Episode Summary

Host Janet Michael visits Winchester Little Theatre to preview their upcoming production "Decision Height," opening March 13th. This powerful play tells the overlooked story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II—courageous women who left everything to fly military planes and free up male pilots for combat. Director Theresa Apple and cast members share insights into bringing these real historical figures to life during Women's History Month, discussing their research process, military training exercises, and the bonds they've formed as an all-female ensemble.

Guests: Tim Bambera (Publicity Director), Theresa Apple (Director), Ella Drury, Lyla Samet, Shelby Brown, Ash James (Cast Members)

Production Details & Ticket Information

• Show dates: March 13-28, 2025
• Ticket prices: Adults $25, Seniors $23, Students $18
• IMPORTANT: Only purchase tickets from winchesterlittletheatre.org
• Warning about third-party ticket resellers

The Story Behind Decision Height

• Who were the WASPs?
• 25,000 applied, only 1,100 accepted
• 38 killed during service
• 40 years to receive military recognition

Director Theresa Apple on the Production

• Research at the National WASP Museum in Sweetwater, Texas
• Authentic set design with replica WWII cockpits
• Drill sergeant training on audition day
• Teaching young actors about 1940s women's comportment

Meet the Cast: Ella Drury (Alice Hawkins)

• Playing a maternal figure in the group
• First all-female cast experience
• Watching documentaries and video interviews with real WASPs
• The pressure and honor of portraying real historical figures

Lyla Samet (Carol Henderson)

• Playing the youngest, most energetic character
• How she and Ella met at the theater doing "Alice in Wonderland"
• Carol's backstory: Oklahoma farm girl whose mother left
• First main stage audition experience

Shelby Brown (Mildred Simmons)

• Creating a distinctive voice for her character
• Coming from a military family and being a history buff
• Knowledge of the British Spitfires (precursor to WASPs)
• Building character depth beyond the script

Ash James (Edith "Eddie" Harknell)

• Playing a tomboy character who grew up with all men
• Personal connection: grew up with brothers, played sports
• The rarity of non-feminine female roles
• Emotional reflection on female service members' discrimination

Cast Bonding & Ensemble Building

• Deliberately spending time together outside rehearsals
• Mirroring the real WASPs' journey from strangers to family
• How relationships evolve throughout the show
• The importance of authentic connections on stage

Special Events & Upcoming Productions

• March 15th: Special talkback with author Patricia O'Connell Pearson ("Fly Girls: The Daring American Women Pilots Who Helped Win WWII")
• April 3rd: Illusionist Ryan Schaffer (family-friendly, 50/50 door split)
• May 15-30: "Calendar Girls" (auditions March 22-23)
• WLT Kids 2026: "Three Musketeers" (June 20-27) & "James and the Giant Peach Jr." (July 18-25)

Resources & Links

Winchester Little Theatre:

• Website: winchesterlittletheatre.org
• Phone: 540-662-3331
• Box Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays, 4-6 PM
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winlit
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winchesterlittletheatre

Production Information:

• "Decision Height" runs March 13-28, 2025
• 93% sold out as of recording
• Opening night sold out
• Join waiting list for sold-out shows by calling the box office

About the WASPs

The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) served from 1942-1944, flying every type of military aircraft to free male pilots for combat duty. Despite their service:

• They were not recognized as military until 1977 (President Jimmy Carter)
• Full military benefits not granted until 2009 (President Barack Obama)
• Congressional Medal of Honor awarded in 2010
• Museum located in Sweetwater, Texas at the original Avenger Field training site