Digital Program: Into the Breeches!
The Footlight Club Presents
Into the Breeches!
by George Brant
“Into the Breeches!” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
“Originally commissioned by Trinity Repertory Company, Providence, RI, August, 2014.
World Premiere Produced by Trinity Repertory Company Curt Columbus (Artistic Director), Tom Parrish (Executive Director)
“Amapola”
Written by Albert Gamse and Joseph M. Lacalle
Published by Edward B. Marks Music Company
All rights administered by Round Hill Carlin, LLC
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
Time: 1942t; Location: The Footlight Club
The Footlight Club found itself down most of its male performers in 1942 as they went off to war. The wife of the long time director decides to keep the theater going and directs an all-female production of Henriad, keeping the theater open despite the lack of men.
Eliot Hall, 7A Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Information: 617-524-3200
The Footlight Club is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a program of the state of Massachusetts administered through a collaborative arrangement between MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The Footlight Club is also supported in part by a grant from the Boston Cultural Council, a local agency which is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, administered by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism and Special Events.
Our newly accessible Eliot Hall, completed in February 2021, is supported by grants from
the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund, the Community Preservation Fund, and the George B. Henderson Foundation.
Director’s Note
As a director, the first question I always ask when reading a play is: Why? Why now, and why this play? In "Into the Breeches," the historical parallels provide a clear answer. This piece powerfully highlights the strength of community, uniting marginalized voices to convey a vital message. It inspires us to keep hope alive and showcases the unwavering spirit of persistence when it is needed most.
Presenting this show at the Footlight is profoundly significant, as this theater has never closed its doors in its long history. Like the Oberon in the play, it has kept the creative spirit shining brightly for those still at home.
This production would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our producers, Michael and Benn, who guided us through every challenge, allowing us to focus on our mission. Another individual who provided insight and support throughout the process is Addie—be sure to keep an eye out for their future projects. Thank you to the cast and crew of this show; your authenticity and care have infused this production with life.
A special thank you to Rachel Stigers and Shannon for stepping into your roles after the production had begun. Your passion has brought this production to new heights.
Lastly, thank you to the audience for supporting live theater, a powerful reminder of why we can continue to share stories like this one.
Cast
Maggie Dalton: Allison Rudmann Putnam
Celeste Fielding: Rachel Renton
Winifred Snow: Alicia Powell
Ellsworth Snow: Victor Brandalise
Ida Green: June Maguire
June Bennett: Eden Sanders
Grace Richards: Cassidy Guimares
Stewart Lasker: Peter McElhinney
Production Team
Director: Eric Roberts
Producer: Benjamin Salter
Producer: Michael Colford
Assistant Director: Addie Pates
Stage Manager: Allison Rollings
Assistant Stage Manager: Bea Life
Set Design & Master Carpenter: Betsy Flowers
Set Dressing & Props Designer: Shannon Fay
Lighting Designer: Olivia Sederlundi
Sound Designer: William Shamlian
Costume Designer: Rachel Stiges
Hair/Wigs: Liza Ulrich
Make-up: Rose Conley
Intimacy Coordinator: Katie Swimm
Run Crew: Shannon Fay, Glenn Singer, Allison Perusse, Shayna Plotnik
Set Construction Crew
Jane Benjamin, Zach Best, Allie Cheng, Michael Colford, Matt Gratza, Alison Haight, Brandon Hung, Kate “Hutch” Hutchinson, Tapley Jackson, Sonia Lee, Becca Lees, Bea Life, Jesse Lipschutz, Xinyi Mao, Minnie McMahon, Graham Myhill, Allison Perusse, Ashley S., Tyler Richard, Mia Richter, Glenn Singer, Snag Sally Stratman
Special Thanks
Coco Coviello, Mark, Cate, and Claire Fleming, Milton Players, Kara Chu Nelson, Shayna Plotnik, Allison Perusse, Glenn Singer, Walpole Footlighters
And thank you to all our dedicated volunteers who help with Front of House!
Cast and Crew Biographies
Victor Brandalise (Ellsworth Snow): This will be Victor’s first appearance with the Footlight Club. Most recently he appeared in Emma (the Musical) as Mr. Woodhouse at Arlington Friends of the Drama. Prior to that he appeared as Eddie in Don Quixote De La Center at Quannapowitt Players. He has appeared at Marblehead Little Theatre in A View From the Bridge as Tony and Mr Lipari, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui as Givola, Arsenic and Old Lace as Teddy Brewster, and Inherit the Wind as Henry Drummond. In addition, he has appeared on the Northshore in Moon over Buffalo as Ricard, The Miracle Worker as Captain Keller, The Laramie Project as Reverend Phelps, Neighbourhood Watch as Rod Trusser, Our Town as the Constable, and in A Man of No Importance as Carson. He has been performing since 1989 in New Hampshire, Texas, New Jersey, California, and Massachusetts. Over the years, his two favorite performances were in the female version of The Odd Couple as Jesus Costazuela and in the Irish musical Grannia as Donal O’Flaherty.
Michael Colford (Producer) is excited to be producing Into the Breeches. His past directing work includes Sweat, Xanadu, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike on the mainstage; three 7A shows, Proof, The Great God Pan, and Marion Bridge; co-directing Honk!, and assistant directing Heathers: The Musical. In addition, Michael has produced several memorable shows at the Footlight Club, including Promises Promises, In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play, The Rocky Horror Show, Clybourne Park, Yellow Face and most recently, POTUS. Michael would like to thank all the directors with whom he has worked that have informed many of his choices going forward. Michael is the Footlight Club Board Vice President. He is the President of the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film (http://chlotrudis.org), the Board Clerk for the Provincetown Film Society, and the Director of Library Services for the Boston Public Library.
Rose Conley (Make-up Designer) is a make-up designer living and working in Boston Ma. Rose has a long background in local theatre working in any areas of production but their largest focus has been makeup, special FX and dramaturgy. Additionally they have a background in the fine arts which strongly informs their theatre production practice. In 2023, Rose received a DASH award for their excellence in makeup design for the Footlight Club’s production of SWEAT. They are excited to be returning to the Footlight Club for their current production of Into The Breeches as the makeup designer. Special thanks to Tori Moline- the best theater makeup artist I know.
Shannon Fay (Props Designer & Set Decorator): Shan is excited to be working on their first show with Footlight Club! Shan has experience with backstage crew and set design for various community, high school and college productions. Other theater experience includes performing in Lucky Stiff with Natick Players, Marian, or The True Tale of Robinhood with Theater@First, and A Little Women Christmas with Colonial Chorus Players. When not hanging out in a theater you can find Shan working in architecture in Boston or painting.
Betsy Flowers (Set Design & Master Carpenter): Betsy might still be under the stage extension holding it up with her bare hands. She is honored to have the opportunity to work on her first show with the Footlight Club. Recent set building projects include Annie and Little Women both at Needham Community Theatre. On the stage, favorite past roles include Harriet Smith in Emma (AFD) and Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins (Millis Community Theater). She would like to thank her husband for all his hard work with her on this show, and she is so grateful to be working with such an amazing production team for Breeches!
Cassidy Guimares (Grace Richards) is beyond excited to return to the Footlight Club as a part of Into the Breeches! Past credits include The Book of Will (Alice), Out of Sight, Out of Murder (Kay), Eleemosynary (Echo), One Slight Hitch (P.B.), Stepping Out (Andy), and Buried Child (Bradley). She is also a proud member of the Dramatists Guild and is currently pursuing her MFA in Screenwriting at Emerson College. A big thank you to Eric and the entire ITB team, and love always to her friends and family. (@cass_guimares)
Julia Liao (Special Assistant to the Producer) first discovered musical theater in the form of a 1998 Cats! VHS recording in the basement and decided watching it was an effective way to learn English. Her appreciation of musical theater developed in earnest through association with Benn, leading to various roles from Random Helpful Person for Set Changes and Extra Pair of Hands Backstage, to assistant stage manager and producer (HMS Pinafore) with the MIT Gilbert & Sullivan Players between 2014-2018. At home, she is honing her skills as a cat whisperer to said feisty tabby.
Bea Life (she/her - Stage Manager) is happy to be back at The Footlight Club, continuing to haunt as many productions as she possibly can. She would also like to thank her friends, especially Milka and Robbie, for continuing to support her crippling theatre addiction and emotionally supporting her through the unpredictable, cascading effects it has on her life.
June Maguire (Ida Green) is excited to make her debut performance at the Footlight Club. When not onstage, she works as an IT Project Manager at Harvard Business School and also teaches Zumba. Favorite past theatrical roles include Tenola Stoney in Court Martial at Fort Devens, Mrs. Muller in Doubt, A Parable, Suzy in Wait Until Dark, and Anne Boleyn in As She Likes It. She is thankful to be part of such a welcoming and talented cast. She would like to thank her number one fan, Darin Maguire in addition to all her friends and family for their support
Matt McKee (Promotional Photography) is a commercial photographer based in Boston. He has created over 75 different posters for the amazing Footlight Club productions over the past 20+ years. Some of his past favorites include the poster for POTUS, Yellowface, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Steppin’ Out. But, his newest favorite will always be the next show. He loves applying the imaging and marketing principles he uses for his corporate clients to promoting the performing arts. More of his work can be seen at www.mckeephotography.com. He would also like to say, “Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the amazing world that is the Footlight Club!”
Peter McElhinney (Stuart Lasker): is ecstatic to make his FLC debut. Favorite past roles include William in How The Other Half Loves (Mass Arts Center), Robert in Boeing Boeing and a Gangster in Kiss Me Kate (Walpole Footlighters). Directing credits include Mauritius, The Mousetrap, and Good People with the Walpole Footlighters and A Few Good Men, Time Stands Still, One Slight Hitch, and Ripcord with the Milton Players. Often found behind the scenes with other companies Peter currently serves as Technical Coordinator (Milton Players) and Assistant Facility Director (Walpole Footlighters ). Peter has so much gratitude for Eric and the entire team for this wonderful experience. He gives all his love to his wife Colleen and his children Clara and Leonard for supporting his love of theater and collaboration .
Addie Pates (Assistant Director & Co-Fight Choreographer): Addie is a Boston-based theatre artist glad to be back at Footlight, having previously been a part of Bright Star, 25 for 25, Legally Blonde, Heathers, and Peter and the Starcatcher. She is Boston-based and bounces between building sets, working backstage, and performing. On tap for her - assistant stage managing The Moderate at Central Square Theater. When she’s not near a stage, you can find her needle felting or decorating cookies. Many thanks to the cast and crew for their stellar ideas and work.
Alicia Powell (Winifred Snow) is honored to be part of this aces team, time-traveling to WW2 JP. Previous FLC appearances: Dorothy in Stepping Out, Fastrada in Pippin, Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show (EMACT-DASH nom), a Turkey Lurkey Girl in Promises, Promises, and in the ensembles of Cabaret,The Who's Tommy and Spamalot. She’s also been seen as Pinocchio in Shrek the Musical (Wellesley Players) and Fanny in The Urban Nutcracker. Huge thanks to Eric, the production team and crew for their trust and guidance, Alexa & Marvin for their support, and the teachers who have always inspired me. Shout out to Katie Swimm for her expert instruction and encouragement! I’m so grateful to our FLC ancestors for keeping this place alive through MANY challenges, since 1877. For Mom, and my family’s WW2 vets Grandpa Otis and Great Uncle Johnny. I love the theatre!
Allison Rudmann Putnam (Maggie Dalton): is very excited to be making her debut at the Footlight Club and to be working with such an incredible cast and crew. She was last seen playing Olympe de Gouge in Quanopowitt Players’ February 2025 production of The Revolutionists. Other recent theater credits include How I Learned to Drive and Sense and Sensibility at Concord Players; The Outsider and Murder on the Orient Express at Vokes Theater; Blood Relations at Theater III; Handbagged at Hovey Players; and Tiny Beautiful Things at Acme Theater. A native of upstate New York, Allison has lived in the Boston area since 2004. She would like to thank her three favorite people for their love, support, and smiles.
Rachel Renton (Celeste Fielding): is thrilled to return to the stage after a long hiatus and is grateful to The Footlight Club for the opportunity to play a diva once again. Although her dressing room isn’t private and her champagne is flat, Rachel is delighted to be working with such a talented and generous cast and crew. Rachel’s previous roles include Shakespeare in Sondheim’s The Frogs, Drood in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Thelma, the diva in a women’s theatre group putting on the Scottish play. Rachel has been a director for middle school theatre productions at Dana Hall, Beaver Country Day, Brimmer and May, and the International School of the Hague. A lifelong figure skater, Rachel volunteers as a judge for US Figure Skating and competes nationally on a Theater on Ice team. Thanks for coming to the show!
Eric Roberts (Director & Dramaturg)m is happy to return to the Footlight Club, but this time behind the scenes! They were last on stage here in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as Gabriel Utterson. Since then, they have turned to tech and directing. You may have seen past productions they've directed, Jane Austen’s Emma the Musical at AFD, Don Quixote De la Center at QP, and Radium Girls at Theatre III. They recently worked on sound design for the Thanksgiving Play at Burlington Players. Thank you to The Footlight Club for welcoming me into your space and trusting me with this piece. They would like to thank their mother, who attends each show at least once; her support and consistency are deeply appreciated.
Allison Rollings (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be a part of her first show with The Footlight Club! She recently served as SM for ACME’s Maytag Virgin and QP’s Suburban Holidays 14. Her ASM credits include AFD’s Emma and QP’s The Revolutionists. She’s also worked as stage crew for Concord Players’ How I Learned to Drive and Shakespeare in Love and performed onstage as Sandy Cho in QP’s production of Don Quixote de la Center. Allison’s love of theater began back in the cornfields of Illinois where she starred in various plays: The Laramie Project, Almost, Maine, A Christmas Carol, and Father of the Bride. She would like to thank her cats and her husband for their support, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Benn Salter (Producer) is excited and grateful to be producing his third show with the Footlight Club. Prior to this, Benn was the producer for the Footlight Club’s productions of Sweat and A Man of No Importance. He was producer and stage manager for many productions over the years for the MIT Gilbert & Sullivan Society including The Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe, 1776, The Mikado, and Chess. Benn also worked with the Lilac Players to produce Cabaret, a show that was unfortunately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside of the theater Benn enjoys dancing to swing and blues music and trying to soothe his feisty tabby cat.
Eden Sanders (June Bennett) is thrilled to be making her community theater debut at the Footlight Club after a long hiatus from the stage. Some of her favorite past roles have been Molly in Ghost: the Musical, Lilith in She Kills Monsters, Mrs. Ranch in Absolutely Murder, and a Bad Idea Bear in Avenue Q (Babson Players). When not acting, Eden works as an urban planner and is an avid knitter. She would like to thank her fiancé, George, for his willingness to spoil the entire show for himself to help Eden run lines, and her two cats, Junebug and Sal, for their looks of genuine concern whenever she sings.
Olivia Sederlund (Lighting Designer) is happy as always to be working on a show at Footlight especially on a show that combines her love of history and of theater. Over the last 20+ years she's worn many hats here, but keeps coming back to lighting design. Some recent favorites include A Man of No Importance and Tuck Everlasting. She'd like to thank her husband, Nick (whom she met at Footlight) for his support.
William Shamlian (Sound Designer)
Rachel Stigers (Costume Designer) is happy to be behind the curtain for a little break from the spotlights of musical theatre, opera, and choral works. She loves to sew and knit, and is especially proud of the codpieces and shoulder pads. Her favorite past performances include Emma Woodhouse in Jane Austen’s Emma: the Musical, Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana, Gertrude in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Katharine in Love’s Labour’s Lost, and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Rachel has a degree in classical vocal performance and theatre arts. Originally from the North Shore, she now lives in Somerville with her bestie, their ghosts, and their many as yet unfinished crafts. Gratitude to E and the cast and crew!
Katie Swimm (Intimacy Coordinator) is honored to be back at The Footlight Club. She has been active in community, regional, and university theatre for over twenty years as a director, actor, intimacy choreographer, and educator. Intimacy Choreography credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, Triumph of Love (Arlington Friends of the Drama), The Clean House, Witch (Hovey Players), Maytag Virgin, The Bridges of Madison County, Cinderella (Vokes Players), Mad Ones, February House, Bull in a China Shop (The Treehouse Collective). She has also directed over 30 productions in the Boston and Greater Boston area, and is the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of The Treehouse Collective.
Liza Ulrich (Hair & Wigs Designer): A self described theater-nerd, Liza has developed her dream career for 20 years of both designing and teaching theatrical and costume design in the Boston area. Throughout the school year and summer months, Liza works at The Park School in Brookline, MA teaching fiber arts and garment design. Recent theatre credits include: Spamalot (Creative Arts at Park, 2025); Lion King, Jr. (Edith C. Baker School, 2025)[METG winner 2025: best costume design]; Bright Star (Mass Arts Center, 2025); Tuck Everlasting (Footlight Club, 2024); The Man of No Importance (Footlight Club, 2023); Xanadu (Footlight Club, 2022); 25 for 25 (Footlight Club, 2021); Peter and the Starcatcher (Footlight Club, 2017); The Sound of Music (Footlight Club, 2014) [DASH nominated]; Steel Magnolias (Footlight Club, 2013). Liza would like to thank her family, and chosen "Footlight Club family" for always supporting her crazy designer habits
Footlight Club Board of Directors
Elizabeth Bean, Michael Colford, Zach Best, Chris Stuck-Girard, Jim Ansart, Jerry Wheelock, Rachel Veto, Valerie Tracy-Indrakarn, Meredith Weaver, Elizabeth Curran, Courtney Breslin, Juliette McClendon, Paul O’Shaughnessy, David Alger, Ryder Nguyen, Maryann Zschau
TRUSTEES OF ELIOT HALL
Paul Campbell, Shannon Daly, Shelly Norton Icaza, Stephen Lussier, Lorie Komlyn, Jerry Wheelock, Jason Sheehan, Bill Shamlian, Matt McKee
Promotions and Publicity
Elizabeth Curran, Promotions Director
Kristin MacDougall
Michael Colford
David Alger
Matt McKee, Photographer
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Juliette (Jules) McClendon, Michael Colford, Kara Chu Nelson, Ally Rzesa,
Amanda Bedford, Melissa Paz, Mordecai Choi, Steven Key
Special thanks to all our dedicated volunteers who continue to help keep the Footlight Club running day in and day out, from front of house, to club clean-outs, we appreciate you!
If you are interesting in becoming a volunteer, please contact us at volunteers@footlight.org
And to our loyal members and patrons, thank you for continuing to support the Footlight Club!
Thank You to Our Footlight Family
We Are So Grateful for Your Support
As you walked in this evening, you no doubt noticed the beautiful new accessible entrance to the Footlight. This project – a new exterior ADA-compliant ramp and interior elevator to all four floors of Eliot Hall – ensures that all our guests can fully access all our spaces. Along the way, extensive repairs needed to be made to the foundation and existing chimneys. New spaces in our basement and on the third floor will provide essential props storage, and we’re already feeling warmer with an upgraded furnace system.
These upgrades were only possible through the generous financial support of our community partners. We extend our thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund, the Community Preservation Fund, and the George B. Henderson Foundation. Most of our funding came from donations large and small from our Footlight Family. Thank you to everyone who donated.
Our most urgent need is clear: We need to restore our exterior façade, [carpentry, building envelope repairs, and painting] to ensure the historic character of Eliot Hall is preserved and to keep our building strong and safe. Our goal is to complete this work by January 2027, our 150th Anniversary!. This work will improve energy efficiency, safety and security; present the building as a welcoming neighborhood landmark; and ensure future generations enjoy the benefit of this important community resource. The Board of Directors voted to approve this approach in April 2024.
The continued revitalization and restoration of Eliot Hall will always be one of Footlight’s top priorities. Your contributions will continue to make it possible to take on large-and-small-scale restoration projects, as well as maintaining the day-to-day operations of the building.
Every Gift Counts
If you are thinking about making your first gift, now is the time to make a gift in any amount.
Please give now at: www.footlight.org/donate
Or mail a check payable to The Footlight Club to:
Treasurer, The Footlight Club, 7A Eliot Street , Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Other Ways to Give
Email Treasurer@Footlight.org to make a gift of stock.
Become a Footlight Club Monthly Sustainer. For gift of over $500, your donation will renew, and your credit or debit card will automatically be billed each month. Please email Development@Footlight.org for more details.
