CAST ANNOUNCEMENT
Buck Creek Players, Directors Mel DeVito and Ben Jones are excited to announce full casting for their upcoming production of PYGMALION: A ROMANCE IN FIVE ACTS by George Bernard Shaw.
Buck Creek Players is pleased to offer live entertainment this fall, in a safe, and socially distanced outdoor event. Join us for an outdoor staged reading of the comedy PYGMALION, the classic tale of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins, Saturday, October 10th at 4:30 PM, and Sunday, October 11th at 2:30 PM.
Please note this is a staged reading, with limited costuming and props; actors and audience will be socially distanced.
PYGMALION: A ROMANCE IN FIVE ACTS by George Bernard Shaw
Best known in popular culture as MY FAIR LADY and rooted in ancient Greek mythology, PYGMALION is a classic tale of nobility meeting poverty. Phonetics specialist Professor Henry Higgins, along with colleague Colonel Pickering, bets he can transform flower salesgirl Eliza Doolittle into a socialite and “proper” lady merely by eliminating the cockney accent that signals her “inferior” social status. In this comedic collision of “different worlds,” these intelligent and determined characters wrestle with social norms and wind up forming a unique, heartwarming bond.
Buck Creek Players is pleased to offer live entertainment this fall, in a safe, and socially distanced outdoor event. Join us for an outdoor staged reading of the comedy PYGMALION, the classic tale of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins, Saturday, October 10th at 4:30 PM, and Sunday, October 11th at 2:30 PM.
Please note this is a staged reading, with limited costuming and props; actors and audience will be socially distanced.
PYGMALION: A ROMANCE IN FIVE ACTS by George Bernard Shaw
Best known in popular culture as MY FAIR LADY and rooted in ancient Greek mythology, PYGMALION is a classic tale of nobility meeting poverty. Phonetics specialist Professor Henry Higgins, along with colleague Colonel Pickering, bets he can transform flower salesgirl Eliza Doolittle into a socialite and “proper” lady merely by eliminating the cockney accent that signals her “inferior” social status. In this comedic collision of “different worlds,” these intelligent and determined characters wrestle with social norms and wind up forming a unique, heartwarming bond.
Tickets are available now!
THE SETTING
London, England - Late 1800s
SYNOPSIS OF ACTS
ACT ONE: Covent Garden
ACT TWO: Professor Higgins Home & Laboratory, Wimpole Street
ACT THREE: Mrs. Higgins Drawing Room, Chelsea
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ACT FOUR: Professor Higgins Home & Laboratory, Wimpole Street
ACT FIVE: Mrs. Higgins Drawing Room, Chelsea
*** There will be one 15 minute intermission between ACTS THREE & FOUR
Restrooms are available inside the main lobby of the playhouse - Masks and COVID-19 safety measures are required.
CAST
ROSIE ALLENSON
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ROSIE ALLENSON (Elisa Doolittle) is delighted to be coming back to the Buck Creek stage in a safe and responsible way! A life-long theatre lover, Rosie has been extremely privileged to have acted in many productions around the community. Some of her favorite performances include Millie in PICNIC, Sr. Mary Leo in NUNSENSE II: THE SECOND COMING, Mary Warren in THE CRUCIBLE, and Olive in SPELLING BEE. Most recently, she enjoyed dabbling in the other side of theatre, serving as Assistant Director for Westfield Playhouse's production of HEDDA GABLER. She would like to thank Mel DeVito and Ben Jones for the opportunity, and her fellow cast mates for continuing to bring life to the stage despite these trying times. Love to Mom, Dad, and the BAA family. Wear a mask!
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JEFF WILSON
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JEFF WILSON (Henry Higgins) has the bizarre distinction of only doing one previous Buck Creek show, yet having done over a dozen roles for BCP, with his appearance in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, a performance he will reprise with Shelby County Players this December. Jeff has taught pre-calculus, calculus, and drama at Triton Central the past three decades, in addition to announcing home sports events and coordinating the school’s weekly Bible study. Happily married to Tiffany and missing his Hungarian daughter Fióna, Jeff has enjoyed visiting all fifty states, twenty countries, and nearly 400 National Park sites, as well as re-visiting all 24 Indiana state parks this spring for some inspiring hikes. His greatest stage joy is watching his TC drama students perform and fall in love with more than sixty classic productions over the years.
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JAY HEMPHILL
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JAY HEMPHILL (Colonel Pickering) is happy to be returning to the Buck Creek Playhouse, having previously appeared as Ross in A FEW GOOD MEN, Charlie in DIRTY BLONDE, and Ado Annie in OKLAHOMA. Jay recently graduated from Indiana University with a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Drama. Some of his favorite roles include Nick in THE GREAT GATSBY, Jack in VINEGAR TOM, Michael in ROUNDING THIRD, Martin in THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA?, Doc Gibbs in OUR TOWN, Vice Principal Panch in 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, Prince John in ROBIN HOOD, Yonaguska in UNTO THESE HILLS, Jack in THE OPEN HAND, and Tony in DIAL M FOR MURDER. Offstage, Jay teaches public speaking at Martin University. A self-proclaimed "history nerd", Jay is also a historical interpreter at the Indiana Historical Society.
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MATTHEW BLANDFORD
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MATTHEW BLANDFORD (Freddie Eynsford-Hill) is excited to make his debut at last with Buck Creek Players! Previously cast as John Stanley in the currently-postponed ROSIE THE RIVETER at BCP, Matthew has been active in community theatre for about a year and has previously been seen as Lord Savage in JEKYLL AND HYDE at Anderson Mainstage Theatre, Cinderella's Prince in INTO THE WOODS at Creative Grounds Community Theatre, and Apostle John in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Mud Creek Players. Matthew holds Bachelor's degrees in Music Composition and Mathematics from Butler University. He would like to thank the production staff and cast at BCP for working so hard to bring theatre back in a safe and healthy way during these tumultuous times!
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TOM SMITH
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TOM SMITH (Alfred Doolittle) is very happy to be returning to Buck Creek in this portrayal of Alfred Doolittle in PYGMALION. Tom previously performed at Buck Creek in THE MATCHMAKER, portraying Joe the Cabman, and particularly enjoyed the role of Grandpa Jack as the lead in "THE UNEXPECTED GIFT". Tom has recently portrayed Sir Claud in BLACK COFFEE at Lebanon's Center Stage Theater, and, in February, portrayed Saunders in the Carmel Community Players ambitious production of LEND ME A TENOR, which barely was able to be completed before the COVID shutdown. A special treat for Tom in this production is the opportunity to perform with his adopted granddaughter Rosie Allenson. Tom is a member of the board at the Westfield Playhouse. He is retired from the FBI and resides in downtown Westfield.
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TIFFANY D. WILSON
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TIFFANY D. WILSON (Mrs. Eynsford Hill) is honored to be appearing in her fifth production with Buck Creek Players. She was first seen in 2012 in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE playing Kitty. She has also appeared as Actor 5 in VINTAGE HITCHCOCK: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, she lent her voice to Ethel Milne in THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS GARLAND and she portrayed Sally Applewhite in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY. Tiffany has also been involved with Shelby County Players since 1999. Her favorite roles include Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Lizzie in THE RAINMAKER, Elizabeth Proctor in THE CRUCIBLE, Agnes in I DO! I DO!, and Nurse Ratched in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST. In 2019, she won an Encore Award for Best Costumes for a Comedy for Shelby County Players’ BLITHE SPIRIT. Tiffany holds a Bachelors Degree in English and Theatre from Franklin College and a Masters of Library Science from Indiana University. She serves as the Branch Manager at the Franklin Branch of the Johnson County Public Library. |
CARI PALMER-WARREN
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CARI PALMER-WARREN (Clara Eynsford Hill) is honored to be making her Buck Creek Players debut in the stage reading of Pygmalion. Earlier this year, Cari was cast as Rosie in ROSIE THE RIVETER at BCP that had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An Indiana University grad, her previous credits include Cinderella’s Stepmother in INTO THE WOODS and Abigail Williams in THE CRUCIBLE. More recently, she was the lead female singer for Southern Crossfire, a local band. When she isn’t on stage, she enjoys gardening, reading, and hanging out with her husband and two pups. “I am so thrilled to be a part of this production and the Buck Creek Players. I hope that everyone enjoys the show and can take a night off from the pandemic to remember what is so great about theater—the joy that it can make us feel.”
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GLORIA BRAY
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GLORIA BRAY (Mrs. Higgins) is looking forward to being a part of this outdoor theater experience as Mrs. Higgins. “What a fun opportunity to bring the arts to life in these unique times!” Most recently, she has been spending time behind the scenes assisting with ROSIE THE RIVETER, before the pandemic halted rehearsals, and running lights for TRAP last Fall at BCP. Some memorable on-stage roles include Ruthie in MAKING GOD LAUGH and Dolly Gallagher Levi in THE MATCHMAKER, both at BCP. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors as they plan for the future success here at BCP. Having participated in productions at various theaters around the area, BCP is wonderful to part of the larger theater community here. She sends everyone a big thank you for supporting this production and community theater in Indianapolis.
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KIRSTEN CUTSHALL
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KIRSTEN CUTSHALL (Mrs. Pearse & Parlor Maid) is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to theatre as part of this unique performance. She was last seen in close proximity with other actors in Buck Creek’s production of TRAP last fall. She was supposed to appear in the ensemble of ROSIE THE RIVETER this spring and hopes to officially add it to her credits once theatre can finally resume safely (and indoors). Other previous credits include Granny in INTO THE WOODS, Apostle Philip in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Antonia in MAN OF LA MANCHA. Kirsten is a graduate of Anderson University’s School of Music and supports her volunteer theatre profession as a barista and residential cleaner. When she’s not on a stage, she would normally spend her time in dance classes, other countries, and looking for her next acting opportunity. She would like to give a huge thank you to Mel and Ben for including her in this group of amazingly talented actors, her growing theatre family for making every show so much fun, and her lifelong family for their love and support.
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MATT SPURLOCK
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MATT SPURLOCK (Bystander/Sound Design & Operation) makes his return for another Buck Creek Players performance behind the scenes with Sound Design and Operation. Matt has been seen on stage at BCP in performances of 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 DISASTER THE MUSICAL, TRAP, FOUR OLD BROADS, among several others over the years. Thanks to Mel DeVito, Ben Jones, and Cathy Cutshall for giving me an opportunity to get back in my element. A huge thank you to Aaron Bailey for locating the Holy Grail of tailgate sound pieces! 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. |
PRODUCTION STAFF
CATHY CUTSHALL
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CATHY CUTSHALL (Producer) is very excited to be in the producer’s seat for this show! Cathy has had the pleasure of directing MAKING GOD LAUGH, along with IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, and TRAP! at Buck Creek Players, and ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST at Shelby County Players. Whether working as a director or costumer, on stage or behind-the-scenes, she has had the pleasure of working in theaters throughout Indiana and New Mexico at Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Association, and Albuquerque Little Theater. Favorite productions include SWEENEY TODD, PARADE, HONK!, CHICAGO, CITY OF ANGELS, ON THE TOWN, HELLO DOLLY, ANYTHING GOES, SINGING IN THE RAIN, SHENANDOAH, THE WIZARD OF OZ, SOUTH PACIFIC, and GYPSY. Cathy is an Encore winner for best costumes for DIRTY BLONDE and BONNIE & CLYDE: THE MUSICAL. In her free time Cathy enjoys reading, sewing, antique shopping, and spending time with family. |
MELISSA DEVITO
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MELISSA DEVITO (Co-Director) has a long history with Buck Creek Players. Along with being a board member, she has been a director, actor, producer, properties, set designer and decorator, among other things. Her latest project, directing ROSIE THE RIVETER, on hold due to the pandemic, so she was very excited to direct this dramatic reading of PYGMALION with Ben Jones. Besides enjoying all things community theater, Mel also enjoys camping, drag racing, sewing, and spending time with her family. |
BEN JONES
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BEN JONES (Co-Director) is so excited to make his Buck Creek Players directorial debut with Mel! Some of his past favorite roles include Eilert Loveborg in HEDDA GABLER, Professor Plumb in CLUE, Cornelius Hackel in THE MATCHMAKER, Thomas in MAKING GOD LAUGH, The Jester in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, and Christopher Wren in THE MOUSETRAP. Ben is also a proud board member here at BCP. Ben would like to thank his parents, grandmother, and family for all of their love and support. |
PRODUCTION CREW
Sound Design & Operation
MATT SPURLOCK
Media & Communications Committee Chairperson
GLORIA BRAY
Website Management
ROCCO FLORES & AARON BAILEY
Production Photographer
GARY W. NELSON | www.photoGary.net
Box Office Management
CHERYL KERN & AARON BAILEY
MATT SPURLOCK
Media & Communications Committee Chairperson
GLORIA BRAY
Website Management
ROCCO FLORES & AARON BAILEY
Production Photographer
GARY W. NELSON | www.photoGary.net
Box Office Management
CHERYL KERN & AARON BAILEY
SPECIAL THANKS
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AARON BAILEY
TRACY BRUNNER CATHY CUTSHALL MEL DEVITO RICK DEVITO SCOTT FLESHOOD |
ROCCO FLORES
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COMING UP NEXT!
STREAMING FOR TWO PERFORMANCES
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 AT 8:00 PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2020 AT 2:30 PM
WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION SOON!
Buck Creek Players productions are made possible thanks to the support of:
