Cast and Creative Team

The Collins Family Christmas Special

Setting: October, 1972, Golden Studios, Hollywood, CA The annual Collins Family Christmas TV Special filmed live, in front of a Studio Audience, featuring the Collins Family and their famous friends that “stop by” for Christmas fun and Christmas Carols In their simulated Mountain Vacation Home decorated for the holidays. Christmas Musical numbers mix with humor for TV show, with backstage and on-stage scenes filled with family comedy and holiday spirit.

                                               HEART, SOUL AND SIMPLICITY.

Cast:

Ed Richardson – Jimmy Collins, Father of the Collins Family, world famous performer (Andy Williams/Bing Crosby/Ozzie Nelson)

Patty Richardson – Libby Collins, Mother of the Collins Family, also famous, Jim’s loyal companion, has a gift for comedy as well as having a beautiful singing voice. (Edie Gourmet/Doris Day)

Joely Pittman Layton – Lily Collins Mitchell, Daughter of The Collins – Expecting her first child.

 James Wojonowski – David Mitchell, Son-in-Law, husband of Lily – former teen idol

 Jeff Cooper – Walter Stevens – Popular Singer, best friend of the Collins Family, most popular and enduring entertainer, effortless charisma and self-assuredness. (Dean Martin/Frank Sinatra)

Tina Cooper – Jenny Collins, sister of the Jimmy Collins, the reliable one, not married, wants to be, slightly aggressive with Walter.

Blaine Clotfelter – Mike Cassidy – Son-in-Law, husband of Julie, Shy, Odd, incredibly popular TV Star (John Ritter/Alan Alda/Ron Howard)

Nikki Clotfelter – Julie Collins Cassidy – Daughter of Jim & Libby – Wife of Mike – mother of five– flustered Mother trying to do her best as Mother to several children while still trying to be a Collins Family Singer

LouAnne LaFortune Norman-- Phyllis Chandler –– Sister of Libby – successful star of Broadway, Television and film, recently starring in new Television show

Tonya Gregg -- Barbara Collins Spencer – Sister of Jimmy Collins – Dancer/Singer – mother of five

Charlie Gillespie – Grandpa George Collins -Grandpa of the Collins Family – sharp as a tack for 80, (Henry Fonda/Bob Hope)

Marian Johnson – Grandma Patricia Collins - Grandma Collins – not all there, perhaps dips in the Eggnog too much (Cloris Leachman)

Gloria Wright – Mary Kay Nelson - Good Friend and famous TV Chef – (mix of Paula Deen and Julia Child) a bit absent minded, says “God Bless Them” and “Oooh, dammit” a lot.

Julie Campbell – Millie Anderson - Hair & Make-up Artist and close friend and confidant for Libby (Ouiser/Dolly) – tell it like it is, rough around the edges, heart of gold, and would do anything for Libby.

Susan Gillespie – Vivian Taylor-Grant – Sister of Libby (Shirley MacLaine/ Lucille Ball/Carol Burnett) always has a unique presence, always a mystery. Really scary, but everyone seems to love her anyway.

THE CREW

 Jonny May – Jerry Barnes – Floor Director of the TV Special, good at his job, reliable, respects Jimmy

Kelley Davenport – Max Sheldon -Producer of the TV Special, in charge, Jimmy trained him well, good sense of humor, life of the party, has a dark secret life, mafia or FBI connections (or both), strong sense of style, hunting fanatic, has traveled the world in search of the perfect catch. He has been married and divorced four times – he keeps trying. Charlie, his son from his second wife, is a production assistant on the show.

Charlie Davenport – Charlie Sheldon – Production Assistant, son of Max Sheldon

Jill Lucas – Jill Sams – Stage Manager

THE CHILDREN

Lindsey Clotfelter (15) – Lindsey Cassidy – child of Julie & Mike

Joel Clotfelter (10) – Joel Cassidy – child of Julie & Mike

Lilly Davenport (10) – Lilly Spencer – child of Barbara

Hannah Davenport (12) – Hannah Spencer – child of Barbara

Jordan Gregg (14) – Jordan Spencer – child of Barbara

Rachel Gregg (10) – Rachel Cassidy – child of Barbara

Elliott Layton (1) – Elliott Cassidy – child of Julie & Mike

McKenzie Shellnutt (14) – Kenzie Cassidy – child of Barbara

Perrin Sorrow (12) – Perrin Cassidy – child of Julie & Mike

Jace Wiley (6)—Jace Cassidy – child of Julie & Mike


Creative Team:


Choreography: Shari Gee & Valerie Shellnutt Dancers: Southern Crescent Academy of Dance

Director: Chris Shellnutt

Music Director: Ed Richardson

Stage Manager: Jill Lucas

Sound Design & Technician: Peter Layton

Lighting Design & Technician: Paula Byram

Box Office: Charlie and Susan Gillespie