“…I’m tired of being second banana. I wanna be first banana. I wanna be more than just Lucy’s sidekick. I’ve been side-kicked to death.” Vivian Vance in Sidekicked
DELRAY BEACH, FL: Boca Stage’s first production of the 2024-2025 season will be playwright Kim Powers’ Sidekicked, an illuminating study of one of television’s – and America’s – iconic characters. The production will run from September 19 – 29 in the Cabaret Theatre at the Delray Beach Playhouse.
It’s the last night on set filming I Love Lucy and America’s favorite housecoat-wearing sidekick, Ethel Mertz, played by Vivian Vance, has a lot to get off her chest.
“I am delighted we are opening our season with a play about this award-winning American television and theatre actress and singer,” says the production’s director Genie Croft. Vivian Vance was often referred to as TV ‘s most beloved “second banana” and America’s favorite neighbor Ethel Mertz, sidekick to Lucille Ball, on the enormously popular TV show I Love Lucy. Though the role brought Vance fame it took quite a personal toll.
“In this fascinating and in-depth character play, we meet an exciting and vibrant woman who did not at all resemble the frumpy Ethel she made famous. Long before her television career, Vance was well known as a comedic actress, show girl, and singer who worked with major stars like Ethel Merman, Jimmy Durante and Bob Hope.” Croft explains. “Vivian was plagued by terrible bouts of depression and insecurities and worries about the loss of her own identity. She once said, “When I die, there will be people who send Ethel Mertz flowers.” She was deeply afraid of losing her mind and was one of the first celebrities to speak openly about mental illness.
“I am so pleased that Irene Adjan will be creating this iconic character,” Croft continues. “Irene has the profound ability to bring to life the many facets of Vivian Vance, and to create the behind- the-scenes stories of the show and its dynamics, feuds, and friendships.”
“Ethel Mertz is a character so many people grew up knowing and loving,” Adjan says, “However, very few people can tell you anything about the wonderful actress who played her – Vivian Vance. I’ve been surprised at how many people – upon my sharing that I’d be doing this play -couldn’t even recall her real name, which is one of the things that plagued Vivian her entire career post I Love Lucy. Vivian was an astounding comedian, a really complicated person, and seeing this play will be a great opportunity for people to learn and be surprised by how much they don’t know about someone they feel they know so well!”
Tickets for Sidekicked are on sale now. They range in price from $59 to $69 and are available online at delraybeachplayhouse.com or by calling 561-272-1281. Performances are on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm. All performances will take place at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW 9th Street, Delray Beach (33444)
For more information about Boca Stage, to arrange for interviews, or for photos, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
Irene Adjan Photo credit: Bob Lasky
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Sidekicked September 19-29 By Kim Powers Directed by Genie Croft Starring Irene Adjan Performances: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7 pm Saturdays & Sundays at 1 pm Wednesday, September 25 at 12:00 pm (sold out) Tickets: $59/69 For tickets: Click HERE /561-272-1281 All performances will take place at The Delray Beach Playhouse 950 NW 9th Street Delray Beach, FL 33444
2024-2025 THEATRE/CONCERT PRODUCTION SCHEDULES for Boca Stage Pigs Do Fly Productions Hy Juter Presents Off Glades Theater Company Broadway at LPAC Pompano Players YI Love Jewish/Yiddishkayt Initiative Delray Beach Playhouse
Below is a current list of the productions and concerts scheduled for the 2024-2025 season. Please note that this list and these productions are subject to change, and that there will possibly be additions and rescheduling as time goes by! Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you need more information about any of these companies and/or shows. Show graphics can be found below the list.
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BOCA STAGE
Sidekicked by Kim Powers September 18 – 29, 2024 It’s the last night on set filming I Love Lucy and America’s favorite housecoat-wearing sidekick, Ethel Mertz, played by Vivian Vance, has a lot to get off her chest. In her dressing room she issues an SOS to her long-time analyst: “Help me understand who I am before I’m stuck being Ethel forever.” And she relives it all: The good, the bad, and the Lucy. Directed by Genie Croft/Starring Irene Adjan
The Last Night of BallyHoo By Alfred Uhry October 24 – November 3, 2024 Atlanta, Georgia, December 1939. Gone with the Wind is having its world premiere and Hitler is invading Poland. But Adolph Freitag (owner of the Dixie Bedding Company), his sister Boo, and sister-in-law Reba, along with nieces Lala and Sunny – a highly assimilated Jewish family – are looking forward to Ballyhoo, a lavish cotillion ball sponsored by their restrictive country club. Comedy, romance, and revelations all combine as the family finally confronts their identity in this rapidly changing world. Directed by Keith Garsson
Living on Love By Joe DiPietro Based on the play Peccadillo by Garson Kanin January 16 -26, 2025 When a demanding diva discovers that her larger-than-life maestro husband has become enamored with the lovely young lady hired to ghostwrite his largely fictional autobiography, she hires a handsome young scribe of her own. Sparks fly, silverware is thrown, and romance blossoms in the most unexpected ways in this delightful and hilarious romantic comedy. Directed by Keith Garsson
Dry Powder By Sarah Burgess April 24 – May 4, 2025 The same week his private equity firm forced massive layoffs at a national grocery chain, Rick Hannel threw himself an extravagant engagement party, setting off a publicity nightmare. Fortunately, Seth, one of Rick’s partners, has a dream of a deal to invest in – an American-made luggage company – that will rescue his boss from the PR disaster. But Jenny, Rick’s other partner, has an entirely different plan: to maximize the returns, no matter the price of success and the real cost of getting the deal done. Directed by Genie Croft
Tickets: $59/$69 For tickets & information: https://delraybeachplayhouse.com/off-broadway-series 561-272-1281 All performances will take place at The Delray Beach Playhouse 950 NW 9th Street Delray Beach, FL 33444
PIGS DO FLY PRODUCTIONS
The Long Weekend By Norm Foster November 1 – 24, 2024 The truth and lies of a friendship come to the surface during a weekend visit between two couples. There are plenty of surprises along the way in this biting comedy of manners. Directed by Christopher Michaels
Tickets: $45 Tickets: www.pigsdoflyproductions.com 954-678-1496 Performances: Friday, & Saturday: 8 pm Sunday: 5 pm All performances will take place at Empire Stage1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
A second production which will run in March 2025, is to be announced.
HY JUTER PRESENTS
To Life 5 – Jewish Broadway to Hollywood! January 17 – February 2, 2025 Written and Directed by Shari Upbin Musical Direction by Elliot Weiss Produced and Created by Hy Juter Stories and music celebrating the contributions of Jewish composers to Broadway and the great Hollywood musicals. The popular series returns to the Willow Theatre with more stories and music celebrating the contributions of Jewish composers and artists to Broadway and the great Hollywood musicals. Featuring amusing anecdotes, fascinating facts, and stunning performances honoring the composers and entertainers who created and performed in such iconic productions as Singing in the Rain, Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly, Fiddler on the Roof, Milk and Honey, and many more. Starring Shelley Keelor, Shane Tanner, Jinon Deeb, and Michael Scott Ross. Hosted by Shari Upbin
Tickets: $46 Group rates: $41 (for groups of 6 or more tickets purchased in a single transaction) For tickets & Information: https://www.myboca.us/2508/Willow-Theatre 561-347-3948 Performance days and times: Friday and Saturday at 7 pm Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm All performances will take place at The Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park 300 S. Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33486
OFF GLADES THEATER COMPANY
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change February 14 – 23, 2025 Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro Music by Jimmy Roberts This musical celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as ‘the relationship’! From dating and waiting to love and marriage… and the agonies and triumphs of in-laws, newborns, trips in the family car, and the pick-up techniques of the older set, this hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, and to those who have dared to ask, “What are you doing on Saturday night?” Directed by Jodie Langel
Tickets: $35 Group rates available For tickets & Information: https://www.myboca.us/2508/Willow-Theatre 561-347-3948 All performances will take place at The Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park 300 S. Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33486
BROADWAY AT LPAC SERIES
9 to 5 January 16 – February 2, 2025 Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton Book by Patricia Resnick Based on the Twentieth Century Fox Film Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
Legally Blonde February 27 – March 16, 2025 Book by Heather Hach Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn Mayer motion picture Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific April 10 – 27, 2025 Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Jushua Logan Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener On a South Pacific island during World War II, Ensign Nellie Forbush, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with French planter Emile de Becque. When Nellie learns that the mother of Emile’s children was an island native, she refuses Emile’s proposal of marriage, unable to overcome the bias with which she was raised. Meanwhile, the strapping Lt. Joe Cable falls in love with a Tonkinese girl named Liat, but he, too, denies himself a future due to the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile accompanies Joe on a dangerous mission that claims Joe’s life, Nellie chooses to embrace a future with Emile and his children, thus confronting and conquering her prejudices.
Tickets: Individual tickets will be on sale September 1st. Various subscription packages are available now. For more information: https://www.lpacfl.com 954-777-2055 All performances will take place at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) 3800 NW 11th Place Lauderhill, FL 33311
POMPANO PLAYERS
Love, Loss, And What I Wore October 11 – October 20, 2024 By Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron Based on the book by Ilene Beckerman A play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes, and memory covering all the important subjects – mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses, and why we only wear black.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change November 8- November 17, 2024 Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro Music by Jimmy Roberts A comedic exploration of the complexities of modern relationships, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Changehas been updated for the 21st century. Act I navigates the journey from dating to marriage, while Act II dives into the joys and challenges of family life, from in-laws to newborns. This delightful revue celebrates the highs and lows of love, paying homage to those who’ve experienced the ups and downs of romance and dared to ask, “Hey, what are you up to Saturday night?” Directed by Jeremy Quinn
Jerry’s Girls January 10-January 19, 2025 Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman Concepts by Larry Alford, Wayne Cilento, and Jerry Herman An exhilarating two-hour musical extravaganza celebrating glamour, optimism, love, melody, and women! Featuring music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, this Broadway sensation showcases the greatest hits for women from Herman’s timeless musicals such as Mame, Hello Dolly!, Milk and Honey, Mack and Mabel, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, and La Cage Aux Folles. Directed by Michael Ursua
Respect: A Musical Journey Of Women March 28-April 6, 2025 By Dorothy Marcic Based on the book by Dorothy Marcic – “Respect: Women and Popular Music” A vibrant musical revue that celebrates the resilience and strength of women in America through popular music – from 1900 to today. From the dependency of “I Will Follow Him” to the defiance of “These Boots are Made for Walking” and the empowerment of “Hero,” Respect captures a spectrum of women’s experiences. Featuring excerpts from 60 songs and real-life stories of dreams, love, work, and independence, it’s an exhilarating ride through history. With classics like “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” “I Enjoy Being a Girl,” “I Wanna Be Loved By You,” “As Long As He Needs Me” and “Whatever Lola Wants,” and modern standards like “The Greatest Love of All,” “Where the Boys Are,” “It Must Be Him,” and “Stand by Your Man.” Directed by Jeremy Quinn
The World Goes ‘Round April 25- May 4, 2025 Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb Conceived by Susan Stroman, David Thompson, and Scott Ellis A dazzling tribute to the legendary Tony award-winning musical duo Kander and Ebb, The World Goes ‘Round (winner of three Drama Desk Awards), takes audiences on a journey filled with humor, romance, drama, and irresistible melodies. Through hits like “Cabaret,” “Chicago,” and “New York, New York,” it celebrates the resilience and vitality of life. Follow five individuals as they navigate love, parenthood, and the daily grind, all set to unforgettable tunes. With gems like “Mr. Cellophane” and “Maybe This Time,” this high-energy musical extravaganza is a harmonious celebration of the enduring spirit of musical theater.
I Do! I Do! May 23-June 1, 2025 Book by Tom Jones Music by Harvey Schmidt Lyrics by Tom Jones I Do! I Do! is an intimate musical that chronicles the ups and downs of one couple’s fifty-year journey through love and marriage. From wedding night nerves to raising a family, facing midlife crises, and overcoming infidelity, the couple’s bond is tested time and again. Yet, through it all, they rediscover the depth of their love and commitment to each other. As they bid farewell to their home after five decades together, their story leaves a lasting impression on the next generation of newlyweds.
Pompano Players Inaugural Season October 2024 – June 2025 Individual tickets: $45/$55/$65 Subscription prices begin at $99 Performance days and times: Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm For tickets and information: www.pompanobeachculturalcenter.com All performances will take place at The Pompano Beach Cultural Center 50 West Atlantic Boulevard Pompano Beach, FL 33060
YI LOVE JEWISH (A Division of the Yiddishkayt Initiative)
The Wheel: Songs from the Road – Featuring the Zisl Slepovitch Klezmer Trio Thursday, October 17 at 8 pm Tickets: $45 and up Musicologist, singer and composer D. Zisl Slepovitch presents a collection of rare, beautiful and sometimes revelational songs and instrumental pieces that he recorded from mostly elderly Jewish people and/or discovered in the archives together with his mentor, Dr. Nina Stepanskaya in Easter Europe. Slepovitch is an internationally renowned multi-instrumentalist (clarinet, saxophone, flute, keyboards, vocal), conductor, composer, translator, arranger, and music and Yiddish educator.
Yiddish Tangos Saturday, October 19 at 8 pm Tickets: $50 and up Aaron Kula and his Klezmer Company Jazz Orchestra created Yiddish Tangos, fusing Yiddish melodies with tango rhythms, producing a unique and sensuous sound embracing two distinct cultures. During World War II tango was the rave on both sides of the Atlantic, and Jewish composers added their voices to this popular genre. The program will also feature Avi Hoffman, and live dancers.
Anne Being Frank A New Play by Ron Elisha Saturday, November 9 at 8 pm Tickets: $52 and up A total reimagining of the story of Anne Frank, the play poses the basic question: Had Anne known precisely what was in store for her and her family at the hands of the Nazis, would she still have written the famous line: “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” This one-woman show starring Alexis Fishman was performed Off-Broadway in 2023.
Fiddlers on the Roof – A YI Love Jewish Sing-A-Long Saturday, April 5, at 8 pm Tickets: $45 and up Join us for a magical sing-along evening celebrating one of the most beloved musicals of all time! Belt out songs like “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Sunrise, Sunset” with lyrics provided on screen. Live musicians will accompany the audience as we sing along to this timeless story of family, faith, and finding your place in the ever-changing world. Don’t miss this unforgettable interactive experience! All performances will take place at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center 3385 NE 188th Street Aventura, FL 33180 For tickets and information: https://www.aventuracenter.org 877-311-7469 / 954-462-0222
Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville January 31 – February 23, 2025 Book by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Buffett Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville is a musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and many more. With a book by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia (“My Name is Earl,” “Raising Hope”) and Emmy nominee Mike O’Malley (“Survivor’s Remorse,” “Shameless”), this hilarious, heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for!
DELRAY BEACH PLAYHOUSE
Mainstage Productions: The Producers – A Mel Brooks Musical November 22 – December 15, 2024 Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks’ classic cult comedy film. A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, scamming their investors, (all ‘little old ladies’) out of millions of dollars. Only one problem: the show is a smash hit! Follow Max and Leo as they fecklessly maneuver finding a show, hiring a director, raising the money and eventually going to prison for their misdeeds. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express March 21 – April 13, 2025 Adapted from the book by Agatha Christie by Ken Ludwig Ken Ludwig’s clever adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic boasts all the glamour, intrigue, and suspense of Dame Agatha’s celebrated novel, with a healthy dose of humor added to quicken the pace.
The Bridges of Madison County May 9 – May 25, 2025 Book by Marsha Norman Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown Adapted from the book by Robert James Waller Based on the best-selling novel, and developed by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Parade, Songs for a New World) and Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman, The Bridges of Madison County captures the lyrical expanse of America’s heartland along with the yearning entangled in the eternal question, “What if. Francesca Johnson, a beautiful Italian woman who married an American soldier to flee war-ravaged Italy, looks forward to a rare four days alone on her Iowa farm when her family heads to the 1965 State Fair. When ruggedly handsome, National Geographic photographer, Robert Kincaid, pulls into her driveway seeking directions, though, what happens in those four days may very well alter the course of Francesca’s life.
All performances will take place at The Delray Beach Playhouse 950 NW 9th Street Delray Beach, FL 33444 Tickets will be on sale soon For tickets and Information: https://delraybeachplayhouse.com 561-272-1281
Best of Broadway Cabaret Series:
Bachelors of Broadway/Gentlemen of the Theatre December 16 – 18, 2024
Tovah is Leona! – Starring Tovah Feldshuh January 6 – 10, 2025
This Could Be the Start – Starring Linda Purl February 10 – 13, 2025
Broadway’s Jersey Boy – Starring John Lloyd Young March 24 – 27, 2025
Sing Me a Showtune – Created by Michael Ursua May 12 – 15, 2025
Nostalgic Concert Series: Feelin’ Groovy:
The Story and Songs of Peter, Paul & Mary December 3 & 4, 2024
Pop Hits by Jewish Artists February 4 & 5, 2025
Celebrating Women Singer-Songwriters of the 60s & 70s April 1 & 2, 2025
All performances will take place at The Delray Beach Playhouse 950 NW 9th Street Delray Beach, FL 33444 www.delraybeachplayhouse.com / 561-272-1281
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For more information about this schedule or any of the productions listed, please don’t hesitate to contact me at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
DELRAY BEACH, FL: Boca Stage has announced their production schedule for 2024-2025. The award-winning company will revert back to a four-show season, producing a diverse selection of plays ranging from topical and edgy to timeless classics and full out farce.
The 2024-2025 productions are Sidekicked by Kim Powers, The Last Night of Ballyhoo by Alfred Uhry, Living on Love by Joe DiPietro, and Dry Powder by Sarah Burgess. (Show descriptions/details below). Boca Stage Founder and Executive Director Keith Garsson will share directing duties with his longtime theatrical collaborator Genie Croft.
“We are so pleased to have been invited back to the Delray Beach Playhouse after our first successful season here,” Garsson says. “Our transition was seamless thanks to the royal treatment we received from the entire Playhouse team.
“This will be our first season planned completely in conjunction with the Playhouse’ schedule,” he continues. We’re back to four shows, and we’ve chosen a great mix of drama, dramedies, and pure comedy. Two of our four shows are South Florida premieres, and one is a fan favorite.
“Our new space in the Cabaret Theater at the Playhouse has proven to be very popular with our audiences. As an added bonus, our subscribers no longer need worry about being ‘transferred’ or face any other seating issues as they will now be booked directly into seats of their own choosing,” he says.
Subscriptions to the Boca Stage 2024-2025 season will be on sale beginning April 15. The individual ticket sales date is still to be announced.
The Delray Beach Playhouse is located at 950 NW 9th Street, in Delray Beach, 33444. (561-272-1281). For more information about the Playhouse, visit delraybeachplayhouse.com.
For more information about Boca Stage, the Delray Beach Playhouse, and Keith Garsson, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
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Boca Stage 2024-2025 Productions at the Delray Beach Playhouse:
Sidekicked by Kim Powers September 18 – 29, 2024 It’s the last night on set filming I Love Lucy and America’s favorite housecoat-wearing sidekick, Ethel Mertz, played by Vivian Vance, has a lot to get off her chest. In her dressing room she issues an SOS to her long-time analyst: “Help me understand who I am before I’m stuck being Ethel forever.” And she relives it all: The good, the bad, and the Lucy. Directed by Genie Croft
The Last Night of BallyHoo By Alfred Uhry October 24 – November 3, 2024 Atlanta, Georgia, December 1939. Gone with the Wind is having its world premiere and Hitler is invading Poland. But Adolph Freitag (owner of the Dixie Bedding Company), his sister Boo, and sister-in-law Reba, along with nieces Lala and Sunny – a highly assimilated Jewish family – are looking forward to Ballyhoo, a lavish cotillion ball sponsored by their restrictive country club. Comedy, romance, and revelations all combine as the family finally confronts their identity in this rapidly changing world. Directed by Keith Garsson
Living on Love By Joe DiPietro Based on the play Peccadillo by Garson Kanin January 16 -26, 2025 When a demanding diva discovers that her larger-than-life maestro husband has become enamored with the lovely young lady hired to ghostwrite his largely fictional autobiography, she hires a handsome young scribe of her own. Sparks fly, silverware is thrown, and romance blossoms in the most unexpected ways in this delightful and hilarious romantic comedy. Directed by Keith Garsson
Dry Powder By Sarah Burgess April 24 – May 4, 2025 The same week his private equity firm forced massive layoffs at a national grocery chain, Rick Hannel threw himself an extravagant engagement party, setting off a publicity nightmare. Fortunately, Seth, one of Rick’s partners, has a dream of a deal to invest in – an American-made luggage company – that will rescue his boss from the PR disaster. But Jenny, Rick’s other partner, has an entirely different plan: to maximize the returns, no matter the price of success and the real cost of getting the deal done. Directed by Genie Croft
Carol Kassie 