Adapted by Christopher Sergel
Based upon the book "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Directed by Joe Nolin
June 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, & 26, 2005

Cast

Mr. Gilbreth..............Kevin Maggard
Mrs. Gilbreth............Jessica Roy
Frank Jr. ................John Harmon
Ernestine.................Megan Miller
Jackie.....................Katye Strichik
Jane.......................Lexi Barker
Dan........................David McDowell
Bill.........................Eric Roy
Fred.......................Paul Roy
Anne......................Ellen Hood
Lillian......................Alyssa Barnett
Martha....................Erika Miller
Mrs. Fitzgerald..........Mary Grace Faulk
Dr. Burton................Tyler Essary
Joe Scales...............Sam Stocker
Miss Brill..................Hanna Stewart
Larry......................Tyler Essary
$5 Dog....................Daisy


Production Staff

Director............................Joe Nolin
Assistant to the Director......Michelle Bramblett
Sound..............................Joe Roy
Lights...............................Catherine Roy
Stage Manager...................Ginger Collum
Set Builder.........................Roy La Porte
House Manager...................Jane Finley
Publicity............................Jennifer Martin
Programs...........................Jennifer Martin

Theatre Review:
"Cheaper By the Dozen" boasts company's first all-youth cast

The cast of Young at Art Players' production of "Cheaper By the Dozen," which runs through June 26.

Joseph O. Patton, Editor and Publisher
Capital City Free Press

The children have taken over.

The Way Off Broadway Theatre and the Young at Art Players are offering their production of "Cheaper By the Dozen," directed by Joe Nolin, who recently stole the show in the company's production of "The Nerd."

Adapted by Christopher Sergel and based on the book of the same title by Frank B. Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, the play follows the family life of the Gilbreths in the 1920s as they cope with and ultimately begin to rebel against the totalitarian discipline of their father, who attempts to make their household operate much like the factory he supervises. The play, in addition to many comic moments, also includes a valuable lesson about family ties.
Making their debut, the Young at Art Players boast an all-juvenile cast in this production, with ages ranging from around eight-years-old to a high school senior. Though some may anticipate anarchy from children, under the direction of Nolin, these players have instead proven that they can rival their adult counterparts. In fact, Catherine Roy, who runs the lights for this production and holds the honor of having two of her children in the cast, told the Free Press that the cast was "off book" (no longer requiring the use of the script) faster than the adults with the company normally were in other productions The youthful energy in this production is golden. The dedication and effort displayed by the cast, especially given their age and level of experience, are especially laudable. The players consist of Kevin Maggard as the father, Mr. Gilbreth; Jessica Roy as the mother, Mrs. Gilbreth; the children are played by Alexandrea Laurel Barker, Alyssa Barnett, John Harmon, Ellen Hood, David McDowell, Erika Miller, Megan Miller, Eric Roy, Paul Roy and Katye Strichik; Tyler Essary admirably juggles the roles of Dr. Burton and Larry, the eldest daughter's first boyfriend; Mary Grace Faulk portrays the maid, Mrs. Fitzgerald; Hannah Stewart plays the children's teacher, Miss Brill; and Sam Stocker plays Joe Scales, a potential love interest of the Gilbreth's eldest daughter.

Joe Nolin's attention to detail and apparent gift for working with such youthful players shines in the finished product of "Cheaper By the Dozen." The stage is full of heartfelt fun and the promise of continuing success for these young actors.

The Way Off Broadway Theatre/Young At Art Players' production of "Cheaper By the Dozen" continues through June 26 at the Prattville Creative and Performing Arts Center (203 West 4th Street). Tickets may be purchased at the door, and theatregoers can also view original art at the theatre. Next up for the company is "Harvey," which opens in July. For more information call 334-358-0297.