CTA Opens 61st Season with ‘Tarzan’

The king of the apes swings to Children’s Theatre of Annapolis’ stage in this adaptation of the Disney film.

ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) is proud to open its 61st season with Tarzan, based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and featuring music by rock legend, Phil Collins, including the Academy Award-winning “You’ll Be in My Heart.” The production runs from November 1 to 17, 2019, at CTA’s theatre, located at 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis.
Washed up on the shores of West Africa, an infant boy is taken in and raised by gorillas who name him Tarzan. Apart from striving for acceptance from his ape father, Tarzan’s life is mostly monkey business until a human expedition treks into his tribe’s territory, and he encounters creatures like himself for the first time. Tarzan struggles to navigate a jungle, thick with emotion, as he discovers his animal upbringing clashing with his human instincts.
CTA’s production features 28 local teenagers, who attend myriad middle and high schools, including Bates Middle, Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High, Magothy Middle, Severn River Middle, Severna Park Middle, Annapolis Area Christian, Annapolis High, Broadneck High, Kent Island High, Key School, North County High, Severna Park High and South River High, as well as home-schooled students.
The production is directed by Gerrad Alex Taylor, who also oversees all programing in The Studio at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company and teaches at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He’s joined by music director/conductor Emily L. Sergo, a CTA alumna who’s also worked with Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre and Colonial Players of Annapolis, and choreographer Jason Kimmell, who also serves at CTA’s theatre operations manager/education director. The trio last teamed up as the artistic staff for CTA’s production of Shrek during the 2013-2014 season.
Tarzan runs from November 1 to 17, 2019, at CTA’s facility located at 1661 Bay Head Road in Annapolis. Tickets, which are $15 adults and $12 seniors, military and kids 12 and under, and can be purchased online at CTA.ticketleap.com.
The cast and artistic staff of Tarzan are available for interviews. To schedule, email Kelsey Casselbury at ctapublicity@gmail.com. For more information about CTA, visit the website at www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.

Congratulations to the cast of ‘Tarzan, The Musical’

Director: Gerrad Taylor
Music Director: Emily Sergo Taylor
Choreography: Jason Kimmel
Executive Producers: Allyson Tierney, Beth Wilson
Producer: Tracy Rinehart
Cast
Porter: Braden Andrews
Jane: Zoe Argabright
Young Tarzan: Brennen Atkinson
Mother: Payten Blake
Snipes: Drew Claxton
Kala: Annabelle Cotton
Young Terk: Anya Lengbeyer
Terk: Noah McCullers
Father: Seth McLaughlin
Tarzan: Liam O’Toole
Kerchak: Ronan O’Toole
Clayton: Michael Stafford
Ensemble
Reagan Davey
Liam Devries
Jetta Earle-Smith
Cole German
Finn Hintermister
Cassia Lengbeyer
Blake Martin
Ryan McCandless
Ronnie McIntyre
Mitchell Ngwenya
Emerson Powell
Mia Rinehart Andy Rollins
Cate Weiss
Bethany Yamaner
Erica Yamaner

CTA Welcomes New Executive Director

April Forrer takes the helm of Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, as the nonprofit installs the 2019-2021 Board of Directors

Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of April Forrer as its next executive director, effective July 1, 2019. 
Forrer joins CTA from Baltimore-based Iron Crow, where she serves as the part-time managing director of the theatre. Previously, Forrer also worked as managing director and resident costume designer for Baltimore Shakespeare Factory and as director of operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County.
“April brings an impressive combination of operations management, fundraising and marketing skills to our organization,” said Kelsey Casselbury, the newly elected president of CTA. “Her long history with and love of theatre is simply the cherry on top.” 
Forrer has a Master of Public Administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She brings to CTA more than 15 years of both nonprofit and theatrical experience. 
“I am thrilled to be joining Children’s Theatre of Annapolis and to become a part of the fabulous team dedicated to children in the arts,” Forrer said. “We are excited about our plans to grow to and to increase our reach into our community.”
Forrer succeeds Michelle Lucente, who departed the organization on May 31 after three successful years as executive director. Forrer joins CTA’s other full-time employee, Jason Kimmell, who serves as theatre operations manager and director of education, in furthering the organization’s mission of nurturing the growth and development of the love of theatre in children age 5 to 18. 
The Children’s Theatre of Annapolis also welcomes its 2019-2021 Board of Directors, installed  July 1. The executive board consists of: 
  • Kelsey Casselbury, President: Casselbury has served on the CTA Board of Directors for 7 years, most notably as the chair of publicity and 2017-2019 secretary. She runs her own freelance writing, editing and design business.
  • Michelle Bruno, Vice President: Bruno has served as artistic staff and as a teaching artist, as well as a member of the Board of Directors, since 2015. Professionally, she works as Associate Director of Quality Control for a local pharmaceutical company. 
  • Jaime Thompson, Treasurer: Thompson was elected to the Board of Directors in 2019. She serves as the CFO for her business, Bayside Accounting and Consulting.
  • Tracy Rinehart, Secretary: Rinehart, a former high school teacher, has been involved in CTA for three years and joined the board of directors in 2018.  Rinehart has served several years on the executive PA board at the Key School, and has served on the Board of the Annapolis Book Festival since 2013.
  • Beth Wilson, Immediate Past President: Wilson served as CTA president from 2017-2019, secretary from 2015-2017 and has been on the Board of Directors since 2015. She is employed as a nurse at University of Maryland Medical Center. 
The additional valued members of the Board of Directors are Tiffany Dean, Natalie Devries, Kathy Garrity, Cathy Hollerbach, Natasha Hitchcock, Dylan Roche and Allyson Tierney. 

“Theatre Review: ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.’ at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis”

Mackenzie Currie as Truly Scrumptious and Andrew Wilson as Caractacus Potts in CTA’s “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Photo by Steve Buchanan Photography.
Though it is not a recent Disney hit or from a well-known children’s classic, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” playing now at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA), has taken many audience members on a magical ride of creativity, imagination, and talent.

Pilot-Earle Smith and Anya Langbeyer, playing siblings Jeremy and Jemimah Potts, led the catchy opening number supported with a smiling ensemble full of colorful costumes and lots of energy (costumes by Natasha Hitchcock and Leslie Rollins). The Smith-Langbeyer team spoke as they would in rural England in the early 20th century, but with great diction and enthusiasm, the children in the audience hung on every word. The pair’s rapport was so strong many were viewing their programs to see if the two really were related.

View Full Article

Congratulations to the cast of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR.’

Congratulations to the cast of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr.”! The musical runs from May 10-19, 2019.
Jeremy Potts – Pilot Earle-Smith
Jemima Potts – Anya Lengbeyer
Caractacus Potts – Andrew Wilson
Mr. Coggins & Ensemble – Andy Rollins
Junkman & Ensemble – Samantha Brenneman
Truly Scrumptious – Mackenzie Currie
Grandpa – Blake Martin
Miss Phillips & Ensemble – Ava Lecky
Lord Scrumptious & Ensemble – Sage Shanahan
Baron – Liam O’Toole
Baroness – Erica Yamaner
Boris – Teaghan McLaughlin
Goran – Finn Hintermister
Fair Announcer & Ensemble – Ryan McCandless
Violet & Ensemble – Sydney Broady
Sid & Ensemble – Mac Brabazan
Turkey Farmer & Ensemble – Malia Segree
Soldier 1 & Ensemble – Christina Smith
Toymaker & Ensemble – Jetta Earle-Smith
Child Catcher & Ensemble – Haven Hitchcock
Soldier 2 & Ensemble – Maggie McInerney
Toby & Ensemble – Emerson Powell
Greta & Ensemble – Mia Rinehart
Marta & Ensemble – Victoria Santiago-Velez
Chef 1 & Ensemble – Cole German
Chef 2 & Ensemble – Natalie Hosie
Ensemble – Maddox Howard
Ensemble – Justin Porath
Ensemble – Blanca Martell

“Theatre Review: ‘Peter Pan’ at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis”

“For decades, the beloved story of Peter Pan has offered audiences a magical place to travel with pirates, fairies, Indians, flying and lost boys. This fall, the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis doesn’t disappoint in offering its audiences a truly enchanting show full of colorful characters, charming songs, and creative choreography, taking audiences of all ages directly to Neverland.

As the show opens in the nursery of the Darling family, we are introduced to Mrs. Darling, played with a surprising maturity by 16-year-old Peyten Blake. Her matronly care of her stage children and sophisticated vocals silenced the younger audience members and had them transported into the show’s story almost immediately.”

View Full Article

Congratulations to the cast of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”

Congratulations to the cast of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe! Tickets are on sale now for the production, which runs from February 1-10, 2019.
Peter- Braden Andrew
Susan- Gabby Dean
Edmund- Andy Rollins
Lucy- Reese Bruning
Aslan- Seth McLaughlin
Witch- Arden Tierney
Fenris Ulf- Ryan McDonald
Dwarf- Finn Hintermister
Mr. Beaver- Andrew Wilson
Mrs. Beaver- Ava Lecky
Baby Beaver- Judith Allison
Tumnus- Liam O’Toole
Unicorn- Haven Hitchcock
Minotaur- Hadlee Walker
Centaur- Drew Claxton
Professor- Ronan O’Toole
Mrs. McCready- Aubrey Young
Father Christmas- Zachary Lijewski
Elf- Cole German
White Stag- Conner Perry
Lieutenant Maugrim- Sage Shanahan
Leopard- Blake Martin
Leopard- Mia Rinehart
Witch’s Army-Caitlyn Palinkas
Witch’s Army- Noah McCandless
Ensemble- Jeremiah Gilbert
Ensemble-Justin Porath
Ensemble-Blanca Martell
Ensemble- Gus Martino
Ensemble- Samantha Brenneman
Ensemble- Maddox Howard
Ensemble- Leslie Robinson
Ensemble- Bryce Elazier

Congratulations to the Cast of Peter Pan!

Congratulations to the cast of Peter Pan!
Peter Pan: Hope Gilbert
Wendy: Annabelle Cotton
Wendy (Grown Up): Maddy Sokolowski
John: Andy Rollins
Michael: Ryan McCandless
Mr. Darling: Braden Andrew
Mrs. Darling: Payten Blake
Jane: Lilly Baker
Captain Hook: Michael Stafford
Smee: Dave Martinek
Pirates:
  • Muller: Ronan O’Toole
  • Starkey: Braden Andrew
  • Cecco: Dan Kandra
  • Noodler: Blake Martin
  • Jack: Jack Kelly
  • Bootstrap: Thomas Crabtree
  • Jukes: Ryan McDonald
Lost Boys:
  • Slightly: Tad Clifton
  • Tootles: Teaghan McLaughlin
  • Curly: Reagan Davey
  • Nibs: Misha Jones
  • 1st Twin: Liam DeVries
  • 2nd Twin: Finn Hintermister
Tiger Lily: Cassia Lengbeyer
First Brave Indian: Anya Lengbeyer
Indians: Zoë Argabright, Lilly Baker, Payten Blake, Drew Claxton, Erin Cobbler, Gabby Dean, Reid Murphy, Liam O’Toole, Noe Segree, Maddy Sokolowski, Andrew Wilson, Erica Yamaner
Featured Dancers:
  • Winter: Gabby Dean
  • Spring: Maddy Sokolowski
  • Summer: Reid Murphy
  • Fall: Liam O’Toole
Nana (the dog): Dan Kandra
Liza (the Maid)/The Crocodile: Bethany Yamaner

CTA Celebrates Theatre’s 10-Year Anniversary, Prestigious Ruby Griffith Award Win

ANNAPOLIS, MD—On the heels of winning the prestigious Ruby Griffith Award for All-Around Production Excellence for its 2018 production of Beauty and the Beast, Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) is pleased to announce its 2018-2019 season, which celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the opening of its Bay Head Park theatre facility.
In honor of the milestone, CTA will present the musical Peter Pan, which was the first show produced in its theatre 10 years ago. The classic musical starred Mary Martin on Broadway in 1954 and was recently produced on live TV in 2014 on NBC, starring Allison Williams and Christopher Walken. Auditions for Peter Pan will be held August 25, 26 and 27, 2018, and are open to youth ages 12 to 18.
Additionally, CTA brings a straight play back to its stage this year, producing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, based on C.S. Lewis’ acclaimed novel. Auditions for the play will be held October 13 and 14, 2018, and are open to youth ages 8 to 18. Rounding out the season is the magical musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr., which audiences will recognize from the beloved 1968 movie musical starring Dick Van Dyke. Auditions, open to youth ages 8 to 14, will be held January 19 and 20, 2019.
“CTA is thrilled to celebrate the anniversary of its theatre facility with a trio of magical adventures that our audiences will love,” said Executive Director Michelle Lucente. “Not only are we excited to bring Peter Pan back to our stage, but we also look forward to celebrating this special milestone with all the hard-working, dedicated people whose perseverance have brought CTA’s vision to life.”
Season subscriptions are now available for purchase, allowing patrons to see all three shows at a discount. Subscriptions can be purchased by calling the box office at 410-757-2281, ext. 5. Children’s Theatre of Annapolis has been providing theatre arts education to Annapolis youth since 1959 and, in addition to its mainstage productions, offers a variety of performing arts and technical theatre workshops and classes throughout the year.

Congratulations to CTA’s Seniors and 2018 Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to CTA’s graduating seniors, many of whom attended the May 19th performance of Madagascar Jr.: Jeremy Allen, Jr, Drew Bristow, Thomas Donegan, Felicity Davis, Jake Wernecke and Hannah Wilson. Everyone at CTA wishes you the very best in your next adventure!
CTA is also proud to announce that Hannah Wilson was the recipient of the Miriam Wolfe Memorial Scholarship. Additionally, Jeremy Allen, Sr., CEO and Executive Director of jMichael Productions awarded a $500 scholarship to each of CTA’s two qualifying seniors, Hannah Wilson and Jake Wernecke.