Lillian Hellman, America's most prominent woman playwright (THE LITTLE FOXES, WATCH ON THE RHINE) is the author of THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, the searing, classic drama that opens the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre 70th anniversary regular season. Born in New Orleans in 1905, Lillian Hellman achieved a top reputation in serious drama by the time she was 29. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR mingles highly charged theatrical excitement with credibility, intelligence and the kind of powerful scenes that audiences love.

Scene from the 1960s remake starring Audrey Hepburn, James Garner, and Shirley MacLaine

Shirley MacLaine (Martha) & Audrey Hepburn (Karen)

Superbly written, THE CHILDREN'S HOUR is about a vicious and monstrous girl named Mary Tilford, a spiteful, pathological liar, who spreads an ugly, unfounded rumor about an "unnatural relationship" between her two female teachers who run the Wright-Dobie School. Mary's gullible grandmother believes her and proceeds to min the two women by spreading a scandalous lie.

SYNOPSIS

We open one afternoon in spring 1934 outside a small town in Connecticut in the main room of the Wright-Dobie School for Girls. The girls are in the midst of elocution lessons led by Mrs. Lily Mortar, former stage actress. Mary Tilford, one of the students, arrives late with a handful of flowers for Mrs. Mortar. Mary tells Mrs. Mortar she picked the flowers for her while walking through the fields of a nearby farm. When proprietor Karen Wright arrives, she recognizes the flowers as those she threw into a trashcan earlier in the day. Mary insists they came from the nearby farm and is grounded by Karen for lying. Mary, furious at Karen, claims to have severe chest pains and faints.

Tracey Buckmaster (Martha) & Sharon Nelson (Karen)

Director Al Franklin watches Tracey, Sharon & Brian rehearse a scene

Dr. Joe Cardin, Mary's cousin and Karen's fiancée, arrives to visit Karen and agrees to examine Mary. Martha Dobie, the other proprietor, awaits the prognosis with Mrs. Lily Mortar, her aunt. They clearly do not get along. Martha reminds Aunt Lily that living at the school was never meant to be a permanent situation and that she'll have to leave. Lily is hurt and accuses Martha of "putting her out." Lily further accuses Martha of losing her temper whenever Dr. Cardin is in the house, because Martha is jealous of his relationship with Karen. Lily says Martha should find herself a beau and goes so far as to call Martha's relationship with Karen, "unnatural."

A noise behind a closed door reveals two students eavesdropping on the argument. Karen decides that Mary and these two girls, who have been roommates for almost a year, will have to be separated. Mary shows her true colors when the three girls are left alone to get their things moved. She is bossy, threatening, and manipulative. When another girl, Rosalie, stops in to say that the girls had better hurry and get moved, Mary forces Rosalie to move all the girls' things to another room. Sometime earlier, Rosalie had borrowed a bracelet from another girl without asking. Mary discovered this before Rosalie had the chance to return it and Mary has threatened to tell the authorities. Fearful of getting in trouble, Rosalie now does whatever Mary asks. Mary brags to the girls that she is going to run away from the school and demands that they give her their money for the taxi fare.

Act Two, Scene One

Later that day we are in the parlor of the wealthy annd influential Mrs. Amelia Tilford, Mary's grandmother. Mary and is greeted by Agatha, Mrs. Tilford's housekeeper. Mary shows great disdain and disrespect for Agatha, but when her grandmother comes in, Mary is ingratiating, manipulative, and sweet. Mary tells Mrs. Tilford that she's afraid of the punishment she'll receive for running away from the school and asks to stay the night. When Mary's grandmother hesitates, Mary sobs that she can't go back, that "they'll kill me!" Mrs. Tilford chides Mary for speaking about Karen and Martha that way and makes it clear that Mary will be returned to the school right after dinner. Mary accuses her grandmother of not caring about her and, desperate now, begins repeating to her grandmother the things Lily Mortar said to Martha, as told to Mary by the two girls who were eavesdropping. Mary implies that Karen and Martha are having "unnatural relations" with one another, Mrs. Tilford decides to tell parents and guardians of the other students.

Act Two, Scene Two

Later that same evening, all the girls have been withdrawn, in panic, from the school. Rosalie, whose parents are out of town, has come to spend the night in Mrs. Tilford's home. Mary takes full advantage of the situation. Reminding Rosalie that she knows all about the borrowed bracelet, Mary forces Rosalie to take an oath that she will "do and say whatever Mary tells me." When Dr. Cardin, Karen and Martha come to Mrs. Tilford's home to confront Mary, Mary swears repeatedly that her accusations are all true and, when caught with inconsistencies, still swears it's all true. Finally, Rosalie is brought in to confirm or deny what Mary has said. Rosalie tries to tell the truth, but, in the end, is too intimidated by Mary and says, "Yes! Yes! I did see it! I told Mary. What she said was right. I said it, I said it, I said it..."

Act Three

The time is now the following November and we are in the in the main room of the Wright-Dobie School for Girls. The highly publicized law suit brought by Karen Wright and Martha Dobie against Amelia Tilford was lost, primarily because Lily Mortar, who was traveling, refused to return to testify on behalf of the women. Now, however, Lily returns, is unwelcome, and is told to leave again. She will remain in the house and catch a train later that evening. Dr. Joe Cardin comes by to see how Karen and Martha are and to try to get them to venture out. Karen feels that Joe isn't sure about what the truth really is and asks him to leave for a few weeks. When he finally agrees, saying that he'll return, she knows she won't ever see him again. As the play draws to its dramatic conclusion, we come to understand how vicious gossip, lies, and innuendo can ruin the lives of those who are the object, as well as those who refuse to stand up to it.<

DIRECTOR'S NOTES

In 1934 a newcomer made the biggest splash of the season on Broadway. It was Lillian Hellman with her first play, THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. Originally based on a celebrated 19th-century Scottish libel suit, the play was a smash success in New York where it ran for two years. The fascinating Hellman, who found international celebrity at age 28, immediately put her fame to work for leftist causes and remained, throughout her life, a rebellious figure in the nation's political arena. This commitment culminated in her courageous defiance of the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1952.

Hellman experienced many successes on Broadway in her career, among them THE LITTLE FOXES, ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST, THE AUTUMN GARDEN (to be produced at First Presbyterian Theatre later this season), THE LARK and others. She also wrote for the big screen, served as a war correspondent for Collier's Magazine, and directed plays in New York.

Even Hellman's failures were carried off with panache. When her plays began losing appeal for both critics and audiences, Hellman quit writing dramas, snorting that she no longer enjoyed working in the theatre because "there was too much talk about money." Close to 60 years old when she stopped writing plays, Hellman could have retired, written a single memoir that only theatre buffs would read, and accepted occasional awards from arts organizations in need of a prestigious name. Instead, she pounded her way into a new career, book writing, and did so with a success matched by no other playwright and by few writers of any kind.

THE CHILDREN'S HOUR is a drama of enormous fascination. Mixed with its theatrical excitement, there is an honest and merciless probing into the hideous effect of scandal on the lives of those subjected to it. In addition to Hellman's vast technical skill and her probing intelligence, she is not afraid of writing scenes that are charged with the highest emotional intensity and the most unrelenting power. She also knows how to create characterizations that actors, unafraid of emotional intensity, can play with unashamed force. The result is that THE CHILDREN'S HOUR mingles highly charged theatrical excitement with credibility, timelessness, intelligence and the kind of power seldom seen on the stage.

I am very pleased that you have joined us today for a performance of the brilliant work, too often overlooked, of one of America's greatest playwrights, Lillian Hellman. I know you'll enjoy the powerful performances of this wonderful cast and I look forward to seeing you here the rest of this year to help us celebrate the Civic Theatre's 70th anniversary season. Thank you.

CAST BIOGRAPHIES

Sharon V. Nelson (Karen Wright) is currently working on her second leading role here at the Civic Theatre, having played the role of Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS. Other credits at area theatres include NUNSENSE, ANNIE, OLIVER and WEST SIDE STORY. Sharon is employed with the Alien County Police department as a corporal in the 911 Dispatch Center. She extends her love and thanks to her parents and husband, Mark.

Sharon Nelson

Tracey Buckmaster

Tracey Buckmaster (Martha Dobie) is thrilled to play the part of Martha in THE CHILDREN'S HOUR and last was seen in Civic Theatre's productions of CAMELOT and GUYS AND DOLLS. When not on stage, she is a supervisor at T.L.C. Childcare Center. She would like to thank Al Franklin for this wonderful opportunity and her family and friends for all their support.

Jocelyn Gauthier (Mary Tilford) is a sixth grader at Summit Middle School, where she enjoys being on the SWAC swim team. Jocelyn enjoys tap, ballet, piano and performing, where the stage is a home away from home. Her credits include HANSEL AND GRETL, THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, as well as Mary Lennox in THE SECRET GARDEN. She sends her love to her family for their never-ending support. This one's for you, Danielle.

Julie Donnell (Lily Mortar) is well known to Fort Wayne audiences and has received three Anthony Awards for her work at the Civic Theatre. She also has performed at PIT, Arena Dinner Theatre and First Presbyterian Theatre. She teaches voice in Fort Wayne and performs with NOVA, the New Organization for Vocal Artistry in Chicago, Illinois.

Brian Alan Schilb (Dr. Joe Cardin) spent four years in training for theatre performance at the University of Evansville. His most recent credits in Fort Wayne include SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO at The Alternative Theatre, THE BOYS IN THE BAND at PIT, and THE TAMING OF THE SHREW at Civic. He would like to thank his parents for their enduring support throughout his life.

Nan Durant (Mrs. Tilford) did her undergraduate and graduate work in theatre at IPFW from 1965-1973. After an extended absence, her children convinced her to do a show with them and she found herself "hooked" again. She also house manages for the Civic Theatre and has been a gymnastics judge and interpreter for 22 years. She feels blessed to have the support of her husband and children in all her endeavors.

Joan Abbott (Agatha) last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in MUSIC MAN and works for Lincoln Elementary School as a kindergarten aide. Her daughter, Julie, is in the cast as well, and Joan especially enjoys working with her daughter in this production. She would like to dedicate this performance to her dear mother. It's great to be back at the Civic!

Sam Haluska (The Grocery Boy) is a seventh grader at Memorial Park Middle School and is appearing in his third show at the Civic Theatre. His previous credits include THE NERD and THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH at the Civic Theatre, CONVERSATIONS WITH MY FATHER at First Presbyterian Theatre and THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE for Fort Wayne Youtheatre.

Brandi Archer (Peggy) is making her Civic Theatre debut and is a sophomore at Carroll High School. Active at the Fort Wayne Youtheatre for many years, her credits there include THE BOY WHO TALKED TO WHALES, PETER RABBIT AND ME, THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. Brandi loves performing and would like to thank her best friend, Courtney Murphy, for always supporting her.

Julie Abbott (Elizabeth) is very excited to be making her Civic Theatre debut and she is having a blast working with her mom, Joan Abbott. Her previous credits include a variety musicals such as ANNIE and THE MUSIC MAN at Amish Acres and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS at Huntington Theatre. She is thrilled to be working on her first dramatic play.

Tamara Drew (Rosalie) is a sophomore at Bishop Luers High School and is thrilled to make her Civic Theatre debut. A product of Fort Wayne Youtheatre, her credits there include ALADDIN, WIZARD OF OZ, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT and WINNIE THE POOH. At Luers, Tamara is on the Student Congress and hopes to have time for basketball and track around her busy theatre schedule.

Kim D. Hamilton (Lois) is making her Civic Theatre debut and a sophomore at Blackhawk Christian High School. Her previous credits at Blackhawk include OLIVER, ANNIE, SOMETHING'S AFOOT, and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Acting is Kim's passion and hopes to pursue it professionally. She would like to thank her mom, dad, her friends and the Lord for allowing her to do what she loves.

Alison Thieme (Helen) is a freshman at Snider High School and is making her Civic Theatre debut. Previous to high school she attended Blackhawk Middle School and participated in their productions of STATE FAIR, SHORT AND SUITE, FLOWER DRUM SONG , and MAME. She would like to thank her family and Christopher Murphy for teaching her so much about theatre.

Erin Scott (Catherine) is in eighth grade at Blackhawk Christian School and is making her Civic Theatre debut. At Blackhawk she has participated in OLIVER and PETER RABBIT. She would like to thank her mom and dad and her aunt Sharon (Nelson) for being a great role model and an awesome aunt.

Amy Venderley (Evelyn) is appearing in her second Civic Theatre show, having played a blind classmate of Helen Keller's in THE MIRACLE WORKER. She is a freshman at Bishop Dwenger High School and has appeared in ROBIN HOOD and THE WIZARD OF oz at St. Charles School. She would like to thank her parents, her drama teacher, and Harvey Cocks for all of their support.

Alicia Knight (Sally) is in the ninth grade at Bishop Luers High School. She has appeared in Youtheatre shows including THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER and THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. Most recently she appeared in THE MIRACLE WORKER at the Civic. Alicia also enjoys soccer and singing<

The Production Team

Jennifer Root (Stage Manager) most recently stage managed TWO TRAINS RUNNING and has recently assistant stage managed BILOXI BLUES, FOREVER PLAID and THE MIRACLE WORKER. She would like to thank her wacky and wonderful cousin, Sara Schoeph, for being a constant source of love and inspiration

Cassandra Holst (Assistant Stage Manager) is a senior at Canterbury High School where she enjoys acting, singing, dancing and speech. She was most recently seen on the Civic Theatre stage in BILOXI BLUES. She also performed in FUNNY GIRL and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS at Purdue Indiana Theatre.

A searing drama written in 1934 by the preeminent playwright of her day, Lillian Hellman. The story is of two women who've pooled their resources to open and operate a private, exclusive girls school in a small town. One spoiled, wicked girl begins a false rumor that the women are lovers, and the result is devastating.

Director Al Franklin is seeking a cast of 16 men, women and children to play roles including women, mature women, adolescent, girls, a man and a boy, Advance scripts may be borrowed from the theatre with a $10 deposit upon request. Auditions are in groups by appointment on: Sunday, July 12, 1998 beginning at 4:00 pm

REHEARSALS: Begin Sunday, August 2, 1998. They are scheduled from 7pm to l0 pm Mondays through Fridays and from 2 pm to 6 pm on Sundays through September 4, 1998. There will be one week off August 8-16. Technical rehearsals begin Sunday, September 6 and continue on stage through Wednesday, September 9, 1998. Not everyone is called for every rehearsal, but your schedule should be cleared during this time period.

CHARACTERS: Karen Wright and Martha Dobie - Young women making their way in the world. They are old friends and have begun this business. Karen is engaged to be married to Dr. Cardin.

Lily Mortar - Martha's aunt, a former stage actress, sometimes outrageous

Amelia Tilford - Mary Tilford's grandmother, a powerful, influential, wealthy woman

Agatha - Mrs. Tilford's long-time housekeeper

Dr. Cardin - Sympathetic young doctor, engaged to Karen Wright

Grocery Boy - A boy old enough to understand the implication of the rumors

The Girls - Nine girls from about l2 to about 14 years old

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