2017-2018
Big Fish
Our annual Young Adult Production, featuring performers aged 18 – 25
Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa and Book by John August
July 7-9, 13-16, 20-23, 2017
About the show:
Every man wants to be a hero to his son. Big Fish is the heart warming musical about a dying man’s efforts to justify an ordinary life. A father tells his life story as a tailored fairy tale. His young son believes the mythic larger than life stories until time goes by and the boy grows up to question whether or not he’s being led on. The adult son refuses to buy into his dad’s self-glorifying tall tales until the tear-jerking finale when he recognizes his father truly lived a big life.
Photos:
To see photos from Big Fish, go to our staff photographer’s Flickr Album.
Reviews:
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Alexander Bast -Ensemble
Ivy Bott -Josephine Bloom
Dustin Bowers – Ensemble, Dancer
Drew Bryson – Will Bloom
Jessica Buchalter – Ensemble
Brooke Bucher – Alabama Lamb, Dancer, Ensemble
Connor Buhl – Scout, Ensemble
Christina Canaday – Ensemble
Renee Cavanaugh – Cheerleader, Ensemble, Dancer, Asst. Dance Cpt.
Kyle Cherry – Edward Bloom
Ronda Christie – Farm Girl, Ensemble, Dancer
William Cisneros – Sharecropper, Ensemble, Dancer
Josh Cox Barber – Ensemble
Regan Desautels – Sandra Bloom
Becca DeTar – Schoolteacher, Ensemble, Dancer
Connor Faulds – Ensemble, Dancer
Tessa Gibbons – Mermaid, Girl w/ Cat, Ensemble, Dancer
Jeff Hamilton – Dr. Bennett
Tara Heilwagen – Ensemble
Zachary Hoover – Karl the Giant
Zak Johnston – Cowboy, Ensemble
Will Jones – Mayor, Ensemble
Maria Makeever – Ensemble
Jacob McCarty – Ensemble, Dancer
Cameron McDougal – General, Ensemble
Rocco Meo – Young Will
Kate Myers – Cheerleader, Ensemble, Dancer
Noah Nordman – Don Price
Sydney Norwalk – Sheperd, Ensemble, Dancer
Sophie Peirce – Ensemble
Dominic Piedmonte – Ensemble, Dancer
Alex Ray – Zacky Price
Jeff Reeves – Amos Calloway
Samantha Russell – Jenny Hill
Tayler Seymour – The Witch
Jordan Shaw – Shotgun Toter, Ensemble
Ryan Straut – Red Fang, Fisherman, Dancer, Dance Captain
Brandon Sweetman – Ensemble, Dancer
Maddy Sylvester – Ensemble
Briana Weaver – Alabama Lamb, Dancer, Ensemble
Production Staff:
Director – Kathleen Clarke Horrigan
Producer – Amy Jo Douglass
Asst. Producer – Lauren Laski
Choreographer – Trish Roberds
Vocal Director – Chad Strasser
Conductor – Schuyler Brinson
Costumer – Curt Pickard
Asst. Costumer – Penny Hall
Hair and Makeup – Drew Bryson
Stage Manager – Sean Cassada
Assist. Stage Manager – Nik Foley
Set Designer – Brandi Underwood
Lighting Designer – Andrew Stephens
Sound Designer – Andrew Stephens
Master Builder – Stephen Matters
The Drowsy Chaperone
Our annual Young Artist Production, featuring performers aged 13 – 18
Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison and Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar
August 18-20, 24-27, 2017
About The Show:
The Drowsy Chaperone is a cheeky love letter to the musicals of the Jazz Age. When a present day musical theatre fanatic suffering from “non-specific sadness” puts on a record of his favorite musical, the 1928 musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone, the uproariously funny characters in the story magically burst to life in song and dance in his apartment. A tale containing a pampered starlet longing to give up show business to be wed, her chaperone, a debonair groom, a ditsy chorine, a Latin lover and a pair of gangsters disguised as pastry chefs transports the Man in the Chair and the audience through this guilty pleasure called musical comedy. The show will lift your spirits and put a spring in your step.
The Drowsy Chaperone is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Cast:
Madelyn Altom – Ensemble
Melissa Annes – Janet
Oliva Ash – Mrs. Tottendale
Nathan Brown – Underling
Tristan Bustos – Ensemble
Katie Chandler – Ensemble
Kayla Daubenspeck – Trix
Jack Ducat – George
Benjamin Elliott – Mr. Feldzieg
Noah Fields – Man in Chair
Grace Gliva – Kitty
Davon Graham – Robert
Shelby Grice – Ensemble
Jacob Hampton – Gangster #2
Mark Heid – Aldolpho
Madeline Hittel – Drowsy
Christian Howe – Ensemble
Sophia Huges – Ensemble
Emily Keith – Ensemble
Hannah Kenney – Ensemble
Jayne Mendenhall – Ensemble
Isaac Outland – Ensemble
Natalie Penry – Ensemble
Mason Perry – Gangster
Andrew Saiz – Ensemble
Emily Sharton – Ensemble
Marissa Tappy – Ensemble
Janis Wagner – Ensemble
Xavier Wilson – Ensemble
Jill Wooster – Ensemble
Production Staff:
Director: Ed Trout
Assist. Director: Dennis Jones
Assist. Director: Andy Ober
Music Director: Michael Davis
Assist. Music Director: Amy Johnson
Stage Manager: Sean Cassada
Stage Manager: Stacey Peterson Reynolds
Choreographer: Noel Outland
Choreographer: Trish Roberds
Producer: Susan Bott
Assist. Producer: Ivy Bott
Props Mistress: Carol Kirk
Props Mistress: Judy Lombardo
Props Mistress: Lindsay Vest
Sound Designer: Jeff Rowand
Costumer: Linda Rowand
Hair Design: Samantha Wooten
Master Carpenter: Jerry Beasley
Lighting Designer: Maria Matters
Sister Act
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Book by Cheri Steinkellner & Bill Steinkellner
Additional Book Material by Douglas Carter Beane
September 22-24, September 28-October 1, 5-8, 2017
About the show:
Sister Act tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody, she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a Convent. Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A wonderful tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music.
In keeping with the theme of the show, we will be taking up a special collection. Near the end of the first act, special offering plates will be passed by the actors. All proceeds will be given to The Little Sisters of the Poor and The Julian Center. Please consider giving and “Spread The Love Around!”
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Deloris Van Cartier – Morgan Webster
Mother Superior – Karen Frye Knotts
Sister Mary Robert – Bailey Jane Williams
Sister Mary Patrick – Nina Stilabower
Sister Mary Lazarus – Marie Beason
Monsignor O’Hara – W. Michael Davidson
Curtis – Ollice Aurelius Nickson
Officer Eddie Souther – Donald Marter
Joey – Daniel Draves
TJ – Jonathan Studdard
Pablo – Josh Vander Missen
Sister Mary Martin of Tours – Melissa Guffey
Sister Jane Terese, the Little Flower – Leigh Alexovich
Michelle – Shelley Nicole Young
Tina – Anna Olivia Gibson Lee
Ernie – Bradley Lowe
Waitress – Lauren Bowers
Cop – Scott Stockton
Ensemble – Jerry Davis
The Singing Nuns – Susan Bott, Erin Sprouse, Julie Dutcher, Emma Wilson, Deb Bishop Weinmann, Lauren Bowers, Susan Sturm, Shelley Nicole Young, Anna Olivia, Gibson Lee, Ellen VanderMissen
Production Staff:
Producer – Rich Baker
Director – Paula Phelan
Assist. Producer – Jerry Beasley
Assist. Directors – Jerry Beasley & Curtis J. Peters
Choreographer – Linda Rees
Vocal Director – Damon Clevenger
Orchestra Manager – Bob Blacketeer
Conductor – Zak Tschiniak
Costumer – Jeff Farley
Asst. Costumer – Karen Frye Knotts
Hair and Makeup – Evan Wallace
Development – G. David Caudill
Board Liaison – Bill Hale
Stage Manager – Lauren Johnson
Set Designer – Bill Phelan
Master Scenic Artist – M.L. Lich
Lighting Designer – Corbyn Capshaw
Sound Designer – Andrew Oakerson
Technical Director – Fred Margison
Master Builder – Fred Margison
Props Master – Molly Kraus
Audition Accompanist – Linda Parr
Audition Table Monitors – Nick Micthaner, Kristen Stone, Tim Spradlin
The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas
Music & Lyrics by Carol Hall
Book by Larry L. King & Peter Masterson
November 24-26, November 30-December 3, 7-10, 2017
About the show:
The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas is an exuberant and bawdy musical comedy based on the true story of a legendary Texas brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, which operated from the 1840’s to 1973. Protected by a friendly sheriff and frequented by politicians, football teams and others, girls came from all over to work and make a little extra money there. However, when a crusading Houston radio commentator and his conservative audience exposed the ranch, it was forced to close down forever. The show weaves elements of country music and a story full of stereotypes that pulls at the heartstrings from a time gone by. This high energy romp will have you pulling on your cowboy boots, box-stepping in your saddles and foot stompin’ along.
*Intended for Mature Audiences*
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Narrator – Rick Barber
Angel – Abby Okerson
Shy – Molly Campbell
Jewel – Eryn Bowser
Miss Mona – Julie Powers
Linda Lou – Julianne Kowalski
Dawn – Shelby Grice
Ginger – Kristen Wilson
Beatrice– Ilissa Rassner
Taddy Jo – Conni J.Kelley-Schoen
Ruby Rae – Jennifer Kaufmann
Eloise – Shannon Clancy
The Dogettes – Jeffrey Reeves, Jason Kasubjak, Eric Van Veelen, Chris Jones, Steven Allen
Melvin P. Thorpe – Todd Hammer
Soundman – Chris Barber
Melvin Thorpe Singers – Kristen Wilson, Jennifer Kaufmann, Ilissa Rassner, Conni J. Kelley-Schoen
Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd – Mike Bauerle
Cameraman – Cameron Hicks
Doatsey Mae – Jennifer Kaufmann
Edsel Mackey – James Whelan
C.J. Scruggs – Michael Cleaver
Mayor Rufus Poindexter – Chad Jones
Angelette Imogene Charlene – Julianne Kowalski
Angelettes – Ilissa Rassner & Shelby Grice
Chip Brewster – Jeffrey Reeves
Senator Wingwoah – Bob Jessen
Aggie Quarterback #25 – Chris Jones
Aggie #32 – Steven Allen
Aggie #35 – Cameron Hicks
Aggie #95 – Zach Hoover
Scandinavian Placekicker #57 – Eric Van Veelen
Aggie #27 – Jason Kasubjak
Coaches – Chris Barber & Rick Barber
Reporter #1 – Chris Jones
Reporter #2 – Steven Allen
Governor’s Aide – Jeffrey Reeves
Governor – Jim Nelms
Production Staff:
Producer – Rich Baker
Director – Jim Thorp
Vocal Director – Rick Barber
Musical Director – Will Scharfenberger
Choreographer – Chris Barber
Stage Manager – Lindsay Vest
Tech Directors/Master Carpenters – Fred Margison & Andy Burnett
Costumer – Jeff Farley
Lighting Designer – Cody Wence
Sound Designer – Eric Matters
Assistant Director – Therese Burns
Assistant Stage Manager – Justin Hendricks
Properties Mistress – Judy Lombardo
Hair And Make Up – Chie Sharp
Backstage – Melissa Yurechko, Jeremy Crouch
Set Construction – Fred Margison, Andy Burnett, Michael Beason
Set Designers – Fred Margison, Rich Baker, Therese Burns & Jim Thorp
Rehearsal Accompanient – Linda Parr
Development Committee Liason – G. David Caudill
Brooklyn
Music, Lyrics & Book by Mark Schoenfeld & Barri McPherson
Our annual cabaret-style production where the entire production (including the audience) is housed on our stage!
This is a unique and intimate setting you won’t want to miss.
January 5-6, 11-14, 18-21, 2018
About the show:
Brooklyn is a musical that wears its heart on its sleeve. The proud borough has a band of soulful homeless street corner singers living under the bridge. They tell a wondrous fairy tale about a young girl searching for fame and the father she never knew. She comes to the city that bears her name with only one clue. This whimsical show with a big heart is told by five performers playing all the characters in the story about fame, family, faith and fate. Brooklyn is a story that finds the lost child in all of us.
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Street Singer – Stevie Jones
Brooklyn – Shelbi Berry
Paradice – Kendra Randle
Taylor – Donny Torres
Faith – Paige Brown
Backup Vocals – Rayanna Bibbs, Tristan Bustos, Michael Davis, Amy Douglas
Production Staff:
Director – Kathleen Clarke Horrigan
Asst. Director – Trish Roberds
Music Director – Caleb Morgan
Choreographer – Trish Roberds
Set Designer – Stephen Matters
Master Builder – Stephen Matters
Costumer – Curt Pickard
Stage Manager – Sean Cassada
Lighting Design – Andrew Stephens
Producer – Amy Douglas
Development Committee Liason – Christopher Nunn
Bridges Of Madison County
Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown Book by Marsha Norman
March 2-4, 8-11, 15-18, 2018
About the show:
The Bridges of Madison County chronicles the four-day affair between an Italian war bride and a traveling National Geographic photographer who comes to Iowa to shoot the area’s fabled covered bridges. Based off of the bestselling novel written by Robert James Waller, Bridges tells of how the sadness of Francesca’s solitude is broken when her husband and children leave for the 1965 Iowa State Fair and a weary Robert Kincaid stops to ask directions for his assignment. The pair’s connection is instant and deep, yet short-lived. But that liaison will haunt them both for the rest of their lives.
*Intended for Mature Audiences*
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Francesca – Lori Ecker
Robert – Rick Barber
Richard – Darrin Gowan
Marge – Jeanne F. Chandler
Charlie – Bob Chandler
Michael – Joseph Massingale
Carolyn – Ellie Burke
Marian – Kelsee B. Hankins
State Fair Singer – Susan Smith
Ginny (FEns) – Denise Fort
Waitress (FEns) – Katherine Jones
Featured Dancer – Anne Chesser Martin
Featured Dancer – Chris Barber
Lady’s Ensemble – Susan Burt, Jenn Kaufmann. Maria Makeever, Sarah Small, Hannah Simpson, Amelie Zirnheld
Men’s Ensemble – Jacob Crouch, C. Leroy Delph, Noah Fields, Zach Hoover, Ted Jacobs , Seth Jacobsen, Dominic Piedmonte
Production Staff:
Producer – Jeff Farley
Director – Tim Spradlin
Music Director – Levi Burke
Conductor – Levi Burke
Choreographer – Ann Chesser Martin
Costumer – Lynn Sanders
Technical Director – Jerry Beasley
Stage Manager – Amanda Lane
Lighting Designer – Maria Matters
Props Master – Carol Kirk
Development Committee Liaison – Carol Kirk & Leigh Alexovich
Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Book by Stephan Elliott & Allan Scott
Based on the Latent Image/Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Film
May 4-6, 10-13, 17-20, 2018
About the show:
Come board the bus to fabulous! Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is a story of three Sydney, Australia, drag artists who boldly “Go West” on a road trip to Alice Springs to perform at a casino. The ulterior motive of Tick is to reconnect with his young son. Bernadette needs a distraction from her grief after the death of her lover Trumpet. And Adam wants to blatantly disrespect aboriginal sacred land and climb to the top of Ayers rock in a frock and sing Kylie Minogue tunes. Along the way they have engine troubles, meet hostile locals and sing twenty-three 70’s dance tunes such as “I Will Survive”, “It’s Raining Men”, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “MacArthur Park”. This production will feature the original Broadway & Academy Award winning outrageous costumes from New York.
*Intended for Mature Audiences*
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Tick – Michael Howard
Bernadette – John Phillips
Adam – Christopher Jones
Bob – Dan Flahive
Marion – Carolyn Lynch
Benji – Rocco Meo
The Divas – Jessica Hawkins, Leigh Query, Abby Okerson
Cynthia – Sarah Marone
Shirley – Lauren Johnson
Helga – Ilissa Rassner
Male Ensemble – Chris Barber, Rick Barber, Jerry Beasley, Christian Condra, Scott Hainey, Cameron Hicks, Dennis Jones, Curtis Peters, Jonathan Scoble, Cody Wence
Production Staff:
Producer – Lucy Hunter
Director – Rich Baker
Vocal Director – John Phillips
Music Director – Damon Clevenger
Choreographer – Linda Rees
Costume Coordinators – Jeff Farley & Tricia Long
Technical Director – Christian Condra
Stage Manager – Lauren Johnson
Set Designer – Mary Lich
Light Designer – Maria Matters
Sound Designer – Eric Matters
Assistant Director – Will Wood
Development Committee Liaison – Leigh Query
Board Liaison – Keith Matters
Properties – Bill Hale
Hair/Makeup – Brandie Price
Priscilla – Adopt a Costume Fundraiser
Footlite Musicals is excited to present this fabulous musical featuring the original Broadway costumes! However, we need your help. The rental for these unusual costumes exceeds our normal budget for a musical, so we are offering special incentives for your donation.
If you donate $400.00, you will receive a private backstage tour by our director, which includes an up-close look at the Tony & Oscar Award winning rented costumes, a chance to wear one of the headpieces with your picture taken, another picture taken in the driver’s seat of the bus, acknowledgement in the program, a photo taken with a costumed character and an autographed poster of the show.
If you donate $150.00, you will receive a backstage tour and an up-close look at the Tony & Oscar Award winning rented costumes, acknowledgement in the program, a photo taken with a costumed character and an autographed poster of the show.
This is a once in a lifetime chance to be a part of an Indiana premiere Broadway musical. We hope you feel the same way and will donate to this fund. You can adopt a costume online at the $150 or $400 level by clicking the link below. You may also mail a check to Footlite Musicals, 1847 N. Alabama St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 and note on the check Priscilla Costume Fund.
We joyfully look forward to seeing you at our production, May 4-20, 2018.
Remember the first Sunday and all Thursday performances are $10.00 each!
For more information contact Rich Baker at development@footlite.org.
