ABOUT THE SHOW
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Buck Creek Players and Director Melissa DeVito are excited to announce their upcoming production of FLY BABIES: A Drama Where History Takes Off, by Rusty Harding.
It’s 1943. WWII is raging. Five young American women, all qualified pilots, lend their skills to the newly-created Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). Dotty, the wide-eyed farm girl; Peggy, the spoiled heiress; Pauline, the seasoned barnstormer; Hazel, the Asian-American who has already witnessed the horrors of war; and Mazy, the African-American fighting her own war against prejudice, come together on the desolate plains of west Texas, where they experience the challenge, the triumphs, and the tragedies of serving their country on the home front. And, they quickly discover not all battles are fought overseas. Buck Creek Players is pleased to continue our 48th season with this live event on our mainstage. Join us for the six live in-person performances at the playhouse starting Friday, April 1st and running through Sunday, April 10th. |
Presented by special arrangement with Heuer Publishing. (www.hitplays.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, April 1, 2022 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 8:00 PM Sunday, April 3, 2022 at 2:30 PM |
Friday, April 8, 2022 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 2:30 PM |
For everyone's safety, patrons are required to wear masks while inside the playhouse and throughout the performance.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
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SETTING
Hospital Room & Military Barracks
Present day and the 1940s
Present day and the 1940s
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
SABRINA DUPREY
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SABRINA DUPREY (Dorothy "Dotty" Moore/Lucy Powell) is excited to be participating in her first production at Buck Creek. She has performed in over 35 shows across Indiana. Favorite past roles include Mina in DRACULA, Hallie Jackson in THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, Maleficent in DESCENDANTS, Cecily in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, and Juliet in ROMEO & JULIET. Sabrina received her degree in Aviation Flight Technology, and when not onstage, works as a flight instructor. She is honored to be able to combine her interests with this show and help tell the stories of these brave female pilots. She’d like to thank her family for their support and director Melissa DeVito for the opportunity. |
CASS KNOWLING
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CASS KNOWLING (Pauline Yates) makes her debut with Buck Creek Players after not having acted on stage since High School. Some of her favorite roles include Ethel in MOON OVER BUFFALO & Ms. Darbus in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. This is her first ever community theatre production and she feels so honored that she gets to help tell this beautiful, powerful story. When not at work or on stage, Cass enjoys hanging out with friends and family, going out and dancing, photography & attending concerts. Cass would like to thank everyone in her life for their constant love and support and Melissa and Matt for giving her this opportunity! |
AUDREY DUPREY
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AUDREY DUPREY (Peggy Taylor) is excited to be a part of this show and help to tell the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). She has been involved with various theaters in Indiana for the past seven years. Some of her previous roles include Curly’s Wife in OF MICE AND MEN, Hero in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Brooke/Vicki in NOISES OFF, Witch in INTO THE WOODS, Nick Carraway in THE GREAT GATSBY, Ariel in THE TEMPEST, Anne Shirley in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, and Juror 10 in 12 ANGRY MEN. She will be going to Ball State to study Speech-Language Pathology in the fall. She hopes you enjoy the show! |
MARIA R MANALANG
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MARIA R MANALANG (Hazel Ying) immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1978. She is a program manager at the International Marketplace Coalition & Global Village Welcome Center and Director of Respiratory Therapy department in Greenwood Health Care. She is a Founder & Artistic director of SAYAW: Philippine Cultural Dance Company and Founder /Chair of Mabuhay! Philippine Cultural Community. Maria was a dancer & choreographer for IUPUI Moving Company (1989 – 1996) and one of the original dancers with Susurrus Dance Company (1990’s). Maria’s other passion is travel and has taken her to 35 countries and counting. Her goal is to travel to all 50 states of the U.S. Maria joined theater in high school as an extra in a musical. Her role as Hazel Ying Lee is her first major role and acting debut at Buck Creek Players.
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ALICIA SIMS
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ALICIA SIMS (Mazy Buford/Diane Greely) is making her second appearance at Buck Creek Players, after playing Kate in GOOD PEOPLE directed by Jim LaMonte. Owner and Managing Partner of Quad Solutions LLC and Founder of I Am Not Bulletproof, Inc., Alicia "The UnCuT Diamond" Sims has graced many stages as a lyricist, artist, playwright and director. As an advocate of equity, inclusion and diversity, Alicia is constantly looking for opportunities to influence culture in counterintuitive and counter cultural ways; such as FLY BABIES! In her spare time, she loves being a Gi-Gi to her grandson, mother to her four children ages 28, 22 (twins), 20, playing games and traveling! Alicia would like to thank her mother for always encouraging her to go after her dreams and everyone who came out to support the production! |
JOSH ROOKS
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JOSH ROOKS (Sgt. "Louis" Lewis) makes another return at Buck Creek Players after previously starting as Stevie in GOOD PEOPLE and as Tommy in ROSIE THE RIVETER. Josh got bit by the acting bug in high school and has loved being involved with the performing arts ever since. Josh is also a graduate of IUPUI with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences, a certificate in nutrition, and a minor in theatre. When not on stage, Josh can be found browsing through record shops in search of the next vinyl to add to his collection and playing his guitars. “Much love to my friends and family for their constant support; I couldn't do this without you guys.” |
SUE KUEHNHOLD
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SUE KUEHNHOLD (Jackie Cochran) enjoys participating in the community of theatre, both on-stage and behind the scenes. She holds a master’s degree in Drama/Theatre from the Ohio State University and a master’s in education from the University of Colorado at Denver, and after teaching for several years, made the shift to non-profit arts administration. Sue has participated in more than 100 stage productions teaching, directing, acting or administrating scholastically and organizationally including Busch Gardens, Walt Disney World, and the USO. Her career has kept her busy traveling which doesn’t allow time for a lot of on-stage roles, so she is able to fulfill her joy of the process by working backstage. Sue has designed/teched lighting and designed/built costumes for community and professional arts and pageantry companies across the nation. A few of Sue’s favorite past on-stage credits include MASH (Houlihan), CHRISTMAS BELLES (Rhonda Lynn), LARAMIE PROJECT (Reggie Fluty & ensemble), YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Essie), ADVISE & CONSENT (Senator August), MUSIC MAN (Zanita Shinn), and OKLAHOMA (Ado Annie). Sue is happy to be returning to the stage with Buck Creek Players and is grateful for the trust and patience of the cast and crew as she resharpens her acting tools.
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TOM SMITH
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TOM SMITH (Colonel Thomas Evans) has been very active in local theater productions over the past few years, he is particularly pleased to be back at Buck Creek in his fourth production, having previously performed in THE MATCHMAKER, THE UNEXPECTED GIFT, PYGMALION, and now FLY BABIES. Other favorite roles have been as Judge Taylor in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Booth Tarkington Civic Theater; Howard Bevins in PICNIC at the Westfield Playhouse; and Simon Stimson in OUR TOWN at the Belfry in Noblesville. What gives Tom particular pleasure in FLY BABIES is that he is performing with three of his very favorite and long known theater buddies: Sabrina Duprey, Audrey Duprey, and Logan Browning. Getting to know the rest of the cast is always fun for Tom and he thanks you for coming to our show! Tom is retired from the FBI and resides in Westfield.
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LOGAN BROWNING
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LOGAN BROWNING (Captain John Whitaker) is making his debut with Buck Creek Players after previously performing in Westfield Playhouse's OF MICE AND MEN as Carlson, and other productions in high school. Including BEAUTY AND THE BEAST as Cogsworth and THE CRUCIBLE as Giles Corey. Logan is currently a sophomore at Ball State University, studying Video Production and Screenwriting. There he also hosts an award winning radio show titled NATURALLY WIRED, where he blasts classic rock songs on multiple mornings and afternoons. He would like to thank all of his family and friends for their support throughout this process. |
SARAH LATIMER
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SARAH LATIMER (Dorothy "Dotty" Lewis) is thrilled to be returning to Buck Creek Players following her role as the Widow Van Dorn in THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW. Some of her favorite roles include 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, and Myra Bruhl in DEATHTRAP. She also had the pleasure of portraying “Beautisha”, a fun loving witch, for eight years at Conner Prairie’s annual Headless Horseman Event. She is looking forward to her involvement this year with The Black Hat Society of Historic Irvington, a nonprofit social group of theatrical witches participating in community events and charities within the Irvington area. She would like to thank her husband, Tim, as well as family and friends for their loving support. |
COPYRIGHT LAWS PROHIBIT ALL UNAUTHORIZED PHOTOGRAPHY,
AUDIO, OR VIDEO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION.
PRODUCTION STAFF
GLORIA BRAY
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GLORIA BRAY (Producer) was most recently seen on the BCP stage in the world premiere production of BANANAS! Gloria is excited to resume her role behind the scenes producing after most recently assisting with ROSIE THE RIVETER (picking up where we left off before the pandemic halted rehearsals) and running lights for TRAP at BCP. Some memorable on-stage roles have been Ruthie in MAKING GOD LAUGH and Dolly Gallagher Levi in THE MATCHMAKER, both at BCP. Gloria is also honored to serve on the Board of Directors and planning for the future success of BCP. Having participated in productions at various theaters around the area, it is wonderful to part of the larger theater community here. A big thank you to everyone supporting this production and community theater in Indianapolis. |
MELISSA DEVITO
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MELISSA DEVITO (Director & Properties) is happy to be back in the director's chair for FLY BABIES after recently directing ROSIE THE RIVETER at Buck Creek Players this past fall. While active in many aspects of community theater (acting, directing, properties, costuming, etc.), directing has become her passion. In the past Melissa has directed THE MATCHMAKER, A FEW GOOD MEN, and MASH to name a few, all at BCP. When not at the theater, Melissa loves to drag race with her husband, camping, hanging out with her granddaughters Ellie and Blake. |
MATT SPURLOCK
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MATT SPURLOCK (Assistant Director & Sound Design) has become a staple in productions at Buck Creek. Matt has been seen on the BCP stage in productions of THE MATCHMAKER, THE RAINMAKER, MAKING GOD LAUGH, and BANANAS. Outside of BCP, Matt played in Missing Link and was the Butler in CLUE. Matt spends a good deal of his time at BCP working as a sound designer. Just a few of the productions Matt has designed sound for include TRAP (Encore award winner for best sound design), DOGFIGHT, DISASTER: THE MUSICAL, BANANAS, AFTER THE FAIR, and FOUR OLD BROADS. Most recently, Matt supported the productions of PYGMALION and the LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW. Matt is pleased to be working as Assistant Director with Mel DeVito as he prepares for his Directorial debut in the 2023 production of ARE YOU BEING SERVED? In his spare time, Matt is attending full-time coursework towards earning a PhD in Organizational Leadership.
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LAUREN E. RUDDICK
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LAUREN E. RUDDICK (Production Assistant - Intern/Nurse/Stage Manager) comes back to Buck Creek Players after operating sound for SLEEPY HOLLOW last October. As a University of Indianapolis student, some of her favorite shows that she has been doing sound for include FOUR OLD BROADS, DISASTER! and SLEEPY HOLLOW. By day, Lauren works at her college in the theatre department throughout the week and her night job at Cheddars through the weekend. When not working on or for the stage, Lauren can be found preparing for her next meeting as the President of the Junior Board and reading plays for the planning committee. Next up, Lauren is looking forward to being the sound designer for LITTLE WOMEN and many other shows in the upcoming season.
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TYLER RILEY
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TYLER RILEY (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be participating in his first production with Buck Creek Players. He has performed in several other plays, ranging from children's theater in high school to community theater. His favorite past roles include Razoul in DISNEYS ALADDIN JR, Reverend Arthur Humphrey in The British Comedy SEE HOW THEY RUN, Aide Williams in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST, and Walter Waldgrave in THE NERD. He is currently a school bus driver for Franklin Township Schools. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support. |
AARON B. BAILEY
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AARON B. BAILEY (Set Design & Technical Director) has been active with theater since 1999. He can most often be found behind the scenes roles including technical directing, technical crew, lighting design & crew, facilities management, and assisting in the box office. Most recently Aaron served as producer for GOOD PEOPLE and welcomed the talented director Jim LaMonte to BCP. Buck Creek Player’s audiences have enjoyed Aaron’s handiwork for the past 22 years, with FLY BABIES marking his 57th show for BCP. Aaron has been awarded multiple Encore Awards for set design, technical direction, set decoration, and lighting design. Throughout his involvement with the playhouse, Aaron has served on the Board of Directors, where he is currently the Treasurer. |
CATHY CUTSHALL
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CATHY CUTSHALL (Costumes) is excited to be costuming once again after having most recently directed IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, A LIVE RADIO PLAY for the holidays, and having costumed our production of ROSIE THE RIVETER. Cathy has had the pleasure of directing MIRACLE ON 34th STREET: A LIVE MUSICAL RADIO PLAY, TRAP!, MAKING GOD LAUGH, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, A LIVE RADIO PLAY (2017), 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, and FOUR OLD BROADS. 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. In her free time Cathy enjoys reading, sewing, antique shopping, and spending time with family. Up next, Cathy will be directing our June production of LITTLE WOMEN, the Broadway Musical. “I’d like to thank my family for their constant love and support, and for letting me have time to play." |
BRIAN NOFFKE
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BRIAN NOFFKE (Lighting Design & Operator) is thrilled to bring light to this incredible story! Previous BCP credits include THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, CHARLEY’S AUNT, PROMISES/PROMISES, IT’S A WONDEFUL LIFE-RADIO PLAY and GOOD PEOPLE. Brian is an award-winning actor, director and designer. Favorite Lighting Designs include: MISS SAIGON, TWO ROOMS, I HATE HAMLET, MAN OF LAMANCHA, THE SECRET GARDEN, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, CAROUSEL, ASSASSINS, CABARET, DEATH AND THE MAIDEN, TRUE WEST, A STEADY RAIN, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, LES MISERABLES and JEKYLL & HYDE, to name a few! You can see Brian next as Mr. Laurence in LITTLE WOMEN-THE MUSICAL, lighting 13-THE MUSICAL and directing A CHRISTMAS STORY-THE MUSICAL, all here at BCP. Enjoy this wonderful play!
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NICKIE CORNETT
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NICKIE CORNETT (Sound Board Operator) is excited to return to the booth as the sound board operator for FLY BABIES. She has been involved with Buck Creek Players in many capacities on and off the stage since 2017. When she isn't on stage, 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. |
PRODUCTION CREW
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Light Board Operator
BRIAN NOFFKE Sound Board Operator NICKIE CORNETT Stage Manager LAUREN E. RUDDICK Assistant Stage Manager TYLER RILEY |
Website Management
ROCCO FLORES & AARON BAILEY Production Photographer & Videographer GARY W. NELSON | www.photoGary.net Box Office Management AARON BAILEY & NICKIE CORNETT |
SPECIAL THANKS
Home Respiratory Services
Tracy Brunner
Brian Noffke
Indy Ghost Light Photography
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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RUSTY HARDING is a Dallas, Texas writer. He is the author of two published novels: INSTRUMENT OF DARKNESS and MURPHY'S LAW (The Fiction Works); and the stage plays: THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOMER, ROMEO & WHAT'S HER NAME (Heuer Publishing), and NEVER CALL ME A LADY (Brooklyn Publishers). He has also optioned two screenplays: INSTRUMENT OF DARKNESS, and NEVERMORE, with Misty Mountain Productions. He is also a member of the Lunatic Theatre Company of Richardson, Texas, and, together with Lunatic Theatre Company, recently completed working on a stage play about the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of WWII, entitled FLY BABIES. |
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:
