Cheaper by the Dozen - Union street Players in Pella, IA - 2008

Cheaper by the Dozen 2008

Cheaper by the Dozen is based on the true story of Frank Gilbreth, who pioneered time motion study in the 1920s. Believing that everything could be done faster, more efficiently, and more productively, Gilbreth tested his theories in his own home with his 12 children. The play was based on the memoirs of his own children. It is a heartwarming story in which an ailing Gilbreth must come to terms with the coming-of-age of his own daughter.

Directed by Anne McCullough Kelly

Cast Members


Mr. Gilbreth (Dad)
Mark Moreland
Mrs. Gilbreth (Mother) Rebecca Claus
Anne Liz Core
Ernestine Madison Vander Well
Martha Jalissa Morgan
Frank Jacob Martin
Bill – Jacob Cowman
Lillian Megan Atkins
Fred Caleb Blom
Dan Calvin VanDonselaar
Jackie – Ridge McGinley
Dr. Burton Tom Vander Well
Ms. Brill Lisa Morgan
Mrs. Fitzgerald – Jana De Zwarte
Larry – Dan Fynaardt
Joe Scales Sam Palmer

Usp cheaper by the dozen 1208 1
Mark Moreland (right) plays Frank B. Gilbreth and Jana DeZwarte (left) plays Mrs. Fitzgerald in USP’s production of Cheaper by the Dozen.

Union Street Players closed the curtain on Cheaper by the Dozen for the last time on Sunday, December 7, 2008. The successful production, helmed by first-time director Ann McCullough Kelly, was very well received by audiences!

Attendance figures for the four-show run were:
Thursday, December 4: 144
Friday, December 5: 241
Saturday, December 6: 191
Sunday, December 7: 161
Total: 737