presents
The
Children’s Hour
By Lillian Hellman
directed by
Edward C. Miller
Performances are 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, March 8 - 24, 2007
Sunday matinee is March 18 at 2:30 p.m.
for reservations, call 933-2383
Founded in 1972, Birmingham Festival Theatre is the city’s oldest theatre producing contemporary and classic fare for adults.
It is managed by an all-volunteer, working board of directors.
BFT has staged more than 200 productions — involving more
than 50 directors, 1000 actors, and 500 crew people — attended
by almost 10,000 audience members.
We Gratefully Acknowledge
2006-2007 Patrons of BFT
Jack & Carole Armistead
Robert & Jan Collins
Max & Rosalie Cooper
Dr. Juanzetta Flowers
Ann & David Fraley
Elaine & Patrick Franzese
Michael J. & Mary Anne Freeman
William Gantt
David Herring
Mrs. Emil Hess
Dorvalyn Jean
Pete & Jean Johnson
Miriam Kirklin
Patty Mcdonald
Mike & Nancy McNamara
Lucie Mangus & Jonathan Waddell
Sue Michalek
Donald P Moore
Sam & Paula Pointer
Higdon & Ruth Roberts
David & Ina Russakoff
Carol & Carl Sosnin
Glo Spruill
Hal & Patti Tichenor
Nancy Whitt
C. R. Woodruff
2006-2007 Friends of BFT
Dr. Graciela Alarcon
Anne Chace
Leni & Preston Epstein
Rachel Ferguson
Sandi Brown Forsyth
Pat Fresk
Susan Nabers Haskell
Bob & Bobbie Glaze
Betty Loeb
Lee Martin
Jo Ann Mullins
Emily Omura
Mary Pate
Martha Moore Sykes
Don & Sue Watkins
The Generous Gifts by
The George B. and Willa Mae Whatley Charitable Trust
The Alabama Humanities Foundation
The Jefferson County Commission
The Jefferson County Community Arts Fund
The Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham
And, most importantly, we appreciate
all the wonderful actors and volunteers who, over the years, have
donated time and talent to create this magical place called BFT!
2006-2007 BFT Board of Directors
Pam Cooper
William Gantt
Vicki Goldstein
Nancy Hallmark
Dwayne Johnson
Ginny Loggins
Heath Mixon
Carl Sosnin
Richelle Thompson
Donna Thornton
The
Children’s Hour
written by: Lillian Hellman
directed by Edward C. Miller
Cast
(In Order of Appearance)
Peggy Rogers
Catherine
Lois Fisher
Mrs. Lily Mortar
Evelyn Munn
Helen Burton
Rosalie Wells
Aubrey Weaver
Rebecca Beacham
Maegan Anderson
Carole Armistead
Katherine Burcham
Jessica Holdnak
Natalie Riegel
Mary Tillford
Karen Wright
Martha Dobie
Dr. Joseph Cardin
Agatha
Mrs. Amelia Tilford
Grocery Boy
Caroline Page
Meredith Murphy
Jessica Clark
Brad Watkins
April Miller
Sandra Taylor
Alex Arnold
ACT I
Living Room of the Wright-Dobie School– April 1934
ACT II
Scene 1
Scene 2
Living Room of Mrs. Amelia Tilford– a few hours later
The Same– later that evening
12 minute intermission
ACT III
Same as Act I- November
Assistant Dir
Stage Manager
Lighting and Set
Costumier
Gaines Marsh
Gillian Puffer
Mindy K. Wester
Haden Marsh
Light Operator
Sound Operator
Poster Design
Producer
Gillian Puffer
Gaines Marsh
Xander Booker
J. Heath Mixon
WARNING!
There will be smoking on stage
during the performance
Special thanks to
Independent Presbyterian Church
Libby Kidd
Berthon’s Cleaners
Mike Graves
Martha Summey
The Altamont School
Bill Whetstone
Deborah Bashinsky
Jean Marie Collins
Kathy Ellis
Phillip Anderson
Nancy Hallmark
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
Sandra Taylor (Mrs. Amelia Tilford), is recently retired from a rewarding teaching
career at former Berry High School which transitioned into Hoover High. The Children’s Hour reunites her with director Edward Miller. They were cast members in
1983 BFT’s production of Fifth of July and she directed Edward in BFT’s production of
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1997. Sandra's theatre career began at the Springer
Theater Company in Columbus, Georgia and continued as she taught at both the college
and high school levels. She holds an M.A in theatre from the University of Alabama
where she studied with Marion Galloway. Without a doubt, her most memorable theatre
has been with her students in Hoover.
Jessica Clark (Martha Dobie) is making her BFT debut. Most recently, she was seen in
a series of original one acts at the Stockyards Theatre in Chicago. Favorite roles include: Catherine (Proof), Regan (King Lear) and Jackie (Hay Fever). She has also performed with Utah Shakespeare Festival (2000 Tony Winner for Best Regional Theatre)
and she has appeared in several independent short films. Special thanks to Edward
Miller, “Smiley” and the Family!
Meredith Murphy (Karen Wright) graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre with an acting/directing emphasis. After
graduating she traveled and acted in many cities from New York to L.A. including the
Crystal Palace Dinner Theatre in Aspen, Colorado. In her opinion, no venue compares to the southern grace and natural talent found here in Birmingham. This is her
first time performing at BFT and working with the fabulous Edward Miller. Special
thanks to the cast, friends, family and "Snappy.”
Carole Armistead (Mrs. Lily Mortar) has played the Birmingham community scene
for the last thirty-five years appearing in such favorites as Crimes of the Heart, Driving
Miss Daisy, The Robber Bridegroom, Godspell, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Nunsense, Quilters, The Gin Game, etc. BFT audiences last saw Carole in Israel Horovitz'
play Line, and remember her role in The Subject Tonight is Love where she won the
"Best Supporting Actress" award at Southeastern Theatre Conference in 2005. She
continues to be inspired by her fellow actors and her five grandchildren.
Brad Watkins (Dr. Joe Cardin) has been working in the entertainment business for
over fifteen years. He has worked in theaters all across Alabama, including Birmingham Children's Theater, ACTA Theater of Trussville, BFT, Sloss Furnace Theater, and
The Odess Theater. He has trained at UAB and also by Molli Benson in Los Angeles.
Roles include Stetko in The Monument, Virgil in Bus Stop, Titus in The Curious Savage, and Dill in To Kill a Mockingbird. Film credits include "Tom and Huck,” "Hillside
Strangler,” and "Taxi.” His independent film work includes "Gratuitous", "Howard",
and "Lounge Act". Television credits include "The Handler" (NBC), with Joey Panteliano, and "Carnivale" (HBO), with Nick Stahl.
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
Caroline Page (Mary Tilford) welcomes her first production at BFT and her third
with Edward Miller. They were Atticus Finch and Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird
and Bob & Belinda Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at BCT in 2002. Other favorites: Veruca Salt/Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, title role in Heidi, Shprintze/
Fiddler & Seussical the Musical. Regional credits: Disney’s Beauty & the Beast/
Theatre of the Stars Atlanta, The Music Man/TOTS Atlanta & Theatre Under the
Stars Houston, Kelsi/World Premiere Disney’s High School Musical & Agwe/
Once on This Island both at Stagedoor Manor NY.
Natalie Riegel (Rosalie Wells) is loving her debut at BFT! She is a junior at Hoover High School, and is actively involved in the theater department. Some of her
favorite roles includ Charlie Bates in Oliver! (Centrestage Productions), Mrs.
Squires in Music Man Jr. (Simmons Middle School), Violet in State Fair (Hoover
High School) and a featured soloist in School House Rock Live! Jr.(LJCC). She
dedicates this performance to her family and her former drama teacher, Sandra
Taylor.
Aubrey Weaver (Peggy Rogers) is excited to make her BFT debut in The Children’s Hour. Her most recent work was as the Centipede in James and the Giant
Peach. Aubrey has also starred and helped out in many Christmas pageants. Aubrey is currently home-schooled and plans to major in theatre in college.
Jessica Holdnak (Helen Burton) is in 8th grade at Oak Mountain Middle School,
she has enjoyed community theatre since she was 8 years old when she was an
orphan in Annie. This makes her 21st show and her first show at BFT. Favorite
Roles include Anybody in West Side Story at the LJCC, Young Anne in a local
docudrama, and having played 5 characters in a Christmas Carol. She would like
to thank Mr. Miller for the chance to be in the show.
Katherine Burcham (Evelyn Munn ) is thrilled to be performing at BFT for the
first time. Katherine is a junior at Homewood High where she has performed in
many productions directed by Jason Kennah . She was also seen in School House
Rock Live! Jr. at the LJCC. She is a proud member of her high schools’ advance
acting class and an honor thespian in the International Thespian Society. She
hopes to double major in theater and musical theater in college.
Maegan Anderson (Lois Fisher) is thrilled to be in The Children's Hour. She
has been involved with theatre since the age of seven. She has starred in many
school productions, and has recently enjoyed working in community theatre. She
has starred in Once On This Island, Jr., Wonderland High, Day of Awakening, and
No No Nannette. She has also been working backstage for four years. Currently,
Maegan is new to the Hoover school stage and is excited to begin her work there
with Miss Nancy Malone.
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
Rebecca Beacham (Catherine McGillan), a junior at Homewood High School, has
been in numerous plays under the direction of the high school’s advanced acting
teacher, Jason Kennah. This summer will be Rebecca’s seventh season with the Narrow-Way Performers. This is her first performance with BFT and director Edward
Miller.
Alex Arnold (Grocery Boy) would do almost anything to work at BFT. Therefore, he is starring as the "Grocery Boy" in act 3, but it has had its perks working
with--an almost all-girl cast--Mrs. T, the Queen of Theatre in his hometown--and a
great director and cast. His theatre credits include The Nutcracker, Tempest, Off
Broadway, Robin Hood, Aladdin, Inherit the Wind, Twelfth Night, Camelot, High
School Musical, Carousel, Alice in Wonderland, Wonderland High, Peter Pan, Once
on this Island and The Wizard of Oz.
April Miller (Agatha) has a particular fondness for BFT (it’s where she met her
husband of the past 20 years in Happy Birthday, Wanda June) and she is overjoyed
to be involved in this production with such a talented and diverse company. Not only
does she get to play against type as a maid, but to be onstage with Ms. Taylor again
after the glory days of summer theatre is such a treat! Thanks to E & D for holding
down the fort for the last few weeks – you guys are great :)
Coming to BFT
April 19 - May 5
FROZEN
by Bryony Lavery
directed by Don Sandley
featuring
Ginny S. Loggins, Natalie Saxon, & Stephen French
June 1 - June 24
I Am My Own Wife
by Doug Wright
featuring
Dane Peterson
July 19 - August 4
Fuddy Meers
by David Lindsay-Abaire
directed by Janelle Cochrane
Behind the Scenes
Edward Miller (Director) has acted and/or directed at BFT in every decade since
the 1970s. Edward has undergraduate and graduate degrees in theatre from Auburn
University and the University of Denver. In the 1984 production of Kurt Vonnegut’s “Happy Birthday, Wanda June” he cast a coed from Tulane to play the female
lead. April Lufkin two years later became Mrs. Miller and has been for the past 20
years. Edward is thrilled to be working with a company so rich in talent and to be
working again with Sandra, Caroline, Jessica, Haden, Mindy and , of course, his
April.
Gillian Puffer (Stage Manager) is a recent graduate of Sewanee: The University of
the South where she majored in theatre, concentrating in performance and direction.
This is her first opportunity to work in the Birmingham theatre scene and she could
not have hoped for a better group of people with which to work. She looks forward
to more great times with any and all of these wonderful people.
Gaines Marsh (Assistant Director) has been running around backstage at BFT in
various capacities since before she can remember. More often, though, she is writing. Gaines was recently awarded a Master's degree in English, concentrating in
creative writing, for the completion of her thesis, a work of narrative nonfiction
entitled "Prodigal Belles."
Mindy K. Wester (Scenic/Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be back with BFT after a
brief hiatus. The Children’s Hour marks her 8th set design and her 27th lighting design in Birmingham’s most interesting theatre space.
Haden Marsh (Costumier) has been costuming shows at BFT for over 30 years.
Her credits include That Championship Season, Dylan, Fifth of July , Trouble in
Tahiti and Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia. Having costumed
over 20 productions at BFT she is truly an Edith Head for Birmingham theatre. As
Haden likes to say, “clearly this is not my first rodeo.”
LIVE * LOVE * CREATE
3900 Clairmont Avenue
Birmingham, Alabama
(205) 595-9049
The Marvelous Cast of The Children’s Hour
A Letter of Invitation from Director Edward C. Miller
Don't be fooled by the title. This stunning and provocative piece is anything but
child's play. When I first read "The Children's Hour" as a theatre student in the
1970's, my professor was quick to point out that Lillian Hellman was "the greatest female playwright this country has produced." Nothing has changed. Her
works still rank as the finest collection of theatre penned by an American woman
author. In her mid-twenties, Hellman thought her writing career was at an end.
Resigning herself to a lack of talent, she became an editor -- thinking she could at
least "recognize a lack of talent" in others.
Dashiell Hammet, her companion at the time, suggested that a compilation of
British court cases might provide excellent material for a play and soon the play
"The Children's Hour" was on its way to being produced. It is based on a true
story of a slander case in 1810 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The story of a lie, which
takes on a life of its own, is about two teachers at a private boarding school for
girls.
Please tell your friends and family about this outstanding cast headed by Jessica
Clark, Meredith Murphy, Carole Armistead, Caroline Page, Brad Watkins, and
Miss Sandra Taylor. I promise they will not be disappointed.
See you at the Theatre.
Edward C. Miller, Director, BFT's "The Children's Hour"