HOUSE INFORMATION

THIS PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTION IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY

Dec. 6 - 23, 2019

#DMPlayhouse

THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 1

169399_SO_DSM 2018-19.indd A1 8/28/18 3:28 PM HOUSE INFORMATION Welcome to your Playhouse! Thank you so much for choosing the Playhouse. Thank you so much for joining us for our holiday production A Christmas Story, The Musical. This story has been a holiday tradition since 1983. Thanks to television, A Christmas Story has been a part of every Christmas eve since 1997, running 24 hours straight. For those who have seen the movie, this production David R. Kilpatrick contains all of the memorable moments but adds the theatricality of singing and Executive Director dancing to make the perfect Christmas spectacular! The holidays are a wonderful time to honor family traditions. For many, going to the theatre as a family is a special event that will be remembered for years. Every season, The Playhouse presents plays that are suitable for the entire family and are meant to be shared between adults and youths. As a theatre, we celebrate the human to human connection that is particularly important during this time of year. So if you are here with your family, thank you for making us a part of your togetherness. If you are unable to spend time with your relatives, may I suggest that you reach out and connect with others to form your own kind of family. The holidays, like theatre, are meant to be shared. We hope to see you next year, either at James and the Giant Peach in the Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre or The Diary of Anne Frank in the John Viars Theatre, newly named in honor of an individual who was a special gift to The Playhouse for 37 year! Here’s to you and your family – may you enjoy theatre all season long!

PB THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 1 From all the volunteers, cast, crew, and staff at the Playhouse... Thank you for your support!

To make a donation, please contact:

Chris Andersen Director of Philanthropy 515-974-5370 [email protected]

Director’s Circle Donors who generously support the Playhouse at the $1,000 level and above annually qualify for the Director’s Circle. Cast of Disney's Freaky Friday One Act

Benefactor ($5,000+) Larry & Patsy Goetz Producer ($2,500+) Begie Hefner American Equity Investment Tom & Cathy Goldman Cory & Emily Abbas Trudy Holman Hurd Life Insurance Co. The Hopson Family Sarabeth & William Anderson Hubbell Realty Company Aureon Debbie & Michael Hubbell BNIM Architects Mary Beth & Ken Hughes Lee Ann Bakros Iowa State Bank Peggy Fisher & Larry Stelter Michael & Melissa Kellar Bank of America ITA Group John Fisher & Jann Freed Marty & Tamara Kenworthy Bill & Erin Bemis John Deere Ann & Michael Gersie David & Barbara Kilpatrick Don & Margo Blumenthal Linda Juckette La Mie Bakery Steve & Julie Kinner Harry Bookey & Barbara & William Keck Candice Nardini Shirley Kleywegt Pamela Bass-Bookey Dr. James & Mary Ellen NCMIC Group Dale Klocksiem Bravo Greater Des Moines Kimball John Ruan Foundation Trust Karen & Kent Klopfenstein Altoona Julie & Marshall Linn, III Pat & Lou Schneider Kyle & Sharon Krause Family Ankeny Carol McCall Mark Smith & Artis Reis John L. Kucera Bondurant Meredith Corporation Jan & Layton Stump Mike & Pam Kulik Carlisle Foundation Kelly & Kevin Waetke Mark & Holly Lyons e Cliv MidAmerican Energy Paul Woodard Mary G. Marshall Des Moines Foundation Russ & Mary Marshall Grimes Nationwide McGill Junge Wealth Indianola Gerry & Mary Lou Neugent Director ($1,000+) Management Johnston Shelley & James Noyce Anonymous John & Terri McIlhon Norwalk Anastasia Polydoran Norma Bakros Merchants Bonding Pleasant Hill Principal Foundation Jean Basinger Company Foundation Polk City R&R Realty Group Foundation Stu Bassman Carol & Greg Millar Polk County Anthony & Kimerly Ranallo & Sheryl Hanson Paul W. Miller Urbandale Shane & Elisabeth Jon & Claudia Batesole Ginger & Terry Monson Waukee Sandersfeld Carrol & Patsy Bolen Susan Moore West Des Moines Steve & Renee Schaaf James & Janine Clark Henry G. & Norma A. Windsor Heights Lou Ann Simpson Code Ninjas Peterson Charitable Trust, Community Foundation of Storey Kenworthy Joe & Margaret-Ann Comito U.S. Bank, Trustee Greater Des Moines Jeff & Susan Stroud Paul & Susan Davis Darlene & Mark Pullen Corteva Agriscience Linda & Bill Weidmaier Londa Fuller The Rassmussen Foundation Easter Family Fund UnityPoint Health Angela & Terry Gallagher Peter & Rita Reed Edward Jones Thomas R. Zucker Rosalie Gallagher Jody & Stanley Reynolds EMC Insurance Companies Charitable Trust John & Ann Ghrist Charles & Kathy Safris Fareway Stores, Inc. Family Foundation Richard & Carolyn Santi Charles & Marilyn Farr Denise Gibson Sam Scheidler Allison & Jim Fleming Givenik Lisa & Gary Scherer Gabus Automotive Group John & Lori Hackett Mary & Stan Seidler Sue & Steve Gibbons Molly & Tyler Hackman Jim & Joyce Shaffer

2 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 3 DONORS

Robert Snyder Roger & Sändra Spahr Edward & Nancy Truslow Linda & Neal Westergaard Stan & Jane Sondall Barb & Jeff Spence Mary & Tom Urban David & Barbara White Kent Sovern Dawn Taylor John & Maryann Vedder Krenio P. Wright & Phyllis Mumford Marsha Ternus Dale & Eneken Wakelin

Leading Player ($500+) Stacey Baker Heather Doocy William & Connie Joy Frederick L. Ahr Gil Beecher & Sharon Tahtinen George & Linda Dorsey Allaire Jutting Anonymous Ann & Donald D. Beeson Philip Dorweiler Richard Kamber Jim & Jeanella Arthur James & Barbara Bell Jim & Beverly Dowis Ray & Mary Keables Ed Augustine Tom & Kathryn Bernau Al & Ruth Downey Myrna Kepford Jill Bassman & Jeff Lamson Adam & Tricia Berry Anne Driscoll Liz & John Kerber Jim Benda & Lou Van Daele Calvin & Cynthia Bierman Scott & Vickey Durham Helen Kimes Timothy & Wanda Blount Charles & Mary Jean Bischof Marcella Edmonds Angelyn King Marcia Brunson Alan Bisgrove William Ehm Martha & Gordon Klatt Chris & Zora Burch Sherry Bishop Verla Elliott Marcia Klindt Steven & Barbara Cappaert Betsy Blades Allison Engel & Matt Kolodziej John & Holly Clark Linda Blair Scott Kirkpatrick Diane & Dean Lande Brendan & Christine Comito Dennis L. & Levi & Kate Faas Jennifer Leachman Shana Darrow Mary Frances Blasberg Gloria & Art Filean John & Prudence Leachman Norma Derby John Bloem Jim Fogarty Gregg & Cathy Leaders Rob & Lizzy Dixon Steven & Nancy Lavender Dean & Sue Forbes Tad Lehmann Karen Engman Bobenhouse Susan & Jim Ford Melinda Leseney First National Bank Jeanette Bodermann Anthony & Marla Forret Tracy Levine Lois Gambill Elaine Bohling RuthAnne Free Chris & Bob Lewis Adam Haselhuhn U.J. & Linda Booth Kathy Fruhling Life Care Services Michael & Susan Hope Gary & Colleen Bornmueller Debra Garner & John Richards Sunny Liston Donna L. Kelling Max & Beverly Bowman Barbara & Michael Gartner Fank Loeffel Dr. Amy Kumagai Kenneth & Mildred Brickman Ryan & Olena Gilbert Nancy Logan Melinda Leseney Greg & Susan Bridge Steven & Willona Goers Roger & Donna Loof Joanna & Timothy Lowe Marcia & Tom Brown Edward & Rita Gottschalk David & Glenys Bittick Lynch Kevin McCarthy Tom Brown Jim Greenfield Robert & Joanne Mahaffey Michael & Robbie Meacham Ronald K. & Diana Bunten Michael Grozier Patty & Dennis Maiers Scott & Barbara Menke Jan Burch & Robert Mitchell Richard & Emily Guentert Ronald Marr Theresa Moran Beverly Burns Robert & Laurine Hackman Debra Martin Mark Morrison Matt Carlson Dorothy Hall Teresa Mathews Gloria Perry Denise Caudle Barbara Hamilton Frank & Lonna McCammond Carla & Denny Prather David & Jonathan Centanni Steve & Cheryl Hamilton Rich & Bonnie McCaughey Diane S. Riley Harris Mark & Ellen Hammond Gwen McClintic Alice Robertson & Ken Cheyne Shirley Hanson Rod & Julie McCullough Mark Toebben Mark Clark & Katie Roth Siobhan Harman Chuck & Louise McDonald Melinda Ruperto Alicia & David Claypool Debra Harris Duff & Janet McFadden Phyllis & Dan Rupprecht James & Janet Clayton Ron & Karen Hatfield Patricia McFarland Clem & Mary Sevde Robert Coady Kathleen Haun Pat & William McGill Nikki & Jay Syverson Sydney Coder Joyce Hegna Ann McGowan Carol Taylor Graham Cook Robin Heinemann & John & Karine McLaughlin Kent & Joann Tipping Norma Cook Lorenzo Sandoval Pam McVey Joann Tucker Mark & Judi Cooper John & Zoe Ann Helgerson Jan & John Mechem Wicker & Bill Van Orsdel Sally Cooper Smith Pat Henson Bob & Sharon Meisenheimer Lloyd & Julie Von Hagen Gwen & Steve Copple Marsha Herman Daniel & Shandra Sarasio Max Wellman & Kelly Cosgrove & Dan Hertel Meyer Katy Merriman Joseph Peters Brent & Renee Highfill Jane E. Meyer Jim & Janie Wine Linda & Larry Cox Robert & Bette Hodson Midland National Life Crème Cupcake + Dessert James & Joyce Hoffman Insurance Co. William & Joan Crowell Trudi & Rich Holst Steven & Angela Miller Ensemble ($100+) Deb Cupples Joy Hong-Russell Diana & Kenneth Moore Paul Aasmundstad Nathaniel Curl Michael Hopson & Polly Moore Janet & Rodney Altes Jill & James Curry Melanie Parks Marilee Murray & Ron Spillers Bill Andersen & Jan Hart Lowell & Joyce Dauenbaugh Bari Hoskins Jack & Bette Nichols Chris & Shannon Andersen Ann Davidson Susan Hough Eolo & Debbie Nizzi Nick & Liz Andersen Donna Davilla Shari Hrdina Sandra & Dennis O’Brien Kelly Anderson Lydia Davis Joseph Jester Eileen O’Meara Joanne Andrews Madeline Davis Barbara John Ardith Ortgies Anonymous Robert & Connie Davis Diana Johns Kevin & Mary Ann Parks Marianne Anthofer Kathryn Dawley Melinda & Randy Johnson Russ & Marilyn Parks Robert & Joan Anthony Sue Dittmer & Bonnie Hodson Steve & Val Johnson Becky Patton-Quigley David & Jan Arringdale DMI Area Local APWU Bruce & Lyn Johnston Don & Gail Peterson Keith & Betty Baker Retiree Chapter Carol E. Jones Shirley Peterson

2 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 3 DONORS

Connie & Arlyn Picken Dan Vasto Spotlight Literacy In Memory of John Cindy L. Piehl Gerald Vlach & BRAVO Greater Des Moines Beattie, Jr. Stacey & Joseph Pletcher Hope Chaney-Vlach John Deere Bob & Jeanne Hopson Evan & Mary Potratz Nancy Waldman Principal Charity Classic The Walt Disney Friday Funday In Memory of Arnold Engman Ellen Prust Company Foundation Storey Kenworthy Karen Engman Valerie Pugh Dorothy Walter LaVerne & Janice Quass Steve Walterman Additional partnerships In Honor of Michele Flanagan Robert & Linda Railey The Wellmark Foundation are available. Anonymous Kelly Rawlings Becca Wemhoff John A. Reed John & Jo Wetherell In Memory of Casey Karen & Griffith Reese, III Mary E. Whisenand Corporate Matching Gradischnig Jody & Stanley Reynolds Malinda Wiesner & Gifts Dr. James & Pat & Maureen Rohret Gary Hammerstrom Your personal gift to the Mary Ellen Kimball Audrey & Harlan Rosenberg Brian & Beth Willem Playhouse may be eligible Don & Jayme Rothweiler Dee Willemsen for a corporate match, In Memory of Susan Grozier Sandy Ruhs Willis Automotive increasing your impact. Anonymous Charles & Valerie Sanford The Willoughbys Many corporations recognize Myrna Satre Beth Wilson the volunteer work of their In Memory of Joyce Green Bob Scarborough John & Susanne Windheuser employees by making a Halley Patricia Schaefer Lisa & Daniel Winn donation on their behalf. Al & Ruth Downey Max & Karen Schaeffer Roger & Darlene Witke We extend our thanks to Margaret Schafer Larry & Deanne Wolterman the following for matching In Memory of Alan Hammond Ruth Schanke George & Jane Wood employees’ and retirees’ Mark, Ellen, Amelia, and Barbara Schiek Ann M. Wright contributions and honoring Greta Hammond Marcia Sears Susan E. Wright employees’ volunteer efforts. Marsha Lindahl Cindy & Carl Selden Reg & Roberta Yoder Mike Ray Bruce & Barb Sherman Karl & Cathy Yuska Bank of America Robert & Jean Shires Robert & Eleanor Zeff Anthony Ranallo In Memory of Denis Hildreth Craig & Kathy Shives Meredith Corporation Nathaniel Curl Rebecca Shreffler Tyler Hackman Amy Shumaker Corporate Partnership Midland National Life In Memory of Jeanne Hopson Silverstone Group Program Insurance Co. David & Jan Arringdale Incorporated Special thanks to the Adam Berry Lee Ann Bakros Richard & Karen Simpson corporate partners who Nationwide James & Barbara Bell Lynn & Amy Skarin support John Viars Theatre Jennifer Throckmorton Jim Benda & Lou Van Daele Bill & Jeanie Smith and Children’s Theatre The Wellmark Foundation James & Sharon Brewer Joe Smith & Mary Bricker productions. Eolo Nizzi David & Jonathan Centanni Margaret Smith Wells Fargo Harris Richard Snyder A Gentleman’s Guide to Anonymous Trudy & Vincent Colosimo Sally Sonnenburg Love and Murder Graham Cook L. Maria Heidebrecht & Infomax Office Supplies Kelly Cosgrove & Charlie Sovich Contributed Gifts of Joseph Peters Linda Sowers Disney’s Freaky Friday Goods or Services Al & Ruth Downey Brett & Robin Spahr One Act ($500 or more) Don & Shirley Ellingson SSENIPPAH Nationwide Cooper Smith & Company Steve Ely Jane Stanley Fareway Stores, Inc. Stanley Farnham Paul Strayer A Christmas Story, Steve Gibbons Photography Gloria & Art Filean Herb & Joan Strentz The Musical Heuss Printing James Gaines Jennifer & Matt Suhr Corteva Agriscience Image Solutions Debra Garner & John Richards Patrick & Elizabeth Sullivan Iowa Public Radio Barbara & Michael Gartner Joyce & Ben Swartz James and the Giant Peach Brent Isenberger Photography Ann & Michael Gersie Karl & Karen Tandy Nationwide KSOI Studio Jean & Ken Goodfellow Claudia & Jerry Tank Rotary Club of Des Moines Sharon Gradischnig Tinker Bell David & Ruth Taylor Tasteful Dinners Jan Hall Nationwide Rick Taylor Begie Hefner Larry & Margaret L. Tekolste Singin’ in the Rain Dan & Karen Hertel Marty & Connie Ternus Edward Jones Tribute Program Norma Hilton The Family of Jim & The Tribute Program provides Michael Hopson & Martha Thomas Pippi Longstocking an opportunity to celebrate Melanie Parks Jennifer Throckmorton Nationwide milestones such as birthdays, Roger & Susan Hudson Michael Treinen weddings, anniversaries and Joseph Jester Russ & Alana Trimble Leaving Iowa graduations. It can also be a Richard Kamber Richard & Patricia Trump MidAmerican Energy way to honor the memory of Dr. James & Tom & Jan Turk friends and relatives. Mary Ellen Kimball Robert & Carole Turnquist Roald Dahl’s Matilda Tina Koster Clarence & Sue Twilley The Musical In Memory of Gene Bakros John L. Kucera Ann & Marty Ungs EMC Insurance Norma Bakros The Lodge of Ashworth Alice Van Lew Nancy Logan

4 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 5 DONORS

Marlene Majer In Honor of Sarah Weinberg Quincentennial Level Sunny Liston James Maltby Aaron Weinberg ($500+) Linda McClure Paul & Nelda Manter Frederick L. Ahr Rod & Julie McCullough Mark & Wendy Mattison In Memory of Fred Yazel Jim Benda & Lou Van Daele Jack & Bette Nichols Richard Maynard Anonymous Norma Derby Valerie Pugh Carol McCall Gerd & Jenelle Clabaugh Angela & Terry Gallagher Karen & Griffith Reese III John & Mary Miller T & M Foley John & Lori Hackett Alice Robertson & Mark Morrison John Harscher Adam Haselhuhn Mark Toebben Marilee Murray & Ron Spillers Loren Kane Marty & Tamara Kenworthy Don & Jayme Rothweiler Julia Nee Larry & Betty Martindale Dr. James & Daniel & Shandra Sarasio Sandra & Dennis O’Brien Gwen McClintic Mary Ellen Kimball Meyer Georgia Ann Olsen Sue McDowell & Shari Hervey Mike & Robbie Meacham Ruth Schanke Ron & Phyllis Onnen Bob & Sharon Meisenheimer Paul W. Miller Lynn & Amy Skarin Carol Palmer & Dan Chase Heather Puri Gloria Perry Joe Smith & Mary Bricker Russ & Marilyn Parks D.R. & B.A. Roby Carol Taylor Sally Sonnenburg Dorothy Perry Gail & Ginger Smith Joann Tucker Brett & Robin Spahr Maureen Pingel Nick Sonderup Max Wellman & Katy Merriman Herb & Joan Strentz Valerie Pugh Byron & Rebecca Strom Marty & Connie Ternus Darlene & Mark Pullen Carol Taylor Centennial Level ($100+) Gerald Vlach & Kenneth & Donna Reams Richard & Patricia Trump Bill Andersen & Jan Hart Hope Chaney-Vlach John A. Reed Julie & Lloyd Von Hagen Chris & Shannon Andersen John & Jo Wetherell Bruce & Wendy Roberts Stu Bassman & Mary E. Whisenand Deborah Rogers Sheryl Hanson Beth & Brian Willem Allen & Marilyn Schornack Interpretive services Adam & Tricia Berry Dee Willemsen Marcia Sears provided by Sherry Bishop Ruth Shirk Greta Faye & Gwendolyn Mix Steven Bobenhouse & Heritage Level Silverstone Group Nancy Lavender (documented estate plan gift) Incorporated Bobenhouse We also recognize those who Kent Sovern & Century Club Elaine Bohling have included the Playhouse Phyllis Mumford In our first century, the Des James & Janet Clayton in their estate plans prior to Patrick & Betty Sullivan Moines Playhouse changed Bob Coady the Century Club. The Family of Jim & lives one at a time. The Sydney Coder Martha Thomas Century Club is a celebration Norma Cook Anonymous Nancy G. Thompson of the Playhouse’s first Mark & Judi Cooper Jim Benda Lloyd & Julie Von Hagen 100 years. The goal is to Deb Cupples Ryan Bhattacharyya John Wild increase the endowment by Jill & James Curry Marcia Brunson The Willoughbys $1 million, one gift at a time. Lydia Davis Al & Ruth Downey Jim & Janie Wine The culmination of small gifts Madeline Davis Allison Engel from many supporters will Sue Dittmer & Bonnie Hodson Charles & Marilyn Farr In Memory of Bev Ray create a sustainable future for Marcella Edmonds J. Robert & S.D. & Jane Sondall your theatre. Allison Engel & Jeanne M. Hopson Scott Kirkpatrick J Michael Kellar In Honor of Sarah Sindlinger Cornerstone Level ($5,000+) Levi & Kate Faas Gary Roberts Anonymous Lee Ann Bakros Jim Fogarty Rich & Terri Somsky Harry Bookey Susan & Jim Ford Stan & Jane Sondall In Honor of Abigail Suhr & Pamela Bass-Bookey Steven & Willona Goers Lloyd C. & Julie Von Hagen Jennifer Suhr Jan Burch & Robert Mitchell Robert & Laurine Hackman Dale & Eneken Wakelin Steve & Renee Schaaf Barbara Hamilton Mary E. Whisenand In Memory of John Kimberly Hawn David & Krenio Wright Thompson Millennium Level ($1,000+) L. Maria Heidebrecht & Valerie Pugh Jon & Claudia Batesole Charlie Sovich Carrol & Patsy Bolen J.E. Helgerson Family In Memory of Sara Jane Ann & Michael Gersie Pat Henson Treinen Michael & Melissa Kellar Robert & Bette Hodson Gloria & Art Filean David & Barbara Kilpatrick Trudi & Rich Holst Steve & Julie Kinner Shari Hrdina In Honor of John Viars’ Ginger & Terry Monson Bruce & Lyn Johnston 70th Birthday Mark Morrison Marcia Klindt Karen Engman Robert Snyder Gregg & Cathy Leaders Kent Sovern & Tad Lehmann Phyllis Mumford Chris & Robert Lewis

Don’t see your name? Those listed in this program have generously supported the Playhouse since January 1, 2019. If we’ve made a mistake, please contact Samantha Ohlson, office manager, at 515-974-5356 or sohlson@ dmplayhouse.com. Gifts of $100 or more are listed in every playbill throughout the season. Gifts under $100 are recognized in the spring musical playbill each year. Donors listed are current as of November 4, 2019.

4 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 5 Interested in Advertising? Standing Ovation distributes programs to over 30 of Central Iowa’s leading dance, instrumental music, vocal music, theater companies, and performance venues. Advertise in the Des Moines or Ames area.

Contact: Kimberly Hawn [email protected]

VIKING THEATRE presentsb METAMORPHOSES Based on the Myths of Ovid Written and originally directed by Mary Zimmerman November 15 – 17 & November 21 – 23 WILD WIDOW POKER by A’ndrea J. Wilson October 26, 1 pm • Merle Hay Mall This project was funded through the Alumni Atelier Program for Alumni Development October 27, 2 pm • Indian Hills Jr High, Clive from the Savannah College of Art and Design. 2019 December 7, 1 pm • Merle Hay Mall February 20 – 23 December 8, 2 pm • Indian Hills Jr High, Clive BAGGAGE by Sam Bobrick March 5 – 8 April 18, 1 pm • Merle Hay Mall THE PAPER BAG PRINCESS April 19, 2 pm • Indian Hills Jr High, Clive Adapted from the book by Robert Munsch by A. Nora Long

2020 April 10, 18 & 19 May 25, 1 pm • Memorial Day Celebration Capital Complex WWW.GRANDVIEW.EDU/THEATRE

6 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 7 6 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 7 HOUSE INFORMATION

Accessibility The Playhouse strives to make its facility Etiquette Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate and performances accessible to all guests. Theatres are break in the play. Lobby chimes are sounded five wheelchair accessible. Service animals are welcome. minutes before curtain as well as the close of Assisted listening devices are available at Mainstage intermission. Disruptive, unruly guests, regardless of age, performances. If your hearing aid has a T-coil, toggle to will be asked to leave. Cell phones should be turned off. that setting to receive the audio signal directly without Lost Items Lost items will be held in the ticket office. any headset or other equipment needed. Large-print programs are available at all performances. ASL Parking Free parking is available in the Playhouse lots interpreted performances and audio description are and on streets surrounding the theatre. After 5:00 PM regularly scheduled for most productions. For these and daily, free parking is available in the Shops at Roosevelt’s other needs, please call the ticket office with specific east/back parking lot. Parking in the west/front Shops service requests. parking lot is restricted to Shops customers at all times. The Playhouse is not responsible for loss of any personal Cameras The taking of photographs and the use of property left in vehicles. recording devices are not allowed during a performance and are a violation of state and federal copyright laws. Performance Content The Playhouse does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to Cancellations If a show is cancelled due to bad weather, person. Questions about content, age appropriateness, an email will be sent to ticket holders. Cancellations or other aspects of the show such as strobe lights and will be noted on the phone system, website, and social other theatrical affects should be directed to the ticket media sites. Tickets for a cancelled performance may office. be exchanged for another performance. Please be sure the ticket office has your email information and current Performance Schedule The regular Mainstage phone in the event a performance is cancelled. The performance schedule is 7:30 PM Wednesdays through Playhouse does not sell its contacts and does not sell or Saturdays and 2:00 PM Sundays. The regular Kate trade its email addresses. Goldman Children’s Theatre performance schedule is 7:00 PM Fridays, and 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM Saturdays Concessions A variety of beverages and candy are and Sundays. The Family Holiday Classic performance available for purchase. No outside drink or food are schedule is 7:00 PM Fridays, and 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM allowed in the theatre. Beverages and candy are allowed Saturdays and Sundays. All times are subject to change. in the auditoriums. Avoid the line at intermission by pre-ordering your drink and then picking it up at the Tickets Each audience member must occupy a seat and designated location. Staff reserve the right to deny have a ticket, including infants. alcoholic beverage service to anyone at their discretion. Ticket Office Hours The ticket office is open Noon to Elevator An elevator between levels is located at the 6:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday and two hours prior east end of the building. to curtain time. It is also open on performance days through intermission. Tickets are available 24 hours a Emergency Exits Please note the exit nearest your day, seven days a week, online. Ticketing fees are the seat location. In the event of an emergency, ushers will same whether purchased provide direction.

Des Moines Ticket office and Community Playhouse administrative office: 831 42nd Street 515-277-6261 Des Moines, IA 50312 Group sales reservations: DMPlayhouse 515-974-5361 dmplayhouse_ School matinee reservations: DMPlayhouse.com 515-974-5365

8 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 9 8 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 9 ABOUT A Christmas Story, The Musical Katy Merriman, Artistic Director

It’s easy to get caught up in Christmas but also important to remember that the holidays don’t always include Christmas for everyone. Fortunately, A Christmas Story tells a tale beyond mall Santas and has scenes that most people in America can relate to in one way or another, regardless of how you celebrate the holidays. A Christmas Story is based on Jean Shepherd’s 1966 novel In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash. Shepherd was a well-known radio and television personality who had begun adapting his radio stories for publication at the urging of author and friend Shel Silverstein. Based on fictional stories inspired by his childhood memories of growing up in Hammond, IN, Shepherd’s novel was a New York Times best seller upon publication. Shepherd’s stories endure as they contain incidences many families may find familiar: the first time a child swears in front of his parents, dealing with a school bully, and the intricacies of relationships with parents. Four short stories from the book – “Duel in the Snow,” “The Counterfeit Secret Circle Member Gets the Message,” “My Old Man and the Lascivious Special Award That Heralded the Birth of Pop Art,” and “Grover Dill and the Tasmanian Devil” – and a fifth from another novel – “The Grandstand Passion Play of Delbert and the Bumpus Hounds” – were used as the basis for the 1983 film A Christmas Story which Shepherd, himself, narrated. He also had a brief cameo. Often ranked as one of the best Christmas films, it is so popular that a marathon “24 Hours of A Christmas Story” has aired each year since 1997. A Christmas Story, The Musical premiered a few hours south of Des Moines in 2009 at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. After this premiere, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land, The Greatest Showman) were hired to re-write the score before it next opened in Seattle, WA, at the 5th Avenue Theatre in 2010. The book by Joseph Robinette remained unchanged. A Christmas Story, The Musical debuted on Broadway for a limited run at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in November and December of 2012 and has had a seasonal national tour every year since 2014. As you are about to see, Shepherd’s stories are well-loved, relatable, and heart-warming. They leave no doubt that the holidays bring out the best, worst, and most humorous in all of us.

10 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 11 FROM CARMINA BURANA TO THE FIREBIRD, JOIN US IN OUR 2019-2020 SEASON TO HEAR STIRRING ROMANTIC MASTERPIECES FROM TCHAIKOVSKY, WAGNER, GRIEG, AND MANY MORE.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! DMSYMPHONY.ORG

Thursday, December 5  7:30 PM SWCC Chamber Singers Sunday, December 8  5:00 PM Children’s Pageant Sunday, December 15  4:00 PM Service of Lessons & Carols Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve  5:00 PM Family Service  7:00 PM Traditional Service

10 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 11 Celebrating over a decade of support for the Des Moines Playhouse!

515.360.9179

12 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 13 CAST LIST

637th Production Opening December 6, 2019 101st Season Closing December 23, 2019

Des Moines Community Playhouse Presents at the John Viars Theatre A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL Book by Music and Lyrics by Joseph Robinette Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros. Written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd

Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Dalfie Entertainment. Originally produced on Broadway by Gerald Goehring, Roy Miller, Michael F. Mitri, Pat Ficker Addis, Peter Billingsley, Timothy Laczynski, Mariano Tolentino Jr., Louise Beard, Michael Filerman, Scott Hart, Alison Eckert, Bob Bartner, Michael Jenkins, Angela Milonas, and Bradford W. Smith

Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience

Director: Maxwell Schaeffer Sound Designer: Michael Duede Music Director: Brenton Brown Sound Effects Designer: Maxwell Schaeffer Choreographer: Megan Helmers Properties Designer: Kerrie Lee Scenic Designer: Nicholas Amundson Stage Manager: Jason Crowley Costume Designer: Angela Lampe Technical Director: Nate Lawrence-Richards Lighting Designer: Jim Trenberth Artistic Director: Katy Merriman

In Order Of Appearance HIndicates Playhouse Debut

Jean Shepherd...... Adam Beilgard Can-Can Girlfriend...... Lily Spahr Ralphie...... Ryan Henzi Delivery Man...... Greg Kephart Mother...... Jackie Schmillen Mrs. Schwartz...... Lexus Thiessen Randy...... Shea Beilgard Fireman...... Gabriel Ray CarnesH The Old Man...... Brett Spahr Doctor...... Greg Millar The Bumpus Hounds...... Will C. Johnson, Joy Mielke Flick’s Mother...... Chelsea Flynn Schwartz...... Maddox Wajda Santa...... Greg Millar Flick...... Davin LymanH Chief Elves...... Will C. Johnson, Lexus Thiessen Esther Jane...... Ashlyn YuH Nancy...... Dilana SearsH Mary Beth...... Lily Spahr Goggles Kid...... Alexander Baker Scut Farkus...... Sam Nigg Waitress...... Addyson HallH Grover Dill...... Alexander Baker Waiter...... Greg Kephart Other Children...... Madeline Davis, Addyson HallH, Neighbors, Shoppers, Parents, Students, Isabella Nielsen, Dilana SearsH Townspeople, Elves & Others...... Gabriel Ray CarnesH, Miss Shields...... Stephanie Schneider Levi CooperH, Madeline Davis, Mya Fisher, Chelsea Flynn, Fantasy Villain...... Greg Kephart Will C. Johnson, Greg Kephart, Grace McGill, Joy Mielke, Bank Tellers...... Davin LymanH, Maddox Wajda Isabella Nielsen, Carly Penick, Dilana SearsH, Lily Spahr, Bank Robbers...... Gabriel Ray CarnesH, Will C. Johnson Lexus Thiessen, Natalie Thomas, Ashlyn YuH

Time: December 1940 | Place: Indiana

A Christmas Story, The Musical is performed with a 15-minute intermission. A Christmas Story, The Musical is produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing, Woodstock, IL.

12 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 13 MUSICAL NUMBERS

Act I

Overture...... Orchestra It All Comes Down to Christmas (Part 1)...... Ralphie, The Parkers It All Comes Down to Christmas (Part 2)...... The Parkers, Children, Ensemble, Townspeople Higbee’s Window...... Ralphie, Children, Ensemble Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun...... Ralphie, Jean It All Comes Down to Christmas (Reprise)...... Ralphie, Ensemble, Townsmen, Children, Mother The Genius on Cleveland Street...... The Old Man, Mother An Opening!...... Ensemble, Ralphie When You’re a Wimp...... Ralphie, Randy, Schwartz, Flick, Esther Jane, Mary Beth, Farkus, Dill, Children Ralphie to the Rescue!...... Ralphie, Miss Shields, The Old Man, Mother, Randy, Ensemble What a Mother Does...... Mother A Major Award...... The Old Man, Mother, Townspeople, Children Parker Family Sing-along...... The Parkers Act I Finale...... Ralphie, Townspeople, The Old Man, Mother, Randy

Act II

Entr’acte...... Orchestra Sticky Situation...... Ralphie, Children (Girls), Schwartz, Flick, Policeman, Doctor, Fireman, Flick’s Mom, Nurse To the Nightclub...... Farkus, Dill, Children You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!...... Farkus, Dill, Schwartz, Flick, Children, Miss Shields Just Like That...... Mother Red Ryder (Reprise) & At Higbee’s...... Ralphie, Elves Up on Santa’s Lap...... Santa, Mary Beth, Elves, Ralphie, Randy, Children Before The Old Man Comes Home...... The Parkers Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana...... Ralphie, Randy, Children Christmas Morning...... Ralphie, Randy Ralphie to the Rescue! (Reprise)...... Ralphie, Ensemble A Christmas Story...... The Parkers, Company Bows & Exit Music...... Orchestra

THIS PRODUCTION IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY NATIONWIDE Adventures this big don’t grow on trees! JANUARY 3 – 19

TICKETS AT DMPlayhouse.com

14 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 15 Making a difference in our community.

We proudly support Des Moines Community Playhouse and your vision of entertaining, enriching and engaging the people of our community through high-quality experiences and life-long educational opportunities. Thank you!

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14 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 15 CAST NOTES

Alexander Baker (Grover Dill) has His dream role, which he hopes to play some day, is many memorable Playhouse roles Michael in Be More Chill. Levi plays guitar and tuba. including Benny in The Boxcar Children and Ollie Herdman in The Madeline Davis (Ensemble) is Best Christmas Pageant Ever. He a Playhouse kid, taking theatre volunteers as an usher frequently classes and appearing on stage in alongside other family members. A seventh grader Billy Elliot The Musical (Ballet Girl) at Urbandale Middle School, Alexander competes and Disney’s Freaky Friday One Act. in track, cross-country, and triathlons, is on the Her favorite role was Annie in Annie Urbandale Middle School and YMCA swim teams, Jr. at CAP in Altoona. Maddie is a seventh grader and plays piano. at Grand View Christian School. When not at the theatre, she likes playing football at recess. Adam Beilgard (Jean Shepherd) was first seen on The Playhouse Mya Fisher (Ensemble) trained stage in Shrek: The Musical and pre-professionally in dance at The most recently played Dad in Judy Rock School for Dance Education, Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Kansas City Ballet School, and Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt. His other Iowa Ballet Academy. She has stage credits include Barefoot in the Park (Tallgrass performed for many years with Theatre), Ugly Lies the Bone (StageWest), Guys and Iowa Dance Theatre in shows such as Dracula and Dolls (Urbandale Community Theatre), and Romeo The Nutcracker. She took classes at The Playhouse as and Juliet (Iowa Stage Theatre Company). Adam a child and made her Playhouse debut this summer enjoys drawing, animation, and playing rugby. in Disney’s Newsies followed by Disney’s Freaky Friday One Act. A sophomore at Iowa State University, Mya is Shea Beilgard (Randy) made his an undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Playhouse debut in Judy Moody Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence. & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt. At Western Hills Chelsea Flynn (Flick’s Mom/ Elementary, where he is in third Ensemble) made her Playhouse grade, he has appeared in The debut last winter in Elf – The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood and Schoolhouse Musical. Her area credits include Rock Jr. Shea loves science, Pokémon, playing multiple roles in Annie at Urbandale basketball, reading, and playing video games. Community Theatre. Her interests include crafting, reading, traveling, and watching Gabriel Ray Carnes (Ensemble) is college football. Chelsea is a primary shipping familiar to Des Moines audiences associate at The Edge Pro. from Sweeney Todd (Tobias) and Route 66 at the Ingersoll Dinner Addyson Hall (Ensemble), a seventh Theater, The Tenderland with Drake grader at South Middle School, is University Opera, and Icarus at making her Playhouse debut but is StageWest. He recently served as assistant stage no stranger to the stage. She was manager for Disney’s Freaky Friday One Act at The involved with Mason City’s Stebens Playhouse. The branch director for Exceed Services Children’s Theater from 2016-18 Corporation, Gabriel is active at Two Rivers Church, playing numerous roles including her favorite, Herald loves to bake and play board games with family at the in Cinderella. Addyson’s hobbies include singing, holidays, and would like to write a musical one day. acting, ice skating, and reading.

Levi Cooper (Ensemble) is a ninth Ryan Henzi (Ralphie) is familiar grader at Carlisle High School. He to area audiences for his roles in loves performing in musicals and Disney’s Newsies (Les), Billy Elliot has been in Once on This Island The Musical (Michael), and Ragtime at Carlisle High School and 13 at (The Little Boy) at The Playhouse, Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

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at Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre, James and Joy Mielke (Bumpus Hound/ the Giant Peach at Story Theater Company (Ames), Ensemble) has been involved in and Les Misérables at Iowa State University. A ninth theatre ever since she started grader at Northview Middle School, Ankeny, Ryan taking classes at The Playhouse volunteers at Blank Park Zoo and enjoys fishing, when she was five years old. geocaching, and playing Nintendo games. Her Playhouse stage credits include Ragtime, Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Will C. Johnson (Bumpus Hound/ Play!” (Squirrel 2), Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr., Ensemble) is a sophomore at and Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (May). Valley High School with numerous She has also volunteered on the shift/fly crew for area credits including Disney’s shows. Joy is a freshman at Drake University double Freaky Friday One Act, Disney’s majoring in health science and theatre. Newsies (Crutchie, Dionysos Award and Cloris Award nominee), Elf – The Musical, and Greg Millar (Santa Claus) has many Disney’s The Little Mermaid at The Playhouse; The Playhouse credits including Elf – Music Man Jr. and Camp Rock The Musical with The The Musical (Santa), The Full Monty Playhouse’s Performance Academy; and Kiss Me, (Harold Nichols), Chitty Chitty Kate at Ankeny Community Theatre. He has also Bang Bang (Grandpa), Footloose volunteered on backstage crews for shows at The (Reverend Shaw), and Annie (Daddy Playhouse. Warbucks). He has stage managed numerous Playhouse productions, most recently A Gentleman’s Greg Kephart (Fantasy Villain/ Guide to Love and Murder, teaches in the theatre’s Delivery Man/Ensemble) was education department, and is part of The Playhouse’s first seen at The Playhouse in Friday Funday cast. Greg is retired from Iowa State State Fair (Ensemble). Since University and works as a courier for UnityPoint. then he has performed in Damn Yankees (Ensemble), The Isabella Nielsen (Ensemble) has Wizard of Oz (Ozian), The New Mel Brooks Musical had roles in several Playhouse Young Frankenstein (Ensemble), Elf – The Musical shows including Ramona Quimby; (Manager), Disney’s Newsies (Snyder/Mr. Jacobi) and Sarah, Plain and Tall; and The his favorite role, Jacey Squires, in Meredith Willson’s Kid Who Ran for President. Other The Music Man. Greg collects Three Stooges items. area credits include Disney’s The He and his wife, Stephanie, have nine children. Hunchback of Notre Dame at Carousel Theatre (Indianola) and Dori in The Hobbit at Des Moines Davin Lyman (Flick) took a summer Young Artists’ Theatre. She also has backstage acting class at The Playhouse and credits as assistant stage manager and lightboard is now making his Playhouse debut. operator and is interested in costume design. He played Toad in A Year with Frog Isabella is a sophomore at Des Moines Area and Toad at Hillis Elementary. Community College. Davin now attends Summit Middle School, Johnston, where he is in sixth grade. His Sam Nigg (Scut Farkus) is a ninth hobbies include acting, singing, and playing Fortnite. grader at Waukee Timberline where he is active in show choir. He also Grace McGill (Ensemble) is a senior sings with the Heartland Youth at Ankeny High School where she Choir. His school shows include competes in musical theatre in Schoolhouse Rock Jr., Falling, IHSSA. She made her Playhouse and Video Game Mania. At The Playhouse, he has debut last winter in Elf – The appeared in Elf – The Musical (Charlie) and Judy Musical. Grace enjoys singing, Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure cooking, art, and anything cosmetology related. Hunt.

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Carly Penick (Ensemble) made Spamalot, The Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang her Playhouse debut in Billy Elliot Bang, and Igor in The New Mel Brooks Musical Young The Musical and has danced in a Frankenstein. He received Dionysos Awards for production of The Nutcracker for Outstanding Performance for the latter two roles. the past seven years. She is in Brett teaches at The Playhouse and in area public seventh grade at Indian Hills Junior schools. He and his wife, Robin, have two daughters, High, West Des Moines, where she plays percussion Lily and Nina. in the band and sings in the choir. Carly enjoys dancing and singing. Lily Spahr (Mary Beth/Can-Can Girlfriend/Ensemble) played The Jackie Schmillen (Mother) is a Little Girl in Ragtime for which she favorite with Playhouse audiences received a 2018 Dionysos Award having played Ursula in Disney’s for Outstanding Performance. Her The Little Mermaid, Elizabeth in other Playhouse shows include The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Frankenstein, the Lady of the Lake Treasure Hunt (Judy, Dionysos Award nomination) in Monty Python’s Spamalot, and Mrs. Banks in Mary and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Gladys Poppins. She appeared as April in Company at Iowa Herdman, 2014; Alice Wendleken, 2018). She played Stage Theatre Company. Jackie is an anchor on CW Young Cosette in Les Misérables at Waukee High Iowa 23’s Iowa Live. She is passionate about Des School. She enjoys reading, drawing, and playing Moines and enjoys volunteering and promoting great ukulele. Lily is in eighth grade at Waukee Prairieview things happening in the community. Middle School where she is a member of the show choir. Stephanie Schneider (Miss Shields) counts among her Lexus Thiessen (Ensemble) is Playhouse roles Knuckles in familiar to Playhouse audiences Disney’s Newsies, Val in A Chorus from her roles in Disney’s Newsies, Line, and the White Witch in The Ragtime, Disney’s The Little Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Mermaid (Andrina), and The Other area credits include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at New Mel Brooks Musical Young ACTORS (Ames) and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Frankenstein. Lexus teaches elementary school Urbandale Community Theatre. Stephanie is a huge music with Carlisle Community School District. She Star Wars nerd who likes reading and seeing movies enjoys cooking, singing, and spending time with her and musicals. Stephanie works at Wells Fargo Bank family, including her husband, Nathan. and is married to Jay. Natalie Thomas (Ensemble) is Dilana Sears (Nancy/Ensemble) a special education associate has been in Seussical Jr. and teacher for Waukee Schools. Her Schoolhouse Rock Jr. at Hillis past roles include the title role Elementary, and The Lion King Kids, in Cinderella and Nina in Vanya, Peter Pan, and Willy Wonka Kids Sonya, Masha and Spike, both at at The Playhouse. She plays three the Old Creamery Theatre (Amana) and Helena in A instruments: ukulele, piano, and violin. In her free Midsummer Night’s Dream with Repertory Theatre of time, Dilana likes to draw and listen to music. In her Iowa. At The Playhouse, she appeared in Ragtime. future, she’d like to get a good education and be in Natalie and her husband, Dustin, have a daughter, more musicals. Remy.

Brett Spahr (The Old Man) has had Maddox Wajda (Schwartz) is many Playhouse roles including excited to be in his second most recently the D’Ysquith family Playhouse holiday musical, having in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and appeared last December in Elf – Murder, Tateh in both productions The Musical. He has taken more of Ragtime, Patsy in Monty Python’s than 10 Playhouse theatre classes

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and never misses a chance to see any musical he production of Ragtime. Brenton works at Golden can. A seventh grader at Stilwell Junior High, West Openings and is artistic director of the Harmony Des Moines, Maddox has appeared in the school’s Delegation Chorus. He and his wife, Jessica, enjoy production of Monty Python’s Spamalot and in Valley spending time with their children, Lindy and Bennett. High School’s Oklahoma! He loves Star Wars and the entire Marvel cinematic universe. Megan Helmers (Choreographer) directed and choreographed Ashlyn Yu (Esther Jane) likes Disney’s Freaky Friday One Act and singing, dancing, and listening A Chorus Line at The Playhouse, to musical theatre. She grew up Ordinary Days at Tallgrass Theatre watching as much theatre as she Company, Bring it On at Des could. She was a PIP (pre-intern Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (Cloris Award: Best program) this past summer at Choreography), tick, tick… BOOM! at Noce, and The Playhouse, working with education classes. Her many others. Her recent choreography includes stage credits include 13 with Des Moines Young Disney’s Newsies (Cloris Award: Best Choreography), Artists’ Theatre and Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka Jr. at Elf – The Musical, Billy Elliot The Musical, Disney’s Waukee Middle School. Ashlyn is in eighth grade at The Little Mermaid (Des Moines Playhouse), Hello, Waukee Prairieview. Dolly! (Theatre Cedar Rapids), Oklahoma!, Chaplin (Revival Theatre Company, Cedar Rapids), Fun Home, Maxwell Schaeffer (Director) Company (Iowa Stage Theatre Company), and many has directed Elf – The Musical, more. Megan is the director of marketing and PR Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and at the Des Moines Symphony and enjoys dancing The New Mel Brooks Musical Young around the house with husband Charlie Reese and Frankenstein (Cloris Award for their pets, Detective Olivia Benson Helmers-Reese, directing) at The Playhouse. Other Elliott Patrick Swayze Helmers-Reese, and Jane. directing credits include productions of The Wind in the Willows and Ramona Quimby in the Kate Goldman Nicholas Amundson (Scenic Children’s Theatre; The Christians at Iowa Stage Designer) earned his B.F.A. in Theatre Company; and Independence at Tallgrass theatre design and technology Theatre Company. Max was designated a Playhouse from the University of South Legend and has played many roles on The Playhouse Dakota. Working on theatre all over stage including Max Bialystock in The Producers, town, he has designed in many Javert in Les Misérables, Juror #8 in 12 Angry Men, different styles with StageWest Theatre Company and David O. Selznick in Moonlight and Magnolias. (Ugly Lies the Bone, Marjorie Prime), Des Moines Max is the marketing director at iHeart Media, is an Young Artists’ Theatre (The Hobbit, James and the inductee into the Iowa Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Giant Peach Jr.), Noce (bare: A Pop Opera), and Kata and can be heard afternoons on 100.3 THE BUS and Klysmic Productions (The Rocky Horror Show, Reefer Saturday Mornings on 1040 WHO. Madness). He served as scenic designer for The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein and Roald Brenton Brown (Music Director) Dahl’s Willy Wonka before joining the staff of The says A Christmas Story, The Playhouse. Nicholas has designed the scenery for Musical is his 53nd show for The A Chorus Line, Choices, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Playhouse! His shows include Ragtime, and Catch Me If You Can. His favorite thing Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, about theatre is creating out-of-the-box ways to Meredith Willson’s The Music Man, present a story that gives the audience something Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia!, Billy Elliot fun to experience. The Musical, Elf – The Musical, Catch Me If You Can, Disney’s Newsies, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love Angela Lampe (Costume and Murder. He has appeared onstage as the title Designer) began her tenure with character in Sweeney Todd and as Max in Lend Me a The Playhouse in 1993 and has Tenor, both at the Ingersoll Dinner Theatre. He was designed costumes, sets and awarded the Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre props for nearly 300 productions Award for best musical direction of The Playhouse including Guys and Dolls, Meredith

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Willson's The Music Man, A Gentleman’s Guide to Sara Kottra (Assistant Music Love and Murder, Ella Enchanted, The Miraculous Director) is a junior at Iowa State Journey of Edward Tulane, Ragtime, Les Misérables, University where she is studying Disney’s Little Mermaid, West Side Story, Into the vocal music education with a Woods, A Streetcar Named Desire, Sunset Boulevard minor in performing arts. Her and Hairspray. She has a B.A. from Central College previous stage experience includes in Pella and a M.F.A. in theatre from the University of Jo March in Little Women and Margot in Legally Nebraska. She is the recipient of four Cloris Awards Blonde The Musical at Ankeny High School, Vivian in for excellence in costuming and puppetry. Oklahoma! at ISU, and Bring It On: The Musical at Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Sara likes to make Jim Trenberth (Lighting Director) music whenever possible. is a freelance lighting designer living in Ames. For The Playhouse, Jason Crowley (Stage Manager) he has designed Joseph and the has been involved at The Playhouse Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat since 2002. His stage roles include and Beyond The Rainbow. He One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest has many design credits with Iowa Stage Theatre (Cheswick) and Junie B. Jones Company, StageWest, Des Moines Metro Opera, Epic and a Little Monkey Business Stage (Caucus the Musical, UtopIA), and Iowa State (Crybaby William) at The Playhouse and On Golden University from which he recently retired after many Pond (Charlie) at Tallgrass Theatre. He has served years. as stage manager for Elf – The Musical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little House Christmas at Plum Kerrie Lee (Properties Designer) Creek, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at is a mixed media sculptor and The Playhouse, and for Ordinary Days with Tallgrass owner of Dream Up. She shares Theatre. Jason works as a data transfer analyst her creative projects, including art at Marsh & McLennan. In his free time, he enjoys tutorials, stop animation, and short watching sports, playing tennis, and attending live skits, on her YouTube channel and theatre. He and his wife, Laura, have two children, live on Twitch. Kerrie loves collecting experiences Katherine and Andrew. and studied clowning, had a short run playing roller derby, and spent time farming in Ireland. At The Pilar Burg (Assistant Stage Playhouse, she was nominated for a Dionysos Award Manager), a 2019 Volunteer of the for Outstanding Performance for her multiple roles Year, is active on backstage crews in Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery and most at The Playhouse. She has served recently volunteered backstage for A Gentleman’s as assistant stage manager for Elf Guide to Love and Murder. Kerrie and her husband, – The Musical, been a followspot Rob, have two sons, Brendan and Jacob. operator for Catch Me If You Can and Disney’s Newsies, and on run crew for The Playhouse’s Peter Dean (Assistant Director) Celebration of the Century. Pilar is a data transfer counts among his numerous analyst at Marsh & McLennan. She and her husband, Playhouse shows Choices (Frank Trent, have two children, Lydia and Gavin. Gates), The Addams Family (Lurch), Girls’ Weekend (Sheriff Tom), The Nate Lawrence-Richards Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion), and (Technical Director) says he is How I Became a Pirate (Sharktooth, for which he won a man of too many talents and a Dionysos Award). He is a member of the Friday obviously not enough focus. He Funday Playhouse gang, member of Playhouse has been a construction worker, Partners, and was a recipient of a 2017 Dionysos cook, librarian, lumberjack, teacher, Award for Volunteer of the Year. He was assistant mechanic, carpenter, and vagabond. His first task at director for the 2018 Playhouse production of The The Playhouse was to build the stage revolve used Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Peter and his wife, in Misery and Ragtime. Playhouse administrators Melody, have three daughters, Riley, Caitlyn, and decided he was useful after this and decided to keep Kenzie. him around. Nate has worked as a technical director

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in Iowa since 2011 with a brief stint in Colorado in Benj Pasek and Justin Paul 2016. (Music & Lyrics) are the Tony- nominated songwriters of the Katy Merriman (Artistic Director) Broadway musical A Christmas has been an active member of Story, The Musical. Benj and Justin the local theatre community since are also the composers of the moving to Des Moines in 2013. Her Tony Award winning musical Dear Playhouse stage credits include Evan Hansen and the movies The Meredith Willson’s The Music Man Greatest Showman and La La Land. (Marian Paroo), Into the Woods (Cinderella), Les Other theatrical works include Misérables (Cosette), and Legally Blonde the Musical James and the Giant Peach and (Elle Woods). She was the musical director for The If You Give a Pig a Pancake. Their Playhouse Performance Academy productions of musical work for TV can be seen on season two of Shrek Jr.; Spamalot Young at Part; Camp Rock; and NBC’s Smash, Sesame Street, and Disney’s Johnny Meredith Willson’s The Music Man Jr. and directed and the Sprites. They are the recipients of the 2011 Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” Katy has also Richard Rodgers Award for Musical Theatre from worked with Iowa Stage Theatre Company as a the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a 2011 resident artist where her performance credits include Sundance Institute Fellowship, the 2011 ASCAP The Glass Menagerie (Laura) and Our Town (Emily). Foundation’s Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award, She directed Iowa Stage’s 2018 production of Fun the 2011 ASCAP Songwriters Fellowship Award and a Home. Prior to her time in Des Moines, Katy worked 2007-08 fellowship from The Dramatists Guild. They with numerous theatres as a performer, director, and are the youngest recipients of the Jonathan Larson administrator. She has a Bachelor of Music from Grant (2007) in the foundation’s history. They have Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. Katy and her participated in ASCAP’s Johnny Mercer Foundation husband, Max Wellman, have a son, Jack. Songwriters Project and were named one of The Dramatist magazine’s “50 to Watch” in contemporary Joseph Robinette (Book) is a theatre. Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominee for the libretto of Jean Shepherd was a writer, A Christmas Story, The Musical. humorist, satirist, actor, radio He is the author or co-author of raconteur, and television and 55 published plays and musicals. film personality. He took bits His works have been produced in all 50 states and pieces from his youth in and in 21 foreign countries. Joseph collaborated Hammond, IN, his adventures in with E.B. White on the authorized stage version the Army Signal Corps, and stories of the obscure of Charlotte’s Web and he wrote the musical version and infamous and told these stories to eager radio with Charles Strouse (Annie). Other dramatizations audiences. He was a sportscaster and did baseball include The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Anne broadcasts for the Toledo Mudhens. In the ‘70s, he of Green Gables; and Debbie Macomber’s A Gift to took his talents to television in a series of humorous Last and The Inn at Rose Harbor. He is the recipient narratives for PBS called Jean Shepherd’s America. of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education’s His most popular and well-known work is the film A Distinguished Play Award for Sarah, Plain and Christmas Story which he co-wrote and narrated. Tall and the Children's Theatre Foundation of America In 1994 he did a sequel, My Summer Story (aka It medallion for his "body of dramatic works for family Runs in the Family). His books include The America audiences in the United States and beyond." of George Ade; In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash; Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories and Other Disasters; The Ferrari in the Bedroom; and A Fistful of Fig Newtons. Jean passed away in 1999 at the age of 78.

20 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 21 PRODUCTION CREWS

Assistant Director: Peter Dean Cordaro, Carol Culmer, Jay Davidson, Sunny Liston, Alvin Lopez, Holly Lowell, Assistant Music Director: Sara Kottra Margie Davidson, Lydia Davis, Maddie Mary Marshall, Linda McClure, Nancy Assistant Stage Manager: Pilar Burg Davis, Patty Davis, Bill Dunlop, Marcella McCurdy, Duff McFadden, Janet Dance Captains: Stephanie Schneider, Edmonds, Karen Elrod, Nancy Fazio, McFadden, Beverly McKnight, John Natalie Thomas Mark Ferguson, Susan Ferguson, Alex Messersmith, Mary Messersmith, Fight Coordinator: Gabe Thompson Finch, Julie Finch, Jane Flagler, Michele Marisa Mickunas, Deb Miles, Maggy Set Construction Crew: Megan Flanagan, Rosemary Fritzjunket, Miller, Dick Mueller, Elaine Mueller, Cruchelow, Katilynn Fields, Kristin Ham, Fred Gee, Sharon Gee, Lana Greve, Sheila Mullen, Judy O’Keefe, Gail Rich Holst, Trudi Holst, Eric Jayne, Erin Connie Gross, Elyse Hall, Melanie Olson, Carol Palmer, Preshia Paulding, McSween, Gwenyth McSween, Lauren Hall, Charissa Hamel, Angela Harvey, Darcy Pech, Traci Petersen, Diane Walker Ellen Harvey, Pat Henson, Ryan Henzi, Pick, Georgia Pierson, Kathy Polson, Set Painting Crew: Kristin Ham, Harold Stephanie Henzi, Harold Hinkhouse, Jean Poock, Val Pugh, Jay Radcliffe, Hinkhouse, Shari Hrdina, Kevin Owens, Sandi Holland, Judy Hood, Susan Susan Raibikis, Shirlee Reding, Corbett Lauren Walker Hosek, Mary Howland, Mike Howland, Reeves, Nick Root, Charlene Ryan, Costume Crew: Jeanella Arthur, Susan Shari Hrdina, Doga Huner, Charlie Penny Schempp, Pam Schmidt, Eisenhour, Elaine Lindgren, Barbara Johnson, Chris Johnson, Lucille Stephanie Schneider, Maureen Sexton, Mydland, Chris Verlo Johnson, Sue Johnson, Anne Jung, Sarah Sindlinger, Khamla Sihonnorath, Dresser: Ann Ungs Lloyd Kaufman, Stephanie Kempf, Amy Skarin, Jordan Skarin, Barbara Run Crew: Joshua Haldeman, Mike Laura Kiely, Cheryl Kimberley, Jack Slinker, Mark Standley, Lois Taylor, Jeff Howland, Alli Kroeger Kimberley, Marcie King, Trent King, Teays, Angela Umthun, Tricia Veik, Bob Sound Board Operators: Troy Ellerbroek, Andrea Konz, Elysa Koss, Frank Koss, Vipond, Carole Vipond, Connie Walker, Katrina Sieck Tiffany Krcil, Susan Lee, Joyce Lehman, Janet Whiteside, Mardeen Wilcox, Master Electrician: Virgil Kleinhesselink Tracy Leith, Monica Lewandowski, Sandra Wilcox, Eva Williams Light Board Operator: Ann Skallerup Followspot Operators: Travis Edrington, Adam Fast Playhouse Ambassadors: Judy Blessington, Mary Bricker, Annette Duffy, Alma Hackbart, Pat Henson, Jolene Huen, Jean Leibold, Sunny Did you know? Liston, Mary Marshall, Mark Morrison, Becky Scholtec, Mary Whisenand, Sherill Whisenand The actors and crew members Playhouse Partners: Dani Boal, Mary Bricker, Edward Corpus, Peter Dean, of today’s performance are Denise Forney, Anne Frett, Pam Gabby, Micheal Howland, Jill Lippincott, volunteers who live in greater Rebecca Masucci, Greg Millar, Mark Morrison, Charlie Reese, Maxwell Des Moines — people just like Schaeffer, Jackie Schmillen, Tony Tandeski, Josh Visnapuu, Eva Williams you who love theatre! Audition Crew: Cheryl Critelli, Sue Dittmer, Bonnie Hodson Subscriber Services: Gloria Filean Daytime Ticket Office Volunteers: Gloria Filean, Cheryl Hamilton Playhouse Photographers: Steve Gibbons, Brent Isenberger Playhouse Historians: Mark Morrison, Lloyd Von Hagen

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER SPECIAL THANKS Due to print deadlines, these individuals could not be acknowledged in the previous playbill. Followspot Operator: Travis Edrington Guest Services: Patricia Allison, Debbie Anderson, Ankeny Community Chorus, Linda Baltzley, Susan Bishop, Kim Blakesley, Steve Blakesley, Judy Block, Don Boeschen, Greg Boeschen, Jill Boeschen, Sandra Boeschen, Do you have time and talent to share? Randy Bosworthy, Robin Bourjaily, Grab a flyer in the lobby or visit Alison Buechler, Christina Campbell, Darlene Cangas, Dan Chase, Mary DMPlayhouse.com/get-involved Christopher, Judi Cooper, George

22 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 23 PLAYHOUSE ADMINISTRATION

Staff The Playhouse David R. Kilpatrick, Executive Director receives funding Katy Merriman, Artistic Director John W. Viars, Artistic Director Emeritus support from

Administration Chris Andersen, Director of Philanthropy Lee Ann Bakros, Marketing & Public Relations Director Board of Directors Support for the Robin Spahr, Education Director Taylor Millar, Education Coordinator/ Steve Schaaf, President Playhouse is Volunteer Coordinator Community Volunteer provided by Mary Hofer, Finance Angela Gallagher, Secretary Samantha Ohlson, Office Manager/ Community Volunteer Database Manager Meyer Lehman, Treasurer Ellen Vroege, Marketing Intern EMC Insurance Companies Lindsey Ballard, Elissa Johnson, Cherie Sarabeth Anderson, Past President Moen, House Managers Wells Fargo Debbie Jacobson, Ticket Office Manager Shelby Jensen, Jody Kile, Mark Morrison, Nick Andersen, Nationwide Insurance Shashank Aurora, Independent Financial Playhouse Ticket Office Lindsey Ballard, Lynn Bjorlin, Caulinez Consultant partners include Lovan, Cherie Moen, Samira Sayeed, Sally Cooper Smith, Cooper Smith & Jerri Young, Bartenders Company Robert L. Culbert, US Bank Jerry Eisenhour, Final Act Ensemble ® Director Scott Gire, Oasis, A Paychex Company Tyler Hackman, Meredith Corporation Tony Jones, Grinnell State Bank Production Theotto Lillard IV, Hubbell Realty Company Nicholas Amundson, Scenic Designer Joanna Lowe, Wells Fargo Angela Lampe, Costume Designer J.P. Singh, eWay Corporation Jessica Van Essen, Costume Shop Linda Westergaard, BHHS First Realty Supervisor Barbara C. White, Workspace, Inc. Nathan Lawrence-Richards, Shop Supervisor Kevin Shelby, Resident Scenic Designer/ Advisory Council Master Carpenter Pamela Bass- Donn Hutchins Bookey Donald H. Kagin, Jon Batesole Ph.D. Pre-Intern Program (PIPs) Joanne Brown Cloris Leachman Crey Abbas Allison Koch Judy McCoy Davis Gerard Neugent Kelsie Anderson Taylor Lantz Allison Engel Mary Urban Annika Baker Lauren Logue Suzanne Engman Bob Veenstra Meridan Boyd Tatum Lowell Tom Goldman Sandra Windsor Maggie Brosnahan Zoe Marckmann Peter Hedges Francesca Cannon Samantha Miller Julia Cannon Kathryn Reeves Caitlyn Dean Lulu Rongerude Education Staff Charlie Deyoe- Hattie Ruhland Mary Bricker Jay Jacobson Snyder Ashlyn Russell Janet Casson Nate Jorgensen Carson Doss Gabe Schebel Melissa Chavas- Allison Koontz Paige Fahrenkrug Madelynne Striker- Miller* Taylor Anne Layden Cael Fitch Seay Nicole Chavas- Ed McAtee Audrey Frett Lily Spahr Schwegler Annie Mielke Sarena Gibson Josie Talley Jenna Darsee Greg Millar Maren Grant Rachel Talley Peter Dean Mark Morrison Natalie Grote Kathryn Theisen Katie Dorrell Maddie Ripperger Grace Harvey Eliza Tutty Rusk Dorsett Megan Schettler Teddi Karnes Addie Van Dyke V Dumas-Wines* Schug Abby Kilpatrick Tali Eisenstadt Cody Schug Anne Frett Brett Spahr* Robin Breen Fulton* Carol J. Taylor* Emily Griffin Meredith Toebben Chelsea Haaland Sarah Beth Weinberg Ron Hyde *Master Teacher

22 THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON THE PLAYHOUSE 2019–20 SEASON 23 −CHELSEA

−KRISTIN

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