December 13-30, 1995

Is Sponsored by

First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust and 1st National Bank of Sullivan

Your Success Is Our Future. - First - - Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust

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Conceived and written by

Charles Bell, Millie Garvey and Whit Reichert

Scenery Designed by Lighting Designed by Costumes Designed by Charles Bell Chris Tilton Jayne BallSaret

Musical Direction by Margaret Bell

Stage Manager Monte Black

Directed and Choreographed By

Millie Garvey

Featuring (in alphabetical order)

Michael Ancheta

Charles Bell

Aimee Eckhardt

Tari Fitch

Michael Haws

Shelley Jackson Marie Jagger-Taylor

Whit Reichert

This program is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

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We at The Little Theatre On The Square have 1 a lot to be thankful for during this holiday season.

Our touring Murder Mystery dinner theatre this past spring, spon- sored by Consolidated Communications, was received with enthusi- asm in the many communities where it played. The 1995 summer season was very successful both artistically and financially. We were able to secure the financing needed to ifistall heating and new air conditioning equipment in the theatre allowing us to present the Christmas show you are seeing tonight.

We are thankful for the talented artists (directors, designers, actors, musicians, technicians, et a].) that come to us from throughout the nation to perform the magic of live theatre on our stage.

We are thankful for the many, many businesses and individuals who contribute time, energy, materials and money to insure the continued success of our programs.

And we are most thankful for you, our loyal patrons, who attend our shows and applaud our efforts.

May 1996 be a happy and prosperous year for all of you and for The Little Theatre On The Square.

Sincerely,

Leonard A. Anderson Executive Director

Pizza From Jibby's Special Recipe One Block North -of Sq

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Reservations recommended

Ridr Miller, D.O. '

Millie Garvey - Director/Choreographer Millie has been resident choreographer with The Little Theatre for ten years. In her "Home away from home", she has performed as Bonnie in "Anything Goes", Tesse

Tura in "Gypsy", Sally Rand in "Sugar Babies", and Charity in "Sweet Charity". It was also in Sullivan that Millie formed a lifelong association with her favorite Director, Seth Reines, received a Herald award for choreography of "Me and My Girl", and met two of her closest friends ever, Ron and Sharon White. Other credits regionally include Director/Choreographer for productions of "An Old Fashioned Christmas", "Little Shop of Horrors", and Neil Simon's "Rumors". Highlights of her choreography include the Opening Ceremony of the Tenth Pan Am Games, for DisneylCBS, the world premiere of "Monky Business", and two Emmy Award winning music videos.

Millie resides in St. Louis with her husband Whit Reichert, and wishes everyone peace in the holiday season and new year.

Margaret Bell - Musical Director Margaret Bell is delighted to return to The Little Theatre On The Square. Her last appearance here was as Sister Mary Margaret in "Nunsense 11." In Chicago she has recently musical directed the award-winning production of "A Grand Night for Singing" at Drury Lane Theatre, and "Closer Than Ever" and "The HeHeHo Show" at the Grand Geneva (the old Playboy Club). When this show closes she will be touring Central America with her handsome husband, Charles, doing "The Apple Tree" and a Broadway Review. If they make it back alive, she will then musical direct "Sophisticated Ladies" at Drury Lane Theatre.

Chris Tilton - Lighting Designer "A Starry Little Christmas" marks Chris' lighting debut at The Little Theatre On The Square. Chris served last season as the Technical Director, and as a rigger during the 1994 season. Recent regional lighting credits include "Forever Plaid", "A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline", "Amah1 & the Night Visitors", "A Streetcar Named Desire", "Cowgirls", "Into the Woods" and several holiday shows. Other lighting credits include special events, trade shows, and exhibit lighting. Chris also serves as Assistant Technical Director for St. Ambrose University Theatre in Davenport, Iowa, and as rigger for the Mark of the Quad Cities and other venues. Additional freelance work includes theatrical systems consulting and installation, as well as exhibit and trade show design.

Jayne BallSaret - Costume Designer Jayne BallSaret is proud to be part of The Little Theatre On The Square staff after enjoying the fine quality productions provided here during the past twenty years since she moved to this area. Jayne graduated with Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Eastern Illinois University, and has directed, acted in, sung for, and costumed hundreds of productions for high schools, colleges, community and pro- fessional theatres. She and her husband, Mitch, own Grand Ball Costumes & More!, a costume, magic and novelty shop specializing in weddings and holiday, histori- cal and theatrical costumes for promotions, plays, and parades. She invites every- one interested in theatre to come by and tour the facility at 609 Sixth Street in Charleston. If all the world's a stage, who's going to costume it? Jayne is!

Michael T. Ancheta

Michael returns to The Little Theatre stage via Fort Myers, Florida. While in Florida he per- formed the role of Magaldi in Prather Production's "Evita". He also played Spats Palazzo in "Some Like It Hot" at Dutch Apple

Dinner Theatre in Pennsylvania. Michael is excited to be a part of this beginning of a holiday tradition in Sullivan. Some of his most memorable roles in Sullivan include: Lee Calhoun in "Babes in Arms", Eddie Cantor in "Ziegfeld: A Night At The Follies", and Motel in "Fiddler On The Roof." Michael is very excited about his most cur- rent project, which will be completed September 21, 1996 when he marries his Tzeitel, Miss Shelley Jackson. Michael would like to send special Holiday Greetings to the friends who have touched his life throughout his travels and his very important family. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!

Charles Bell

Charles may be considering taking up residence here in Sullivan. After performing in the murder mystery last spring and spending the summer season here, he's back for Christmas. Audiences may remember his tapdancing in

"Ziegfeld: A Night At The Follies", his crooning in "1940's-t ado t our", or his coaching on "Damn Yankees", but he was proudest of his direc- tion of "Lend Me A Tenor". Charles is looking forward to relaxing onstage after writing and designing the Christmas show. He is also pleased to be working with many friends again, including his wife, Margaret. He and Margaret will be spending most of January touring Central America with "The Apple Tree," and are hoping for a vacation in February before Charles returns to Sullivan next spring. He wants to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Tali Fitch

Tari is excited to be returning to The Little Theatre since her recent move from Decatur, Illinois to Cleveland, Tennessee. She was last seen here in the 1995 season as Mae West in

"Ziegfeld: A Night At The Follies", and in the 1994 season as Nettie Fowler in "Carousel", Sister Hubert in "Nunsense 11", Sweet Sue in "Sugar" and Bunny in "Babes in Arms." Some of her favorite roles include Carlotta in "Phantom", Narrator in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", the Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods", Reno Sweeney in "Anything Goes" and Nurse/Mrs./Harriet Pawling in the first national tour of "Sunday in the Park With George." Tari7s most cherished role is that of Mom to her ten month old son Benjamin (who can be found most nights in the audience). Tari sends a special long distance thank you to her husband Jim for all his love and understanding.

Aimee Eckhardt

Aimee is delighted to be returning to The Little Theatre On The Square. You may remember her from past seasons here as Chava in "Fiddler On The Roof", Connie Miller in "1940's Radio Hour" and Louise in "Carousel". Some of the younger people may also remember her as Pocahontas

and Snow White from this past summer's children's series. When not on stage here in Sullivan, Aimee resides in Chicago where she can often be found cooking for her friends, creating arts and crafts or curled up with a good book Aimee would like to thank her Mom, Dad, George and Janan for their constant love and support.

Act I Opening Medley ............................................................................. Ensemble

Merry Merry Christmas, We Need A Little Christmas, Jingle Bells, Frosty The Snow Man, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bell Rock, Let It Snow, We Need A Little Christmas (reprise)

The 12 Days After Christmas ............. Michael Ancheta, Shelley Jackson

Christmas 'Round The World Medley ........................................ Ensemble

Home For The Holidays, Feliz Navidad, Silent Night, Pat-a- Pan, Jesu Bambino, Fum Fum Fum, Now It Is Christmastime, White Christmas, Joy To The World

Dickens Of A Tale ........................................................................... Ensemble

Carol Of The Bells .......................................................................... Ensemble

'1 . Tennessee Medley .......................................................................... Ensemble

Rise Up Shepherd And Follow, Go Tell It On The Mountain, Blue Christmas, Santa Baby, Hard Candy Christmas, Chipmunk Song, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, We Need A Little Christmas (reprise)

There will be a fifteen minute intermission

Special Thanks To the following, we owe heartfelt thanks: Dr. Tom and Emilee Best (hosting opening night social), Steve and Theresa Poland (assisting, opening night social), Jibby's Restaurant (rehearsal dinner), Ron and Sharon White (housing for Millie Garvey and Whit Reichert).

Act I1 ............................................................................. C~uples Medley .Ensemble

Winter Wonderland, Silver Bells, The Christmas Song, Sleighride

......................................................... Old Time Radio Play i t Reichert

Away In A Manger ........................................................ Marie Jagger-Taylor

....................................................................... Orphanage Medley,. Ensemble

Do You Hear What I Hear?, 0 Little Town of Bethlehem,

0 Holy Night

The Legend of The Robin ................................... Tari Fitch, Michael Haws

Christmas Is ........................................................... Tar Fitch, Michael Haws

......................................................................... Pantomime i t Reichert

............................................................................. Caroling Medley Ensemble

I Saw Three Ships, Masters In This Hall, The Holly and The Ivy, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

Good King Kong ............................................................................Ensemble

............................................. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas Ensemble

Finale, We Wish You A Merry Christmas .................................. Ensemble

Technical Staff ... .......... Scenic Painter Angelo Torre Sound Mike Robison

Props ...... Arlene Leszczewicz Running Crew . . . . . .Bill Knapp

Set Dressing ........ Emilee Best Spotlight . . . . . . .Curtis Cornwell

"There's no place like home for the holidays." How appropriate this is for Michael. This is the first holiday season he has been able to spend more than two days home since college, (which

was one or two years ago). He is, also, very glad to be able to par- ticipate in this landmark performance at The Little Theatre. Watch for Michael, along with Marie Jagger-Taylor, in a local commercial for Video-Tech, and as the very scared museum goer in the movie "The Relic." -Lo, I bring you good tidings of great joy that will be for all people.

Shelley Jackson

Shelley is delighted to be a cast member in this holiday production at The Little Theatre On The Square. After leaving Sullivan last August, Shelley performed the role of Rosemary in the comedy "It Runs in the Family" at Circa '21 .

Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island. Sullivan audiences will remember Shelley from Little Theatre productions such as "Fiddler On The Roof", in which she played the role of Tzeitel, and "The Odd Couple" '

when she was one of the two wacky Pigeon sisters. Others include "Lend Me A Tenor", "Carousel", and "Ziegfeld: A Night At The Follies". Shelley is very happy to be in Sullivan, a place which has provided her with very fond memories. At the top of the list is the day she was proposed to on the Little Theatre stage during a performance of "Fiddler On the Roof" by Michael Ancheta. She is thrilled to be per- forming once more with Michael, and is excited to be spending the holidays with such a wonderful group of friends. Happy Holidays!

Marie Jagger-Taylor

Happy holidays! And thanks for joining us in "breaking in the heat!" You might remember Marie from last summer as Mary in "Ziegfeld", Anne in "1940's Radio Hour" or Maggie in "Lend Me A Tenor". She also choreographed

"Ziegfeld, "1940's Radio Hour" and "Fiddler", and directed "snow White" for the Children's Theatre series. Since summer, Marie was seen hauling grain with toddler son Caleb for her husband Jody, directing Musical Theatre workshops for Central Illinois' schools, choreographing a few showchoirs, including assisting with the Sullivan Singers, shooting a local commercial with "the" Michael Haws, and teaching at Millikin University. This fall, Marie joined Millikin's Theatrepace Department as an adjunct professor and is currently choreographing "A Chorus Line" with director Dr. David Golden for the Lincoln Theatre to open the end of January. Marie wishes you and yours a very special holiday season.

Whit Reichert

Whit is pleased to return to The Little Theatre. He has appeared in eleven shows here including "Sugar Babies", "Man of LaMancha", "Camelot", "Annie Get Your Gun", Me .and My Girl", and "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". Whit has worked across the country doing a variety of

characters. Some of his favorites have been Billis in "South Pacific", Doolittle in "My Fair Lady", Boolie in "Driving Miss Daisy", Heck Tate in "To Kill a Mockingbird, Pseudelous in "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum", and Abbott Costello in the World Premiere of "Monky Business". Whit is also a veteran of hundreds of t.v. commercials, industrial films and features. He resides in St. Louis with his beautiful wife, Millie Garvey.

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Monte Black - Stage Manager

Monte is pleased to be working with The Little Theatre On The Square and the cast and crew of "A Starry Little Christmas." Monte toured nationally with the fifteenth anniversary tour of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", and has worked regionally in theatres from Florida to Washington state. As a performer he's appeared on the stages of Houston's Grand Opera and Theatre Under The Stars in shows such as "Brigadoon", "Paint Your Wagon" (with Roy Clark), and "Hello, Dolly" (with JoAnne Worley). This marks his seventh show working with the talented Millie Garvey.

The patrons, Board of Trustees and the company of The Little Theatre On The Square extends sincere gratitude to the following whose contributions brought us the new heating and air condition- ing equipment.

Tourism Attraction Program, Bureau of Tourism, Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs

Agn-Fab, Inc., Sullivan Ken and Debbie Best, Bourbonnais Brach & Brock Confections, Sullivan

First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust First National Bank of Sullivan

Julio "Jibby" and Ruth Florini, Sullivan Carol Jenkins, Argenta

Jibby's Restaurant, Sullivan .Chuck and Kathy Mulvaney, Shelbyville

Barbara C. Shotts and Truxton J. Older, Danville Calvin and Lucille Smith, Charleston

AdmMstrative Staff for "A Starry Little Christmas" Executive Director ................................................................. Leonard A. Anderson Business Manager ..................................................................................... r i J. Best Ticket Office Managers ...................................................................... t h y Cantrall

Arlene Leszczewicz Ticket Office Assistants ....................................................................... i n Marshall

Claire Zimmerman Ruth Zimmerman

House Manager ................................................................................... a Johnson

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The Little Theatre On the Square, Inc.

The Little Theatre On the Square is governed by a not for profit corporation. The Board of Trustees of the corporation is made up of representatives from commu- nities throughout the theatre's market area. Following is a list of the 1995 Board of Trustees.

President ................... Harold Hamilton Vice-president .......................... Bill Rich Secretary ..................... Ronald Kitchen Treasurer ........................... Ray Duncan

Region One Marion Best .................................. Sullivan Richard Burcham ........................ Sullivan Bruce Condill ................................ Arthur Mary Beth Condill ......................... Arthur Ray Duncan .............................. Lovington Rick Dunscomb ............................ Sullivan Nancy Elder .................................. Sullivan Sally Foley ................................. Longton Harold Hamilton .......................... Sullivan Bob Harris ..................................... Sullivan Richard lsaacs .............................. Sullivan Don Jesse ...................................... Sullivan Lawrence Jones ........................... Sullivan Warren Lane ................................. Sullivan Theresa Poland ............................ Sullivan Steve Poland ................................. Sullivan Bill Rich ......................................... Sullivan Jack Scott, Jr. ............................... Bethany Rich Waggoner .............................. Findlay

Region Two Bill Bequette ................................ Mt. Zion Jackie Kitchen ............................. llliopolis Ron Kitchen ................................. Illiopo1is Dr. Charles Novak ....................... Decatur Patricia Parr ................................. Decatur Lonn Pressnall ............................. .Forsyth Marie Jagger-Taylor ...................... Macon Anne Thompson .......................... Decatur

Region Three Dianne Beetz ........................... Monticello Charles Beetz .......................... Monticello Larry Bushu .................................... Arcola Frank Clinton ..................................... Paris Mike Damler ................................. Tuscola Nancy Garrett .................................... Paris

Region Four James Schultz ........................... Effingham Laura ~chul tz ........................... Effingham Charles Tomlinson ..................... Cowden Verla Tomlinson .......................... Cowden Tom Vogel ................................. Effineham Charles Waggoner .................. Shelbyville

Region Five Lisa Claypool ............................... Mattoon Raymond Scott Claypool .......... Mattoon Margaret Hollowell ................ Charleston Karen McKechnie .................. Charleston Diane Richards ................................ Casey Jim Stewart .................................. Mattoon

Best Wishes To The Audience, Cast, and Crew

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the return of holidpy productions

The Little Theatre On

What's a magical Little Theatre doing way out

in Sullivan, Illinois? Broadway!

@!!& 1996 hunmer &ason

FO ES This musical version of Will Roger's life is an upbeat celebration of

4 & ~ & this folk hero who made the world "a whole lot better place" than it was before he entered it.

June 12 - June 23 Guys and Dolls is the tuneful tale of touts, tipsters and tinhorns on Broadway - fun and heartwarming with one of the most popular sets of songs ever found in a single musical. June 26 - July 7

W @ A very shy young man poses as a "foreigner who speaks no English.

ORE\$ He overhears more than he should and others think he doesn't under- stand a word. "A constant invitation to relax and laugh at the foolish- ness of life." Village Voice.

Deliciously unsavory characters, a befud- dled father with a shrewish wife, neigh- bors, strangers, and the Roman army are drawn into the mounting confusion as this side-splitting musical unwinds.

If you liked Nunsense and Black Patent Leather Shoes you'll love the antics of the Brothers of St. Bernards! Faced with a devel- oper who plans to turn their monastery into a casino, the monks stage a fund-raiser on radio station WGOD.

July 24 -August 4

Theatre for Young Audiences Robinson Crusoe Re ard the Fox The Wizard of Oz

June 14, 15, 18,2@22 J u C 2 , 13, 16, l g 2 0 Aug. 9, 10, 13, 1511,20,22-24