MLP_5610 Maria Lyle of Maria Lyle Photogr
The Prima Donnettes
By Richard Hopkins and Jim ProsserWith assistance from Rebecca Hopkins
The Prima Donnettes
By Richard Hopkins and Jim ProsserWith assistance from Rebecca Hopkins
Beginning in the 50s, female singing groups such as The Shirelles, The Vandelless, and The Dixie Cups began to break onto the popular airwaves.
By the 60s and 70s female solo artists such as Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield and Diana Ross had brought women to the forefront of the American stage. From the era of hula hoops and drive-ins to the fight for equal rights these women provided the soundtrack for the hopes and dreams of women everywhere. Featuring songs such as: “Mama Said,” “One Fine Day” and “Natural Woman.”
Running Time
Delivered with great spirit
Cast
Susan Haefner
Jannie Jones
Erin McGrath
Liz Power
Jim Prosser
SUSAN HAEFNER returns to FST, having performed in numerous shows here during the 1990’s. Broadway credits include State Fair, Thoroughly Modern Mille, and 42nd Street. Susan also appeared in the National Tours of Billy Elliot and Damn Yankees with Jerry Lewis. She has worked regionally at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Barter Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse and Weston Playhouse. Susan is a graduate of FSU/Asolo Conservatory.
JANNIE JONES received critical acclaim for her performance in Black Pearl Sings! at Virginia Stage, Capital Rep and Ensemble Theatre in Santa Barbara and at San Jose Rep, where she won a Bay area Theatre Critics Award for Best Actress, as well as in Hairspray! (Motormouth) at NC Theatre, the national tour of All Shook Up and Juneteenth Legacy Theatre’s August Wilson’s Women, which garnered her an Audelco Award. Broadway/Off-Broadway: The Full Monty, Mama I Want to Sing, Faith’s Journey. Other credits: Crowns (Cincinnati Playhouse & Rep Theatre of St. Louis), Grafton City Blues (Milwaukee Rep), Beehive (Arkansas Rep), Hair (European Tour), All Night Strut, It Ain’t Nothin’ but the Blues, Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow (FST). Jannie has toured internationally to over 23 countries. She has performed at Carnegie Hall with Spanish legend Raphael and on the last hit CD of the late Barry White, Practice What you Preach.
ERIN MCGRATH is thrilled to be making her FST debut with The Prima Donnettes! Erin has appeared on the National Tour of Hairspray (Tammy) as well as around the country and the world in Smokey Joe’s Café (Delee), And The World Goes ‘Round, Shout!, and White Noise. She has also been seen on TV in shows such as Boardwalk Empire and Royal Pains as well as numerous commercials. Proud University of Michigan graduate!
LIZ POWER is thrilled to return to FST after previously performing in By Gershwin and Reel Music. Credits include Eva Peron in Evita (European Tour & regional productions), Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde (Nat’l Tour), Grace u/s in Annie (Nat’l Tour/Madison Square Garden), Ellen in Miss Saigon, Reno in Anything Goes, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Louise in Gypsy, Grizabella in Cats, Liz in The Philadelphia Story, Sister Robert Anne in Nunsense, Vicki in The Full Monty, and Carrie in Carousel. TV includes commercials, As The World Turns, and Guiding Light. BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University. www.lizpower.com
JIM PROSSER Over his many years at FST, Jim has most often performed in the Goldstein Cabaret, where he has arranged and co-developed many shows including By Gershwin, Laughing Matters, European Cabaret, That’s Life, Again, British Invasion, Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits, Harry Who?, Too Darn Hot, Reel Music and recently Let’s Twist Again: with the Wanderers. He has also served as resident composer/music director for FST’s Education department, writing numerous songs and scores for children’s shows such as Androcles and the Lion, The Princess and the Pea, and the WRITE A PLAY elementary tours. In addition, Jim plays with the FST Improv Troupe and has also performed locally with Jazz Around The Corner.
Creative
Director/Choreographer | Dennis Courtney
Music Director | Jeffrey Campos
Costume Designer | Susan Angermann
Lighting Designer | Kate DeWall
Sound Production | John Valines
Stage Manager | Aaron Watson