DIRECTOR’S NOTES …

 Sometimes a play comes along that speaks to many emotions and issues and touches you in a very special way.  That is how I feel about "Six Dance Lessons".  From the first time I read it, I was excited to see it come alive on stage.  I have been privileged to work with such wonderful and dedicated actors as Bowen and Maureen.  In addition, we have been blessed with dance instruction by the talented Dee Crews and stage managed by Rita Kitenplon.

My thanks to Francis Wilson and the masterful professionals who have helped to bring this play to life.  I hope you enjoy this performance and, in the words of the song, "I hope you DANCE!"

 MEET THE DIRECTOR

NONIE WHITE - Nonie White is an award winning actress who has worked extensively in theatre, film and commercials for many years.  She was last seen as Ethel in Francis Wilson's production of "On Golden Pond".  A few of her other favorite roles include, "Driving Miss Daisy" & "A Doll's House" at Stage Agenda, "Lion in Winter" & "Noises Off" at SPLT and as Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire" at 8 O'Clock Theatre.  She is also a professional acting coach and a talented director, including last year's FWP production of "Last of the Red Hot Lovers".  Nonie is honored to have this opportunity and to work with such wonderful, talented people.  Special thanks and love to Kenny.

With Special Thanks to Scottie Michael for costumes

 Produced by Special Arrangement with Samuel French, Inc

Copyright laws prohibit the use of cameras or any recording devices.

 MEET THE CHOREOGRAPHER

DEE RAY CREWS – Dee trained with the Arthur Murray Studios in New York.  After becoming a dance director she and her husband, Dale, trained teachers at studios in Florida, Virginia, New Jersey and Puerto Rico.  When they returned to New York they taught at Fred Astaire studios.  (Dee even got to dance with Fred Astaire for a photo shoot.)  When the Mt. Airy Lodge in the Pocono Mountains owner called for a nice wholesome, young, married couple to be the opening act for their shows, Dee and Dale were chosen.  Not because they were young & wholesome but they were the only married couple on a staff of 43 people.  After becoming a professional act they enjoyed 13 years at various hotels in the Poconos and the Catskills. (Just like Dirty Dancing)  They also appeared on television in New York and Pennsylvania.  Dee is very proud of being a dance partner of Charles During (before he became an actor) at the New York studios and teaching Mr Greenjeans and his wife who lived at Shawnee on the Delaware.  Since coming back to Florida in 1974 she has taught for the City of Clearwater and at many mobile home parks.  Dee was choreographer for City Players Royalty theatres and for one of the Miss Clearwater pageants.  She will be teaching in Safety Harbor.  If you want to "Dance like the Stars" give her a call.

 MEET THE CAST

BOWEN BARRS, (Michael Minetti) is finally appearing in a non-musical and yet somehow still managed to get in a show that requires dance!  He's sung, danced, sung and danced, but talking and dancing is a whole new experience.  Bowen has been in several shows at Francis Wilson Playhouse, usually doing multiple parts and having a blast changing costumes backstage.  You might have seen him in La Cage, Monky Business, The Unsinkable Molly Brown or Thoroughly Modern Millie.  Bowen would like to thank everyone at Francis Wilson Playhouse for the wonderful opportunities to perform.  To the four women, who made this show fly...Dee Crews, Rita Kitenplon, Maureen Searle, and Nonie White, I say deepest thanks and joyous appreciation for your talents and tenacity.  And to my partner Jake: my deepest thanks....and apologies for making you run lines with me. 

MAUREEN SEARLE, (Lily Harrison) is  a recent import from England.  She was involved with Community Theatre there for many years, both as an actor and as a director.  Productions are too numerous to mention but included "Stepping Out", "Steel Magnolias", "The Exorcism", "Pack of Lies" (about the atomic spies, the Krugers) and lots of Noel Coward comedies.  She made her American debut here at Francis Wilson Playhouse, in September 2006, playing Laura in "Second Time Around" and, followed that by appearing in March 2007, in the Eight O'Clock Theatre's production of "My Fair Lady", both as Mrs. Eynsford-Hill, and in the singing and dancing ensemble.  For several years directors had developed the unfortunate knack of casting her in parts where she was either mentally unstable or being taken over by evil spirits, so she is delighted to be appearing in a play where she can appear relatively normal!!  She was extremely surprised to be cast in this role and hopes that she can justify the Director's faith in her and manage NOT to fall over Bowen's feet when dancing!

 MEET THE STAGE MANAGER

RITA KITENPLON – Having just come off the boards in the season opener "Odd Couple", the female version, Rita is back behind the scenes. Rita has stage managed several shows at FWP including last years "Second Time Around " , where she first worked with Maureen Searle. Her other credits both on the stage and off include, Mr. Angel, Anna's Brooklyn Promise, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Auntie Mame.  She is thrilled to be working with such a wonderful and talented group and thanks her husband Steve for his patience and understanding." I promise honey , I'll get to the vacuuming as soon as I'm done with this show." God bless you all! 

Production Staff

Director......................................................................... Nonie White

Choreographer............................................................ DeeRay Crews

Costume Design........................................................ Scottie Michael

Stage Manager............................................................ Rita Kitenplon

Lighting Design.......................................................... James Grenelle

Lighting & Sound........................................................ Dianna Hanger

Crew................................................................. Stephanie Mahaffery,
........................................... Brittani Shannon Anderson, Mary Hanger

Box Office..................................................................... Sharon Price

 Producer

Dianna Hanger

 Set Design, Artistry & Construction

Jim Demetrius

First Nighters