Welcome to the new, online version of RLT's Yearbook, celebrating Raleigh Little Theatre's 68th season and the individual productions and events of 2003-2004.

The 2003-2004 season was a year of continuing challenges and triumphs, changes and new beginnings, and a season of enlivening productions. From personal challenges to production complications and Mother Nature once again acting as a theatre critic, the extraordinary group of volunteers, board members and staff rose to meet each new challenge with grit, resolve and determination without losing a sense of humor or ability to laugh in each new situation.

In December, only hours from opening the 20th Anniversary production of Cinderella, our Fairy Godmother was admitted to the hospital. Thanks to the depth of the RLT talent pool, and the fact that we have been doing Cinderella for so many years, we were able to call upon the skilled talent of Rebecca Johnston to step in as Stepmama and have Jo Brown (who was suppose to play Stepmama) revise her role as Fairy Godmother. Then, just as Sandi Sullivan was returning as the Fairy Godmother, Jo fell ill and missed a performance - the first time in 20 years! Rebecca Johnston continued as Stepmama throughout the run of Cinderella - all 13 performances, without a program credit!

Then in April, our young Anne Frank, Chloe Novak, was sick during the run of the show. However, showing a level of professionalism that many professional actors would fail to live up to, she went on with the show, even using the stage bathroom to hide her illness from the audience!

Who can forget the tribulations of the last show of the season where man and nature threw just about everything but locusts at Smokey Joe's Café and the show still went on? From failing sound systems to electrical fires to cast illnesses and substitutions (Alison Lawrence, the show's director, went on for a sick cast member with 24-hours notice and an all-night sewing session by costumer, Vicki Olson) to rain delays and cancellations and nearly unbearable heat.

The 2003-2004 season also brought a new round of staff changes as we prepare to say good-bye to Carmen Mandley after six years as Youth Education Director, along with saying good-bye to Chris Beaulieu and Jess Pillmore, Education Outreach Coordinators. As hard as it is to say farewell, everyone at RLT wishes them all the best of luck in their new endeavors, both here and on roads less traveled by. We happily anticipate our new staff members, Linda O'Day Young and J. Michael Beech, who will continue their excellent work and take us to new heights in the education program.

As I stated last year, RLT's spirit and strength lies in the people who make theatre here. From the volunteers who build the sets, costumes, work in the box office, house manage, assist with auditions, cook strike dinners, fix computers and answer phones - you do it all. Thanks to the unbelievably generous support and efforts of the more than 12 courageous women and 50 volunteers, we were able to successfully launch a new fund-raiser that exceeded all expectations and goals: DIVAS!

Whenever help was asked for throughout the year, you were there. Whenever an extra pair of hands was needed to paint, sew, stuff envelopes, stick on labels, or just give a pat on the back, you were there. As you look back at the extraordinary productions and the fabulous people who put these productions together, you deserve a round of applause.

While you look through David Watts's wonderful online creation, relive the season's rich and varied productions. Over the past 12 months, we created magical and mythical worlds, shared laughter and tears, sang and danced, and celebrated the human spirit in a myriad of theatrical forms. At times difficult and stressful, after the curtain was up, the audience never knew or saw or fully appreciated the hard work that went into making it all look so easy and effortless.

Thank you to each and every volunteer, board and staff member of RLT for making 2003-2004 such a wonderful experience with fabulous memories we all can share and enjoy.

Cate Foltin
Managing Director

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