BUCK CREEK PLAYERS | Providing Quality Community Theatre for Over 40 Years!

ABOUT THE SHOW

Buck Creek Players, Director Cathy Cutshall, and Musical Director Jill Stewart are excited to announce full casting for their upcoming production of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A Live Musical Radio Play, adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast by Lance Arthur Smith, with original songs and arrangements by Jon Lorenz.

The heartwarming holiday classic retold in the tradition of a live 1940's era radio broadcast. When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case goes all the way to the Supreme Court. Watch the miracle unfold in this iconic story, as a little girl's belief makes all the difference. Staged with live Foley effects and a score of favorite holiday tunes, Miracle on 34th Street is sure to melt even the most cynical heart.

Buck Creek Players is pleased to offer live entertainment this holiday season, with this view from home event. Join us from the comfort of your own home and stream the holiday classic, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A Live Musical Radio Play, Saturday, December 12th at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, December 13th at 2:30 PM.

This production will be streamed via ShowTix4U. For the safety of our patrons, cast, and staff, there will be no in-person performances available of this production.

Originally commissioned and produced by San Diego Musical Theatre. Presented by special arrangement with Stage Rights (www.stagerights.com)

CAST

RON PITTMAN

RON PITTMAN (Kristopher Van Lisburg as Kris Kringle) is happy to return to the stage of Buck Creek Players. He appeared several years ago in the BCP production of THE MATCHMAKER in the role of Rudolf. Recently he has appeared in the Center Stage Community Theater Production of DON’T DRINK THE WATER in the role of Father Drobney and in the Epilogue Players' Production of OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS in the role of Nunzio. He teaches Spanish and English Language Learners and volunteers with Trusted Mentors, Child Advocates, and the Indiana Reading Information Service. He is most proud of winning acting awards at Clarksville Little Theater and Epilogue Players and also receiving nominations from the Encore Association of Indianapolis. Ron would like to thank the audience members for their support of community theater!

ELLIE BENNETT

ELLIE BENNETT (Cordelia Ragsdale as Doris Walker) is excited to rejoin live theatre. As the 2019 recipient of the Blaine Jarrett Memorial Scholarship she is grateful for the support provided by the committee and all who loved him. This makes her debut with Buck Creek Players extra special! Ellie is currently on a COVID gap year from Northern Kentucky University where she is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre candidate. Her NKU productions have included Anfisa in THREE SISTERS, Queen Scout in THE NEW STUDENT SHOWCASE and DANCE ‘20. Prior to attending NKU Ellie was very involved in musicals and the choir program at Franklin Community High School. Some of her favorite roles were Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID and Morticia in THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL. While these times are extremely challenging Ellie is very grateful for the many blessings and opportunities that taking a gap year has provided. She is currently working as an intermediate school special education assistant and is an assistant director for the FCHS musical revue. Having the opportunity to perform with BCP is the icing on the cake!

LILY CARLSTEDT

LILY CARLSTEDT (Gracie DeMarco as Susan Walker) is proud to be making her debut performance with Buck Creek Players. Recent favorite shows include ANNIE at The Orchard School, 15 REASONS NOT TO BE IN A PLAY with Christian Youth Theater (CYT), and SUESSICAL THE MUSICAL at Butler University. Lily is a 10-year-old, 5th grade student at The Orchard School. Lily enjoys singing, writing, reading and playing with her dog Indy Anna.

MATTHEW BLANDFORD

MATTHEW BLANDFORD (Grady Williams as Fred Gailey) is excited to return to Buck Creek Players for the holiday season! Previously seen at BCP as Freddie Eynsford-Hill in PYGMALION, Matthew has been active in community theatre for about a year and has also recently portrayed 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. He has also been previously cast as John Stanley in the currently-postponed ROSIE THE RIVETER at BCP. 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, and he hopes this show can bring a bit of joy and light this holiday season!

CLAY MILLER

CLAY MILLER (Wallace Ainsley as Various Characters) makes his debut with Buck Creek Players after moving back to Indianapolis from the Cleveland Area! Clay was born and raised in Pendleton, IN and just graduated with his BFA in Musical Theatre from Kent State University. His favorite credits include Tribe in HAIR (Kent State), Storyteller/ Noah u/s in CHILDREN OF EDEN (Kent State), Brad in HAIRSPRAY (The Barn Theatre), Guard/Male Swing in MAN OF LA MANCHA (Porthouse Theatre). Clay enjoys road trips, New Girl, and above all else sweet tea! He would like to thank BCP for providing a beacon of light in this dark time for the theatre community and his parents for their love and support!

JENNIFER POYNTER

JENNIFER POYNTER (Olivia Glatt as Various Characters) is so excited to return to Buck Creek Players after playing the role of Shelby last Christmas in CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Other favorite past roles include Woman 1 in ALMOST, MAINE, Bunny in IN-LAWS, OUTLAWS, AND OTHER PEOPLE: THAT SHOULD BE SHOT, and Robert Anne in NUNSENSE 2. By day she works at IU Health as a Quality Expert. She would like to thank her husband Mike and daughter Keira, along with her family and friends for always supporting her love of theater.

JASON RYAN

JASON RYAN (Alex Mialdo as Announcer/Foley Artist) is delighted to be back at BCP to be a part of this joyous holiday production after most recently dying on stage in the award winning DISASTER! here at BCP. With a degree in Communications from The University of Southern Indiana, he spends his normal working hours as an Emcee, DJ, and Sales Manager for AMS Entertainment. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family & friends including his wife and their two beautiful daughters. Jason would like to thank the Coronavirus pandemic for freeing up his crazy hectic work schedule to allow him to be in this production.

PRODUCTION STAFF

SCOTT FLESHOOD

SCOTT FLESHOOD (Producer) has been involved in numerous productions with many different theatres over the past 25 years. He has performed with the Old National Road Players, Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, Footlite Musicals, Ball State University Opera, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and Buck Creek Players. Scott most recently directed CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS at BCP. Scott also co-directed Riley Children’s Theatre for two seasons. He is a past Encore and Emmy award nominee, and has appeared in various commercials for radio and television. Scott is the former Co-Host of PBS magazine television series, “Indiana Outdoors.”

CATHY CUTSHALL

CATHY CUTSHALL (Director) is very excited to be directing BCP’s holiday production! Cathy has had the pleasure of directing TRAP!, MAKING GOD LAUGH, and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at Buck Creek Players, as well as, 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, BONNIE & CLYDE: THE MUSICAL, and FOUR OLD BROADS. In her free time Cathy enjoys reading, sewing, antique shopping, and spending time with family. “I’d like to thank my family for their constant love and support, and for letting me have time to play.

JILL STEWART

JILL STEWART (Music Director) is not a stranger to BCP. A Butler grad, she most recently music directed for DISASTER: THE MUSICAL. Jill has also worked on many other BCP shows including, BONNIE AND CLYDE, ASSASSINS, THE RINK, and DOGFIGHT. She also enjoys playing keyboard/piano in the orchestra at Footlite Musicals and Mud Creek, including shows such as, LEGALLY BLONDE, SISTER ACT, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Jill works as a choir director at Mt. Vernon Middle School in Fortville, IN and also as the pianist at UUI. In her spare time, she enjoys playing music with her husband, Ron, and playing fetch with her puppy, Buster.

MELISSA DEVITO

MELISSA DEVITO (Properties) 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, is on hold due to the pandemic. In the meantime, she recently co-directed the outdoor staged 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.

MATT SPURLOCK

MATT SPURLOCK (Sound) returns 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 PYGMALION, DISASTER: THE MUSICAL, TRAP, FOUR OLD BROADS, among several others over the years. Thanks to Cathy Cutshall for giving me an opportunity continue in my element. 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 CREW

Media & Communications Committee Chairperson
GLORIA BRAY

Website Management
ROCCO FLORES & AARON BAILEY

Production Photographer & Videographer
GARY W. NELSON | www.photoGary.net

Box Office Management
CHERYL KERN & AARON BAILEY

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

LANCE ARTHUR SMITH

LANCE ARTHUR SMITH received his BA in Theatre with concentrations in Writing and Acting at the University of New Mexico under Emmy-winning writer Digby Wolfe (Laugh-In). His interstitial musical shorts appeared in the first three years of the University's Dionysus In The Round festival of one acts, and his plays True Blue and Brushing The Center (co-written with Phillip Hughes) were produced there.
Commissions include The Price of Peace (New Village Arts) and Miracle On 34th Street (San Diego Musical Theatre). His play The Two Wisemen Of Las Cruces was a Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Semifinalist and Princess Grace Award Semifinalist.
Head Writer of the sci-fi pilot ORBITAL BROADCAST ONE for TFK/Wavebreaking, he also appeared as a series regular alongside Star Trek veterans George Takei, Walter Koenig, and Tim Russ.
His book Princess Geek was recently published, a non-fiction account of parenting a girl in the age of geek chic.

JON LORENZ

JON LORENZ is a composer, lyricist, arranger and playwright from San Diego. His musical Alice was selected for the ASCAP/Disney Musical Theater Workshop and optioned by NBC/Universal Live Theatricals. He co-created the award-winning hit 80s musical revue Mixtape, named San Diego’s longest running homegrown musical by the San Diego Union Tribune. Oz, An American Musical Fairy Tale received five Craig Noel Award nominations from the San Diego Critic’s Circle.
Commissions include Miracle On 34th Street and Pump Up The Volume: A 90s-Palooza, for San Diego Musical Theatre.
His original score for Wit (Lamb’s Players) was nominated for a Craig Noel Award. His musicals for young performers are produced nationally and available through Russell House. Since 2007, he’s been the lead composer/arranger for Lamb’s Players’ Festival Of Christmas, creating over 40 critically acclaimed original holiday songs and arrangements. An album of select holiday material is available on iTunes.

SPECIAL THANKS

COMING SOON!