Exit Laughing
Exit Laughing is a comedy by Paul Elliott about three Southern women who have gathered around the bridge table for years, sharing laughter, stories, and lifelong friendship. When their fourth friend unexpectedly passes away, they decide to “borrow” her ashes from the funeral home for one last card game. What follows is a wildly entertaining night filled with unexpected twists, including a police raid, a stripper, and a series of moments that push them far outside their comfort zones. Beneath the humor, the play offers a heartfelt look at grief, friendship, and the realization that life is meant to be fully lived, no matter your age.
Photos courtesy of Martin Seelig, Catchlight Gallery
Director’s Note
In March 2012, I directed my first Ashe County Little Theatre performance, Harvey. It was a lot of fun, had a great cast, and was also well received. That show taught me something …. “Always do your best to cast well.” And after 15 years off and on of directing for the Ashe County Little Theatre I believe I’ve been able to accomplish that. I am so pleased and proud to have worked with so many wonderful actors, fellow directors, technicians, artists and musicians. I have never really wanted to direct a cast of “thousands” because I felt I would miss the close interactivity of working with actors one to one.
Exit Laughing is a brilliantly written comedy that makes us laugh and at the same time makes us stop and think and feel…not for ourselves but for others.
Thank you to my wonderful cast and crew. We hope you enjoy the show!
-Jim Williams
Who’s Who?
Audrey Head
Audrey is thrilled to make her debut in Ashe County Little Theatre as Rachel Ann in “Exit Laughing.” Audrey has loved theatre since she was a young girl, always eager to act, sing, and dance. Some of her favorite early roles include Josie Pye in “Anne of Green Gables” and Jojo in “Seussical the Musical” and she carries fond memories of competing at state festivals with her thespian troupe. Having moved to Ashe County a little over one year ago, she is grateful to have found such a welcoming creative community. Audrey wants to thank her fellow castmates, the crew, and director, Jim, for welcoming her back to the stage. She also expresses her gratitude for the encouragement of her friends and the support of her husband.
Sommer Ray
Sommer is excited to be back on stage at ACLT this time as Connie Harland in "Exit Laughing". You last saw her on stage as Alice in "Who's On First?". Sommer started her stage acting at 18 with her first role being Sandy in "Grease". She has been acting for the past 26 years with 15 of them being with the Abbeville Opera House in SC. Some of her favorite roles include Gillian Holroyd in "Bell, Book, and Candle", Lizzie Borden in "Lizzie Borden of Fall River", and Sophie Rauschmeyer in "Star Spangled Girl. When she is not on stage she is busy managing 5 vacation rentals and owning and managing the Park Vista Motorlodge and Diner in Ashe County with her husband Benjamin. She would like to thank her castmates, her director Jim, the entire ACLT crew, and her husband for his endless support.
Junnie Johnson
Junine is thrilled to be back onstage at ACLT as Leona in “Exit Laughing,” her fourth project with the theatre. She most recently appeared as the Baker’s Wife in Wilkes Playmakers’ “Into The Woods,” and with ACLT, as Lucy in “Dracula” and Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof,” along with a stint behind the scenes as vocal coach for ACLT’s “Little Shop of Horrors.” Prior roles include “Big Fish” (Sandra), “Company” (Jenny), and “Spelling Bee” (Rona). Offstage, Junine is an attorney in solo practice, teaches private voice lessons, and plays auntie to her precious 6-month old twin niece and nephew.
Jan Gambill
Jan made her acting debut with AC LT 52 years ago! She has acted in and directed many shows since that time. She has seen the theatre grow and thrive during those years, proudly watching ACLT become an integral part of Ashe County's art and cultural community. Jan is honored to be chosen as Millie—a dream role for this more “mature” actor. Some of her favorite roles include Yente in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Abby in “Ripcord”, Quiser in Steel Magnolias, and Sister Robert Anne in the Nunsense musicals. Jan's latest role was a narcoleptic pirate named Barnacles in “New Wendy in Neverland.” She is so proud and grateful that she is part of three generations with her daughter Jill and granddaughter Delia to act with ACLT. The love and support of her entire family has been invaluable.
Trent Baker
Trent is making his Ashe County Little Theatre debut as Bobby & the Policeman in Exit Laughing. Trent is an Ashe County native and has enjoyed being the audience for many Little Theatre productions and is excited to be onstage for the first time with this cast and crew. Trent enjoys movies, music and Friday night karaoke at Brew Haus Events Center & Boondocks Brewery. Trent lives and works in West Jefferson.
Rebecca Williams
Producer
Sally Kinka
Stage Manager
Production Staff
Director: Jim Williams
Producer: Rebecca Williams
Stage Manager: Sally Kinka
Costumes: Cast, Rebecca Williams
Makeup Design: Charna Howson
Makeup Techs: Annette DePalma, Peggy Brandt
Sound Design/Tech: Richard Edmondson
Lighting Design/Tech: Lennon Lupton
Lighting Operator: Mary Job, Jim Williams
Master Carpenter: Jerry Brandt
Set Construction: Sarah Brandt, Ken Kinka, Mike Kotula, Mike Rocha, Bob Rogers
Set Painting: Rudy Mendez
Props: Cast and Crew
Photographer: Martin Seelig
Poster Design: Brooke Calhoun
Marketing Design: Brooke Calhoun
Marketing: Jan Kotula, Shalamar Blevins
Publicity: Jan Kotula, Rebecca Williams
Fundraising: Jan Kotula
