandria's "A Christmas Carol," which opens tonight and runs until Dec. 18, 2011 The Ghost of Jacob Marley, played by Robert Heinly, warns Ebeneezer Scrooge of the fate that awaits him if he does not change his ways. Marcus Fisk breathes life into Charles Dickens's Ebeneezer Scrooge as his nephew Fred, played by Jerry Casagrande, appeals to his better nature. 

Actor Robert Heinly as Marley in LTA's 2011 production of A Christmas Carol . What attracted you to A Christmas Carol ? I think the first time I experienced A Christmas Carol was in an animated version on TV when I was no more than nine or ten years old. It was just stark black and white images. I can still picture Marley's jaw dropping all the way to the floor, although it may just have been to his chest. And the Ghost of Christmas Future was terrifying too. I remember feeling so relieved and happy that Scrooge was okay the next morning.  The themes of redemption, of living life to its fullest, of taking the opportunity - the risk - of being truly happy in this world, these are universal themes in literature. Plus, this is a story that speaks to all of humanity. Scrooge specifically is a Christian tale, but merely referentially, this character is iconic, and exists in one form or another in every culture and religion. What do you find appealing about your character,

Actress Janette Moman plays two roles in LTA's 2011 production of A Christmas Carol . She took some time outside of rehearsals to share her perspective on her roles and the play. What attracted you to A Christmas Carol ? A Christmas Carol is a timeless story with amazing characters. Who wouldn’t want to be in it? Each character adds a richness to the story of this heart-change that Scrooge undergoes. Dickens has richness in his writing that allows the audience to experience Victorian England and the troubling economic and social issues, yet, we all still relate because of our need for a life with purpose. What do you find appealing about the two characters you play, Mrs. Fezziwig and Mrs. Dilbur? I love the juxposition of these characters. Mrs. Fezziwig is a benevolent soul, adoring her husband and family. She desires to bring joy and happiness to all she has the ability to touch. Even with as little as she has to offer monetarily, she endeavors to show a good time to all her

Actor Marcus J. Fisk, left, pictured with the Ghost of Christmas Past Rachel Gray,  talked to LTA about  A Christmas Carol and his character, Scrooge. What attracted you to A Christmas Carol ? I have been involved in theatre for nearly 45 years. My father was a founding member of one of the oldest summer stock theatre companies in the country – the Huron Playhouse – while he was attending Bowling Green University on the GI Bill after WWII. My mother was a ballerina, too, so I guess theatre is in my blood. Later we were stationed in Germany when my father was in the Army and I remember my mother giving me $1.00 to go see a GI production of A Christmas Carol on Base when I was 10 years old. I got there early and sat in the front row and watched as the production crews set up for the evening’s performance. I was bowled-over. The show was terrific and after four decades of seeing theatre productions, it is probably the best show I have even seen. Until now. This production team is ex

John Crowley (Timothy) and Bruce Alan Rauscher (Lloyd) Alexandria Times Maryland Theatre Guide Local Kicks Mount Vernon Gazette

Thanks to Shane Canfield for these great pictures from Noises Off!  To see more, visit the Noises Off photo gallary on our Facebook page: LTA Facebook Page Kat Sanchez as Brooke, Gayle Nichols-Grimes as Dotty, Ron Bianchi as Selsdon, John Crowley as Timothy, and Rachael Hubbard as Belinda   Adam Downs as Garry and Kat Sanchez as Brooke   Rachael Hubbard as Belinda and Lars Klores as Frederick 

Thanks to LTA member Peter Hyde for taking these photos of Noises Off in rehearsal right now!  More photos can be found from our gallery on the LTA Facebook Page Gayle Nichols-Grimes as Dotty. Rachael Hubbard as Belinda and Lars Klores as Frederick. Rachael Hubbard as Belinda, Gayle Nichols-Grimes as Dotty, Adam Downs as Garry, and Kat Sanchez as Brooke. Kat Sanchez as Brooke and Adam Downs as Garry.

Lloyd Dallas  (Director) , played by Bruce Rascher, right, is the temperamental director of the play, Nothing  On.  A classical director, he's only directing this play to help out his old  friend Dotty, left, played by Gayle Grimes. When not fixing the blocking and working out the tech issues,  he's having an affair with one of his actresses and his assistant stage  manager.  Kat Sanchez, rear left, plays Brook Ashton, a young, inexperienced actress making her stage debut.  Noises Off runs from Nov. 5th to the 26th at the Little Theatre of Alexandria. 

Join us for this "play within a play" written by Michael Frayn.  This hilarious backstage farce follows an acting troupe as they stumble from calamitous dress rehearsal to disastrous closing night. An LTA favorite that always leaves audiences hysterical with laughter. Noises Off will appear at LTA from November 5th to the 26th. For more, visit us at www.thelittletheatre.com.

"It was a mash up of theater and psychology," tweeted psychologist Robin Haight, PsyD , above center,   about Rabbit Hole Talk-Back Night at The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA). After the September 16 performance of Rabbit Hole , director Joanna Henry and cast members Andy Izquierdo, Karen Jadlos Shotts, Rebecca Lenehan, Collin Chute and Rebecca Phillips returned to the stage for an informal discussion with guest psychologist Dr. Haight, moderated by journalist Alix Spiegel of National Public Radio  who works on the science desk covering psychology. Audience members had an opportunity to learn how the cast prepared for their roles and how director Joanna Henry approached this challenging drama. In addition to sharing their insights on the characters and their relationships within the play, the cast as well as audience members, talked to Dr. Haight about the story line and the stages of grief that each character experiences and how it compares to real-life situation

Fall Classes for Adults & Youth Begin; Free Talk-Back Event on Friday, September 16 Classes for Adults and Youth Still figuring out what types of weekend and after-school activities to enroll your kids in? The Little Theatre of Alexandria (LTA) offers a variety of classes for youth of all ages, including Singing for Musical Theatre (grades 2 -10);   Creative Movement and Acting for Little Stars (grade kindergarten); Acting for First & Second Graders; Animals in Action Theatre (grades K- 2);   After-School Creative Dramatics (grades 3 -5); Shakespeare Shenanigans (grades 3 - 8) and High School Improv. Details and a listing of additional youth class topics are available on the LTA website, http://www.thelittletheatre.com/youthclasses.html . LTA offers a host of adult classes too, including improv, playwriting, and beginning and advanced acting. Information on adult classes is available on the LTA website, http://www.thelittletheatre.com/adultclasses.html . Talk-Back Night,

Director Joanna Henry and the cast of Rabbit Hole - Andy Izquierdo, Karen Jadlos Shotts, Rebecca Lenehan, Collin Chute and Rebecca Phillips - delivered a compelling and touching performance during opening weekend. And, early reviews agreed. Joe Adcock of Show Biz Radio wrote , “The company’s current production is a nicely calibrated, skillfully acted, effectively staged Rabbit Hole. The play is in no way simple or easy. But director Joanna Henry manages to balance the many dark elements — sorrow, anger, blame, guilt, depression, despair — with startling whiffs of comic oxygen. Her designers provide a versatile single setting, offering opportunities for multi-character coffee klatches, one-on-one living room confrontations and a bedroom for isolation or contemplation. And the actors — for the most part, anyway — manage to shade what could be simple, one-quality sketch characters into strikingly colorful dramatic portraits.” (Full  Show Biz Radio review available online, http://www.sh

Thanks to William Shotts for capturing Double Tech weekend for Rabbit Hole.  Below are a few pictures from our gallery found on our Facebook page: LTA's Facebook Page Collin Chute (Jason) and Karen Jadlos Shotts (Becca) Nancyanne Burton (Set Dressing) and Bobbie Herbst (Producer) Rebecca Phillips (Izzy) Karen Jadlos Shotts (Becca) and Rebecca Phillips (Izzy) Rebecca Lenehan (Nat)

 WATCH-award-winning actress Rebecca Lenehan, right, will portray "Nat" in the upcoming production of Rabbit Hole, a Pulitzer-Prize-winning drama by David Lindsay-Abaire Rebecca Lenehan, a recipient of the Washington Area Theater Community Honors (WATCH) prize, took a moment to reflect on "Nat," the character she will portray in the Pulitzer-Prize-winning production of Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire at the Little Theater of Alexandria.   What attracted you to Rabbit Hole? First of all it struck me as a very intelligent and brave play. The author David Lindsay-Abaire has written a story about a small family at an intersection - not only in their relationships within the family dynamic, but he went out on a limb and created a gutsy challenge for the actors as well.  Each of the characters are absolute individuals - each with their own history, and their own personal baggage - colliding within the tragedy they are trying to manage within the span of play

Talk-Back Night with Rabbit Hole Director and Cast Moderator Alix Spiegel of National Public Radio, includes guest Psychologist Dr. Robin Haight Rabbit Hole is a touching story about the different ways a couple overcomes the accidental death of their child.  Set eight months later after the loss of their son, this delicate and poignant narrative explores blame, grief and resilience. Join The Little Theatre of Alexandria for a conversation moderated by National Public Radio reporter Alix Spiegel with the director and cast of Rabbit Hole and guest psychologist Dr. Robin Haight as they discuss overcoming and processing loss and how the director and cast approached the subject matter and roles. LTA continues its long tradition of powerful dramas with this challenging Pulitzer-prize winning play written by David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Joanna Henry and produced by Rachel Alberts and Bobbie Herbst. WHO Alix Spiegel, a National Public Radio reporter, works on the science desk and cov

Special thanks to Dean McDonnell for helping the Rabbit Hole team with their voice over!  Below are some photos from the voice over session and more photos can be seen on our Facebook page: LTA Facebook Page Andy Izquierdo (Howie) Alan Wray (Sound Designer) and Dean McDonnell Dean McDonnell

Rabbit Hole Director Joanna Henry, pictured above,  took a moment to reflect on the upcoming drama "Rabbit Hole," opening at The Little Theatre of Alexandria September 10th.  What attracted you to Rabbit Hole? I love the honesty in this play.  It's about real people who are trying their best - just like all of us.  To be honest, the first time I read this play, I laughed out loud at all of the funny scenes.  That was a surprise. Even though the play is about a family struggling with the death of a child, you’ve said that Rabbit Hole is not a "downer." What is uplifting about this play? The author, David Lindsay-Abaire, has said that ultimately  Rabbit Hole  is a "play about hope...Hope of getting through, that there is something down the line."  To me, these characters are highly functional, unsentimental, spirited, and often funny people.  I like that they're presented as normal people trying to do the best they can as they move on in

New photos posted from our Rabbit Hole rehearsals from August 18.  Thank you to LTA Member Peter Hyde for taking the photos! To view our entire gallery, visit our Facebook page at: LTA Facebook Page Collin Chute (Jason), Karen Jadlos Shotts (Becca), Zell Murphy (Assistant Stage Manager), Alexis Rose (Co-Stage Manager), and Joanna Henry (Director) Rebecca Phillips (Izzy) Karen Jadlos Shotts (Becca) Andy Izquierdo (Howie) and Karen Jadlos Shotts (Becca) Collin Chute (Jason) Andy Izquierdo (Howie) Joanna Henry (Director) and Rebecca Lenehan (Nat)

Set construction and rehearsals continue for Rabbit Hole!  See how the show is progressing with photos caputred below: Andy Izquierdo (Howie) and Karen Jadlos Shotts (Becca) Alexis Rose (Stage Manager) and Joanna Henry (Director) Collin Chute (Jason) and Rebecca Lenehan (Nat) Andy Izquierdo (Howie), Rebeeca Phillips (Izzy), and Karen Jadlos Shotts (Becca) Thank you to Bobbie Herbst, Peter Hyde, and Tina Barry for taking photos! To see more photos, check out our facebook page below: LTA Facebook

Rebecca Phillips plays Izzy, the scrappy younger sister of our protagonist Becca. Unlike Becca, who loves to bake and is always making delicious desserts, Izzy isn’t very good in the kitchen. She can tell you where to find the fridge and the microwave. That’s about it. Here is some thoughtful dining advice from the expert: Izzy Makes Dinner: Days of the Week Take-Out Menu It can be hard to find good food on a tight budget, and no one knows that better than me.   Rather than cook, I leave food preparation to the experts.   The experts who make cheap food. MONDAY – MAMA RIGATONI’S PIZZA 1 Large 3-topping Hand-tossed Pizza                 Toppings: Italian sausage, bacon, salami Notes from the food critic: Mondays are the worst.   I hate Mondays.   Pizza makes me happy, therefore I order pizza.   I go back and forth between Mama Rigatoni’s and Leonardo’s Pizzeria because they’re both fantastic (don’t even talk to me about Domino’s or Pizza Hut…those are sorry excuses for pizza).