BWW Stage Mag CPM 2024 Gala: Melodies Through the Years - Children's Playhouse of MD Stage Mag
 
Children's Playhouse of MD
F. Scott Black Theatre
September 14, 2024
 
Directed by
Liz Boyer Hunnicutt
 
Musical Director
Charlotte Evans
Choreographer
Rachel Miller
Stage Manager
Anne Freeburger
     

Scenic Artist
Laura Miller
 
Lighting Designer
Thomas P. Gardner
Sound Designer
Technical Director
Diane M. Smith
     
CPM Administrator
Silent Auction Chair
Margie Lake

Gala Producers
Nicole Smith
Diane Smith
Colleen Witowski

Alumni Association Representatives
Sean Ravitz
Colleen Witowski
 

Children's Playhouse of MD is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and The Baltimore County Commision on Arts & Sciences. 

MSAC logo  

 

Follow Us:

Mission Statement

The mission of the Children's Playhouse of Maryland, Inc. (CPM)
is to provide theatrical experience for young people in Baltimore's
diverse metropolitan area. The goals of CPM are to make live
theatre accessible to all children, to enable young people to gain
an appreciation for the arts, as well as confidence and a sense of
responsibility, and to provide training and practice in acting and
theatre production for youth.


********************


CPM evolved from The Young People's Players children's theatre
organization that was founded in 1986 by Diane Smith and F. Scott
Black within the Towson Dinner Theatre in Towson, MD. The
young people's theatre was self-supporting and when the main
theatre was closed in 2001, The Young People's Players changed
names to Children's Playhouse of Maryland, filed for and received
non-profit status and moved to 6501 North Charles Street, on the
grounds of Sheppard Pratt Health Systems in Towson. CPM
rented office and auditorium space at this location. In November,
2004, CPM was offered and accepted a residency on the campus of
CCBC Essex. This is where CPM resides and performs today.

Season Dedication

 

 

This Evening's Program

Welcome from the Artistic Director | Diane M. Smith 

USA Tribute | This Land is Your Land
Amelia, Ronald, Lily, Hayden, & Angelina


Musical Numbers

Act 1


"Start of Something New" | High School Musical (06/07)
Soloists: Linda, Clover, Victor, Emily D.
Ensemble: Tiffany, Julia, Natalie, Colleen, Victor,
Max, Dan, Josh, Matt, Myles, Kathryn, Gino, Brad,
Kelsey L., Emily S., Allison C., Nicole S.

"She's in Love" | The Little Mermaid (12/13)
Mersisters: Rachel, Carrianne, Nicole A.
Kelsey F., Emma

Flounder: Noah Anderson

"Lida Rose & Will I Ever Tell You" | The Music Man (11/12)
Quartet: Max, Brad, Victor, Tiffany
Marian: Emily Signor

"I Know it's Today" | Shrek (14/15)
Young Fiona: Caroline Anderson
Teen Fiona: Bella Comotto
Adult Fiona: Rachel Miller

"What Do I Need With Love" | Thoroughly Modern Millie
(10/11 & 18/19)
Jimmy: Gino Cardoni
Dancers: Tiffany, Nicole A., Kelsey F., Carrianne, Emily D.

"Pulled" | The Addams Family ('15/'16)
Wednesday Addams: Kelsey Lake

A Message from CPM Alum, Zoe Nebraska Feldman

"Lily's Eyes | The Secret Garden (05/06)
Dr. Craven: Josh Starkey
Archibald: Matt Trulli

"Delovely" | Anything Goes (18/19)
Billy: Max Wolf
Hope: Kathryn Schudel
Dancers: Molly, Zachary, Brennen, Sofia

"Adelaide's Lament" | Guys & Dolls (09/10)
Adelaide: Canter O'May

"Honestly Sincere" | Bye, By Birdie (13/14 & 24/25)
Current cast of Bye, Bye Birdie

 

Act 2

Disney Princess Medley
Cinderella (03/04 & 09/10 & 22/23)
Sleeping Beauty (01/02) | Beauty & The Beast (13/14)
The Little Mermaid (12/13) | Frozen (19/20)
Charlotte Evans, Julie Parrish, Rachel Miller
Liz Boyer Hunnicutt, Diane Trowbridge Smith

"Kids" into "Gotta Lotta Livin'" | Bye, Bye Birdie (13/14 & 24/25)
Current Cast of Bye, Bye Birdie

A Message from F. Scott Black

"Easy Street" | Annie ( 05/06)
Lily: Rachel Miller
Hannigan: Nicole Smith
Rooster: Brad Bowers

"Summer Nights" | Grease (12/13)
Danny: Josh Starkey
Sandy: Emma Hammett
Greasers: Myles, Victor, Dan, Max
Brennen, Zachary, Gino

Pink Ladies: Clover, Julia, Linda, Colleen
Nicole A., Kelsey F., Carrianne, Emily D.

A Message from Alum, Neena Boyle McHattie

"Legally Blonde" | Legally Blonde (19/20)
Elle: Allison Comotto
Emmett: Matt Trulli

A Message from Alum, Jamie Linn Watson

"Can't Be Bothered Now" | Crazy For You (16/17)
Bobby: Thomas P. Gardner
Follies Girls: Rachel, Tiffany

"Solla Sollew" | Seussical (07/08 & 17/18)
Horton: Dan Hasty
joined by the Full Gala Cast

"Before The Parade Passes By" | Hello Dolly (14/15)
Dolly Levi: Liz Boyer Hunnicutt

"One Day More" | Les Miserables (08/09 & 14/15)
Jean Valjean: Matt Trulli
Marius: Victor Scigala
Cossette: Emily Signor
Eponine: Kelsey Lake
Enjolras: Josh Starkey
Javert: Thomas Gardner
Thenardiers: Tiffany Zellner & Dan Hasty
joined by the Full Gala Cast | Bye, Bye Birdie Cast
CPM Staff and Julie Parrish

 

 

Cast of Bye, Bye Birdie

Lily Anderson | Jack Atkins | Amelia Auvil | Lucas Baldwin
Mars Bell | Ella Bell | Kaitlyn Bell | Brynn Blair | Zoey Cashin
Miranda Cockey | Katelynn Cockey | Mikael Dagnatchew
Luke Depew | Luke DiBello | Angelina Ferris | Callie Fey
Emily Foggo | Alexandra Friese | Lily Guchemand | Ronald Gusso
Danny Harrer | Brayden Katzenberger | Selena Mason
Cecelia May | Finley McCully | Lucas Castro-Mendez
Pablo Castro-Mendez | Tempi Oppel | Gracie Roberts
Tobon Shoul | Theresa Smith | Amelia Trageser Campbell

Creative Team

Diane M. Smith

Artistic/Managing Director

Liz Boyer Hunnicutt

Resident Director

Charlotte Evans

Resident Musical Director

Rachel Miller | Class of 2019

Choreographer

Thomas P. Gardner | Class of 2013

Lighting Designer

Anne Marie Freeburger

Resident Stage Manager

Kenny Sigal

CPM Assistant Technical Director

Laura Miller

Resident Scenic Artist

Lisa Wood

Percussionist/Drummer

Kenny Sigal, Carson Stewart, Clover Wellons

Stage Crew

Amy Bell

Light Board Operator

Diane Smith

Sound Board Operator

Alex Bren, Loren Johnson

Follow Spot Operator

Meet the Company

Sofia Alvarez

CPM Student
Sofia Alvarez - CPM Student Sofia is a senior at Carver Center in the dance prime who has been performing with CPM for ten years. She has also performed with BTCT, Pumpkin Theatre, and Carver Theatre Company. Her favorite roles include Annie in 42nd Street with CPM and Iris in Fame! with Carver Theatre Company. Outside of school, Sofia dances at The Moving Company Dance Center. She is so grateful for this opportunity to participate in the gala!

Nicole Arrison

Class of 2015
Nicole Arrison - Class of 2015 Nicole is so excited to be back on the CPM stage! Nicole has performed in many shows with CPM, with favorite roles including Connie in "A Chorus Line" and Minnie Fay in "Hello, Dolly!" Nicole has just started her fifth year of teaching first grade at Forest Hill Elementary School. She is so thankful for CPM for being such an important and memorable part of her life!

Allison Baxter

Class of 2013
Allison Baxter - Class of 2013 Allison is thrilled to return to one of her favorite stages with her all-time favorite theatre company! She fell in love with CPM during her first show in 2003, when she played “Psycho Piglet” in Eeyore’s Christmas Present and kicked off a decade of shenanigans, memories, and rib-cracking laughs. Post-CPM, Allison graduated from Johns Hopkins University, married her wonderful husband Jim, and now spends her days doing what she loves most – writing. She extends a big thank-you to everyone involved with this miracle of a program over the past 20+ years, especially Liz: Everything I know about theatre, and many things I know about life, I learned from you.

Caroline Anderson

CPM Student
Caroline Anderson - CPM Student Caroline is honored to perform in the CPM Gala this year! Previous shows include Descendants, Cinderella, Matilda and Neverland.  Like her older siblings, Caroline loves to perform!  In her spare time she likes to play with her friends, draw pictures, and play the piano.  She also enjoys playing soccer and lacrosse.  Caroline would like to thank her family for being so supportive!

Noah Anderson

CPM Student
Noah Anderson - CPM Student Noah is so excited to perform for the CPM Gala! Previous shows include Descendants, Cinderella, Matilda, Neverland, and Finding Nemo. Finding Nemo. You might have seen him most recently as Young Charlie in Kinky Boots, or young Cologero in A Bronx Tale at Dundalk Community Theater. He also was in Cockpit in Court’s Newsies this year! He has appeared in A Christmas Story, Willy Wonka, and Wizard of Oz at CCP.  In his free time, Noah loves to be creative by performing magic or playing the piano. He also enjoys playing ultimate frisbee. Noah would like to thank his family for supporting him throughout the process to “seize the day!” 

J. Bradley Bowers

CPM 2013
J. Bradley Bowers - CPM 2013 Brad performed in his first CPM show back in 2004. Over the following 9 years, he became a regular face appearing at every opportunity. Fondest memories include Huck in Huckleberry Finn and Jesus in Godspell, among many others. Today, he works as a data scientist in Washington, DC still singing showtunes to the annoyance of his neighbors.

Linda Brown

Class of 2023
Linda Brown - Class of 2023 Linda is very excited to come back to celebrate with the alumni and current CPM performers. Since graduation, Linda has been a performer, a director, and semi-choreographer. Her favorite CPM role would be Dorothy Brock in 42nd street (2022). Linda recently finished assistant directing Descendants the Musical at ASOB and is currently part of the cast of Gross Indecency as Clarke and the Stage Manager for Shakespeares Measure For Measure, both at McDaniel College (Class of 2027)

Gino Cardoni

Class of 2016
Gino Cardoni - Class of 2016 Gino is a proud graduate of Wagner College Theater, class of 2020. Gino currently works on Broadway as a Social Media Manager for Hell’s Kitchen, Tammy Faye, & Juliet, the new revival of Gypsy starring Audra McDonald, and more! He has performed with regional theaters across the country, but there is no place like CPM. Much love to his mom and sister for nourishing his lifelong love for the theater.

Carrianne Cicero

Class of 2012
Carrianne Cicero - Class of 2012 Carrianne is thrilled to return to the stage after a 10 year hiatus! Highlights since graduating from CPM include, earning a BA degree in theatre and dance, winning the title of Miss Bel Air and competing at the Miss Maryland pageant, and running her first half marathon. Carrianne has worked in higher ed administration for the last 10 years and most recently earned her doctorate degree from Frostburg State University in Educational Leadership. She resides in Salisbury, MD with her fiancé, Kevin.

Bella Comotto

CPM Student
Bella Comotto - CPM Student Bella is happy to be performing in this year's CPM gala! Bella started with the CPM apprentice company 13 years ago and has been doing the mainstage shows for 9 years. Her favorite role at CPM has been Janis in Mean Girls. Outside of CPM, Bella has done countless productions. Additionally, she works as a party princess and has served as social media manager for three theatre companies. She also made her NYC debut at 54 Below. Broadway Evolved alum. MT Thespy (ITS) & Outstanding Performer (YPA) recipient. “Gratitude to my voice teacher. Te amo mi familglia. For Nana.” bellacomotto.com

Emily Davis

Class of 2022
Emily Davis - Class of 2022 Emily is so excited to be participating in this years gala, and would like the thank everyone who has helped along the way! Emily is currently a junior in college studying elementary education! But she is still so thrilled that she gets to dust off her tap shoes to participate in this gala. A big thank you to her friends, family, and Matteo for being so amazing and supportive!!

Kelsey Feeney

Class of 2017
Kelsey Feeney - Class of 2017 Kelsey is so excited to be back on the stage with CPM! She has performed in many shows throughout her years at CPM, with favorite roles including Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family and Sheila in A Chorus Line. Postgrad, Kelsey now works as an occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics.

Molly Foggo

CPM Student
Molly Foggo - CPM Student Molly is thrilled to be performing in the CPM Gala! She is a sophomore at George Washington Carver Center in the acting prime. She has been performing with CPM for 9 years. Some of her favorite past performances include 42nd Street (Lorraine) at Children’s Playhouse of MD, The Prom! (Teen Ensemble) at Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre, Newsies (Elmer) at Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre, and The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Youth Cast) at the Hippodrome Theatre. She also dances at The Moving Company Dance Center. Molly is thankful for this opportunity and she also thanks her family for their endless support. Enjoy the show!

Emma Hammett

Class of 2023
Emma Hammett - Class of 2023 Emma is so excited to be back at CPM! She was most recently seen as Electra in Cats at Cockpit in Court. Some her favorite roles include Kaylee in The Prom, Evie in Descendents, Regina George in Mean Girls and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre at Marymount Manhattan College. She would like to thank her parents and closest friends for supporting her dreams. Enjoy! JUDAS: CPM 2023

Dan Hasty

Class of 2010
Dan Hasty - Class of 2010 Dan is overjoyed to be with CPM tonight. CPM is the place that he always looks back on so fondly as a safe haven to express himself as a young adult. He truly doesn’t know how his middle /high school years would have been without the playhouse in their life. Favorite CPM productions: Godspell, Joseph 1, Seussical, Guys and Dolls, and Les Miserables. Favorite professional credits since CPM: Empirical Theatre’s Of Mice and Men (Lennie Small), The Round Barn Theatre’s The Sunshine Boys (Willie Clark), The Lexington Theatre Comany’s Memphis (Mr. Simmons), and Tent Theatre’s She Loves Me (Sipos) directed by Tony nominee, Robert Westenberg. He also toured as a member of the National Players Tour 64 through Olney Theatre Center and spent a year and a half at sea with Disney Cruise Line traveling from Bermuda to the Norwegian Fjords. Between acting contracts he is a substitute teacher and Bartender for Shubert Theatres on Broadway. Enjoy the show! BFA AMDA/ The New School.

Natalie Kelly

Class of 2024
Natalie Kelly - Class of 2024 Natalie is a freshman attending Towson University majoring in early childhood education and psychology. She is excited to be performing with this wonderful cast of friends. She sends thanks to Ms. Liz for always encouraging her to be her best and to her mom for her unending support.

Kelsey Lake

Class of 2011
Kelsey Lake - Class of 2011 Kelsey is loving life with her husband, cats, and dog in the Colorado mountains (come visit), where she runs her own digital marketing company. Her favorite CPM memories are performing at the MTI Junior Theater festivals, playing Eponine in Les Miserables, Gertrude in Seussical, and Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie. So happy to come and play with CPM again!

Julia Morgereth

Class of 2022
Julia Morgereth - Class of 2022 Since graduating high school, Julia has been in college studying elementary education. She has been writing books and is about to publish her second one on Amazon. Julia’s favorite show at Children’s Playhouse is being in the ensemble of Once On This Island Jr in 2019.

Canter O’May

Class of 2017
Canter O’May - Class of 2017 Canter (She/They) is a regional actor currently based in Richmond, VA. Canter performed with The Children’s Playhouse of Maryland from the ages of 11-18, and spent that time falling in love with theatre. Some of her favorite roles with CPM include Harry McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie, Horace Vandergelder in Hello Dolly, and The Cop who didn’t wear shoes in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Canter spent much of her childhood at CPM playing the roles of older men, and now in her mid-twenties has finally gone on to a career of playing older women. Canter was most recently seen as Roz Keith in 9 to 5 with Virginia Repertory Theatre. She has training from both The University of Tampa and The London Academy of Dramatic Art.

Julie Parrish

Former Resident Music Director (2006-2015)
Julie Parrish - Former Resident Music Director (2006-2015) Julie Parrish is thrilled to join current and alumni cast and production team members on stage for this year’s gala! Julie currently works as the Director of Performing Arts at the John Carroll School, in Bel Air, MD where she just began her 12th year. She teaches Acting, Chorus, A cappella Choirs, AP Music Theory; Produces and Musically Directs the school’s two musicals a year; moderates several music and theatre clubs; and serves as the Program Director for the school’s Academy of Performing Arts & Dance - Musical Theatre Academy. Her first love is performing on the stage, however. She was most recently seen (about this time last year) on the Tidewater Players stage as Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical—one of her favorite stage experiences to date! Thank you for being here to support CPM and all the amazing opportunities it provides to so many students. Enjoy the show!

Brennen Peroutka

Class of 2023
Brennen Peroutka - Class of 2023 Since graduating high school, Brennen has been working towards his BFA in Acting from Towson University, participating in multiple productions including originating the role of Peter Pan in Alanna Kiewe’s Becoming Wendy and is, currently, in Towson’s Mainstage production of Kid-Simple: a radio play in the flesh! His favorite role from CPM was Larry the Lobster in SpongeBob!

Kathryn Schudel

Class of 2021
Kathryn Schudel - Class of 2021 Kathryn is thrilled to be given the opportunity to perform with Children’s Playhouse of Maryland again. She is currently at Penn State University studying Meteorology. She is so happy to be back on the stage for the first time in a long time. Thank you to Ms. Diane, Ms. Liz, and Nicole for offering this to alumni.

Victor Scigala

Class of 2024
Victor Scigala - Class of 2024 Victor is very excited to be in his first CPM Gala as an alum! He currently studies Theatre at CCBC. His favorite (and only) CPM credits are Descendants (Chad), Anastasia (Count Ipolitov/Ensemble), & Neverland: A New Musical (Captain Hook). Other favorite theatre credits include The Lightning Thief (Percy) with Artistic Synergy of Baltimore, Fame (Goody) & Anastasia (Black Marketeer #3, Drunk #1, Ensemble) with Carver Theatre Company, Pippin with Notre Dame Preparatory (Charlemagne), Legally Blonde (Emmett) & Les Misérables: School Edition (Enjolras) with Theatreworks Live, & Mamma Mia (Dancing Ensemble) with Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre. He would love to thank Mrs. Liz, Ms. Charlotte, Rachel, & Mrs. Diane for being so so amazing to work with!!

Emily Signor

Class of 2020
Emily Signor - Class of 2020 Emily is thrilled to be returning to the CPM Gala stage this year! She is a recent graduate of Ohio Northern University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and minors in Dance and Arts Administration. Previous credits include Rosemary (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Way Off Broadway Dinner Theater), Diana Barry (Anne of Green Gables: A New Musical, ONU), Anytime Annie (42nd Street, ONU), and Miss Honey (Matilda the Musical, Children’s Playhouse of MD, Fall 2019). Emily would like to send a big thank you to her Mom and family for their never-ending love and support.

Nicole Smith

Class of 2014
Nicole Smith - Class of 2014 Since graduating from CPM Nicole attended The Catholic University where she double majored in Drama & English. Currently, she resides in San Diego, California where she lives with her best friend, Mary & her cat, Clio. Nicole is eternally grateful for the foundational skills and creative drive CPM instilled in her throughout the years. Some of Nicole's favorite CPM roles include a Step-Sister (Cinderella), Belle (Beauty & the Beast), and Sandy (Grease). Enjoy the show!

Josh Starkey

Class of 2016
Josh Starkey - Class of 2016 Josh is grateful to return to the stage for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Children’s Playhouse of Maryland credits include Enjolras in Les Miserables (2015) and Kenickie in Grease (2013). Cockpit in Court credits include Rod in Avenue Q (2018). Before graduating from York College of Pennsylvania in 2020, Josh was a regular onstage there, including performances as Gomez in The Addams Family (2018), Chip in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2019) and Archibald in The Secret Garden (2019). Offstage, Josh sells advertising at WBAL-TV in Baltimore. He would like to thank his parents for traveling to attend the gala and all his friends & family for their love and support.

Myles Taylor

Class of 2023
Myles Taylor - Class of 2023 Myles is thrilled to be back with CPM! Myles’s favorite role he has played at CPM is tied between Patrick Star in SpongeBob SquarePants the musical or Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar. He is currently attending Towson University as a Vocal Music Education Major and is an assistant musicianship teacher with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra! He would like to thank his CPM for the opportunity!

Matthew Trulli

Class of 2019
Matthew Trulli - Class of 2019 Matthew is thrilled to be returning to the CPM gala to perform with some of his besties! After graduating from CPM (and high school) Matthew attended Towson University where he obtained his BM degree in Vocal Performance. Matthew’s dream is to perform professionally, so while he is attending as many auditions as he can, he is currently working at Beth Tfiloh Dahan community school as their middle school theatre and vocal music teacher. Some of Matthew’s favorite past roles include Jack Kelly in Newsies, Shrek in Shrek the Musical, and Cosmo Brown in Singin’ in the Rain. He would like to thank all of his friends and family for their continued support and encouragement.

Clover Wellons

Class of 2023
Clover Wellons - Class of 2023 Clover is excited to perform once again in CPM! She's a 2023 Alumni and she's done shows like SpongeBob, Legally Blonde, Honk Jr, and Jesus Christ Superstar

Colleen Witowski

Class of 2010
Colleen Witowski - Class of 2010 Colleen is thrilled to return to CPM and perform with all of the amazing alumni, staff and current student performers. Favorite CPM performances include Cats, High School Musical, Les Mis, Seussical, Once Upon A Mattress, and Big River. Off the stage Colleen is a preschool/kindergarten teacher at Cedarcroft School in Baltimore and loves every minute of it. Colleen continues to support CPM as an executive board member. Thank you to anyone who has shared their talent as a part of the production staff over the years and thank you to everyone in the audience for keeping the arts alive and supporting such a fantastic organization. Love to my friends and family for always supporting me! Shout out to the epic CPM class of 2010.

Maxwell Wolf

Class of 2018
Maxwell Wolf - Class of 2018 Since graduating from CPM, Max has remained an active member in the MD theatre scene. Having Performed in over a dozen shows since 2018, Wolf has moved on to directing in the area as well. Be on the lookout for his next directorial project, Monster, A world premiere play. Wolf serves and Bartends in Baltimore and enjoys Playing music and writing in his free time. He would like to thanks CPM for cultivating a space for young performers to learn and grow.

Tiffany Lynn Zellner

Class of 2015 / Resident Costume Designer
Tiffany Lynn Zellner - Class of 2015 / Resident Costume Designer During her time at CPM Tiffany appeared in 8 seasons, onstage for 29 shows, wig designed even more and even returned as an alumni last year as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, marking her 30th performance with CPM. Her favorite roles (as a student) include; Frenchie (Grease), Judy Turner (A Chorus Line), Mae Peterson (Bye Bye Birdie), and Madam Thenardier (Les Mis 2015). After graduating from Harford Technical High School with her license in cosmetology she attended York College of PA where she studied theatre and re-found her passion for wigs and costumes. During college she functioned as the costume shop manager for her junior/senior year and got an amazing opportunity to serve as an apprentice at Colorado Shakespeare Festival in their wig department. After returning for her senior year she worked on and offstage on all eight shows her college produced that year and was an offered a job at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in their wig department, so she happily packed her belongings, her wonderful parents in her Nissan Cube and drove to Oregon for this amazing opportunity prior to her May graduation in 2019. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit the next year, she returned home, where like all theatre artists, had to figure out what was next. Luckily she was back within two years in Colorado working as a wig and hair assistant for Central City Opera, where she was offered her next big adventure as the sole resident wig artist at Trinity Repertory Theatre in Rhode Island which she worked for the past three years. Currently Tiffany has moved back to Baltimore where she is working as a freelance costume designer (Recently designing Mamma Mia at Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre and is currently working on Bye Bye Birdie at CPM) and teaching various theatre related classes. She would like to thank all of the folks that made this event possible but most importantly thank Children’s Playhouse of MD for giving her the tools to be so adaptable and giving her a community unlike any other. Major thanks go to every single educator that Tiffany has worked with, you all are the literal backbone of this country. Lastly she would like to thank her parents for their combined support, but especially to her mom Donna for all that she does for this organization, for her family and for her. Enjoy the show!

Diane M. Smith

Artistic/Managing Director
Diane M. Smith - Artistic/Managing Director Diane has spent the last 46 years working in Baltimore with various theatre organizations including The Vagabond Players, The Spotlighters Theatre, Cockpit In Court Summer Theatre, Garrison Forest Players, Pumpkin Theatre, Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre, Dundalk Community Theatre, CCBC Essex, and many more. By day, Diane is the Director of Creative Arts for The Beth Tfiloh Community School where she serves as the Chair of the Creative Arts Department as well as the Artistic Director and Theatre Instructor for the Award-Winning Theatre Arts Program. In addition to running the BT Program, she was one of the co-founders of the National Award-Winning Children’s Playhouse of Maryland. Diane received the 2008 Most Distinguished Alumni Award from CCBC for her contributions to the Baltimore Theatre Community and her outstanding dedication and work with young people in the Arts. She is also the recipient of Teacher of The Year honors in 2011 from Beth Tfiloh High School. Diane resides in Towson with her husband Jerry and their pets Beau and Zooey.

Liz Boyer Hunnicutt

Resident Director
Liz Boyer Hunnicutt - Resident Director Liz attended classes at CCBC Essex Campus and eventually went on to New York to graduate from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts with a degree in Acting. After returning to Maryland, she starred in roles throughout Baltimore community theatre such as Eva (Evita), Mary Magdalene (Jesus Christ Superstar), Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Mrs. Johnstone (Blood Brothers), Sally Bowles (Cabaret) and The Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods) to name a few. She began directing children’s theatre at the F. Scott Black Dinner Theatre. The program moved and grew into the Children’s Playhouse of MD in 2001 where she has continued to direct to this day. Along with Artistic Director Diane Smith she has committed to training young children about theatre and production skills, they also coordinated numerous trips to New York and Atlanta for professional competitions through Music Theatre International, and Young PA. During these many visits, they have received awards in Acting, Musical Performance, Choreography and Production. As well as directing for CPM Liz has also directed for the Court Jester’s – Cockpit in Court’s Summer Theatre children’s show for the last 10 years. She is happily married to James Hunnicutt. Enjoy the show!! These performers will inspire you! They inspire me every day.

Charlotte Evans

Resident Musical Director
Charlotte Evans - Resident Musical Director Charlotte has been the resident musical director at CPM since 2016. Favorite productions include Once On This Island, Newsies, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Lion King Jr. She has also musically directed locally at Stevenson and Towson University, Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre, Dundalk Community Theatre, Vagabonds, Cockpit in Court, and Stillpointe Theatre. Professional regional credits include Millbrook Playhouse (PA), Stagedoor Manor (NY), Gallery Players (NYC), Festival 56 (IL), Crown Uptown (KS), and Surflight (NJ). Charlotte is also a baking extraordinaire and runs her own cake business, Confections by Charlotte.

Rachel Miller | Class of 2019

Choreographer
Rachel Miller | Class of 2019 - Choreographer Rachel is excited to be returning to the stage with former CPMer's and some of her closest friends! Rachel has a BA in Dance from Goucher College and is the Director of Dance Education at Beth Tfiloh Community School. She has spent time this summer on professional development at Exactitude Dance in New York working with choreographers/artists from The Radio City Rockettes, Broadway, Beyoncé’s and Janet Jackson’s World Tours, and Dorrance Dance Company. She has also been studying at Maryland Dance Project where she has worked with NFL cheerleaders /dancers from the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Commanders. Rachel was also a semi-finalist for the NBA Washington Wizards dance team! She has performed in theatre for most of her life with favorite roles in Newsies (Katherine), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie), The Addams Family (Morticia), Shrek (Fiona), Pippin (The Leading Player), The Addams Family (Wednesday), and Hello Dolly (Dolly), just to mention a few. Rachel has choreographed productions for Beth Tfiloh Community Theatre, Children’s Playhouse of MD, Cockpit in Court, Dundalk Community College, The John Carroll School, and Notre Dame Preparatory School. She will be dancing in “The Tour I” in November which is Maryland Dance Project’s inaugural performance at the Slayton House Theatre in Columbia. Rachel would like to thank her family and Corey for all their love and encouragement!

Thomas P. Gardner | Class of 2013

Lighting Designer
Thomas P. Gardner | Class of 2013 - Lighting Designer Thomas is a theatrical lighting designer and technical director based in Baltimore. Thomas has designed nearly sixty theatrical productions since 2016, including six here at Cockpit in Court. Other theaters he was worked with include: Phoenix Festival Theater, Single Carrot Theatre, Annapolis Summer Garden Theater, Tidewater Players, Fells Point Corner Theater, Silhouette Stages, Heritage Players, Stevenson University, Towson University, Jemicy Upper School, and Iron Crow Theatre where he is a resident artist. Thomas is currently the Lighting Director and Assistant Technical Director at Towson University. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, or if you want to see more of Thomas' work, feel free to visit www.thomaspgardner.com

Anne Marie Freeburger

Resident Stage Manager
Anne Marie was a Social Studies teacher and Department Head in the Baltimore City School System for 30 years. She stage managed for a number of local theatres including Spotlighters and Cockpit in Court. After she retired her niece, Colleen, was cast in a CPM show. Anne was her driver and she has been here ever since.

Kenny Sigal

CPM Assistant Technical Director
Kenny has been active in the theater community since 2003 both on stage and off. He has previously performed as Captain Keller in The Miracle Worker, The Pilot in The Little Mermaid, and The Old Man in A Christmas Story. He joined CPM as Assistant Tech Director in 2023 and could not be happier to be a part of this amazing team. Special thanks to my family Megan and Riley for supporting this adventure. And thank you to Liz, Diane, and the rest of the CPM team for this amazing opportunity.

Laura Miller

Resident Scenic Artist
Laura Miller - Resident Scenic Artist Laura has a BFA in graphic design from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and is the Resident Scenic Artist for the Children’s Playhouse of MD. She has also served on the CPM Board of Directors for 16 years. Laura has worked as a scenic artist for Cockpit in Court for the past 15 seasons, painting for the Court Jester productions as well as several main stage shows. By day, Laura is the Assistant Director of Creative Arts at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School, the camp administrator for the BT Performing Art Summer Camp, and the scenic artist for Beth Tfiloh’s theatre productions.

Lisa Wood

Percussionist/Drummer

Kenny Sigal, Carson Stewart, Clover Wellons

Stage Crew

Amy Bell

Light Board Operator

Diane Smith

Sound Board Operator

Alex Bren, Loren Johnson

Follow Spot Operator

Silent Auction Donors

Arena Stage
The Alvarez Family
The Auvil Family
Scott Black & Dwayne Berezny
Children's Playhouse of MD
CPM Auction Committee
Cockpit in Court Summer Theatre
Jen Davis
Dundalk Community Theatre
Sherri Einhorn
Charlotte Evans
Donna Flaharty & Tiffany Zellner
The Foggo Family
Cathi Forbes
Goetze's Candy Company
Addie Howard
Zach Miller
Melissa Mitchell, The Space Within
Kelly Moore, Terra Glass & Gems
The Olde Philadelphia Inn
Anthony Ondis & Clint Pike
Sean Ravitz
Monica Reich
(re) Focus Portrait Studio
The Roberts Family
Gail Robinson
Diane Smith
Smythe Jewelers
The Steiner-Feldman Family
Daniel Unitas
Kaya Vision
Carol Wescott, The Voice Within Studio
Colleen & Peggy Witowski

 

2024-2025 Season Sponsors

Broadway Angels ($5000 and up)
The Maryland State Arts Council
Baltimore County Arts & Sciences Commission

Showstoppers ($500-999)
Cast, Crew and Production Team of 
Bye, Bye Birdie

Star Turns ($200-499)
R. David Edwards

Featured Performer ($100-199)
The Klees- Glickman Family: Barb, Mark, Melanie & Jenny
Ed & Margie Lake
Kelsey Lake | Class of 2011
Rosedale Federal Savings & Loan Association

Supporting Players (up to $99)
Sharon Byrd
JoAnn & Donald Raynor
 

CHILDREN'S PLAYHOUSE OF MD EXECUTIVE BOARD

Diane Smith | President
 Ed Lake | Vice President
Margie Lake | Treasurer
Sean Ravitz | Secretary

Robyn Alvarez | Sharon Byrd | Jen Davis 
Sherri Einhorn | Donna Flaharty | Cathi Forbes
Vivian "Addie" Howard | Laura Miller | Kaya Potler
Monica Reich | Shayna Roberts | Cindy Ruth
Nicole Smith | Margaret Steiner | Andrew Whitman
Colleen Witowski | Peggy Witowski 

Learn More About Stage Mag