ABOUT THE SHOW
Our 50th Season and Our Two Hundred and Thirty-Eighth Production!
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Buck Creek Players and Director Sam Brown are excited to announce their upcoming production of DAD'S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE by Pat Cook. Connor Murphy wants a go-cart for Christmas in the worst way. And judging from his report card just before vacation, that's just how he sets out to get it. Hysterical situations abound in this loving memory of Yuletide charm, where it’s up to Dad to perform the impossible by Christmas morning. Buck Creek Players is pleased to continue our 50th season with this live event on our mainstage. Join us for the nine live in-person performances at the playhouse starting Friday, December 1st and running through Sunday, December 17th. |
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing (www.dramaticpublishing.com)
Parental Guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for small children.
Performance Dates & Times
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Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 7:30 PM Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 2:30 PM |
Friday, December 8, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 7:30 PM Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 2:30 PM |
Friday, December 15, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 2:30 PM |
CAST OF CHARACTERS
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SETTING
The living room of the Murphy household. The 1950s.
HELP SUPPORT THIS PRODUCTION
Tickets only cover a portion of the costs to produce this show.
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
SPENCER BLAND
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SPENCER BLAND (Conner Murphy) has been an entertainer from the moment he learned there was an audience to be captured. He was quite small when he saw the happiness he could bring with connection through dance, jokes, or a simple conversation. He joined the Franklin Township Community School Corp Junior Thespian Troop in 2021, after he performed in the troop’s rendition of FRACTURED FAIRY TALES. Since that time he has become an inducted member of the troop and currently holds a leadership position. He has continued to act with the troop in several lead and supporting roles, has performed as a member of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and his junior high show choir, Vocal Velocity. He is a big fan of Marvel, Dungeons and Dragons, bike riding, rollercoasters, friends and is thrilled to be working with all the talented individuals here at Buck Creek Playhouse.
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JACOB BUSH
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JACOB BUSH (Neil Garner) is 11 years old, in 6th grade, and is homeschooled. He is very excited to be in this show. This is his third show. His favorite part he's played was Mickey in I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS at Hendrick's Civic Theatre. Jacob plays travel baseball for BAM. His hobbies include playing legos and video games. Jacob hopes you enjoy the show!
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SPENCER PIPKIN
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SPENCER PIPKIN (Tate Taggart) is making his debut with Buck Creek Players as Tater in DAD'S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE. Spencer is a 5th grader at New Palestine Intermediate School. He loves playing soccer and football, hanging with his friends, playing video games, and making inventions. He was Hamilton in our Mother's Day musical at North United Methodist Church called DOG DOOF! He has participated in KidsPlay theater for 2 years and has been a clown, boogeyman, and a prince! He also was in Children's theater production of HOT ROD as a grease monkey. He loves to make people laugh and loves all things theater! He comes from a family of 8 who all have acted and love theater.
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MARIE MCNELIS
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MARIE MCNELIS (Miss McLaughlin) is thrilled to be working again at the Buck Creek Theater. After a long hiatus from acting, Marie began acting again at Buck Creek Players in 37 POSTCARDS. During this return to the theater, she has also acted in LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER, GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER, GOING TO A PLACE WHERE YOU ALREADY ARE, BANANAS, SMALL GODS, BIG PROBLEMS, CHIRSTMAS EXPRESS, OUR TOWN, MY THREE ANGELS, and CRITICS CHOICE. She is thankful for all the support from directors, family, and friends while pursuing her passion for acting.
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MATTHEW BUSH
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MATTHEW BUSH (Dad) is a husband and father. This is his first performance at Buck Creek Players. He has been seen in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, GEORGE WASHINGTON SLEPT HERE, OLIVER!, NOISES OFF, and A CHRISTMAS STORY. This is the fourth show where he has had the opportunity to participate with one of his children.
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MEGAN SLOCUM
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MEGAN SLOCUM (Mother) is making her debut at Buck Creek Players, after a decade long hiatus from the stage. Her most recent role was Nurse in ANTIGONE. By day, Megan works as a banquet chef at the J.W. Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. When she's not at work, Megan enjoys crafting (including cross-stitching and making jewelry); as well as playing board games and video games with her husband and daughter.
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WESLEY OLIN
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WESLEY OLIN (Frank Murphy) is excited to return to the stage at Buck Creek Players in DAD'S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE. He was last seen in THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW. Notable roles include Kristoff in FROZEN, The Mad Hatter in ALICE IN WONDERLAND, and Michael Wormwood in MATILDA. When not on stage, Wes can be found flying airplanes and reading books. He would like to thank his family for continuously supporting and encouraging him.
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BROOKE DENNIS (Jessica Murphy) is thrilled to be taking the stage at Buck Creek Players for the third time. She most recently appeared as Nora Morton in BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS at Buck Creek Players. Throughout her 8 years of participating in community theatre, Brooke has had the opportunity to play many parts on stage, her favorites including Rapunzel in RAPUNZEL and Edna/Ensemble in ROSIE THE RIVETER. She has also played many parts off stage, including co-writing four original plays and directing two one-act productions. Whenever she's not on stage, Brooke can be found making films or writing stories. Next up, Brooke will be playing the role of Amanda in MOON OVER THE BREWERY here at Buck Creek Players. As always, Brooke would like to thank everyone who supports her in her creative pursuits.
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JOSIE JOYNER
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JOSIE JOYNER (Madelyn) is thrilled to make her Buck Creek Players debut with this show! You may have seen her as Claire Ganz in Greenfield Central's production of RUMORS, or on the stage for show choir. Josie would like to thank her friends and family for helping her with lines and for driving out of their way to see her, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
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SARAH LATIMER
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SARAH LATIMER (Harriet) is thrilled to be returning to Buck Creek Players following her role as Abby Borden in LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL CREEK. Sarah is thankful for her involvement with many community theaters throughout Indianapolis and surrounding areas through the years. A few of Sarah's favorite roles have included Beth Jarrett in ORDINARY PEOPLE (along with Nomination and Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama by the Encore Association), M’Lynn in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Sunny Jacobs in THE EXONERATED, as well as Myra Bruhl in DEATHTRAP. By day Sarah is "semi-retired", continuing to work part-time at Franciscan Alliance. Sarah enjoys camping and hiking with her family, geocaching, and gardening. Sarah also enjoys her involvement with groups and studies at her church, Brookville Road Community Church. Sarah would like to thank her husband, Tim, as well as family and friends for their support and encouragement.
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TONY BRAZELTON
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TONY BRAZELTON (Narrator/Adult Conner) eats peanut butter and pork rind sandwiches. You should try it before you judge him. Tony's acting career includes plays at Buck Creek Players, usually around Christmas time. You may have seen him in THE GAME'S AFOOT or IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Or you may have seen him at Meijer buying pork rinds - the fluffy kind. By day, Tony designs and teaches training workshops on leadership and communication skills. When not at work or on stage, he shops for Crocs. Tony would like to thank his wife Tara for encouraging him to leave the house.
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COPYRIGHT LAWS PROHIBIT ALL UNAUTHORIZED PHOTOGRAPHY,
AUDIO, OR VIDEO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION.
PRODUCTION STAFF
CATHY CUTSHALL
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CATHY CUTSHALL (Producer) is thrilled to be a part of the staff bringing BCP’s third production of our 50th season to life! Cathy has had the pleasure of directing LITTLE WOMEN, The Broadway Musical, MIRACLE ON 34th STREET: A LIVE MUSICAL RADIO PLAY, TRAP!, MAKING GOD LAUGH, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, A LIVE RADIO PLAY (2017 and 2021), and BANANAS at Buck Creek Players, as well as ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST at Shelby County Players. Cathy is also an Encore winner for best costumes for DIRTY BLONDE, BONNIE & CLYDE THE MUSICAL, FOUR OLD BROADS and FLY BABIES. 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 SORDID LIVES, 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. In her free time Cathy enjoys reading, sewing, antique shopping, and spending time with family.
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BEN JONES
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BEN JONES (Production Assistant/Wigs) is thrilled to return to the production side of Buck Creek Players having most recently served as director for SORDID LIVES and THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL. Ben was last seen on stage as Mr. Humphries in ARE YOU BEING SERVED? and Professor Baher in LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL. Some of his other favorite productions include: THE MATCHMAKER, MAKING GOD LAUGH, MASH, CLUE, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, and HELLO DOLLY. Ben serves on the Board of Directors for Buck Creek Players.
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SAM BROWN
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SAM BROWN (Director) Sam has most recently been onstage with Horizon Hillside Theater Company in SEVEN KEYS TO BALDPATE, Carmel Community Players in THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940, and Hendricks Civic Theater in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. He has previously directed three Christmas plays: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE at the Belfry; THE HOMECOMING, THE WALTONS' CHRISTMAS at Westfield Playhouse; and DAD'S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE at Ricks Weil Theatre Company, and he assistant directed THE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS with Epilogue Players. He would like to thank his wife, Tabatha, for all of her love and support, and he would like to thank Buck Creek Players for giving him the opportunity to direct this show again.
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SUSANNE BUSH
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SUSANNE BUSH (Set Decoration & Painting) is thrilled to be working with Buck Creek Players again! Susanne has been super involved with community theatre over the past 7 years, volunteering in all sorts of capacities. Some of her favorite shows she's been a part of are NOISES OFF, LIZZIE BORDEN, A CHRISTMAS STORY, and GAME'S AFOOT. She most recently won Encore Awards for her set decoration in LIZZIE BORDEN and GAME'S AFOOT. By day, Susanne homeschools her two younger kids and owns her own clothing resale business. She hopes you enjoy the show!
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TYLER K. RILEY
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TYLER K. RILEY (Lighting Designer/Light & Sound Board Operator) is thrilled about joining the production staff and designing the lights for this Christmas show. Tyler will also be running the light board and sound board. His is 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 has been involved with community theater, somehow, since 2015 starting with acting on stage to most recently finding a passion with showing his creativity in designing lights. He has designed lights for Shelby County Players young audience production of CINDERELLA. He will be designing the lights for the next show MOON OVER THE BREWERY. Tyler has been a school bus driver for four years and currently drives for Shelby Eastern Schools! A very special thank you goes out to Sam Brown and Cathy Cutshall for asking him to help with lights! It's been a Pleasure!
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MATT SPURLOCK
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MATTHEW SPURLOCK (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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PRODUCTION CREW
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Technical Director & Set Construction
Rich Laudeman Stage Crew Jim Deal and Beni Veg Spot Light Operator Isabella Stagnolia |
Website Management
AARON BAILEY Box Office Management NICKIE CORNETT & AARON BAILEY Production Photography Indy Ghost Light |
BCP is a non-profit organization
Please consider supporting our efforts to ensure live theater in Franklin Township
SPECIAL THANKS
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Nicole Stagnolia
Indiana Repertory Theatre Susanne Bush |
Rich Laudeman
Georgeanna Teipen Candy Canes donated in Memory of Cheryl Kern |
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PAT COOK
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PAT COOK got his first taste of seeing his work in print when he was still in high school in Frankston, Texas, writing for the school paper. During the summers, he wrote a column for his hometown newspaper. It wasn't until college, however, when he saw the movie version of Neil Simon's THE ODD COUPLE, that he decided to try his hand at writing plays. His first one-act, THE BOYS IN THE HALLS, was produced at Lon Morris Junior College in Jacksonville, Texas, in 1968. After moving to Houston in 1970, he found other writing assignments at AstroWorld, educational radio, nightclubs and local television. His first published play was REST IN PEACE (Dramatic Publishing, 1976). Still, writing was only a sideline along with several other odd jobs. However, more plays got published, and along the way his wife Rose Ann taught him the joys of using a computer. This, coupled with his conviction to drop everything else and write full time, proved to be a turning point in his life. He now has more than 140 published plays by nine publishers; several of these have been translated into Dutch and German. |
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:
