The Colonial Players, Inc. - Alabama Story Show Page

CP 25 Alabama Story Marquee

Written by Kenneth Jones
Directed by Eleanore Tapscott
Performance Dates: January 10 - February 1, 2025
Run time: 2h 15m
(including intermission)

As the Civil Rights movement is brewing, a controversial children’s book about a black rabbit marrying a white rabbit stirs the passions of a segregationist State Senator and a no-nonsense State Librarian in 1959 Montgomery, Alabama. A contrasting story of childhood friends — an African American man and a woman of white privilege, reunited in adulthood — provides private counterpoint to the public events swirling in the state capital. Political foes, star-crossed lovers, and one feisty children’s author inhabit the same page in a Deep South of the imagination that brims with humor, heartbreak, and hope.

To download the production postcard for Alabama Story to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading.

About the Director

Eleanore Tapscott is a NOVA-based actor/director. Directing credits include The Bluest Eye (DS), The Nacirema Society… (LTA), Playing Juliet, Casting Othello (PPF) and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (CP). Upcoming directing projects: Steal Away by Ramona King (SP), March 2025. Recent acting credits include Harriet/Margaret (understudy) in POTUS: Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive (NextStop Theatre), Helen Hubbard in Murder on the Orient Express (LTA), Harriet in Two on the Aisle, Three in the Van (LTA), Mrs. Dickson in Intimate Apparel (MET), Feste in Twelfth Night (PTP), Mrs. Johnson, WATCH-Award nominated, in A Raisin in the Sun (SP).

Director's Notes

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who loved books. She read all the time. A favorite childhood fantasy was having a sleepover in a library or bookstore next door to a bakery! In case you haven’t guessed, that little girl was me. In addition to being exposed to books and encouraged to read them, I was also fortunate to hear my parents, and aunts and uncles, tell the stories of growing up in a segregated society. The people and worlds we learn about in books coupled with the stories of our families and communities comprise the fabric of our national story.

Being restricted from reading whatever I want whenever I want is an anathema to me. Alabama Story is a play that celebrates the freedom found in books and the importance of knowing and telling stories. Based on true events, in which a state senator attempts to have the state’s chief librarian remove from circulation a book he believes to be controversial, the play on one level is about banning books. The events of the play occur in 1959, and 65 years later, we’re still dealing with similar issues. However, what I love about this play is the focus to get us to understand why book banning is just one of many tools used to promote inequalities and injustices confronting, in the case of the play, black Americans throughout the painful course of our country’s history.

“Books allow us to solve mysteries, satisfy curiosity, and realize dreams,” says one of the characters in the play. To grow, learn, and resolve longstanding societal issues, we must tell our stories and not restrict access to that information. Let’s not whitewash our history. And that is what book banning does, restricts knowledge to marginalize communities and denies their history.

The message I hope people take away when they leave the theatre is that we need to fight to tell our stories and to keep information flowing to mitigate disinformation — don’t mask or hide the dark and nastier aspects of our national story. To fight past injustice, we need to know our history and learn from it. Knowledge is, and always will be, a powerful thing. Learning is our superpower because no one can take knowledge away from you. Try to restrict us from learning and accessing information — yes, but thoughts and lessons once learned — no, they can’t be taken away. Books and our collective stories are amazing things, and they ought to be available to everyone.

— ELEANORE TAPSCOTT

About the Playwright

Kenneth Jones’ breakout play Alabama Story (published by Dramatists Play Service) was a nominee for the Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award and a Finalist in the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference. It has been produced by scores of theaters. His plays and musicals have been produced or developed by Pioneer Theatre Company, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Clarence Brown Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Peninsula Players, Florida Studio Theatre, Wyoming Theater Festival, Off-Broadway’s TACT, and beyond. Selected other works: Hollywood, Nebraska (a three-state rolling world premiere in 2022-23) Tennessee Williams Drank Here (Florida Studio Theatre commission); Two Henrys (O’Neill Semi-Finalist); Circa 1976 (O’Neill Semi-Finalist); Ten Minutes on a Bench (Florida Repertory Theatre PlayLab); It Happened One Christmas (Pioneer Theatre Company); Naughty/Nice. He is a member of Dramatists Guild. He writes about his own work and interviews fellow playwrights at ByKennethJones.com.

The Cast

Brian Binney (Bobby Crone) Brian is happy to be back on the CP stage, with this wonderful cast and production team. He last performed here in Rumors (Lenny) and in The Merry Wives of Windsor (Master Ford). Other favorite recent roles include HMS Pinafore (Captain Cochrane) and Kiss Me Kate (Fred/Petruchio) at 2nd Star, Sylvia (Gregg) at LMP, Grapes of Wrath (Reverend Casey) at RLT, and Arcadia (Bernard) at GAC. Many thanks to Kenneth Jones for this thoughtful, thought-provoking play, and to all of those who continue the fight against the tide of ignorance in all its forms.

Jonathan Blansfield (Thomas Franklin) Jonathan is grateful to be part of the talented cast and crew of Alabama Story at The Colonial Players of Annapolis. This powerful and timely production underscores the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, and reinforces the fundamental truth that our greatest challenges reveal our greatest strengths. When not on stage, Jonathan is an attorney and realtor in the greater DMV area. For real estate inquiries or assistance, feel free to contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Lory Cosner (U/s — Emily Wheelock Reed) Lory Cosner (she/her) has been performing for over 30 years and is grateful for the incredible love and support she receives from Andy, the CozBros, and Panda. However, given the state of our union, she feels a better use of her bio space is encouraging you to research and support the following organizations that work to make the world a better place for all of us by fighting against book bans, white supremacy, systemic racism, misogyny, and homophobia:

Rick Estberg (Garth Williams / Herschel Webb) After a 3-year hiatus from theater, Rick is excited to return for his ninth CP show. Turns out, it's also his seventh show in a row requiring one sort of accent or another! Since retiring from NSA after a 41-year career, Rick keeps busy teaching at Anne Arundel Community College, serving as a docent at the Natl. Cryptologic Museum, and tutoring at the Ordnance Road Correctional Center. Some of his favorite past roles include James Barrie (The Lost Boy), Luigi Gaudi (Lucky Stiff), John (Calendar Girls), and Max Tarasov (Superior Donuts). Rick has also appeared in numerous Pasadena Theatre Company productions. Thanks to Eleanore for giving him the chance to take part in this wonderful show! He'd like to dedicate his performance to his late wife, Lucie, who never missed a show until Alzheimers entered the stage, far too early.

Denzell Massenburg(Joshua Moore) Meet Denzell Massenburg, an artist from Upper Marlboro, MD and Towson University alum with a 15-year career marked by powerful performances in theater and film. His stage credits include the DC Black Theater Festival, and Atlanta Black Theater Festival, as well as notable roles in Fences, King Hedley, and A Raisin in the Sun. On screen, Denzell has delivered standout performances for American Film Institute and indie films like The Facility, Where You Belong, Aimless, and Ashes of the Phoenix. His latest role in the gripping movie The Facility premiered to acclaim in Washington D.C. and New York City, showcasing his range and versatility. With a strong foundation in theater and film, Denzell has captivated audiences with his nuanced and compelling portrayals of complex characters. Driven by his faith in God, Denzell approaches his craft with unrelenting passion and dedication. He believes that hard work, preparation, and a willingness to take risks are the keys to unlocking true artistic growth. With a fearless spirit, Denzell tackles projects that inspire and challenge him, always seeking to push the boundaries of his creativity. His love for acting is a love letter to humanity, illuminating the complexities and beauty of the human experience with authenticity and heart. As James Baldwin once said, "The role of the artist is exactly the same as the role of the lover....". Through his craft, Denzell seeks to inspire, educate, and uplift audiences, leaving a lasting impact on the world.

Nick J Meyers (Henry Branch / Radio Announcer) Recently retired, Nick is excited to return to the stage after more than 3 decades! Back then, he had significant roles in both dramatic and musical theater productions. As a local Annapolis resident, he is jumping in to various volunteer opportunities and is looking forward to taking part in more CP productions.

Ellen Quay (Lily Whitfield) Ellen is thrilled to participate in her third production with The Colonial Players, especially in such an important story and with such a phenomenal cast and crew! Last year, she played Judy in CP's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and the year before, Chick Boyle in CP's Crimes of the Heart. Ellen also enjoys musical theater! Favorite roles include Trix the Aviatrix in The Drowsy Chaperone (2022 WATCH Award for Outstanding Cameo in a Musical), Vi Moore in Footloose, Jenny Hill in Big Fish, and Woman Four in Sondheim on Sondheim (2023 WATCH Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical). When she isn't having a blast on stage, Ellen can be found in her recording studio narrating audiobooks and performing voice over! Many MANY thanks to her smoking hot husband Nathanael for all of his support and love through the years and to their incredible children, Caedmon, Corawyn, and Ransom. And thank you to Laura. You never wavered from your commitment to librarianship and the freedom to read in Arkansas and you have always been an inspirational big sister.

Todd Smith (Senator E.W. Higgins) Todd is excited to return to the CP stage after serving as Stage Manager for 2024's The Winslow Boy. Previously at CP, Todd was Roger, Man with Socks, and other ensemble roles in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. For his day job, Todd is an AP US History teacher at Crofton High School where he also served as a drama director from 2020-2024. Todd's most recent directing experiences include Pride & Prejudice, Almost Maine, and Heaven Can Wait. Todd wants to thank Devon, Jackson, and Caroline for "giving dad the space to indulge himself." Enjoy the show!

Pamela Wilterdink (Emily Wheelock Reed) Pamela is excited to be making her CP debut in this timely and important play. She last appeared as Annie Wilkes in Misery at Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, New Jersey. Prior to that she played Barbara Grant in Perfect Arrangement at Silver Spring Stage (DC Watch award winner for best play, nominee for featured actress). While living in NYC she wrote and performed the comedy/variety shows - Poolside, Myth America and Ham & Egg. Other favorite roles include Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire, Joan Crawford in Joan Crawford in… Flesh & Blood, and Hedda in Hedda Gabler. Big thanks to the rest of the cast and creative crew for their care and collaboration. Thanks to Bob for his love and support. This one is dedicated to her late father, Richard H. Wilterdink, a doctor.

The Production Staff

Jane Carrigan (Stage Manager) Jane is delighted to be acting as Stage Manager for Alabama Story. Believing that in Community Theater it is incumbent upon each of us to serve many roles, Jane is dedicating this season to stagecraft. “I have learned so much about acting and scene study from this time as Stage Manager - I recommend everyone take time to spend in stagecraft.” She is focused on nurturing an atmosphere where the actors can create and hone their craft to tell this marvelous story. Special thanks to Dale Carrigan for his unfailing support (and dinner!)

Christina McAlpine (Hair & Make Up Designer) Christina just finished up the Costumes, Hair & Makeup for the Edwardian period piece, The Winslow Boy, our second show of this season. While she typically is found behind the sewing machine, she does have keen sense for makeup and hair. She has helped with hair and makeup on other CP shows such as, By the Way, Meet Vera Stark; It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play; and Boeing Boeing (WATCH Nominated). Previous Costume design credits at CP include Ravenscroft; By the Way, Meet Vera Stark; Casa Valentina; It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play; The Cripple of Inishmaan, Boeing Boeing, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, and The Curious Savage.

Edd Miller (Set Designer) Edd has designed/built sets since high school (dark ages, 1950's). More recently, for The Colonial Players his credits include I Never Sang For My Father, Moon Over Buffalo, Chapter Two (WATCH nomination), Marjorie Prime, Philadelphia Story, Coyote On A Fence, Diviners, Going To St. Ives and many more. All of them take Lighting, Sound, and Costumes into consideration, but The Lost Boy and The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time are truly integrated with all the tech disciplines. Because his CP colleagues have lovingly dubbed him a luddite, Edd is pleased/proud and grateful for the opportunity to grow within his design discipline.

Carrie Shade (Properties Designer) Carrie is thrilled to be part of the production team for Alabama Story! At CP, she recently designed props for Tiny Beautiful Things, The Baker’s Wife, Wit, Ravenscroft, and The Book of Will. She is also a relatively new member of the CP Board and has served on the Play Selection Committee for the last few seasons. Previous props design experience includes many college productions at the University of Pennsylvania, where she also dabbled in acting, directing, and producing. Special thanks to Connie Robinson for her assistance and to everyone at CP for their generous support and teamwork!

Rick Swink (Lighting Designer) Rick has been designing lighting for 25 years, primarily with Damascus Theatre Company where he also serves as technical director. This is his third lighting design for CP. He’s twice been nominated by WATCH for his lighting designs: CP’s Wit (2023) and DTC’s Little Shop of Horrors (2011). He recently designed ASGT’s Escape to Margaritaville. Rick and his wife Elli moved to the Annapolis area five years ago. He is an avid cyclist, and enjoys being 'Papaw' to granddaughter Blake.

Elli Swink (Producer) Elli Swink is co-producing her first CP play. She’s been producing musicals with Damascus Theatre Company (DTC) for 30 years and especially enjoys working with the group’s DTC Kids on junior musicals in the spring. Elli and husband Rick share a love of theater and creating it together is a bonus. She thanks Beth and Scott for mentoring her and the cast and production team for their dedication to this production.

Beth Terranova (Costume Designer) Beth has been designing costumes for community theaters for 30 years. Alabama Story is her 18th costume design for CP. Her previous costume designs were seen in Putting It Together, A Christmas Carol (2021, 2018, 2016), Maytag Virgin, Nine (WATCH nomination), A Few Good Men, These Shining Lives, Coyote on a Fence, Going to St. Ives (WATCH nomination), Cinderella Waltz (WATCH nomination), Lettice and Lovage, The Diviners, The Lion in Winter, The Philadelphia Story, Hauptmann, and Moon Over Buffalo. In Maryland she has also designed costumes for 2nd Star (Gypsy), Compass Rose (The Diary of Anne Frank and Eleanore), and Bay Theater (Beyond Therapy). Other costume design credits from years of theater in Florida include The Importance of Being Ernest, Beau Jest, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Call Me Madam, and Gypsy (yes, she has had the “joy” of costuming this show twice!). Beth was most recently on stage at CP as Williamina Fleming in Silent Sky. Other work behind the scenes includes director, producer, set designer, play consultant, and tech crew. Beth currently serves on the Board as the Artistic Director and is the long-time editor of CP’s News and Cues newsletter. Happily retired, these days you might catch Beth in colonial garb leading historic and ghost tours around Annapolis…when she isn’t doing “things” for the theater.

Dudley Whitney (Sound Designer / Projection Designer) The typical A/V nerd in elementary school, sound became an important aspect of Dudley’s life after acquiring his first sound effects LP at fourteen. Experience includes documentaries, closed circuit TV production, radio DJ (Progressive and Jazz), audiophile, and sound for stage theater and local bands. He enjoys learning how events shape the music of the times, and how that music helps shape the events that follow.