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Home , Calendar Girls, Captain Louie, Chapter Two (play), Des Moines Symphony, Max Dugan Returns, Miss Teen USA 2021

Presented by: Sponsored by: Phyllis Mumford-Sovern Jan & Layton Stump & Kent Sovern Edward & Nancy Truslow

JULY 9-11, JULY 22-25, & JULY 16-18, & AUG. 5-8, 2021 JULY 29-AUG. 1, 2021

Musical RIDESRIDES AGAIAGAINN

JULY 27, 2021 JULY 10, 17, 24, 31, & AUG. 7, 2021 TICKETS AT: 515.277.6261 July 9 - Aug 8, 2021 DMPlayhouse.com

#DMPlayhouse

169399_SO_DSM 2018-19.indd A1 8/28/18 3:28 PM Always ready for our chocolate close-up

Fine European Chocolates Gelato • Bonbons • Coffee stamchocolate.com

• VALLEY WEST MALL • INGERSOLL • ALTOONA • (515) 282-9575 WELCOME Welcome to your Playhouse!

Do you remember where you were this time last summer? We were here in this parking lot, presenting Live Theatre Drive-in. It was a special event for all who participated as we gathered, tenuously, yet we laughed and shared our experience together. One year later, The Playhouse explored how to capture the fun of a David R. Kilpatrick Executive Director summer experience yet do it better. Thus, Tent Theatre was formed. We can gather, share a story or two, and enjoy wonderful theatre in a relaxing and fun environment. Thank you for choosing to join us. I hope that you have so much fun today that you will come back to experience all our summer offerings. The Playhouse goal is to serve our whole community. This summer we include something for our younger audiences with PolkaDots: The Cool Kids Musical as well as something for our audiences who remember what a radio was with FAE Rides Again. We also have a classic comedy, Plaza Suite by Neil Simon (who wrote The Odd Couple among many other favorites), and of course a musical for the whole family, Godspell, which debuted in 1971 and had a successful revival and update in 2012. Each of these productions promises to be an event to remember. Our 103rd Season is just around the corner with musicals, plays, world premieres, playfests, and a holiday classic. Compared to this time last year, it is exciting to be able to look ahead and make plans, knowing that you will be getting our best whenever you attend The Playhouse. Go ahead and test us! Try them all and let us know what you think. Theatre is a special art form that requires the artists and audience to share the experience as it evolves. Theatre is about what is happening in the present. Theatre is about being together. Know that we couldn’t keep theatre alive and well without you and we can’t thnk you enough for playing your part. Here’s to a fun and event-filled summer that remains safe and comfortable. We’ll see you next time at the theatre, indoors once again!

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644th Production Opening July 9, 2021 102nd Season Closing August 8, 2021

Des Moines Community Playhouse Presents a Tent Theatre Series GODSPELL Conceived and Originally Directed by John-Michael Tebelak Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Originally Produced on the New York Stage by Edgar Lansbury / Stuart Duncan / Joseph Beruh

Presented by MidAmerican Energy Company Sponsored by Lincoln Savings Bank, Phyllis Mumford-Sovern & Kent Sovern, Jan & Layton Stump, Edward & Nancy Truslow

Director/Artistic Director: Katy Merriman Music Director: Brenton Brown Choreographer: Megan Helmers Set Designer: Alex Snodgrass Costume Designer: Angela Lampe Lighting Designer: David R. Kilpatrick Sound Designer: Tim Harris Properties Designer: Allyson Braun Assistant Music Director: Sara Kottra Assistant Choreographer: Grace Ammann Stage Manager: Jada Smith Assistant Stage Manager: Ellie Wellman

Cast In Order of Appearance HIndicates Playhouse Debut

Jesus...... Peter Noll Judas/John the Baptist...... Nathaniel HanH

Ensemble The ensemble of disciples uses their own names in this story. Like Jesus' disciples, they come as they are.

Patrick Carew Alexis CastroH Mar FeitelsonH Shelby Kephart Abigail PhelpsH Kaylee Reininga Sophie Rounds Marisa Spahn Caroline Walton

Godspell is presented with a 15-minute intermission.

Godspell - 2012 Revised Version is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishow.com

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ACT I

Prologue ��Company Tower of Babble �� Company Prepare Ye ��John the Baptist, Company Save the People �� Jesus, Company Day By Day ��Sophie, Company Learn Your Lessons Well �� Kaylee, Company Bless the Lord ��Marisa, Company All for the Best ��Jesus, Judas, Company All Good Gifts �� Alexis, Company Light of the World ��Abigail, Company

ACT II

Learn Your Lessons Well (Reprise) ��Company Turn Back, O Man �� Caroline, Jesus, Company Alas for You �� Jesus, Company By My Side...... Shelby, Sophie, Marisa, Company We Beseech Thee ��Patrick, Company Beautiful City ��Jesus, Company On the Willows �� Judas Finale...... Jesus, Company Bows ��Company “By My Side” music by Peggy Gordon and lyrics by Jay Hamburger

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IN THE JOHN VIARS THEATRE IN THE KATE GOLDMAN CHILDREN’S THEATRE Cabaret Junie B. in SEPT. 10-26, 2021 Jingle Bells, Escaping the Batman Smells! NOV. 5-14, 2021 Labyrinth OCT. 15-23, 2021 Don’t Let the Pigeon AGATHA CHRISTIE’S Drive the Bus! Murder on the The Musical! Orient Express JAN. 7-23, 2022

FEB. 4-20, 2022 Charlotte’s Web Singin’ in the Rain MAR. 4-20, 2022

MAR. 25-APR. 10, 2022 Pippi Longstocking Calendar Girls APR. 22-MAY 8, 2022 JUNE 3-19, 2022

ROALD DAHL’S FAMILY HOLIDAY CLASSIC Matilda The Sound of Music The Musical DEC. 3-19, 2021 JULY 8-31, 2022

831 42nd Street | Des Moines | 515.277.6261 TICKETS AT: DMPlayhouse.com

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Patrick Carew (Ensemble) made graphic design, animation, and parenting two cats, his Playhouse debut in Disney’s JoJo and Peri, with his partner, Albert Gomez. Newsies as a tumbling newsie. A few of his favorite roles have Shelby Kephart (Ensemble) is included Seymour in Little Shop familiar to Playhouse audiences of Horrors (Garner High School, from Disney’s Freaky Friday One IA) and Danny Zuko in Grease Act (Senorita O’Brien), Catch Me (Dylan Kaercher’s Theatre Camp, Albert Lea, MN). If You Can, and Elf – The Musical. Patrick is a sophomore at Luther College studying At Urbandale Community Theatre, music education and musical theatre and is an she has appeared in Six-on-Six education intern at The Playhouse working with and State Fair. Shelby works with Des Moines this summer’s theatre camps. Public Schools Metro Kids and puts on shows for her students. She also sings with the choir and Alexis Castro (Ensemble) has worship team at Heritage Assembly. had a massive interest in theatre ever since he was cast as Young Peter Noll (Jesus) is a senior Simba in the Disney’s The Lion at the University of Iowa King Jr. at Des Moines Roosevelt studying theatre arts and human High School, where he is a physiology. His previous theatre junior. His Roosevelt productions experience includes Hairspray include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Jr. and Bring It On at Des Moines Bee (Chip Tolentino), The Addams Family, and 12 Young Artists’ Theater, Disney’s Angry Jurors. He was also in Des Moines Young Newsies at The Playhouse, and Hit the Wall at the Artists’ Theatre’s production of 13: The Musical. University of Iowa Theatre Department. When not Alexis is a proud first generation Mexican- onstage, Peter can be found cuddling with his American. two dogs or indulging in board games and vanilla lattes. Mar Feitelson (Ensemble) is a sophomore at West Des Moines Abigail Phelps (Ensemble) is Valley High School. His area making her Playhouse debut. She credits include She Kills Monsters is a recent Des Moines Roosevelt (Chuck), The Boy at the Edge High School graduate where of Everything (Simon), 13: The she created hair and makeup Musical (Eddie), Hairspray Jr. for the fall and spring shows all (Judine), School of Rock (Madison), and Akeelah four years there. She was also in & the Bee (Georgia) at Des Moines Young Artists’ Roosevelt’s production of Disney’s The Lion King Theatre; and Fun Home (Small Alison) at Iowa Jr. as Banzai. In her spare time, she plays music Stage Theatre Company. In his free time, Mar locally around Des Moines. loves to play basketball and play the drums and guitar. Kaylee Reininga (Ensemble) is a rising sophomore at the Boston Nathaniel Han (Judas/John the Conservatory studying musical Baptist) is making his Playhouse theatre. Her first production with debut this summer. While at Iowa The Playhouse was Mamma Mia! State University, he appeared in Additional musicals include The Little Women (Professor Bhaer) Wizard of Oz (Dorothy) at the and was co-assistant director/ Ankeny Community Theatre, The Addams Family dramaturg for Cabaret. He (Wednesday Addams) at Des Moines Roosevelt performed in Shakuntala (Sage Durvasa) with High School, and Hairspray Jr. (Amber Von Tussle) Gateway Dance Theatre. Other area theatre and Legally Blonde Jr. (Vivienne) at Des Moines experiences include violinist for Shrek The Musical Young Artists’ Theatre. Kaylee is a professional at Actors Inc. (Ames) and stagehand at Iowa dog walker who loves running, painting, and Stage Theatre Company. Nate’s interests include gospel music.

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Sophie Rounds (Ensemble) “We Are in a Play!” Prior to becoming artistic is currently attending Loyola director, Katy appeared on The Playhouse stage University in Chicago, studying in shows including Into the Woods (Cinderella), English and Spanish. Sophie’s Les Misérables (Cosette), Completeness (Molly), first performance at The and Legally Blonde the Musical (Elle Woods) Playhouse was A Gentleman’s and was the musical director for The Playhouse Guide to Love and Murder. Performance Academy from 2016 to 2018. Katy She has also been in State Fair (Jeanne) and worked with Iowa Stage Theatre Company as a Smartypants: A New Musical at Dowling Catholic resident artist where her performance credits High School. Sophie’s interests and hobbies include The Glass Menagerie (Laura) and Our include writing, biking, and singing. Town (Emily). She also directed their 2018 production of Fun Home. Prior to her time in Des Marisa Spahn (Ensemble) grew Moines, Katy worked with numerous theatres up taking Playhouse summer as a performer, director, and administrator. She classes and appeared on has a Bachelor of Music from Butler University in stage in The Addams Family Indianapolis, IN. Katy and her husband, Max, have (Wednesday Addams) and a son, Jack. West Side Story (Anybodys). Other area productions include Brenton Brown (Music Director) Bring It On (Campbell) at Des Moines Young says Godspell is his 55th show Artists’ Theatre; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast for The Playhouse! His Playhouse (Babette) at Urbandale Community Theatre; shows include Singin’ in the and Les Misérables (Fantine) and Legally Blonde Rain; A Christmas Story: The (Elle Woods) at Waukee High School. Marisa Musical; Fiddler on the Roof; was in Deadly: The Musical (Julia) at Webster Les Misérables; Mary Poppins; Conservatory (St. Louis, MO), where she is in her Monty Python’s Spamalot; Into the Woods; West final year of her B.F.A. program in musical theatre. Side Story; The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein; A Chorus Line; Disney’s The Little Caroline Walton (Ensemble) Mermaid; Mamma Mia!; Billy Elliot The Musical; is attending Texas Christian Elf – The Musical; Catch Me If You Can; Disney’s University, pursuing a B.F.A Newsies; and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and in musical theatre. Her first Murder. He was awarded the Cloris Leachman performance with The Playhouse Excellence in Theatre Award for best musical was as a dancer in A Chorus direction of The Playhouse production of Ragtime. Line. At Van Meter Theatre, He has appeared onstage as the title character Cari played Roxie Hart in Chicago and Sharpay in Sweeney Todd at the Ingersoll Dinner Theatre in Disney’s High School Musical. She was also in and as L.M. in Pump Boys and Dinettes at The The Nutcracker, The Little Mermaid, and Pandora’s Playhouse. Brenton is the corporate supplies/ Box with Iowa Dance Theatre. Cari has performed equipment coordinator for Hy-Vee and artistic at Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre in Legally director of the Harmony Delegation Chorus. He Blonde Jr. (Margot) and was a dancer for Children and his wife, Jessica, enjoy spending time with of Eden at Texas Christian University. their children, Lindy and Bennett.

Katy Merriman (Director/Artistic Megan Helmers Director) has been an active (Choreographer) directed and member of the local theatre choreographed Disney’s Freaky community since moving to Des Friday One Act and A Chorus Moines in 2013. Her Playhouse Line at The Playhouse, The directing credits include the Bridges of Madison recent co-production with County and Ordinary Days at Pyramid Theatre Company, A Love Offering, Some Tallgrass Theatre Company, Bring It On at Des Enchanted Evening, Stuart Little, I and You, The Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (Cloris Award: Roommate, Love Letters, and Elephant & Piggie’s Best Choreography), tick, tick… BOOM! at Noce,

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and many others. Her recent choreography Desire, Sunset Boulevard, and Hairspray. She has includes Disney’s Newsies (Cloris Award: a B.A. from Central College in Pella and a M.F.A. Best Choreography), Elf – The Musical, Billy in theatre from the University of Nebraska. She is Elliot The Musical, Disney’s The Little the recipient of four Cloris Awards for excellence Mermaid (Playhouse); Hello, Dolly! (Theatre Cedar in costuming and puppetry. Rapids); Oklahoma!, Chaplin (Revival Theatre Company, Cedar Rapids); Adore Us! Line, Fun David R. Kilpatrick (Lighting Home, Company (Iowa Stage Theatre Company); Designer) joined The Playhouse and many more. Megan is the director of as executive director in May marketing and PR at the Des Moines Symphony 2017. In addition to management, and enjoys dancing around the house with David's artistic credits include husband Charlie Reese and their pets, Detective stage management, directing, Olivia Benson Helmers-Reese, Elliott Patrick and lighting design. As a lighting Swayze Helmers-Reese, and Jane. designer he lit our summer 2020 Season of Love Letters, Rounding Third, and The Roommate. Prior Alex Snodgrass (Set Designer) showes include A Gentleman's Guide to Love has worked as a freelance and Murder, Mamma Mia!, Hair, Mary Poppins, designer and instructor locally and Disney's The Little Mermaid. His education and up and down the East includes degrees from George Mason University, Coast. He is a graduate of Missouri State, and University of Missouri, the Conservatory of Theatre where his dissertation was the exploration of the Arts at Webster University audience as it prepares for the show. (Missouri). Alex is the technical director/designer at Grand View University. He has worked with Tim Harris (Sound Designer/ The Playhouse as stage manager and designer, Associate Technical Director) Repertory Theater of St. Louis (lighting designer, is originally from Lacrosse, WI, prop artisan); Opera Theatre of St. Louis (prop but now very glad to call Des artisan); Des Moines Social Club (scenic and Moines home. A few favorite past lighting designer); Des Moines Young Artists’ productions have been Tuesdays Theatre (scenic and lighting designer); Northern with Morrie¸ Noises Off, Xanadu, and Mamma Mia! Stage (props management) and Saint Michael’s He draws his support from his mother, family, and Playhouse (scenic design), both in Vermont; friends, and is still looking for that special lady in and more. He has served as a technical theatre his life. teacher and coach at Des Moines Roosevelt High School and Waukee High School. Alex is the recipient of the 2016 Cloris Award for Best Allyson Braun (Properties Lighting Design for his work on DMYAT’s The Designer) was most recently Hobbit. His favorite Playhouse memory is seen as Ella in The Playhouse’s throwing large things out the trap door in production of Ella Enchanted. Seussical The Musical on the mainstage. Other Playhouse shows include Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Angela Lampe (Costume Play!” (Piggie) and Mamma Mia! Designer/Associate Artistic She played Ado Annie in the Quad City Music Director) began her tenure with Guild’s production of Oklahoma! This is her first The Playhouse in 1993 and has time as a properties designer at The Playhouse designed costumes, sets, and but she spent four years doing props in college props for nearly 300 productions and is excited to be returning to it. Allyson lives in including Guys and Dolls, Beaverdale with her husband, Ian, and their two Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, A Gentleman’s cats. Guide to Love and Murder, Ella Enchanted, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Ragtime, Les Misérables, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, West Side Story, Into the Woods, A Streetcar Named

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Sara Kottra (Assistant Music her favorite, Tuck Everlasting. She has taken Director) recently graduated classes at The Playhouse and also participated from Iowa State University with a in Second Saturday teen theatre improv nights. In degree in vocal music education. her free time, she enjoys playing video games and Her experience at The Playhouse hanging out with friends. includes being a Newsie in Disney’s Newsies and serving as Stephen Schwartz (Composer) assistant music director for A Christmas Story: wrote the music and lyrics The Musical. Sara enjoys baking, spoiling her for the current Broadway kitten, and trying new foods. hit Wicked and has also contributed music and/or Grace Ammann (Assistant lyrics to Godspell, Pippin, The Choreographer) has been dancing Magic Show, The Baker’s Wife, since she was four years old. She Working (which he also adapted and directed), first danced at The Playhouse Rags, and Children of Eden. He collaborated in A Chorus Line. Her credits with Leonard Bernstein on the English texts include 42nd Street (Lorraine) for Bernstein’s Mass and wrote the title song and assistant choreographer and for the play and movie Butterflies are Free. Grandma in The Addams Family all at Des Moines For children, he has written songs for two Roosevelt High School. Her favorite theatrical musicals, Captain Louie and My Son Pinocchio. experience to date was at Roosevelt, where she He has also worked in film, collaborating got to choreograph “Be Prepared” for Disney’s The with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s Lion King Jr., the first time she saw her original Enchanted as well as the animated features choreography come to life on stage. Grace is Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame attending Oklahoma City University, earning and writing the songs for the DreamWorks her B.S. in dance management with a minor in animated feature The Prince of Egypt. His directing. first opera, Séance on a Wet Afternoon, was produced at Opera Santa Barbara and Jada Smith (Stage Manager) New York City Opera. A book about his has grown up at The Playhouse, career, Defying Gravity, has been released making her debut in 2005 as by Applause Books. Mr. Schwartz has been Gladys Herdman in The Best inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Christmas Pageant Ever. Her Songwriters Hall of Fame and has been given other Playhouse shows include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Awards Annie, Hairspray (Little Inez), include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Fiddler on the Roof (Chava), Ragtime, and the Awards, and a tiny handful of tennis trophies. theatre’s 100th anniversary gala show. Jada has also performed in The Playhouse Performance John-Michael Tebelak (Book) Academy production of Fame Jr. She has worked originally wrote Godspell as on backstage crews, and most recently was his masters’ thesis project assistant stage manager for I and You. Jada has at Carnegie-Mellon in 1971. her A.A. in liberal arts from Des Moines Area Subsequently, he directed productions of Godspell at La Community College. She works in The Playhouse MaMa Theatre, the Cherry Lane ticket office and is one of the theatre’s house Theatre, the Promenade Theatre, managers. and on Broadway. He received the 1971 Drama Desk award for Most Promising Director. In Ellie Wellman (Assistant Stage 1972, Mr. Tebelak directed the play Elizabeth I on Manager) was active in theatre Broadway and off-Broadway staged The Glorious at West Des Moines Valley One in 1975 and Ka-Boom in 1980. He is also High School, providing stage co-writer with David Greene of the 1973 film of management for productions of Godspell. He was dramaturg for the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York and The Miracle Worker, A Midsummer staged liturgical drama there and the church’s Night’s Dream, Bright Star, and, theatre bears his name.

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645th Production Opening July 16, 2021 102nd Season Closing August 1, 2021 Des Moines Community Playhouse Presents a Tent Theatre Series PLAZA SUITE By Neil Simon

Presented by MidAmerican Energy Company Sponsored by Lincoln Savings Bank, Phyllis Mumford-Sovern & Kent Sovern, Jan & Layton Stump, Edward & Nancy Truslow

Director: Sarah Grant Intimacy Director: Stephanie Schneider Set Designer: Alex Snodgrass Costume Designer: Angela Lampe Lighting Designer: David R. Kilpatrick Sound Designer: Tim Harris Properties Designer: Allyson Braun Assistant Director: Toni K. Farris Stage Manager: Lauren Dursky Assistant Stage Manager: Brandon Record Artistic Director: Katy Merriman

Cast In Order of Appearance HIndicates Playhouse Debut

VISITOR FROM MAMARONECK Bellhop ...... Jacob JonesH Karen Nash...... Jennifer Hughes Sam Nash ...... Jim Benda Waiter ...... Jake Parks Jean McCormack...... Samantha MillerH

VISITOR FROM HOLLYWOOD Waiter...... Jake Parks Jesse Kiplinger...... Bobby Nalean Muriel Tate ...... Emily Davis

VISITOR FROM FOREST HILLS Norma Hubley...... Donna Scarfe Roy Hubley ...... Lorenzo Sandoval Bordon Eisler...... Jake Parks Mimsey Hubley...... Samantha MillerH

Place: The same suite at the Plaza hotel Time: Late 1960s

Plaza Suite is presented with a 15-minute intermission between Acts I and II and a 10-minute intermission between Acts II and III.

Plaza Suite is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

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Jim Benda (Sam Nash) is making Samantha Miller (Jean his 20th appearance on The McCormack/Mimsey Hubley) is Playhouse stage since debuting a junior at Lincoln High School. as Ziegfeld in Funny Girl in 1992. She has taken classes at The His other Playhouse credits Playhouse since second grade include You Can’t Take It with and appeared in Performance You, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Academy productions of Disney’s Hello, Dolly! Jim most recently played Bob Crachit The Lion King Kids (Nala) and The Music Man Jr. in over 100 performances of A Christmas Carol (Amaryllis). Sam enjoys dancing, singing, and in Pensacola, FL, where he and his partner, Lou, photography. spend their winters. Bobby Nalean (Jesse Kiplinger) is Emily Davis (Muriel Tate) counts familiar to Playhouse audiences among her Playhouse roles Alice from Love Letters, Silent Sky, Les in You Can’t Take It with You and Misérables, and Fiddler on the Kristine in A Chorus Line. Other Roof. Other favorite productions area shows include A Doll’s include Into the Woods (Narrator/ House at Iowa Stage Theatre, Mysterious Man) at Simpson Oleanna at Tallgrass Theatre Company, and College; and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Closer at Open Door Rep. For Kata Klysmic, she (Snoopy); Oliver! (Fagin), and Meredith Willson’s has directed The Rocky Horror Show, The Vagina The Music Man (Tommy Djilas), all at Ogden Monologues, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. (IA) Community Theatre. Bobby loves to travel Emily is a resident counselor at House of Mercy the world with his wife, Anna; spoiling their and shares her life with her husband, Ryan. two Boston terriers; and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Jennifer Hughes (Karen Nash) is a resident artist with Iowa Jake Parks (Waiter/Borden Eisler) Stage Theatre Company who grew up in Forest City and made in recent years has performed his Playhouse debut this past the roles of the Mother in spring as Will in Some Enchanted Private Passage, Hecate in Evening: The Songs of Rodgers Macbeth, Lana Sherwood in It’s & Hammerstein. Favorite shows a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play, and Elizabeth in include Rent at the University of The Christians. She is self-employed as a medical Northern Iowa and Fiddler on the Roof at Forest language specialist and helps manage her City High School. Jake is a product engineer family’s cattle farm in Lacona, IA. Jennifer enjoys at Emerson Automation Solutions. He enjoys homeschooling her two daughters and singing snowboarding, making music, playing Dungeons and playing music with her partner, Joel Kinser. and Dragons, and creating YouTube videos. Jake is married to Kyra Sorenson. Jacob Jones (Bellhop) is a senior at Iowa State University studying Lorenzo Sandoval (Roy Hubley) performing arts and political is the founding artistic director science. His favorite role to date of the Iowa Shakespeare is Pink in Facing Our Truth which Experience. He is an adjunct he did at ISU Theatre under instructor at DMACC, Grand director Tiffany Johnson. Other View University, and Upper Iowa ISU shows include On the Horizon, Our Community University. He teaches speech Carol, and Of the Deep. He was also Joey Biltmore and composition. He received his M.F.A. from in Guys and Dolls at Des Moines Area Community the University of Iowa’s playwrights’ workshop College in Ankeny. He is excited to be making his and was honored to be a Dimmitt Fellow at Playhouse debut. Morningside College (Sioux City). Lorenzo made his Playhouse debut as Juror #7 in 12 Angry Men

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and more recently played Actor 2 in Ken Ludwig’s she works in film, improv, and voice-over as well. Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. When not performing, you can find her reading, nerding out on Star Wars, spending time outdoors, Donna Scarfe (Norma Hubley) and playing Dungeons and Dragons. studied ballet on a Fulbright Fellowship in Romania and has a Alex Snodgrass (Set Designer) Read Alex’s bio in M.A. in theatre and deaf studies. Godspell Cast Notes. She acted with the National Theatre of the Deaf and The Angela Lampe (Costume Designer/Associate Playhouse and is a founding Artistic Director) Read Angela’s bio in Godspell member of the Iowa Stage Theatre Company Cast Notes. and ASL interpreter. She owns Fyne Hats By Felicity (www.fynehatsbyfelicity.com) which creates period and contemporary hats. Donna is David R. Kilpatrick (Lighting Designer) Read married to Alan, and they have a son and daughter David’s bio in Godspell Cast Notes. in the U.S. and a son and a daughter in the U.K. Tim Harris (Sound Designer) Read Tim’s bio in Sarah Grant (Director) is a Godspell Cast Notes. Chicago-based actor, director, and theater educator. She has Allyson Braun (Properties Designer) Read worked as a director at the Allyson’s bio in Godspell Cast Notes. Chicago Children’s Theatre, Three Cat Productions, and the Chicago Academy for the Arts, where she Toni K. Farris (Assistant teaches script analysis and intermediate acting. Director) began her Playhouse As an actor, she’s performed at theaters across career more than 30 years Chicago including Goodman Theater, House ago, volunteering on the shift Theatre, Theo Ubique, Provision Theater, Red Tape and properties crew for A… My Theatre, and Windy City Playhouse where she Name is Alice. Since then, she played the lead role in the two-year run of their has stage managed various smash hit, Southern Gothic. She is represented shows at area theatres and served as light board by Lily’s Talent and holds a master’s degree in the operator. At The Playhouse, she most recently humanities from the University of Chicago. was assistant director for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Toni is an intellectual property Stephanie Schneider (Intimacy legal assistant at Corteva Agriscience. She likes Director) is an intimacy director traveling, reading, and cheering on the Liverpool and performer based in Des Football Club. Moines. Her intimacy direction credits include Singin’ in the Rain Lauren Dursky (Stage Manager) and I and You at The Playhouse, has a B.A. in theatre from Iowa The Bridges of Madison County at State University and serves Tallgrass Theatre Company, and Atlas of Mud at as director of production/ Theatre Midwest as well as intimacy coordinator production stage manager at for two local Iowa films. Stephanie is passionate Iowa Stage Theatre Company. At about bringing intimacy direction to the theatre The Playhouse, she was stage and film community in Des Moines and hopes that manager for A Chorus Line. In Lauren’s free time, it spreads across Iowa. She welcomes questions she enjoys watching Netflix with her dog, Mia, about the work and asks those interested to reach crocheting, and sleeping. out on social media @cheshire1031. Recent acting credits include Singin’ in the Rain (Kathy) and A Christmas Story: The Musical (Miss Shields) at The Playhouse. Represented by Peak Agency,

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Brandon Record (Assistant writer. Awards he received include Emmy Awards Stage Manager), originally from for The Sid Caesar Show and The Phil Silvers Gillette, WY, has a Bachelor of Show, Tony Awards for The Odd Couple, Biloxi Music degree from the University Blues, and Lost In Yonkers, and a special Tony of Sioux Falls and is working Award For Overall Contribution to the Theatre. on his master’s degree at Drake Other awards include a Writers Guild Laurel University. His numerous theatre Award, an American Comedy Award for Lifetime credits include performing, stage management, Achievement, and a Writers Guild Screen Award lighting design, and musical direction. His favorite Nomination for Barefoot in the Park as well as an onstage role was The Baker in Into the Woods Oscar Nomination for The Odd Couple, an Evening at the University of Sioux Falls and his favorite Standard Award, a Sam S. Shubert Foundation production team role to date has been music Award, Kennedy Center Honors, a UCLA Medal, a director for Hairspray at the Summer Performing Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award, Arts Academy in Sioux Falls, SD. Brandon is and a William Inge Theater Festival Award for director of choirs and general music teacher at Distinguished Achievement in the American Des Moines Hiatt Middle School. Theater.

Katy Merriman (Artistic Director) Read Katy’s bio in Godspell Cast Notes.

Neil Simon (Playwright) is widely regarded as one of the most successful, prolific, and performed playwrights in theatre history. In addition to Lost In Yonkers, which won a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize, his plays and musicals include Come Blow Your Horn; Little Me; Barefoot in the Park; The Odd Couple; Sweet Charity; The Star-Spangled Girl; Plaza Suite; Promises, Promises; Last of the Red Hot Lovers; The Sunshine Boys; California Suite; Chapter Two; They’re Playing Our Song; I Ought to be in Pictures; Brighton Beach Memoirs; Biloxi Blues; The Odd Couple (female version); Broadway Bound; Rumors; Jake’s Women; The Goodbye Girl; Laughter on the 23rd Floor; 45 Seconds from Broadway; Oscar and Felix; and Rose’s Dilemma. In addition to the film adaptations he wrote of many of his plays, his screenplay credits include The Out-Of-Towners, The Heartbreak Kid (original 1973 version), Murder by Death, Seems Like Old Times, Max Dugan Returns, The Slugger’s Wife, and The Odd Couple II. For television, Mr. Simon wrote series, teleplays, and motion pictures, including The Tallulah Bankhead Show, The Sid Caesar Show, The Phil Silvers Show, The Garry Moore Show, ABC’s Broadway Bound and Jake’s Women. Books by Mr. Simon include Rewrites, A Memoir; The Play Goes On; and four omnibus collections of his plays. Mr. Simon received more Academy and Tony nominations than any other

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113th Production Opening July 10, 2021 26th Season Closing Aug. 7, 2021

Des Moines Community Playhouse Presents a Tent Theatre Series POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL Book by Melvin Tunstall III Music by Greg Borowsky and Douglas Lyons Lyrics by Douglas Lyons Based on an original concept by Douglas Lyons

The World Premiere Recording of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is available on Sony Records and through Amazon or iTunes

Presented by MidAmerican Energy Company Sponsored by Lincoln Savings Bank, Phyllis Mumford-Sovern & Kent Sovern, Jan & Layton Stump, Edward & Nancy Truslow

Director: Peter Dean Musical Director: Tina Haase Findlay Choreographer: Antonesia Williams Set Designer: Alex Snodgrass Costume Designer/Properties Designer: Angela Lampe Lighting Designer: David R. Kilpatrick Stage Manager: Greg Millar Assistant Stage Manager: Aaliyah Trimble Artistic Director: Katy Merriman

Cast In Order of Appearance HIndicates Playhouse Debut Penelope Square...... Kaelan BohnH Sky Square...... Marquis Bundy Ms. Square/Mama Square...... Lexus Thiessen Lily Polkadot...... Ashlyn Yu

Polkadots is presented without intermission.

Polkadots is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, www.broadwaylicensing.com

12 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 13 MUSICAL NUMBERS

First Day ��Penelope, Sky, Lily, Ms. Square Sticks and Stone �� Lily One Pal �� Lily Square Motto ��Mama Square, Penelope, Sky Beautiful ��Sky The First ��Ms. Square, Lily One Pal (Reprise) �� Lily Cool Kid ��Penelope The Squa-Dot ��Lily, Sky, Ms. Square, Penelope New Day ��Penelope, Sky, Lily, Ms. Square Bows/Finale Penelope, Sky, Lily, Ms. Square POLKADOTS CAST NOTES Kaelan Bohn (Penelope theater, for Ankeny Community Theater. In her Square) is a recent graduate free time, Lexi sings in her church choir and of Bondurant-Farrar High performs in a band with her husband, Nathan. School who will be attending Drake University this fall for Ashlyn Yu (Lily Polkadot) is a pre-nursing. She was active in sophomore at Waukee Northwest Bondurant-Farrar theatre with High School. Her favorite role has roles in Guys and Dolls, The Good Doctor, and been Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka Seussical The Musical. She was also involved Jr. at Waukee Middle School. in individual and large group speech, receiving Her Playhouse debut was in the All-State honors her senior year for her rendition 2019 production of A Christmas of “Right-Hand Man” from Something Rotten. Story: The Musical, playing Esther Jane. Outside Polkadots is Kaelan’s Playhouse debut. of theatre, Ashlyn is heavily involved in music and speech team. Recently, she achieved All-State Marquis Bundy (Sky Square) for solo musical theatre and individual speech. recently graduated from Des Ashlyn enjoys volunteering and hanging out with Moines Lincoln High School friends and family. and will be attending Columbia College, Chicago pursuing his Peter Dean (Director) counts B.F.A. in musical theatre. His among his numerous Playhouse Playhouse shows include the shows Choices (Frank Gates), Performance Academy production of The Music The Addams Family (Lurch), Girls’ Man Jr. (Harold Hill) and, on the mainstage, The Weekend (Sheriff Tom), Tales Diary of Anne Frank (Peter van Daan) and Disney’s of a Fourth Grade Nothing Freaky Friday One Act. At Lincoln, Marquis (Mr. Hatcher), The Wizard of choreographed Honk! The Musical, Forever Plaid, Oz (Cowardly Lion), The Drowsy Chaperone and Hairspray. Marquis is interested in graphic (Gangster),and How I Became a Pirate design. (Sharktooth, for which he won a Dionysos Award). He has been an assistant director at The Lexus Thiessen (Ms. Square/ Playhouse for the 2018 production of The Best Mama Square) is a K-5 music Christmas Pageant Ever and the 2019 production teacher for the Carlisle School of A Christmas Story: The Musical, and directed District. She is familiar to Leaving Iowa this winter. He is a member of Playhouse audiences from the Friday Funday cast, member of Playhouse Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Partners, and was a recipient of a 2017 Dionysos Ragtime, Disney’s Newsies, A Award for Volunteer of the Year. Peter co-directed Christmas Story: The Musical, Stuart Little, and the Iowa premiere of The Wolves at Des Moines The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein. Roosevelt High School where he is also a speech Lexie also performed Puffs, a virtual reader’s coach for IHSSA. He is an adjudicator for both the 14 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 15 POLKADOTS CAST NOTES IHSSA and IHSMTA supporting the arts in Iowa Tim Harris (Sound Designer) Read Tim’s bio in High Schools. Peter and his wife, Melody, have Godspell Cast Notes. three daughters, Riley, Caitlyn, and Kenzie. Allyson Braun (Properties Designer) Read Tina Haase Findlay (Music Allyson’s bio in Godspell Cast Notes. Director) has more than 50 years as a performer. She is Greg Millar (Stage Manager) the youngest person – and started at The Playhouse with his one of the only women – in first role(s) of judge, waiter and the Des Moines Jazz Hall of ensemble in Hello, Dolly! Since Fame, a two-time Iowa Blues then, he has had lead roles in Challenge champion, and two-time winner of Footloose, Annie, Disney’s Beauty Prairie Meadows Vocal Hero. She has headlined and the Beast, Fiddler on the nearly every major music festival in Des Moines Roof, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Leaving Iowa, and over the past 20 years and performs regularly at many more including his favorite roles, Harold in Noce. A composer and arranger, Tina has been The Full Monty, and Santa in Elf – The Musical. a vocal coach for the past 20 years and has 13 Greg has stage managed over a dozen shows and years music ministry leadership experience. Her taught several summer and break classes. He voice can be heard in many commercial jingles is a Friday Funday cast member. such as “Iowa, You Make Me Smile,” Northern He and his wife, Carol, have three Lights Pizza, and Des Moines Mitsubishi. At The children, Ben, Shelby, and Taylor. Playhouse, Tina has appeared in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), Ain’t Aaliyah Trimble Misbehavin’, and the theatre’s Celebration of the (Assistant Stage Century. Manager) is a sophomore at West Des Moines Antonesia Williams Valley High School. Her first (Choreographer) is a junior B.F.A. Playhouse experiences were musical theatre student at Drake classes, including Silent Stories: University. This past winter, The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Big Nate (Gina), Dork she worked with Two Steps Diaries (Mackenzie), Dear Edwina (Edwina), A to the Left productions at The Series of Unfortunate Events (Captain Sham), Playhouse on the devised film, Annie Jr. (Drake), Alice in Wonderland (Queen of nature of the dream. Her stage credits include Hearts), The Big One-Oh! (Dona), Willy Wonka Kids, Pippin (Player) and Spunk (Blues Speak Woman) and Seussical Jr. Her school shows include Guys at Drake, Rent (Joanne) at East High School, and and Dolls Jr. and Spamalot Jr. She participated Bring It On (Danielle) at Des Moines Young Artists’ in a Civic Center Camp, playing Jayden in The Theatre. In her free time, she likes to sing and Grunch: A Children’s Musical. Aaliyah participates write songs, as well as paint and watch movies/ in Valley’s Varsity Show Choir, Curricular Choir, TV. She is excited to be making her choreographic Select Treble Clef Choir, and JV Jazz Choir. debut at The Playhouse. Katy Merriman (Artistic Director) Read Katy’s bio Alex Snodgrass (Scenic Designer) Read Alex’s bio in Godspell Cast Notes. in Godspell Cast Notes. Greg Borowsky (Music) is a Angela Lampe (Costume Designer/Associate songwriter and producer from Artistic Director) Read Angela’s bio in Godspell South Africa, signed to Sony Cast Notes. ATV. He is the creative producer and writer behind some of South Africa’s biggest SAMA David R. Kilpatrick (Lighting Designer) Read (SA Grammy) winning artists. David’s bio in Godspell Cast Notes. His debut album, signed to Universal Music SA, was nominated for a Metro FM Best RnB Award and his single Chocolate Vanilla was nominated

14 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 15 POLKADOTS CAST NOTES for a Best RnB Channel O Africa Award. After Melvin Tunstall III (Book) co-writing and producing the official “20 Years of began his writing career while Freedom” song for the South African Government, still a student at the Cincinnati Mr. Borowsky moved to New York to complete Conservatory of Music as his next producer album, The Greg Dean Project a founding member of the featuring soul and Broadway artists, which AMP Theatre Company. A reached #1 on the UK Soul Chart and remained proud participant in the Yale on the USA Billboard RnB chart for six weeks in Institute for Musical Theater, Mr. Tunstall 2016, as well as being nominated for a SoulTracks took a small break from writing to make his Album of the year Award. His show Polkadots: The Broadway debut in Beautiful: The Carole King Cool Kids Musical won the Off-Broadway Alliance Musical after originating the role of Ja’Keith Award for Best Family Show in 2018. in the Toronto Company of the Broadway smash Rock of Ages. The acting bug now Douglas Lyons (Music/ quenched, Mr. Tunstall returned to writing with Lyrics/Original Concept) is a commissioned adaptations of the Broadway composer-lyricist and actor musicals Wonderland and The Wiz. His original who has originated roles on musical BLooM! was a finalist in the renowned Broadway in The Book of NAMT Festival in New York City. Peter, darling…, Mormon and Beautiful: The Carole his highly anticipated new musical version of King Musical. As a writer, Mr. the classic Peter Pan, was commissioned by and Lyons was awarded the Bully Free Communities premiered at Casa Mañana Theatre in Texas. Spotlight Award and the Best Family Show Off- His show Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical won Broadway Alliance Award for Polkadots, which the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Family was presented Off-Broadway at The Atlantic Show in 2018. Mr. Tunstall currently resides in Theater Company. World premieres include Five New York City where he is hard at work writing the Points at Theater Latte Da and Peter, Darling… at book, melodies, and lyrics to Senior Class: a new Casa Mañana Theatre. With composer Ethan musical Pygmalion. Pakchar his lyrics have played Prospect Theater Co. (The Funeral), Lincoln Center, The Old Globe, Seattle Rep, and more. Residencies include The Directors Company and The Sheen Center. Commissions include Seattle’s 5th Ave Theatre.

2.25x2.9

16 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 17 CAST LIST

Opening July 27, 2021 Closing July 27, 2021

Des Moines Community Playhouse Presents a Tent Theatre Series FAE RIDES AGAIN

The Final Act Ensemble is a group of actors that rehearses weekly to bring live radio performances to audiences young and old across Central Iowa. Their repertoire includes classic radio scripts and original pieces.

Director: Jerry Eisenhour Music Director: Susie McCauley Vocal Coach: Phyllis Wolfe

Ensemble Jim Arthur R.J. Lundgren Ralph E. Bowman Susie McCauley Katie Brooks Cynthia Mercati Al Downey Mark Pullen Ruth Downey Don Rothweiler Jerry Eisenhour Marsha Szymczuk Barbara Keck Ed Truslow Molly Ketchum Peter Welch Elysa Koss Phyllis Wolfe Melinda Leseney

FAE Rides Again is presented with a 15-minute intermission

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16 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 17 FAE RIDES AGAIN CAST NOTES

Jim Arthur has been kicking Ruth Downey was a classroom around The Playhouse since he teacher for Clarke Community took acting lessons in the early Schools during which time she ‘70s. His first Playhouse role was helped create a traveling theatre in 1974 as Charlie Thurber in group, The Piccadilly Players. She Jabberwock. Through the years retired after working 30 years he has been involved at The Playhouse from time in the accounting field. Ruth’s to time on stage and off. His wife, Jeanella, has Playhouse credits include the Principal in There’s been active sewing costumes, and his daughter, a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom. She has also worked Anne, and her daughters have been involved in backstage on props crew, shift crew, and as a numerous plays. He has been with the Final Act dresser, and in guest services as an usher and Ensemble since 2010 and enjoys the camaraderie ticket taker. She enjoys music, serving as a church of the group and the challenge of “emoting” at the organist for more than 50 years, and traveling and microphone. spending quality time with her husband, Al.

Ralph E. Bowman taught high Jerry Eisenhour (Director) is a school for 36 years. He has 2013 Volunteer of the Year for directed 138 shows in high his many hours spent helping schools and community theatres paint sets at The Playhouse and and acted in shows. Ralph says his time directing the Final Act his favorite stage role was Joe Ensemble. Before retiring, he Benjamin in God’s Favorite at taught theatre for 30 years. Jerry, Independence (MO) Community Theatre. He has along with his wife, Susan, recently lent their foley written 37 books, mostly westerns. Ralph and his artist skills to the holiday show, Playhouse on the wife of over 50 years, Sandra, have one son and Air Presents: Miracle on 34th Street. two grandchildren. Barbara Keck has been a part of Katie Brooks joined Final Final Act Ensemble for the last 10 Act Ensemble in 2010 after years. Her favorite role has been seeing them perform at her Mrs. Uppington in Fibber McGee granddaughter’s school. She and Molly radio shows. Barb has spent most of her time ever received her B.A. in elementary since having fun slamming doors, education from Cornell College. ringing bells, and dragging chains When she’s not rehearsing for the next Final at the sound effects table. Katie worked with her Act Ensemble production, she enjoys basket husband, Steve, for almost 40 years and, believe it weaving, singing, and playing with her great- or not, they’re still having fun! grandchildren.

Al Downey was named a Molly Ketchum has been an Playhouse Legend in 2011. active member of the theatre He made his Playhouse debut community for many years. Her in 1960 in The Madwoman of favorite role to date, Ethel Thayer Chaillot. Since then, he has in On Golden Pond, was at the appeared on stage in more than Boone Community Playhouse. 25 shows. His last Playhouse She has also worked on several stage role was as Crooks in Of Mice and Men, and films including The Crazies, Molly’s Girl, and Peace his favorite role was Lucien P. Smith in The Boys Patch. A retired elections administrator, she Next Door. He also performed with the Drama participates in women’s suffrage reenactments. Workshop and Charlie’s Showplace. Al has served Molly’s significant other, R.J. Lundgren, is also on virtually every backstage crew and stage a member of the Final Act Ensemble and is her managed several shows. His interests include partner in steampunk and Renaissance faire drawing, reading, and playing the piano. activities.

18 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 19 FAE RIDES AGAIN CAST NOTES

Elysa Koss has appeared in performance, and song/dance classes. She likes Fiddler on the Roof (Shaindel), reading, walking, music, and writing new radio A Little House Christmas (Mrs. plays to be performed by Final Act Ensemble. Oleson), Meredith Willson’s The Music Man (Alma Hix), and Cynthia Mercati is a freelance writer who has Leaving Iowa (Multiple Character had plays produced in every state of the union as Gal) at The Playhouse. Other area well as Cape Town, South Africa; Korea; Ukraine; credits include period melodramas and medicine Australia; Holland; and Canada. She has written shows at Living History Farms, shows with the plays for Actors on Tour, The Playhouse’s touring Final Act Ensemble, and local commercials. Elysa theatre company, as well as published children’s plays handbells and guitar and likes to bike. books and novels. She taught playwriting and creative drama in the theatre’s education Melinda Leseney made her department. She has numerous area onstage Playhouse debut more than 20 credits including George Washington Slept Here (a years ago playing the narrator cast that also included Al Downey) and Constanza in To Kill a Mockingbird. She in Amadeus, both at The Playhouse. appeared in Meredith Willson’s The Music Man twice and The Mark Pullen is a very active Sound of Music, was on the shift member of The Playhouse crew for Camelot, and stage managed many community and received the 2013 Playhouse musicals over the years. Her favorite Dick Brown Superior Volunteer of role to date was playing the Scarecrow in Final the Year Award for his time spent Act Ensemble’s production of The Wizard of Oz. constructing sets, running lights, Melinda is a retired chemist for the University ushering, and working backstage of Iowa’s Hygienic Lab. In her free time Melinda for countless shows. He has also had his share enjoys reading, acting, and writing. of roles on stage including his favorite, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof at the Cherokee Community R. J. Lundgren has an extensive Theatre. This spring, he played Mr. Turner in background in theatre, acting the Pyramid Theatre Company/Playhouse co- and directing with the Olde production of A Love Offering. Mark received his Creamery Theater Company degree in engineering from Iowa State University (Amana), Prairie Fire Children’s and is retired as chief pilot for Hy-Vee. Theatre (Barrett, MN), Repertory Theatre of Iowa, Tallgrass Don Rothweiler has been Theatre Company, Black Hawk Children’s Theatre performing at The Playhouse (Waterloo), Oster-Regent Theater (Cedar Falls), since 1992, when he played and many more. With his “housekeeper,” Molly Cinderella’s Father in Into the Ketchum, R.J. participates in many Renaissance Woods. Most recently, he played faires performing as the first Irish Pope, His Sir Peter in Ella Enchanted, and Hooleyness Malarkey I, or as the steampunk says his favorite Playhouse role to Pope, His Radiance Brother Barnabas Brass- date was The Chairman in The Mystery of Edwin Boilerplate. A leather artist (RJLeather), he also Drood. He also performed with Actors on Tour, designed the Black Hawk County Iowa Vietnam The Playhouse’s educational outreach company. Veteran’s Monument. Don is a retired ELCA Lutheran pastor. He enjoys graphic arts, puppetry design, and scenic design Susie McCauley (Music Director) and construction. He resides in Ankeny with his made her debut performance wife, Jayme, a musician. Don was named a 2018 in 2007 as a foley artist (sound Playhouse Volunteer of the Year. effects) with Mystery Loves Company. Her favorite role to date is Jane Ace in Jane Visits the Psychiatrist. Other experience at The Playhouse includes stand-up comedy, radio

18 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 19 FAE RIDES AGAIN CAST NOTES Marsha Szymczuk had no has performed in Solidarity and Heaven Can Wait background in acting when she at Stamford (CT) Community Theatre. A voiceover attended a Final Act Ensemble artist, Peter enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, performance shortly after retiring and keeping in shape. as a hospice nurse in 2013. She was immediately drawn to the Phyllis Wolfe (Vocal Coach) retired from the art and is so grateful to have Des Moines Register in 2000 and started been accepted into this fun and supportive group. volunteering for the student Marsha was taught how to release her inner ham creative-problem-solving and particularly enjoys the wide variety of roles programs Odyssey of the Mind available, from circus performer in one act to and Destination ImagiNation. femme fatale in the next. She also enjoys using For the latter, she served as an her voice as a church lector and reading books in international challenge master character to her grandchildren. for six years, both writing challenges and administering tournaments. She Ed Truslow has been an active found helping to nurture teamworking skills member of The Playhouse rewarding. A member of Final Act Ensemble since community since 2010, when 2007, her favorite role has been the Wicked Witch he made his debut in Final Act of the West for the FAE production of The Wizard Ensemble’s The Shadow. He of Oz. voiced the role of the Wizard in Final Act Ensemble’s production David R. Kilpatrick (Lighting Designer) Read of The Wizard of Oz. Ed has been in productions David’s bio in Godspell Cast Notes at The Playhouse and Urbandale Community Theatre, where he played his favorite role to date, FDR in Annie. In his free time, Ed enjoys Tim Harris (Sound Designer) Read Tim’s bio in motorcycles, Studebaker cars, model trains, and Godspell Cast Notes. driving the real thing as an engineer on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.

Peter Welch is making his Final Act Ensemble debut performance with FAE Rides Again. He graduated from Adrian College (Adrian, MI) with a degree in radio broadcasting and liberal arts. He

20 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 21 PRODUCTON CREWS Technical Director: Tim Harris Patty Davis, Daniel Dunham, Linda Dunham, Jerry Eisenhour, Susan Eisenhour, Karen Elrod, Set Construction: Paul Mostrom, Alex Snodgrass, Ava Fagan, Ellen Fisher, Abbie Garlock, Ziva Julianne Ungs Ghaffer, Zuhayr Ghaffar, Kathy Gilber-Gallagher, Chloe Gilbert, Margo Green, Angela Harvey, Charge Artist: Alex Snodgrass Keith Hayes, Lorrie Hayes, Carol Healy, Harold Hinkhouse, Grant Johnson, Laurie Johnson, Anne Wig Stylist: Laura Strignoli Jung, Stephanie Kempf, Blythe Ketelsen, Cheryl Kimberley, Jack Kimberley, Marcie King, Trent Sound Board Operator: Audrey Frett King, Marcia Klindt, Lily Koch, Susan Lee, Joyce Lehman, Mary Marshall, Linda McClure, Marisa Master Electrician: Julianne Ungs Mickunas, Rayan Musa, Norah Nidey, Eunice Okee, Paige Olson, Carol Palmer, Traci Petersen, Playhouse Ambassadors: Judy Blessington, Kathy Polson, Darlene Pullen, Mark Pullen, Haley Mary Bricker, Annette Duffy, Alma Hackbart, Pat Schlueter, Amy Skarin, Jordan Skarin, Reese Henson, Jolene Huen, Jean Leibold, Sunny Liston, Snavely, Sarah Snavely, Mark Standley, Mary Mary Marshall, Mark Morrison, Becky Scholtec, Staplin, Julia Stuart, Marcus Truong, Neli Vosloh, Mary Whisenand, Sherill Whisenand Camryn Ward, Janet Whiteside, Eva Williams, Aliza Yohana Kat Playhouse Partners: Dani Boal, Mary Bricker, Edward Corpus, Peter Dean, Denise Forney, A LOVE OFFERING SPECIAL THANKS Anne Frett, Pam Gabby, Micheal Howland, Jill Due to print deadlines, these individuals could not Lippincott, Rebecca Masucci, Greg Millar, Mark be acknowledged in the previous playbill. Morrison, Charlie Reese, Maxwell Schaeffer, Guest Services: Sydney Berger, Miranda Jackie Schmillen, Tony Tandeski, Josh Visnapuu, Blackford, Jennifer Bryant, Gabrielle Buresh, Eva Williams Darlene Cangas, Ellie Chungath, Colby Collins, Judi Cooper, Carol Culmer, Daniel Dunham, Playhouse Photographers: Steve Gibbons, Brent Deborah Dunham, Jerry Eisenhour, Susan Isenberger Eisenhour, Troy Ellerbroek, Mark Ferguson, Susan Ferguson, Fred Gee, Sharon Gee, Playhouse Historians: Mark Morrison, Lloyd Von Madeline Harris, Keith Hayes, Lorrie Hayes, Hagen Harold Hinkhouse, Kristine Hoisington, Grant Johnson, Laurie Johnson, Cheryl Kimberley, TENT THEATRE SPECIAL THANKS Jack Kimberely, Marcia Klindt, Evan Larson, CLE, Classic Events and Parties, Contemporary Susan Lee, Savannah Lucas, John Marquart, Services Corporation, Fareway, Grand View Linda McClure, Ella McEntaffer, Deb Miles, University, Iowa Stage Theatre Company, Image Traci Petersen, Kathy Polson, Darlene Pullen, Solutions, Picket Fence Creamery, RAYGUN Amy Skarin, Mark Standley, Neli Vosloh, Janet Whiteside, Aliza Yohana SOME ENCHANTED EVENING/THE VELVETEEN Pavilion Party Planning Committee: RABBIT SPECIAL THANKS Emily Abbas, Honorary Event Chair, Brenton Due to print deadlines, these individuals could not Brown, Melissa Chavas-Miller, Toni Farris, Angela be acknowledged in the previous playbill. Gallagher, Janelle Holmes, Katy McCaull, Anna Guest Services: Eunique Adair, Ealaf Adam, Aviva Nalean, Jennifer Throckmorton Adams-Wilk, Siham Ahmed, Ariana Balderas, Corinne Beltrame, Gwyneth Beltrame, Audrey Bissmeyer, Corley Blackford, Miranda Blackford, Emma Breheny, Jennifer Bryant, Darlene Cangas, Dan Chase, Ellie Chungath, Colby Collins, Judi Cooper, Carol Culmer, Lydia Davis, Maddie Davis,

20 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 21 HOUSE INFORMATION

COVID-19 UNIQUE POLICIES noted on the phone system, website, and social media sites. Tickets for a cancelled performance General Practices may be exchanged for another performance. Please • Guests are asked to physically distance between be sure the ticket office has your email information groups and parties as much as possible while on the and current phone in the event a performance is premises. cancelled. The Playhouse does not sell its contacts • Hand sanitizing stations are available. and does not sell or trade its email addresses. • Guests with COVID-19 symptoms such as a temperature of 100.4°F or higher or other symptoms, Concessions either before or during a performance, are asked A variety of beverages and candy may be available to leave and exchange their tickets for a later for purchase. No outside drink or food are allowed performance. in the tent. Staff reserve the right to deny alcoholic • All guests who attend productions at The beverage service to anyone at their discretion. Playhouse will have reservations with contact information retained in the ticket office to facilitate Emergency Exits contact tracing if necessary. Please note the exit nearest your seat location. In the • Programs are accessed digitally. event of an emergency, ushers will provide direction.

Exchanges & Refunds Etiquette The Playhouse ticket exchange policy allows guests Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate break in to exchange tickets for a different performance if the play. Disruptive, unruly guests, regardless of age, experiencing any symptoms of illness or if they learn will be asked to leave. Cell phone ringers should be they have been in contact with someone who has turned off. been diagnosed with COVID-19. Lost Items Seating Lost items will be held in the ticket office. • Seats are assigned the day of the performance Parking by staff based on reservation counts and group size. Free parking is available on streets surrounding the Seats are assigned to ensure physical distancing theatre. After 5:00 PM daily, free parking is available within the tent. Seat requests will be reviewed but not in the Shops at Roosevelt’s east/back parking guaranteed. Requests for wheelchair seating will be lot. Parking in the west/front Shops parking lot is honored. restricted to Shops customers at all times. The • Seating will begin 1 hour prior to curtain to reduce Playhouse is not responsible for loss of any personal congregating in the tent. property left in vehicles. Concessions Performance Content Concessions are prepackaged, individual servings, The Playhouse does not rate subject matter as bottles, or cans. sensitivities vary from person to person. Questions OTHER GENERAL PRACTICES about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show such as strobe lights and other theatrical Accessibility affects should be directed to the ticket office. The Playhouse strives to make its facility and performances accessible to all guests. Our theatres Tickets are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are Each audience member must occupy a seat and have welcome. ASL interpreted performances and a ticket, including infants. audio description are regularly scheduled for most Ticket Office Hours productions. For these and other needs, please call The ticket office is open Noon to 3:00 PM, Tuesday the ticket office with specific service requests. through Friday. Tickets are available 24 hours a day, Cameras seven days a week, online. Ticketing fees are the The taking of photographs and the use of recording same whether purchased online, by phone, or at the devices are not allowed during a performance and ticket office. are a violation of state and federal copyright laws. Des Moines Community Playhouse Cancellations 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312 If a show is cancelled due to bad weather, an email will be sent to ticket holders. Cancellations will be DMPlayhouse.com Tickets & Administration: 515.277.6261 Group Sales: 515.974.5361 School Matinees: 515.974.5365 22 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 23 Visit the Des Moines Symphony from the comfort of your living room. Go online to find livestreamed performances, videos from our musicians, and much more. dmsymphony.org

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22 THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2021–22 SEASON 23 PLAYHOUSE ADMINISTRATION

The Playhouse Board of Directors Steve Schaaf, President, receives funding Community Volunteer support from Barbara C. White, President-Elect, Workspace, Inc. Sally Cooper Smith, Secretary, Cooper Smith & Company Meyer Lehman, Treasurer, EMC Insurance Companies Support for the Nick Andersen, Nationwide Insurance Playhouse is Shashank Aurora, Des Moines provided by Public Schools Education Staff Robert L. Culbert, US Bank Janet Casson Scott Gire, Oasis, A Paychex© Company Melissa Chavas-Miller* Tyler Hackman, Meredith Corporation Jenna Darsee Tony Jones, Grinnell State Bank Tali Eisenstadt Joanna Lowe, Wells Fargo Anne Frett J.P. Singh, eWay Corporation Robin Breen Fulton* Linda Westergaard, BHHS First Reality Sarah Grant Playhouse Nate Jorgensen Taylor Layden partners include Advisory Council Brett Spahr Pamela Peter Hedges Kim Van Haecke Bass-Bookey Donn Hutchins Sarah Beth Weinberg Jon Batesole Donald H. Kagin, Anna Zimney Joanne Brown Ph.D. Judy McCoy Davis Gerard Neugent *Master Teacher Allison Engel Mary Urban Suzanne Engman Bob Veenstra PIPs (Pre-Intern Program) Tom Goldman Sandra Windsor Crey Abbas Alexander Baker Isabelle Baker Staff Kristin Coons David R. Kilpatrick, Executive Director Caitlyn Dean Katy Merriman, Artistic Director Audrey Frett Katelyn Gallagher Grace Harvey Administration Teddi Karnes Ryan Crane, Director of Philanthropy Paige Olson Lee Ann Bakros, Marketing & Public Greta Paulsen Relations Director Claire Riesberg Robin Spahr, Education Director Lulu Rongerude Mary Hofer, Finance Ridge Rutherford Jessica Van Essen, Office Ashley Scarbrough Administrator Evie Smith Debbie Jacobson, Ticket Office Manager Lily Spahr Jada Smith, Ticket Office Madeline Streaker-Seay Katy McCaull, Intern Aaliyah Trimble Patrick Carew, Education Intern Eliza Tutty Maren Grant, Education Intern Ashlyn Yu Julianne Ungs, Education & Technical Intern

Production Angela Lampe, Associate Artistic Director Tim Harris, Associate Technical Director

Performance Staff Lindsey Ballard, Elissa Johnson, Cherie Moen, Jada Smith, House Managers

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