50 years of East Noble Theatre

$1.00

CELEBRATING

50 YEARS OF

EAST NOBLE

THEATRE

A special supplement to The New Sun on Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

Family Owned Since 1973.

Happy Anniversary

East Noble Theater and Craig and Karen

1002 W. North St., Kendallville, IN 46755 260-347-3153 www.maxplattford.com Munk!

2

EAST NOBLE THEATRE

kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

June 7, 2016

50 years of theater excellence 102 N. Main Street, Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-0400

Terry G. Housholder thousholder@kpcmedia.com President/Publisher

Randy Mitchell randymitchell@kpcmedia.com Chief Executive Officer

S. Rick Mitchell rmitchell@kpcmedia.com Chief Financial Officer

Michael Swann mswann@kpcmedia.com Advertising Director

Ann Saggars asaggars@kpcmedia.com Creative Manager

Tracey Robideau trobideau@kpcmedia.com Special Sections Graphic Designer

Barry Rochford brochford@kpcmedia.com Managing Editor of The News Sun

Dennis Nartker dnartker@kpcmedia.com Reporter

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Cindy Miller Terri Myers

This is special publication of The News Sun, published by KPC Media Group Inc. ©2016 All rights reserved

Established in the fall of 1966, East Noble Theatre celebrates 50 years of theater excellence.

The theater has seen numerous changes over the past 50 seasons, but the tradition of quality theater has never changed.

“Act well your part for there all the honor lies” has truly been the motto of Thespian Troupe 1106 from the very beginning. Larry Newton was the first director of theater, 1966-67, and served as the head director until the spring of 1969.

Already on the scene was a new assistant director, Craig Munk, who had started teaching at East Noble High School in the fall of 1968 and was later to become the head director in the fall of 1969. Munk has just finished his 48th year with East Noble Theatre, and is retiring.

With a newly-formed theater program, many changes took place. One of the first was the introduction of the Homecoming Variety Show in the fall of 1970. The variety show featured many performing groups from the high school and even the high school faculty stepped into the spotlight on occasion. The Homecoming Variety Show, later to be known as Variety Show, continued until the fall of 1984, with the last show entitled Break Through.

The theater season went from a three-show season to a four-show season with the addition of dinner theater in the winter of 1972. The cafeteria was turned into a very elegant and intimate dinner theater and the first show produced was The Fantasticks. Dinner theater was new for the high school scene and became very popular with the community and theater patrons.

The dinner theater concept was moved to backstage of Cole Auditorium in 1982 and ran until the fall of 1988. This intimate setting allowed the theater to present shows that would not have been presented on the main stage. Shows such as Stop the World, Gypsy and Applause were among that list of Broadway favorites. Dinner theater gave the theater an opportunity to work with smaller casts in a more intimate setting.

Some of East Noble Theatre’s best work was done in the East Noble Dinner Theatre. The last dinner theatre, Quilters, was produced in the winter of 1992.

Although not staged backstage, the produc-

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

East Noble Drama Club and Sponsors for 1969-70 were from left: Loren Heinlen, president; Cheryl Napier, secretary; Larry Newton, adviser; Craig Munk, sponsor; Jack Young, adviser; Diane Treesh, vice president; and Gary Klinger, treasurer.

tion did include a ham and bean supper with the show.

Now with a four-show season running quite smoothly it was time to expand the program. In the winter of 1975, Evening of Theatre was added and the talents of an additional director, Bob Avery, were evident. Since that time Avery has directed every Evening of Theatre production with the exception of one. He continues to bring fine drama and comedy to the East Noble Stage and give the school and community a well balanced theater season. This season, he directed the hilarious Broadway comedy, The Nerd.

In the summer of 1975, a summer theater season was added to East Noble Theatre and audiences enjoyed Harvey and Brigadoon. The summer program later became Kendallville Summer Theatre and eventually Gaslight Playhouse.

In the spring of 1981, East Noble Theatre said farewell to its home in Central Auditorium with a production of The Wiz and a special farewell presentation.

Just five months later, in the fall of 1981, the theater moved into its new home, Cole Auditorium at East Noble High School. A gala opening celebration, Overtures of a Celebration, featured community, alumni and high school talent.

This new 750-seat auditorium allowed Munk to introduce stagecraft into the high

school curriculum. The new theater also brought still another change to the theater season, a children’s theater production.

Lemonade Joe Rides Again was the first production in the fall of 1982.

With growth and change very much a part of the East Noble Theatre program, Munk’s theater classes created the very popular Breakfast With Santa in the winter of 1983. Breakfast With Santa serves almost 500 guests for breakfast, which includes a visit from Santa, costumed waiters and waitresses, a live stage show and the beautiful tradition of a live Nativity.

Since there was no longer a variety show in the theater season, the theater teamed up with the vocal music department to create Raise A Ruckus in the fall of 1989. This “country style” variety show is now a part of the Apple Festival of Kendallville and has been seen by thousands of festivalgoers since its beginning. The show has also been presented throughout the state of Indiana and has been featured at both state and national conventions.

This foot-stomping revue has definitely made a name for the East Noble Theatre.

Since 1992, special guests in the show have been the current reigning Miss Indiana.

In 2011, 2012 and 2014, the Ruckus cast See 50 YEARS page 3

©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com

June 7, 2016

East Noble Theatre

You will be missed!

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cast members posed during dress rehearsal for East Noble Theatre’s “An Evening of Theatre” 2002 production of “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

50 YEARS From page 2

was thrilled to have not only Miss Indiana, but East Noble’s own Miss Indiana Outstanding Teens, Brianna DeCamp and Brooke Campbell and Maddie Bryan, as special performers in the show.

In the spring of 1991, East Noble Theatre celebrated 25 years of theater with a gala production featuring students and alumni from all 25 years. A special permanent theater photo exhibit was made possible by the Cole Foundation and has been enjoyed by thousands of theater patrons over the past 25 years.

Although children’s theater was started in 1982, it wasn’t until 1996 that the program made a huge impact on the lives of young theatergoers. Now in the holiday spot, “family friendly” productions are performed for all second- and third-graders during the school day. It was such an instant success that now all second- and third-graders from Noble County attend the shows.

Over the years East Noble Theatre has been very active performing throughout the state at state thespian conferences and the Indiana Association of High School

Theatre Workshops.

The theater has had many award-winning productions during its 50-year history.

In the spring of 1997, new opportunities for awards were made possible for individual theater students with a program entitled Project XL. This project, sponsored by the Indiana Farm Bureau, focused on creative youth and their talents.

East Noble was named the 1997 Overall State Champion and State Performance Champions in 2000 and 2001, as well as first runners-up in 2001 and 2003. The theater continued with state top 10, top five and in 2009 a third-place success. Project XL ended as a state competition that same year.

The list of outstanding productions from the theater is endless and community excitement grew with anticipation for the theater’s 2000 production of Titanic.

Complete with hydraulic stage, Titanic was one of the first amateur productions in the United States and broke all attendance records up to that time. Record-breaking crowds have also attended Grease, Peter Pan, Joseph, Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins, just to name a few.

The year 2001 marked the 35th year of See 50 YEARS page 4

Craig and Karen,

Thank you for your dedication. You have truly prepared our students for the “stage” of life.

3

4

EAST NOBLE THEATRE

kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

50 YEARS From page 3

the theater, and to celebrate this special season a gala alumni show was presented on May 25, 2001. A cast of over 200 brought to life the many memorable characters and songs that have made the theater quite famous. The celebration ended with a party and cabaret at the Kendallville Event Center attended by almost 500 alumni and guests. A lasting memento of the celebration is a beautiful theater showcase in the Cole Auditorium lobby made possible by a generous theater alumni gift.

With the 21st century came numerous new and challenging shows such as Footloose, Honk, Into the Woods and Seussical. Of course, along the way the theater added some old favorites including The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, Brigadoon, The Miracle Worker and The Diary of Anne Frank.

The spring of 2005 the theater once again set the community and neighboring communities talking with an elaborate $50,000 production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The show played for two sold-out weekends and was truly a magical experience for all.

The 2006 theatre season closed with a 40th anniversary show on June 3, 2011.

Alumni from across the United States and beyond came home for A Family Affair.

Since the previous anniversary celebration, the theater had produced such great shows as Les Miserables, Aida, Private Lives, Hello Dolly, Disney’s High School Musical, Crimes of the Heart, Lend Me A Tenor, West Side Story and Thoroughly Modern Millie, just to name a few favorites. The theater also celebrated 20 years of Raise A Ruckus and hosted both Miss America Katie Stam and American television host, singer and actress Kathie Lee Gifford for special shows.

In the spring of 2008, the theater added a student-directed children’s theatre production, which became an instant hit in the community. It is the perfect family outing to introduce young people to live theater. Shows have included Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, James and the Giant Peach, Cat in the Hat, Jungle Book, 101 Dalmatians, Snow White and most recently The Aristocats.

With Project XL ending in 2009, East

Noble Thespian Troupe 1106 again became involved in the state thespian conference and placed in the top five in the state competitions for the next three years with original works. Created yearly in Munk’s theater classes, each original production comments on various social issues. The 2012 production, I Am More Than Just A Picture, placed third at the State Thespian Festival at Vincennes University.

The 2012 State Festival was also special for Troupe 1106, as Munk was one of the first three statewide thespian sponsors to be named to the Indiana Thespian Hall of Fame. At the 2013 State Thespian Festival, East Noble Theatre placed second with its original script, Between the Bells.

In 2011, the theater once again ended the season with a gala 45th anniversary show and party.

The year 2012 brought to the stage one of the first high school productions of Legally Blonde the Musical, and on Senior Night the stage was named the Munk Stage. To the surprise of the Munks, Dr. James Jansen and Pam Younce made the special presentation, and Mayor Suzanne Handshoe proclaimed the Munk Stage an official historical landmark of Kendallville.

The season ended with a special show, Salute to Kendallville, a community variety show celebrating 150 years of Kendallville history.

The next three seasons brought such favorites as Grease, The Little Mermaid, Honk, Shrek, The Drowsy Chaperone, Willie Wonka, Moon Over Buffalo, The Nerd and Noises Off, to name a few.

For the past 50 years the theater has maintained a talented staff of directors, music directors and technical staff. After Larry Newton left in 1969, the theater has been under the direction of Craig Munk as head director assisted by his talented wife, Karen Munk. Together they have produced over 200 shows with the assistance of a very talented theater staff. Bob Avery has directed since 1973.

Over the past five decades, 32 people have worked on the East Noble Theatre staff, including the present staff of the Munks, Chris Mettert, Karen Keck, Jenifer and Kevin Sabrosky and Roger Jackson.

Additional support is given to the staff and theater program by theater patrons, season ticket holders and a very active theater alumni committee. This committee offers both financial and creative support for various projects for the theater and the

June 7, 2016

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

East Noble Theatre’s production of the musical “Brigadoon” starred from left: Jana DeBusk, Mandy Blackman English, Tony Shull, Heather Bloomberg and Ben Mangona.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cast members from East Noble Theatre’s 1997 production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” are from left: Nick Jansen, Ben King, Michael Barranda and Joe Emerson.

facility. Additional support and special funding is also offered by very generous contributions by the individuals, business and professionals, plus the Dekko Foundation and the Cole Foundation. East Noble Theatre has unbelievable support from East Noble School Corp. and the community.

East Noble Theatre continues to meet the challenge of producing theater excellence. The dedicated production staff works with hundreds of creative students each year to make the “magic of theater” an important part of the school and community.

The 2015-16 celebration season

marked the 50th season of East Noble Theatre and included Mary Poppins, The Nerd, Aristocats and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Mr. Munk announced his retirement and with that announcement came a nomination for a Tony, Excellence in Theatre Education, and a national television appearance, with his wife, on NBC’s “Today.” At the end of the season, a new director of theater was named, Chloe Hines, and hundreds of alumni are expected to return for a 50th celebration on June 11.

— East Noble Theatre history provided

by Craig Munk

©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com

June 7, 2016

East Noble Theatre

5

A commitment to helping students be their best

BY DENNIS NARTKER dnartker@kpcmedia.com

KENDALLVILLE — He’s an admitted screamer.

For 48 years, retiring East Noble Theatre director Craig Munk’s harsh voice has gained the immediate attention from thousands of thespians on Cole Auditorium’s Munk Stage.

His screams have been directed at actors, stagehands, stage managers and lighting and sound crews.

“I don’t know why so many kids who first join a production are so scared of me,” he said.

Munk has demanded the best out of everyone on stage, backstage and those operating the lights and sound in the auditorium balcony.

“They realize this, and they genuinely want to do their best,” he said.

Munk was introduced to live theater when he was a a junior high student at Rome City School. He was selected to be in the chorus of a Rome City School production.

“That’s when I caught the theater bug,” he said.

Munk moved on to Kendallville High School and joined the Wig & Paint Club that became Thespian Troupe 1106 at East Noble High School.

After graduating in 1964, he studied art at Ball State University, and in 1968 was hired to teach art at the two-year-old East Noble High School.

“I just happened to be visiting when I heard they were looking for an art teacher,” he said.

Munk assisted English teacher Larry Newton, who directed “Camelot” in the spring, and when Newton resigned, Munk became East Noble Theatre director in 1969.

He relied on his experiences in college the first few years with successful productions of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Hello, Dolly!”

Munk knows Cole Auditorium better than anyone. He helped design the auditorium that opened in 1981.

Four years ago, the stage was named the Munk Stage for Craig and his

wife, Karen. They celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary on June 10.

Not only is Karen his closest confidante, but also his biggest critic.

She has assisted with choreography, costumes and makeup for all his shows.

Besides being an admitted screamer, another characteristic of Munk is his ability to bring together major productions costing thousands of dollars in the final week before opening night. Those who’ve been in his shows and worked on his shows knew they were in for long rehearsals those final days before the first performance.

East Noble Theatre alumni say it’s in rehearsals that Munk works his magic.

The show may look disjointed and not ready for prime time, but when the curtain goes up, he sits or stands at the back of the auditorium, his laughter often breaking the silence. He lets the show casts take over and receive the well-deserved applause and standing ovations from audiences.

His favorite productions have included “Beauty and the Beast,” “Titanic,” “West Side Story” and “Mary Poppins.”

He sank a ship on stage, had actors flying by wire across the stage, introduced a 32-foot revolving stage, hosted TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford for the debut of her show “KeyPin.It.Real,” used live animals, created an ice skating scene on stage and three-story sets, directed dancers on the hood of a car and produced musical numbers that brought audiences to their feet to applaud.

He helped found Gaslight Playhouse Theatre and started “An Evening of Theatre” for more intimate dramas and comedies directed by Bob Avery. He brought to the community “Breakfast With Santa” and “Raise A Ruckus,” the musical variety show that has become a permanent fixture at the Apple Festival of Kendallville.

His accolades are many. In 1994 the Indiana Theatre Association named Munk Indiana Theater Teacher of the Year, and in 1999 he was named Kendallville Citizen of the Year. In 2001, he received the Sagamore of the

DENNIS NARTKER

For 48 of East Noble Theatre’s 50 years, Craig Munk has served as its director.

Through his teaching, he’s instilled a love of theater in his students, and he’s won acclaim for the group’s extravagant — and often technically challenging — productions.

Wabash, one of the highest honors an Indiana governor can bestow.

In 2006, the Munks were recognized by the League of American Theaters and Producers, and in 2012 were inducted into the Indiana Thespians Hall of Fame.

In 2012, Munk directed the Noble County’s Got Talent fundraiser for Friendship Food Pantry and Common Grace Ministries, and “A Salute to Kendallville” in 2013, celebrating the city’s sesquicentennial.

He took East Noble Thespian Troupe

1106 to the State Thespian Festival 13 times during his career.

In April, the Munks appeared on NBC’s “Today” to talk about their high school theater careers, and Munk has been nominated by East Noble Theatre alumni for a Tony Award for education.

His proudest moments are when East Noble graduates greet him and ask if he remembers them. “When they tell me how much they learned from their theater experience, that makes me feel real good,” he said.

Congratulations East Noble Theater

Local News, Weather & Sports

Wawk Weather Phone: 260-347-300 Listen Online at: 95.5fmTHEHAWK.com

6

EAST NOBLE THEATRE

kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

June 7, 2016

A steady hand behind the scenes — and with a needle and thread

BY DENNIS NARTKER dnartker@kpcmedia.com

DENNIS NARTKER

Karen Munk has been involved with East Noble Theatre for as long as her husband, Craig, has been director, creating costumes, teaching students how to do makeup and arranging blocking for musical numbers in productions.

Congratulations East Noble Theatre!

“The new company with decades of experience!”

260-242-5500

601 W. North St., Kendallville

KENDALLVILLE — She was surrounded by dresses on mannequins and cloth material of various colors, shapes and sizes in boxes and on shelves.

An old sewing machine sat in a corner of the work room at the back of the former Special Moments shop in Kendallville’s downtown business district. The business no longer exists, but Karen Munk continues to use it for her dress-making and sewing projects.

This is her domain. Many East Noble Theatre costumes have been put together and fitted in this place.

Her husband, Craig Munk, retired this year from teaching and as East Noble Theatre director after 48 years. Karen Munk has been heavily involved in her husband’s shows over the years, making costumes, showing students how to do makeup and in the early years blocking dance numbers in the musicals.

She’s recognized as the assistant director. Her husband freely admits his wife is his biggest critic. “When we disagreed about something in a show, I would always ask why he wanted to do it that way. He had to give a reason why,” she said.

Karen graduated from Kendallville High School in 1964, the same year as her husband. They were in the school’s Wig and Paint Club that became Thespian Troupe 1106 when East Noble High School opened in 1966. They were in one-act plays together at KHS. The were married in 1967.

Craig went on to study art at Ball State, and Karen joined him in Muncie to dance with the Ball State Ballet Co. She graduated in 1980 from nursing training at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. For a time, she worked at McCray Memorial Hospital in Kendallville before returning to Parkview as a surgical nurse for 10 years.

She then worked for Dr. Rex Parent for 13 years.

When asked if her husband enticed her to help with East Noble Theatre shows, Karen said: “It was kind of assumed I would because I could dance and sew.”

The first show they worked on was “Camelot” in 1968, directed by East Noble English teacher Larry Newton.

Karen worked on costumes. After Newton

resigned the next year, the Munks produced their first musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” with Craig directing and Karen doing the costumes, makeup and blocking for the dance numbers.

“In those early years I had mothers of cast members who could sew and help with costumes and fitting them,” she said. “Now we hire most of the costumes because few mothers sew anymore.”

One of the challenges with costumes was fitting them for shows like “Mary Poppins” last fall, with cast members flying on stage. “We had to design the costumes to fit with the actors wearing harnesses,” Karen said. “There was a horrendous amount of costumes and costume changes for that show.”

Costumes Karen and her helpers designed and made are carefully catalogued and kept in the Cole Auditorium storage area. The Munks do lend costumes to other schools and theaters, but not Karen’s pride and joy: the coat from “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Her favorite East Noble Theatre show was “West Side Story.” The Munks waited 42 years to do it.

“I love the music and dancing. When Nick Smith came along, we knew we could do it. The kids did a job I’ll never forget,” Karen said.

Smith is now a professional performer in New York.

East Noble Theatre was not just a place for stars on stage. In their 48 years the Munks had students who worked behind the scenes on shows, and students who just wanted to be part of the East Noble Theater family.

Karen wiped tears from her eyes while describing some of the not-so-well-off students who just needed someone who cared. “We bought them lunch when they didn’t have enough money. In theater, you’re part of a group whether you’re on stage or not.”

Karen is involved with pageants like her husband. He produces the Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant. They’ve judged pageant competitions and each year go to the Miss America Pageant.

On June 10, they will celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary.

©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com

June 7, 2016

East Noble Theatre

7

A love of live theater

BY DENNIS NARTKER dnartker@kpcmedia.com

KENDALLVILLE — Bob Avery directed 42 plays for East Noble Theatre between 1973-2016.

He carried on with dramas and comedies through East Noble Theatre’s An Evening of Theatre after retiring from teaching English at East Noble High School, taking a premature retirement from theater in 1997 and despite suffering a stroke last year.

Craig and Karen Munk produced lavish musicals with fanciful costumes, elaborate costumes, music and dancing, while Avery focused on serious dramas like “The Crucible,” “Inherit the Wind” and “The Diary of Anne Frank,” and comedies like “Harvey,” “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Noises Off.” It was often the case that many of the same thespians performed in a fall show for the Munks, a winter play for Avery and then a spring musical for the Munks. Thousands of students benefited from the experience, and thousands of East Noble patrons enjoyed the different types of live theater.

Avery, 72, of Kendallville, grew up in Rockford, Ohio. He was teaching in the village of St. Henry, Ohio, in 1969 when he joined a group of educators for a tour of a new high school in Kendallville called East Noble.

“I was very impressed with the school, the students and staff, so I applied for a teaching job,” he said.

He was hired in 1973 to teach English, and directing a fall play was included in his responsibilities. “We had

three weeks to get the sets, costumes and rehearse with the play in the Central Auditorium (East Noble Middle School),” he said. “I don’t know how we did it, but we got it done.”

The show in 1973 was “The Miracle Worker.”

With its success, Avery took charge of “An Evening of Theatre,” the title concept for all his plays. In the 1975-76 school year, he directed “The Crucible,” one of his favorites that he would again direct in the 1991-1992 school year.

In the 1981-1982 school year, Avery directed “Little Foxes,” his first comedy. “I like straight shows, but it’s also fun to make people laugh,” he said.

Avery’s specialty was dialogue interpretation. As opposed to musicals, dialogue and how students interpret their character is important for getting the message across to the audience — and in comedy to get people laughing. He worked closely with his casts on how to say their lines, how to show expression and timing for comedic effect.

Some of his memorable shows are: “The Foreigner” (2014-2015); “The Nerd” (1990-1991, 2015-2016); “Dancing at Lughnasa” (1996-1997); “The Male Animal” (1998-1999); and “The Diary of Anne Frank” (2004-2005). “‘Lughnasa’ was interesting. I invited a physical therapist who was Irish to come to rehearsals to help the cast with Irish accents,” he said.

His most challenging play was “Children of a Lesser God”

THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES REICK INSURANCE AGENCY Kendallville • 260-347-2050 www.reickinsurance.com

DENNIS NARTKER

Bob Avery began teaching English at East Noble High School in 1973 and became responsible for directing East Noble Theatre’s “An Evening of Theatre” series that featured dramatic works and comedies.

(1984-1985). “Some in the cast had to learn sign language,” Avery said. “I had deaf students help us. We spent three months preparing. That was the hardest show I’ve done.”

While doing “The Crucible” he was criticized for teaching witchcraft. “They were saying Mr. Avery is teaching witchcraft, which was not true. The play was about that time in our history,” he said.

The school’s administration supported him, as it has done his entire career.

In addition to directing, Avery performed in Gaslight Playhouse Theatre shows. “I just love live theater,” he said.

He retired from teaching in 2006 and will no longer direct East Noble Theatre plays. “I’ll miss everything about it,” Avery said.

We have enjoyed being your Chocolate of choice for the past several years!

Congratulations! Best wishes for the future!

2089 W. North St., Kendallville, IN 260-349-1568 • 260-318-3097 www.sweettoothchocolates.net

8

EAST NOBLE THEATRE

kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

June 7, 2016

PHOTO GALLERY

KPC FILE PHOTO

Cast members for East Noble Theatre’s production of “The Nerd” pose during a dress rehearsal in February.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Miranda King Carella and Kristi Reese Helvie pose before a billboard in 1998 for East Noble Theatre’s production of the musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cast members from East Noble Theatre’s 1995 production of “Funny Girl” pose in the Cole Auditorium lobby.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

TV personality Kathie Lee Gifford greeted East Noble Theatre cast members who performed the debut of her show “KeyPin.It.Real.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Jessica Warford and Von Trappe family perform in a scene from East Noble Theatre’s production of “The Sound of Music.”

Cast members for East Noble Theatre’s production of the musical “Titanic” in 2000 are from left: Nik Smith, Kevin Jansen and Ben King.

©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com

June 7, 2016

East Noble Theatre

9

PHOTO GALLERY

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The Wicked Witch arrives in Munchkinland during a scene from East Noble Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Sam Barker with an egg in East Noble Theatre’s 2006 production of “Suessical.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Mike Baczynski and Jana DeBusk starred in East Noble Theatre’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.”

KPC FILE PHOTO

Cast members for “Disney’s The Aristocats,” an East Noble Theatre children’s theater production, pose during a rehearsal in January on the Munk Stage in Cole Auditorium at East Noble High School.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cast members from East Noble Theatre’s 1983 production of “The Music Man” are from left: Steve Probst, Rob Boyles, Todd Frymier and Greg Tatman.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

East Noble Theatre’s Craig Munk directed “Celebration” for the opening of Cole Auditorium in 1981.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Sarah Avery starred in East Noble Theatre’s 1994 production of “Hello, Dolly!”

10

EAST NOBLE THEATRE

kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

June 7, 2016

East Noble Theatre helped launch students’ careers Several East Noble Theatre alumni are performing in show business or use their theater and acting skills in their careers — inspired by their association with Craig Munk, Karen Munk, Bob Avery and East Noble Theatre.

KPC Media Group is highlighting some of those alumni who responded to emailed questions.

What else would you add about East Noble Theatre?

Craig and Karen poured their hearts out teaching me and guiding me through that process — show time and they turned it over to us! They had that much trust in their performers because the rehearsal stage was laid with such a strong foundation.

Lindsey Kraner, 34, Fort Wayne

Teddi Dunham, 58, Waukegan, Illinois

Family: Husband, Kevin, and 2-year-old son, Dominic.

Education: East Noble High School, 2000; Ball State University, 2004.

When were you in East Noble Theatre and what productions were you a part of?

Started in “How to Succeed in Business Kraner Without Really Trying” in 1997; was also in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “The Music Man,” “Titanic” and “The Wizard of Oz” 1997-2000.

What were your favorite memories of being on the East Noble stage?

I’ve had the privilege to return to the East Noble stage even after graduation on numerous occasions. My most memorable wasn’t a show or a performance. It was the rehearsal time and technical runs that stand out most to me. Craig and Karen poured their hearts out teaching me and guiding me through that process to show time, and when they turned it over to us. They had that much trust in their performers because the rehearsal stage was laid with such a strong foundation.

What career did you choose? What influenced you to choose this career?

I performed and sang, majoring in live entertainment show production at Ball State. Craig Munk was the direct inspiration for this career path. After graduation, I performed aboard cruise ships and in shows in Branson, Missouri. Now I own and run my own company in Fort Wayne called Vocal Power Academy, where I am a private vocal instructor and coach. I’m a personal trainer and Pilates instructor.

What are some of your top career achievements?

I was honored to have sung the national anthem at the Indianapolis 500. Best Entertainer for IAAPA. Talent winner at Miss Indiana Pageant. Community service award at Miss America Pageant.

Co-director of Rock 4 the Rock Worship Band Camp (camp for school-age kids to engage in Christian music).

Family: Dick and Betty Hulett, Robin Hulett Haines and Rick Hulett.

Education: East Noble High School, 1976, Ball State University, 1976-1980.

When were you in East Noble Theatre and what productions were you a part of?

1972-1976, all Dunham variety shows; “Mame,” “Godspell,” “Funny Girl,” student director for “100 Years Ago Tonight,” “Once Upon A Mattress,” “George M,” every anniversary show, state thespian president senior year in high school, served as costume mistress, set builder.

What were your favorite memories of being on the East Noble stage?

Every aspect of it. I loved helping write sketches for variety shows, painting sets, which utilized stagecraft techniques I use today, helping Mrs. Munk with costumes, creating a character to portray on stage. It all spoke to me. The motto for thespians is “Act well your part for there all the honor lies.” I took that motto seriously and tried to implement it into the job I was given no matter how big or small on stage or off. I still live by that motto.

What career did you choose? What influenced you to choose this career?

I chose art education and theater with every intention of creating what we had at East Noble for some other school and community. I wanted my own version of Craig Munk. (Dunham was an art teacher and theater director at Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne before moving to Waukegan. She was in community theater in Waukegan, and helped with productions at a children’s school before moving to Rome, Georgia. She was a board member of Rome Little Theatre and acted, directed, designed sets and costumes. Dunham was Artist in Residence at Pepperell High School. She moved back to Waukegan and worked at Genesee Theatre and then designed sets, props and costumes for the

professional company Clockwise Theatre.)

What are some of your top career achievements?

I did not stay in education, but I strived to fill any theatrical void in every community in which I’ve lived — not always for fortune, seldom for fame but always to honor the legacy of Craig and Karen Munk.

What else would you add about East Noble Theatre?

There are not enough words to express the love and adoration I feel for Craig and Karen Munk. They have always inspired greatness and have always had the ability of making us better that we knew we could be. I had one opportunity to work with Bob Avery. I was the costume mistress for “The Crucible.” Bob showed great confidence in me by allowing me free rein to costume all the actors at my discretion. I drew on all the skills I had learned working on so many shows under the tutelage of Karen. I had the wonderful experience of conceiving, designing and building the costume for John Proctor in “The Crucible.” I think this was when I began realizing that technical theater really spoke to me.

Rick Criswell, 51, New York Education: East Noble High School, 1983; Central Bible College 1991.

When were you in East Noble Theatre and what productions were you a part of?

1980-1981 “Oliver,” “The Wiz,” “Salem” (state convention); 1981-1982 “Overtures for Celebration,” Criswell “It’s Today,” “Little Foxes,” “Applause,” “Anything Goes;” 1982-1983 “Pride of Parade,” “Lemonade Joe Rides Again,” “Bus Stop,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “The Music Man.” What were your favorite memories of being on the East Noble stage?

There are so many wonderful memories I have from the East Noble stage, but the best moments were ones the night before opening and thinking, “We are never going to get this together,” and then the Munk magic happened and opening nights were what I now call “magic moments.” I loved doing the variety shows. They were always the most fun.

What career did you choose? What influenced you to choose this career?

I am proud to say I am celebrating my 25th year in the entertainment business.

I have worked as a performer, a stage manager, a director, a producer and a general manager. I have been extremely blessed to have worked with many Broadway and musical artists. As a producer and director, I spent over 15 years in the third-largest performing arts center in the country, and I have been fortunate to have spent the last several years as the general manager to the award-winning show “Sleep No More” in New York City.

As a child I was always performing for my family and friends. Mom raised us in a house where there was always music playing. We would dance in the living room where she taught us the dances she grew up with. I remember saying to my family that I was going to be a star and bigger than Elvis.

I learned throughout my career that success is doing what you love. Success is hard work. Dreams come and dreams go, but if you can remain truthful to yourself and learn to take the high road, the reward will come to you.

What are some of your top career achievements?

I have had so many highlights throughout my career, and each one is special and different in its own right.

I could write down the hundreds of Broadway stars, TV and film celebrities, and singers and musicians I have either done a project with, directed their works or appeared on stage with, but those aren’t necessarily my career highs.

They have all been a large part of who I am today, and they have all played a role in my career, but it is the young gal from the University of South Florida that I taught how to walk on a stage for the first time and directed her in a few shows who then went on to star as Disney’s longest leading lady on Broadway.

It is about another young university student, whom I cast as an understudy in one of my shows, who now tells me I was the biggest influence on her life and she was forever changed by that opportunity.

It is about an entire cast who is so together with every beat of every song that I stand in the back and get teary-eyed because I am so proud of their work.

And it is about the people I learn from every day in this business.

What else would you add about East Noble Theatre?

It’s funny when I look back at a small-town kid who had big dreams. That small-town kid was not the popular one, the athletic one, or the smartest one, but he See ALUMNI page 11

©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com

June 7, 2016

ALUMNI From page 10

found a safe place in the four walls of East Noble Theatre. It was Craig and Karen Munk who took chances on me and let me discover the love for theater and a zeal for life.

Thirty-six years ago, I stepped onto a stage driven by a young couple who not only loved the theater but truly loved kids.

I believe that without their influence on my life I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Their commitment to excellence and their love for theater has forever changed a community and the lives of thousands of people.

Dennis North, 57, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Family: wife, Deborah (married 33 years in July); son, Ian, living in Portland, Oregon, and engaged to be married in November.

Education: East Noble High School; BFA-IUPU; MFA in acting, Hilberry Theatre, Wayne State North University, Detroit When were you in East Noble Theatre and what productions were you a part of?

Mostly cast in 1977, “Annie Never Came Home,” “Minnie’s Boys,” “Sugar,” variety shows.

What were your favorite memories of being on the East Noble stage?

Feeling at home and feeling like we were getting away with something.

What career did you choose? What influenced you to choose this career?

The arts. I’ve been a professional actor since 1985. Unions: SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association. Currently in charge of the theater program at Oakland Community College, Farmington Hills, Michigan.

What are some of your top career achievements?

Directing professionally and educationally in the Detroit area. Most recent film “Batman vs. Superman” played Sen. Barrows, and just starting to shoot an episode of “Outsiders.” I play the character Jack Marsil. Published as a playwright — “Orphan Train,” an American melodrama.

Plays produced at Purple Rose Theatre Co., Ensemble Studio Theatre, New York City, others.

What else would you add about East Noble Theatre?

I wish Craig and Karen the very best.

What they have done and given the community really can’t be measured.

What they’ve given to students can only

be celebrated. To offer students a home on stage, when many of us didn’t know that was an option, can’t be honored enough.

They produced great theater and hopefully, better human beings. What a gift they have given to us all.

Sarah Avery, 40, Los Angeles Family: father, Bob Avery; mother, Sue Avery; fiancé, Jon; stepdaughters, Josie, 7, and Charlotte, 6.

Education: East Noble High School, 1994; University of Evansville, B.S. in theater performance, 1998; New York University, Tisch School of the Arts Avery Graduate Acting Program, MFA 2001; Antioch University, Santa Barbara, California, M.A. in clinical psychology, 2010.

When were you in East Noble Theatre and what productions were you a part of?

1983/84: “Annie.” 1984/85: “The King and I.” 1987/88: “Peter Pan.” 1990/91: “Raise A Ruckus,” “The Wiz.” 1991/92: “Raise A Ruckus,” “A Christmas Carol,” “The Crucible,” “Brigadoon.” 1992/93: “Raise A Ruckus,” “Snow White,” “Bus Stop,” “Meet Me in St. Louis.” 1993/94: “Raise A Ruckus,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Blithe Spirit,” “Hello, Dolly!”

What were your favorite memories of being on the East Noble stage?

I grew up in Cole Auditorium. I can remember when my dad’s “An Evening of Theatre” shows were performed in the cafeteria. As a child, I always gazed at the high school students with such wonder and awe, wanting to be just like them someday.

Some of my favorite rewarding and lasting friendships were born on the Munk Stage.

I also love thinking about the sheer amount of laughter that the auditorium walls have held over the years — the jokes, pranks and general hilarity. And there is nothing better than either Mr. and Mrs. Munk’s distinctive guffaws echoing as loudly as to be heard in the dressing rooms downstairs.

What career did you choose? What influenced you to choose this career?

I got my bachelor and master in Fine Arts in acting and was a working actor in New York and Los Angeles until 2008. I then earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology and an now a practicing marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles. There’s not a day in my career as a therapist that I don’t use the skills and techniques I developed as a student of theater and as a working actor.

What are some of your top career achievements?

Original cast/world premieres of “Eden Lane” and “Jersey Boys,” La Jolla

Playhouse; working with David Mamet; meeting Arthur Miller.

What else would you add about East Noble Theatre?

Craig and Karen are family to me. I feel so proud of and grateful for the way they have nurtured and celebrated artistic talent in our small-town, Hoosier community — bringing theatrical value and quality rarely experienced in a high school environment.

I know Craig and Karen loved, challenged, nourished, disciplined, praised and raised so many students who needed a place to be seen and to belong.

While their retirement will certainly be felt as a loss, it is also a time to recognize and honor the power of art, music and storytelling. They’ve undeniably reinforced the infrastructure of our community with their passion and devotion.

My dad’s “An Evening of Theatre” was never about big production numbers or any kind of “wow” factor. It was far more intimate. My dad to this day thrives on this kind of intimate human interaction — looking for a way to make a connection, make a difference, validate the personal stories of those he meets. He provides students with a much-needed sense of importance and belonging. Dad appreciates and taught me that the theater is a place where everyone has a story to tell and everyone can belong.

Emily Goss, Chicago Family: husband, Benjamin Magnuson.

Education: East Noble High School, 2001; B.S. in organizational leadership management and B.A. in theater arts, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

When were you in East Noble Theatre and what Goss productions were you a part of?

1997-1998: “Oliver” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

1998-1999: “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “The Male Animal” and “The Music Man.” 1999-2000: “The Wizard of Oz,” “All My Sons” and “Titanic.” 2000-2001: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Picnic” and Fiddler on the Roof.” 1998-2001: “Raise A Ruckus.”

What were your favorite memories of being on the East Noble stage?

I loved being in every production in high school. The friendships I made on stage were some of the most important of my adolescence.

What career did you choose? What influenced you to choose this career?

I chose a career in theatrical costuming, specifically as a wardrobe supervisor. I’ve

East Noble Theatre

11

always loved theater but knew that I had no desire to be on stage. As a wardrobe supervisor I help actors seamlessly transition from one character to the next via costume. It’s incredibly exciting work, and I know how much my performance influences a show.

What are some of your top career achievements?

I’ve worked with Tony Award-winning and -nominated actors, designers and directors both on national tours and in Chicago. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel all over the U.S. and Canada and even to Tokyo in my career.

What else would you add about East Noble Theatre?

Craig and Karen Munk were part of my life from a very young age. I remember auditioning for Mr. Munk for Gaslight Playhouse Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” when I was in kindergarten, and the excitement I felt getting a callback letter. I was too scared to go to the callback and cried thinking Mr. Munk wouldn’t cast me since I didn’t show up. He did anyway. It couldn’t have hurt that my dad was Bob Crachit.

I was in every one of Mr. Munk’s shows in high school. I wasn’t the best actor or singer but I loved being on stage.

Without his enthusiasm and encouragement, and his desire for productions to be better than any small town Indiana high school musicals have a right to be, I don’t know if I would have had the passion to pursue a career in the arts.

Bob Sherer, 55, Los Angeles Education: East Noble High School, 1978; Indiana University; American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

When were you in East Noble Theatre and what productions were you a part of?

From 1975 to 1978. I was part of the ensembles Sherer for the variety shows and most of the musicals.

What were your favorite memories of being on the East Noble stage?

One of my most memorable times was the moment when I discovered that I had good comedic timing. That I had the “comedy chops” that I had admired of comedic actors on TV. I was part of the ensemble for “Minnie’s Boys,” which is a musical about the early days of the Marx Brothers. I was cast as “The Strongman,” who was one the fellow vaudevillian cast members that the Marx Brothers would play tricks on. Well I step forward to say my one line which was “Leo Marx ran out See ALUMNI page 12

12

EAST NOBLE THEATRE

kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

June 7, 2016

ALUMNI From page 11

East Noble Theatre alumni committee

OLIVIA ULCH

East Noble Theatre’s alumni committee is planning the theater’s 50th anniversary celebration with shows at 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, in Cole Auditorium, and a cabaret and party at 6:30 p.m. in the Kendallville Event Center. Shown from left are: front row, Patsy Bodenhafer, Judy Butler, Pam Parker Laurie, Jenifer Leitch Sabrosky, Megan Desmonds, Karen Munk, Miranda Carella, Julie Uhl Cauhorn, Cheryl Rhea Casselman, Karen Frey Rhinehart and Pam Stienbarger Younce; middle row, Kevin Jansen, Mike Jansen, Brenda Jansen, Kari Rathke, Craig Munk, Lee Ann DePew, LeAnn McCoy Conley, Eve Seibel Peters and Jim Jansen; and back row, Todd Frymier, Odis Gayheart, Hank Seibel, Darlen Zuehsow, Thom Combs and Kevin Sabrosky.

from the wings, cut my suspenders, my pants fell down and everyone could see my predicament! ” The audience howled! I think it was a showstopper; in any case, it got a lot of laughs and I realized then that I had a good sense of comic timing! That I could make people laugh; I mean really, really laugh! For me, that was huge!

What career did you choose? What influenced you to choose this career?

Acting. In high school, I was very happy just showing up and being put in the chorus of shows or in anything I was needed for in the variety show. I had a great desire to act but I kept it to myself.

When I went to Indiana University, it happened that they were filming the movie “Breaking Away,” and I did extra work on it, and while doing that the desire became stronger that maybe I could pursue theater.

I took all the acting classes that I could and then decided I wanted more. I got accepted and graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC. From there, I discovered improvisational theater and that propelled me even further. But the initial influence was Craig Munk. His enthusiasm about theater was inspiring!

What are some of your top career achievements?

Graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. The first time seeing myself on TV or hearing my voice on a radio spot. Seeing my name in the credits of a movie up on the big screen.

Those are kind of markers along the acting career path, and hopefully there are more to come.

What else would you add about East Noble Theatre?

I got into theater and met the Munks at a time that was very difficult for me. Just four months earlier I had lost my mother, my brothers and sister were either out of the house or soon to be, and my dad was coping with life without my mom. So I was just kind of lost a bit and I just kind of showed up at the theater when they were needing people, and it was that sense of family that the Munks brought to their productions that really affected me.

I spent a lot a time just being there and soaking it in, doing some stagecraft and lending a hand. I made friends with people who I am still so very close with today.

Craig and Karen have visited me in both New York City and L.A. I wouldn’t be who I am today or doing the things I love to do if it wasn’t for Craig and Karen.

They mean a great deal to me.

Broker/Owners

Anita Hess

260-349-8850

Tim Hess

260-349-8851

Terri Deming 260-349-2573

Kelly Grimes

260-318-1770

125 E. North St., Kendallville - 260-347-4206

results-Kendallville.com

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Jonathon Kane and Josh Ogle in “Shrek the Musical”

©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com

June 7, 2016

East Noble Theatre

13

East Noble Theatre productions 1966-67 Curious Savage The Sound of Music 1967-68 One Foot in Heaven Oliver 1968-69 Camelot 1969-1970 George Washington Slept Here How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 1970-1971 Those Were the Days — 1st variety show Lament Hello Dolly 1971-72 Party’s On the House The Man Who Came to Dinner The Fantasticks — 1st dinner theater Fiddler on the Roof 1972-73 Cactus Flower Big Blue World You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown Carnival 1973-74 Knights on Parade Miracle Worker Stop the World Mame 1974-75 That Old Blue Magic Story Theatre Evening of Theatre Funny Girl Godspell — state convention, Muncie Harvey —1st summer show Brigadoon 1975-76 Knight Daze 100 Years Ago Tonight Once Upon a Mattress The Crucible George M — 10th anniversary show 1976-77 We Can Make it Happen Annie Never Came Home Look Homeward Angel Minnie’s Boys — regional convention, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Sugar 1977-78 Enjoy Yourself

Peter Pan Gypsy Carousel Diary of Anne Frank 1978-79 The Sound That Says Love Our Town Guys and Dolls Good News 1979-80 They’re Playing Our Song David and Lisa Dames at Sea Pippin — state convention, Connersville 1980-81 Under Construction The Runner Stumbles Oliver The Wiz — state convention, Salem; last show at Central Auditorium 1981-82 Overtures for Celebration — 1st show in Cole Auditorium It’s Today Little Foxes Applause Anything Goes 1982-83 Pride on Parade Lemonade Joe Rides Again — 1st Children’s Theatre Bus Stop Forum The Music Man — state convention, Indianapolis 1983-84 Just for the Fun of It The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Marigolds Annie 1984-85 Story Theatre — ITA Workshop, Indianapolis Break Through Children of a Lesser God Brigadoon The King and I 1985-86 Best of Times Sleeping Beauty Best of Friends Babes in Arms Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 1986-87 East of the Sun, West of the Moon

Inherit the Wind Grease 1987-88 Charlotte’s Web — ITA Workshop, Indianapolis All the Way Home Once Upon a Mattress — state convention, New Albany Peter Pan

The Wiz — 25th anniversary show 1991-92 Raise A Ruckus Christmas Carol Quilters — state convention, South Bend The Crucible Brigadoon

1988-89 Brick and the Rose — ITA Workshop, Indianapolis Alice in Wonderland Noises Off — state convention Carmel Taming of the Shrew Pajama Game 1989-90 Raise A Ruckus — 1st Apple Festival of Kendallville show Christmas Carol Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Diviners Lil Abner 1990-91 Raise A Ruckus Best Christmas Pageant Ever The Nerd

1992-93 Raise A Ruckus Snow White Bus Stop Meet Me in St. Louis 1993-94 Raise A Ruckus Christmas Carol Blithe Spirit Hello Dolly 1994-95 Raise A Ruckus The Homecoming Harvey Funny Girl 1995-96 Raise A Ruckus See PRODUCTIONS page 14

Congratulations

To East Noble Theatre & The Munks Kendallville

882 N. Lima Rd., Kendallville

(260) 347-1483

14

EAST NOBLE THEATRE

kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Project XL — state champions Titanic — 1st amateur production

PRODUCTIONS From page 13

Cinderella Our Town The Secret Garden — state convention, Mishawaka 1996-97 Raise A Ruckus Peter Pan Dancing at Lughnasa Project XL — state grand champion Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 1997-98 Raise A Ruckus Oliver George Washington Slept Here How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 1998-99 Raise A Ruckus The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe The Male Animal The Music Man 1999-2000 Raise A Ruckus The Wizard of OZ All My Sons

June 7, 2016

2000-2001 Raise A Ruckus Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Picnic Project XL — state grand champion and first runner-up Fiddler on the Roof — 35th anniversary Show 2001-2002 Raise A Ruckus The Sound of Music The Importance of Being Ernest Project XL — state top 10 Footloose 2002-2003 Raise A Ruckus Annie Pygmalion Project XL — state first runner-up Into the Woods 2003-2004 Raise A Ruckus Honk Twelve Angry Jurors Brigadoon 2004-2005 Raise A Ruckus

Thank you for the memories Craig & Karen!

Michael D. Axel, CFA Jacob D. Benedict, CFA Ryan A. Kay, CFP

(260)347-1281 www.AMIinvestment.com

KPC FILE PHOTO

Cast members for East Noble Theatre’s presentation of the classic Broadway musical comedy “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” pose after completing the “Brotherhood of Man” production number during a rehearsal in May.

A Christmas Carol The Diary of Anne Frank Beauty and the Beast

Thoroughly Modern Millie James and the Giant Peach — 45th anniversary show

2005-2006 Raise A Ruckus Peter Pan The Miracle Worker Project XL — state top 10 Seussical — 40th anniversary show

2011-12 Raise A Ruckus Alice in Wonderland Noises Off Skeletons in the Closet — state festival, Huntington Legally Blonde Cat in the Hat

2006-2007 Raise A Ruckus Disney’s High School Musical Blithe Spirit Project XL — state top 10 Hello Dolly 2007-2008 Raise A Ruckus Aladdin The Philadelphia Story Project XL — state 3rd and 4th Les Miserables Hansel and Gretel 2008-2009 Raise A Ruckus — 20th Anniversary KeyPin It Real Crimes of the Heart Project XL — state top 5 Aida Sleeping Beauty 2009-10 Raise A Ruckus With Miss America The Wizard of Oz Private Lives The Real Game — state festival, fourth, Vincennes West Side Story Cinderella 2010-11 Raise A Ruckus Willy Wonka Lend Me a Tenor Message Sent — state festival, fifth, Indianapolis

2012-13 Raise A Ruckus Little Mermaid Moon Over Buffalo More than Just a Picture — state festival, third, Vincennes Grease Jungle Book 2013-14 Raise A Ruckus Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Between the Bells — state festival, second Harvey 101 Dalmatians Shrek the Musical 2014-15 Raise A Ruckus Honk!

Flight 1106 — regional festival, fourth Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs The Foreigner The Drowsy Chaperone 2015-2016 Raise A Ruckus Disney’s Mary Poppins Legacy: 50 Years of East Noble Theatre Disney’s The Aristocats The Nerd How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Show history from eastnobletheatre.net

©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com

June 7, 2016

East Noble Theatre

Bob Avery directed 42 EN Theatre plays

BY DENNIS NARTKER dnartker@kpcmedia.com

KENDALLVILLE — Retired East Noble English teacher Bob Avery directed 42 plays for East Noble Theatre’s An Evening of Theatre from 1973-2016.

He has announced his retirement from East Noble Theatre.

His plays were: The Miracle Worker (1973-74 and 2004-05); the Original Evening of Theatre (1974-75); The Crucible (1975-76 and 1991-92); Look Homeward Angel (1976-77); The Diary of Anne Frank (1977-78 and 2004-05); Our Town (1978-79 and 1995-96); David & Lisa (1979-80); The Runner Stumbles (1980-81); Little Foxes (1981-82); Bus Stop (1982-83 and 1992-93); The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-theMoon Marigolds (1983-84) Children

of a Lesser God (1984-85); The Best of Times (1985-86); Inherit the Wind (1986-87); All the Way Home (1987-88); The Taming of the Shrew (1988-89); The Diviners (1989-90); The Nerd (1990-91 and 2015-16); Blithe Spirit (1993-94 and 2006-07); Harvey (1994-95 and 2013-14); Dancing to Lughnasa (1996-97); George Washington Slept Here (1997-98, directed by Craig Munk); The Male Animal (1998-99), All My Sons (1999-2000); Picnic (2000-2001); The Importance of Being Earnest (2001-2002); Pygmalion (2002-2003); Twelve Angry Jurors (2003-2004); The Philadelphia Story (2007-08); Crimes of the Heart (2008-09); Private Lives (2009-2010); Lend Me a Tenor (2010-11); Noises Off (2011-12); Moon Over Buffalo (2012-13); and The Foreigner (2014-15).

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Munks appear on ‘Today’ Craig Munk and his wife, Karen, appeared April 21 on “Today with Kathie Lee & Hoda,” where they were treated to a surprise performance of a song created for the occasion, “Your Passion.” From left are the song’s composer, David Friedman, hosts Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, Craig Munk, Karen Munk, Rick Criswell, who nominated the Munks for the “Everyone Has a Story” segment, and A.J. Shively, who sang “Your Passion.”

Tickets available for 50th anniversary performances KENDALLVILLE — East Noble Theatre alumni from five decades of productions and this year’s thespians will present two shows at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Saturday, June 11, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the group.

More than 150 performers

are expected on the Munk Stage at East Noble High School’s Cole Auditorium.

Ticket orders can be made by calling the box office at 347-7167 from 4-6 p.m. today through Friday.

Tickets are $15.

The show, featuring songs, production numbers, comedy and tributes, is currently in rehearsal.

Thank You.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Craig and Karen Munk for dedicating their lives to the arts, encouraging students to think bigger and forging an unforgettable legacy.

DEKKO INVESTMENT SERVICES

D R E A M . P L A N . G R O W.

751 E. North Street I Kendallville, IN 46755 (260) 347-2265 I dekkoinvestmentservices.com

15

16

EAST NOBLE THEATRE

kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

NS O I T A L U T A R CONG for e r t a e Th N E r to ou ing v r e s n i s u g n i join h t i w y t i n u m our com . e c n e l l e c x e f o y e ar s y n a m r o f s e h s i Best w grand theatre years to come!

June 7, 2016

www.jomory.com

Commercial • Industrial • Residential • Electrical • Heating • Air Conditioning • Ventilation • Plumbing • Sheet Metal Fabrication • Fire Protection • Duct Cleaning • Process Piping • Design Build • Engineering • Indoor Air Quality • Control Panels • Video/Locate Service • Construction Management • Service Plus Agreements • Equipment Manufacturing

24 Hour Emergency Service No Job Too Large or Small Since 1892

1-800-ATTABOY