The Beat
Original Lyrics and Music by MJ Etua
Arrangements by Albert Oppenheimer

Director's Note

What a summer! This summer has been a challenge but we have survived and I hope all the hard work shows. Children (and teenagers) have been especially patient and accommodating this year, because as we began the rehearsal process, construction was taking place at the Playhouse on Main. There were many times when the construction crew worked while we 'P.L.A.Y.E.D.'

Thanks to the construction crew for making a few concessions. Thanks, as always, to the parents who let their children participate and help make project P.L.A.Y. better every year. I know that some parents even rearrange summer vacations and other activities just for their children to be in our productions. Without you, parents, the program could not work! And, thanks to my own parents who instilled in me the love of music, performance, and especially the importance of service to the community. Akeva!

A very special thank you goes out to the Starkville Library for their support and especially to Debbie Allen for her enthusiasm, inspiration, and encouragement. And, a big metaphorical hug to Albert Oppenheimer for all of his hard work and musical genius!

Director ...................................................................................... MJ Etua
Arrangements & Additional Music ............................................ Albert Oppenheimer

Cast
        The Tonduffs                                                                             Badd
Peter, Sr. .............. Keith Caprio                                  Bonnie ................... Crystal Phillips            Peta ...................... Claudia Bennett                             Ashley ................... Katie Klein                Peter Jr. ................ Colin Damms                                 Donna ................... Tamarie Phillips         Petra ..................... Claire Caprio                                 Debbie ................... Rachel Damms           

              The Beat                                                                             Groupies                         Theodora .............. Kelly Truax                                                    Emily Damms                      Beatrice ................ Hannah Spirrison                                           Alexie Williams                       Eloise ................... Melanie Morse                                               Summer Jamison                    Aurelia ................. Chelsea Donohoe                                            Kelsey Damms               Thomasina ........... Lindsay Linhares                                               Raven Evans

                  Blah                                                                          Talk Show Hostess                     Brent ................... Josh Horton                                    Midtown Julie Brown ..........Tierra Bynum Lance .................. John Mark Curtis                                                                                            Austin ................. Chris Phillips                                                        Reporters                             Hank ................... Jesi Marsh                                         Leita Story ................ Abby Cathcart                                                                                          Gabby Lipslip ........... Kelly Olivieri       

 

                                                           B.O.O.K. Administration                                                                                                  Sister Literati ....................... Teresa Wolverton                                                                             Sister Novella ..................... Sarah Morse                                                                                      Sister Susie ......................... Allison Price                                                                                  Brother John ....................... Chris Curtis                                                                                    Brother Michael .................. Josh Horton

 

Set Construction ....................... Cast & Parents

Special Thanks
Derek Aaron, Bob & Mary Eleanor Anderson
Pattye Archer, Anne Bonner, Jessica Bowdon,                                                             
Jay Cooper, Thomas La Foe, Lyle Tate, Molly Watkins
Bell Building Supply, The Cast of Welcome to the 60's                                                          Starkville Public Library, Louisville Public Library                                                                Episcopal Church of the Resurrection