Lillian Darling as Aunt Patsy, Dixie, Molly Lamont
As a child, Lillian performed in her family’s famed traveling circus act, The Daring Darlings, where she held her own (and others') as the bottom corner of a five-person pyramid. From those humble beginnings, Lillian rose through the ranks of the circus world to emerge as one of New York City’s most exciting contortionist and fire-dancing performers in the early 1930s.
Lillian’s thirst for thrills and danger eventually led her to train with various French surrealist theatre troupes, most notably performing in The Trojan War Will Not Take Place, Or, Never mind the Horse directed by Louis Jouvet. Learning through her work with Jules Romains the tenant of Theatre of the Absurd: “Words fail to express the essence of human experience, not being able to penetrate beyond its surface,” Lillian began to experiment with other sounds as means to communicate. After spending two years at a Benedictine Abbey communicating only with a pair of spoons and a feather, Lillian chanced upon Mother Superior listening to a sinfully entertaining episode of Amos n’ Andy, and had an epiphany: the ultimate fusion of her all skills was obviously Radio! Lillian signed on two Sundays later as Foley Artist at the village’s local radio station, and has never looked back.
Lillian’s thirst for thrills and danger eventually led her to train with various French surrealist theatre troupes, most notably performing in The Trojan War Will Not Take Place, Or, Never mind the Horse directed by Louis Jouvet. Learning through her work with Jules Romains the tenant of Theatre of the Absurd: “Words fail to express the essence of human experience, not being able to penetrate beyond its surface,” Lillian began to experiment with other sounds as means to communicate. After spending two years at a Benedictine Abbey communicating only with a pair of spoons and a feather, Lillian chanced upon Mother Superior listening to a sinfully entertaining episode of Amos n’ Andy, and had an epiphany: the ultimate fusion of her all skills was obviously Radio! Lillian signed on two Sundays later as Foley Artist at the village’s local radio station, and has never looked back.
Claxton Beauregard Jackson VI as Daniel Leeson and Multiple Roles
The son of six generations of aristocratic cotton planters, Claxton Beauregard Jackson, VI, was reared in Yoknapatawpha County, Mississippi. He is right pleased that his burgeoning career on the radio makes use of the one true talent the good Lord blessed him with — talking in funny voices. Deemed medically ineligible for war service (trick hip-socket), Claxton was enrolled by his daddy at Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi. En route to his freshman year, Claxton got a bit lost and somehow ended up in Oxford, England. After some persuasion, the jolly ole dons of the University consented to educate Claxton in his chosen field of dramatic arts. While he admits that some of the high-falutin Oxford learning didn’t take, Claxton beams with pride remembering the Dean’s parting words to him: “My dear boy, it is with great sadness I must conclude that we’ve done all we can for you. Now, you mustspread your wings, alight, and fly — far from these hallowed halls. Far, far… very, very, very far away.” With that, Claxton pointed his internal compass toward the lights of Manhattan. Nonetheless, he arrived. Claxton has now performed in plays (Too Back, Oh Road; Perchance to Scream), sung in musical comedies (Hayride for Horace, A Brazilian Is One Too Many!), and starred in his trilogy of autobiographical works (Rebel in the Dust, A Southern Rain, Why Is That Rebel So Muddy?) Now, he aims to serve as part of the fine GRT ensemble. As his maternal grandfather, the renowned mathematician Burnside Sartoris Lee, would say, “Truly, we will be divided by nothing. And while we may not be victors in the end, at worst, we’ll be undefined.”
Charles Napier In Multiple Roles
Charles was born in North Umbridge and was raised in various North Country towns. Started at South Bristol Repertory theater for 3 seasons, starring in several classic comedies most notably What the Butler Didn’t Hear! Several seasons at various Rep theaters followed then came his big break, Standing by for Noel Coward in the The Vortex in the West End. Charles next break was One season at the Royal Shakespeare Company working with John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson. Then His next break came while visiting his dear friend Arthur Treacher out in Hollywood. Arthur broke his leg just as he was about begin filming with Americas number one star, that little long haired beauty...Lassie. By a great stroke of luck Charles was there to replace Arthur and was already off book, having read the script while staying at Arthur's. The doors to many Studios opened for Charles and he did many classic Short films for RKO, WARNER BROS. and MGM. Working with the likes of Rex the Wonder Dog, RinTinTin, Asta, and Nelson Eddy. With RKO Charles appeared in the very successful series of short films called Cheeves and Rooster (Not Jeeves). The fun misadventures of a British butler who has to work on a farm with a talking rooster. Charles has appeared recently with the USO/Bond drive campaign all across America holding the leash of Fowler, FDR's Scottish terrier. Charles has appeared with GRT in Hound of The Baskervilles, Fallen Angels, Holiday and their recent Christmas Pageant. He would like to thank GOTHAM RADIO THEATRE for casting him opposite real people (the talking/singing reindeer in the last show doesn't count). Enjoy the show!
Directed and Adapted for Radio by Sydnie Gale
Sydnie Gale began her career as a stage manager, most notably for Sarah Bernhardt's American tour. Miss Bernhardt brought her back to France, but not knowing the language Miss Gale moved to London. She spent the next few years touring with plays by Shaw and Wilde. While working with the Gaiety Players she was asked to direct Shaw's The Philanderer. The tour was a great success and she became the company's regular director bringing some American plays into their repertoire. In 1928 the Gaiety Players toured the United States and Miss Gale decided to stay. She directed for The Theatre Guild bringing the works of Shaw, Molnar and Pirandello to the American Stage. As radio became more popular she often adapted her productions for broadcast. Miss Gale has been the primary director for Gotham Radio Theatre and is delighted to be continuing her work with with this adaptation of Sherlock Holmes.