2016
71 easo n s st
Nunsense
Jeeves Intervenes
Pageant
June 10-19
June 24-July 17
June 25-July 15
Valet with a mission
Irreverent fun with nuns
Find your inner beauty queen
Rated PG
Rated PG
Rated PG-13
MUSICAL COMEDY
COMEDY
The Addams Family July 22-Aug 7 MUSICAL
MUSICAL COMEDY
Shipwrecked: An Entertainment
August 12-21 COMEDY
Ooky, kooky and magnificently macabre
Adventure on the high seas
Rated PG
Rated PG
www.BlackHillsPlayhouse.com
Theatre is about capturing moments: things we wished we’d said, heartaches that havent’t healed, and the thrill of the unknown. Theatre was created to tell the truth about life.
Table of Contents Season at a Glance........................................5 Calendar........................................................6 Director Messages........................................9 Doc K Dedication........................................ 11 Sponsors.....................................................13 Board of Directors......................................16 BHP History................................................ 17 BHP Mission/Values..................................18 How to Donate............................................19 BHP Alumni Association............................19 Jeeves Intervenes...................................... 20 Nunsense................................................... 22 Pageant...................................................... 24
The Addams Family..................................... 26 Shipwrecked!............................................... 28 BHP Education Programs........................... 30 Dakota Players..............................................31 Management................................................ 32 Actors........................................................... 36 Designers/Directors/Creative......................41 Production Team......................................... 45 Musicians..................................................... 49 Customer Service......................................... 50 Camp Support...............................................51 Special Thanks............................................. 53 BHP Theatre Etiquette................................ 54
www.blackhillsplayhouse.com (605) 255-4141 • (855) 584-4141 The Black Hills Playhouse is a not-for-profit organization with a 501 c 3 status with the Internal Revenue Service. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
The P lays
Season At A Glance
Jeeves Intervenes June 10-19 Adapted by Margaret Raether from the stories of P.G. Wodehouse
Rated PG
1920s high-society London is once again thrown into chaos by hapless playboy Bertie Wooster, this time in cahoots with his old school chum Eustace Bassington-Bassington. The two hatch a brilliant plan to dupe their meddling relatives in order to save Bertie from an undesired marriage and Eustace from an unwanted job in India. But will the ever-faithful manservant Jeeves be able to rescue these bumbling fools from themselves? A delightful romp full of deception and disguise.
Nunsense June 24-July 17 Book, Music & Lyrics by Dan Goggin
Rated PG
The hilarious plot of this musical comedy revolves around a variety show fundraiser (on a stage set up for the 8th grade production of "Grease") by the Little Sisters of Hoboken in dire need of money to bury 52 sisters, accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). Funny, irreverent, featuring star turns with tap, ballet dancing, an audience quiz, and comic surprises.
Pageant June 25-July 15
Book & Lyrics by Bill Russell and Frank Kelly Music by Albert Evans Conceived by Robert Longbottom
Rated PG-13
Like no beauty pageant you’ve ever seen before, six contestants (all played by men) vying for the title of Miss Glamouresse, compete in swimsuit, talent, gown and spokesmodel categories. This hilariously fun musical is Miss America meets Kinky Boots. Judges selected from the audience get to pick the winner—so no performance is ever the same and the suspense is real!
The Addams Family July 22-August 7 Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams
Rated PG
The weird and wonderful Addams Family comes to life in this new Broadway musical. It's every parent's nightmare as Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.
Shipwrecked! An Entertainment August 12-21
by Donald Margulies
Rated PG
The adventurous Louis de Rougemont invites you to hear his amazing story of bravery, survival, and celebrity that left nineteenth-century England spellbound. Dare to be whisked away in a story of the high seas, populated by exotic islanders, flying wombats, giant sea turtles, and a monstrous man-eating octopus. This show examines how far we're willing to blur the line between fact and fiction in order to leave our mark on the world.
Special Events Black Hills All Stars Concert Friday, June 3, 7:30 pm Saturday, June 4 at 2:00 & 7:30 pm Tickets $20 in advance, $25 day of show Featuring Jami Lynn, Paul Larson and Gordy Pratt with Kenny Putman. 90 minute concert; all music, great variety. Fundraiser for BHP artistic programs.
Tatanka Teaser Sunday, June 5, 2:00 pm Sneak peek review of the 2016 company featuring comedy, music and monologue excerpts by our enthusiastic actors.
Celebrate Opening Nights at the BHP • Jeeves Intervenes - Friday, June 10 • Nunsense - Friday, June 24 • Pageant - Saturday, June 25 • The Addams Family - Friday, July 22 • Shipwrecked! An Entertainment Friday, August 12 Picnic & concession offerings starting at 5:30 pm Free Artist Talks beginning at 6:30pm Join the BHP company for a reception in Haberman Hall following the performance. Events sponsored by Prairie Berry Winery.
Meet Bill Russell Sunday, June 26, After the Matinee Tickets: $25 This season the Black Hills Playhouse is thrilled to be working with celebrated Broadway lyricist and playwright, Bill Russell (Side Show). Bill sits on the BHP Artistic Advisory Board and is directing Pageant during the 2016 Season. Bill is co-author of the book and lyrics with Frank Kelly. A VIP reception will be held in Bill's honor after the matinee performance of Pageant on Sunday, June 26 after the show. Come out for beverages and light hors d'oeuvres and a talk by Bill about his journey from South Dakota to Broadway. Tickets are $25 with net proceeds from the event benefiting education programs of the BHP.
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605.716.0520 1113 St. Joseph Street Rapid City, SD 57701
237 N. 6th Street Custer, SD 57730
Sunday
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4
Tatanka Teaser
12
2:00pm-Jeeves
19 2:00pm-Jeeves
26
MONDAYS ARE DARK
JUNE
5 2pm
2:00pm-Pageant Meet Bill Russell Reception
7:30pm BHP All-Stars
2:00pm & 7:30pm BHP All-Stars
7 8 9 10 11 7:30pm-Jeeves
7:30pm-Jeeves
14 15 16 17 18 7:30pm-Jeeves
2:00pm-Jeeves 7:30pm-Jeeves
7:30pm-Jeeves
7:30pm-Jeeves
7:30pm-Jeeves
21 22 23 24 25 7:30pm-Nunsense
28 7:30pm-Nunsense
29
2:00pm-Nunsense 7:30pm-Pageant
7:30pm-Pageant
30 7:30pm-Pageant
7:30pm-Pageant
1
2 7:30pm-Nunsense
MONDAYS ARE DARK
JULY
3 2:00pm-Nunsense
10 2:00pm-Pageant
17 2:00pm-Nunsense
24 2:00pm-Addams
14
2:00pm-Shipwrecked
2:00pm-Pageant 7:30pm-Nunsense
7:30pm-Nunsense
7:30pm-Nunsense
7:30pm-Pageant
12 13 14 15 16 7:30pm-Nunsense
2:00pm-Nunsense 7:30pm-Pageant
7:30pm-Pageant
7:30pm-Pageant
7:30pm-Nunsense
19 20 21 22 23 7:30pm-Addams
7:30pm-Addams
26 27 28 29 30 2:00pm-Addams 7:30pm-Addams
7:30pm-Addams
7:30pm-Addams
7:30pm-Addams
2 3 4 5 6 7:30pm-Addams
MONDAYS ARE DARK
AUGUST
2:00pm-Addams
2:00pm-Addams
7:30pm-Pageant
7:30pm-Addams
31
7
5 6 7 8 9
2:00pm-Addams 7:30pm-Addams
7:30pm-Addams
7:30pm-Addams
7:30pm-Addams
9 10 11 12 13 7:30pm-Shipwrecked 7:30pm-Shipwrecked
16 17 18 19 20 2:00pm-Shipwrecked
7:30pm-Shipwrecked
7:30pm-Shipwrecked
7:30pm-Shipwrecked 7:30pm-Shipwrecked
7:30pm-Shipwrecked
21
23 24 25 26 27
28
30 31
2:00pm-Shipwrecked
Kids Go Free
Tours
Artist Talks
Opening Night Reception
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Welcome to the 71st Season From the Artistic Director.. Welcome to the Black Hills Playhouse and another great season of theatre. It is our goal to bring you the best theatre experience we can, and every year we do our best to bring the talent together to make it happen. Preparation and hiring for this year started last summer after we had selected the season, and it starts with those who have worked for us before. We have several people who have returned for many seasons, and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and hard work. These talented designers, directors, actors, and technicians help make the summer run smoothly, and it would be nearly impossible to start from scratch each year to find and hire an entire company of this quality. In the fall we advertise for the technical positions we need to fill and assemble the directors and designers. We try to have all of our shop management and production teams in place by January, so they can begin the process of concept discussions. The director and designers for each production rarely live close to each other, so most discussion happens electronically through email, shared files, and phone conversations. These teams work together to bring our production to life and the designs for each of the shows is completed before the company arrives at the end of May. January is the start of auditions, and each year we schedule or take part in several audition and technical interview sessions. Some of these are specific to the Black Hills Playhouse and a couple are bigger events with multiple theatres at the same time. This year we had auditions in Rapid City, Augustana University in Sioux Falls, University of South Dakota in Vermillion, Drake University in Des Moines, University of Nebraska in Lincoln, and Kansas City Kansas Community College. We also participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 5 professional auditions and the Midwest Theatre Auditions at Webster Conservatory in St. Louis. We also accept online video auditions. In total this year we saw over 800 actors. It’s always great to see the talented actors you have worked with before want to return; once you have found good people, you want to work with them again. It is always a pleasure to bring these talented individuals together and form a company. Of course, it wouldn’t be worth it if it wasn’t for you, our audience. Thanks for being here and for your support. Enjoy the show and the whole season.
Dan Workman
From the Executive Director.. With the help of many, the Black Hills Playhouse has made significant changes on the campus over the past six seasons, resulting in $1.25 million dollars of improvements. In 2016, we have been focused on implementing projects (like the expansive electrical upgrade, including a new sound system, and addition of a walk-in cooler to our dining hall), but we are also making significant change to our education programs. Here are some of the highlights: • In 2015, we reunited with Dakota Players, a touring theatre outreach company based in Sioux Falls which takes incredible educational experiences to communities large and small across South Dakota (and neighboring states). • Through Dakota Players, we are working to integrate opportunities for people with disabilities into our educational programs. Dakota Players is working with LifeScape Center for the Arts to produce a mixed-ability version of The Wizard of Oz in Sioux Falls on July 15 & 16, which includes both children and adults (both with and without disabilities). These experiences are transformational for the performers and their families because people with disabilities are often excluded from performing arts. • We opened a new outreach center at Aby’s Feed & Seed in downtown Rapid City, designed to serve Rapid City customers better and engage children through after-school theatre programs and camps. • One of our goals is to partner with organizations to make theatre education available for kids from low income families, which helps them in their growth and development. • The BHP is hosting a sleep-away BHP Jr. Performing Arts Camp July 24-29 at Placerville (in the Black Hills) for kids 10-14. Kids will learn theatre skills, tour the BHP, see a show and perform in their own cabaret for parents at the end of the week! So, why are we taking on all of these new initiatives? First, we want to preserve and strengthen the BHP for future generations. Second, many summer stock theaters have educational programs which help diversify their cash flow and help grow their audiences. This is a logical next step for the BHP. But most of all, we want to bring people joy, help kids learn better, and at the same time be a more sustainable company for the long haul. I want to thank you for attending shows at the BHP, for supporting our artists, and for the myriad ways we receive love and support from the community of folks who care about the BHP. Your gifts, volunteerism, and encouragement are noted and we couldn’t do it without you.
Linda Anderson 9
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2016 Season Dedication Dr. Wayne S. Knutson
The Black Hills Playhouse dedicates the 2016 season to the memory of Dr. Wayne S. Knutson, who served, nurtured and promoted the BHP and University of South Dakota throughout his adult life. He was, variously, an actor, director, business manager, professor, administrator, and donor -- a wise, gentle soul who left an indelible imprint on the BHP. Dr. Knutson passed away in December of 2015. Born on a farm near New Effington, SD, in 1926, Wayne was the youngest of eleven siblings. He was proud to have attended a one-room school and, later, Sisseton High School where he was exceedingly active-- from assisting athletic teams as student manager and serving as student body president, to participating in debate, oral interpretation and school plays. Before attending college, Wayne served stints in the Merchant Marines (S.S. Westminster) and the U.S. Infantry (Masan, Korea). After receiving an honorable discharge from military service, he went on to earn a B.A. in English and theatre at Augustana College in Sioux Falls. He married Esther Marie Johnstad, a former high school classmate, in 1950, and soon after pursued graduate studies at USD, earning his M.A. in English and theatre in 1951. In the mid-1950’s Wayne would go on to complete a dual Ph.D. in English and theatre at the University of Denver. Dr. Knutson’s career at USD began in 1952 and included stints as Director of University Theatre, chair of the Department of English, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and a joint appointment as a professor in both the English and Theatre departments. He retired in 1987, a year after he received the Governor’s Award for Distinction in Creative Achievement, and the same year he was appointed the state’s first University Distinguished Professor by the South Dakota Board of Regents. Dr. Knutson was a company member at the BHP making artistic and business contributions for thirteen complete summers and parts of another nine between 1951 – 1995. One of the most memorable years at the BHP was his first, a season in which the camp Mess Hall, which was in the process of being converted into a theatre, was destroyed by fire ten days before the season opened. Room Service, a popular farce, went on as scheduled when the small company and volunteers from the surrounding area quickly repurposed the old Post Exchange (PX) into a small, 3-sided theatre. Perhaps one of the crowning achievements for the BHP in the early years was getting the current theatre built and open in 1956, a task that required significant planning by and collaboration among Dr. Warren M. Lee, BHP founder and artistic director; Wayne Knutson, business manager and associate artistic director; and the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission, which funded the design and construction of the theatre. Wayne often expressed great pride in the production of The Rainmaker that he directed that was part of the inaugural season in this building. He also directed Neil Simon’s comedy The Sunshine Boys as a special fundraiser in 1981 and reprised his direction of that script for the BHP’s 50th reunion in 1995. Through his varied contributions at the BHP and USD, Dr. Knutson inspired hundreds of theatre artists, from established professionals to students, many of whom had transformational experiences under his wise and caring guidance. We are so grateful for the stamp that Dr. Wayne Knutson left on the BHP and celebrate his spirit with this 2016 season.
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Incredible Season Sponsors
help us produce the artistic work on our stage and fund education programs
POWDER HOUSE LODGE Experience the tranquility of the Black Hills in our log cabins, motel-style lodging, or our cozy honeymoon cabin, complete with its very private hot tub. Surrounded by the pine trees and fresh air of the Black Hills, the Powder House is centrally located to all of the attractions you will want to see during your vacation. 10% discount on any meal at any time for BHP Holiday & Buff Pass Holders. * *cannot be combined with other offers
FENNELL DESIGN INC.
FENNELL DESIGN, INC. Fennell Design, Inc. has a solid reputation for its ability to handle complex, multi-phased projects that allow building operations to continue throughout the construction process. With an extensive background in construction and construction management, FDI also has a reputation for “constructable” projects with the ability to quickly resolve any site issue that might arise.
Architechture • Project Management • Interiors
HOLY TERROR COFFEE Delicious coffee and breakfast in Keystone. This little coffee shop right in the heart of the Hills serves an excellent cup of joe, amazing freshly-made pastries and features welcoming service.
CUSTER STATE PARK Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain and an abundance of wildlife. Within the park, visitors discover a world of adventure. Bring your family and let yourself run wild! The park includes lodges at Sylvan Lake, Legion Lake, Blue Bell and the State Game Lodge.
KEVN Black Hills FOX KEVN TV began broadcasting in the Black Hills area on July 11th, 1976. Today, KEVN is known as KEVN Black Hills FOX TV, broadcasting on channel 7.1 (digital) in the Rapid City area, and on KHSD channel 5.1 (digital) from our tower on Terry Peak near Deadwood, serving the northern Black Hills. HOMESLICE MEDIA GROUP HomeSlice Media is a regional media and entertainment conglomerate, including six radio stations (93.9 The Mix, KAT Country 98.7, 100.3 The Fox, Hot 93.1, Smash Hits KKLS, and The Big 81 KBHB) a digital marketing unit (Rapid Digital Solutions™), an advertising agency, a live entertainment company (HomeSlice Concerts) and an artist management firm. The diversified, Black Hills-based HomeSlice Group also owns a popular restaurant and live music venue (Loud American Roadhouse®) and HomeSlice Corporation handles Licensing for the famous Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally.
Inspiring: Education Sponsors..
support programs, outreach and partnerships which make theatre accessible for young people such as the BankWest Kids & Teens Go Free nights, Dakota Players tours, youth field trips, summer camps and after-school programs.
For five generations, the Burke family has committed itself to providing the highest-quality banking experience in South Dakota. The bank has continually won customer loyalty by providing a comprehensive line of financial services, backed by quality service that is second to none. Helping customers and communities achieve financial success is the primary focus of Charles Burke III and his team. As a privatelyowned organization, the bank is free to make decisions based on long-term values rather than short-term profits. No bank in South Dakota offers more customer care and educational programs than BankWest. In addition, no bank in South Dakota gives back to its community’s youth, and charitable endeavors at the level it does. Since 2012, BankWest has been the major sponsor of the Kids Go Free program which has made live theatre affordable by offering two free kid tickets for every adult ticket purchased at special performances. Hundreds of kids and their families have benefited from the generosity of the Burke family. Dream Design International, Inc. combines creativity, cutting edge technology and forward thinking solutions to design for a better world. Its professional team combines engineering, planning, land development, property management and finance to create safer and more sustainable projects. Dream Design International, Inc. is a major sponsor of Dakota Players touring programs.
SHELDON F. REESE FOUNDATION
Music Sponsors First Interstate Bank • RBC Wealth Mgt. • Justine & Doug Estes McDonald Supply • Black Hills Energy Wendy T. McGowan, Attorney at Law, P.C. • KEVN • HomeSlice Media
Event Sponsor
Media Sponsor Rapid City Journal
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2016 Board of Directors Executive Committee LIA GREEN
Past President & General Manager Rushmore Media Company President Rapid City, SD
EILEEN ROSSOW Owner, Peregrine Pointe Bed & Breakfast Treasurer Rapid City, SD
LUKE COX
Retired Insurance Manager Rapid City, SD
TODD BRINK
Attorney Black Hills Corporation President Elect
MONNI KARIM Black Hills Corporation Secretary Custer, SD
Rapid City, SD
PHIL LAMPERT Lampert & Associates Dakota Steakhouse A Walk in the Woods Past President
ERIC HAGEN
Retired USD Professor Past President Minneapolis, MN
Custer, SD
COLLEEN MARSH OLSON Actor, Voice Over Artist Sioux Falls, SD
DR. LARRY SCHOU
Dean of the College of Fine Arts, USD Vermillion, SD
MIKE FELLNER
MARNIE GOULD
Sturgis, SD
Co-Owner, Old Folsom Vineyard BHPAA Representative
Faculty Member SDSU
Rapid City, SD
ROSE ANN HOFLAND Director, Community Learning Center Washington Pavilion Sioux Falls, SD
DR. JIM JOHNSON Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Theatre at SDSU and Former Director of Theatre and Prairie Rep Theatre
BETSY GROVES Lamont Enterprises & Whitewood Partnership Rapid City, SD
WADE LAMPERT Heating/Plumbing Supply Rapid City, SD
Brookings, SD
BYRON LEE Retired, Attorney Houston, TX
DR. DON MASSA Massa Dental
Hot Springs, SD
GARY MERKEL Retired Veteran’s Administration Hot Springs, SD
MARY SCHNELL
VERONICA SCHMIDT
Black Hawk, SD
President Custer Regional Hospital & Custer Market
VICTOR E. SHONK
SHARLA STEEVER
Regional Compliance Officer First Interstate Bank
Asst Professor, USD Theatre Vermillion, SD
Custer, SD
Learning Specialist Technology & Inovation in Education Rapid City, SD
JIM SEWARD General Counsel Office of the Governor Pierre, SD
We are grateful for the incredible dedication and support of our board!
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History of the BHP
Our Beginning The BHP began as a dream of Dr. Warren M. (Doc) Lee of the University of South Dakota. His goals were to create high-quality entertainment for people in rural areas and visitors to the Black Hills, while providing training and employment opportunities for students and theatre professionals. In 1946, Doc Lee moved the company into the abandoned Civilian Conservation Corps buildings (Camp Lodge), which were constructed in 1934. The only remaining Camp Lodge building is the Snack Bar and office located at the head of camp. The original company worked in rustic conditions without modern facilities, but performed with the same dedication as today's company members. Audiences trekked to the Playhouse on dirt and gravel roads to experience theatre in beautiful Custer State Park. Through a long-standing partnership, the University of South Dakota provides the salary and benefits of the Executive Director, makes technical equipment available to enhance production values, and promotes the BHP to students as a professional training opportunity. In return, the BHP promotes USD and provides intensive theatre training for students and professional theatre employment opportunities for USD faculty each season. In 1998, the BHP was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant to form a children's theatre company. Founded in 1999, the Children's Theatre Company of South Dakota was created to address two voids in the arts in South Dakota: first, to provide access to quality theatre experiences for rural Midwestern communities and second, to provide professional work opportunities for performing artists. In 2010 the company was renamed Dakota Players and became an independent organization when the BHP fell on hard times after losing its lease in the Park. The BHP subsequently regained its lease in 2011 and has since made over $1.25 million dollars worth of improvements to the campus. In 2015, Dakota Players reunited with the Black Hills Playhouse as a touring outreach company. Dakota Players serves children and adults in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota through touring theatre programs, camps and workshops. In 2015 over 2400 children were served by the program. The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks and Custer State Park have also been long-standing partners of the BHP since 1946. Each year, park fees help to support infrastructure and environmental needs at the BHP and park staff help with maintenance and improvement projects. For over 70 years, dedicated patrons and BHP alums have attended and supported the company. We are grateful to all who continue to support Doc Lee's dream by coming to see excellent theatre in the Hills and preserving and strengthening the BHP for future generations.
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Our Mission..
The mission of the Black Hills Playhouse, based in the unique environment of the Black Hills, is to enhance and inspire lives through professional theatre productions and learning experiences.
Our Values..
1. Artists: We believe that artists are at the center of our creative environment through their unique sensitivity, imagination, skills, and talents. 2. Education: We believe that theatre education stimulates creativity, communication, and lifelong learning, which is critical to the development of both theatre audiences and the next generation of theatre professionals. 3. Immediacy: We believe that live, dynamic performing arts experiences engage audiences in ways that are transformative. 4. Impact: We believe that the performing arts are impactful vehicles for social, civic, and cultural engagement. They are vital to the dynamic growth of communities as well as major contributors to cultural tourism and economic development. 5. Partnerships: We believe that cultural partnerships between the Black Hills Playhouse and private and public entities enhance the arts, and that the long-standing cooperative relationships with Custer State Park, the University of South Dakota, the State of South Dakota, and the BHP Alumni Association are critical to the success of the BHP.
THE BHP TODAY
The Black Hills Playhouse has evolved and expanded over the years and currently has offices in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and in Custer State Park. We produce professional summer stock theatre in beautiful Custer State Park, have a touring outreach company called Dakota Players, and are providing creative educational programs to inspire kids in communities large and small.
How to Donate YOUR GIFTS MAKE A TREMENDOUS DIFFERENCE There are many ways individuals and businesses can support the BHP now--or help ensure its impact well into the future. As a not-for-profit, nearly 30% of our operating budget comes from donor contributions. In addition to the 30%, we need to raise an additional 5% of the BHP Campus Budget to maintain our physical plant and our lease in the Park. Without your gifts, it would be impossible to continue our efforts to strengthen and preserve the BHP for future generations. Know that when you give to the BHP, you play an important role in bringing our artistic dreams and exceptional education programs to life. We are sincerely grateful for gifts of any size.
There are several ways to give a donation now, including: 1. Inspired by what you see? Put cash or check in the donation envelope in your program and hand it to a staff member on the way out or put in donation boxes on the patio. 2. Donate online at BlackHillsPlayhouse.com. If you have not purchased tickets or donated in the past, you will be asked to create an account with a password so you are credited properly in the database. Please consider making an automatic recurring gift online. 3. Mail a check to: Black Hills Playhouse, PO Box 2513, Rapid City, SD 57709 4. Call us at 605-255-4910 to donate over the phone with credit card. 5. The BHP has endowment funds invested with the USD Foundation and BH Area Community Foundation which distribute dollars annually for scholarship programs. Donors may create their own named endowments with a $25,000 gift, or give to the principal of already established endowments. 6. Does your employer have a matching gift program? Consider naming the BHP as a beneficiary and double your gift to the BHP by enclosing your employer’s matching gift form with your donation. 7. Remember the BHP as you do your estate planning by naming Black Hills Playhouse in a will or living trust.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
The BHP's development staff is always available if you have questions about our programs or donor recognition, or if you would like to discuss your gift. Feel free to contact Linda Anderson at 605-255-4910 or through email at landerson@blackhillsplayhouse.com.
The Black Hills Playhouse Alumni Association (BHPAA) was first formed in 1980. After several dormant years, the organization was re-formed in 1994 as a separate, not-for-profit corporation in South Dakota. People are members by virtue of their association with the Black Hills Playhouse as a company or board member. There is no membership fee. The re-formed group has organized and executed several major projects for the good of the BHP. The first was to organize the 50th Anniversary BHP Alumni Reunion in July 1995 which was attended by over 300 alumni and patrons. As part of the celebration, the BHPAA raised $60,000 to build Haberman Hall, dedicated to Hap and Ellie Haberman (alums who spent almost 50 years at the Playhouse). This beautiful log structure serves as a social gathering place for patrons and company members, as well as a rehearsal and workspace. In July of 2005, the BHPAA organized a 60th Anniversary BHP Alumni Reunion and raised $5,000 to purchase new equipment for the scene and costume shops. In 2006, the BHPAA raised funds and produced "Stage Directions: 60 Years with the Black Hills Playhouse," a documentary covering the history and operations of six decades at the BHP. Other projects include assistance in purchasing the air conditioning and heating in the theater, regular newsletters and maintenance of the alumni database. The BHPAA was instrumental in raising funds to help the BHP in its successful Get Back in the Park campign in 2011 and produced an alumni show called "Party Pieces" to raise $25,000 for the stage draperies. In 2015, the BHPAA organized the 70th Anniversary Celebration and raised over $70,000 towards $426,000 to replace the electricals in the theatre. It also established a BHPAA Endowment Fund which will perpetually distribute funds for projects the alumni association has an interest in funding. The BHP is eternally grateful to the BHP Alumni Association and alums for their hard work, dedication and fundraising efforts.
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JEEVES i n t e r v e n e s Adapted by Margaret Raether
Valet on a mission 1920s high-society London is once again thrown into chaos by hapless playboy Bertie Wooster, this time in cahoots with his old school chum Eustace Bassington-Bassington. The two hatch a brilliant plan to dupe their meddling relatives in order to save Bertie from an undesired marriage and Eustace from an unwanted job in India. But will the ever-faithful manservant Jeeves be able to rescue these bumbling fools from themselves? A delightful romp full of deception and disguise.
Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse was an English author and one of the most widely read humorists of the 20th century. Born in Guildford, the son of a British magistrate based in Hong Kong, his early novels were mostly school stories, but he later switched to comic fiction. Although most of Wodehouse's fiction is set in England, he spent much of his life in the US and used New York and Hollywood as settings for some of his novels and short stories. During and after the First World War, together with Guy Bolton and Jerome Kern, he wrote a series of Broadway musical comedies that were an important part of the development of the American musical. He began the 1930s writing for MGM in Hollywood. In a 1931 interview, his naïve revelations of incompetence and extravagance at Hollywood studios caused a furor. In the same decade, his literary career reached a new peak. In 1934 Wodehouse moved to France for tax reasons; in 1940 he was taken prisoner at Le Touquet by the invading Germans and interned for nearly a year. Wodehouse never returned to England. From 1947 until his death he lived in the US, taking dual British-American citizenship in 1955. He was a prolific writer throughout his life, publishing more than ninety books, forty plays, two hundred short stories and other writings between 1902 and 1974. He died in 1975, at the age of 93, in Southampton, New York. Some critics of Wodehouse have considered his work flippant, but among his fans are former British prime ministers and many of his fellow writers.
About the Author..
Margaret Raether first encountered P. G. Wodehouse in the form of a battered secondhand paperback of The Code of the Woosters when she was in college. This, as Bogart once famously observed, was “the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Ms. Raether is a founding member of Artists Ensemble Theatre and has spent two seasons as Playwright in Residence at New American Theater. Most of her plays have debuted at these two venues. Her plays are pounded out late at night while peering around a cat that likes to sit in front of her monitor. Ms. Raether’s trilogy of P.G. Wodehouse adaptations has been described as “bright and engaging as a garden party in May” (Chicago Tribune), “as dry as a well made martini and equally potent” (Herald Tribune), and her writing “wonderfully captures the late British humorist’s renowned wit’ (Seattle Times).
Director’s Notes
Rated PG
The character of Jeeves stands at the center of Wodehouse’s literary world— the British upper-crust in the first half of the 20th Century. Jeeves is a valet (it’s a French word, but the English, just to be contrary, pronounce it to rhyme with “pallet”). He is the consummate personal assistant. He knows more than Google, has the taste of Martha Stewart, and serves with all the loyalty of a St. Bernard. This character type has been around since Roman comedies. Pseudolus, the tricky slave from Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, was borrowed from comedies by Plautus. The character of Scapino, from the Italian renaissance Commedia dell’arte, was made famous in modern times by Frank Dunlop and Jim Dale. The characters of Pepper Potts from Iron Man and Alfred Pennyworth from Batman are recent examples from film. But Jeeves is more active than Potts or Alfred, and the man he serves— Bertram Wilberforce Wooster—is a lot less “on the ball” than Tony Stark or Bruce Wayne. Bertie is a ninny who needs Jeeves not only to get him out of scrapes (which Jeeves does with aplomb) but just to get through the day. And Jeeves is happy to oblige.
David Wintersteen
Fans of P. G. Wodehouse are just that: fanatics. For Wodehousians, his stories, plays, books, musicals and screenplays (written between 1902 and 1974) inspire the same kind of fervent devotion we see in collectors of Hummel figurines, exotic pet fanciers, or fringe political candidates. These believers know their object of devotion is worthy of lavish time, money and attention. So if you have not been introduced to Wodehouse, you’re in for a treat! Welcome to the world of Jeeves!
Production Crew Director............................................David Wintersteen Scenic Designer.......................... Christian Harvey Boy Costume Designer................................Sara Curran Ice Lighting Designer.........................................John Ryan Sound Designer............................................John Ryan Stage Manager.............................Kristal Georgopoulos
Cast Jeeves........................................................Jason Reuter Bertie Wooster..................... Conor Finnerty-Esmonde Eustace Bassington-Bassington.......... Jacob J. Roman Aunt Agatha.................................................. Mary Buss Gertrude Winklesworth-Bode................... Claire Avery Sir Rupert Watlington-Pipps..................Jeff Kingsbury
The world of the play is not a meritocracy. In the rigid class society of prewar England (think Downton Abbey), sometimes the brightest and hardestworking person in the room has the least social standing. But Jeeves doesn’t perceive any injustice: he simply strives to serve, and to be a better valet than his “betters” could ever imagine. We invite you to join us the world P. G. Wodehouse created for Jeeves. One where the people are fashionable, the conversation is scintillating, the tea is freshly brewed, and the service—of course—is impeccable. - David Wintersteen
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
21
Nunsense A Musical Comedy Book, Music and Lyrics by Dan Goggin
Irreverent fun with nuns The hilarious plot of this musical comedy revolves around a variety show fundraiser (on a stage set up for the 8th grade production of "Grease") by the Little Sisters of Hoboken in dire need of money to bury 52 sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). Funny, irreverent, featuring star turns with tap, ballet dancing, an audience quiz, and comic surprises. ACT ONE Overture Veni Creator Spiritus Nunsense is Habit-Forming A Difficult Transition Benedicite The Biggest Ain't the Best Playing Second Fiddle So You Want to Be a Nun Turn Up the Spotlight Lilacs Bring Back Memories Tackle That Temptation With a Time Step
About the Author..
ACT TWO Growing Up Catholic We've Got to Clean Out the Freezer Just a Coupl'a Sisters Soup's On Playing Second Fiddle Reprise I Just Want to Be a Star The Drive In I Could've Gone to Nashville Gloria in Excelsis Deo Holier Than Thou Turn Up the Spotlight Reprise
Dan Goggin came to New York from Alma, Michigan, to study as a classical countertenor. He began his professional career singing in the Tony award-winning Broadway production of "Luther" starring Albert Finney. While appearing in a comic folkduo called "The Saxons" he began writing. This led to scores for the off-Broadway musical, Hark! (in which he also appeared) , the Broadway production of Legend and two revues. Goggin received the 1986 Outer Critics' Circle Awards given to Nunsense for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Music. Nunsense and Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, both starring Rue McClanahan have been recorded for the A&E Television Network. Nunsense 3: The Jamboree toured the U.S. starring Georgia Engel and has been recorded for television at the Grand Ole Opry starring Vicki Lawrence. Nunsense A-Men! opened at the 47th Street Theatre in New York in June 1998 and has since been produced with "Laugh-In's" Arte Johnson, impressionist Frank Gorshin, and Olympic Champion Greg Louganis. Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical premiered in October 1998, followed by a national tour starring Dody Goodman, Jeff Trachta and Dawn Wells. The Nuncrackers television special playing on the PBS network starring Rue McClanahan with guest star John Ritter, received and Emmy nomination for Best Musical Score. Meshuggah-Nuns: The Ecumenical Nunsense premiered in September 2002 and is currently out on DVD. The All-Star touring production of Nunsense featuring Kaye Ballard, Georgia Engel, Mimi Hines, Darlene Love and Lee Meriwether marked the 20th anniversary of the original show. In 2004 Dan's "serious piece" The Traditional Latin Mass was recorded by cast members and friends. In 2005 Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue premiered and in 2008, there was a national tour of Nunsense starring Sally Struthers. Sister Robert Anne's Cabaret Class (A one-nun musical) and Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show are the latest shows in the series.
Director’s Notes
Rated PG
Perhaps most endearing of all, however, and what keeps audiences coming back again and again (to the tune of 5000 different productions in 21 different languages worldwide), are the nuns themselves. These five women are unique, hard-working, sometimes silly, and always loving and earnest. Their heartsof-gold and likability allow them to become fast friends with the audience, who in turn find themselves not only laughing, cheering and clapping at the nuns’ entertainments, but also rooting for them to succeed in their fundraising efforts. So, as millions of people have done before you, sit back, relax, and prepare to fall in love with the nuns of the Little Sisters of Hoboken! -Matt Nesmith
Matt Nesmith
On its surface, Dan Goggins’ Nunsense is a light comic romp full of toe-tapping songs, dances from tap to ballet, audience interaction, and five lovable, slightly eccentric nuns. But it is other things as well. Its variety show structure and several of the songs are direct homages to that great American entertainment institution, vaudeville. The influence of vaudeville icons like ventriloquists Edgar Bergan and The Great Lester, ballerina Lydia Lopokova, and the “last of the red-hot mommas’ herself, Sophie Tucker, can be found in Nunsense.
Production Crew Director................................................... Matt Nesmith Music Director........................................ Matt Nesmith Choreographer....................................Andrea Schaefer Scenic Designer................................... Victor E. Shonk Costume Designer...................................Gene Salgado Lighting Designer................................Darren E. Levin Sound Designer.......................................Tyler Micheel
Cast
Nunfact #1 Oddly, the running gags in Nunsense began as a line of greeting cards that featured a nun offering clerical quips. Goggin took his popular cards and crafted them into song and dance pieces, then tied them all together in a colorful production. The musical had a good run in the mid-1980s, taking second place as the longest running Off-Broadway show, with more than 3,500 performances. The musical flowered as a community theatre staple, logging up to 8,000 productions worldwide.
Sister Mary Regina, Mother Superior ...................................................................Kristy Bauer Sister Mary Hubert, Mistress of Novices ................................................................... Josey Miller Sister Robert Anne....................................... Mary Buss Sister Mary Amnesia.............................. Sarah Randall Sister Mary Leo....................................Lera Zamaraeva
Nunfact #2 Dan Goggin announced in December of 2015 that his internationally acclaimed musical sensation, will launch a sinfully funny new episodic television series. Created and written by Goggin, Nunsense: The TV Series is directed by David Eisenberg and produced by Melissa Pinsly and Franklin Zitter of Frankenmel Films and Executive Producer, Dan Goggin. The pilot was shot at a former monastery in Union City, New Jersey, in September 2015. Producers are currently in conversation with a variety of networks and platforms interested in picking up the series.
“Nunsense” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
Pageant
THE MUSICAL
COMEDY BEAUTY CONTEST
Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell and Frank Kelly Music by Albert Evans Conceived by Robert Longbottom
Find your own inner beauty queen Like no beauty pageant you’ve ever seen before, six contestants (all played by men) vying for the title of Miss Glamouresse compete in swimsuit, talent, gown and spokesmodel categories. This hilariously fun musical is Miss America meets Kinky Boots. Judges selected from the audience get to pick the winner—so no performance is ever the same and the suspense is real!
About the Authors..
Bill Russell was born in Deadwood and raised in Spearfish. His paternal grandparents were Wyoming ranchers and his father was known as "Cowboy" to all. But somehow, in that Wild West context, Bill was bitten by a theater bug at an early age. Bill attended Morningside College in Sioux City and studied under BHP Alum Bill Becvar. Bill Becvar, a professor from Morningside, was doing graduate work at the University of Kansas City and directed Bill's first musical, Sun, Son, a modern version of the Icarus myth co-written with Janet Hood. Bill's collaboration with Janet Hood continues to this day with their current project, Unexpected Joy, opening its world premiere on July 21st at the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre in Massachusetts. Side Show, with music by Henry Krieger, marked Bill’s Broadway debut as a writer. The musical, inspired by a true story of conjoined twins, opened in October of 1997. Side Show was subsequently revived and revised in a different production by Oscar-winning director and screenwriter Bill Condon in 2014. The Broadway revival, which incorporated new musical material and deepened the twins' personal story, was praised by critics. Despite strong notices, the production closed after 77 performances. In recent, exciting news, PLAYBILL announced that Side Show is to receive its U.K. premiere in a brand-new staging, beginning performances October 21 prior to an official opening October 26 at London's Southwark Playhouse, for a run through December 3. In May 2016, a musical of Brave New World, based on the novel by Aldous Huxley with lyrics by Bill, enjoyed its world premiere at the North Carolina Stage Company in Asheville. Frank Kelly is a former professor at State University of New York at Farmingdale, lives in Mineola, NY, and just recently published a second book of poems entitled Still Growing. Albert Evans wrote the music for the off-Broadway hit Pageant, chosen by TIME magazine as one of the Year's 10 Best. Other New York shows include The Texas Chainsaw Musical and the cult favorite Nite Club Confidential. As composer-in-residence at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse, he wrote lyrics for Mikado Inc. and music for Great Expectations, Jane Eyre and A Tale of Two Cities. Evans also wrote the lyrics for New York City Opera's new performing version of The Merry Widow, broadcast on Live from Lincoln Center (PBS). With writer Ron Kaehler, he reimagined a Christmas classic as the Dickens-goes-Nashville fantasy A Country Christmas Carol. Since 2000, he and Kaehler have adapted favorite children's stories for the traveling musical revue Story Salad. In 2003, New York Fringe Festival audiences heard his lyrics in composer Edmund Cionek's TriSci-Fi. Evans reworked the song catalogue of George M. Cohan (and added a few songs Cohan forgot to write) for the stage musical biography Yankee Doodle Dandy. Recently, Evans and Jamie Rocco wrote the outrageous '70s revue Streakin'!, which premiered at Manhattan's Babalu Theater. Robert Longbottom born 19 March 1957, is a dancer, choreographer, and director, primarily for the stage. He has received a Tony Award nomination for his choreography. Longbottom conceived, directed, and choreographed the musical Pageant, which was presented off-Broadway at the Blue Angel in 1991. He directed and choreographed the US national tour of the Walt Disney Company musical On the Record, starring Emily Skinner. He has participated in the National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival of New Musicals in 2008, directing Beatsville. He is director and choreographer of a Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie that began previews September 10, 2009, and was scheduled for a limited run from October 15, 2009, to January 24, 2010. He was the director of the Dreamgirls tour beginning performances on November 6, 2009 at the Apollo Theater.
Director’s Notes
Rated PG-13
Bill Russell
I am thrilled to direct the first professional production in South Dakota of one of my shows. And I’m especially happy to be doing that at the Black Hills Playhouse, where I had some formative viewing experiences when I was growing up. When we started writing Pageant over 30 years ago (gulp), we worried that the subject matter was already out of date. Beauty pageants were not in fashion or favor. Feminists weren’t happy with the way they objectified women. Whereas Miss America was a huge event in the 1950s, shared by families gathered round their enormous 12-inch screens, interest in it decreased to the point where it was no longer broadcast on national television. Somehow the form has not only survived but is once again thriving. Miss America is back being broadcast on a major network. There are now pageants for babies, married women, queens of crops and products. Whether people love or hate them, everyone is familiar with the form. We authors are often asked, “Why cast men in these female roles?” We’re having fun with the way concepts of beauty are sold to women in our culture. Having men play the contestants puts that in high relief. If we had women parading down the runway in swimsuits we would be exploiting them in the way we’re spoofing. Having men do that hopefully creates some laughs and raises questions about our different expectations of attractiveness and what we look for in displays of it. Ask any of the guys who’ve played these roles how they feel about what women do for beauty – like make-up and dancing in heels! Though we don’t consider this a mindless entertainment, our primary goal in writing it was to create a fun theatrical experience. We’ve certainly enjoyed putting this together and hope you will feel the same about the result. - Bill Russell
This season the Black Hills Playhouse is thrilled to be working with celebrated Broadway lyricist and playwright, Bill Russell. (Side Show). Bill sits on the BHP Artistic Advisory Board and is directing Pageant during the 2016 Season. Bill co-wrote the hilarious musical Pageant with Frank Kelly and composer Albert Evans, and the project was conceived by Robert Longbottom. The show debuted Off-Broadway in 1991 at the Blue Angel in New York where it ran for more than a year. That production toured Japan, and the show continues to be produced around the country. Bill has also directed Pageant in the Fringe and West End of London, Chicago, LA, Boston, Atlanta and at the University of Kansas. A VIP reception will be held in Bill's honor after the matinee performance of Pageant on Sunday, June 26 after the show. Come out for beverages and light hors d'oeuvres and a talk by Bill about his journey from South Dakota to Broadway. Tickets are $25 with net proceeds from the event benefiting education programs of the BHP.
Production Crew Director...................................................... Bill Russell Music Director...................................Vonnie Houchin Choreographer...........................................Blair Bybee Scenic Designer.................................. Victor E. Shonk Costume Designer................................. Gene Salgado Lighting Designer...............................Darren E. Levin Sound Designer..................................... Tyler Micheel
Cast
Miss Bible Belt...............................Manning Goldman Miss Deep South.......................................... Ian Curtis Miss Texas.................................................. Kit Asfeldt Miss Industrial Northeast.......... Jason Coppenbarger Miss West Coast..................Conor Finnerty-Esmonde Miss Great Plains.........................................Nick Prior Frankie Cavalier....................................Jeff Kingsbury
SONGS & EVENTS ACT I 1. Natural Born Females -- Frankie & Contestants 2. Something Extra -- Frankie & Contestants 3. Texas Tap -- Miss Texas 4. I Am the Land -- Miss Great Plains 5. A Salute to Dixie -- Miss Deep South 6. The Seven Ages of Me -- Miss West Coast 7. Fantasia in C Major -- Miss Industrial Northeast 8. Banking on Jesus -- Miss Bible Belt ACT II 1. It's Gotta be Venus -- Frankie & Contestants 2. Swimsuit Competition -- Contestants 3. Girl Power -- Contestants 4. Glamouresse Girlfriend Award 5. Announcement of Finalists 6. Beauty Crisis Hotline 7. Last Year's Winner 8. Goodbye -- Frankie & Contestants 9. Miss Glamouresse -- Frankie 10. She's the One! -- Frankie & Contestants
"Pageant" is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
The Addams Family A NEW MUSICAL
Book by MARSHALL BRICKMAN and RICK ELICE Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams
Magnificently macabre musical The weird and wonderful Addams Family comes to life in this new Broadway musical. It's every parent's nightmare as Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents. ACT ONE Overture/Prologue When You're an Addams Fester's Manifesto Two Things Wednesday's Growing Up Trapped Honor Roll Pulled Four Things One Normal Night
But Love Secrets Gomez's What If What If Full Disclosure Part 1 Waiting Full Disclosure Part 2
ACT TWO Opening Act II Just Around the Corner The Moon and Me Happy Sad Crazier Than You Not Today Let's Live Before We Die Tango De Amor Move Toward the Darkness Curtain Call: When You're an Addams (Reprise)
About the Authors..
Andrew Lippa, American composer and lyricist, was honored with a Tony nomination (Best Original Score) and two Drama Desk nominations for his work on The Addams Family (book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice). The Addams Family starred Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, broke attendance records in Chicago during its 2009 try-out, and by its closing on December 31, 2011, had played 725 regular performances and 34 previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. Marshall Brickman (born August 25, 1939) is an American screenwriter and director, best known for his collaborations with Woody Allen. He is also known for playing the banjo with Eric Weissberg in the 1960s, and for a series of comical parodies published in The New Yorker. Brickman was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to American parents Pauline (née Wolin) and Abram Brickman. His family was Jewish. After attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he became a member of Folk act The Tarriers in 1962, recruited by former classmate Eric Weissberg. Following the disbanding of The Tarriers in 1965, Brickman joined The New Journeymen with John Phillips and Michelle Phillips, who later had success with The Mamas & the Papas. He left The New Journeymen to pursue a career as a writer, initially writing for television in the 1960s, including Candid Camera, The Tonight Show, and The Dick Cavett Show. It was during this time that he met Allen, with whom he would collaborate on three completed film screenplays during the 1970s: Sleeper (1973), Annie Hall (1977, which won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar), and Manhattan (1979). With partner Rick Elice, he wrote the book for the Broadway musical Jersey Boys. The two collaborated again in 2009 to write the book for the musical The Addams Family. Rick Elice earned his BA from Cornell University, his MFA from the Yale Drama School and is a Teaching Fellow at Harvard. He was the salutatorian graduate of Francis Lewis High School in Queens, New York (class of 1973). He is a charter member of the American Repertory Theatre. From 1982–1999, Elice was copywriter, producer, Creative Director and eventually Executive Vice President of Serino Coyne, Inc., an entertainment advertising agency in New York. From 1999–2009, he served as creative consultant to Walt Disney Studios. He wrote Peter and the Starcatcher, based on the 2006 novel of the same name by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, which opened in California in 2009 and played off-Broadway in 2011. The play moved to Broadway, opening at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on April 15, 2012. Peter and the Starcatcher received 9 Tony Award nominations, more than any new American play in the history of the Tony Awards. On June 11, 2012, the play won 5 Tony Awards. The play enjoyed a successful tour throughout North America in 2013–14. His most recent collaboration with Marshall Brickman was for the film of Jersey Boys, directed by Clint Eastwood and released by Warner Brothers in June 2014. Brickman and Elice wrote the screenplay, adapted from their book for the stage musical.
Director’s Notes
Rated PG
“Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly.” ― Charles Addams
As we embarked on the journey of The Addams Family for the Black Hills Playhouse we began to look at this memorable family in more detail. I questioned why is this family so dark? What makes them obsessed with torture and death? And how do those things translate to a family television show or musical? The answer came from Charles Addams himself, creator of this infamous family. As a child Addams was very afraid, and to overcome his fears he used humor. Why not laugh at death, then be paralyzed in fear? His attitude toward humor and the macabre is something he carried with him his entire life. In fact, he and his wife loved animals so much they were married in a pet cemetery! In this production of The Addams Family we hope to honor the beloved family in our own way. This musical celebrates the unique qualities of the Addams family and allows you to celebrate with them. We hope, when you leave this production, maybe for a moment instead of fearing something, you will laugh and look through Charles Addams's eyes. - Emily Cherry
Although this show lasted only two years -- 1964 through 1966 -- it has endured as a pop culture phenomenon, spawning movies, cartoons, revivals, and comics. Let's take a look at some things you might not know about that show. • • • •
The show was preceded by the one-panel cartoons of Charles Addams, which made their debut in The New Yorker in 1937. These works of dark humor featured the same characters that would later grace the show. Addams was known as a man of ghoulish if playful interests, and his house was filled with instruments of torture and medieval weapons, particularly crossbows. He hoped to someday put his crossbow collection to practical use:“I have this fantasy,” he said, smiling, “A robber breaks into my apartment and just as he comes through the door, I get him -right through the neck. Always through the neck.” John Astin, who played Gomez Addams, was initially offered the role of Lurch. Astin’s crazed, maniacal look as Gomez Addams had prior service. While living in a rough neighborhood of New York City, he would get between his apartment and the subway station safely by acting a bit deranged. No one bothered him. Fans sometimes stop Astin, speak French to him, and expect him to react as Gomez did when Morticia spoke the language of love.
• Ringo Starr from The Beatles once grabbed Astin’s arm and started kissing up its length before Astin stopped him from going past his elbow.
Emily Cherry
Charles Addams's first cartoon of the famous Addams Family appeared in The New Yorker on January 13, 1940. His cartoons regularly appeared in The New Yorker as well as other outlets. Then his cartoons came to life in the beloved television series also titled The Addams Family premiering in 1964. This unusual family has appeared in print, television and film and has captured the hearts of many with their macabre style of life. What other iconic family has a walking hairball for a cousin and a walking hand as help around the house? Clearly the Addams family is unusual, but often intriguing.
Production Crew Director................................................... Emily Cherry Music Director................................... Vonnie Houchin Choreographer..................................... Megan Gerlach Scenic Designer......................................Kathy Voecks Costume Designer....................... Amber Marisa Cook Lighting Designer..........................Anthony Pellecchia Sound Designer..................................Tyler L. Micheel Stage Manager........................... Kristal Georgopoulos
Cast
Gomez Addams.....................................Dan Workman Morticia Addams.........................................Mary Buss Uncle Fester.................................................Kit Asfeldt Grandma...................................................Kristy Bauer Wednesday Addams................................. Claire Avery Pugsley Addams........................................... Nick Prior Lurch..................................................... Jeff Kingsbury Mal Beineke........................................Jacob J. Roman Alice Beineke............................................ Josey Miller Lucas Beineke............................. Jason Coppenbarger Ancestors/Ensemble...................................Ian Curtis, Conor Finnerty-Esmonde, Manning Goldman, Sarah Randall, Katja Seaholtz, Lera Zamareava
Originally produced on Broadway by Stuart Oken, Roy Furman, Michael Leavitt, Fice Cent Productions, Stephen Schuler, Decca Theatricals, Scott M. Delman, Stuart Ditsky, Terry Allen Kramer, Stephanie P. McClelland, James L. Nederlander, Eva Price, Jam Theatricals/Mary LuRoffe, Pittsburgh CLO/ Gutterman-Swinsky, Vivek Tiwary/Gary Kaplan, The Weinstein Company/Clarence, LLC, Adam Zotovich/Tribe Theatricals; By Special Arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical
S
HIPWRECKED!
An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis De Rougement (as Told by Himself)
by Donald Margulies
It's a tale of the high seas with a twist The adventurous Louis de Rougemont invites you to hear his amazing story of bravery, survival, and celebrity that left nineteenth-century England spellbound. Dare to be whisked away in a story of the high seas, populated by exotic islanders, flying wombats, giant sea turtles, and a monstrous man-eating octopus. This show examines how far we're willing to blur the line between fact and fiction in order to leave our mark on the world. “Who craves more normalcy than he already gets in everyday life? Our de Rougemonts allow us to dwell for a while in a world we’d never otherwise visit —“dabbing a little spot of color on the drab canvas of life,” as Louis puts it — and Margulies makes a convincing case that those who selfrighteously tear down our tall-tale tellers do us no favors.” - Bob Verini, Variety
“The play is, indeed, an entertainment; and, further, the adventures he describes are quite wonderfully Amazing. The tale we’re told by Louis de Rougemont is as colorful as it is fanciful. Better yet, it is told in a unique combination of bold strokes and subtle subtext that weaves a greater meaning into the play, making it ultimately a poignant embrace of our need to imagine. In short, Shipwrecked! simply and beautifully sails!” - Barbara and Scott Siegel, Theatremania
About the Author.. Donald Margulies aims to invigorate the imagination of theatergoers with a story about the nature of storytelling. Based on a Victorian hoaxer’s tale of being a castaway in the South Pacific—complete with buried treasure, a giant killer octopus, and cannibals—Margulies revisits themes of authenticity and loss as he returns to what theater does best in Shipwrecked! An Entertainment. Donald Margulies received the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Dinner with Friends, which has been produced throughout the world. Other plays include Sight Unseen (winner of an OBIE Award), Brooklyn Boy, and Collected Stories, among many others. Margulies is a professor of English and Theatre Studies at Yale University.
Director’s Notes
Rated PG
Karla Kash
To my delight, Dan Workman emailed me a few months back and asked if I was interested in directing at the Black Hills Playhouse and if I knew the play Shipwrecked! by Donald Margulies. I was excited about the prospect of working for the Black Hills Playhouse and more specifically on a Margulies play. I know many of his plays but had not read Shipwrecked! Dan told me to give it a read and get back with him. I settled in to read the short play and knowing it was an adventure story, predicted it would be a fun, fast read. Three-fourths of the way through I had fallen in love with the characters and the simple way of telling a thrilling story. I thought I knew what I was in for, but then the play takes a very abrupt shift. Yes, the play is fun, theatrical, simple and delightful. However, it is also a bit dark and sad. The story resonates so much with me as it reminds me of one of my favorite films of all times, Big Fish. Immediately after finishing my first read of the play, I email Dan and told him I would love to tell this story with the Black Hills Playhouse. We need people like Louis de Rougemont in this world. We need the dreamers and storytellers. We need people who are willing to live big, wild and theatrical lives. Most importantly, we need playwrights like Donald Margulies to continue writing plays that entertain, question and hold a mirror up to society. I hope you enjoy the performance.
Production Crew Director........................................................Karla Kash Scenic Designer............................Amber Marisa Cook Costume Designer.................................. Caitlin Quinn Lighting Designer................Christopher George Haug Sound Designer...........................................John Ryan Stage Manager................................... Dayne Sundman
Cast
Louis de Rougemont.............................. Timothy Pyles Player 1................................................... Katja Seaholtz Player 2........................................Jason Coppenbarger
-Karla Kash
THE REAL LOUIS de ROUGEMONT In 1898, Louis de Rougemont burst into the British news with an amazing story of 30 years of adventure in the Australian Outback. However, de Rougemont’s tales proved too incredible for some, and newspapers began to investigate his background. What they discovered shocked the public: Louis de Rougemont was not the man he claimed to be! Louis de Rougemont was really Henri Louis Grien, a poor Swiss immigrant to Australia. Originally the butler to the Lieutenant-Governor of Western Australia (at whose dinner parties Grien overheard detailed accounts of Outback expeditions), Henri Louis settled down in Sydney. There, he started a family and attempted various money-making schemes such as marketing a faulty deep-diving suit. He also continued to collect adventure stories. After one too many failed enterprises, Grien quit Australia for London and spent his days at the British Museum reading books on the Australian Outback and the South Pacific. Months later, he appeared at The Wide World Magazine with a new name— Louis de Rougemont—and the amazing tales that would rocket him to stardom. Grien’s fame was his downfall—his abandoned family and duped customers recognized his picture in the newspaper and came forward with accounts of the real Louis. Though publicly discredited, Grien continued to appear in theatres as Louis de Rougemont, offering demonstrations of his turtle-riding skills as proof of his authenticity. Interest in de Rougemont soon waned, and Grien disappeared from the public eye. In 1921, he died a beggar, going by yet another name: Louis de Rougemont Louis Redmond.
SHIPWRECKED! AN ENTERTAINMENTTHE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF LOUIS DE ROUGEMONT (AS TOLD BY HIMSELF) is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. Commissioned and first produced by South Coast Repertory
Education Programs of the Black Hills Playhouse We believe that EVERY student has unique gifts and talents. Theatre is unparalleled in its ability to to help individuals identify, explore and share those gifts--and learn to celebrate the unique gifts of others.
BHP Jr. Performing Arts Camp For Kids ages 10 - 14, grades 4 - 8 Placerville Camp in the Black Hills of South Dakota Dates: July 24 - 29, 2016 Cost: $450* $100 deposit required to reserve space in the camp. *All fees include tuition, room and board, 1 child ticket to a BHP production, and all programs of instruction. A limited amount of financial assistance is available for those who qualify. The Black Hills Playhouse and its touring outreach company, Dakota Players, are proud to host a sleep-away Performing Arts Camp (BHP Jr. PAC) at Placerville Camp in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. BHP Jr. PAC runs July 24-29, 2016 where talented youth from the Midwest will gather to make life-long friends and hone their performing skills. This weeklong camp will culminate in an on-site celebration of A Creepy & Kooky Cabaret. In addition to learning valuable acting skills, students will act out classic skits, write their own skits, and be guided in designing their own costumes and sets. Participants will get to interact with professional actors and technicians from the Black Hills Playhouse and tour the BHP professional theatre shops before attending the The Addams Family, a new musical! Camp is open to any student interested in performing arts and having an awesome camp experience. Kids will explore movement with characters, blocking & choreography, observe theatre professionals at work, work on vocal inflection, projection, and articulation; learn about playwriting, story structure, sets, props and costumes. Kids will enjoy campfires, stargazing and the great outdoors! Questions? Email contact@blackhillsplayhouse.com or call 605.255.4910 for more information. BHP Jr. After-School Programs The Black Hills Playhouse has opened an outreach center at Racing Magpie, LLC at 406 5th Street in Rapid City (in the Abys Feed & Seed arts cooperative). We are partnering with Barefoot Dance Studios to offer after school classes in The Seed Theatre. BHP hopes to partner with local organizations to find ways to provide arts classes to ALL children regardless of their family’s financial status or their abilities. Stay tuned for class schedules to be announced in late summer.
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Dakota Players JACQUELINE DeGRAFF Actor/Director
NATHANIAL VOGEL Actor/Director
Jacqueline, a recent graduate of the University of North Dakota (B.F.A. musical theatre, dance minor), grew up in Bismarck, ND, where she spent her summers performing, teaching classes, and directing young children’s ensembles at the community theatre. A few of her favorite credits include Jo in Little Women, the Bakers Wife in Into the Woods, Sheila in A Chorus Line, and Sandy in Grease. She is very excited to be a part of the Dakota Players!
Nathanial is beyond thrilled to be joining the Dakota Players! Although he grew up in Phoenix, AZ, he recently graduated from the University of South Dakota with a B.F.A. in musical theatre. Some of his favorite roles to date include Bernard in Boeing Boeing, Charles in Pippin, and Grinch in Seussical. In his spare time, Nathanial loves running, hiking, staying caught up on Netflix, and exercising his punny bone.
CHRISTINE PIETZ Tour Manager
Christine graduated from the University of South Dakota in May of 2015 with a B.F.A. in musical theatre and a minor in dance. She is primarily an actor, with some favorite roles being Catherine in Pippin, Sylvia in Sylvia, and Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein. She toured with Dakota Players in 2013 and worked at the BHP in 2014. Christine is excited to be back on board now in her new role as tour manager. Photo credit Reistroffer Design
Dakota Players Believes:
• In the TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER of theatre arts and that CREATIVITY is inherent in all people. • That EDUCATION should be interactive and inspiring.
• That all students regardless of social/emotional, physical, economic or geographic limitations should have ACCESS to the arts. • In creating EMPLOYMENT opportunities for arts professionals in the Midwest.
Good educators are always looking for ways to engage and reach students with many diverse learning styles. Arts integration is a tool for learning, and participation in arts experiences gives students multiple ways to feel successful and show what they know. Dakota Players’ programs provide fresh, inventive, fun and creative curriculum for students of all abilities. The Black Hills Playhouse, through Dakota Players, is playing a vital role in education by providing creative outlets for all children (inclusive of those from low income families and those with disabilities) who want the opportunity to be onstage, have fun with theatre, and to feel success in their accomplishments. Making memories and transformational moments in education possible is our passion and mission. Through residencies, workshops, camps and after-school programs, the BHP is dedicated to empowering, educating and helping to build the future for children throughout the Midwest. We are working to ensure that these opportunities be available for underresourced schools and communities of all sizes. Join us in this work by making a tax-deductible gift of any size so we can continue to serve small and low-income communities. Donations can be designated to BHP Education Programs, PO Box 2013, Rapid City, SD 57709 or online at BlackHillsPlayhouse.com.
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CEA-7501-A-A5
Joining with our friends and neighbors to
The Black Hills Playhouse
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Kris Zerbe
Financial Advisor .
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Jim Meyer, AAMS® Financial Advisor .
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www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Management Team LINDA ANDERSON
DAN WORKMAN
Executive Director
Artistic Director
Proud to be leading the charge at the BHP for the last six years, Linda works with her incredible team and generous donors to move the Playhouse forward. Linda believes in creativity and the power of art to change the world for good. She has a talent for making connections, creating innovative arts programs and raising money. Her husband and kids are the loves of her life and she is grateful for their support.
DEBRA WORKMAN Director of Education & Outreach
Deb has great passion for everything children, especially her three remarkable boys (Dylan, Satchel & Preston), their giant puppy Finch, and her work as director of education and outreach for the BHP. She fancies her partner in crime and his unwavering support in this thing called life. Family, Laughter, and Art fill her soul.
INGRID K. J. REUTER Business Manager
This summer marks Ingrid’s 6th at the BHP, and she is thrilled to have her dream job! She is passionate about the arts and has worked and played in all aspects of theatre. In her spare time, Ingrid enjoys making home improvements, driving and hiking in the beautiful Black Hills, and buying office supplies. Ingrid loves working with her best friend and husband, Jason, and is tickled pink to be the mom of two wonderful little boys, Sylvan and Fox.
Dan is fond of chocolate. He has discovered in the last year that he likes being a dog owner. After 23 years he is still madly in love with his beautiful wife, Debra. He is finding out what it is like to send a child out into the world as his oldest son has just graduated from high school. Good luck, Dylan! He is happy that Satchel and Preston have several years left before they move out. Dan thoroughly enjoys that he gets to spend summers at the BHP and, in the off season, teach some amazing students at Augustana University.
JASON REUTER Operations Manager
This will be Jason’s 15th season at the Playhouse. After having worked in professional theatre all over the country, and a few overseas gigs, he moved to the Black Hills in 2008. In 2011, he married his best friend Ingrid, and they welcomed their sons Sylvan, in 2012, and Fox, in March 2015. Jason thanks all the incredible supporters who keep the Playhouse thriving, the board and staff for all their hard work, and you for ending the day with a play.
A QUESTION WE GET ALL THE TIME….. “So, what do you do in the off-season?” The Black Hills Playhouse, affiliated with the University of South Dakota, is a full-time endeavor. We manage the campus at Custer State Park, which requires maintenance and fundraising for regular upgrades to the physical plant in addition to raising funds for the artistic program. Since 2011, $1.25 million in improvements have been made to the campus, most of which has to happen during very short time periods in the fall and spring. Getting a season chosen, marketed and up and running takes a lot of preparation which starts right after the end of the current season. In 2015, the Black Hills Playhouse acquired Dakota Players, a touring outreach company based in Sioux Falls, which provides incredible theatre education programs throughout South Dakota in communities large and small. Dakota Players booked 42 residencies in 2015 and partnered with the LifeScape Center for the Arts to produce All-Ability productions (students with disabilities and traditionally developing students) of You Look Marvelous and The Wizard of Oz in 2016. Educational BHP Jr. programs are in development. Our goal is to partner in communities to offer after-school programs and camps and make them accessible to low-income families. In Rapid City, we are partnering with Racing Magpie and Barefoot Dance Studios to offer programs at The Seed Theatre. A BHP Jr. Performing Arts Camp for kids 10-14 is happening from July 24 - 29 at Placerville in the Black Hills.
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Actors KIT ASFELDT Miss Texas - Pageant Fester - The Addams Family
Kit is excited to be back at the BHP! He is a recent graduate of the University of South Dakota with a B.F.A. in musical theatre and a minor in communication sciences and disorders. Regional credits: Cats, The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee, Some Enchanted Evening (Straw Hat Players); The Secret Garden, Spamalot (BHP); State Fair (Prairie Repertory Theatre). HUGE thanks and love to his beautiful sister Hannah, who inspires him to be better on the daily, and his ever supportive parents, Karen and Thomas.
CLAIRE AVERY Gertrude Winklesworth-Bode Jeeves Intervenes Wednesday Addams –The Addams Family
Claire is incredibly excited to be joining the BHP company for her second season! You may remember seeing her onstage last season as Mayella Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird. A recent graduate of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, Claire will be heading to Minneapolis to pursue her acting career.
KRISTY BAUER Mother Superior –Nunsense Grandma Addams –The Addams Family
Kristy has been performing at the BHP since 1991. She is excited this summer to have the opportunity to reprise the role as the Mother Superior in Nunsense. When not acting at the playhouse, Kristy can be found teaching English and directing plays with middle school kids. Kristy would like to thank her husband, Chuck, for supporting her “need” to be at the Playhouse in the summer. A big shout out to the two greatest loves of her life, her daughters, Maggie and Katie. “I love you girls!!!!”
MARY BUSS (FJELSTAD) Aunt Agatha – Jeeves Intervenes Sister Robert Anne – Nunsense Morticia Addams – The Addams Family
Mary Buss (Fjelstad) is delighted to return to the BHP stage. She was last seen in Noises Off (2005). Favorite roles at the BHP include Anna in The King and I, Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe, and Louise in Gypsy 27 years ago! She recently played Vivienne in a rolling world premiere of Blackberry Winter by Steve Yockey at the Oregon Contemporary Theater. Mary holds an M.F.A. in acting from Case Western Reserve University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. She currently resides in Oklahoma City with BHP alums Kato and Olivia Buss. Much gratitude to Kato and Olivia for their love and support.
JASON COPPENBARGER Miss Industrial Northeast – Pageant Lucas Beineke – The Addams Family Player 2 – Shipwrecked!
Jason is thrilled to be returning to the Playhouse family! You may remember him as Donkey in Shrek the Musical last summer. Jason holds a B.F.A. from Western Illinois University. After the summer, he will be returning to the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse where he will be touring with their youth theatre. Love to Sarah, his family, and the BHP staff!
IAN CURTIS Miss Deep South – Pageant Ancestor – The Addams Family
This season marks Ian’s third year with the BHP as an acting apprentice. You may remember seeing him in Spamalot as the luscious and devilishly handsome Sir Galahad, and as the intrepid hopeless romantic George Nowak in the musical She Loves Me. When he’s not on the BHP stage, Ian studies theatre at Augustana University. Thank you, and enjoy the show!
CONOR FINNERTYESMONDE Bertie Woster – Jeeves Intervenes Miss West Coast – Pageant Ancestor - The Addams Family
Hailing from St. Paul, MN, Conor is delighted to be back at the BHP this summer! He is currently pursuing a B.F.A. in musical theatre at Illinois Wesleyan University and will graduate in 2017. Some of his favorite roles include: Jesus (Godspell), Beast (Beauty and the Beast), Nick (Fame), Snoopy (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!), and Vittorio Vidal (Sweet Charity). Thanks Ma and Da for the constant love and support, and always remember, Tá grá agam duit.
MANNING GOLDMAN Miss Bible Belt – Pageant Ancestor – The Addams Family
Manning proudly returns to the BHP! He was seen last summer as Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird, Arpad in She Loves Me (he apologizes if you got hit with the bike!) and Pinocchio in Shrek the Musical. Manning just graduated from Southern Illinois University with his B.A. in theatre and is excited to begin his postgraduate professional career in the beautiful Black Hills!
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Actors JEFF KINGSBURY
NICK PRIOR
Sir Rupert Watlington-Pipps Jeeves Intervenes Frankie – Pageant Lurch – The Addams Family
Miss Great Plains – Pageant Pugsley Addams– The Addams Family
Mr. Kingsbury is a BHP veteran and well-recognized on our stage. He has appeared in The Drowsy Chaperone, The Three Musketeers, Tuesdays with Morrie, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Secret Garden, Spamalot, The Best Man, A Couple of Blaquards, To Kill a Mockingbird, She Loves Me, Shrek, and Moonlight and Magnolias. He has appeared onstage around the country in over 150 plays and musicals. During the balance of the year, Jeff is an accomplished auctioneer for charity events, raising nearly $8 million for non-profits this past year alone!
JOSEY MILLER Sister Mary Hubert – Nunsense Alice Beineke – The Addams Family
Josey is beyond excited to be making her debut at the BHP! Originally from the greater Pittsburgh area, Josey has called Lancaster, PA, home since graduating from Seton Hill University. Selected regional credits include: Blain’s Jumpin Jubilee (Ruby Pickens), Josiah for President (Cindy Stedman), Drinking Habits (Sister Philamena), Squabbles (Alice Sloan), and The Confession: A New Musical (Mary). She would like to extend thanks to the BHP team for this opportunity and to her family for their constant support in this crazy career! Proverbs 3:5.
Nick is a junior theatre performance major and musical theatre minor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was most recently seen in UNL’s productions of She Kills Monsters as a Bugbear, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as William Barfeé. Nick is very excited to join the company at the BHP and hopes you enjoy the show!
TIMOTHY PYLES Louis De Rougemont – Shipwrecked!
Tim is thrilled to be making his BHP debut! He is assistant professor and head of the B.F.A. acting program at the University of South Dakota. Tim earned his M.F.A. in acting from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, and his Ph.D. in theatre history, theory and literature from Indiana University, Bloomington. Tim’s professional credits include the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival, and the Indiana Festival Theatre.
Photo Credit Sage Studios
To Kill a Mockingbird, 2015
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Actors KATJA SEASHOLTZ
SARAH RANDALL
Ancestor – The Addams Family Player 1 – Shipwrecked!
Sister Mary Amnesia – Nunsense Ancestor – The Addams Family
Sarah is excited to join the BHP this summer and is very thankful for this wonderful opportunity! Sarah received her B.F.A. in musical theatre at Western Illinois University, where she played many roles including Shelley in Bat Boy the Musical, Laurey in Oklahoma, and Claire in Ordinary Days. After the summer, she will be returning to Auburn, NY, touring with the Merry-GoRound Youth Theatre. Many thanks and love to Jason and her family for their undying support.
Katja is from the Twin Cities and grew up in Minnesota. She just graduated from Drake University with a musical theatre degree. Her favorite shows she was a part of in her time at Drake include Blood Wedding (Mother), Taming of the Shrew (Bianca), and If We Were Birds (The One with Dwindling Dignity). She would like to thank her parents for always supporting her, and her peers and professors at Drake for teaching her on and off the stage.
JASON REUTER
DAN WORKMAN
Jeeves – Jeeves Intervenes
Gomez Addams – The Addams Family
See full bio on pg. 33.
See full bio on pg. 33.
JACOB J. ROMAN
LERA ZAMARAEVA
Eustace Bassington-Bassington Jeeves Intervenes
Sister Mary Leo – Nunsense Ancestor – The Addams Family
Mal Beineke – The Addams Family
Jacob returns for his third consecutive season at the BHP! Last year he was the short-statured villain Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical and the evil and brooding Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird. Jacob is the education & outreach director for the Black Hills Community Theatre, and has thoroughly enjoyed his time and theatre experience in the Black Hills.
Lera is a recent graduate of Drake University with a B.F.A. in musical theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Tracy Turnblad (Hairspray), Madelaine True (Wild Party), Connie (A Chorus Line), and Olympia (A Flea in her Ear). She is very excited to be a part of the BHP team for the first time! Lera sends love to her friends and family for all of their support!
Black Hills Playhouse 2016 - 7”x2.875”
P roud pr
incipal
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“... We need volunteers to provide a broader view of the ways a good education can point to a bright future.” – Mrs. Davis said Our employees help out hundreds of organizations, including those that help students learn about life outside the classroom. Broader views leading toward a brighter future.
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On stage you are the star of the show!
At home, we are your health care team. Providing health care in Belle Fourche, Buffalo, Custer, Hill City, Hot Springs, Lead-Deadwood, Newcastle, Rapid City, Spearfish, Sturgis, Upton, and Wall. For a full list of our services, visit regionalhealth.com
20161091-0416
Helping Patients and Communities Live Well
Directors, Designers & Creative Team CHRISTIAN HARVEY BOY Scenic Designer – Jeeves Intervenes
Christian is happy to return to the BHP for his sixth season! Previous BHP designs include To Kill a
Mockingbird, The Best Man, Children of Eden, The Three Musketeers, and The 39
Steps. Regional designs for: The Kennedy Center (D. C.),
California Musical Theatre (Sacramento), The Grenada Theatre (Santa Barbara), The Alliance, Jewish Theatre of the South, Center Theatre, and Horizon theatres (Atlanta). Professor Boy teaches scenery and costume design at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.
BLAIR BYBEE Choreographer – Pageant
Blair directed the Barry Manilow Cabaret in New York City. His work as a director/choreographer has been recognized on regional and national levels. He is a recipient of Dance Magazine’s: Young Choreographer of the Year award. Shows include: Hairspray, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Into the Woods, Disney’s High School Musical, Anything Goes, Footloose, Godspell, Crazy for You, Gypsy, Just one World, 42nd Street, Forever Plaid, Urinetown, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and most recently he served as co-director and choreographer for Billy Elliot. In addition to his other projects he is currently the artistic director for ArtsQuest Theatricals in New York City.
EMILY CHERRY Director – The Addams Family
Emily is delighted to be returning to the BHP for her fourth summer. At the BHP she has directed Shrek the Musical and Boeing Boeing and performed as Lily in The Secret Garden. Emily is currently an associate professor at the University of North Dakota. She has directed several productions academically and professionally. Other than her work at BHP, some of her favorite productions have been Three Days of Rain, Urinetown, Assassins, and the world premiere of The Sweet Stuff in Chicago.
AMBER MARISA COOK Costume Designer – The Addams Family Scenic Designer – Shipwrecked!
See full bio on page 45.
MEGAN GERLACH Choreographer – The Addams Family
Megan is thrilled to be returning to the BHP for The Addams Family. Previously, she was the choreographer for Spamalot and Shrek the Musical at the BHP. Megan returned to work as associate choreographer for Seussical the Musical (Theatreworks USA) this year with director Nathan Brewer, after staging the work for three years under director/ choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge. She choreographs and dances for videos and a variety of shows and events around NYC. Megan holds a B.F.A. in dance and a minor in theatre from the University of Minnesota.
CHRISTOPHER GEORGE HAUG Lighting Designer – Shipwrecked!
See full bio on page 45.
SARA CURRAN ICE Costume Designer – Jeeves Intervenes
Sara is a costume designer and senior lecturer in theatre at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She received her B.A. in theatre from Illinois State University and her M.F.A. in costume design from the University of California, Irvine. Her professional work has included theatre, opera, film, and television. While in California she had the opportunity to work at the Pasadena Playhouse as their costume supervisor, where she worked on such shows as Anna in the Tropics, Dirty Blonde, and 110 in the Shade. She is a member of IATSE Local 705, the Motion Picture Costumers Union in Los Angeles. She is thrilled to be back designing at the BHP this year.
KARLA KASH Director – Shipwrecked!
Karla is the head of the B.F.A. musical theatre program at Drake University and is grateful to be working with the talented team at the BHP for the first time. She has directed/choreographed many shows, including favorites: Sweeny Todd; Romeo and Juliet; bare; Cabaret; The Wild Party; Twelfth Night; Spring Awakening, and Parade. An Equity actor, her favorite roles include: Susan in [title of show]; Becca in Rabbit Hole; Diane in Next to Normal, and Josie in A Moon for the Misbegotten.
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Directors, Designers & Creative Team DARREN E. LEVIN
ANTHONY PELLECCHIA
Lighting Designer – Nunsense Lighting Designer – Pageant
Lighting Designer – The Addams Family
Darren holds a B.F.A. from Missouri State University and an M.F.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He is thrilled to be back after designing last year’s production of She Loves Me. Credits include Nashville Repertory Theatre (Good Monsters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead), Green Mountain Opera Festival (La Cenerentola, Rape of Lucretia), Cedar Point Live Entertainment. Darren teaches lighting design at Middle Tennessee State University. Proud member United Scenic Artists 829 and IATSE Local 205. www.darrenelevin.com
TYLER L. MICHEEL Sound Designer – Nunsense Sound Designer – Pageant Sound Designer – The Addams Family
See full bio on page 46.
MATT NESMITH Director – Nunsense Music Director – Nunsense
Matt is an associate professor and coordinator of the B.F.A. musical theatre program at the University of South Dakota. Recent stage/musical directing credits include Young Frankenstein, Next to Normal, Les Misérables, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Recent performance credits include Bert in Mary Poppins, Archibald in The Secret Garden, and Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd. This summer, in addition to his time here at the BHP, Matt will music direct The Winter’s Tale for South Dakota Shakespeare Festival, serve as director of musical theatre at the International Performing Arts Institute in Kiefersfelden, Germany, and stage/music direct Rock of Ages for Sioux Empire Community Theatre. Matt will be joined at the BHP by his wife, Jo, and children Holly, Teddy, and Margaret.
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Anthony is the assistant professor of lighting and sound design at the University of Memphis Department of Theatre and Dance. He received his M.F.A. in 2009 from Ohio State University. Anthony's creative scholarship explores the fusion of lighting composition, automation, and projections with live performance. His professional and academic work in theatre, dance, and opera has received awards and recognition from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region V, USITT Ohio Valley, USITT Design Expo, and USA Weekender. Anthony is excited to be returning to the BHP for his 6th season, having had the opportunity to design past productions of Godspell, Shrek the Musical, The 39 Steps, Moonlight and Magnolias, Spamalot, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Three Musketeers, and Children of Eden.
CAITLIN QUINN Costume Designer – Shipwrecked!
Caitlin is the assistant professor of costume design at the University of South Dakota. Her recent designs at USD include Young Frankenstein and Assassins. She has previously designed shows for Northern Illinois University, Wake Forest University, and others. Her professional work includes designs for the Organic Theatre Company, Festival 56 Theatre, and the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival.
BILL RUSSELL Co-author Book and Lyrics - Pageant Director – Pageant
Mr. Russell is an internationally produced playwright, lyricist and director who grew up in Spearfish. His musicals have been performed on Broadway and Off, in the Fringe and West End of London and all over America, the UK and many other countries. In 1997, he received Tony Award nominations for the book and lyrics of Side Show, which enjoyed a critically acclaimed Broadway revival in 2014. Two new shows are having world premieres in 2016.
Directors, Designers & Creative Team JOHN RYAN
KATHY VOECKS
Lighting Designer – Jeeves Intervenes Sound Designer – Jeeves Intervenes Sound Designer – Shipwrecked!
Scenic Designer – The Addams Family
See full bio on page 46.
GENE SALGADO Costume Designer – Nunsense Costume Designer – Pageant
See full bio on page 47.
Kathy is very pleased to be back for yet another season at the BHP. Her most recent design for the BHP was last year’s She Loves Me. She is currently associate professor of scene design and head of design/technology at Kansas State University. She has designed for theatres including Circa 21, The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theatre, The Omaha Theater Company for Young People, and the Omaha Theatre Ballet. She holds an M.F.A. in scenic design from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
DAVID WINTERSTEEN ANDREA SCHAEFER Choreographer – Nunsense
Andrea is the owner of Barefoot Dance Studio in Rapid City and is currently the president of the Dance Network of South Dakota. She has danced nationally and internationally since receiving her B.A. in dance from the University of New Mexico. Locally, Andrea has been hired to dance and/ or choreograph for Dakota Dance Company, the Dahl Arts Center, Black Hills Community Theatre, and Flutter Productions. She is also the founder of Outright Dance Theatre, a mixed-ability modern dance and theatre company based out of Rapid City.
Director – Jeeves Intervenes
David serves as director of theatre for Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and he is an ensemble member of Fargo’s Theatre B. Directing credits include Dracula, The Metal Children, and The Long Christmas Ride Home at Concordia, and Equivocation, Wit and Scrooge Macbeth at Theatre B. In addition to directing and acting, David loves crafting unusual theatrical effects on stage, including spurting blood, spaceships, and a 1000-gallon pool. When not teaching and making theatre, David enjoys camping and hiking with his family, skiing and canoeing at the lake, and motorcycles.
VICTOR E. SHONK Scenic Designer – Nunsense Scenic Designer – Pageant
Victor is an assistant professor at the University of South Dakota, teaching scenic design, scenic painting, and properties. He is a freelance scenic designer who has worked in many states across the nation designing theatre, television, and opera. This is Vic's third season with the BHP. Previous designs at the BHP include Spamalot, Shrek the Musical, and Moonlight and Magnolias. He is a proud member of United Scenic Artists, local 829.
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Production Team SAGE BACKER Stagecraft Apprentice
This is Sage’s first year at the BHP and she could not be more excited! She was born and bred in St. Paul, MN, and now attends school in Sioux Falls at Augustana University, where she is a theatre major. She loves both the performance and technical aspects of theatre. When she grows up, Sage hopes to find a position at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.
AARON E. BENSON Carpentry Apprentice
Aaron is currently a senior at Montana State University studying mechanical engineering. An avid fan of Shakespeare, he has performed the roles of Hamlet and Macbeth with Rapid City’s Shakespeare in the Square and is an assistant teacher for an Honors College seminar on Shakespeare in performance at MSU. From playing bass in the symphony to working backstage, Aaron is profoundly grateful for the roles the arts have played in his life. After graduation, he will pursue a career in engineering for the stage and live performance.
AMBER MARISA COOK Costume Shop Manager
Amber is thrilled to be back at the BHP with her brand new husband Chris Haug! She is an assistant professor of costume design at Southeast Missouri State University. BHP costume design credits include: Shrek the Musical, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Secret Garden, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Amber has worked as a designer at many regional and academic theatres. She holds an M.F.A. in production design from Michigan State University, and is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. www. ambermcookdesign.com
KRISTAL GEORGOPOULOS Stage Manager – Jeeves Intervenes Stage Manager – The Addams Family
Kristal is originally from the small town of Jackson, MI. This year marks her first season with the BHP, and she is thrilled to be working with a talented group of people in the beauty of the Black Hills. She is currently finishing her undergraduate degree from Albion College in Michigan. Most recent stage management credits include The White Snake, The Fantasticks, Brigadoon, and The Diviners. Kristal is excited to be working with a great theatre and wants to explore the wilderness of South Dakota on her days off.
CHRISTOPHER GEORGE HAUG Production Manager/Technical Director
Chris holds an M.F.A. from Michigan State University and a B.A. from the University of Iowa, and is a professional member of USITT. When Chris is not enjoying the incredible experience of technical direction and design at the BHP, he is molding the minds of tomorrow’s designers and technicians. After leaving the BHP this season, Chris will be the Technical Director/Lighting Designer for Southeastern Missouri State University, Conservatory for Theatre and Dance. He is very excited to continue working with his talented wife Amber Marisa Cook.
M.K. HUGHES Charge Scenic Artist
M.K. is very pleased to be working with the BHP again this season. She comes most recently from designing and charging two productions for Kansas State University (The Consul and As You like It). She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with an M.F.A. in theatre (set design). In addition to design she also is a professional scenic artist, working with such companies as the Alabama and Oregon Shakespeare Festivals. Her work may be found on her website: www.mkhughes.com.
RAINIE (YONG) JIANG Stitching Apprentice
Originally from China, Rainie is now getting her M.F.A. in theatre, production design at Michigan State University. Her focus area is costume design, however, she would love to be a professional costume technician and wardrobe leader, especially for costume quick-change design. She appreciates the BHP for providing her with this wonderful opportunity and sends thanks to all of the people who have always supported her.
ANDREW J. LOWERY Carpenter/Deck Chief
Andrew is returning for his third year at the BHP. He has recently received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is very grateful for the opportunity to return to Custer State Park for a third time.
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Production Team SHELBY MARSH Scenic Artist Apprentice
Shelby is from Kalamazoo, MI, where she is a recent graduate with a B.F.A. in scenic art from Western Michigan University. She is so excited to be joining the BHP for the 71st season.
STEPHEN MATTHEW Assistant Master Electrician
Stephen is thrilled to return to the BHP for his 12th season! In the off season he took a break from the professional world to pursue his academic goals. While taking classes, Stephen designed lights for Measure for Measure and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and the set for Run for your Wife. He and the design team for The Last Days of Judas Iscariot received an award for best collaboration at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
ALEX MEYER Properties Apprentice
Alex is delighted to be making his debut with the BHP this summer. He is currently studying art and theatre at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, and has worked in various designer and technician capacities throughout his time there. Alex wishes to pursue scenic design as a career, and is looking to continue his education beyond Augustana in the future.
TYLER L. MICHEEL Live Sound Engineer – Nunsense Live Sound Engineer – Pageant Live Sound Engineer – The Addams Family
This is Tyler’s second year at the BHP. He recently graduated with his M.F.A. from the University of South Dakota in design technology with an emphasis in lighting and sound design. His bachelor’s degree is in digital arts and design with an emphasis in audio production from Dakota State University. He grew up outside of Cavour, SD, and currently resides with his wife Ashley in Madison, SD. Tyler hopes to stay in the area and support local arts and theatre.
CHRISTINA OLSON Stitcher/Assistant Costume Shop Manager
Christina is delighted to be returning to the BHP for her fourth season. In previous seasons Christina played the rolls of stitcher as well as technical intern. This past year, Christina spent most of her winter in Los Angeles, where she interned in the Center Theatre Group Costume Shop. She is thrilled to reunite with friends and create costumes for the BHP’s 71st season.
BILLY OSOS Assistant Technical Director
Billy is really excited to be coming back to the BHP for his third season. He had a great time the last 2 summers; made many fond memories and hopes to make more this summer. When not at the BHP he works at home in Michigan teaching high school kids how to build sets.
MICHELLE PETTIT Stitching Apprentice
This is Michelle’s first summer at the BHP. She is from Dublin, OH, and just graduated from Wittenberg University with a degree in theatre. This fall, Michelle will be attending The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in pursuit of an M.F.A. in costume technology. She enjoyed working in the costume shop at Wittenberg University where she has helped costume many shows, including The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
SAGE REUTER Electrics Apprentice
Sage is currently a sophomore at Southern Oregon University where she is majoring in theatre arts and minoring in piano performance. She hopes to get into the B.F.A. program for sound design and composition. In her free time, Sage enjoys reading, writing, and composing piano solos. She’s thrilled to be part of the 2016 company and hopes you enjoy the show.
JOHN RYAN Master Electrician
This season is John's 27th at the BHP. He has designed lighting for several BHP productions, most recently Sylvia. In the off-season, John works at Webster University in Saint Louis, MO, as the scene shop supervisor. John expresses thanks to the many Playhouse supporters who continue to help us keep and repair our site in Custer State Park, especially to those who donated to the lighting and sound upgrades. The BHP expresses thanks to John who has purchased and donated electrics equipment for years and continues to lend us equipment while we finish raising funds for lighting instruments and special effects. We wouldn’t be here today without his dedication and drive to preserve the BHP.
Production Team GENE SALGADO
MEGAN WEIDNER
Cutter/Draper
Originally from Texas, Gene holds a degree in theatre from UT El Paso. Previous experience includes acting (favorite credits include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Producers, Rent, Singing in the Rain, The Little Dog Laughed) and directing (credits include: The Taffetas, I Love the 80s). Costume design credits include: Fourthwall Productions (TX), Illinois Wesleyan University (IL), Shawnee Theatre of Greene County (IN), Duke City Repertory Theatre (NM), and BHP’s productions of Sylvia and Moonlight and Magnolias. Upcoming productions: Wayfoot (in development) INTAR (NYC).
KIAH SCHAEFFER Stagecraft Apprentice
Kiah went to Stevens High School in Rapid City, SD, and performed onstage for two years there. She is currently seeking a technical degree in theatre with a focus in costuming from the University of South Dakota. Kiah has never lived in a state that didn’t end in “Dakota,” and she loves the smell of rain!
DAYNE SUNDMAN Stage Manager – Pageant Stage Manager – Shipwrecked!
Dayne is thrilled to be spending his first summer at the BHP. A native of Cleveland, OH, Dayne is a recent graduate of Baldwin Wallace University. Past stage management credits include In the Heights (Beck Center for the Arts), West Side Story, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Huron Playhouse), Carousel, Romeo & Juliet (BWU).
Properties Master
Megan grew up in Elk Point, SD, and graduated from Northwestern College with a degree in computer information systems. While there, she lived in the theatre, and worked as a director, stage manager, and properties master for many shows. Megan has been a Dakota Player for the last two years. She loves traveling the Midwest and performing each week with hundreds of talented kids. Megan is excited to back at the BHP for her second summer!
TERRA WRITZ Scenic Artist
Terra is very excited to be part of the BHP family for the 2016 season. Originally from Cleveland, OH, she graduated from Bowling Green State University with a B.A.C. in theatre design and technology. During the rest of the year, Terra studies under Rachel Keebler in the Scenic Artists Training Program at Cobalt Studios.
JESSICA G. YOUNG Stage Manager – Nunsense
Jessica is coming to the BHP representing James Madison University where she received a B.A. degree in theatre and dance. In the off season, Jessica works as local crew at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, expanding her technical theatre knowledge and skill. A traveler, she hopes to be able to take her BHP experience across the globe and back again next year.
JOHN UTTER Master Carpenter
John graduated in May from the University of Minnesota with a degree in theatre arts. He is excited to put that degree to use here at the Playhouse for his second season, and then go out into the wide, wide world and make a living in theatre.
Photo Credit Sage Studios
Shrek the Musical, 2015
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Musicians GEORGE HONG
COLBY HOUCHIN
Accompanist – Nunsense
Drummer – Nunsense Drummer – Pageant
George is a student who finds writing short bios to be as difficult as playing polyrhythms for an entire piece. He has played piano since the age of seven and hopes to one day own a concert grand Steinway & Sons piano. In his free time, George also enjoys playing the flute and creating digital art - any remaining time is sucked up by YouTube videos. George currently resides in Rapid City, SD.
VONNIE HOUCHIN
Originally from Rapid City, Colby will be a sophomore at the University of Sioux Falls where he is studying youth ministry and exercise science. He hopes to use his music skills and love of athletics to be able to connect with kids and get to play in his "real job"! Colby is working at Camp Judson outside of Keystone this summer when he is not at the BHP. He loves the opportunity to play drums in these great, fun musicals!
Music Director – Pageant Music Director - The Addams Family
Vonnie loves this opportunity to stretch her musical skills! She has a B.A. in elementary education and music and an M.A. in curriculum and instruction along with an emphasis in educational leadership. She is a wife and mother of four sons, a 30year veteran of classroom teaching in Rapid City, the music director at First Baptist Church, and leader of a women’s a cappella chorus, Dynamix.
BRING YOUR CONVENTION HOME BE A HOMETOWN HERO
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Customer Service JUSTIN ANDERSON
ETHAN MEERSMAN
Customer Service Assistant
Snack Bar Clerk
Justin just completed his freshman year at Rapid City Central High School. He is a math and science whiz, as well as an arts person who loves visual art, film, music, and drama. Justin has been a volunteer at the BHP since he was 10, appeared on the BHP stage as Young Cain in Children of Eden at 13, and started working in the snack bar at 14. Justin is looking forward to serving tasty snacks in the newly christened Thirsty Buffalo Snack Bar “and getting his driver’s license this summer.
TAYLOR N. LEACH Box Office Clerk/Administrative Assistant
Taylor is a recent Dordt College Graduate who has a B.A. in theatre management. This is her first year working with the BHP. She has a love for all things theatre, especially children’s theatre. In her free time she enjoys reading new scripts and baking. Thank you all for coming and enjoy the show!
KYLE MARKS Snack Bar Clerk
Kyle is very excited to spend his first summer at the BHP! He is currently a sophomore theatre and English major attending Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. This summer he will be working hard at the snack bar to keep everyone fully fed and focused.
Ethan is excited to have his first summer at the BHP where his parents met. Originally from Alexandria, VA, he will be attending the University of Montana in the fall. Ethan has always been an outdoorsy person, and has played almost any sport you can name. He looks forward to hiking in the Black Hills during his time here.
LUKAS PTACEK Box Office Manager/Administrative Assistant
Lukas is excited to be returning to the BHP for the 3rd year in a row! A recent graduate of the University of South Dakota with a B.F.A. in musical theatre and minor in dance, Lukas has performed on our stage as a chorus member in Spamalot, The Secret Garden, and Shrek the Musical, and Senator Clyde Carlin in The Best Man. With a recent injury sidelining him, Lukas has been working for us in the off season learning what goes on behind the scenes, and is grateful for the opportunity to continue this summer.
Company Support JENY DAHMEN
JEFF KINGSBURY
Head Chef
Groundskeeper
Jeny is excited to return to the BHP for her second summer! In the off season, Jeny lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband and works as a nurse. She has a visual art background and enjoys cooking, canning, and gardening. Jeny will miss her garden this summer, but is excited to cook great meals in the beautiful backdrop of the Black Hills.
MATTHEW HER MANY HORSES Assistant Chef
Matthew was born and raised in Todd County, SD, and graduated from Todd County High School. He attended Dartmouth College for 2 years. Recently, Matthew has been volunteering and working with the Todd County School District in a variety of positions. He plans to finish his college studies so he can teach and encourage students, and hopefully one day develop an arts center for students on the Rosebud Reservation.
See full bio on page 37.
DAVID LAMPERT Maintenance Man
Dave is a self-proclaimed “Jack of all Trades – Expert at None” who can fix or repair almost anything. He was born in Lance Creek, WY, but was raised and educated in Custer County, SD. After spending many years in the construction industry in the Seattle area, he decided to return home. Dave was volunteered by his brother, Phil, to help with the demolition and cleanup of the old CCC buildings and caught the “BHP bug.” He has been here ever since.
Don’t Miss Our 2016-2017 Broadway Play Series THE 2016 SEASON!
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Photo Credit Sage Studios
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Moonlight & Magnolias, 2015
Special Thanks..
• Gregson’s Gardens for the beautiful hanging baskets on our campus and for delivering vegetables to our kitchen. • Custer Mile High Garden Club for maintaining our gardens in front of the theatre and for their donation of plants. We are so grateful for their expertise. • Generous donors who helped pay for the walk-in cooler, freezer and concrete pad near the dining hall. Ron Eastep for his help in hauling our walk-in cooler and freezer to its new home. • Gary Merkel and friends for help in painting dormitories.
She Loves Me, 2015 Photo Credit Sage Studios
• Wonderful crew of volunteers who came out to help get the campus open.
• L.M. Baylor for the donation of a station wagon to use in camp. • Mt. Rushmore Telco and Bruce Hanson for bringing fiber optic to the campus and for their annual support. • Mark & Carolyn Mollers for their amazing donation of a new sound system for the theatre. • Kilowatt Electric and Doug Vallis for their expertise in getting the electrics upgrade finished in time. Special thanks to Doug for his donation of electrical design for the project. • John Wiley and Brian Adams for their design work and consultation on the electrics upgrades. John Ryan for help in reviewing the project and for the use of donated equipment in the theatre. • University of South Dakota Theatre Department and Augustana University for the use of lighting equipment in the theatre. • Jamie Richardson and LifeScape Center for the Arts for partnering with important work in Sioux Falls which has resulted in transformative experiences for people with disabilities and those without disabilities as they work together on shows. • Jason Reuter for his management of really big, important physical plant improvements on the campus this year. • Andrea Schaefer at Barefoot Dance Studios for letting us experiment with programs at The Seed Theatre in Rapid City. • Mary Bordeaux and Peter Strong of Racing Magpie, LLC for a partial donation of of office space at Aby’s Feed & Seed in Rapid City. • Travis & Amy Lantis, Mike & Marnie Gould, Phil Lampert, Jim & Pam Borglum and Byron Lee for hosting Dinner With Friends parties in 2016. • The Jack & Ruth Cannon Fund at the South Dakota Community Foundation for annual gifts.
She Loves Me, 2015 Photo Credit Sage Studios
• Anna Austin and the Landon Family for memorial gifts in memory of Stephen Landon at the Black Hills Area Community Foundation. • BHP Alumni Association Endowment donors at the USD Foundation. • The University of South Dakota College of Fine Arts and Dean Larry Schou for support of our programs. • Superintendent Matt Snyder and Crew from Custer State Park for help in maintaining our campus. • Jenn Greenwaldt for the incredible design of our marketing materials, playbill and website + her infinite patience. • Our generous and dedicated annual donors and funders. Friends of the BHP are listed in the enclosed insert as well as on our website at BlackHillsPlayhouse.com.
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• Get reservations in advance to ensure the best seating. • Make it a habit to arrive with plenty of time to park, get your park sticker if needed and make it to your seat! Feel free to compliment our creative car parkers on their attire and antics. • Comfortable shoes and dress are highly recommended~we are in a forest! • Buffalo are dangerous. Those on campus are often young bulls who are more aggressive. Do not approach, pet, or get too close to take pictures or videos. We like you and would hate to see you hurt! • You may eat and drink in our theater. We especially appreciate those who help us clean up by throwing away litter and are considerate and quiet when unwrapping snacks. No glass bottles are allowed in the theater. • Please turn off your cell phone before the performance and refrain from looking at bright screens which distract performers and your fellow audience members. • Kids feeling frisky? Please take them out of the theater or to the back if they are disruptive in consideration of your fellow audience members. • Visit the Thirsty Buffalo Snack Bar and check out the BHP merch! Jackets, BHP Specialty Coffees packaged especially for us by Holy Terror Coffee, pint glasses, BHP playing cards and more. • Bring picnics, enjoy the view and the quiet solitude of this gorgeous location in Custer State Park.
Have a great time, make memories with friends and family and enjoy the show!
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