The Unsinkable Molly Brown - This spirited tale of a legendary, real-life American original follows the exploits of Molly Brown, whose feisty determination to rise above her impoverished beginnings leads her from the backwoods of Hannibal, Missouri, to the palaces of Europe. Along the way, she marries a lucky prospector, enters the highest echelons of Monte Carlo society, survives the sinking of the Titanic and, most importantly, earns the approval she so desperately seeks of those “Beautiful People of Denver.”

Funny, light, uplifting and uniquely American, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” charmed Broadway and film audiences with its irresistible, outrageous title role, in the tradition of such unforgettable characters as Auntie Mame, Dolly Levi and Mama Rose, as well as Meredith Willson’s rousing score, in the tradition of his immortal “The Music Man.”

James Grenelle is a Lary Award winner and veteran of local theatre, James has appeared on stage and off for over 20 years. Some of his directing credits include: The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (SPLT), and for FWP; The Man Who Came To Dinner, Anything Goes, (for which he received a Lary Award), and last season’s Stepping Out, Oliver!, (co-directed with Jason Fortner), and Francis Wilson: the Musical. When not directing or choreographing (The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, My Favorite Year (EOT), The Fantasticks, The Music Man (FWP), James has appeared on stage in leading roles in such shows as Crazy For You, City of Angels (SPLT), My Favorite Year, A Chorus Line, Tintypes (EOT), How To Succeed in Business, Dames At Sea (FWP), and a current Florida tour of Forever Plaid. He has acted as our resident Lighting Designer for the past several years. He is currently employed with the University of South Florida’s Education Dept. Thanks to his fantastic cast, Mark, mom (I love you!), Colleen and "my boy".

CHERIE B. ALBURY (Molly Brown) – Cherie has won 4 Lary Awards; for acting, in Oklahoma (City Players), Nunsense (EOT), for choreography with Pippin’ (Royalty Theatre) and for costume design with Gigi (Richey Suncoast). You’ve enjoyed her here in Stepping Out and now as the dynamic "Unsinkable" Molly.

BOWEN BARRS (Ensemble) – This is Bowen’s third show at Francis Wilson Playhouse. You’ve also seen him here in La Cage aux Folles, and Monky Business. He’s very excited to actually wear pants for this show!
 

PATRICIA BATES-SMITH (Mrs. McGlone) – Patricia has participated in over 65 dramas, comedies and musicals in the Bay Area community and dinner theatres. She has appeared as a conspiring matchmaker, a murderous villainess, jail matron, a Mother Superior, an aging Broadway star, an English detective, a dance hall hostess, a Southern Belle, and more mothers than she can count! She is the recipient of 5 Lary Awards.

COLLEEN BOYLAN (Maid, Stage Manager) – Colleen has been involved in local community theatre for the past 5 years and has worked both onstage and backstage. She most recently performed in Fiddler On the Roof (TSPAC). Last year she worked backstage at FWP, helping to create Dames At Sea, Oliver, Stepping Out and Francis Wilson – The Musical for your enjoyment.

MARGARET BOYLAN (Ensemble) – Margaret last performed at FWP in Oliver. You’ve also seen her in Rosemarie (FWP), Anything Goes (FWP) and Six Guns and Sasparilla (EOT).
 

NICOLE CRUZ (Ensemble) – This is Nicole’s first musical in a community theatre. She’s currently attending the Pinellas county Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School as a vocal major. She is glad to be a part of this great show.
 

THOM DUKE (Shamus) – Thom has enjoyed working at FWP since he arrived here from up-state New York. He brought a wealth of experience with him; acting, directing, costumer, prop master, more...for us he has stage managed the Lary Award winning, The Foreigner, performed in Oliver, run the spotlight for Stepping Out and performed several mini-roles in Francis Wilson – The Musical. He is a retired English teacher and loves being out of the snow!

KAITLIN ESTOCH (Ensemble) – Kaitlin is a student at Eastlake High School. She recently performed in Francis Wilson – The Musical (FWP) and Beauty and the Beast (EOT). She would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work and her family and friends for always helping her pursue her dream.

JOLIE HART (Princess) – Jolie is performing in her second show at FWP. You saw her FWP debut last summer in Francis Wilson – The Musical. At Countryside High School she has appeared in Grease, Moby Dick the Musical, and Schoolhouse Rock Live. Jolie plans to pursue a musical theatre degree after graduation. She sends thanks to many people, especially her family and amazing friends who get her through the day. This is for HG and VZ.

KARISSA HUBBARD (Ensemble) – A junior at Countryside High School and a member of the International Thespian Society, Karissa has performed for 3 years. She’s been seen at Countryside in Moby Dick the Musical and The Crucible. This past spring, Karissa appeared in Francis Wilson - The Musical (FWP) and she is thrilled to be back. She thanks her family, Eric, ERo, Sammy and God.

JENNIFER KLASSEN (Ensemble) – Jenny is thrilled to be returning to the stage. This is her first show at Francis Wilson Playhouse and she is glad to be working with James Grenelle. She has previously performed with Jekyll & Hyde(Salerno’s). Jennifer extends infinite thanks to her family and friends for their love and support.

GEORGE LYNCH (Monsignor Ryan) – George started performing in community theatre in Queens, New York, and never looked back. You’ve seen him in Oliver (FWP) and in Annie, The King and I, Wizard of OZ, Love Sex and the IRS and Rumors (Richey Suncoast); Hello Dolly and Fiddler on the Roof (TSPAC). "A special thanks to my wife for all the missed hours, you’re the best!"

GEOFFREY RICHARDSON (Ensemble) – Geoffrey is 18 and currently attends St. Pete College. He has performed in Fiddler on the Roof (TSPAC), Miracle Worker (Clearwater HS), and Usher (FWP-TAP). Geoff specifically thanks his parents for all their support.
 

JERRY SLUTZKY (Johnny Brown) – Jerry is pleased to be appearing on the Francis Wilson Playhouse stage for the first time. This year, he performed in Fiddler on the Roof (TSPAC), The Music Man, Can-Can (SLT) and previously he has appeared in La Cage aux Folles and Ragtime (MAD). When not on stage, Jerry is a Certified Financial Planner.

RYAN STURN (The Prince) – Bon Jour! Ryan is proud to join the talented cast and crew of The Unsinkable Molly Brown. He recently made his Florida theatre debut in Fiddler on the Roof (TSPAC). Ryan hails from Indiana and is a graduate of Purdue University where he was very active on the Boilermaker Stage. Ryan now teaches children with Autism and sends his thanks as always to God, and to his biggest fans...his parents.

KAYLA TYSON (Ensemble) – Kayla loves theatre, the platypus, and Rob Lowe. If Rob is in the audience, she’ll see you after the show. She thanks Colleen, James, Mark her family and friends. And Rob Lowe. But that’s a given.
 

DENNIS WINCHESTER (Ensemble) – Denis is happy to be back at FWP and to be working with this great cast and under the talented direction of James Grenelle. You’ve seen him here in Dial "M" for Murder and at other local theatres in Fiddler on the Roof (TSPAC), Barefoot in the Park (EOT) and various roles with P.A.G.E.S. Dennis thanks Colleen for all her hard work and sends special thanks to his wife, Cathy, for her love and understanding of his need to "seek the lights".