Once On This Island

Music by Stephen Flaherty
Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Based on “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy

July 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 – 2008

Music by Stephen Flaherty
Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Based on “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy

Footlite’s Young Adults production featuring performers ranging in age from 18 to 25. This highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” sings and dances the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues, nurses and falls in love with Daniel, a young man from a wealthy family. When Daniel is returned to his people, the gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.

With a catchy, contemporary, and Caribbean-flavored score, this entertaining musical was nominated for eight Tony Awards in 1991, including Best Musical. Kathleen Clarke Horrigan will direct this Indianapolis community theatre premiere.

Open auditions are held in May for interested performers ages 18 to 25. Participants must be high school graduates in 2007.

Past Young Adults Productions have included The Will Rogers Follies, Footloose, The Secret Garden, Seussical, Ragtime, Godspell, The Wiz, Big River, Children Of Eden, Damn Yankees, Jesus Christ Superstar, and A Chorus Line.

Cast

Little Ti Moune: MacKenzie Isaac
Ti Moune: Angela Manlove
Daniel: Jameson Wentworth App
Mama Euralie: Adrianna Parson
Tonton Julian: Brandon Glenn
Erzulie: Laurice Jackson
Agwe: Larry Arnold
Papa Ge: Kwame Micah
Asaka: Molly Godzeski
Andrea: Emma Davis 
Daniel’s Father: David Barnhouse
Gatekeeper: Curt Pickard
Storyteller: Eric Allen
Storyteller: Abigail Berger
Storyteller: Katherine Clark
Storyteller: Christina Craig
Storyteller: Ebony Deloney
Storyteller: Ervin Gainer, Jr.
Storyteller: Ivy Hamstra
Storyteller: Susie Happersberger
Storyteller: De’Andre Jackson
Storyteller: Krystal Jones
Storyteller: Lori Kunzelman
Storyteller: Janetta Leary
Storyteller: Katie Scott
Storyteller: Samantha Sechrest
Storyteller: Terry Vershon
Storyteller: Karen Woods
Storyteller: Kandis Yeakey

Staff

Director: Kathleen Clarke Horrigan
Producer: Kimberly R. Watts
Vocal Director: Dustin Podgorski
Choreographer: Michelle Martin
Assistant Choreographer: Kyra Kenyon
Stage Manager: Ryan Mullins
Assistant Stage Manager: Allison Ackmann
Lighting Designer: R. Brian Noffke
Costumer: Curt Pickard

Once Upon A Mattress

Music by Mary Rodgers
Lyrics by Marshall Barer
Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer

August 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24 – 2008

Music by Mary Rodgers
Lyrics by Marshall Barer
Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer

Ed Trout will direct this Young Artists production featuring performers ages 13 through 18. This delightful retelling of the story of “The Princess and the Pea” is best known for its original New York production, which starred a young Carol Burnett in her Broadway debut. The musical was nominated in 1960 for the Tony Award as Best Musical, and Burnett received a nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Footlite has presented the musical in two main stage mountings (1969 and 1988) and two Young Artists productions (1980 and 1997).

“Once Upon A Mattress” is a rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance as Princess Winnifred of the Swamps tries to win the hand of the bashful Prince Dauntless the Drab. It is great entertainment for young and old.

This production is open to anyone ages 13 to 18 years old and a 2007 high school graduate.

Past Young Artist Shows have included Sweet Charity, Grand Hotel, Chess, Jekyll And Hyde, Les Miserables, West Side Story, Fame, Grease, Bells Are Ringing, Godspell, and City Of Angels.

Cast

Winifred the Woebegone: Chelsea McLean
Prince Dauntless: Patrick Dinnsen
Queen Agravain: Allie Vollmer
Harry: Spencer Tew
Lady Larken: Alex Raby
King Sextimus: William Etters
Wizard: Mark Miller
Minstrel: J.R. Pierce
Jester: Cory Robison
Princess #12/Lady #3: Emily Bohannon
Lady Lucille: Hannah Boswell
Ballet Queen/Lady #2: Kelsey Coram
Nightingale/Emily: Lara Dollinger
Ma Belle: Danielle Garrett
Lady Beatrice: Tess Hannon
Knight #4: DeAndreJackson
Ballet Prince/Knight #5/Sir H.: Ben Jones
Ballet Princess/Lady #1: Kaggie Kendall
Sir Studley: Dane McDonald
Lady Rowena: Miranda Nehrig
Luce: Ezra Nelson
Page: Drew Nixon
Knight #1: Tommy Spears
Lady Merrill: Ellen Turner
Knight #3: Josh Vander Missen

Staff

Director: Ed Trout
Assistant Director: Denise Stockdale
Producer: Kimberly R. Watts
Vocal Director: Dustin Podgorski
Choreographer: Noel Outland
Stage Manager: Katie Berndt
Lighting Designer: R. Brian Noffke
Costumers: Michael Davis, Karen Frye-Knotts
Props Manager: Carol Kirk
Technical Director: R. Brian Noffke
Set Designer: Ed Trout

Crazy For You

Music by George Gershwin
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Book by Ken Ludwig
Co-Conception by Ken Ludwig and Mike Ockrent
Inspired by material by Guy Bolton and John McGowan

September 19, 20, 26, 27, 28
October 3, 4, 5 – 2008

Footlite’s main stage season will open with this revision of the Gershwin’s “Girl Crazy.” A high-energy comedy of mistaken identities, plot twists, fabulous costumes and dances, and classic Gershwin music, “Crazy for You” is the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930’s playboy, whose dream in life is to dance. And despite the serious efforts of his mother and soon-to-be-ex-fiancee, Bobby achieves his dream! Memorable Gershwin tunes include “I Can’t Be Bothered Now,” “Bidin’ My Time,” “I Got Rhythm,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “Embraceable You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Rich Baker will direct Footlite’s first production of this 1992 Tony Award winner for Best Musical.

Cast

Polly Baker: Rebecca McConnell
Bobby Child: Luke McConnell
Irene Roth: Robyne Ault
Lank Hawkins: Josh Slagle
Everett Baker: Bill Hale
Bela Zangler: John Hayes
Lottie Child (Mother): Serita Borgeas
Eugene Fodor: Bernard Wurger
Patricia Fodor: Debbie Jones
Moose: Darrin Gowan
Sam: Adam Crabtree
Mingo: Kevin Smith
Tess: Betsy Hamlett
Patsy: Erin Cohenour
Mitzi: Kristin Bailey
Vera: Amy Douglas
Sheila: Ilissa Rassner
Betsy: Tiffany Stochel
Margie: Tess Hannon
Elaine: Molly Will
Suzie: Robyn Ton
Harry: Steve Demuth
Billy: Cito Wyatt
Wyatt: Scott Hainey
Pete: William Andrews
Junior: Doug Messinger
Custus: David Michael Cress

Staff

Producer: Scott Hainey
Director: Rich Baker
Assistant Director: Jeff Farley
Vocal Director: Kevin Smith
Conductor: Schuyler Brinson
Choreographer: Linda Rees
Tech Director: Brenda Upchurch
Set Designer, Master Builder/Decorator: Brenda Upchurch
Properties Mistress: Karen Walker
Costumer: Jeff Farley
Stage Manager: Amanda Lane

Bye Bye Birdie

Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Lee Adams
Book by Michael Stewart

November 21, 22, 28, 29, 30
December 5, 6, 7 – 2008

This Broadway hit returns to the Footlite stage with performances under the direction of veteran director Bill Hale. Footlite has presented the 1961 Tony Award winner for Best Musical as a main stage production in 1967 and 1996 and as Young Adults and Young Artists productions in 1979, 1989 and 2001.

“Birdie” tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. A great evening for the entire family, the musical includes such numbers as “Put on a Happy Face,” “One Boy,” “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” and “Kids.”

Cast

Albert Peterson: Chris Noffke
Rose Alvarez: Shari Raper
Kim MacAfee: Virginia Warner
Harry MacAfee: Jonathan Pittman
Doris MacAfee: Kathleen Clarke-Horrigan
Randolph MacAfee: Grace Dorton
Mae Peterson: Vicki Lynch Young
Conrad Birdie: David Michael Cress
Hugo Peabody: Josh Breece
Gloria Rasputin: Tara Carson
Ursula Merkle: Lauren Kotarski
Mayor Marvin Merkle: Duane Leatherman
Mrs. Myrtle Merkle: Deb Weinmann
Harvey Johnson: Tim Thompson
Mr. Johnson: James Hildreth
Helen: Hannah Boswell
Deborah Sue: Broghan Phelan
Margie: Ellen Turner
Alice: Amanda Wenz
Penelope: Tess Hannon
Suzie: Claire Albert
Molly: Aspen Holmes
Freddie: Bradley Lowe
Karl: Jake DeWitt
Sad Girls: Claire Albert, Aspen Holmes
Charles F. Maude: Curt Pickard
Ed Sullivan (Voice): Tristan Ross
Train Porter: David McElwain
Penn Station Policeman: Kevin McCarty
Conrad’s Guitar Man: Jake DeWitt
Sweet Apple Citizens: William Andrews, Tara Carson, Sam Harper, James Hildreth, Shayla Kenworthy, Kevin McCarty, David McElwain, Kerry McMenamin
Reporter #1: William Andrews
Reporter #2: James Hildredth
Reporter #3: Kerry McMenamin
Reporter #4: Shayla Kenworthy
Reporter #5: Tara Carson
Reporter #6: Sam Harper
TV Stage Manager: David McElwain
Stage Hand: Kevin McCarty
Camera Men: James Hildredth, Duane Leatherman
Wardrobe Woman: Shayla Kenworthy
Doctor: Sam Harper
1st Customer at Maude’s: David McElwain
2nd Customer at Maude’s: William Andrews
3rd Customer at Maude’s: James Hildreth
Shriners: William Andrews, Sam Harper, James Hildreth, Duane Leatherman, Kevin McCarty, David McElwain
Sweet Apple Policemen: Kevin McCarty, David McElwain
Train Conductor: Sam Harper

Staff

Producer: Debbie Noffke
Director: Bill Hale
Choreographer: Kelly Price
Musical Director: Amy Reynolds
Scenic/Lighting Designer: R. Brian Noffke
Costume Designer: Curt Pickard
Stage Manager: Amanda Lane
Properties Mistress: Carol Kirk
Master Carpenter: Tom Noffke
Assistant Costumer: Cindra Venturella
Properties Assistant: Janet Hannah

Closer Than Ever

Music by David Shire
Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.
Conceived by Steven Scott Smith

January 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 – 2009

The 2009 edition of Footlite’s annual cabaret production will be directed by Dean Reynolds.

Each of the 24 songs in this intimate revue is a story: an intimate, insightful tale about love, security, happiness – and holding onto them in a world that pulls you in a hundred directions at once. Maltby and Shire bring their celebrated craft and contemporary sensibility to songs about aging, mid-life crisis, second marriages, and role reversals with parents, as well as wicked satirical jabs at Muzak, working couples and unrequited love.

Cast

Daniel Draves
Trevor Fanning
Carrie Neal
John Pittman
Diane Tsao Boehm
Sarah Small

Staff

Producer: Scott Hainey
Director: Dean Reynolds
Vocal Director: Amy Reynolds
Chorographer: Kelly Price
Technical Director: Mark Allstatt
Set Designer: Ed Trout
Set Builders: Mark Allstatt & Brenda Upchurch
Costumer: Linda Rowlande
Props Mistress: Carol Kirk

High Society

Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter
Additional Lyrics by Susan Birkenhead
Book by Arthur Kopit
Based on the play “The Philadelphia Story” by Philip Barry and the MGM motion picture “High Society”

March 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 – 2009

Miss Saigon

Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg
Lyrics by Alain Boublil and Richard Maltby, Jr.

May 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17 – 2009

Footlite’s season will conclude with the Indianapolis community theatre premiere of this long running musical which was nominated for ten Tony Awards in 1991, including Best Musical. R. Brian Noffke will direct the Footlite production.

“Miss Saigon” brings Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly” to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war. In the turmoil of the Vietnam War, an American soldier and a Vietnamese girl fall in love, only to be separated during the fall of Saigon. Their struggles to find each other over the ensuing years ends in tragedy for her and a fighting chance for the child he never knew he had.

Cast

The Engineer: Clint Pridgen
Kim: Angela Manlove
Chris: John Sparkman
John: Darrin Gowan
Ellen: Jessica Bartley
Thuy: Ian Cruz
Gigi: Nathalie Cruz
Mimi: Shari Raper
Yvette: Jenny Mermelstein
Yvonee: Elena Marr
Asst. Commissar: Andrew Gault
Club Owner: Shannon Wise
Captain Shultz: Bryan Padgett
Tam: Mina Guetersloh

Ensemble

Andrew Gault
Bryan Padgett
Jacob Rura
Shannon Wise
Josh Breece
John Phillips
Greg Raley-Barrett
Bradley Lowe
Tom Bartley
Mark Hart
Buzz Lovko
Nathlaie Cruz
Shari Raper
Jenny Mermelstein
Elena Marr
Kelly Perillo
Michelle Guetersloh
Laura Willms
Chelsea Alexander
Susie Harloff
Caroline Nauth
Ashley Saunders
Allison Creekmore
Elizabeth Scoble
Sarah Hoback

Staff

Director/Designer: Brian Noffke
Producer: Debbie Noffke
Vocal Directors: Amy Reynolds, Brenna Campbell
Choreographers: Linda Rees, Alli Miller
Costumer Designer: Stephen Hollenbeck
Technical Director: Tom Noffke
Conductor: Deb Farmer
Stage Manager: Dean Reynolds
Assistant Stage Mangers: Amanda Lane, Mary Byrd