‘WEDDING REHEARSAL’ ONSTAGE AT PCPH

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.

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.

The cast also includes Nicolette & Ellen Blackledge, Chloe Gardner, Scott Armitage, Carol Davis, and Dustin Bond.

Also appearing are Ruth Rothberger, Samantha Funk, Grace Buehler, and Rebecca George.

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.

Photos by Courtney Slough & Cameron Wunderlich

“CINDERELLA THE ENCHANTED VERSION” AT PCPH!

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.

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.

Sponsor for the production is:

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 Hanna Newlin.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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 Fawn Helmer 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.

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 Shelly McFadden. The costuming crew consists of Liv Elkins, Emily Gray, Coralie Humbert, Kiersten Lane, Shelly McFadden, and Diana VanMiddlesworth.

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 Coralie Humbert.  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!

It will be IMPOSSIBLE to miss!

S.F.

CTW THIS WEEK!!!

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.

See you there!

FATHER OF THE BRIDE AUDITIONS COMING UP!

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 CEMETERY CLUB OPENS AT PCPH!

The second production of the 64^th 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 (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.

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.

Stage manager is Cameron Wunderlich. Members of the stage crew include Maggie Dory, Randy Funk, Ashton Kirton, and Brandon Wunderlich.

The sound board will be operated by Parker Helmer and the light board operator is Bart Jones.

‘SHAKESPEARED’ HITS THE STAGE THIS WEEKEND!!

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.

Special thanks to ArtsIlliana for its support.

Join Us For Week 2 of “A Christmas Carol”

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.

The show is sponsored by:

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.

AUDITIONS FOR CINDERELLA

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.

“A Christmas Carol” Opens the Season!

Summer may have just begun, but Christmas bells are already ringing at the Putnam County Playhouse as preparations are underway for A Christmas Carol, featuring music by Alan Menken (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens (Anastasia, Ragtime, Seussical). The book is by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens, based on the original novella by Charles Dickens.

This beloved holiday classic kicks off the Playhouse’s 2025 season and will be performed June 5–7 and June 11–14. All performances begin at 8:00 p.m., and tickets are $15, available for purchase in person at the box office or by phone during performance weeks. The box office is open from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Monday thru Saturday. There are no online ticket sales.

THE SHOW IS SPONSORED BY:

To read about our sponsor – click HERE.

This timeless story has been reimagined into a heartfelt musical that follows Ebenezer Scrooge—played by Playhouse veteran Ric McFadden—on his journey from miserly and cold-hearted to joyful, loving, and generous. Jolly and moving musical numbers immerse the audience in the warmth of Scrooge’s past and the pain that shaped his present, offering a poignant reminder of redemption and hope. The production is appropriate for all ages.

The show is directed by Dustin Bond, with Cameron Wunderlich serving as assistant director. Kathi Elliott is the musical director and leads the orchestra pit. Also in the pit are percussionist DeDee Schwomeyer and keyboardist Anita Newlin. Choreography is by Sarah Vawter, assisted by Josh Bain. Linda Gjesvold serves as the specialty prop maker.

Not only is the production family-friendly—it’s also a family affair! At least 13 family groups are represented among the cast and crew.

In addition to McFadden, John Tischer plays Scrooge’s long-suffering employee, Bob Cratchit.  Emily Gray, Grace Buehler, and Josh Bain play the ghosts of Christmas future, past, and present respectively.  Jacob Marley is played by Dorian Dowd and Tiny Tim Cratchit is played by Lucas Gardner in his playhouse debut.  Rounding out the Cratchit family are Ashton Kirton as Mrs. Cratchit, Cheyanne Newlin as Martha Cratchit, and Ellen Blackledge, Nicolette Blackledge, and Samantha Funk as Cratchit siblings.  

Shelly McFadden is Mrs. Fezziwig and Brad Sandy is Mr. Fezziwig/Tap Dancer; Fred/Young Ebeneezer is played by Miles Jernagan, Scrooge’s Father/Young Marley are played by Noah D. Pettit, Emily/Sally Anderson are played by Ella Tischer, Grace Smythe/Fan are played by Josie Tischer.  

Mrs. Hawkins/Char Woman are played by Suzanne Funk; Elijah Neeley plays Fred’s Son/10 year- old and 12-year-old Scrooge, and Dave Neeley plays the Charity Man, Banker, and Judge. Old Joe is played by William Dory. Scrooge’s Mother is played by Hannah Newlin, and Amanda Henry is Mrs. Mops. Michael Henry is returning to the PCPH stage as Jonathan and Sadie Henry returns as a Charity Nun.

Kaylie Rohrbaugh plays a Rich Lady/Charity Nun, and Ruth Rothgerber is a Char woman;  Olivia Elkins is a Rich woman, and Quinn Dory is a child factory worker; Sarah Ryan and Catherine Ryan are Tap Dancers.  Jim Elliott is Beadle, Trenton Bright is a Banker, and Kaiden Lane and Josephine Dory are Ignorance and Want, respectively. Most cast members are also in the Ensemble.

 As with any production, the show wouldn’t go on without the tireless efforts of the crew behind the stage.   Brandon Wunderlich is the stage manager with Jennifer Wunderlich serving as the assistant stage manager. The set was adapted by Dustin Bond and Cameron Wunderlich from an original design by Linda Gjesvold.  The stage crew are Maggie Dory, Randy Funk, Lydia Grove, Steve Hunter, and Johnny Stogsdill. Shelly McFadden is the costume designer heading up a team of costumers: Pat Armitage, Kiersten Lane, and Diana Van Middlesworth.  Ben South is the sound designer and Shelby Merrill will run the lighting board.

S.F.

The 64th season of Putnam County Playhouse will begin with an Open House on Sunday, June 1, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served and board members will be on hand to answer questions and welcome visitors.

A rehearsal of scenes and songs from the opening production A Christmas Carol will be onstage.

Special thanks to board member Anna Harris and Wasson Nursery for the beautiful plants.