The annual meeting of Putnam County Playhouse for 2025 will be at the Hazel Day Longden Theatre on Sunday, October 19. The doors will open at 1:15 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 2 p.m. The event and meeting will celebrate events that happened during our 64th season!
Light refreshments will be served and the event will also include a reception for retiring board member Jack Randall Earles who has been with PCPH, onstage and off for 46 years. He has served on the board since 1982.
Jack Randall Earles as The Man In The Chair in “The Drowsy Chaperone”
During the meeting, reports on activities will be given by the chairperson of each committee. The event is free and the public is invited.
We will welcome three newly elected board members: Kathi Elliott, Sarah Vawter, and Alan Skillern.
At the end of the meeting, the winner of the prestigious Upstage Award for 2025 will be announced. And the nominees are:
Mikey Henry as Jonathan/Ensemble Member in “A Christmas Carol”.
Eleanor Howard as Mildred in “The Cemetery Club.”
Rachel Holland as Grace in “Cinderella”.
Chloe Gardner as Delilah in “Father Of The Bride”.
Please join us as we close the curtain on the season – and as we look forward to 2026!
Coming down the aisle for our last show of the season, it’s the Father of the Bride. Come and join the fun of planning a wedding on September 11-13th and 17-20. Curtain is at 8:00pm. The box office will be open September 8th through September 13th and September 15th through the 20th from 5-7pm. The phone number is 76
5-653-5880. Tickets are only available by calling the box office or coming in. (No online sales)
We are very grateful to our show sponsor for Father of the Bride, Helmer Appraisal. Click HERE to read more about our sponsor.
Kate Baughman (Ellie), Brad Sandy (Stanley),Cameron Wunderlich (Buckley), Courtney Slough (Kate)
Leading the cast is director Fawn Helmer with help from her assistant Ric McFadden. Working behind the scenes for the show are stage manager Brandon Wunderlich, assistant stage manager Ashton Kirton and stage crew Savannah Wolfe, Corbin Kirton, and Alexander Fulks.
Dustin Bond, Brad Sandy, Scott Armitage, Kate Baughman
Stanley Banks (Brad Sandy) is your average father with his wife Ellie (Kate Boughman), his two sons Ben (Parker Helmer) and Tommy (Lucas Gardner), and of course his only daughter Kay (Courtney Slough). The day that every father dreads arrives, Kay tells her father that she has decided to get married to her boyfriend Buckley Dunstan (Cameron Wunderlich), an earnest and ambitious young man.
Brad Sandy, Parker Helmer, Kate Baughman
Through the show we witness the stresses of planning a wedding and everything that leads to the big day. Dealing with the guest list proves troublesome even with the assistance of Stanley’s secretary Miss Bellamy (Carol Davis), as everyone keeps rearranging who will be at the church and who will be coming to the reception and the phone ringing constantly through the day driving everyone crazy.
Cameron Wunderlich, Chloe Gardner, Courtney Slough
Tommy and his friend Buzz Taylor (Nicolette Blackledge) eye the wedding gifts and think of the things they could buy if they soldthem. Ben and his girlfriend Peggy Swift (Ellen Blackledge) watch the events and think about the eventuality of their wedding plans.
Kate Baughman, Courtney Slough, Parker Helmer, Brad Sandy (reclining)
Of course no wedding can happen without the help of an amazing catering group and the Banks family got the best, Buckingham Caters headed up by the eccentric Mr. Massoula (Scott Armitage) with the help of his trusty circulations expert Joe (Dustin Bond) and their fabulous team of movers and waiters Red (Grace Buehler) and Pete (Aston Kirton).
The team tries to make a reception possible in the Banks’ home while driving the maid Delilah (Chloe Gardner) crazy as she tries to keep the floors clean. Others involved in making Kay’s day a special day are Mrs Pulitzki (Ruth Rothgerber) who is making her wedding dress and the florist Tim’s Gal (Rebecca George).
Costume design by Shelly McFadden and Fawn Helmer with assistance from Kiersten Lane and Diana VanMiddlesworth. Light and sound design by Dustin Bond, light board operator is Jennifer Wunderlich and sound board operator is Shelby Merrill. The set was designed by Matt Helmer and Fawn McFadden.
Father (Brad Sandy) & his daughter The Bride (Courtney Slough)
We’ve all lived through a wedding in one capacity or the other – Father Of The Bride the comedy opening next at Putnam County Playhouse lets us experience it from the outside looking in. Directed by Fawn Helmer, it will be onstage September 11-13 and September 17-20. Tickets go on sale on Monday, September 8.
The show is sponsored by Helmer Appraisal. Click HERE to read more about our sponsor.
Director Helmer getting it together!
Appearing in leading roles are Brad Sandy as father Stanley Banks, Kate Baughman as his wife Ellie, Courtney Slough as daughter Kay (the bride), and Cameron Wunderlich as the groom (Buckley). Other family members include Parker Helmer and Lucas Gardner as sons Ben and Tommy.
Cameron Wunderlich (Buckley) gets advice from his future father in law (Brad Sandy.
The cast also includes Nicolette & Ellen Blackledge, Chloe Gardner, Scott Armitage, Carol Davis, and Dustin Bond.
Director Helmer with cast members Kate Baughman & scott Armitage.
Also appearing are Ruth Rothberger, Samantha Funk, Grace Buehler, and Rebecca George.
Sandy & Baughman in a pickle.
On the technical side we have assistant director Ric McFadden; stage manager Brandon Wunderlich, stage crew Ashton Kirton, Corbin Kirton, and Savannah Wolfe. lighting & sound director Bond; light board operator Jennifer Wunderlich; and sound board operator Shelby Merrill. Set designer is Matt Helmer and costumes are by director Helmer and Shelly McFadden.
Cast, staff, and crew. All photos by Linda Gjesvol.
This August, experience the wonder of Cinderella: The Enchanted Edition, a sparkling retelling of the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical—with delightful new updates for today’s audiences.
Fairy dust and a magical ball are coming to the Putnam County Playhouse! Cinderella, the Enchanted Edition, is the classic musical written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein with a few additions.
Clarissa McCullough as Cinderella.
It will be on-stage at 8:00 p.m. from August 14th through the 16th and the following week on August 20th through the 23rd. Tickets are on sale beginning August 11th at the box office in person or by calling 765-653-5880 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily except Sunday. Single tickets are $15 and can be reserved by credit card during regular box office hours only. There are no online sales. Volunteers are only available to sell tickets during regular box office hours.
Directed by Lee Reberger and Josh Bain, with vocal direction by Kathi Elliott, Cinderella will take you on a magical journey with a beautiful but mistreated maiden (Clarissa McCullough), her awkward gold-digging stepmother and stepsisters (Jessie Draper, Grace Buehler, and Rachel Holland). The handsome prince is played by Dylan Arnold, with Andrea Young playing Queen Constantine and T. J. Tincher as King Maximillian, the royal parents who just want to find their son a good wife. Ironically, these two, who were last seen as love interests in last season’s Something Rotten. Of course, there is no magic without a Fairy Godmother, played by HannaNewlin.
Grace Buehler, Jessie Draper, Rachel Holland
Cinderella must endure the hardships of her selfish stepmother and stepsisters before her fairy godmother appears and sends her off to the ball where she falls in love with the prince. When the bell tolls midnight, she must rush off before the spell is broken but not before accidentally leaving her shoe. The prince becomes determined to find her with comedic and eventually romantic results.
Dylan Arnold & Clarissa McCullough at the ball.
In other roles, the Royal Steward Lionel is played by Dorian Dowd. Of course, Cinderella has to have her enchanted animals, played by Sadie Henry as Charles, a Cat who will become a Coachman, and Two White Mice, who will become Horses, played by Jocelyn Gardner & Raylee O’Connor. Also added to the animal ensemble is a Dove, who will become a Footman, played by Maire McCullough.
Dorian Dowd, TJ Tincher, Andrea Young
Rounding out the cast are the singing and dancing Villagers & Ball Guests played by Trenton Bright, Julian Dowd, Joey Draper, Samantha Funk, Suzanne Funk, Jocelyn Gardner, Mikey Henry, Miles Jernagan, Ashton Kirton, Corbin Kirton, Payton Kumpf, Adalyn Ludlow, Gwenhywfar McCullough, Maire McCullough, Raylee O’Connor, Alan Skillern, Gwen Skillern, Sarah Vawter, and Aiden Woods.
The Prince is giving a ball!!!
This musical would not be possible without the production staff of Rehearsal Pianist Ellen McCullough, Choreographers Sarah Vawter and Reberger. Backstage is the Stage manager. Noah D Pettit and his crew of Hollis Barcus, Joslyn Rose Cash, Alexander Fulks, Addie Gilliam, Parker Helmer, Kenda Lyn, Katrina McGowan, Ingrid Norris, and Willow Scott.
“Let’s get to the ball!”
Set design is by Ric McFadden, and set construction is by Dylan Arnold, Dan Boatright, Ric McFadden, Alan Skillern, Gwen Skillern, TJ Tincher, Brandon Wunderlich, Cameron Wunderlich, and Andrea Young. The scenic artists are FawnHelmer and Ric McFadden. The painting crew was Dan & Gina Boatright, Fawn Helmer, Ashton Kirton, Adalyn Ludlow, Ric McFadden, Shelly McFadden, and Jennifer Wunderlich. Carriage design and construction were by Dan & Gina Boatright.
Cinderella carries the parcels.
Wardrobe makes any production real for the actors and the audience, and this show took a substantial crew of its own: Costume Design and Acquisition were by ShellyMcFadden. The costuming crew consists of Liv Elkins, Emily Gray, Coralie Humbert, Kiersten Lane, Shelly McFadden, and Diana VanMiddlesworth.
Andrea Young, Dylan Arnold, TJ Tincher
Some new and intricate costumes had to be constructed. The PCPH is beyond grateful to Coralie Humbert, our DePauw/Playhouse intern, who designed and engineered our Cinderella transformation dress. The Fairy Godmother’s Dress was created by Pat Armitage, and the Prince’s ball jacket was created by CoralieHumbert. Queen Constantina’s Ball was created by Caroline Good.
The technical director and lighting design is by Dustin Bond, sound design is by Nathan Taylor and Ben South, and Sound is by Nathan Taylor, and LIghting board operator is Ben South. Spotlight operator is Lydia Grove.
Finally, a musical can’t exist without the music. Our orchestra pianist and pit director is Ellen McCullough, the Keyboard player is Kathryn Dory, drums are played by DeDee Schwomeyer, Bass is played by Mitch Chalos, and French Horn is played by Alice Howard.
Whether you’re young or young at heart, Cinderella: The Enchanted Edition will remind you that kindness, courage, and a little magic can change everything. Don’t miss this spectacular summer production!
The annual Children’s Theater Workshop is happening this week at Putnam County Playhouse. CTW Founder and Director Caroline Good and her staff are working with students in grade school and middle school to produce three plays.
The final program will be presented on Friday, July 25, at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. The workshop is made possible by Arts Illiana.
The first play is “A Night At The Library” written and directed by John Reach. His assistant director is Joey Draper. Interns/Stage Managers are Charlotte Tomamichael and Allie Rice.
Featured in the play are Tessa Ontrop, Anna Emmerich, Harrison Stewart, Mallory Stepp, Madison Moss, and Ava Jedele. Other roles will be played by Graham Ontrop, Adaleigh Beck, Rhea Flegal, Caroline Emmerich, Julia Schutter, and Oliver Mauntel.
Next onstage will be “Cinderella” adapted and directed by Good. Her assistant directors are Josie Cox and Catherine Ryan-Shager. Interns and stage managers are Savannah Wolfe and Hollis Barcus.
The cast includes Caydee Johnson, Zella Montgomery, Gloria Jones, Jeridan Vaughn, Jamison Hammon, and Owen Layne. Featured roles are taken by Lucas Gardner, Mackenzie Rooney, Gibson Robbins, Charlie Mauntel, Isaiah Market, Charlotte Johnson, Wren Taylor, and Annee Butcher.
“The Time Traveling Library” written by Ellen Blackledge is directed by Kathi Elliot. Assistant director is MJ Cooper and interns and stage managers are Gabby Robbins and Evelyn Ryan-Shager.
Performing in this are Wyatt Schutter, Elijah Neeley, Hannah Jernagan, Elna Kehr, and Dane Jorgensen.
Featured are Avalyn Templeton, Colten Hessler, Millie Jones, Amber Pennington, Betsy Hatfield, and Quinn Dory.
Director Fawn Helmer will have two sessions of auditions for the comedy Father of the Bride. The first session will be Sunday, July 20 at 3 p.m. and the second will be Monday, July 21 at 7 p.m. Both sessions will be at the Michael McClaine Rehearsal Center at the Hazel Day Longden Theatre. Read more about the show and download an audition form HERE.
The play will be produced September 11-13 and September 17-20. It is being sponsored by Helmer Appraisal. Read more about our sponsor HERE.
Chaos reigns in the Banks household as everyone attempts make the wedding of Kay Banks happen. Roles available include Stanley Banks, the father of the bride (stage ages 40’s); Ellie Banks, his wife (stage age 40’s); Kay Banks, the prospective bride (stage age early 20’s); and Buckley, her intended husband (stage age 20’s).
Also to be cast are the Banks brothers, Ben Banks (stage age late teens) and Tommy Banks (stage age 10-12). Buzz Taylor, Tommy’s best friend and Peggy, Ben’s girlfriend are also involved.
Additional adult roles include Miss Bellamy, Stanley’s secretary; Dee, the family maid; Mr. Missoula, the wedding planner and his assistant, Joe. Also a few workman who help transform the house into the reception venue. Read more about the cast HERE.
Read what director Fawn has to say about the show HERE.
The second production of the 64th season at Putnam County Playhouse the comedy “The Cemetery Club” will be onstage July 10-12 and July 16-19. All performances begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved by calling 765-653-5880 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office only. There are no online or Facebook points of sale.
The production is being sponsored by Scott & Sons Trucking LLC in Greencastle.
The production is directed by Vickie Parker & Jack Randall Earles.
Beth Bax and Alan Zerkel
Beth Bax (Ida), Karen K Temple (Lucille), and Karen Whitaker (Doris) are three widows in different stages of accepting the loss of their respective husbands. Once a month they visit the cemetery together to contemplate their situations.
Alan Zerkel, Karen K Temple, Beth Bax
The arrival of a widower Sam (Alan Zerkel) sets the plot in motion. Also featured is Eleanor Howard as Mildred.
The set was designed by Linda Gjesvold and Anna Harris. Technical director and lighting design are by Dustin Bond. Shelly McFadden is the costumer. She is assisted by Coralie Humbert. Assistant director is Sandi Rossok.
Beth Bax, Karen Whitaker, Karen K Temple
Stage manager is Cameron Wunderlich. Members of the stage crew include Maggie Dory, Randy Funk, Ashton Kirton, and Brandon Wunderlich.
Eleanor Howard, Alan Zerkel, Karen Whitaker
The sound board will be operated by Parker Helmer and the light board operator is Bart Jones.
The Bard of Avon has landed at PCPH for his annual visit. Two groups of local students, The Groundlings (middle school ages) and the Bards (high school age students) will tackle Romeo and Juliet and the scrimmage will be joyous.
The Bards production will be a 7 p.m. on Friday, June 27. The Groundlings will be onstage at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 28. Tickets are $3 for all those over age 13. Tickets are available only at the door.
The middle school group is directed by Eleanor Howard who is assisted by David Johnson.
The cast includes Syrci Abbott and Millie Larsen as the title characters. Others in the cast include Evelyn Ryan-Shager (Nurse), Luke Miller and Zoey Bond (Lord and Lady Capulet), Evvie Barker (Tybalt), Micaela Eremionkhale (Paris), Tinzlee Coulson (Gregory), Keyli Hamblet (Sampson), and Ella Marmulewicz (Servant, Watchman).
Also appearing in the play are Gaby Briceno (Benvolio), Hadley Roderick (Mercutio), Cheyenne Newlin and Molly West (Lord and Lady Montague), Becca Larsen (Abraham, Page), Charlotte Jones (Balthazar), Elena Olsen (Friar Lawrence), Stephen Olsen (Prince Escalus), Chloe Lane (Apothecary), Kiyo Yamaguchi (Friar John), Silas Glessner (Officer), and Marilyn Huber (Narrator).
The Bards are directed by Alisa Isaacs-Bailey and David Johnson.
Playing the title roles are Kate Larson (Juliet) and Alex Gurnon (Romeo). They are supported by Ella Tischer (Nurse), Joey Draper and Catherine Ryan-Shager (Lord and Lady Capulet), Josie Cox (Tybalt), Max Isaacs-Bailey (Paris), Piper Grever (Gregory), Breanna Huchel (Sampson), and Adi Gillum (Servant).
Other important roles are taken by Joslyn Cash (Benvolio), Mikey Henry (Mercutio), Kendra Arruda and Nicolette Blackledge (Lord and Lady Montague), Rhian Gillum (Abraham), and Jewelee Butcher (Balthazar).
The cast also includes Jacob Deakins (Friar Lawrence), Josie Tischer (Prince Escalus), Piper Dewey (Apothecary), Olivia Reeves (Friar John), Josie Ellerman (Officer), Ingrid Norris (Page) and Savannah Wolfe (Watchman).
Costumer for both productions is Coralie Humbert who is assisted by Miranda Brown. Stage manager for both productions is Ellen Blackledge. Savannah Wolfe is the assistant stage manager for the Groundlings production and Chloe Lane is working backstage.
PCPH presents the musical A Christmas Carol for its second week. Performances are June 11-14 [Wednesday thru Saturday]. Some evenings are close to selling out so call the box office 5 p.m.-7 p.m. through Saturday – closing night. The number is 765-653-5880. There are no online or Facebook ticket sales. Reservations must be made at the box office.
Can Ebenezer Scrooge [Ric McFadden] be reclaimed – or is he a lost soul? Here he meets with the Ghost of Christmas Future [Emily Gray] and ponders his fate.
Scrooge: “I hope to live to b3e a better man from what I was, but the night is waning fast and it is precious time to me……”
Director Lee Reberger will have two sessions of auditions for the August production of Cinderella – The Enchanted Version. The first session will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. The second will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 16. Both sessions will be in the Michael McClaine Rehearsal Center at the Hazel Day Longden Theatre.
The musical will be produced August 14-16 and August 20-23. It is being sponsored by:
Those auditioning should prepare 16 measures of a song. There will also be a dance audition.
Musical director is Kathi Elliott. To read more about the show and see a list of characters, click HERE. To read what Lee has to say about the show click HERE.
