Aref Dajani responded that he hopes that the American Dream will become fully inclusive to every community who lives on the periphery today.

His song… “Born This Way,” by Lady Gaga

Alexis Ross responded that her hope for the American Dream is the rise of the Matriarchy and the song that encompasses that for her is, “You Don’t Own Me,” by Lesley Gore.

Cathy McCoskey’s hope and dream is that America will return to being a land that believes in all people and where kindness is valued over ruthlessness, greed, and the pursuit of personal gain. She believes kindness can solve many issues we face today. The song “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” by Jackie DeShannon, encompasses her hope for the American Dream because love and kindness go hand in hand.

Chrissy Miller feels the American dream is constantly evolving and its meaning varies from person to person. However, her hope is that everyone regardless of class, race, sex, and background will have equal access to all that America offers: democracy, freedom, promise, and opportunity. Our nation was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of many and we can’t forget the sacrifices that were made and continue to be made. My hope for our nation is that we can move past struggles and focus on a promising future of equality, opportunity, and harmony for generations to come.

A song that Chrissy feels really encompasses that is Louis Armstrong’s What A Beautiful World which was also her wedding song!

Arthur Glover ays, “I’m gonna steal some lines from a song that I believe is the American Dream: It’s a dream that needs all the love you can give everyday of your life for as long as you live. The American dream is not a destination. It is a journey that we are all on and it takes a lot of hard work, dedication to craft, love of yourself, family and neighbors to make it come true. It takes early to bed and early to rise to make a person healthy wealthy and wise.”

DIrector Brett Jordan hopes that the American Dream centers equity, justice, and making the world better for future generations and the song she thinks encompasses her dream is “Keep Marching” from Suffs.

Kieth Flores went directly to the song “Imagine” by John Lennon. While it isn’t specifically about the ‘American Dream’ it encompasses aspects of his dream. “Imagine there’s no countries, It isn’t hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for, And no religion, too. “It’s not necessarily “NO countries” but the notion that multiple countries influence the dreams of the home-family unit-work in America without the fear of one’s religion, ethnicity or country of origin, or sexual preference being held against them. The song goes on to say, “Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can. No need for greed or hunger, A brotherhood of man.” The notion that ALL have equitable allocation of resources to live a balanced life such that poverty and want (from East coast, to West coast, North or South) would be a thing of the past.

In response to the question, Sally Ann Flores simply stated, “Equitable access. For everyone.” Her song is from the Musical Hamilton, “The Room Where It Happens.”

Liz Masi believes the American Dream is a story about equity, freedom, and access that reads as a myth. Her hope is that we don’t allow corruption and broken systems to stop us from fighting to make progress towards these ideals for all. When she sees children and young people taking a stand against injustice, her hope is renewed. The song she thinks encompasses the American Dream is Church and State by Brandi Carlile.

Karen Flynn hopes the American Dream will become more easily reachable and offer tremendous opportunities through perseverance. In other words, don’t give up. While not a song specifically about America, she thinks many people can relate to the powerful message in “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” as a way to reach their American dream by moving on from the past, leaving behind negativity, and focusing on a brighter future. It represents hope, personal resilience, and the necessity of looking forward.

Alicia Braxton: My hope is that the American dream becomes something that can be passed down. Not money, not property, something more. The ability to look at your children, your nieces and nephews, or your friends’ children and say your life will be bigger than mine. And really mean it. That’s what I think about when I hear “Wheels of a Dream” from my favorite musical, Ragtime. Coalhouse and Sarah standing over their son, imagining a road that opens up for him in a way it never quite opened for them. It’s not a protest song, it’s not an anthem, it’s a glimpse into the future. Two parents daring to hope out loud that the child they’re singing to grows up and the road is real, that’s the America still worth dreaming about.

Sarah Hall: To me, I hope the American Dream will become one of strength, equality, and one where everyone can live in harmony. Every person should get the opportunity to live a successful and fulfilling life without barriers standing in their way. A song about America that encompasses this dream is “This Land is Your Land.” This song holds to the belief that America is made for everyone and there should be no barriers and a place of opportunity for all.

Martin Bestimt said, “What I hope for America is, it returns to a land that governs and grows based on what is right and good, not who has the power and how they keep it.”

Abigail Mitchell stated that her hope is for it to become, “a reality for those that are often forgotten and overlooked by society. I think that “This Land is Your Land” is a wonderful song that really encompasses what America should be. I also have fond memories singing that song in elementary school!”

Eric Yeh told us, “That with respect to what I hope the American Dream will become: I hope that everything calms down in general and people are able to be nicer to each other. I hope people can rediscover the greatness we have all around the country. The song “New York” from the show Two Strangers makes me happy. When you listen to it, you get to experience how someone not from America could love it so much, seeing it for the first time.”

Kelly Dobkins says, “I hope we can get back to the American Dream of hope and equality instead of where we are now.” Her song: Not Ready To Make Nice by the Dixie Chicks.

Harry Davis said, “I hope the American Dream will turn again toward equal justice across class lines, that those people who have the most will be held to account just the same as those who have the least.” The song, American Tune, by Paul Simon, carries that meaning.

Jonathan Greene believes “the American Dream should be the idea that everyone in the country receives equal access to a meritocracy that provides the potential to create a better life. A life devoid of the fear of not having a place to live or be what you want to be. A life filled with the security that anyone can have access to opportunities that allow them to provide for their loved ones. A life where when and where you are born do not determine how and when you live… and die.” The song that encompasses his dream is Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind.

First up Neal, the talented composer and writer of French Cupcakes likes a simple baguette. “It always reminds me of the summer I spent after college busking on the streets of Paris. I’d make enough money playing and singing to buy a baguette and bottle of wine, which I would consume with friends by the Eiffel Tower.”

Michael, our director, says his favorite café beverage is a pumpkin spice latte, and his favorite pastry is a warm apple turnover. “I love them because they both have those cozy fall flavors—cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple—that instantly make me feel like the season has arrived.” While John says his favorite pastry is a chocolate croissant and his favorite beverage is a vanilla latte.

Say hello to Paul, our musical director, who doesn’t really go to cafes. He doesn’t like coffee all that much. He explains, “When I did get coffee from a cafe, I’d get triple or quadruple espressos. Then I got old. If I did that now, I’d feel like I was dying. The best cafe pastry I ever had was a croissant in New York City. I loved it almost as much as musical theater.” Kevin, ensemble/customer, declares his favorite café beverage is a black medium roast coffee. When not on Weightwatchers, his favorite pastry is a ham & cheese croissant.

Leah, our amazing stage manager’s favorite/go to cafe beverage is an iced caramel macchiato. “I love to give it a vigorous shake/stir and watch the colors change while mixing in all the flavors.” She likes to pair it with a pain au chocolate (chocolate croissant). “When done right, you get a sweet chocolate surprise with every bite.” Maria, Barista 3, even has a favorite place to get her favorites. “My favorite treat is a sweet and flaky apple Chausson with café au lait from Boulangerie Christophe (Georgetown).”

Cathy, who plays Dana, the Big Bean Rep, loves a Pink Drink. She knows it isn’t a normal café drink, but not being a coffee or tea drinker, it is her go-to! Pastries are another story; she loves a warm, buttery croissant. Maureen, Barista One, says, “My fave “go-to” at a coffee shop is black coffee and a cake pop – cuz sometimes I’m 68 and sometimes I’m 8. And sometimes two things can be true, haha!”

Steven, ensemble/customer, will take a double decaf espresso, shaken, not stirred, along with a Chocolate babka with a side of ruggelach and a cheese Danish. Make that two; they’re small. Elizabeth, ensemble/customer, loves to sit in a quiet coffee shop and read a book, with a café latte and a scone, ideally cinnamon! Jack, ensemble/customer’s favorite cafe beverage is decaf coffee with cream and sugar, and plenty of it with a croissant au chocolat (Heaven!). “Occasionally, I’ll have a cappuccino after a meal. As to coffee, it’s not about the caffeinated charge, it’s about the flavor and aroma, so soothing, comforting.”

Catherine, Barista Two, changes her favorites based on the season. “During the summer, I love a vanilla & lavender iced latte. At first I thought lavender syrup sounded bizarre, but when it’s done right and not overpowering, it’s refreshing. When it starts to get cold, I am obsessed with peppermint mochas with oat milk. I think my family had an intervention last year with how many times I was making them. It’s also one of the only things I enjoy cocoa in. Weirdly, I’m not a huge chocolate fan. As far as a pastry goes, I’ll never turn down a cheese Danish. It’s not overly sweet and I’ll eat anything with the word ‘cheese’ in the description.” Stephanie, ensemble/customer’s favorite café beverage is anything decaf with a hazelnut swirl. It seems hazelnut is her favorite flavor!

The favorite cafe order of Camilla, who plays Tina, is a latte paired with an almond croissant, “as it reminds me of my time growing up in Paris.” Charlie, ensemble/customer, has, by her own admission, a huge, sweet tooth, so she always goes for a cafe mocha, and a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant!)

Introducing Brett, who plays Bridget. She says her favorite cafe drink might seem boring, but it’s a classic—she loves an iced latte! “For a real treat, I’ll add a warm, slightly gooey chocolate croissant, or a pain au chocolat, as les francais would say.” Our choreographer, Catherine, prefers a cafe latte + biscotti. “It reminds me of a trip to Tuscany and embracing the Italian coffee culture of sitting and enjoying the coffee instead of taking it to-go.”

Aref, who plays Pierre, our French chef, prefers a short, sugar-free almond, whole milk, no water chai tea latte with a feta and spinach croissant. “I like chai tea latte more than chai masala because I like sweet but not too sweet. The croissant with feta and spinach makes me feel quasi-healthy. And I have the answer when they say they do not have whole milk. “No problem: half two-percent and half half-and-half.”

Sharen Camille has directed dozens of musicals ranging from The Secret Garden, The Music Man, Seussical, Guys and Dolls and many others. Recently, she traveled the national film festival circuit with her award-winning documentary Alice in Covidland about a local ballet company. Sharen is perhaps best known as an actor for her portrayal of Maria in West Side Story in the National and European Tours, and her Off-Broadway turn in NY in The Fantasticks as The Girl. Her versatility led to successful performances in Opera, Musical Theatre, Film and TV She is a proud graduate of the Musical Theatre program from the University of Michigan and a member of the actor’s unions SAG/AFTRA and AEA. She enjoys being creative any way she can as a director, voice teacher, actor, filmmaker and editor, or hosting the podcast Six Degrees of Broadway. She is the Artistic Director of Footlight Players and the founder of the Camille Coloratura Awards. www.SharenCamille.com

This is Maureen Freshour’s second show with Bethesda Little Theatre! After closing a thrilling Bacharach Makes the Music Cabaret with Bethesda Little Theatre, she dove right into Got It Good! Maureen recently appeared locally as the Balladeer in Sondheim’s Assassins and the Narrator in Abdication. Her Motto: “Create Some Thing Every Day!”

Jenny Gleason is proud to make her Bethesda Little Theatre debut! You may recognize her from the many roles she has played with Rockville Musical Theatre and Silver Spring Stage.

Arthur Glover has been performing with Bethesda Little Theatre since 2016. He’s even directed his own show and co-directed a holiday show or two. He currently serves on the BLT Board of Directors as the Treasurer and assists on the marketing team. This is Arthur’s first cabaret and he’s looking forward to showcasing his songs and being the best back-up singer to this fine group of professionals. Arthur is supported by his wonderful wife of 45 years, Carole Glover.

Having been away from theater for a few years, Beatrice Ieronimo is very excited to be back and joining the cast of Got it Good! She loves to sing and when not singing likes to spend time writing and sketching.

Stephanie Levin is not only making her Bethesda Little Theatre debut but also her debut into DMV community theatre. In fact, this will be her first community theatre production since seventh grade. 

John Christopher Lynch is making his Bethesda Little Theatre debut! He has performed with the Theatre Lab, Silver Spring Stage, Greenbelt Arts Center, and Montgomery Playhouse. He is excited to play the kind of role he hasn’t played in a while and bring Charlie to life.

Audrey Mollo is ecstatic to be sharing this show with you everyone! This is her first show after high school, and she is so happy to be doing it with these other incredible actors. Even if it is her first since high school, she is no stranger to the local community theatre scene. You may have caught her with The Vienna Youth Players or Stagecoach Theatre.

Joshua Pinchback is a senior in high school, and he’s super excited to be doing his first original production. He has been acting for about 8 years and is having a great time!

This is Amanda Jasmine Rollins’ second show with Bethesda Little Theatre! One of Amanda’s proudest moments was playing Ms. Pennywise in a college production of Urinetown. She has performed in productions from Japan to Los Angeles and back to Bethesda!

Caroline Smith DeWaal, while new to Bethesda Little Theatre, is not new to theatre. Having performed a variety of roles, she is excited to see this original production come to life!

Charlie Tell is appearing in her first show with Bethesda Little Theatre. While she has done her share of theatre productions she also loves voice acting and can be heard as ‘Stardust’ in the animated series Shattered Stars on YouTube!

Jen Biddison placed first in her category during the 2024 National Association of Teachers of Singing Mid-Atlantic Region Student Auditions. She enjoys performing sacred, musical theatre, and patriotic songs for churches and community events. You can find her on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram at @JenBiddison. She would like to thank God, her family, Cathy, Jeff & BLT for this opportunity.

Maureen Freshour is so excited to be making her debut with Bethesda Little Theatre!  Maureen recently appeared locally as the Balladeer in Sondheim’s Assassins and the Narrator in Abdication. Memorable other shows include: Pump Boys & Dinettes, Nunsense, Grease, Secret Garden, and Damn Yankees. Being a pastor, singer/songwriter, jingle writer, fitness instructor/choreographer, and being a former drama teacher/director have driven her lifelong search for creative outlets. Longwood University (1979 Theater/English) prepared her, life honed her. Motto: “Create Some Thing Every Day!” 

Arthur Glover has been performing with Bethesda Little Theatre since 2016. He’s even directed his own show and co-directed a holiday show or two. He currently serves on the BLT Board of Directors as the Treasurer and assists on the marketing team. This is Arthur’s first cabaret and he’s looking forward to showcasing his songs and being the best back-up singer to this fine group of professionals. Arthur is supported by his wonderful wife of 45 years, Carole Glover. Thank you, Cathy and Jeff, for choosing great songs for me.

Jay Gutzwiller is thrilled to participate in his first show with BLT. He began performing in school and community theater productions during high school and college in Cincinnati, Ohio. More recently he has enjoyed singing with the folk band at his church in Silver Spring, and jamming out to classic and Latin rock with his good friends. During the day, Jay works for an international nonprofit managing development and humanitarian assistance programs overseas. He’s had a blast getting to know this talented cast, and he is grateful for his family’s support over the past few months.

Jeffrey Hayes is a solo pianist and accompanist in the Washington DC area since 1980. 
Highlights are: Census Chorale (1981 – 2013); Naval Research Lab’s Showboaters (Once Upon a Matttress); Corkran Players (six Gilbert and Sullivan operas); Ruby Glitz Trio (best selling cassette “Live”, international conventions in Cleveland and Chicago); Duo Classico (concerts at Decatur House and with New York Philharmonic violinist Gabriel Banat at Christ Church Alexandria); international song stylist Louise de Simone (CD…feeling fancy free); Bethesda Little Theatre (musical revues 2012 – 2022 and Bond to Bacharach cabaret series); Sapphires (seven themed cabarets); Mini-Musicals on the Move (West Side Story, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins,The Music Man, six cabarets); hotel lounges (ANA, Monarch, Fairmont, Park Hyatt, three Ritz-Carltons); private parties, anniversaries, and weddings (too many to count).  He was honored as the Black Tie Arts Management’s Artist of the Year (1997). He developed, wrote, and is currently presenting an autobiographical cabaret “Once Upon a Time on Washington’s Finest Pianos.”

Laura Holmes, a seasoned member of BLT since 1994, has directed nine shows and performed in 15 BLT revues. In addition to her theatrical endeavors, she lends her voice to the harmonies of The Sapphires singing group, performing across the DMV area. During the day, Laura works at a non-profit organization, blending her passion for the arts with community service.

David Kimmelman, since relocating to the DMV area almost 8 years ago, has portrayed Colonel Jessup in “A Few Good Men” at LTA, Mr. Dussell in “Diary of Anne Frank” at RLT, and Isaac in “Disgraced” in Greenbelt. A 1981 graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, he has appeared on Days of our Lives, and has performed in over 60 plays and musicals nationally since he was 8 years old. Some favorite roles include: Russ/Dan in “Clybourne Park”, Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof”, McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest”, Mathias in “My Old Lady”, and multiple roles in “The Laramie Project”. David thanks his wife Nina, his daughters, and his entire family for their love and support. 

Cathy McCoskey is thrilled to be directing her fourth show for BLT. She has performed in thirteen productions with them. When not performing with BLT she is busy as their marketing director, performing and directing with Mini-Musicals on the Move, and performing with the Sapphires. She also enjoys performing with other local community theatres when the opportunity arises. She can often be spotted at a local preschool with energetic preschool children! In her spare time she enjoys rare evenings at home with her husband, walks with friends, and traveling with her husband and two grown children.

Carolyn Oxenford sang mostly in the shower until her kids left home, and she decided to try singing in public. Since then, she has performed with Levine Music Theatre, Bethesda Little Theatre, Mini-Musicals on the Move, the St. Andrew’s Players, and Senza Nome Women’s Chorus. Currently, she can often be heard singing classic musical theatre tunes at senior facilities around the DMV, and jazz with Capital City Voices. She is excited to be back in a BLT show after several years away.