Author: putnamcountyplayhouse

The Putnam County Playhouse “Shakespeared!” Youth Theatre Workshop is well underway working on two version of The Taming of the Shrew. Performances are open to the public on Friday, July 31st and August 1st at 7pm at the Putnam County Playhouse. Admission is $3 for adults, 12 and under are free.

The middle school group, directed by Eleanor Howard with John Reach assisting, are rehearsing their fun, farcical, and festive comedic version of the play set in the old Italian city of Padua. Miranda Brown, Samantha Funk, and Savannah Wolfe are designing costumes and gathering props, and Nicolette Blackledge will be coordinating the sound design. Directing the high school group in their 1960’s sassy version are David Johnson and Ellen Blackledge with Catherine Ryan-Shager as stage manager, Miranda Brown and Josie Tischer designing and coordinating costumes, Ella Tischer on props, and Nicolette Blackledge coordinating sound. Our Middle School cast includes Hadley Roderick as the title character, Kate, Avalyn Templeton as Petruchio, and rounding out the ensemble are Hollis Barcus, Anna Emmerich, Nola Foy, Lucas Gardner, Zoey Hagerott, Betsy Hatfield, Lenora Hazzard, Charlotte Jones, Millie Jones, Chloe Lane, Ella Marmulewicz, Elijah Neeley, Amber Pennington, Carson Squires, Clark Squires, Cece Wells, Molly West, Kya Williams, Aliana Wilson, and Tatum Wilson.

Our High School cast includes Josie Cox as Kate, Mikey Henry as Petruchio, and completing this talented ensemble are Rose Wood, Jacob Deakins, Alex Gurnon, Evelyn Ryan-Shager, Jeffrey Crabb, Gabriela Briceno, Savannah Wolfe, Mariah Hall, Syrci Abbott, Nicolette Blackledge, Breanna Huchel, Kendra Arruda, Demi Ontrop, Jewelee Butcher, Joeie Johnson, Alex Grayson, Iris Beck, Ashelyn Nugent, and Brooklyn Payne. Created by Caroline Good, the “Shakespeared!” Youth Theatre Workshop program is tailored to provide young players with an opportunity to engage with Shakespeare’s text in a fun way and to see the potential interpretations that lie within the text. Directors of each group devise their own unique versions of the play, all with creative input from their casts. Kids learn about acting, using their imaginations and voices, staging and movement, and that Shakespeare isn’t really scary at all.

The Putnam County Playhouse invites community members to audition for its upcoming production of Murder on the Orient Express, adapted by Ken Ludwig from the classic novel by Agatha Christie.

Audition Dates

• Sunday, July 19 at 3:00 p.m.
• Monday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m.

Director Dustin Bond and Assistant Director Vickie Paker are excited to bring this thrilling mystery to the Playhouse stage and are hoping for a wonderful turnout at both audition sessions. Auditions are open to performers of varying experience levels, and all are encouraged to attend.

Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the luxurious Orient Express in its tracks. By morning, an American businessman lies dead in his compartment, stabbed multiple times. With the killer still aboard the train, the renowned detective Hercule Poirot must question the train’s eclectic passengers to uncover the truth before the murderer strikes again. Filled with unforgettable characters, clever twists, and suspense from beginning to end, Murder on the Orient Express is one of the greatest mystery stories ever told.

Performance Dates

• September 10–12
• September 16–19

This production is proudly sponsored by Scott and Sons Trucking.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, the Putnam County Playhouse welcomes you to become part of this exciting production. Come audition and help bring one of the world’s most beloved mysteries to life!

Putnam County Playhouse is delighted to present Noël Coward’s sophisticated comedy Private Lives, a sparkling tale of romance, wit, and second chances. Under the direction of Cameron Wunderlich, with Sandi Rossok serving as assistant director, this timeless comedy promises audiences an evening of laughter, clever banter, and unforgettable characters.

First performed in 1930, Private Lives centers on Amanda Prynne and Elyot Chase, a divorced couple who unexpectedly find themselves honeymooning with their new spouses at the same luxurious hotel on the French Riviera. Discovering that their rooms share an adjoining balcony, the former lovers soon rekindle their passionate—and volatile—relationship, leaving their bewildered new spouses to navigate the hilarious fallout. Filled with Noël Coward’s signature wit and sparkling dialogue, Private Lives remains one of the most beloved comedies in the theatrical canon.

Leading the cast are Ashton Kirton as Amanda Prynne and William Dory as Elyot Chase. They are joined by Kate Baughman as Sibyl Chase, Logan Dotson as Victor Prynne, and Becca George as Louise.

Bringing the production to life behind the scenes is Stage Manager Brandon Wunderlich, assisted by Randy Funk. Maggie Dory and Savannah Wolfe serve on the stage crew, while Jennifer Wunderlich is the props master. Caroline Good serves as dialect coach, and the set was designed by Linda Gjesvold and Cameron Wunderlich. Mark Wunderlich assisted with set construction alongside members of the production staff. Technical Director Dustin Bond oversees the production’s technical elements, with sound assistance provided by Ben South and Jack Randall Earles. Matt Ludlow serves as sound board operator, and costumes for the production are designed by Shelly McFadden.

Performances of Private Lives will be held July 9–11 and July 15–18 at Putnam County Playhouse. All performances begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be reserved by calling the box office at (765) 653-5880. The box office is open from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.during the week of performances.

This production of Private Lives is proudly sponsored by Best Case Financial, whose generous support helps Putnam County Playhouse continue its tradition of bringing quality live theatre to the community.

With its sophisticated humor, memorable characters, and enduring observations about love and marriage, Private Lives continues to delight audiences nearly a century after its premiere. Putnam County Playhouse invites theatergoers to enjoy this classic comedy brought to life by a talented cast and dedicated production team.

Putnam County Playhouse Announces Annual Open House and 2026 Season Preview
Greencastle, IN — Putnam County Playhouse invites the community to its Annual Open
House on Sunday, June 7, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Barn. This free event offers a
behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming season, along with light refreshments and an
opportunity to purchase tickets for all four productions in the 2026 season.

Guests will enjoy a special onstage preview of The Secret Garden, the Playhouse’s first
musical of the season. Cast, crew, and production staff will share a glimpse into the
rehearsal process, offering attendees an exciting sneak peek ahead of opening night.
The Secret Garden opens June 11 and runs June 11–13 and June 17–20.

The 2026 season continues with a diverse lineup of beloved productions:
 Noel Coward’s Private Lives: July 9–11 and July 15–18
 My Fair Lady: August 13–15 and August 19–22
 Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express: September 10–12 and
September 16–19

Single session tickets for all productions and Season Tickets will be available for
purchase during the Open House.
For more information about the season, visit www.putnamcountyplayhouse.com.
Join us at the Barn to celebrate the start of another exciting season—Putnam County
Playhouse looks forward to welcoming you!

Our New Season Has Begun! 🌟 

Season ticket brochures are out, and our 2026 season is officially underway! We’re thrilled to announce that our first production, The Secret Garden, has been cast and rehearsals are already in full bloom! Don’t miss a single moment of this incredible season — the best way to make sure you see it all is with season tickets! 

🎟 Season Ticket Deal: Individual show tickets are $15 each — four shows would total $60 — but a season ticket is just $50! That’s a $10 savings and your guaranteed seat for every performance.

📨 How to Get Yours: Download and print the attached season ticket brochure, fill it out, and mail it in with your payment. There’s also a spot on the form to contribute to our Annual Fund Drive, if you’d like to support the theatre even more.

🎭 This Season’s Lineup:  

• June: The Secret Garden  

• July: Private Lives  

• August: My Fair Lady  

• September: Murder on the Orient Express 

This summer is packed with music, laughter, mystery, and magic at the barn — and we can’t wait to see you there! Get your season tickets today and join us for a season you won’t forget! 

Director Jack Randall Earles will hold two sessions of auditions for the musical ‘Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’.  The first will be Sunday, June 12, at 3 p.m.  The second will be Monday, June 13, at 7 p.m.  Both will be at the Michael McClaine Rehearsal Center at the Putnam County Playhouse.

You can download an audition form HERE.

The musical will be presented August 11-13 and August 17-20. 

It is sponsored by:

The leading roles include Joseph, the dreamer; the Narrator, who tells the story; Joseph’s eleven brothers and their mothers. Other roles are an Elvis-like Pharoah, Potiphar and his wife, and Jacob the “founder of the nation.” More details about the story and the characters can be found HERE.

The actresses playing the Mothers are also part of a lively ensemble that is included in most of the songs and dances.

Everyone should prepare 32 measures of a song for the audition. Morgan Asher, the musical director of the production will be on hand to provide accompaniment. The song can be from the show or another ‘Broadway’ type number. Those auditioning for the role of the Pharaoh should prepare an ‘Elvis’ type song.

After the singing, there will be a dance audition for all. Since the show is “sung-through” there are no scenes to read. Be prepared to shine in both the singing and dancing portions of the audition. And be prepared to have fun!

In addition to Asher, the production team includes Sandi Rossok as the assistant director, Kathryn Dory as the vocal director, and Cameron Wunderlich as production stage manager.

You can listen to the 1991 London Palladium Cast CD HERE.

The musical Oliver! continues its run as the 61st season opener at Putnam County Playhouse. There are four performances left June 8-11. There are some tickets left for each performance – but most are very close to being sold out. To check on ticket availability – you must telephone the box office after 5 p.m. at 765-653-5880.

[Ticket information, reservations, exchange requests MUST be handled through the Box Office. If you leave a message on Facebook or on the website, your answer will only be delayed. We are a 100% volunteer organization, and those working on the website & Facebook pages to NOT have access to ticket information.]

With both lively and poignant songs, Oliver! is a delightful evening out for everyone. Rollicking comic characters and touching family drama combine to make every moment enjoyable.

Oliver! is directed by Caroline Good. Musical director is Amy Tharp. Kathryn Dory is the vocal director.

The title character is played by Ella Tischer. Other leading roles are played by Alex Gurnon, Grace Buehler, David Johnson, and TJ Tincher.

The show is sponsored by:

The season will continue in July with the comedy-mystery Clue: Onstage.