Real Life Nieces to Uncle Sam (Little Colonel Players)
- stagedoorlouisville
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
Decision Height
Written by Meredith Dayna Levy
Directed by Michelle Lori
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
As men were sent to front lines to defend America during World War Two, women remained at home. Some raised families, some just waited. Some women did their part and joined the fight against global tyranny. Decision Height with The Little Colonel Players tells the story of Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP. These women chose a path of difficulty yet great successes. This production celebrates the stories of women who risked so much and supported each other in flight.
The production contains a large cast of female actors. Virginia played by Ava Marcella narrates the journey through basic training to first flight through her letters to her reluctant fiancé. A hopeful and convincing portrayal, Marcella’s Virginia is an every-woman with something to prove to the unsupportive men in her life. With narrations of the regimented days in training and learning how to fly, Marcella’s heartfelt performance provides a sincere tone to the hard work needed to reach goals of flight.
Virginia is not alone in her goals to become a WASP. She is joined by five other women with similar dreams. Jesse Rebecca Pavlovic’s Norma Jean serves as leader to this Bay 17 as she rises above her frills yet never afraid to speak her mind. Kez Morse-Blair’s Eddie finds herself at odds with Norma Jean. A scrappy rule breaker, Morse-Blair gives a bold performance as she stops at nothing to fight the Axis powers in support of her brother.
While the eclectic team of women shares a bunk in Bay 17, the five WASP hopefuls establish a bond as contracts are made based on respect and trust. Ava Marcella’s Virginia is an optimistic light among the nervous pilots in training. Grace Hartman’s Carol, better known as Shrimp, has natural timing as the comedic relief of the show, as she forgets her glasses and refers to her siblings as monsters. Hannah Jones Thomas’ Alice faces difficult choices and is met with disagreement. Thomas does well to stay true to her conviction without unwavering or regrets. Stephanie Zoeller Hall brings a relatable anxious nature to her performance of Rosalie. Her worries of passing to further training are realistic as the steaks grow larger, providing a sadder conclusion for such a likeable portrayal.
The Little Colonel stage contains a set design where benches are moved and stacked to look like bunks, swimming holes and class rooms. Rolling chairs are effectively maneuvered with miming as each hopeful WASP trains for flight. In moments of scene changes and transitions, a chorus of six women from Bay 26 march and sing Armed Forces standards like “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” I Don't Want No More of Army Life” and the “Marine’s Hymn.” These musical breaks help establish a patriotic tone that reminds you that these women are here to serve. Erika Wardlow’s provides a by-the-book no nonsense portrayal of Mrs. Deaton, channeling the strict guide lines needed to serve. Alternately, Christine Bellehelen’s passionate Ziggie is a spit fire flight instructor with a love of aviation as she boldly delivers her “why do you fly” speeches.
Like so many stories in American history, the Women Airforce Service Pilots are not widely known. Decision Height respectfully shines a spotlight on those who showed up and defied odds and gravity. And the production with the Little Colonel Players is a fitting tribute to these women.
Decision Height
The Little Colonel Players
April 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 pm
April 19, 26 at 2:00 pm
The Little Colonel Playhouse
302 Mount Mercy Dr
Pewee Valley, KY 40056
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