LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
In the 1973, over a cup of coffee, Gene Wilder persuaded Mel Brooks to co-write yet another Frankenstein movie. Brooks dismissed it until Wilder asked him what if, unlike the many Frankenstein sequels with characters aspiring to be the next great monster maker, the grandson of Dr. Frankenstein wanted nothing to do with the family whatsoever. Brooks, intrigued by the twist, agreed to the project. 50 years later, it is ranked on numerous comedy film lists and even deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” by the United States National Film Preservation Board.
My family and I watch Young Frankenstein every October without fail. We quote Frau Blücher’s and Igor’s lines to each other frequently, and my brother even bought me a Frederick Frankenstein— excuse me, Fronkensteen— pin which I wear each Halloween. Obviously, the famous slapstick and dad-joke worthy puns of Mel Brooks’ work highlight this film’s lasting charm. Frederick’s transformation from prim, orthodox scientist to imaginative, adventurous creator, however, is the spine of this story. A man who once defined himself by what he wasn’t finally reconsiders the past that embarrassed him and discovers who he really is. These very, very silly characters remind us that the path to understanding who we are and what exactly we’re doing here can be unconventional and ridiculous. After all this time, Young Frankenstein shows me that growth and purpose isn’t limited to the stoic and the clever… and that oddity, humor, and joy teach us who we are, too. I feel Frederick and his bizarre little crew would agree.
I thank my cast, crew, and volunteers for giving of their talents and time, my multitalented production team members for their dedication, my family and friends for supporting me, and Hendersonville Theatre for giving me the opportunity to bring this cult classic to its stage.
Elizabeth DeVault
Director
MEET THE CAST AND CREW
Tate Albert is a seasoned actor with roles in plays such as Noises Off!, Footloose the Musical, and Oleanna. He also works behind the scenes at HT with lighting and sound design. Tate was last seen on HT’s stage playing Dennis in Rock of Ages. Tate also designed the lights for Every Christmas Story Every Told.
Jonathan Forrester (DIRECTOR/SET DESIGN/SET DRESSER) has been acting and directing for more than 25 years. Last season, he directed HT’s production of The Haunting of Hill House. Jonathan’s directing credits include Steel Magnolias, Rumors, ‘Night, Mother, The Rainmaker, Wait Until Dark, and The Lion in Winter. Jonathan is the Marketing Director for Trinity View Senior Living Community in Arden.
Sara Hassinger (STAGE MANGER) is thrilled to be working on Every Christmas Story Ever Told. She has stage-managed nine productions for Hendersonville Theatre, worked backstage at ACT, and stage-managed at Montford Park Players and NC Stage. She was a Television Director in her past life, so being bossy comes naturally. Sara would like to thank Jonathan for the opportunity to work on this show. It was a blast!
Victoria Lamberth is an actor, director and writer who lives in Hendersonville. She rarely gets to appear on stage since accepting her full-time position as Artistic Director at HT. However, she is happy to share the stage with her husband, Tate! Her acting credit include: Red, White and Tuna, Christmas Belles, August: Osage County, Nuncrackers, Steel Magnolias, The Odd Couple (Female Version) and Agnes of God. Thank you for making 2023 the best year so far for HT! Happy anything you celebrate!
Christopher McLoughlin is delighted to return to the stage for the first time in eight years! He last appeared on stage as Richard Hannay in Hendersonville Theatre’s production of The 39 Steps. He has also frequently performed with the Montford Park Players with favorite roles, including Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, and Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing. Christopher spends his days as a (mostly) mild-mannered librarian at Blue Ridge Community College and as a parent to two awesome kids. He would like to thank this incredible cast and crew for welcoming him back to the theatre with open arms, joy, and laughter. He would also like to dedicate his performance to his beautiful and multi-talented wife Amanda, Ruth, the best actor in the family, and Gideon, the family comedian. Soli Deo Gloria.
This is Abigail Dover Thomas‘ (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) first show at Hendersonville Theatre. She earned her BA from North Greenville University, where she studied musical and applied theatre. She has worked on and off stage for many years as an actor, assistant, technician, designer, and director. Some of her recent work includes The Handmaid’s Tale (Assistant Director, Glow Lyric Theatre) and A Middle School Science Project Time Machine (Director, North Greenville University). You can see her upcoming work at Hendersonville Theatre in April when she will direct On Golden Pond. Abigail also teaches and performs with Nightingale Harp Studio and teaches drama at Crestview Christian Academy. She would like to thank Jonathan, Victoria, and the whole Hendersonville community for this opportunity, and she would like to thank her husband, Michael, for supporting her passion and calling.
Rowan Bishop (COSTUME DESIGN) is an actor and designer from Greenville, SC. They were most recently seen on stage in Young Frankenstein and Rock of Ages at HT. A huge thank you to Allison Starling, Amanda McLoughlin, Natalie Broadway, Sara Hassinger, and Mary Treadway for making the magic of these crazy costumes come to life behind the scenes and backstage. Happy Holidays!
Natalie Broadway (CREW/DRESSER) first appeared on the Hendersonville Theatre stage in 1983. She has also performed in shows at Blue Ridge Community College, Brevard Little Theatre, Autumn Players at ACT, Flat Rock Playhouse, Mill Mountain Theatre, and Willow Street Theatre. Favorite shows include David’s Mother, Clue, Battered, To Kill a Mockingbird, Blithe Spirit, Talley and Son, Buried Child, Outside Mullingar, and many more.
Anne Garren (BOARD OPERATOR) is excited to be working on her first show with Hendersonville Theatre, especially such a fun and creative one! She has worked on many productions at Asheville Community Theatre, most recently serving as stage manager for Pippin, and continues volunteering there. Recently, Anne retired from her day job and is enjoying life and working on projects that piled up while working. She hopes you enjoy the show and wishes everyone a Happy Holidays!
Amanda Sims McLoughlin (PROP DESIGN) has enjoyed putting together all the ridiculous props for this show! She has worked and performed in many theatres throughout Western North Carolina. Favorite past shows include Young Frankenstein here at Hendersonville Theatre and The Tempest at Montford Park Players. When she isn’t at the theatre, she can create embroidery art, spend time with her beautiful kiddos, and watch her cartoon character husband be wacky (She hopes you enjoy watching him be wacky tonight!). Thank you so much for supporting local theatre!
Beth Norris (MUSIC DIRECTION/SOUND DESIGN) has been involved with Hendersonville Theatre since its days in the Barn on State Street, first appearing in their production of The Music Man. Since that time, she has received her degree in Theatre Performance from North Greenville University, served (at various times over the years) as Volunteer Coordinator, Associate Artistic Director and, now, Education Director and has worked as an actor, director, stage manager, sound designer and set designer for numerous shows. She was most recently seen as Waitress #1 in Rock of Ages, Maeve in Trillium and Cora in Calendar Girls. This season, she also directed Savannah Sipping Society.
Allison Starling (COSTUME ASSISTANT) has been involved in theatre and dance since childhood. After spending most of her formative years performing and training at Fountain Inn Repertory Experience (SC), South Carolina Children’s Theatre, and the Greenville Ballet, Allison studied design, musical theatre, and art while in college. She eventually graduated from North Greenville University in 2017 with a degree in Theatre Design. After graduating, Allison spent several years designing and performing for theatres in Greenville, Anderson, and Greenwood, South Carolina. Eventually, she joined Hendersonville Theatre in 2018 when she designed costumes for their production of “Stage Kiss.” Since then, she has performed in, designed, and stage-managed numerous HT productions. This past January, she joined the Theatre in a more official capacity and currently serves full-time as both the Company Manager and Costume Shop Manager. She is passionate about theatre both as an artistic and educational experience.
Mary Treadway (CREW/DRESSER) feels honored to be trusted with the beautiful costumes of Every Christmas Story Ever Told, and she is excited to be returning to Hendersonville Theatre! She would like to emphasize and appreciate the hard work of the actors and crew.
2024
Serve on Our Board
We are currently looking for volunteer Board Members to serve on our board. Serving on the Hendersonville Theatre’s Board of Directors is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about theatre, the arts and leadership and governance in the nonprofit sector.