I first read ‘Night, Mother ten years ago, and upon reading the final line, I was hooked. Now, I didn't start out with a desire to direct this important play. I was merely an audience member in my own mind. The piece spoke to me in a way not many plays that I have just read for the first time did. My desire to direct was sparked by my first viewing of the movie starring the great Anne Bancroft and Sissy Spacek. Thelma (Mama) and Jessie came alive for me in that moment. When the screen went black and the credits started rolling, I turned to my wife, and I told her I had to direct the play! I have rarely experienced a play such as this in the theatre that puts you on a true rollercoaster of emotions. When Marsha Norman wrote this brilliant piece of theatre (a brilliant piece that also won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Drama), she created a play that became a passion project for me, and I truly wish I could thank her for it. In making this dream of mine come true, there are several people I need to thank that have been on this journey with me for the past 10 years. First, and most importantly, my amazing wife, Sarah. Without her staunch support from day one (and her loving patience in listening to me whenever I spoke of ‘Night, Mother), I wouldn't be in my current role as director. Thank you, honey! Two other important people who were in my corner are Chris Krahulec and Anne Marino. Apart from my wife, Chris has always been there telling me that I would get this done someday, and she was right! Thank you! And Anne, thank you for getting this play done for me at LTM this year! A Director is nothing without the support of his crew, and I have the best! Morgan, you have been a dream Stage Manager, and I can't thank you enough for all you have done for me and this production. James, you are my first producer, and I will be remembering your shining example when I work with future ones. Thank you! Annie and Sue, you guys are my heroes in finding the crazy amount of props that are on this stage! Thank you for all the hunting and gathering! To my perfect cast, you have made my vision come to life on this stage, and I will be eternally grateful to you! And finally, you, the audience. Thank you for coming to experience this important piece of theatre. Telling this story to you and showing the importance of taking care of your mental health has been something I have wanted to do for a decade now, and I truly hope you walk away tonight with eyes open and willingness for conversation. Again, I thank you

Morgan is grateful to make her stage management debut at LTM! She is no stranger to the stage as she has been on and off stage since 8 years old. Recently, she has proudly stage managed for Keystone Theatrics (Wizard of Oz, Something Rotten, Little Shop of Horrors) and The Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center. She is currently production manager for New Cumberland Middle School theater programs. When she is not behind the curtain, you can find her advocating for mental health as a behavior specialist for youth. She thanks the cast, her family, Donovan, and Sam for their support and this opportunity.

A 40-year old veteran of local theatre, James began at the tender age of of 4 years old in a local production of The King and I and has continued to perform locally and regionally since then. His favorite roles are Judas Iscariot (Jesus Christ Superstar) and Jerry Lukowski (The Full Monty). James is happy to have the opportunity to once again work at LTM and looks forward to many more shows. He is the father of five wonderful, smart, and beautiful children whom he hopes one day are bitten by the acting bug as he was so long ago. James would like to thank his beautiful and patient wife for encouraging him to continue pursuing his passion.