Choral music director, Susan Ainley presents, ‘Meet Me in St. Louis,’ a play Ainley originally debuted with her 2013 drama team. Ainley’s last production as drama teacher was, ‘Music Man’ in 2015. Since she stepped away the drama department has been under the leadership of Kyle Dodson (2015-19),  Megan Connor with Spotlight Productions (2019-20) and David Casuga (2020-21). 

Play Synopsis

“Rose, Ester, Agnes and Tootie Smith are all blazing with excitement over the wonderful World’s Fair about to open up in their hometown of St. Louis. The older girls are wondering if they will have dates for the big dance, and are worried about their brother Lon, who is smitten by Lucille, the snobby girl from the East, instead of the sweet girl next door, Ida. As they make their plans , Father enters with his announcement. He’s been offered a better job in New York, and they will have to move. The girls are devastated at the thought of moving and missing the fair. Not willing to give in, the girls take matters into their own hands.” 

Ainley has directed over 20 plays throughout the years of teaching elementary, middle and high school drama here at Fresno Christian. 

“My favorite part about teaching drama is seeing students find their voice and start enjoying the performing aspect.” Ainley said. “Usually drama kids are naturally funny so we laugh a lot and get a little crazy in class.”                                                                                                                                            

Due to an unfortunate event, most of the production’s costumes were lost. This causes each character to be responsible for finding their own costume. Several mothers, aunts and grandmothers are doing their part by sewing brand new period pieces for the production. One of the volunteers is the vice principal, Scott Falk’s wife, Carol. 

Foshee is infamously known for his walk on roles in each of Ainley’s plays. He has taken part in seven of Ainley’s plays over the years. 

“Mrs. Ainley asked me to have a small part and I’ve always loved being in dramas so I said yes.” Foshee said. “It’s always amazing seeing the talent and gifts that our students use for performances and the hard work that Mrs. Ainley puts into the plays and musicals.”

Brand new sets are being made by professional set builder,  Matt Phanco, who has years of experience in theater. Phanco’s designs derive from Ainley’s ideas, and with the help of other parents, will build the set from scratch. The finished product will be a Victorian home. Robin Phanco a graphic artist for Cross City Church,  is using her knowledge to design all the artwork for posters, tickets and the program. It really is a family affair. 

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Annabelle Counts, ‘23, has been a part of drama at FC for 5 years, and has been cast the role of Rose in the 2022 production. 

“My favorite thing about drama is getting to know other students in my class even while we are all portraying characters that are often the exact opposite of ourselves.”

The Drama team will be performing their play, ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’, at Redemption Bible Church, April 7-8 at 7:00pm and April 9, at 2:00pm.

Tickets will be available at the door or online: fresnochristian.com 

$10 dollars for general admission, $5 for students and seniors. 

Cast of Characters

Mr. Smith – David Tuck

Mrs. Smith – Melody Richardson

Rose – Annabelle Counts

Esther – Maggie Phanco

Agnes – Charlotte Karlson

Tootie – Lillian Montes de Oca

Lon – Jacob Pimentel

Grandpa Potopher – Andrew Smith

Katie – Ryleigh Ferris

Ida – Olivia Saldivar

Mrs. Waghaup – Ashlyn Dyck

Lucille Pentard – Lauren Boldt

John Shepherd – Paul Cross

Fred Gregory – Boomer Mericle

Mr. Dodge – Ayden Blowers

Mr. Duffy – Zachary Paredes

Trolly conductor – Robert Foshee

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