A Night With Edgar Allan Poe
October 24 & 25
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A NIGHT WITH EDGAR ALLAN POE
Written by Dr. W Douglas Powers-Black
Originally Conceived by Douglas Powers-Black & Seth Sponhouse
Director: Dr. W Douglas Powers-Black
“A Night with Edgar Allan Poe” is a gripping theatrical journey that delves into the darkness of the human psyche, weaving together Poe’s timeless tales with a narrative of love, rivalry, and the enduring quest for artistic truth. As the night progresses, the characters confront their deepest fears and desires, ultimately discovering that the true essence of Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy lies not only in his haunting stories but also in the indelible mark he has left on their lives.
The scene opens on a wake for Edgar Allan Poe, the renowned master of macabre literature, set the night before his funeral. Virginia Clemm Poe, Edgar’s devoted sister and staunchest advocate, has organized a somber yet fitting tribute to her brother’s legacy. She has gathered a small troupe of actors from the local theatre to perform readings of Poe’s most haunting and illustrious works.
The evening promises to be a solemn celebration of Poe’s literary genius, with each actor taking on iconic tales such as “The Black Cat,” “Annabel Lee,” “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Fall of the House of Usher,” and many more. As the readings commence, the atmosphere in the room becomes thick with the eerie ambiance of Poe’s words, casting a spell over the assembled mourners.
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MEET THE CAST
(*) denotes also a member of the Ensemble (^) denotes Dance Ensemble (‘) denotes Fight Ensemble (“) denotes Dance Captain
TAP TO SEE BIO
Brad Heffner
has been in several previous shows including CLUE (Colonel Mustard), IT"S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Clarence), and NOSIES OFF! (Selsdon). Together with his friend, Billy Martel, he has a podcast called 1000 Wives of Weird where they discuss some of the strangest movies ever ,made.
Brad Heffner
(Griswold)
Lesley Shuman
This is Lesley’s first non-musical stage performance at CTL and she is excited to bring her passion for performing to a literary treasure such as Poe. She has been on stage for the CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD concerts, the most recent being SIMPLY SONDHEIM. Notable roles have been in the CAC’s run of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Babette) and RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA (ensemble), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Attina), CABARET (Texas), OLIVER! (Mrs. Sowerberry), SHE LOVES ME! (ensemble), and A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (Gymnasia). You can sometimes find her at karaoke.
Lesley Shuman
(Rosalie)
Seth Confer
is thrilled to be back on the CTL stage and performing in his first play at CTL. Previously, Seth has been seen in multiple CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD concerts and in roles such as Lumière in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, amongst others. Seth would like to thank everyone who made this evening possible, and for giving him a chance to express himself creatively again.
Seth Confer
(Player)
Andrew Confair
is EXCITED to back on the CTL stage. Andrew last appeared on the CTL stage in A FEW GOOD MEN (Lt. Kendrick). Some of Andrew’s past performances include: Cat On Hot Tin Roof, Clue, MIRACLE ON 34TH ST, and ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST. Andrew would like to thank Doug and Tara for this INCREDIBLE experience, and the AMAZING cast that he is so proud to be a member of. In December Andrew will be taking on the biggest role of his life as he becomes a husband to his beautiful fiancée Kayleigh. He would like to thank her for all her love and support. Enjoy the show!
Andrew Confair
(Player)
Wendy Durant
is thrilled to be a part of this show. Previous roles include Old Sally in OLIVER!, Susie and others in PUFFS, Cook in CLUE, Nunsemble in SISTER ACT, Brenda in CALENDAR GIRLS, and Ensemble in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, MAMMA MIA, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Thank you to Doug, Tara, and the rest of the cast. Much love to her husband and children.
Wendy Durant
(Player)
Katherine Leister
(she/they) is a graduate of AMDA NY with a certificate from the Integrated Musical Theatre Program. Previous stage credits include: Balthazar/Sexton MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING - Gaspipe Theatre Company; Olivia Keating/Ensemble THE PROM - CTL; Megan Jones PUFFS - RiverStage Community Theatre). When not on stage, they work as a voice actor, musician, singer, and weekly Twitch streamer. She would like to thank her friends and family for continuously supporting as she pursues her passions, wherever they may lead. @LeiLikeADog
Katherine Leister
(Player)
Elijah Nilson
A rising Senior at Williamsport Area High School and is excited to be part of this spooky production, especially to be part of his mom, Kendra's mainstage debut! You may have seen him in his previous Mainstage shows NEWSIES (Ensemble), CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN (Frank Jr.), and THE LIGHTNING THEIF (Gabe/Ares), or in the WAHS musicals: INTO THE WOODS (Jack), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Orin), and PIPPIN (Lewis). He's in his school's improv troupe Without A Cue and acapella group Millionaire Singers. He's thankful to his family, friends, and all who's here to see the show!
Elijah Nilson
(Player)
Kendra Nilson
is thrilled to be making her CTL debut in A Night with Edgar Allan Poe, especially since she gets to work alongside her son Elijah! She is so grateful for being given this chance. She would like to thank the director, stage manager, and the rest of the cast and crew for making this something she will never forget. She would especially like to thank her family and friends for their undying support! She hopes you all enjoy this dark and eerie night!
Kendra Nilson
(Player)
Lana Perry
is very happy to be joining her first CTL play! She's performed in many other shows, some of the most notable roles being Ms. Honey in MATILDA and The Witch in INTO THE WOODS along with many ensamble roles. She's happy to have the chance to perform with all the wonderful people she's met. She'd also love to thank her family and friends for encouraging her to get out there and keep performing.
Lana Perry
(Player)
Ellen Schaefer
has been acting since high school. This is her third CTL play. After getting her theater degree, Ellen performed in multiple productions. Some of Ellen's favorite roles were Sister Amnesia in NUNSENSE, Annie Sullivan in THE MIRACLE WORKER, and Gwendolyn Fairfax in ERNEST IN LOVE. In addition Ellen enjoyed acting in plays by Shakespeare and Chekhov. It is Ellen's desire to continue performing and singing for many years to come.
Ellen Schaefer
(Player)
Melissa Waddell
Is excited to be back at CTL for her 10th show! Previous performances include ensemble in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA, Sandra in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST, and Elf 1 in MIRACLE ON 34TH ST(hey it was a big role!). When not doing theater things, Melissa can be found wandering her local cemeteries searching for portals to new worlds, or working her day job as a Service Coordinator. She would like to thank all of those who come out and support their local "tortured poets"!
Melissa Waddell
(Player)
RUBIE NATAL
A graduate from The New York Film Academy for Musical Theatre. Rubie was recently seen onstage as "Emma" in THE PROM. Some her favortie CTL credits include "Roxie" in CHICAGO, "Fräulein Kost/Fritzie" in CABARET, "Mush" in NEWSIES, "Rizzo" in GREASE and "Jovie" in ELF. Along with being on the stage Rubie has recently directed THE LIGHTNING THEIF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL. She wants to thank all her friends and family for all their love and support! She ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and enjoy the show! @rubie__natal
RUBIE NATAL
(Ensemble)
PAIGE FAUSNAUGHT
is wicked excited to be in one more show with CTL! Past CTL productions include Elf, Chicago, and Beauty & the Beast. Off stage Paige is an American Sign Language Interpreter (soon to be) in the Nashville area. She would like to thank CTL for being a home for her here in Williamsport and giving her the space to learn so many new skills and meet the best of friends.
PAIGE FAUSNAUGHT
(Ensemble)
KRISTIN PEREZ
is so excited be part of her fifth show on stage with CTL. She has previously been seen in Beauty and the Beast, Elf, Cinderella and The Prom. Kristin has also worked behind stage on many shows including Cabaret, Ragtime and Calendar Girls. Kristin would like to thank her friends, family and fur babies for their support. She would also like to thank the production staff for the opportunity to be part of this amazing show and the cast for making it such a wonderful experience.
KRISTIN PEREZ
(Ensemble)
MAIA CENIMO
is excited to be back on stage! A Lead Account Executive by day and a bartender by night, Maia is also an alumni of Florida Atlantic University. Pervious roles include Sally Bowles (Cabaret), Maggie (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Liz (Chicago) Marilyn Wald (Beautiful), and Anybodys (West Side Story). Most recently Maia was the choreographer of the Student Summer Intensive Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief. Merde!
MAIA CENIMO
(Ensemble)
SHANTEL HILL
is proud to be making her CTL debut in Catch Me if You Can! She is a senior and musical theater major at Lycoming College. Most recently, she has been seen in Godspell at Millbrook Playhouse as well as Mrs. Muller in Doubt: A Parable and Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors at Lyco. She thanks her mom and her closest friends for their continued support!
SHANTEL HILL
(Ensemble)
CAROLINE CIPRIANI
was most recently seen in CTL’s Cinderella and Elf. She co-costumed CTL’s The Prom and is combining her love for singing, dancing, and dress-up with Catch Me If You Can. Caroline wants to thank hr kids for being excellent dance and singing practice partners and her husband for all of his support!
CAROLINE CIPRIANI
(Ensemble)
JULIE HUELS
has been involved in theater for the past 13 years both as an actress and as a director, and is excited to return to CTL for her second performance. Some of her favorite past performances include How I Met Cinderella (Queen Elizabeth), The Music Man (Ensemble) and most recently, Mary Poppins (Winifred Banks) during which she met her wonderful husband Matt! Julie is so thankful for the privilege of working with this talented cast and hopes the audience has as much fun watching the show as the cast has performing it!
JULIE HUELS
(Ensemble)
LINDSAY BERING
is honored to be a part of yet another CTL show. Though this will be her third time performing with CTL, this will be the first time she gets to do it on the CTL home stage. Prior show credits with CTL include Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. A big thanks to the production team and fellow cast members who continue to make these experiences so much fun!
LINDSAY BERING
(Ensemble)
MARK PATRICK
Coming to you live from....well since the last production he was in Mark is exited to once again be on the CTL stage to tell this incredible and captivating story! Last time Mark was an ensemble member in "The Prom" and has been in a few other CTL productions like "Elf The Musical" as well as "Shrek The Musical". He wants to thank his friends and family for always showing there support as well as just being able to do these with a wonderful cast of new and old faces! Enjoy the show!
MARK PATRICK
(Ensemble)
LILLIAN GRIFFITH
is a sophomore at lycoming college has been in shows all through high school and is a minor in theater tech has been in beauty and the beast and ragtime at the CTL as well and would like to thank her family for always supporting her in everything she does.
LILLIAN GRIFFITH
(Ensemble)
ELIZA WHYMAN
is incredibly excited to be returning to the CTL for season 48. After making her debut in CTL’s Prom she couldn’t be happier to be on stage again for this thrilling performance. She would like to dedicate this performance to her amazing, wonderful mother who inspires her everyday and always encourages her passions.
ELIZA WHYMAN
(Ensemble)
MICELLA BLAS
This is Micaella’s second show here at the CTL. Micaella was in Elf The Musical last season. Micaella works at Williamsport Area High School as a Librarian Aide. Micaella would like to thank her friends and her family. Micaella is thankful for this opportunity.
MICELLA BLAS
(Ensemble)
ASHLI STARKS
is excited to be back at CTL in the ensemble! She would like to thank the production team for this opportunity. Previous roles include Don John in Much Ado About Nothing with Gaspipe, Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet with Gaspipe, Miss Brooks in Our Miss Brooks, and Belle/Winifred in A Christmas Carol Experience with Micro Theatre on Broadway. Thank you for coming out to support local theatre!
ASHLI STARKS
(Ensemble)
MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM
TAP TO SEE BIO
Dr. W. Douglas Powers-Black
holds a BA in Theatre from Southeast Missouri State University, an MFA in Acting from the Professional Actor Training Program at Ohio University, an MA in Theatre History and Dramatic Literature from the University of Kansas City, and a PhD in Theatre from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was a member of Actors’ Equity for 25 years. For 19 years, he was Associate Professor of Theatre at Susquehanna University. As soon as this show closes, he heads to Mercyhurst University in Erie to play Scrooge in their production of A Christmas Carol. Thanks to CTL for the trust, support, and love.
Dr. W. Douglas Powers-Black
(Director)
Tara Gardner
Tara’s running around backstage again! They've been going back to back with our CORNER OF BROADWAY AND THIRD series with Kidz! Edition and SIMPLY SONDHEIM. Tara has stage-managed shows from Season 46 on, and they're not stopping anytime soon. Tara is our Volunteer Coordinator and would love to have you get involved here at CTL! Find them after the show or stop by the box office for more info. Tara wants to thank their partner, Tyler, for the continued support, and Doug and Seth for trusting them to stage manage the first show in our Season 48 Limited Engagement Series!
Tara Gardner
(Stage Manager)
NATHAN FULKERSON
is excited and honored to once again fill the role of Music Director for the Community Theatre League and he is thrilled to be working with such a great cast and production team to bring this wonderful story to life on the CTL Main Stage. He enjoys his new-found purpose of helping friends both old and new to learn, grow, and create within the medium of musical theater. He wishes all involved a great production!
NATHAN FULKERSON
(Music Director)
KAT SHONDECK
Having previously choreographed The Prom, Beautiful, the Carole King Musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Ragtime, White Christmas, The Bridges of Madison County, Sister Act, A Christmas Story, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame for CTL, Kat is so happy to be staging some of her favorite musical numbers with this phenomenal cast and incredible production team. Some of her other choreo credits include Between the Lines, Anastasia, Hello Dolly, The Drowsy Chaperone, Jekyll & Hyde, Hairspray, and Spamalot. “Love to Mike, Justin and Evey; and thanks to Rachel for being my second brain.”
KAT SHONDECK
(Choreographer)
CAROLINE CIPRIANI
was most recently seen in CTL’s Cinderella and Elf. She co-costumed CTL’s The Prom and is combining her love for singing, dancing, and dress-up with Catch Me If You Can. Caroline wants to thank her kids for being excellent dance and singing practice partners and her husband for all of his support!
CAROLINE CIPRIANI
(Costumes)
AUTUMN WHERY
is excited for her first experience on the production side of a CTL show. She has previously been seen at CTL as Shelby in “Steel Magnolias” and Mrs. White in “Clue.” Autumn has a BFA in Theatre Performance from Hofstra University and is a trained intimacy choreographer. Her intimacy choreography credits include “Lend Me A Tenor” at RiverStage. Previous directing credits include “Aladdin” and “A Christmas Carol” at Hampstead Stage Company. Autumn would like to congratulate the cast on their stellar show. She sends much love and many thanks to her partner Saffo and their pup, Clementine!
AUTUMN WHERY
(Assistant Director)
JOSIAH HICKS-LEE
is excited to be helping out again on the production side at CTL. This is his first show as an assistant stage manager and is glad to be helping out with the music. He has worked on over 50 productions. Some of his most recent work has been in "The Prom," "Steel Magnolias," "A Christmas Carol" twice, and "Beauty and the Beast." He has worked with Hamilton-Gibson as well as as with New Covenant UCC doing direction, choreography, music direction, and costume design. He has also played pit orchestra on various instruments.
JOSIAH HICKS-LEE
(Assistant Stage Manager/Music Director)
MORE CREDITS
Tyler Marvin ... Sound Technician
Olivia Maynard ... Lighting Designer
Patrick Maynard ... Lighting Designer
Seth Sponhouse ... Scenic Design
Kyle Huggins ... Marketing/Photography
Olivia Maynard ... Lighting Designer
Patrick Maynard ... Lighting Designer
Seth Sponhouse ... Scenic Design
Kyle Huggins ... Marketing/Photography
MAIA CENIMO
(Choreographer)
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN TO JOIN US! FIND OUT HOW BELOW
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
- Attend an audition–The best way to jump right in is to attend an audition and meet the director, stage manager, and production manager. They can tell you where help is needed most.
- Visit the business office–CTL’s administrative staff will be on hand during the day to help get you started by putting you in touch with our CTL’s Volunteer Coordinator.
- Call or email–Contact the business office by calling (570) 327-1720 or by emailing CTLVolunteers@yahoo.com with your contact information and areas of interest.
Each production is staffed independently. If you have a particular interest in a show or position, please let us know. Even if your desired position is already filled, we may call upon you for backup.