October 8 & 9, 2021
The Children
by Lucy Kirkwood
Directed by Jeffery Battersby
64th Season Sponsor: Hudson Valley Credit Union
Silver Sponsor: Stewart’s Shops
Bronze Sponsor: Lawrence J. Paggi, PE, PC
THE CHILDREN is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
CAST
(in order of speaking)
Narrator…..JOSH MATTHEWS*
Rose…..ANN CITRON
Hazel…..CHRISTINE E. CRAWFIS
Robin…..BRUCE PILEGGI
*Denotes County Players Stage Debut
SYNOPSIS
Two retired nuclear scientists reside in an isolated cottage by the sea as the world around them crumbles. Together they are going to live forever on yogurt and yoga, until an old friend arrives with a request.
Time: The Present
Place: A small cottage on the East coast
~THERE WILL BE NO INTERMISSION~
THE CHILDREN was commissioned by and premiered at the Royal Court Theatre (Vicky Featherstone, Artistic Director; Lucy Davies, Executive Producer) on November 17, 2016. It was directed by James MacDonald, the design was by Miriam Buether, the lighting design was by Peter Mumford, and the sound design was by Max Pappenheim.
The Royal Court Theatre production was produced on Broadway by the Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) on December 12, 2017.
The 2011 Fukushima nuclear explosion in Japan was the event that served as the inspiration for the play.
October 9 & 10, 2021
A Number
by Caryl Churchill
Directed by Louisa Vilardi
64th Season Sponsor: Hudson Valley Credit Union
Silver Sponsor: Stewart’s Shops
Bronze Sponsor: Lawrence J. Paggi, PE, PC
A NUMBER is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. concordtheatricals.com.
CAST
(in order of speaking)
Salter…..GLEN MACKEN
Bernard 1, Bernard 2, Michael Black…..DYLAN PARKIN
SYNOPSIS
Every parent makes mistakes. Salter makes a number of them. Now 35 years later, his only child realizes he’s not alone.
Time: The Near Future
Place: Where Salter Lives
~THERE WILL BE NO INTERMISSION~
A NUMBER is an original work that was written during a time of public debate over the ethics of cloning. The cloning of Dolly the sheep, the creation of human embryos at Advanced Cell Technology, and the cloning of a kitten gave rise to controversy concerning possible human cloning.
The play was first presented by the English Stage Company at the Royal Court Theatre, London, September 2002, with a USA premiere by New York Theatre Workshop, December 2004. The London production was directed by Stephen Daldry and designed by Ian MacNeil; it featured Michael Gambon and Daniel Craig. The New York production was directed by James G. MacDonald; it featured Sam Shepard and Dallas Roberts.
Who’s Who
(in alphabetical order, cast then crew)
ANN CITRON (Rose: THE CHILDREN)
Ann is thrilled to be back on the County Players stage for a second time! She appeared as VIOLET in August: Osage County at County Players and recently as ALTA in The Language Archive at the CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, both directed by the wonderful Christine Crawfis. Ann is the Theatre Arts director at the Rosendale Theatre where she has directed, produced, and acted in many productions. She has also taught Improvisation for more than 20 years. This production feels like working with family, and Ann is deeply grateful to be working with these very talented and generous actors and director on this fabulous play. This play has three cast members all of whom are over 60 and all wonderful roles! Thank you Lucy Kirkwood for writing such a piece. My love to my beautiful ever-growing family!
CHRISTINE CRAWFIS (Hazel: THE CHILDREN)
Christine is on stage at County Players for the first time! She is normally in the director’s chair. Directing credits include Constellations (Tangent Theatre), August: Osage County, The Language Archive, Dog Sees God (Marist College), The Big Meal (SUNY Ulster), Grounded, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), Every Brilliant Thing (Rosendale Theatre Collective), The Bear, Sganarelle (Asolo Repertory), Line (Cubiculo Theatre), Crimes of the Heart, Amadeus, The Diviners (Riverfront Theatre), Guys and Dolls, Rabbit Hole, Born Yesterday, August: Osage County, Miracle Worker, The Weir, In A Word, Prelude to a Kiss (County Players), The Language Archive, Braille Garden (The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck), and Equivocation, After The Revolution, Wit (Mohonk Mountain Stage Company). Currently Managing Director for Mohonk Mountain Stage Company, Adjunct Professor at Marist College, and Professor of Practice in Bay Path University’s Graduate School of Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy. She has lived in the Hudson Valley since 1991 with her husband, Robert Miller, three children, four grandchildren, and numerous pets. She currently serves as President for County Players Board of Governors and Past President for the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center. Thanks to everyone at County Players, and especially to this wonderful cast and crew.
GLEN MACKEN (Salter: A NUMBER)
Glen is thankful to be returning to County Players in this reading! He was last seen on this stage as Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Prior performances at this theater include, The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho), Guys and Dolls (Nicely), The Weir (Finbar), You Can’t Take it With You (Paul Sycamore), Of Mice and Men (Carlson), All My Sons (Joe Keller) and 1776 (Edward Rutledge). On other stages, he appeared in Foot loose (Reverend Shaw), A Few Good Men (Colonel Jessep) and The Secret Garden (Neville Craven), opposite Broadway veterans Craig Schulman and Mani Raab. Glen would like thank Louisa, Dylan, Joanna, and the wonderful crew for this opportunity! As always, much love to his favorite leading lady, Barbara!
JOSH MATTHEWS (Narrator: THE CHILDREN)
Acting credits include Middle of Nowhere (REVEREND GARY MILLER), Bear in the Burbs (WILLY), and Karma 101 (COACH GRIT). He sang in the ensemble for Community Theater productions of Mame and The Mikado. Josh is a radio repair mechanic for the New York City Fire Department, and is husband to Elizabeth and father of Isla Matthews. He is very happy to join the team at County Players, being a new transplant to the area. Josh is excited to work with everyone and thankful for being part of the community here.
DYLAN PARKIN (Bernard 1, Bernard 2, Michael Black: A NUMBER)
This is Dylan’s eighth performance with County Players. Previous credits in the region include Tough Love (DANNY MARINO), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (CHIEF BROMDEN), The Covid Confessions (DANIEL), The Laramie Project (STEPHEN BELBER), Braille Garden (GUS), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (WILLIAM BARFEE), The Drowsy Chaperone Man in Chair), Shrek the Musical (SHREK), Miracle on South Division Street(JIMMY NOWACK), and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (FREDDY BENSON). He would like to thank Louisa for giving him the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful work. Special thanks to Louisa, Christine, and everyone at County Players for creating a safe and enjoyable environment to work in during these unique times. As always, he would like to thank his family and friends for their unwavering support.
BRUCE PILEGGI (Robin: THE CHILDREN)
This will be Bruce’s third County Players appearance. The other two were In A Word and Prelude to a Kiss, both directed by Christine Crawfis. He would like to thank the good people who make County Players happen for this opportunity to perform in a real theater again.
JEFFERY BATTERSBY (Director, THE CHILDREN)
Recent stage manager credits include Braille Gardens, Cat on a Hot Tim Roof, Our Town, Prelude to a Kiss. Jeff recently directed the CP2 production of The Revolutionists. Acting credits include SHERIFF DEON GILBEAU in August: Osage County, BEADLE BAMFORD in Sweeney Todd, MR. BRATT in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, ARMIN in Equivocation, JEFF in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), and AUSTIN in True West. He is thrilled to be working with this generous and talented cast. It’s a collaborative effort, and he is forever grateful to his collaborators. He sends his love and thanks to his family and friends.
JOANNA BATTERSBY (Stage Manager)
Joanna was an ASM at County Players for the recent Prelude to a Kiss and 2019’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and provided set décor for 2017’s You Can’t Take it With You. Joanna has also been on the County Players stage in 2018’s Our Town (JOE CROWELL) and 2020’s Almost, Maine (GINETTE). Other productions: Constellations (Tangent Theater, 2017) and dancing with the Wellbeing Dance Co. (Long Island City). When not working behind the scenes, Joanna enjoys writing, reading, cooking, and taking hikes around the area always wandering. Joanna would like to thank the cast and crew, her father, mother, sister, brother, brother-in-law, Trav, and Moose for always helping with her art and what she loves doing. Break a leg everyone!
LOUISA VILARDI (Director, A NUMBER)
Louisa is a writer and theater director originally from northern New Jersey where she taught high school English and creative writing for over a decade before moving to the Hudson Valley. Louisa was formerly a resident director and producer for New Players Company (Ridgewood, NJ) where she also developed the NPC Playwriting Program. Her writing has been featured by The Huffington Post, Today Parenting Team, and Scary Mommy. She is a proud member of The Dramatists Guild of America. Louisa’s plays, The Covid Confessions and Tough Love, have been recently produced in the Hudson Valley at the CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck and the New Deal Creative Arts Center, respectively. Love to David and our boys. LouisaVilardi.com.
MARK WEGLINSKI (Light and Sound Design)
Mark is an Emmy Award winning Hudson Valley native professionally credited with the live television musicals Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray, The WIZ, Peter Pan, and Sound of Music LIVE! (NBC), and A Christmas Story LIVE! (FOX). Additional shows include Great Performances for WNET-PBS and BroadwayHD.com, Good Morning America, This Week with George Stephanopoulos and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve (ABC), CMT Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, the State Funeral of President George H.W. Bush and the 2018 Royal Wedding. Local credits include The Prelude to a Kiss, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Guys and Dolls (County Players), The Language Archive (The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck), and Chicago, Hello Dolly!, and Anything Goes (Marist College). Mark would like to welcome back the patrons, performers, and personnel who choose to make time for theatre and the arts in their busy lives.
LUCY KIRKWOOD (Author: THE CHILDREN)
Lucy is a British playwright and screenwriter whose plays include: The Children (Royal Court Theatre, 2016), Chimerica (Almeida Theatre & West End, 2013; winner of the 2014 Olivier Award for Best New Play, the 2013 Evening Standard Best Play Award, the 2014 Critics’ Circle Best New Play Award, and the Susan Smith Blackburn Award), NSFW (Royal Court, 2012,; small hours (co-written with Ed Hime; Hampstead Theatre, 2011), Beauty and the Beast (with Katie Mitchell; National Theatre, 2010); Bloody Wimmin (Tricycle Theatre, 2010, as part of Women, Power and Politics), it felt empty when the heart went at first but it is alright now (Clean Break & Arcola Theatre, 2009; winner of the 2012 John Whiting Award), Hedda (Gate Theatre, London, 2008), and Tinderbox (Bush Theatre, 2008). She won the inaugural Berlin Lee UK Playwrights Award in 2013.
CARYL CHURCHILL (Author: A NUMBER)
Caryl is probably the most respected woman dramatist in the English-speaking world. Born in 1938, she is the author of some twenty plays seen and admired all over the world, including Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, Cloud Nine (revived in 2007 to huge acclaim at the Almeida, London),Top Girls, Serious Money, The Skriker, Blue Heart, Far Away, and A Number.
Information in “Who’s Who” is provided by those listed. Any opinions expressed are of the players and not necessarily of County Players.
THE PRODUCTION CREW
Director, A NUMBER….. Louisa Vilardi
Director, THE CHILDREN…..Jeffery Battersby
Production Managers…..Jeffery Battersby, Christine Crawfis
Stage Manager…..Joanna Battersby
Technical Director…..Kevin Barnes
Sound and Lighting Designer…..Mark Weglinski
Publicity/Marketing/Ads…..Christine Crawfis, Stacy Greenspan, Joe Pettignano, David J. Ringwood
Production Photography…..Louisa Vilardi
Postcards/Programs/Brochure…..Christine Crawfis, Stacy Greenspan, Louisa Vilardi, Thomas G. Byrne, Joseph Pettignano
Box Office…..Julie Eads Woolley, Jeff Battersby, Laurie Brown, Christine Crawfis
House Management…..Jennifer Propfe
Sponsors and Supporters – We would like to extend our thanks to the following individuals, businesses, and institutions who have provided invaluable support.
A&R Security
Arts Mid-Hudson
County of Dutchess
Dutchess ProPrint
Dutchess Tourism
Hudson Valley Credit Union
Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust
Lawrence J. Paggi, PC
Marshall & Sterling Insurance
Mill House Brewing Company
Stewart’s Shops
Thomas, Drohan, Waxman, Petigrow & Mayle, LLP
2021-2022 Season Donors
The long history and success of County Players is rooted in the people who believe that our work is worthy of their support. Subscribers choose to support our ongoing work in many ways, including donations. We wish to express our special appreciation to the following contributors of $25 and more. Each and every subscription is important to us and we thank all those who are listed here as well as countless others who give us their time and talents as encouragement to continue our work. THANK YOU!
(This list is current as of June 1, 2021)
STARS
Philip & Felicia DiNonno
Carolin Serino
Doug & Julie Eads Woolley
ANGELS
Mr & Mrs Terry Barber
Kevin Barnes* & Sue Sciacca
Michael* & Connie Boden
Ralph & Kathryn* Bowman
Harry & Denise Brace
Karen Brewster & Tom Halstead
Kristin Catalano & William Halvey
Paul & Jody* Coleman
Christine Crawfis * & Robert Miller
Roger * & Linda D’Aquino
Peter & Angela Fatzinger
Michael J. Frohnhoefer *
Mac & Bonnie Hammond
Dick Herodes
Albert Hughes
Robert & Jean Kaminski
Jeffrey Knipe
Dominic & Karen Mazza
Jeanne M. Pagliaro
Doug & Sylvia Propfe
Ange & Bette Rapa
Eugene & Jewel Ratzlaff
David Ringwood*
Edward T. Smith
BENEFACTORS
Battersby Family (Jeff Battersby*)
Linda Beasimer
John & Louise Blakley
MaryAnn & Mary Beth Boylan
Dilys Clark
Kit Colbourn*
Alex & Debbie Contini
Carole DiNonno
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Victor T. Mitchell
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Kenneth J. & Stephanie Parchinski
Joe Pettignano*
Jacqueline Przytula
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PATRONS
Michael & Julie Adamcek
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Pat Burbridge
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Kayel & Anna Conklin
Susan T. Davis
JoAnn Decker
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Carol Dodge
Vincent Farina
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Sandra Goldberg
George C. & Anita Harnen
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Michael Hickey
Donna Howard
John Hughes
Anita Jones
Thomas Lachman
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Raymond M. Leduc, Sr.
Paul Lenci
Deborah Magdalene
Marion Mandra
Rosemarie Martini
Alice McCarthy
Jeff McKoy
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Jeanne O’Connor
Mary Ann Page
Anna Marie Paolercio
Carol F. Petvai
Robin Piggott
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Edward Reich IMO
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Lillian Reiser
Kevin Robinson
Judy Rosenfeld
Mary Jo Ross
Joseph & Melissa Ruggeri
Janet Shaker
Eileen Sicina
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Linda St. Martin
Roger Szafranski
Debbie Tamas
Joseph & Pamela Tarquinio
Carl & Karen Whitehead
Edward & Anne Williams
Jeff Wilson*
Nancy Yambem
2020 & 2021 Individual Donors ($100+) (this list is current as of June 1, 2021)
Mr & Mrs. James Barba
The Battersby Family (Jeff Battersby*)
John & Louise Blakley
Michael* & Connie Boden
Barbara Boers
Ralph & Kathryn* Bowman
MaryAnn Boylan
Denise & Harry Brace
Marshall Breite
Shirley Brereton
Laurie Brown
Kim Buchanan & Jerry Scheck
Mr. Thomas Byrne
Eugenia Castillo
Paul & Jody* Coleman
John and Ingrid Collins
Pat Cramer
Christine Crawfis* & Robert Miller
Roger* & Linda D’Aquino
Ben & Lorraine DeClemente
Vinny & Kristen DeClemente
Kelly Delia
Phil & Felicia DiNonno
Eileen Doherty
MaryAnn Dupnock
Ralph Eads
Bernice Edman, IMO Peter Edman
Robert Ernest
Denny & Rosemary Evaul
Rosemary Fink
Martin & Grete Finkelstein
Michael J. Frohnhoefer*
John & Marcia Gauquie
Joseph Granda
Tom Halstead & Karen Brewster
George & Anita Harnen
E. Harney & P. Sabellico
George & Anita Harnen
Marie Hasenpflug
Susan Harvey
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John H. Hughes
John Huntington
Marion Imperatore
Edwin Joba
Robert & Jean Kaminski
Bradford & Barbara Kendall
Jeff Knipe
Chuck & Judy Kronzek
Diane Landau-Flayter
Raymond Leduc, Sr.
John Leinung
Paul Lenci
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Ellen Marble
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Sean McCarthy
Robert McKee
Janice Nastasi
Joel & Millie Neuman
Georgette Orlando & David Weaving
John Ossenkop
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Bruce Picchi
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Joanne Prunty
Jeff Purdy
Denise Rempe
Donald & Arlene Rider
David J. Ringwood*
Tom & Leslie Schmeelk
Charlie & Nancy Scrivner
Carolin Serino
Janet Shaker
Barbara Shelley
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Edward T. Smith
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Charles & Nancy Swartwout
Joe & Pam Tarquinio
Vern & Beverly Victoria
Ruth Whelan
Doug & Julie Eads Woolley
Beth Zambito
* = Current Member County Players Board of Governors
Adopt-A-Seat Donors (as of May 31, 2021)
Cast & Crew of Prelude to a Kiss (2021)
Cast & Crew of Pride and Prejudice (2021)
Beryl Colbourn
Robert Ernest
Rosemary and Denny Evaul
Robert Fiorentino
Tom Halstead & Karen Brewster
Susan Harvey
Joe Prior
Jeff Wilson
County Players Board of Governors (2021-2022)
Christine Crawfis, President
Jeffery Battersby, 1st Vice President
Michael Boden, 2nd Vice President
Jody Coleman, Secretary
Michael J. Frohnhoefer, Treasurer
Kevin Barnes
Michael Boden
Kathryn Bowman
Kit Colbourn
Roger D’Aquino
Joe Pettignano
David J. Ringwood
Jeff Wilson
Honorary Lifetime Members
Kevin Barnes* & Sue Sciacca
Joe & Rachel Cassidy
Dilys Clark
Jody* & Paul Coleman
Roger* & Linda D’Aquino
Scott Diamond
Peter & Bernice Edman
Therese & William Knight
Tom & Enza Lawrence
Anna Marie Paolercio
Bill & Jayne Peckham
Joe Pettignano*
Doug & Sylvia Propfe
John T. Sloper
Jeff Wilson*
Douglas & Julie Eads Woolley
IMO = In memory of | IHO = In honor of
*Current Member County Players Board of Governors
NOTES
NO RECORDING
The use of any audio or video recording device, and the taking of photographs, with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Violators may be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for monetary damages.
FIRE NOTICE
Fire exits are indicated by illuminated signs above the exit doors. In the event of fire or other emergency, please WALK to the nearest exit door.
TURN OFF ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The use of cellular phones, pagers, and other audible or light-emitting electronic devices is an annoyance to your fellow theater-goers and can interfere with our wireless lighting and sound systems. If you are in possession of any of these devices, please ensure they are TURNED OFF, not merely silenced, throughout the performance.
NO SMOKING
County Players At The Falls Theater is a smoke-free building. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the premises and within 50 feet of any of the entrances.
Guests expecting EMERGENCY MESSAGES should notify the house manager upon their arrival at the theater. Patrons may be contacted by calling the Box Office.
LATECOMERS will be seated at the discretion of the management at the first appropriate interval on a space available basis.
RESTROOMS are located in the back of the theater.
EMERGENCY RESUSCITATION EQUIPMENT (AED) is located behind the refreshment counter in the lobby. County Players is designated a Heartsafe Location by the Dutchess County Commissioner of Health.
PARKING is at your own risk. County Players is not responsible for parking tickets, towing fees, or damage incurred to vehicles of patrons. Please obey all parking signs and regulations.
TICKETS are non-refundable. We do not accept unpaid reservations. Purchases may be made in advance or call the Box Office or online at countyplayers.org using your MasterCard, VISA, or Discover, by mailing a check at least two weeks prior to a performance.
COMMENTS and suggestions are welcomed by County Players. Please direct them to the House Manager who can be located through the Box Office. Policies are subject to change without notice.
TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS
County Players is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN: 14-6030877). All contributions are deductible to the extent provided by law. County Players deeply appreciates those forward-thinking individuals who include the organization in their financial and estate planning.
