Credits

Directed by Michael & Kayla Blackston 

Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse

Cast

Maria Rainer ...................................................... Jess Shaffer
Capt. Georg von Trapp ........................................ Jeff Hearn
Max Detweiller ........................................... Rickey Eberhardt
Mother Abbess ............... Donna McDowell / Kayla Blackston
Elsa Schrader ................................................ Liza Dickson
Rolf Gruber ................................................. Noah Blackston
Liesl von Trapp ........................................... Gracelyn Watkins
Louisa von Trapp ...................................... Bella MacPherson
Brigitta von Trapp .......... Lainey Dickson / Merida Blackston
Marta von Trapp ..................... Violet Nash / Abigail Tucker
Friedrich von Trapp .................................. August Thompson
Kurt von Trapp .......... Harrison Carter / Coleman Chambers
Gretl von Trapp ................. Scarlett W. / Ashbee Chambers
Franz ............................................................ Ray Newsome
Frau Schmidt ................................................. Angela Cobb
Schrieber ..................................................... Logan Shaffer
Herr Zeller ........................................ Tim Venable
Sister Margaretta / Dinner guest .... Cindi Dotson
Sister Birthe / Dinner guest ........... Julie Newsome
Sister Sophia / Dinner guest ...... Keena Chambers
Nuns / Dinner guests: Kathleen Zakroczynski, April Garner, Sarah Martell,  Angela Cobb

Get to know the Cast

Jess Shaffer – returns to the HCCT stage after appearing in Nunsense
Jess is married to a wonderful husband Lance and has three amazing
children. She wishes the audience have a fabulous time!

Jeff Hearn – is an invaluable member of the HCCT community. From
set design, to Director to leading actor. Jeff has worked in theatre for
many years and we are delighted to see him as the Captain.

Rickey Eberhardt – is Max in the flesh, charismatic, loveable and
entertaining. Rickey is thankful for a place that is the potential home
for creative growth and nurturing of all people in our community.

Donna McDowell – has been a middle school band director for 29 yrs
and has been in numerous musicals at HCCT and Elbert Theatre, most
recently she enjoyed playing Ernestina in Hello Dolly.

Cindi Dotson – is excited to be back at HCCT! From Murderess to
Ghost to Nun, Cindi has been busy this season but still has time to
work with children, cuddle the cats and travel with husband Drew.

Kayla Blackston – has been doing community theatre and musical
reviews for over twenty years from The Miracle Worker in 2000 to all
the major musicals in recent years.

Liza Dickson – is thrilled to be making her HCCT debut as Elsa and
being onstage with daughter Lainey. She would like to thank her
husband Evan and son Noah for their love and support.

Noah Blackston – has an impressive resume already in his career.
Noah has been seen in most of Season 43 productions at HCCT as well
as appearing at Elbert Theatre. Excited that he is back!

Gracelyn Watkins – is playing her biggest dream role in her HCCT
debut. Gracelyn made her stage debut at two years old and has not
stopped since. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Bella MacPherson– has been in a number of productions including
Lion King, Fiddler on the Roof and Beauty and the Beast as well as
chorus and dance team. Welcome to the HCCT stage!

Lainey Dickson – is excited to be back on stage after her last role in
Tuck Everlasting. Lainey is in school and church choirs and is thankful
to be able to use her gifts in this show. Thanks to parents and Noah!

Merida Blackston – is excited to be back on the HCCT stage and
getting to perform again with other family members as the very
outspoken Brigitta.

Violet Nash – loves the theatre and has previously been Colin in The
Secret Garden here at HCCT. She would like to say a special thank
you to Ms. Donna for her help with the musical numbers.

Abigail Tucker – is excited to be back again after appearing in both
the camp and main HCCT productions. In her spare time, she enjoys
singing, playing softball and drawing.

August Thompson – we love having August back on our stage in
another main production. Last seen as Frank in Cheaper By The
Dozen, August once again leads the family as Friedrich.

Harrison Carter – has appeared in a number of musicals since 2021,
including his favorite (so far) - Annie. He is thankful that the Lord has
provided him with talents and the courage to perform.

Coleman Chambers – is a 5th grader with a love of theater and has
appeared in many productions at Southern Wesleyan University. Can
be found in his treehouse with friends and dogs Winston and Myrtle.

Scarlett W. – a veteran of the HCCT stage, most recently in A
Christmas Carol. When not onstage, she saves her dramatics for
friends and family who she loves very much!

Ashbee Chambers – is debuting at HCCT but has appeared in a
number of regional shows, most recently The Little Mermaid with the
rest of her family, Welcome Ashbee!

Ray Newsome – previously acted on the HCCT stage in the
2019 Christmas Carol. He is excited to return to the stage as
Franz.

Angela Cobb – is thrilled to be back in her theatre home to
finish off Season 43 with yet another strong female role. Frau
Schmidt will keep you all in line!

Logan Shaffer – attends HCHS and has appeared in many
productions. Logan is a competitive archer and aspires to be a
marine. He hopes that everyone has a wonderful time!

Tim Venable – is thrilled to be cast as Herr Zeller after
appearing in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow last year. Tim lives
near Athens with wife Kathy and son Joshua.

Julie Newsome – is excited to be part of one of her all time
favorite productions. She is grateful to be part of a community
that supports our theatre and hopes you all enjoy the show!

Keena Chambers – is excited to share her passion once again
with her children in one of their favorite musicals. Thank you
to husband and mother for their support in these adventures.

Kathleen Zakroczynski – has been away from the theatre
since high school and college. Kathy wants to thank her family
and friends for their support in her return to the stage!

April Garner – is appearing in her stage debut but is well
prepared as she is involved in several local choruses and choir
productions. April is married to Jeff and they have six children
and seven grandchildren.

Sarah Martell - is usually found backstage but is dipping her
toes in front of the lights. Special thanks to husband Jim for his
long patience with Sarah’s time away at the theatre.