ABOUT THE SHOW
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Buck Creek Players and Director Ben Jones are excited to announce their upcoming production of LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER, by Tim Kelly.
The Lizzie Borden case is without parallel in the criminal history of America. It divided public opinion as no murder trial had ever done. Did the strong-willed, intelligent Lizzie dispatch her father and stepmother with an axe one fateful August morning, or was she the innocent victim of circumstance? Why was the evidence that would help prove Lizzie innocent withheld? Who is lying and who is telling the truth? Why do so many rush to her defense and so many others want her punished? This combination of drama, mystery, suspense-thriller will keep you guessing right up to the final scene. Buck Creek Players is pleased to kick-off our 49th season with this live event on our mainstage. Join us for the six live in-person performances at the playhouse starting Friday, August 5th and running through Sunday, August 14th. |
Presented by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service. (www.pioneerdrama.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, August 5, 2022 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 8:00 PM Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 2:30 PM - SOLD OUT |
Friday, August 12, 2022 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 8:00 PM Sunday, August 14, 2022 at 2:30 PM - SOLD OUT |
CAST OF CHARACTERS
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SETTING
Living room of the Borden family
Fall River, Massachusetts
1890's
Fall River, Massachusetts
1890's
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
RENEE WHITEN LOPEZ
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RENEE WHITEN LOPEZ (Lizzie Borden) is thrilled to be making her debut at Buck Creek Players, particularly after having taken a long hiatus from theatre. Renee received her degree in Theatre Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU), where she performed professionally in the IWU Summer Theatre Season as Olivia in THE CHALK GARDEN and as Kate in BEDROOM FARCE. Some of her favorite roles as a student at IWU include Penny in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, Hannah in ARCADIA, Rebecca Nurse in THE CRUCIBLE, and Agatha in THE CHILDREN’S HOUR. Locally, Renee has performed in several community theatre productions, including as Anne Frank in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, Izzy in CROSSING DELANCY, and Annelle in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, all at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre. In addition, she performed as Gloriana in THE MOUSE THAT ROARED and Claire in SIEGE AT MACMASTER’S STATION, both at Wesley Community Theatre. She was the winner of the Prelude Award Scholarship in Theatre Arts in Indianapolis and named as an Irene Ryan Award Semi-Finalist for her role as Penny in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU at IWU. By day, she is an accountant at Corner Management, and enjoys spending her free time reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support and encouragement to get back into acting!
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TIM LATIMER
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TIM LATIMER (Andrew Borden) is thrilled to be performing at Buck Creek again after having performed in A FEW GOOD MEN, NUTS, THE RAINMAKERA. His acting resume includes performances at several theaters throughout central Indiana, a handful of Encore Award nominations, a few TV commercials and most recently his first film (set to be released this summer). Tim is a retired history teacher and now works part time for Ivy Tech Community College. He would like to thank Directors Ben Jones and Francie Mitchaner for casting him in this captivating true story. He would also like to thank his outstanding cast mates, wife Sarah, as well as the lights, sound, and construction crews for all their hard work and dedication. At the end of the play Tim wants to know…do you think Lizzie “did it”?
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AMELIA TRYON
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AMELIA TRYON (Bridget Sullivan) is thrilled to be back on stage after a 17-year hiatus. This is her first production at Buck Creek Players, having previously been seen in productions at Edyvean Theatre at CTS, Footlite Musicals, Webster Groves Theatre Guild in St. Louis, MO, and North Central High School. Favorite past roles include Luisa in THE FANTASTICKS, Tzeitel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Glinda in THE WIZARD OF OZ. By day, she does outreach work for an education nonprofit, and in her free time she enjoys crafting, thrift store shopping, and swimming with her 8-year-old son, Julian (Love you, baby!). She would like to dedicate her performance to the memory of her best friend, Maurice “MoMix” Murphy, whose light shone brightly on Broadway stages and in the lives of everyone who knew him.
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SARAH LATIMER
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SARAH LATIMVER (Abby Borden) is thrilled to be returning to Buck Creek Players following her role as Dotty in FLY BABIES. A few of her favorite roles include Beth Jarrett in ORDINARY PEOPLE (Encore Award Best Actress), 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 would like to thank Directors Ben Jones and Francie Mitchaner for casting her in this memorable piece of history. Sarah would also like to say thank you to all her castmates, tech crew, and husband Tim for their support. This story will definitely leave you thinking.
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RACHEL BUSH
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RACHEL BUSH (Emma Borden) is super excited to be back with Buck Creek Players after portraying MJ in last fall's production of ROSIE THE RIVETER and assistant directing LITTLE WOMEN earlier this summer. Having first fallen in love with theatre when she was eleven, Rachel has performed in around seventeen productions in the past five years. Some of her favorite roles include Grace Fryer in RADIUM GIRLS, Margaret Dashwood in SENSE & SENSIBILITY, and Alice in ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Though her main passion has always been acting, Rachel is also super involved in the backstage aspects of theatre. Currently she serves as the Chairman of the Basile Westfield Playhouse Youth Advisory Council and recently directed and performed in their 24-Hour Theatre Festival. In her free time Rachel enjoys drawing, watching old movies, and crocheting. She would like to thank her amazing family for their unwavering support, her best friend Brooke for always being there for her, and all the other amazing people in her life! She hopes you enjoy this killer show!
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CYRENA KNIGHT
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CYRENA KNIGHT (Aunt Vinnie) is excited to be making her debut with Buck Creek Players. This is her first time performing in a play, though Cyrena appeared in the chorus of Anderson’s Mainstage’s productions of BYE, BYE, BIRDIE (March 2022) and JEKYLL & HYDE (October 2019). She is a self-proclaimed theater nerd and an avid reader who enjoys volunteering with various organizations throughout Central Indiana. In her day job, Cyrena is an accountant in Indianapolis. As always, Cyrena would like to thank her family and friends for their constant love and support. She especially would like to thank her parents for raising her to be brave enough to try and do anything.
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JOSH ROOKS
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JOSH ROOKS (Sousa) is excited to be back on the Buck Creek Players stage. Most recently, Josh had the privilege of playing Detective Rubin in the world premier of THE AMBUSH at the Carmel Apprentice Theatre. Other credits include Sergeant “Louie” Lewis in FLY BABIES, Stevie in GOOD PEOPLE, Tommy in ROSIE THE RIVETER, Rob in THE BOOK CLUB PLAY, Captain Robert Falcon Scott in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, Munchkin Mayor and Props in OZ, Clayhorn in AND THEN THERE WAS ONE, FBI Agent Bill Cod in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, Reuben in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and Doctor/Ensemble in CHICAGO. Josh is a graduate of IUPUI with a degree in health sciences, certificate in nutrition, and minor in theatre. When not on stage, Josh can be seen adding more vinyl records to his growing collection, playing his guitars, and singing his heart out at concerts around Indy. “The stage can be a wonderful partner in the journey of self-discovery.”
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CASS KNOWLING
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CASS KNOWLING (Alice) is excited to be back at Buck Creek Players after having made her debut in FLY BABIES just a few months ago! After having not acted since High School, Cass is super honored she gets to share the stage with such talented and lovely people. Some of her favorite roles include Ethel in MOON OVER BUFFALO & Pauline Yates in FLY BABIES. 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 for this crazy dream of hers! Enjoy the show, it' killer ;-)
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MATT TRGOVAC
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MATT TRGOVAC (Reverend Jubb) is extremely excited to be back on the stage for his Buck Creek debut! Most recently a director at Center Stage Community Theatre in Lebanon, directing THE LARAMIE PROJECT (2019 Encore Judges Special Award Winner), DON'T DRINK THE WATER (2020), and VISITING MR. GREEN (2022). Favorite roles include Jedadiah Shultz in THE LARAMIE PROJECT, Amos in THE RUNNER STUMBLES, and Curtis in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. When not doing theatre Matt loves telling bad dad jokes, traveling, spending time with his cats Larry and Gary as well as his dog Mary. He wishes to thank his husband Frank and great friends and family for their continuing support. Enjoy the show!
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LEA ELLINGWOOD
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LEA ELLINGWOOD (Mrs. Churchill) returns to Buck Creek Players after making her debut as Martha in ROSIE THE RIVETER. Prior to that you might have seen her playing Heather Van Pree in NANNY'S NAUGHTY KNICKERS at Myer's Dinner Theater in 2018. A lawyer, software engineer, and wrangler of cats and dogs, Lea has also enjoyed appearing in WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION and TEN TO FIRE. Lea is excited to be a part of this production and is thankful to be working with her wonderful cast mates and directors.
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JASON ROLL
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JASON ROLL (Patrolman Harrington) returns after a seven-year hiatus to Buck Creek Players. He has performed in multiple productions at BCP and has also been nominated two-years in a row by the Encore Association for Best Actor in a Comedy. Both nominations recognized him for his participation in the BCP productions of FLAMING IDIOTS and RUMORS. He currently lives in Lawrence with his wife Shirley and their dog Luvie. He thanks his wife for her support and Buck Creek Players for letting him play in their backyard again.
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MELISSA SANDULLO
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MELISSA SANDULLO (Ms. Jennings) makes her debut with Buck Creek Players after 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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DUSTIN MILLER
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DUSTIN MILLER (Marshal) has been performing all over the greater Indianapolis area since 2011 but is happy to be returning to BCP after most recently playing Henry in ROSIE THE RIVETER at Buck Creek Players. Some of his favorite past roles include the psychotic Drummer Boy in THE VERY MERRY X-MAS CAROL ADVENTURE SHOW, the mischievous Borachio in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, the high rolling Decker in BLEACHER BUMS, and the brooding Stranger in THE THREE MUSKETEERS (he even got to decapitate The Lady De-Winter in that one). When he's not chasing the dragon that is theatrical conquest, Dustin enjoys writing lyrics, reviewing albums, attending concerts and playing pinball. Dustin would like to thank Buck Creek Players for this opportunity!
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NORA BURKHART
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NORA BURKHART (Amy Robsart) is thrilled to be helping to bring this chilling tale to the stage! Previous Buck Creek roles include Sally Applewhite (IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY) and Mrs. Van Tassel (LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW.) She has also been in the ensembles of BRIGADOON and RAGTIME at Footlite Musicals, but her all-time favorite role is Mommy to Rebecca, Cecilia and Eliza. By day, she works as an oncology specialty pharmacist. Many thanks to Ben and the talented cast, crew, and staff for the amazing experience and Aaron for his never-ending love and support.
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BREANNA HELMS
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BREANNA HELMS (Carlotta) has been in multiple shows throughout her life, making her debut in 2014 as a lost boy in the production of PETER PAN. Her favorite roles include being Betty from THE CRUCIBLE, Yvette from CLUE!, and Anne Frank in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK. Breanna is so excited to be a part of the theatre community once again and to be apart production LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER as her first play with Buck Creek Players.
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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 LITTLE WOMEN, FLY BABIES, ROSIE THE RIVETER, and running the 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 be part of the larger theater community here. A big thank you to everyone supporting this production and community theater in Indianapolis.
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BEN JONES
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BEN JONES (Director) is thrilled to return to the production side of Buck Creek Players and serve as director for LIZZIE BORDEN. Previously, Ben was last seen as 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. He would like tot thank his family, cast, and amazing production team for helping bring this thriller to life.
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FRANCIE MITCHANER
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FRANCIE MITCHANER (Assistant Director) is beyond excited to be back working alongside the gifted and talented cast and crew of LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER. It is hard to say if you will find Francie on or off stage, but you are sure to see her somewhere around the theater; most recently on stage as JEAN in GOOD PEOPLE; and Producer for BCP's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY. She also served as Assistant Director and Stage Manager for the Buck Creek Players outdoor production of the LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW. Other roles she has played at BCP include Nancy/Ensemble in ROSIE THE RIVETER, Deputy Dot in CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS, and Magenta/Usherette in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW: THE BCP PLAY-A-PART FUNDRAISER. Francie would like to thank her family and friends for their support and encourages the audience to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
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CATHY CUTSHALL
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CATHY CUTSHALL (Costumes) is excited to work with this wonderful cast and crew. She 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, 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. “I would like to thank my family for their constant love and support, and for letting me have time to play.”
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MELISSA DEVITO
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MELISSA DEVITO (Properties) is happy to be back creating properties after most recently costuming LITTLE WOMEN: The Broadway Musical. Just before that Mel could be found directing our recent productions of FLY BABIES and ROSIE THE RIVETER. 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.
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BRIAN NOFFKE
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BRIAN NOFFKE (Lighting Design & Operation, Sound Design & Operation) is thrilled to be back at BCP after having just been seen as Mr. Lawrence in LITTLE WOMEN: The Broadway Musical. Previous BCP credits: Lighting Design for FLY BABIES, Light Board Operator for IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play, Farmer Stuyvesant in LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, Properties for ROMANCE/ROMANCE and Jack Chesney in CHARLEY's AUNT. Favorite past roles include: Denny in A STEADY Rain, Cogsworth in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Gary/Roger in NOISES OFF, Polonius in HAMLET, Hysterium in A FUNNY THING...FORUM, Father Flynn in DOUBT, the Quintet in SWEENEY TODD, Brian in AVENUE Q, Smackers/Young Marley/Broker in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Parris in THE CRUCIBLE, Juror #10 in TWELVE ANGRY MEN, Malvolio/Toby in TWELLFTH NIGHT, Gremio in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, Caldwell B. Caldwell in URINETOWN, Charley in MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, Shaw in THE SECRET GARDEN, Touchstone in AS YOU LIKE IT, King Pelinore in CAMELOT, Vernon Gersch in THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG, Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Willy Loman in DEATH OF A SALESMAN. Brian is thrilled to direct THE GAME'S AFOOT this season, as well as Scenic & Lighting Design for ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID. Thank you for supporting live theatre! "To thine own self be true."
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STEPHEN MATTERS
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STEPHEN MATTERS (Set Design & Construction)
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SUSANNE BUSH
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SUSANNE BUSH (Set Decoration & Painting) is thrilled to be working with Buck Creek Players for the first time. Susanne has been super involved with community theatre over the past five years, volunteering in all sorts of capacities, from costuming, to stage-handing, to set-decorating/painting. Some of her favorite shows she's been a part of are NOISES OFF, LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL, and A CHRISTMAS STORY. By day, Susanne homeschools her three kids and owns her own clothing resale business. She hopes you enjoy everything about this show, but especially the floral mural (it took a while to paint).
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PRODUCTION CREW
Website Management
AARON BAILEY
Production Photographer & Videographer
GARY W. NELSON | www.photoGary.net
Box Office Management
NICKIE CORNETT & AARON BAILEY
AARON BAILEY
Production Photographer & Videographer
GARY W. NELSON | www.photoGary.net
Box Office Management
NICKIE CORNETT & AARON BAILEY
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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TIM KELLY's first stage play, WIDOW'S WALK, was published in the 1960's, at the same time his A DARKER FLOWER opened at New York's Pocket Theatre, THE TRUNK AND ALL THAT JAZZ at Boston's Image Theatre, and DIE BLUM in Germany. For the rest of his life, he kept up a steady flow of amazingly diverse work... with well over 350 plays currently in print — and in continuous production. PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE is proud to publish many of Kelly's scripts: from one-act and full-length plays to musicals and melodramas which meet the needs of every theatre group and touch the hearts of every audience. The last play he wrote was published by Pioneer. During his life, Kelly received countless honors for his playwriting including seven major university awards as well as grants from the Office of Advanced Drama Research, the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Broadcasting Company and the Nederlander Production Company. A Tim Kelly Collection has been established at the University of Wyoming's American Heritage Center, and Emerson College — his alma mater — has twice honored him for his "Contributions to the Field of playwriting." A former screen and television writer, drama critic and journalist, Kelly is particularly noted for the broad scope of his work which covers everything from mysteries to musicals to serious drama. In 1995, Tim Kelly was elected a member of The College of Fellows of the American Theatre. Tim Kelly died suddenly in 1998, and while his presence is missed, his memory lives on in the many plays that continue to have great success. While Tim Kelly’s plays are known for their artistic and entertainment achievements, receiving many major playwriting and critics' awards and honors, Kelly also had a strong sense for the commercial side of playwriting. Aspiring playwrights may wish to read the article, MAKING A LIVING AND WRITING FOR THE WAY, WAY OFF BROADWAY STAGES, detailing Kelly’s thoughts on the commercial aspects of playwriting. A biography, TIM KELLY: MASTER OF STAGE FRIGHT, was released in 2009 by Bear Manor Press. |
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:
