Second Samuel

Second Samuel is a poignant and uplifting story set in a small Southern town during the 1940s. When the unexpected death of a beloved woman shakes the community, secrets, friendships, and long-held beliefs begin to surface. Told with gentle humor and deep compassion, Second Samuel explores love, acceptance, and the courage it takes to see others, and ourselves, with an open heart. This moving production celebrates humanity, connection, and the quiet power of kindness.

Photos courtesy of Martin Seelig, Catchlight Gallery

Director’s Note

Second Samuel, a town in Georgia in 1949 had a population of 328. Jefferson, NC had a population of 359 in 1949. The characters in this play may relate or be seen in almost any small town in the south during that time period. Although fictitious, this play has all of the real life issues facing many small towns across America. The playwright has been able to tactfully embody the personalities of each character. In our personal lives each of us may be able to recognize one or several of the characters. Our cast is magnificent. Our producer Jan Kotula and our limited production crew and cast have worked very hard to bring Miss Gertrude and this play to life. You will not see Ms. Gertrude during the show but will get to know her very well. This is a thought provoking play which I know you will enjoy. Laugh, be moved, but don’t leave unchanged.

Enjoy the show!
Michael Kotula

Who’s Who?

Hunter Hogg

(B-Flat) Hunter is very excited to be returning to the stage with ACLT! After his first role as Benedict in ACHS’s 2018 performance of Much Ado About Nothing, he fell in love with the theatre world. Since then, he has been seen onstage as Dr Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein, John Proctor in The Crucible at ACHS, Bastien Andre in Is He Dead? as well as part of the ensemble for Hair at HCT. He hopes you enjoy this wonderful show!

Brandon Kearley

(Frisky) Brandon is thrilled to return to the stage at ACLT after a hiatus since 2008. His diverse background in theater includes standout roles in productions such as South Pacific, 1776, Into The Woods, Crucible, and many more. Being back with ACLT has been a remarkable experience for me. Working on Second Samuel has been particularly amazing, rekindling my passion for theater. The incredibly talented cast and crew have made me question why I ever stayed away from the stage for so long. I feel truly honored to be part of such a remarkable group and am excited to share this journey with them

Tiffany Christian

Tiffany is so excited to return to the ACLT stage after 9 years (The Wiz, 2015) and she couldn’t think of a better show. She hopes her interpretation of the character US prompts us all to examine the nuanced difference between tolerance and acceptance. May you all take the lessons learned in Second Samuel and apply them to your daily lives.

Robert Cheek

(Mansel) Robert began his theatrical journey with Wilkes Playmaker’s several years ago performing as Tom Dula. He has been in Ashe County five years and performing Mansel in Second Samuel is his first play with Ashe County Little Theatre. He looks forward to the show.

Mike Rocha

(Mr. Mozel) Mike is thrilled to be performing the role of Mr. Mozel in Second Samuel. This is his first time acting in a non-musical play. His experience includes Avram the Bookseller in Fiddler on the Roof, clarinet, sax, and chorus in middle school and high school. During the day he works remotely at home creating a “private cloud” for a large French company. He enjoys woodworking, movies, home projects, and learning from his son more refined cooking skills. He thanks everyone involved with ACLT for allowing him to be a part of the show. Enjoy

Melissa Edmondson

(Omaha) Melissa has been involved with ACLT for 13 years. Along with acting in various shows, she has also enjoyed the tech side of things, where she has stage managed, ran lights, ran the spotlight, worked with publicity, and has also been a producer and director. She is married to her best friend and “sound guy,” Richard, and loves that they can work together to bring audiences these beautiful stories. The underlying message in Second Samuel is very near and dear to Melissa’s heart, and she is honored to work with such a great cast and crew to tell Miss Gertrude’s story. Love one another out there, folks.

Cassondra Greer

Cassondra is delighted to be back on stage with this amazing cast. She has been involved with the ACLT for several years, including roles as Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Annelle in Steel Magnolias, and Claire in Proof. Cassondra is an Ashe County native with a lifelong passion for theatre. When she’s not on the stage she can usually be found taking photos or hanging out with her two sons. She would like to thank the ACLT cast and crew for their tireless dedication and commitment.

Angelica (Geli) Hogg

(Ruby) Geli is thrilled to be a part of this fantastic show! She has been involved in the theatre scene since she was nine years old. You may recognize Geli from previous roles as Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Young Cosette in Les Mis, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and Abigail in The Crucible at ACHS, as well as many ensemble roles. The most recent ensemble escapade was in the hit show Young Frankenstein with ACLT. Geli also enjoys helping backstage, from stage managing to painting sets, and is proud to be a jack of all trades.

Norma Allen

Norma (Marcela) has been a part of Ashe County Little Theater for 7 years. She has especially enjoyed playing Mazeppa in Gypsy and her current role of Marcela. She thanks her husband, Michael, for his support and for tending the five furry children.

Michael Malloy

(Doc) Since retiring, Michael has been active in High Country community theatre. He has acted, produced and sung for many productions. Noted roles: Igor (Young Frankenstein), Mr.Wormwood (Matilda), Sebastian (Little Mermaid), Ray Bud (Dearly Departed), Clarence Davenport (Parlour Tricks). His most memorable theatrical experience was appearing as an Alter boy in a production of Carmen with the New York Metropolitan Opera (1970). Michael serves as organist at Laurel Mountain Moravian Fellowship and lives in the Chestnut Hill area with his husband Larry and beagles Max & Smokey.

Michael Howell

(June Cline) Mike became involved with ACLT in Young Frankenstein: The Musical. You may recognize him from ACLT’s A Christmas Carol (Fred), Ripcord (Scotty), and A Fiddler on the Roof (Mendel). Every play brings together a group of committed, passionate, and talented people who amaze him. He thanks the director, producer, crew, production team--and the good townsfolk in Second Samuel--for all the fun on and offstage! And “thank you” to everyone who donates, sponsors, and comes to ACLT shows!

Michael Kotula

(Director) Michael retired from CSX railroad in 2016. By directing Second Samuel, Mike is crossing off another item on his “Bucket List.” Since moving to Jefferson, Mike has been in several ACLT productions. The role of the “Blind Hermit” in Young Frankenstein has been his favorite. Mike has been married to Jan, his high school sweetheart for 48 years and is fortunate to have a son, daughter and 6 grandchildren.

Production Staff

Director: Michael Kotula
Producer: Jan Kotula
Stage Manager: Manny Kenn
Costume Design: Olivia Cooper
Makeup Design: Charna Howson
Makeup Techs: Charna Howson, Gage Lambert, Sophia Roten
Sound Design and Tech: Richard Edmondson
Lighting Design: Jim Williams
Lighting Programmer: Baron Cooper
Lighting Tech: Laurel Rumph, Jim Williams
Backstage Crew: Jerry Brandt, Ben Matheson
Master Carpenters: Jerry Brandt, Michael Kotula
Set Construction Crew: Jerry Brandt, Michael Howell, Michael and Jan Kotula
Set Consultant: Cheri Choate
Set Dressers: Michael and Jan Kotula
Props: Norma Allen, Angelica (Geli) Hogg, Michael Howell, Michael and Jan Kotula, Michael Malloy, Edie Miller
Poster/Program Design: Baron Cooper
Front of House: Peggy Brandt, Sarah Brandt, Josh Brown, Lauren Brown, Jayme Inman, Sally Kinka, Jan Kotula, Mike Kotula, Edie Miller, Diane Newby, Della Vodenicker, Rebecca Williams, Dan Wilson
Publicity: Baron Cooper, Melissa Edmondson, Cassondra Greer, Michael Howell, Michael and Jan Kotula, Rebecca Williams