ABOUT THE SHOW
Our Two Hundred and Thirty-Third Production!
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Buck Creek Players and Director Melissa DeVito are excited to announce their upcoming production of ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID by Jessie Jones Nicholas Hope & Jamie Wooten.
In this hilarious comedic romp, four friends have sworn to keep the promise they made on the night of their Senior Prom: to be in each other’s weddings…no matter what. More than thirty years later, these Southern friends-for-life are still making “the long walk” for each other, determined to honor that vow. Hop on this marriage-go-round for a laugh-out-loud journey with these beleaguered bridesmaids as they navigate the choppy waters of love and matrimony. ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID is the rollicking tale of four loyal and determined women who definitively answer the question, “Just how far are you willing to go to keep a promise to a friend?” If you’ve ever elbowed a stranger out of the way to catch a bride’s bouquet, seriously questioned the mental stability of the duo saying “I do” or been forced to wear the world’s ugliest bridesmaid dress, this deliriously funny JONES HOPE WOOTEN COMEDY is definitely for you…and your dearly beloved! Buck Creek Players is pleased to continue our 49th season with this live event on our mainstage. Join us for the six live in-person performances at the playhouse starting Friday, February 10th and running through Sunday, February 19th. |
Presented by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service. (www.dramatists.com)
Parental Guidance suggested for adult language and situations. Some material may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13
Performance Dates & Times
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Friday, February 10, 2023 at 8:00 PM - Limited Tickets Remain
Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 8:00 PM - SOLD OUT Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 2:30 PM - SOLD OUT |
Friday, February 17, 2023 at 8:00 PM - Limited Tickets Remain
Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 8:00 PM - SOLD OUT Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 2:30 PM - SOLD OUT |
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CAST OF CHARACTERS
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SETTING
Laurelton Oaks, a converted mansion in Laurelton, located twenty miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia.
HELP SUPPORT THIS PRODUCTION
Tickets only cover a portion of the costs to produce this show.
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
NANCY LAUDEMAN
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NANCY LAUDEMAN (Sedalia) is excited to be making her debut with Buck Creek Players. She was last seen as Willa Wild in THE WILD WOMEN OF WINEDALE with Epilogue Players. Some of her favorite roles include Sr. Mary Patrick in SISTER ACT, Sr. Mary Amnesia in NUNSENSE, The Baker's Wife in INTO THE WOODS, Charlotte in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, and Anna in THE KING AND I. By day, Nancy is a Title I reading teacher. When not at work or on stage, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and family. Nancy would like to thank her husband, Rich, for his constant love and support.
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CYRENA KNIGHT
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CYRENA KNIGHT (Libby Ruth) is thrilled to be a part of ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID at Buck Creek Players. Her BCP credits include the Cook in THE GAMES AFOOT and Aunt Vinnie in LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER. Cyrena has appeared in the chorus of Anderson’s Mainstage’s productions of BYE, BYE, BIRDIE (March 2022) and JEKYLL & HYDE (October 2019). By day, Cyrena is an accountant. She is a self-proclaimed theater nerd and avid reader. Cyrena would like to thank this incredibly talented cast, as well as Mel and the entire directorial and production team, for making this an unforgettably fun and hilarious adventure. Cyrena would also like to thank her family and friends for their constant love and support!
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MELISSA SANDULLO
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MELISSA SANDULLO (Monette) returns to the BCP stage after having most recently playing Ms. Jennings in LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER. Prior to that she had a 20 year hiatus from the theater. A graduate from Anderson University with a BA in music performance, some of her favorite past roles have been Meg in LITTLE WOMEN, the opera, Laurie in OKLAHOMA!, Meg Brockie in BRIGADOON, and Carrie in CAROUSEL. She has also enjoyed performing in small ensemble productions such as YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, as Lucy. Since 2017, Melissa has released three albums of original music, including Poets and Misfits, Eating Shadows, and Little Picture Show. She has also completed two independent regional solo tours. Since 2002, Melissa has worked as a professional studio vocalist, collaborating with various recording artists, and producers to arrange and execute background harmonies in a variety of genres. Melissa is currently working in sales and customer service and developing a vintage boutique and gallery, HEY, TOOTSIE! with hopes of opening a storefront by late 2023. When she's not at work or on stage, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, playing piano and singing with her church's band, writing, and cookie decorating. She also loves a well-timed joke and a good prank. Melissa would like to thank her family for their love and support and the ability to make her laugh to tears...her very favorite thing.
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LEA ELLINGWOOD
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LEA ELLINGWOOD (Charlie) is excited to have this opportunity to be on stage again after having most recently working behind the scenes on OVER MY DEAD BODY as a first time soundboard operator. Lea has appeared previously as characters in both the ROSIE THE RIVETER and LIZZIE BORDEN productions here at Buck Creek. Lea enjoys being part of the Buck Creek theater family and is excited to return to performing in this role.
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SHELLEY SPATE
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SHELLEY SPATE (Deedra) makes her debut with Buck Creek Players after several years of absence from the stage. Some of her favorite roles in high school and college were Cecily in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST and as Laura Wingfield in THE GLASS MENAGERIE. Shelley works as a Registered Nurse at the Franciscan Surgery Center. When not at work she enjoys being with family and friends, especially her twin grandsons. Shelley looks forward to working with her fellow cast mates in the hilarious production of ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID. Shelley would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous love and support.
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KIRSTEN CUTSHALL
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KIRSTEN CUTSHALL (Kari) is so excited to be back on the Buck Creek stage. Her most recent appearance was as one of the Hotbox Girls in Footlite Musical’s production of GUYS AND DOLLS. Some of her previous credits include HANDS ON A HARDBODY, LITTLE WOMEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL, ROSIE THE RIVETER, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Kirsten is a graduate of Anderson University’s School of Music and supports her volunteer theatre profession as a barista and residential cleaner. Kirsten would like to thank her family for their unending support and also the wonderful ladies of the AAB cast. It's been a joy to share the stage with you all. Knockers high girls!
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COPYRIGHT LAWS PROHIBIT ALL UNAUTHORIZED PHOTOGRAPHY,
AUDIO, OR VIDEO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION.
PRODUCTION STAFF
CLANCE LATURNER
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CLANCE LATURNER (Producer) is thrilled to be with Buck Creek Players in this new role as Producer! Originally starting with church dramas 30 years ago where she wrote, directed and sometimes acted, she's thankful to now be part of community theatre. She loved being on the BCP stage as the Maid in SOUND OF MUSIC, July in ANNIE, the Sheriff in OKLAHOMA, and Darla the fertilizer salesman/theatre critic in BARBEQING HAMLET. She totally enjoyed taking a couple of turns as Stage Manager, and Directed A LITTLE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. Clance has also been on other stages or directed – most recently at the President Benjamin Harrison Home and Oaklandon Theatre. When she's not at the theatre, she can be found working for Validators in Carmel or Duewel Literature Trust in Greenwood. Favorite pastimes are reading, making cards, or (especially) sharing life with friends and family. Clance thanks the Lord for the privilege of her 46 years as a wedding planner, walking alongside brides to make their dreams come true – guess you could say Always a BridesAide! She is so glad to be working with Mel and the gang on this show and is continuously grateful to Jon for his 38+ years of faithful love and support. To you she says, “Thank you for investing your time and resources in us today – hope you enjoy the show!”
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MELISSA DEVITO
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MELISSA DEVITO (Director/Properties Designer) is back directing after having most recently playing Miranda Gould in OVER MY DEAD BODY. Mel has been very active with BCP, as a director, props, costumer, and Board of Directors member. Recently she directed FLY BABIES and ROSIE THE RIVETER, and costumed LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL with the help of Donna Jacobi and Cathy Cutshall. When not at the theater, Mel enjoys her job as a respiratory therapist at Home Respiratory Services, drag racing cars with her husband Rick, and hanging out with her family, especially her granddaughters Ellie and Blake. She also enjoys camping and snuggling with her pit bull Zoey.
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NICKIE CORNETT
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NICKIE CORNETT (Assistant Director) is excited to be working with Mel on this production after having recently making her directing debut at Buck Creek Players with OVER MY DEAD BODY. Prior to that, Nickie was last seen helping backstage for LITTLE WOMEN: The Broadway Musical. She has been involved with BCP in many capacities on and off stage since 2017. When she isn't onstage, backstage or in the box office, you can find her hanging out with her dogs! She thanks her family and friends for their constant support!
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DONNA JACOBI
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DONNA JACOBI (Costume Designer) bio coming soon! is thrilled to return to the production staff at BCP after working on LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL last season. She has costumed many shows here at BCP over the years, but has also designed and constructed costumes for Actors Theatre of Indiana, Anderson University, Carmel Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel Clay Schools, Speedway Schools, and Wayne Township Community Theatre. Donna's costume designs have also been recognized by the Encore Association of Indianapolis, including a win for THE BRAIN FROM PLANET X. Donna is a resident of Carmel, and when she's not busy scouring thrift stores, perusing Amazon.com or sewing costumes, she loves to play tennis. "Thanks to my family for their support and to Mel for allowing me to be part of this fun production!"
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MARY MILLER
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MARY MILLER (Co-Stage Manager) is thrilled to be working backstage after having most recently performed as Vistoria McGuire in OVER MY DEAD BODY. After her debut as Mrs. Trinkler in The LEGEND of SLEEPY HOLLOW, she worked backstage for GOOD PEOPLE and LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSCIAL. Mary got her Associate Degree in General Arts at Marian University. When she not doing theatre, Mary is either working as a production associate at Sock Religious, singing with her church choir or spending time with her family. Theatre has been a part of Mary’s life since she played Narrator #1 in INTO THE WOODS. She has been in theatre productions ever since, both in high school and college. Some of her favorite previous roles include Faye in SUBTEXT, Mrs. Hopkins in MY FAIR LADY, Fairy Godmother in FINAL DRESS REHEARSAL and Issachar in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. “I would like to thank my mom, my dad and for all my family and friends for their love and encouragement to embrace the theatre kid inside of me.”
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BRANDON WILSON
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BRANDON WILSON (Co-Stage Manager) is making his Buck Creek Players debut behind the scenes. During the day, Brandon works at Community Hospital East in housekeeping. When not helping on stage, Brandon has a passion for makeup design.
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TYLER K. RILEY
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TYLER K. RILEY (Lighting Designer ) also known as "Mr. Personality" because he is probably the biggest introverted extravert there is. Everyone says that he is "one of a kind." Tyler is making his debut with Buck Creek Players after most recently designing the lights for CINDERELLA with Shelby County Players. Tyler has been involved with community theater since 2015. He is very excited to be designing the lights with with Buck Creek Players. Tyler has been a school bus driver for four years and currently drives for Franklin Central! A very special thank you goes out to my friends and family and a HUGE thank you to Mel for asking me to be apart of this show! It’s been a pleasure!
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BETH POPPLEWELL
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BETH POPPLEWELL (Light Board Operator) is excited to be returning to the lightboard after previously running the lightboard for LITTLE WOMEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. Favorite productions at BCP include ROSIE THE RIVETER, (Evelyn) THE MATCHMAKER ,(Gertrude) A LITTLE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, (Angelina) and several BCP Play-A-Part Fundraiser shows, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, ANNIE, PETER PAN, AND ROCKY HORROR. Other favorite shows include OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MURDER (Minna) at Our Town Players, and THE WILD WOMEN OF WINEDALE (Glenda Bates) at Epilogue Theater. She was also the character of FRANKIE THE FRIENDLY WITCH at the Indianapolis Zoo for ZOO BOO. When not doing theater, she enjoys being "semi" retired, working part time for Gillespie Florists, and spending time with friends, family. She wishes to thank Nicki and BCP for the opportunity to be on the stage again, and to family, friends, and co-workers for putting up with her crazy schedule.
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MATT SPURLOCK
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MATTHEW SPURLOCK (C0-Sound Designer) returns for another Buck Creek Players performance behind the scenes with Sound Design. Matt has been seen on stage at BCP in performances of BANANAS, THE MATCHMAKER, THE RAINMAKER, and MAKING GOD LAUGH. Other non-BCP performances include MISSING LINK and CLUE. Matt has designed sound for numerous BCP performances such as PYGMALION, DISASTER: THE MUSICAL, TRAP (Encore winner for Best Sound Design), and FOUR OLD BROADS, among several others over the years. Thanks to Mel DeVito for giving me an opportunity to continue doing what I love. A very special thank you to the audience for continuing to support live theatre as we do our best to be creative and bring you live entertainment during these not so ordinary times.
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CONNIE SALVINI THOMPSON
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CONNIE SALVINI THOMPSON (Co-Sound Designer & Sound Board Operator) is thrilled to return to Buck Creek Players after playing Mrs. Kirk/Ensemble in LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. Her other experience includes playing trombone in the pit orchestra of Perry Meridian High School's spring 2018 production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. She is studying environmental public safety at Ivy Tech, and she works as a caregiver for her mother. She is proud to be a transgender woman, and even prouder to be an organizer and activist in the Party for Socialism and Liberation. She would like to thank Mel for offering her this incredible opportunity, and for being so darn friendly.
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PRODUCTION CREW
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Technical Directors
Rich Laudeman & John Walker Production Photography Indy Ghost Light |
Website Management
AARON BAILEY Box Office Management NICKIE CORNETT & AARON BAILEY |
BCP is a non-profit organization
Please consider supporting our efforts to ensure live theater in Franklin Township
SPECIAL THANKS
Hart Bakery
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Brandon Wilson
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
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NICHOLAS HOPE co-authored the laugh-out-loud comedies DEARLY BELOVED, CHRISTMAS BELLES, THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR, ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID and the perennial-audience favorite, THE SWEET DELILAH SWIM CLUB and many others. He won the Southwest Regional Playwrights Competition for his first play, A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY. He has written episodic television for Warner Bros. and Walt Disney Studios. As a casting director, Nick was Director of Casting for Theatre Communications Group in New York, The Goodman Theatre in Chicago, and ABC Television in New York and Los Angeles.
JESSIE JONES co-authored the laugh-out-loud comedies DEARLY BELOVED, CHRISTMAS BELLES, THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR, ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID and the perennial-audience favorite, THE SWEET DELILAH SWIM CLUB and many others. Jessie's first play, DEARLY DEPARTED, which she also co-authored, had its premiere at The Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut, followed by an Off-Broadway production at Second Stage in New York City. She also co-authored the feature film “Kingdom Come,” the screen adaptation of DEARLY DEPARTED which was released by Fox Searchlight Films. Her short stories have been published in literary journals and she has written for television sitcoms and an animated series for Walt Disney Productions. As an actor, Jessie has appeared onstage in New York and in regional theatres as well as in television and film. JAMIE WOOTEN co-authored the laugh-out-loud comedies DEARLY BELOVED, CHRISTMAS BELLES, THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR, ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID and the perennial-audience favorite, THE SWEET DELILAH SWIM CLUB and many others. In television, Jamie won the Writers Guild of America award and spent many seasons with Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia as a writer/producer on the classic television series "The Golden Girls." He is also an award-winning BMI songwriter. For more information, see their website at www.joneshopewooten.com |
Buck Creek Players is a proud member and supporter of:
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Buck Creek Players productions are made possible thanks to the support of:
