Buy Tickets Now

"Grey Gardens"

Directed by Eric Blake

Musical Direction by Tom Tompkins

April 13, 14, 20, 21, 2018 - 8pm April 15, 22, 2018 - 2:30pm

Based on the 1975 documentary film of the same name, Grey Gardens is a tragic, frequently funny, and utterly unforgettable musical about two “staunch” and legendary American women: Edith Bouvier Beale, and her grown daughter, Edie. Grey Gardens begins at the grand 1941 engagement party of stunning and spirited “Little Edie” Beale to handsome Navy man Joe Kennedy, Jr., hosted by Edie’s mother, Edith Bouvier Beale. As the upper-crust, New England family gathers, so do the storm clouds of trouble that eventually leave both “Big” and “Little” Edie alone and heartbroken. The second act launches the narrative into the overgrown, cat-riddled, and bug-infested estate in 1973, where the two Edies live, alone. “Big Edie” is now bedridden, and “Little Edie” grows more eccentric by the day, haunted by dreams of love and success, long since dashed. Weaving documentary text with imaginative speculation, the musical documents the journey of the Beales from royalty to ruin. With a diverse musical songbook, including Tin Pan Alley jigs and soaring ballads, Grey Gardens is a unique tapestry of lost dreams, sacrifice, and unstoppable hope-- heartfelt, witty, and compassionate.

Cast

Cindy Houpt - No stranger to the stage, Cindy has performed in many productions over the years. Some of her most memorable being Lina Lamont in Singing in the Rain, Judy Bernly in 9 to 5, Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense, and Claire Ganz in Rumors. After taking a few years off to study Therapeutic Yoga, Cindy is very happy to be back at ZCT. She lives in Newark with her husband, Ron, and youngest daughter, Sarah.

Sally Goins - Sally is thrilled to be working with this wonderfully talented cast and crew again at ZCT.  She has been fascinated by the Grey Garden story since seeing the documentary years ago.  Big Edie is not an easy character to understand or to like, but playing her is a challenge to be savored. At ZCT Sally has appeared in Ladies of Harmony, The Hollow, Murder on the Nile, 9 to 5, Quilters, Into the Woods, The Producers, and most recently in In-Laws, Outlaws and Other People.  For Zane Trace Players she has appeared in The Music Man and A Little Night Music (where she got to play Cindy’s mean and manipulative mother for the first time!).  She wishes to thank her wonderful family for putting up with running lines and listening to songs over and over.  Thanks to our outstanding musicians and crew for making this production happen, and especially to our director taking on this challenge.  And finally, thanks to you for visiting Grey Gardens.

Tahnee Kay - Tahnee Kay is beyond excited to be playing the role of Young Little Edie in this production of Grey Gardens. She is a big fan of the documentary and is so happy she gets to help share the story of the Beales. Some of Tahnee’s favorite past performances include Doralee in 9 to 5 the Musical, Claire in Proof, Anne in A Little Night Music, Kim in Bye Bye Birdie and a Pierrot in Oh! What a Lovely War, which was performed in The West End. When not on stage, Tahnee is a stay-at-home mom to her daughter Eleanora. She would like to thank her friends, family, and husband for all their love and support.

Matt Swingle - I hope you enjoy this fun, quirky, emotional show. It's been great fun working with a cast that enjoys musical theater as much as I do.   I've done several shows with ZCT most recently Into The Woods, Rumors, 9 to 5 , Spring Awakening and Young Frankenstein.  This has been another fun experience working with a talented bunch of people. I'm thankful to have this group of people in my life. I live in Zanesville with my husband Rob Cook, our son, two spoiled cats and a deaf, bossy dog. 

Rob Cook - I’m very happy to be a part of the Grey Gardens cast. I’ve been a part of many shows through the years and some of my favorites locally have been Doubt, Young Frankenstein, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Away from the theatre I enjoy spending time with family and friends and working on sculptures.

Phil Palmer - Phil has been a part of ZCT for several years now. He has been in several shows, or at least a part of most of them through some way or the other. Some of his favorites include: Dad in Cheaper by the Dozen, Colonel Henry Blake in MASH, Uncle Charlie in August: Osage County, and Bill in The Ransom of Red Chief.  Phil has co- directed A Bad Year for Tomatoes and has been assistant director for Young Frankenstein, Singing in the Rain, and Tom Sawyer. He sincerely hopes you enjoy the show and wants to thank you for supporting the Arts in Zanesville!

Novalee Sharp - Novalee Sharp is ecstatic about her debut in Grey Gardens as, Lee Bouvier, at the Zanesville Community Theatre. Novalee is an eighth grade student at East Muskingum Middle School. She is in the choir and orchestra program at her school. Novalee is also an active member in her 4H club and has done many skits as a 4H member. She had been in 4H skits and her school play. Novalee is looking forward to doing many more shows with ZCT.

Katelyn Lemley - Katelyn Lemley is excited for her debut at ZCT as Jackie Bouvier in this production of Grey Gardens. She is a middle school student at East Muskingum. She participates in choir at her school. This is her first time acting in a show and can't wait to be a part of more!