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

Winchester Little Theatre: Decision Height