A Case of Libel is based on the historical libel case of the 1950's, Reynolds v. Pegler. A celebrated war correspondent engages a well-known attorney and files a libel suit against a widely syndicated newspaper columnist who not only attacks his reputation and personal life, but also his patriotism.
About the Play: A Case of Libel opened on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre On October 10, 1963, directed by Sam Wanamaker, starring Van Heflin, as Robert Sloan, and Larry Gates, who was nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of Boyd Bendix. The play is based on the libel suit by journalist Quentin Reynolds against columnist Westbrook Pegler as related in the book My Life In Court by the noted trial lawyer Louis Nizer, about whom Sloane is based. The script was adapted twice for television, in 1968 and 1983, with playwright Henry Denker involved with both teleplays. The latter, made-for-cable movie garnered CableAce nominations for Ed Asner (Sloane) and Daniel J. Travanti (Bendix).
Cast of characters (in order of appearance)
Jennifer Lockwood (Claire Marshall) - Jennifer has been in Dayton theatre since she played a Munchkin at age seven. Since, she has been actor, director, stage manager and committee member. Recent acting highlights include The Cover of Life, Farragut North, Dinner with Friends, The Miracle Worker and Moments from Meanwhile. Her directing ventures include Inherit the Wind, Talley's Folly, Book of Days, Camping with Henry and Tom, and FutureFest '97 winner, The Interview.
Richard Young (Abner Coles) - Richard has appeared on a variety of stages in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio and has performed numerous roles at DTG and other theatres in the Dayton area since moving here in 1989. His last show at the Guild was Israel Horovitz's Park Your Car in Harvard Yard. He is delighted to be in a play in the first season in the Guild's new space. Duante Beddingfield (David Strong) - Duante was previously seen on the Guild stage as Fred in last season's The Cashier, for which he won a Murphy Award and a DayTony for Best Supporting Actor in a Play. Last season, he also appeared in Outward Bound (DTG), Sly Fox (Beavercreek), and Carve (Dayton Playhouse FutureFest). He can't really read upside down, but he does own a trapeze. Saul Caplan (Robert Sloane) - Saul has appeared in over 300 productions in theatres and rep companies as varied as Manhattan Punch Line (NYC) to the American Stage Company (St. Petersburg, FL). Since returning to Dayton he's acted or directed at Sinclair Community College, Dayton Playhouse, Human Race Theatre, DJCC Players, FutureFest, Playhouse South, FirStage Productions, Dayton Opera, and DTG, where his credits include Other People's Money, A Walk in the Woods, and I Ought to be in Pictures.
Melissa Kerr Ertsgaard (Anita Corcoran) - Most recently, Melissa relished the role of Teiresias in Antigone and vindictively hurtled threats at Richard as Queen Margaret in Richard III, both Sinclair CC theatre productions. Past roles include Emelia in Othello, Bernice in Musical Comedy Murders, and Mae in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Melissa holds an A.A. in Acting (Sinclair), a B.A. in Theatre Performance (SIU-C) and a M.Ed. from McGregor University Antioch. J. Gary Thompson (Dennis Corcoran) - J. Gary grew up near London, England, and came to America in the 1980s. He writes music, and has created original scores and sound design for theatre and film, including productions for Wright State University and Sinclair Community College. He has also enjoyed acting on stage and in films for many years, and is excited to be making his debut appearance at the Guild.
Jamie McQuinn (James Baldwin) - Jamie recently appeared in the Dayton Theatre Guild production of The Sunshine Boys, as well as A Christmas Carol and Urinetown at the Dayton Playhouse. Jeri L. Williams (Miss Brand) - A Case of Libel marks Jeri's second appearance at DTG. She was happy to make her debut at the Guild with The Best Man. Other local performances include Crazy for You, Sly Fox and Romeo and Bernadette. Jeri is currently doing a tour with AmeriCorps, working for a homeless shelter downtown. She recently ran in the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, OH and enjoys fitness training. Geoff Burkman (Paul Cleary) - A veteran of the stage in and around Dayton for the past quarter century, Geoff is quite happy to be working with cohorts, old and new. He hopes, though, to never have to appear in a courtroom with any of them, and that everyone enjoys the show!
David Shough (Boyd Bendix ) - David most recently appeared at the Guild in The Best Man. He has performed with many Dayton and Cincinnati area theatres. Some favorite recent roles include The Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Fred/Petruchio (Kiss Me Kate), Captain Corcoran (H.M.S. Pinafore), and Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha. He is married to former ballerina, now ballet teacher and director, Barbara Pontecorvo. They live in Carlisle with their Great Danes, Oberon and Titania. Jerry Buck (The Judge) - After appearing in plays with several other Miami VAlley Theatre groups, Jerry is very pleased to have been cast in his first Dayton Theatre Guild production. Jerry has no legal training or experience whatsoever; however, he believes he is well qualified for the role of The Judge, because, as Charles Dickens observed, "The law is an ass."
Dawn Roth Smith (Court Stenographer) - Dawn worked properties, costumes and stage crew for Kimberly Akimbo (baby kickin's is good) and was last on stage at DTG in Laughter on the 23rd Floor as Carol. Dawn recently became Co-Artistic Director for Playhouse South with Alan Bomar Jones. She'd like to thank Debra for allowing her to be on stage with some of her favorite actors. Thanks to her wonderful husband (Craig) and all of their kids for supporting her Theater habit. Timothy Behnken (Court Clerk) - Tim is a first-year performance major at Sinclair whose credits include the underachieving detective Henry Blore in Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians, the noble but overly amorous Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, and, most recently, as the vigilant bodyguard of Creon in Sinclair's production of Antigone. Tim is also an aspiring graphic artist and broadcaster, hosting a popular podcast for WM3 NetRadio as well as designing all of its branding and artwork.
Craig Smith (Colonel Douglas) - Thanks for coming to see the show. This is Craig's second show here at the Guild this season. Both of them Celtic characters. Must be the whiskey. He is pleased to be a part of the gifted and dedicated cast and staff. He cannot offer thanks without thanking his best friend and muse, his lovely wife Dawn, for her support all these many years. And he gets to share the stage with her, too. K.L.Storer (Fred Alston) - At DTG K.L. is house manager and a producer. He also designs sound, most recently for our production, Kimberly Akimbo. As an actor, some favorite roles have been Clov (Endgame), Teach (American Buffalo), and Johnny Pateen (The Cripple of Inishmaan). K.L. additionally acts and directs for camera. Debra Kent (Director) - Debra has been involved in theatre in Chicago, Indianapolis, Southern California and Dayton. She has performed at the Guild in Grace and Glorie, Belles, I Ought to be in Pictures and Park Your Car in Harvard Yard, and in severAl Dayton Playhouse FutureFest productions. She's directed The Elephant Man, Bus Stop and Moonchildren and makes her DTG directorial debut with this production. She lives in Dayton with her husband, Dennis, and their feline family.
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