"The Sound of Music"
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
Directed by Susan J. Nelson

Danielle Andersen (POSTULANT)

Jennifer Poiry Beatty (MARIA)

Melanie (?) (POSTULANT)-Melanie has performed in several school plays and is a member of the Jazz Band. Last year, Melanie had the opportunity to sing the national anthem for two of her school's swim meets. She hopes to prosper in her acting, singing, and musical talents. She takes voice lessons and hopes to continue singing in front of an audience. As a freshman at Homestead, Melanie plans to continue in the theater arts. She thanks her family for driving her around and especially to her dad for encouraging her to audition at Grey Lite.

Scott Cooper (FESTIVAL CONTESTANT)-Scott has appeared in The Prodigal Son. He also has performed in other musical groups. He hopes to become a special effect or make-up artist in movie production. Scott thanks his mom for getting him started and helping him period. Thanks to Sue for making it all so enjoyable.

Stephanie Cooper (FESTIVAL CONTESTANT) -Stephanie appeared in The Prodigal Son and has performed in various musical groups. She wants to pursue her singing, writing short stories and being involved with special effects for the movies. Stephanie thanks her mom for helping her get started in acting.

Libby Dasbach (NUN)-Libby was last seen at Grey Lite as the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. She has also performed as the Wicked Stepmother in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs of the Black Forest at Grey Lite. She has appeared in many theatres including Arena and Civic where she was last seen as a townsperson in Briguysoon. She usually spends her days at home and works nights as a nurse at Lutheran Hospital.

Laura M. Deckard (NUN)-Laura made her stage debut at 9 in First American 4-H Theater's production of The Sound of Music. She performed throughout her youth at 4-H theater in such musicals as My Fair Lady, Carousel, Annie, The King and I, and Annie, Get Your Gun. In high school, Laura starred in The Music Man, The Wiz, Anything Goes, and Lil'Abner. After taking many years off from performing to raise her daughter, Morgan, and to pursue her career as Aftercare Counselor for D.O.McComb and Sons Funeral Home, she is thrilled to be making her Grey Lite debut, acting once again in this classic musical.

Pam Decker (NUN)-Pam is a junior at Norwell High School and this is her first Grey Lite appearance. At Norwell, she has been in South Pacific, Anything Goes and Guys and Dolls.

Seth Drayer (KURT)-Seth, who is twelve years old, is no newcomer to the Grey Lite stage. Last summer he appeared as Colin in The Secret Garden. He is a member of Pizzazz School of Performing Arts in Bluffton and enjoys acting and singing very much. Seth is also a member of the singing trio, "Renu."

Nan Durant (SISTER BERTHE)-Nan re-entered the world of theatre after a 23 year absence with Grey Lite's production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. A PIT alumni, Nan was involved in over 40 productions during her college years. Nan's two youngest children are also involved in local theatre productions. Away from the theatre, she is a gymnastic official and a case manager for Child Protective Services.

Neely Gevaart (BRIGITTA)-Neely has appeared in The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe, and The Secret Garden with Grey Lite. She has also performed with the Civic and the Storybook Theatre at Ward Elementary. Thanks to Leslie Horman, Betty McKee and Dorothy Escosa.

Mark Hartman (ZELLER)-Mark has been busy on the stage of Leo in Peter Pan, Murder at Coopersmith Inn, Oklahoma and Into the Woods. Mark hopes to continue theater in college at Case Western Reserve University next year while he majors in Physics. He would like to thank Sue for this chance to "break into community theatre" and his family for their support and encouragement through these last 18 years.

Dave Johnson (VON SCHRIEBER / ELBERFELD)-Dave is an associate professor of Nursing at St. Francis College and an Employee Assistant Specialist with Lindenview. He was active in the Fort Wayne Youtheatre as a child. Dave is making this a real family affair as he performs with four of his six children.

Elizabeth Johnson (FESTIVAL CONTESTANT)-Elizabeth is a 10 year-old fifth grader at Saint John the Baptist Catholic School. She has participated in numerous musical productions with the Children's Choir. Elizabeth has high academic achievement and also excels in swimming (an incredible butterfly stroke), soccer and art. Elizabeth is a creative spirited child who enjoys girl scouts and is an avid reader.

Jennifer Johnson (FESTIVAL CONTESTANT)-Jennifer is a 12 year old seventh grader at Saint John the Baptist Catholic School where she participated in numerous musical productions with the Children's Choir. She will also be involved with the Hand Bell Choir this year. Most recently, she performed in Jack and The Beanstalk with the Missoula Children's Theater and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Civic. Jennifer has high academic achievement and enjoys volleyball, soccer and basketball.

Molly Johnson (FESTIVAL CONTESTANT)- Molly is a 14 year-old freshman at Bishop Luers High School where she is a member of the Minstrels Swing Choir. She has participated in numerous musical productions with the Children's Choir and Hand Bell Choir of Saint John's the Baptist Catholic Grade School. Most recently, she performed in Jack and The Beanstalk with Missoula Children's Theatre and Joseph and the Amazing: Technicolor Dreamcoat with Civic. Molly is a talented student who is active in Student Government and also excels in volleyball and soccer.

Rachael Johnson (MARTA)-Rachael is an 9 year-old fourth grader at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. She has participated in numerous musical productions with the Children's Choir as well as Jack and the Beanstalk with Missoula Children's Theater. Rachael excels in her schoolwork and enjoys swimming, soccer and girl scouts. Rachael's giggle and contagious smile are hallmarks of her spirit. Playing the part of Marta is a dream come true. She is the youngest daughter of the six children of Dave and Rosie Johnson.

Rachel Johnson (FESTIVAL CONTESTANT)-Rachel will be attending Haverhill Elementary as a fifth grader in the fall. She has performed with the Fort Wayne School of Dance and the Fort Wayne Ballet. In addition, she sings in her church choir.

Jeff Kreischer (ROLF)-Jeff has performed in a number of productions at Leo High School, including Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Murder at Coopersmith Inn, Oklahoma, and Into the Woods. He is also in the Leo Jazz Choir. Jeff hopes to graduate and go to college to become a counselor for teens. He also hopes to make it to Broadway and be in the nude scene from Hair. Jeff thanks his family for their support and Sue for giving him the desire to act and sing.

Heather Martz (SISTER MARGARETTA)-Heather has performed in a number of productions at Norwell High School, as well as Fiddler on the Roof with Center Stage and Leader of the Pack at the Arena Dinner Theater. She is currently attending Purdue University majoring in Pharmocology.

Patricia Malin (NUN)-Patricia comes to Fort Wayne and Grey Lite Theatre from Ithaca, New York. She was a member and soloist for the Ithaca High School Concert and Madrigal Choir.

Scott Nedberg (CAPTAIN VON TRAPP)-Scott is no stranger to the Grey Lite stage. He played Dan and Trucker in Four Plays by Ruth Baker, and Stanley in Run for Your Wife, which was his most challenging role. Scott played the professor in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He will be performing at Second City in Chicago on September 13 and 14. This past March, Scott performed as Murrow Murrow in Singles Without Sex Club for the Indiana State Theatre Competition. Scott is the Director of Operations/Marketing at Custom Tube Co., Inc. in Fort Wayne. Scott's love for the theatre is only surpassed by his love for his family, especially his son Mike, daughter Erin and new granddaughter, Maddy.

Elizabeth Piercy (LOUSIA)-Elizabeth, a twelve year-old, has been Grace Shinn in The Music Man, and Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden with Grey Lite. She has performed in many productions with Weisser Park Elementary and Memorial Park Middle School, including The Music Man and David and Lisa. Elizabeth has been a member of both the All-State Honor Choir and All-City Honor Choir. Next fall, she will be a seventh grader at Memorial Park. She wishes to thank her family, especially her mom and dad. Thanks also to her friends, the cast, the crew, the director, lan Belknap,Seth Drayer, Mr. Volt, and Todd Dillon for all their inspiration and support.

Art Ruddle (FRANZ)-Art is returning to live theater after an absence of 20 years. He previously performed in five productions in community theater while in the U.S. Army serving in the Republic of Germany. He played Amos Babcock Bellamy, the daughter's father in the Fantasticks; he brought to life the magic-loving priest, Father Drobney in Neil Simon's Don't Drink the Water; and in his only dramatic role, as Anne Frank's father, Otto, in The Diary of Anne Frank. Art did a bit part as one of the elderly gentlemen who "got away" in Arsenic and Old Lace while co-directing, and played a convincing detective in The Ninety-Day Mistress.

Annie Schlichter (GRETL)-This 8-year old made her first Grey Lite appearance at the age of 5 in The Music Man. Annie recently enjoyed playing "The Queen of Hearts" in her second-grade class Production of The Case of the Missing Tarts at Croniger Elementary. Included in the list of Annie's favorite things are: cats, books, country music, and "I Love Lucy" reruns. She would like to thank her sister, Kris, for all her help and support!

Kristin Schlichter (POSTULANT)-Kristin is a veteran to the Grey Lite stage, She has appeared as Amaryllis in The Music Man had chorus parts in Guys and Dolls, and The Secret Garden, and done behind-the scenes work. Other credits include Blanche in Little Mary Sunshine at First Presbyterian, and most recently, Sharon in West Side Story at Northrop High School, where she is a sophomore. Kris is also a member of Northrop's "Charisma 97" and a registered talent at Charmaine Modeling Agency. Kris would like to thank her parents for putting up with her "creativity" while learning to drive this summer.

Carinne Uslar (POSTULANT)-Carie is a sophomore at South Side High School. She has performed in Snow White at Grey Lite, and the South Side productions of Peter Pan and FAME. Carinne is involved with choir and drama at her church. Two of these plays were The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and A Christmas Carol.

Ryan Weaver (FESTIVAL CONTESTANT)-Ryan has appeared at Summit Middle School in H.M.S. Pinafore as a sailor and at Haverhill Elementary as a Lollipop guide in The Wizard of Oz. He hopes to become a better actor and get bigger parts. After moving through the local theatres, Ryan hopes to become a professional actor and star in many movies. He thanks God for giving him his ability and his parents for encouraging him