Minstrel

The life and songs of Stephen Foster
Written by L. John Cieslinski

Season: Spring 1985

Cast:

Dancers:

Julie Ferreira, Christy Jones, Maryanne Lettis, Kimberly McConnell, Barbara Muller, Allyson Pilcher, Wendy Webster

Minstrel Chorus:

Maryanne Lettis, Mary Carol Maloney, Rebecca Maloney, Miriam Marshall, Patti Montrois, Todd Calvin, Joe Cornish, Peter S. Dunbar, Rob Edwardsen, Kevin M. Figler, George Maloney, Daniel R. Ofsowitz

Minstrel:

Mr. Tambo:

Kathy Palokoff

Mr. Bones:

Mike Bellavia

Mr. Interlocutor:

Scott C. Smith

Voices:

Daniel R. Ofsowitz, Peter S. Dunbar, Miriam Marshall

Foster Family:

Eliza Foster (Stephen's Mother):

Christine Dettman

Mit Foster (Stephen's Brother):

Terry Benedict

Stephen Foster:

Scot P. Reeder

Jane Foster (Stephen's Wife):

Maureen Barry

Cooper (Stephen's Music Associate):

Peter S. Dunbar

Melodrama:

Stephen's Friends:

Todd Calvin, Joe Cornish, Daniel R. Ofsowitz

Stump Speaker:

Mike Bellavia

Jeannie:

Kimberly McConnell

John (Jeannie's Father):

Brian Smith

Jack:

George Maloney

Frank DeCrescendo (Villain):

Rob Edwardsen

Lena DeCrescendo (Villainess):

Wendy Webster/Barbara Muller

Production Staff:

Director:

L. John Cieslinski

Producer:

Patricia A. Montrois

Designer:

Sarah Freeman

Piano Accompaniment:

Keith Conrad

Banjo & Guitar:

Fred Montrois

Production Assistant:

Maureen Barry

Dances:

Brian Smith

Musical Directors:

Terry Benedict, Keith Conrad, Rob Edwardsen

Lighting:

Dave Smith, Scot P. Reeder, Craig Mertens, Todd Calvin

Publicity:

Patti Montrois, Kathy Palokoff

Posters and art work:

Fred Montrois

Programs:

Maureen Barry, Miriam Marshall, Fred Montrois, Patti Montrois

Author's Note

Excitement is the keyword in this production. Minstrel shows were the reigning form of entertainment for over one hundred years. Its popularity was based on its common denominator form of joke lines and the energy of the minstrels themselves. In the 1950's, I remember seeing a Minstrel show in my church basement. As far as I know, it might have been the last Minstrel Show in the world. I was only six at the time.

Studying this art form and researching the historical background has been self satisfying and also frustrating. There are so few books on the subject that future study would have to take me to larger libraries in New York.

Then, working with one of the finest composers in history was in itself most rewarding. Stephen Foster's music is so ingrained in our very fiber that every rehearsal was uplifting and fun. Stephen's life, unlike his music, is nebulous and obscure. As an author, I had to begin to manipulate the facts. I tried to stick to the first hand accounts of Stephen's life but I also realize I have to create more out of the Foster sequences if the piece is to make any progress.

Many people have taken part in the three productions of this play. Each time I learned more about the power and flaws in the writing. I thank each actor for his patience and talent. I am grateful for all their ideas.

This present group has proven to be one of the most talented groups I have ever worked with. I Thank each of them and hope you love them as much as I do.

- John

This play has been
lovingly dedicated to
Mildred Sheehan

 

 

Last updated: 08/27/07