“Calendar Girls” was first presented by David Pugh Ltd. at Chichester Festival Theatre on 5th September, 2008. “Calendar Girls” transferred to the Noel Coward Theatre, London, on 4th April, 2009. Associate producer: Stoneface Ltd.
From The Director
Welcome to the Village Players theater! This is one of my most “happy places.” When I read the script for Calendar Girls in late 2022, I knew it was the ideal production for this group: A comedy with many roles for more experienced adult women, an ensemble piece both contemporary and nostalgic, and one that would provide an opportunity to allow the leading ladies the spotlight once again. This show has been quite the bonding experience for the company: (Most of us don’t regularly disrobe in front of strangers…) and we had most of our photos done back in May so there was a bit of an “instantly forced comfort level” among the actors! They have been so supportive of one another and over the past 11 weeks each has truly become one with their individual characters. This show has pushed the envelope in many ways and has encouraged many of us to break out of our own personal comfort zones. It has been a joy and a privilege to be present to witness and guide the process as it unfolds. Thank you for coming and supporting local community theater. It is because of you that we are able to bring the experience of a live theatrical production to rural New Hampshire. All of the things you see and hear tonight are brought to you by amateurs: That is to say, volunteers who share their talents for the love of it.
We appreciate your support! Enjoy the show!
Rosemary Lounsbury
An Announcement Before the Show!
One of our actors has suffered an injury and will not be able to appear in tonight’s performance.
The role of Chris Harper will be played by Phoebe VanScoy-Giessler, who is stepping in with just one week of preparation. This is no small feat, and we are incredibly grateful for her dedication, talent, and courage in taking on this challenge.
As this is a live performance, we appreciate your understanding and support if there are any moments that aren’t line-perfect.
What you’re about to see is the true spirit of community theater: creativity, resilience, and heart.
Please join us in giving Phoebe your warmest encouragement and enjoy the show!
Cast List (In Order of Appearance)
Cora – Jennifer Gagne
Chris – Phoebe VanScoy-Giessler
Annie – Laura Cooper
Jessie – Melanie Maggie Dixon
Celia – Michaela O’Rourke Andruzzi
Ruth – Jayson C. Andrews
Marie – Sarah Kuhn
Brenda Hulse – Carol Bense
John – Russ Ellis
Rod – Robert Tuttle
Lady Cravenshire – Rondi Boyer
Lawrence – Robby Sturtevant
Elaine – Susan Martin
Lia – Chelsea Krautmann
Crew & Production
Director – Rosemary Lounsbury
Co-Director – Scott Lounsbury
Producer – Joshua Spaulding
Stage Manager – Diane Mork
Stage Crew – Joanne Cameron, Gwen Dudley, Kathleen Hill, Joyce Wood
Set Designer – Jay Sydow
Set Crew – Russ Ellis, Kaylin Gagne, Brayden Helie, Keith Lion, Joshua Spaulding, Bob Tuttle
Costumes – Deb Jones, Stefanie Marsh, Nancy Moulton
Props – Delina Bickford, Sarah Inman
Program – Carol Bense, Rosemary Lounsbury
Makeup/Hair Design – Michaela Andruzzi, Chelsea Krautmann
Tickets – Carol Bense
Poster Graphic – Emily Marsh
Photographer – Jenna Van Valen
Publicity – Stefanie Marsh, Barbara Wilson
Original Music Score Composed and Arranged By – Scott Lounsbury
Lighting Design – Gordon Brooks
Sound – Scott Lounsbury
House Managers – Stefanie Marsh, Joshua Spaulding
Music Performed By – Scott Lounsbury, Elsa Kantz
Meet Our Cast
Jayson C. Andrews
Ruth
Jayson is thrilled to be back on the Village Players’ stage again after appearing in last season’s W;t and Wyrd Sisters. She has also recently performed with Powerhouse Theater Collaborative and Winni Players Community Theater. Jayson earned a BFA in dramatic arts from the University of Connecticut and studied at HB Studio in New York City. Previous roles include Cherie in Bus Stop, Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker, and Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Michaela O’ Rourke Andruzzi
Celia
Michaela is delighted to return to the stage at Village Players! After a near 30-year hiatus from her stage life in Utah, she first appeared at the Village Players in Bathroom Humor and continued with Fox on the Fairway, Farce of Nature, Ghost in the Meadow and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. She has also directed for The Drunkard, Laughing Stock and Wit. When she is not traveling, she makes her home in Concord. Both of her sons have appeared in Village Players productions as well. She thanks Rosemary and Scott as well as the cast and crew for this amazing production!
Laura Cooper
Annie
Laura, newly retired from a 42-year teaching career, the last 25 here in Wolfeboro at Brewster Academy, returns to the VP stage after her most recent appearance as Mrs. Gibbs in Our Town in 2019. She began her Village Players career as a housemaid in Annie in 2000, had the great honor of playing Nellie in South Pacific in 2001, and since has filled many roles from Ensemble, to Props manager, to Stage Crew, to Board Member, to Producer. Laura credits theater with pushing her out of her comfort zone in order to learn patience and poise, develop confidence, meet so many new friends, and just have some plain fun! When she is not hanging around the theater, Laura might be found at the First Congregational Church, where she serves as moderator, speed walking through town, or at her cabin on Rust Pond where she works at the Wolfeboro Camp School.
Melanie Maggie Dixon
Jessie
Melanie is thrilled to be a part of this production! Her past credits include “Buttercup” in HMS Pinafore and a mom version of “Hucklebee” in The Fantasticks in Louisiana. Melanie is a recent transplant from the gulf coast and loves New Hampshire. Outside of acting, Melanie enjoys knitting and singing in the church choir. This is her first acting production with The Village Players, but she is the Patron Services Manager at North Country Center for the Arts (Jean’s Playhouse) in Lincoln.
Jennifer Gagne
Cora
Jennifer is excited to be back in Wolfeboro and working with The Village Players again. She recently played Emily in The Birthday Club with The Majestic Theatre but her most memorable role was as the Stepsister, Joy, in the Village Players production of Cinderella in 2010. When not at the theater, she enjoys spending time with her dogs and family, as well as attending as many shows as possible with “my Broadway Baby”. She wants to thank her daughter, Elizabeth, for being so supportive as well as her mom, Polly. And a special thanks to Matt, “for forcing me to step back out of my comfort zone to get back on the stage. I love all of you!”
Phoebe VanScoy-Giessler
Chris
Phoebe is thrilled to be back in action on the Village Players stage. Her first role with VP was in The King and I in 2002. More recently you may have seen her or her production work in W;t (Vivian Bearing), Bye Bye Birdie (Assistant Director); Wyrd Sisters (Producer); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Benjamin / ensemble); and Once Upon a Mattress (Queen Aggravaine). She is grateful to the entire production team and cast for holding her up and pointing her in the right direction during this show. Huge love to fellas on Banfield Road Extension who keep her laughing and feeling loved all-the-dang-time. Her advice? Hug your John Clarkes and appreciate your Annies!
Carol Bense
Brenda Hulse
Carol has been a member of the Village Players since its revival in 1978. She has filled the roles of actress, director, producer, stage manager, and every other theater-related job many times. She is happy to have a small role in Calendar Girls.
Rondi Boyer
Lady Cravenshire
Rondi is an Air Force veteran with a passion for acting, which she developed in high school and continued in college and dinner theater. She is also a Reiki master teacher and energy worker, blending her artistic talents with holistic practices.
Russ Ellis
John
Russ has lived in Wolfeboro over 30 years and involved with the Village Players over the last 25. He has worn many hats for the Village Players, President, Director, Producer, Set design and Actor to name a few. Russ has worked a King Pine ski area and Purity Spring Resort for 34 years. He lives with his wife Sandra and 2 dogs. He loves spending time with his 2 granddaughters.
Chelsea Krautmann
Lia
This is Chelsea’s first time performing with The Village Players. She lives in Madison with her husband and four boys. Chelsea is grateful for the opportunity and experience to get back on the stage!
Sarah Kuhn
Marie
Sarah is excited to perform with the Village Players for the first time and to be part of such a wonderful show. Sarah grew up in the seacoast area, and acted in high school and college productions. She has great memories of shows like Picnic (Madge), The Crucible (Elizabeth Proctor), and The Sound of Music (Maria), all performed with the Oyster River Players under the direction of Kelly Eggers. She was reminded of how deeply inspiring being a part of a production could be after seeing how much her kids were enjoying being in ballets and plays, and went in search of an audition for herself. Recently she has performed with The Player’s Ring Theatre in Portsmouth in their first (2024) and second (2025) Dionysia Play Festivals. She would like to give special thanks to her husband Christian and her daughters!
Susan Martin
Elaine
As a theater kid back at Kingswood 2002-2009 Susan has always enjoyed performing. She pursued theater in college down in Texas and peaked with her role as Wonder Woman at Six Flags Over Texas for 2 years. She returned to NH after college and started a family; her husband Joe and two daughters Charlotte and Diana are her greatest blessings! As a full-time homeschooling mom, it’s nice to for her to be able to take some time and pursue the arts again! When not performing she directs theater productions with local homeschool co-op kids. Unfortunately, they will not be invited to this show, but hopefully will participate in shows with the Village Players in the future!
Robby Sturtevant
Lawrence
Robby is excited to play the role of Lawrence, the photographer, in Calendar Girls. He is happy to know that his years in high school yearbook aren’t going to waste, though his skills at the camera are certainly being utilized in a way he never imagined. This is Robby’s fourth production at the Village Players, having been a part of amazing shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver!, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Right now, he is enjoying a nice summer break off from teaching at Spaulding High School.
Robert Tuttle
Rod
Greetings to the people, my name is Robert Tuttle. I have been with The Village Players since 2009. The first show I was in was called, Don’t Drink the Water. The character I played was a nerdy intern to the ambassador of some foreign country. The highlight of that character was getting hit in the head with a brick and suddenly turning into Wilbur and Orville Wright. There I proceed to have a two- minute conversation with myself. It was good times. Then I got involved in multiple productions throughout the years either on stage, building the set or backstage helping move set pieces. I have many great memories of this theater. A lot of it is after set build hanging out in the kitchen and just talking and whatever subjects happen to come up. And believe me lotta subjects came up! And we laugh. My most memorable characters to date have been the “mute king” in Once Upon a Mattress where I had zero dialogue and I had to pantomime everything I want to say. Everyone loved me on that because they didn’t have to listen to me talk. Another great character I played was Fagin in the production of Oliver! This was very relatable because my real job is working with children at the local children center helping them learn good social skills and Fagan’s character involves working with children, teaching them how to be pick pockets. Maybe there’s a correlation there I don’t know.
In this production of Calendar Girls. I play the character of Rod. A character of Comedy, relief, and good moral support. Enjoy your show and remember no matter what anyone says what you might think there’s always a little bit of theater in everyone.
Meet The Directors
Rosemary Lounsbury
Director
Rosemary has been involved with the Village Players since 1987, and currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors. Some of her previous directing credits include Nunsense (1993 and 2021), She Loves Me, Standing Room Only, Music Man, and Fiddler on the Roof (1988 and 2013). All her shows are in odd-numbered years as she serves as one of Wolfeboro’s Supervisors of the Checklist, and even-years have more elections. She has enjoyed directing Calendar Girls with her multi- talented best friend and husband of 33 years, Scott, who more accurately has served this show more as a co-director than an assistant…see the “Crew List!”
Scott Lounsbury
Assistant Director
Scott has a warm space in his heart (and his bed!) for the director! Married to the director for over 33 years, Scott also serves The Village Players as a trumpeter in the pit, as a director, and occasionally he even trods the boards himself. An area music teacher and conductor of Concord’s Suncook Valley Chorale, he is also seen on Wednesday nights during the summer, a mere few steps toward the lake, at the bandstand. There, he’s mostly the guy on the podium, waving a stick around, but sometimes he gets to play trombone! Scott is deeply in awe of our marvelous cast, and especially the calendar girls, for their courage and commitment to our production. St. Genesius, pray for us!
A Special Thanks To
Loan or Donation of Props
Cleary’s Cleaners
Helen Fernald Photographer
Green Mountain Electric
Green Mountain Furniture
Additional Thanks To
Black’s Paper and Gifts
Joyce and Daniel Lake
Carol Light
The Wolfeboro Garden Club
Blacksmith Printing
Lydia’s Cafe
MVSB
Voiceovers By
Annette Sotheran-Barnett
Dean Saint
Joe Collie
Ney Warrisara Phosuk
A.A.A