The Old Rugged Cross
April 14-May 29, 2011
Theme Dinner: May 20 & May 27, 2011
In celebration of Plain and Fancy’s 25th season, Dennis McKeen, from the first cast has become a successful producer and playwright; his The Old Rugged Cross brings together familiar music with an emphasis on traditional gospel songs.
A barrel full of troubles, 24 gospel songs, a condemned park and a country church make for an inspirational musical comedy to lift you up! It won't let you down! Perfect for church groups and Sunday school classes!
South Bend Tribune Preview
The Papers Review
The Old Rugged Cross
Written by Dennis McKeen with Laurie Schotz and Travis Smith
Musical Arrangements by Travis Smith
Based on the original 2008 production at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre
Written and Produced by Dennis McKeen of Top Hat Productions
Original Musical Arrangements and Direction by Travis Smith
Scenes
Director Notes
Cast Bios
Production Staff Bios
Theme Dinners
The Old Rugged Cross Press Release
South Bend Tribune Website
PLACE:
An Old Rugged Cross park in a little country church yard at a well worn rural crossroads
ACT 1
How Great Thou Art…………………………Company
Amazing Grace……………………………..…Jim
Church in the Wildwood……………….….Bill
There is Power in the Blood………………....Bill, Jim
The Lily of the Valley……………………….Phyllis
Fly Away…………………………………….Bill, Jim, Phyllis
I Can Only Imagine………………………….Bob, Stephanie
If You’re Reading This………………..…….Stephanie
When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder……….Bob, Stephanie
He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands…..Reed
Jesus Loves Me……………………………..Diana
Do Lord……………………………………..Mom
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus…...……….Dad
Old Time Religion…………………………..Company
ACT 2
Gospel Medley 1…………………………….Company
Find Away…………………………………..Angie
Eye is on the Sparrow……………………….Danny
Precious Memories…………………………..Ava
Since Jesus Came in to My Heart……..…….Danny, John
When We All Get to Heaven………….…….Danny, John
Shall We All Gather at the River……………Company
Oh Happy Day………………………………Company
Gospel Medley 2…………………………….Company
Old Rugged Cross…………………….…….Company
Production Staff:
Executive Producer- Richard Pletcher
Managing and Artistic Director- Laurie Schotz
Director- David Craven
Music Director: Travis Smith
Production Stage Manager- Philip B. Richard II
Assistant Stage Manager- Mark Duggar, Anthony Simons, and Jeremy Springer
Set Design- Richard Pletcher
Master Carpenter- Alvin Yoder
Costumer- Laurie Schotz
Props / Wardrobe- Jeremy Springer
Lighting Design- Philip B. Richard II
Electricians- Anthony Simons, Jeremy Springer
Sound Advisor- Anthony Simons
Sound Engineer- Mark Duggar, Philip B. Richard II
Box Office Manager- Jennifer Scheffer
House Manager- Philip B. Richard II
Everyone has a place where we go to calm down, recharge or find love. In The Old Rugged Cross, Dennis McKeen gives us a church with a park where all these things happen. It is a delight to work on a show where spiritual songs are combined with real people and the comedy of daily life. The characters in this show are all people we know, which is what makes it such a delight to watch. Thanks to Laurie for the great cast, Travis for the musical direction and Dick for the set and producing the theatre. We dedicate this show to Brody who will be missed.
David Craven, Director
What a pleasant surprise to have the opportunity to revive the role I originated in the premiere production of The Old Rugged Cross. It was 3 years ago that I had the pleasure of conceiving this show along with Dennis McKeen at Cornwell's Dinner Theatre in Marshall, MI. With a cast of five, we work-shopped a show that we were all a little skeptical of at first. Would the audience enjoy it? Would they find it funny? We were hopeful and optimistic. Opening night came and not only did the audience like it, they loved it. Laughing, crying, and responding in ways that we didn't even know deserved a response. They were on their feet by the end of the show, not only commending us for a show they enjoyed, but because they were standing in reverence and praise. They found the story and characters endearing, and the music, those old gospel hymns, warmed their hearts and souls. To this day, I still have people talking to me about The Old Rugged Cross and how much they loved it, asking me for recordings or when the next production is going to be. It's a special show that anyone can derive a message from, regardless of their beliefs. Thank you for coming and hopefully you too will find some meaning in this production and search me down in three years to tell me how much you loved The Old Rugged Cross.
Travis Smith, Music Director
OLD RUGGED CROSS BIOS
Jeremy Littlejohn (Bill / Reed / John)- is originally from Indiana and is now in his fourteenth year as a theatre professional. He has worn many hats over the years and has been involved in over 100 different productions across the country including four productions of Guys and Dolls, three productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, two productions of seven other shows and he has performed in Plain and Fancy over 700 times. In addition to being an actor, Jeremy is also an accomplished director, lighting designer and teacher. Visit www.jeremylittlejohn.com for more details.
Kate Salsbury (Phyllis / Mom / Ava) - an Ohio native, is tickled pink to tread the boards so near home! Quite the gypsy, her favorite regional roles have taken her from Rhode Island as a prim member of the New York Astor family (Carrie Astor- Beechwood Mansion) to North Carolina as a saucy midwife (Dame Colman- The Lost Colony) to Virginia as a moody Austrian nun (Sister Berthe- The Sound of Music). A Regent University alumna, she now calls New York City home. She would like to thank her parents and friends who never stopped believing in her, even when she didn't believe in herself!
Travis Smith (Pastor Jim / Music Director) Travis is excited to be reprising the role he originated in Old Rugged Cross 3 years ago. He has worked as both a performer and musical director for the past several years. Companies he has worked for include Allenberry Playhouse, Bearcreek Resort, Circa 21, Old Creamery Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Cornwell’s Dinner theatre, Grand Geneva Resort, and the University of Findlay. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, he has worked in NYC performing with Victory Theatricals and had the honor of performing with the National AIDs Fund and the Equity Fights AIDS/Broadway Cares charities. Travis also runs his own business producing background tracks for various theatres. He enjoys composition as well. For the second year, the Old Creamery theatre has commissioned him to write two children’s musicals with them including their yearly children’s tour that is produced in the Spring. He is a proud graduate of Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio where he earned his degrees in theatre and music. He would like to dedicate this performance to Dennis McKeen and the original cast of Old Rugged Cross in which he had the honor of performing with in 2008. Enjoy the show and for more information please visit www.travis-smith.com
Daniel Stargel (Bob / Dad / Danny) is proud to be making his Indiana debut this Summer with the Round Barn Theater! A native Floridian, Daniel has most recently appeared at Georgia’s State Theater, The Springer Opera House, in Dietz’s Dracula (Dracula) and The Full Monty (Jerry). He has also performed multiple seasons with the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, passion drama “The Miracle”, portraying both Jesus and Lucifer. Other memorable roles include Pharaoh (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Emile de Becque (South Pacific), Chuck Cranston (Footloose), and Steve Kodaly (She Loves Me). As a vocalist, he has sung backup to Sarah Brightman and was a Season 4 American Idol Hollywood semi-finalist. Daniel is honored to have the support of his friends and family and grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with his beautiful wife, Rachel, whom he met onstage.
Rachel Stargel (Stephanie / Diane / Angie) is very excited to be joining the cast and crew of The Round Barn Theatre this summer! Originally from Woodland Park, CO, Rachel earned her BA in vocal performance from Malone College in Canton, OH. Although this is her debut at Amish Acres, it is not her first time in theater among the Amish. She performed the roles of the Narrator in “Ruth”, Mary’s mother in “The Miracle of Christmas” and many crazy old ladies in the ensemble at Sight & Sound Theatres in Lancaster, PA. Other favorite roles include Nellie Forbush in “South Pacific”, Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof”, Uriel and Mother Mary in the passion drama, “The Miracle” in Pigeon Forge, TN, flying above the stage in aerial sword fights, warbling on the Alaskan seas with her fabulous husband on board a cruise ship, singing to a baby llama about trees and butterflies, and…well, you get the picture. Some pretty fun stuff! “Much love to my wonderful husband, Daniel, to my crazy/lovely family, the amazing cast and crew that I get to work with, and many thanks to you, our marvelous audience, for joining us. Enjoy the show!
Artistic and Production Staff
David Craven (Director) – has a BS in Architecture Design from Georgia Tech and a MFA in Directing Theater from Minnesota State University, Mankato. David’s favorite direction jobs include Barefoot in the Park, Forever Plaid (2 productions), Anything Goes, Into The Woods, Reckless, Oleanna and The Rink. David owns Atlanta’s largest caroling company, Like the Dickens. Visit Like the Dickens online at www.LiketheDickens.com .
Mark Duggar (Assistant Stage Manager / Sound Engineer) is a graduate of the University of West Florida and has been studying theatre extensively for the past five years. Mark became interested in sound and electrics when he arrived at UWF, but lacking a specific instructor in sound has had to teach himself guided by a few select individuals who possessed limited knowledge in the area. Most recently Mark served as the sound engineer for Ballet Pensacola and is currently working on sound for UWF on their spring production of Brigadoon.
Laurie Schotz (Managing and Artistic Director / Costumer) is thrilled to be returning for a third season at Amish Acres. Before joining the Amish Acres staff in 2009 she was the Artistic Director for 10 years at Bearcreek Farms Resort in Bryant, IN. Prior to her time there, you could have seen her fall off a building at Old Tucson Studios, aboard a cruise as a production singer/dancer, or running her own entertainment company in Chicago, IL for 13 years. She would like to thank her brother Michael for teaching and guiding her through a difficult time but always keeping her laughing. He has taught her a goal is a dream with a deadline. This season is in memory of my most loyal, loving and sincere companion Brody Will Fall the 1st. She couldn't of asked for more from him. Laurie hopes your whole Amish Acres experience equals your expectation and remember to EMBRACE THE PACE.
Philip B. Richard II (Production Stage Manager / Lighting Designer) is excited to be returning to The Round Barn Theatre family for his second season. Philip grew up in Dallastown, PA. He has worked in theatres across the US including Florida, Texas, Illinois, Colorado, and Hawaii. Philip was an Entertainment Coordinator for 5 years at the Walt Disney World Resort and has previously worked for Austin Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Theater,Festival 56 in Princeton, IL, and Honolulu Theatre for Youth. His regional stage management credits include the National Post Broadway premiere of Souvenir with Orlando Theatre Project and the World Premiers of If You Give A Moose A Muffin, Stripes & Stars, and Wittenberg. Regional lighting credits include productions of The Pillowman, Stripes and Stars, Nosferatu, Rocky Horror Show, Footloose, Scrooge, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Philip is a member of the Equity Membership Candidate program and the Stage Manager Association. He would like to thank his family for all their support and you the audience for supporting the arts, without you, theatre would not be possible. Enjoy the show!
Jeremy D. Springer (Assistant Stage Manager / Electrician) now hails from Boston, but grew up just a few hours down the road in Findlay, OH. He graduated last year with a degree in Theater Performance, and has been playing the upright bass since he was nine
Richard L. Pletcher (Producer), with his father LaVern, founded Amish Acres in 1968. The Amish farm was preserved and restored and is now listed in The National Register of Historic Places. Following a one year experiment in dinner-theatre with George Bledsoe in 1971, he added musical theatre to the interpretation of the historic farm by producing Plain and Fancy in the Locke Township Meeting House in 1986. It moved to the Round Barn Theatre in 1991. The play has been running for 25 consecutive years having surpassed 3,500 performances before audiences of over 350,000 people. Plain and Fancy’s Tony Award® winning author Joseph Stein and Tony Award® winning composer Albert Hague have attended Plain and Fancy at Amish Acres.
At Mr. Stein’s urging Amish Acres became a regional musical repertory theatre in 1996 with the addition of five shows in rotation with Plain and Fancy each season. Amish Acres has now produced seventy two different main stage Broadway musicals and The Round Barn Theatre stage is named for and dedicated to Joseph Stein. Eight of Mr. Stein’s musicals have been produced on his stage, including Plain and Fancy, Fiddler on the Roof, The Baker’s Wife, and Zorba, plus staged readings of Take Me Along, Rags, and Carmelina, plus a Second Stage Production of Enter Laughing. As you might expect, he has said that The Round Barn Theatre is his favorite regional theatre with which he has been associated.
In October of 2006, Dick and his wife Susan were guests of Joseph and Elisa Stein in New York City for the York Theatre’s Mufti Series production of Plain and Fancy, the last in a month long, three show festival of Stein’s work that included Take Me Along and Carmelina. Artistic Director James Morgan recognized Amish Acres’ twenty year production of Plain and Fancy in the program and in his introductions from the stage. The Pletchers and Jeremy Littlejohn attended the York’s presentation of the Oscar Hammerstein Lifetime Achievement Award in Musical Theatre to Joseph Stein in November of 2007. Stein was further inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in February of 2008. He passed away in 2010 and the Joseph Stein Memorial Fund was created to provide free season tickets to kids.
Theme Dinner Dates: May 20 and 27, 2011
Each Round Barn theatre Musical production calls for a Theme Dinner and Wine Bar, a joyous celebration with menus written with tongue-in-cheek show references and double entendres, often obscure and ridiculous. the responsibility for such frivolity rest solely with Richard Pletcher. The ensuing menus are lovingly prepared by chef Ruth Miller whose sense of humor make it into it kettle and skillet.
Theme Dinner reservations required.
For reservations call (800) 800-4942.
On a Hill Far Away
Menu Includes:
Soup
Potato Rivel Soup
Appetizers
Creamy Peanut Ginger Dip with Vegetables
Ham & Broccoli Puffs
Salad
Festival Fruit Salad
Breads
Hot Cross Buns
Entrees
Swiss Steak
Breast of Chicken (with creamy parmesan)
Pasta
Lasagna
Vegetables
New Red Potatoes
Mixed Vegetables
Desserts
Lemon Cake Pie
Broken Glass Cake
Ruth’s Famous Crème Brule’
Beverages
Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffees
Beer and Wine available for purchase from Amish Acres Wine Tasting Loft
