As we continue our journey of innovation and creativity, we shine the spotlight on Liz Boyer Hunnicutt, our esteemed director for The Court Jesters. Liz’s trailblazing approach and unique perspective are set to elevate our young actors’ experiences to new heights. She brings a wealth of creativity, insight, and innovative storytelling to the stage, inspiring and captivating children through her productions. Join us as we celebrate Liz’s leadership and the fresh energy she brings, furthering our transformative journey and marking a new chapter in Cockpit’s history.
Liz Boyer-Hunnicutt
Director for Disney’s NEWSIES The Musical
Liz’s passion for theatre ignited during her high school days under the guidance of Drama Teacher Jack Delaney. It was Delaney who kindled the flame within her, fostering a profound love for the stage and its myriad expressions. This initial spark led Liz to pursue further studies at CCBC Essex, where she delved deeper into the art of performance. Her thirst for knowledge then propelled her to The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, NY, where she refined her skills and embraced the vibrant theatre culture of the city. Returning to her roots, Liz delved into the local theatre scene, where she gleaned invaluable experience under the mentorship of esteemed directors such as F. Scott Black, Todd Pearthree, Diane Smith, Judy Shannon, Eric Potter, Tom Wyatt and especially Linda Chambers.
She performed at the F. Scott Black’s Dinner Theatre, was a company member for The Musical Theatre Machine and taught a Drama Club at The Calvert School for twenty years. Her theatrical journey also took her overseas, performing in Japan and Odessa as part of the cast of Godspell.
Her tenure at Cockpit began in 1986 with Dark of the Moon on the courtyard stage, where she portrayed Greeney Gorman. Liz cherished numerous roles during her time at Cockpit, including Eva Peron in Evita, Paula in The Goodbye Girl, Mrs. Johnstone in Blood Brothers, Vera in Mame, Ms. Pennywise in Urinetowe, Carmen in Curtains, Lenny in Crimes of the Heart, Marjorie in The Tale of The Allergist’s Wife, Nell in The Gazebo, Betty Blake in The Will Rogers Follies, Sonia in Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike, Juanita in Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean and Shirley in Disaster! The Musical. In 2011, Liz began directing for The Court Jesters at Cockpit in Court, starting with Camp Rock! Since then, she has directed ten shows, including the last season’s Matilda Jr.
Beyond Cockpit, Liz has tackled memorable roles such as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Lizzie in The Rainmaker, Mary in Merrily We Roll Along, Rose in Gypsy, Mona in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Sally Bowles in Cabaret and Sarah Jane Moore in Assassins.
Liz’s journey took a new turn in 2001 when her old friend Diane Smith, artistic director for Children’s Playhouse of MD in residence on the CCBC Essex campus, invited her to become the resident director. Together, they’ve nurtured young performers through 24 successful seasons.
Cockpit holds a very special place in Liz’s heart, as it was where she met the love of her life, James Hunnicutt, during a production of Evita in 1987. They’ve been together since 1988. He brings happiness and laughter to her life every single day.
For in the world of theatre, the greatest reward of all is the opportunity to inspire, to uplift, and to ignite the spark of creativity in the hearts of young performers. It is Liz’s absolute joy to have this job!
See Disney’s NEWSIES The Musical June 21 – 30 at Cockpit in Court, CCBC Essex, Administration Bldg, Lecture Hall
Performances:
June 21, 28 at 7 p.m.; June 22, 23, 29, 30 at 1 p.m.
Tickets:
$10 General Admission. Purchase tickets online at www.ccbctickets or call the Box Office at 443-840-ARTS.
