ABOUT THE SHOW
Our 50th Season and Our Two Hundred and Thirty-Nineth Production!
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Buck Creek Players and Director Mac Bellner are excited to announce their upcoming production of MOON OVER THE BREWERY by Bruce Graham. Playwright Bruce Graham's story is a coming-of-age tale of conflict between free-spirited single mother, Miriam, a creative sculptor, quilter, and painter whose day job as a waitress means she can paint only at night - moonscapes, and her precocious 13-year-old daughter, Amanda. Miriam, perhaps in keeping with her free spirit and artistically bohemian approach to life, does not manage money well, and Amanda must use her financial intelligence to be sure they make ends meet. Miriam would like to be in a companionable, even romantic, relationship, but Amanda disapproves of any suitors and attempts to run them off before they can get too comfortable. So far, her efforts have been successful. Warren Zimmerman, calm and competent, who happens to be their mail carrier, is Miriam's latest beau and perhaps more determined than others, so becomes Amanda's latest target. Randolph is Amanda's imaginary friend-in-lieu-of-a-father and co-conspirator - the conspiracy being to get rid of all Miriam's potential companions. He takes on characteristics of main characters in whatever book Amanda is reading. Both with and without the help of Warren and Randolph, both Amanda and Miriam must come to terms with the changes in their lives. Buck Creek Players is pleased to continue our 50th season with this live event on our mainstage. Join us for the six live in-person performances at the playhouse starting Friday, February 2nd and running through Sunday, February 11th. |
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service (www.dramatists.com)
Parental Guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for small children.
Performance Dates & Times
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Friday, February 2, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 7:30 PM Sunday, February 4, 2024 at 2:30 PM |
Friday, February 9, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 7:30 PM Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 2:30 PM |
CAST OF CHARACTERS
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SETTING
The play takes place in and around the Waslyk home, on the edge of a Pennsylvania coal town.
HELP SUPPORT THIS PRODUCTION
Tickets only cover a portion of the costs to produce this show.
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
BROOKE DENNIS
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BROOKE DENNIS (Amanda Waslyk) is making her fourth appearance in a Buck Creek Players production after most recently appearing as Jessica Murphy in DAD'S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE. Brooke has been participating in community theatre productions since 2015 and a few of her favorite parts she has played are Nora Morton in BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS 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. As always, Brooke would like to thank everyone who supports her in her creative pursuits.
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ANNASTACIA NUFFER
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ANNASTACIA NUFFER (Miriam Waslyk) feels very honored to be a part of such an incredible team. As a yoga and joy teacher, she loves extending the edges of her comfort zone. This is her first time in community theatre and acting! She is infinitely grateful to experience this alongside her daughter, Elsie. She is a mother of 3 girls and strives to inspire them to always try new things and explore the various arts. Playing the role of Miriam has been so fun as their are many similarities in their personalities. She would like to thank her mom for always encouraging her and for taking care of her girls during rehearsals.
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TONY BRAZELTON
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TONY BRAZELTON (Randolph) 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 in the winter months. You may have seen him in THE GAME'S AFOOT or DAD'S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE. Or you may have seen him at Meijer buying pork rinds - the fluffy kind. By day, Tony teaches leadership and communication skills at Beteo Learning. 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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GRANT BOWEN
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GRANT BOWEN (Warren Zimmerman) is excited to be back at Buck Creek Players after making his debut here with OVER MY DEAD BODY (Dylan). Prior to this show, Grant has had the luxury of performing at CCP, Epilogue, and Westfield and some of his favorite roles include Paul in MOON OVER BUFFALO and Jimmy in MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET. He would like to thank Mac Bellner for taking a chance on him and casting him as Warren and he would also like to thank his castmates Tony, Brooke, and AnnaStacia for all their dedication as well as the fond memories they’ve shared during the process. Enjoy the show!
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COPYRIGHT LAWS PROHIBIT ALL UNAUTHORIZED PHOTOGRAPHY,
AUDIO, OR VIDEO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION.
PRODUCTION STAFF & CREW
MELISSA DEVITO
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MELISSA DEVITO (Producer) is happy to be part of the team in as the producer. Mel has been very active with BCP, as a director, props, costumer, and Board of Directors member. Recently she directed FLY BABIES and ROSIE THE RIVETER, and costumed LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL with the help of Donna Jacobi and Cathy Cutshall. When not at the theater, Mel enjoys her job as a respiratory therapist at Home Respiratory Services, drag racing cars with her husband Rick, and hanging out with her family, especially her granddaughters Ellie and Blake. She also enjoys camping and snuggling with her pit bull Zoey.
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MAC BELLNER
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MAC BELLNER (Director/Sound Design/Properties) is pleased to be directing for BCP for the first time. Mac previously was involved with Spotlight Players (now dark) for many years. Among her favorite shows to direct have been EDUCATING RITA, THE DINING ROOM, COME BACK TO THE 5 & DIME JIMMY DEAN, KIMBERLY AKIMBO, THE LARAMIE PROJECT, THE BOYS NEXT DOOR, & ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER. Since those days, she directed musicals for 9 years for Pioneer Village at the Indiana State Fair. Mac is thankful for such a supportive team and a terrific cast. And she hopes you will enjoy this show!
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ELSIE RAU
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ELSIE RAU (Apprentice - Assistant Director) is so thrilled to be a part of the team and has really enjoyed learning more about theater. She has previously taken an acting class at CG Fine Arts Academy. She learned she enjoys the production behind the scenes and this is her first time ever being involved in community theater! In her free time she loves to draw, paint, and dance. She has recently started writing scripts and directing plays at school for her class.
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BENNETT DILGER
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BENNETT DILGER (APPRENTICE - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) is happy to be involved in this, his first community theater production. He has previously taken classes at ReAct Children’s Theatre. He is a 6th grade homeschooler who attends White Pine Wilderness Academy and Roots and Wings Homeschool Cooperative. Enjoy the show!
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BRIAN NOFFKE
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BRIAN NOFFKE (Technical Director/Stage Manager/Lighting Design ) is pleased as punch to return to BCP. Previous BCP credits include: Director/TD/Lighting Designer – THE GAME’S AFOOT, Lighting Designer – OVER MY DEAD BODY, Lighting Designer – LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER, Mr. Lawrence – LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL, Lighting Designer – FLY BABIES, Sound Op – GOOD PEOPLE, Sound Op – IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: RADIO PLAY, Farmer Stuyvesant – LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, Jack Chesney – CHARLEY’S AUNT, Props – ROMANCE, ROMANCE. Brian is an award-winning actor, director, designer, technician and producer. Favorite Design/Technical credits include: MAN OF LAMANCHA, MISS SAIGON, MY FAIR LADY, WEST SIDE STORY, JEKYLL & HYDE, NOISES OFF, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, HAMLET, TWELFTH NIGHT, A STREETCARE NAMED DESIRE, TITANIC, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and TRUE WEST, to name a few. Brian would like to dedicate this set to the memory of his loving and talented father, Tom Noffke. Thank you for supporting live theatre. “To Thine Own Self Be True”
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ELLIE HARRISON
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ELLIE HARRISON (Costumer) is excited to be part of the Buck Creek Players production team. This is her first experience with community theater and she is so grateful for the opportunity to work with this wonderful cast and crew! Ellie is a recent graduate of Indiana University and currently works at the Indiana Historical Society. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and hiking. She would like to thank her family for their constant support and for chauffeuring her to rehearsals.
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SUSANNE BUSH
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SUSANNE BUSH (Set Decoration) 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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BCP is a non-profit organization
Please consider supporting our efforts to ensure live theater in Franklin Township
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
Thank you all for coming to see this play! This is a comedy that serves to remind us that high intelligence is a good thing, but it can cut us off from life-affirming human interaction. And that we like to see smart kids in action, but it’s sometimes difficult to see a young person portrayed as both the protagonist and the antagonist in a story. Amanda’s no-nonsense approach to life belies her underlying desire for something more out of life than her very boring day-to-day experiences. That struggle between fearing and yet wanting change causes her to conjure up an imaginary friend, Randolph, the one "person" she has been able to rely on, to talk things over with, and to help her run off all of her mother’s potential suitors. Until, that is, Warren comes along. Randolph is dashing, appearing as various characters in whatever book Amanda is currently reading, and clever, but it turns out he is no match for Warren. Which means, of course, that Amanda is no match for Warren! In his determination to win the affections of Miriam, Amanda’s free-spirited mother who actually is looking for and hoping for a caring relationship, Warren is finally the one who is able to help Amanda outgrow her dependence on Randolph and begin to live in the real world of caring for someone else. So, there are some scenes which may moisten the eyes, but it is a comedy that I hope will make you laugh as well.
My deep gratitude goes to the four cast members who have done so much to bring these characters to life. It has been such a joy to watch their relationships grow! Brooke, Tony, and Grant each have several previous productions to their credit, and those successful experiences support their work in this one. AnnaStacia, in her very first ever stage performance, is just a delight to see!
My forever thanks as well is to Brian Noffke, who did much more than merely step up to the plate. Picture me as the damsel tied to the train track, and then Dudley to the rescue!
My special thanks goes to Mary and Bob Proctor for the sabre and bicycle, Dennis Forkel for the film tome, Michael Nagel for the mailbag, Robin Harrison for the watch, Glenda Survance for the briefcase, and Brent Wooldridge, Amanda Lane, and Lynn Allison Erdmann for their invaluable assistance.
It has been a treat to include on the production team two 11 year olds who have a real interest in theater. They both want to learn, so I gave them an opportunity to assist with the show. My thanks to Bennett and Elsie!
For your listening pleasure, the "soundtrack" includes the following pieces:
Hooked On Classics - The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Louis Clark Conducting, 1981
Mozart, Horn Concerto #3, Allegro - Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Sigiswald Kuijken Conducting, Timothy Brown Performing, 2006
Shōgun - Maurice Jarre, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Opening, 1980
Shōgun, Tea and Jealousy - Maurice Jarre, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1980
Happy Days Are Here Again - Leo Reisman Orchestra, 1929
You Don’t Like It, Not Much! - Paul Ash & His Orchestra, 1927
The Cuckoo’s Nest - Hornpipe on Concertina, Concertinette, 2010
The Sailor’s Hornpipe - Concertina Solo, Parry Music, 2019
Please do enjoy the show!
My deep gratitude goes to the four cast members who have done so much to bring these characters to life. It has been such a joy to watch their relationships grow! Brooke, Tony, and Grant each have several previous productions to their credit, and those successful experiences support their work in this one. AnnaStacia, in her very first ever stage performance, is just a delight to see!
My forever thanks as well is to Brian Noffke, who did much more than merely step up to the plate. Picture me as the damsel tied to the train track, and then Dudley to the rescue!
My special thanks goes to Mary and Bob Proctor for the sabre and bicycle, Dennis Forkel for the film tome, Michael Nagel for the mailbag, Robin Harrison for the watch, Glenda Survance for the briefcase, and Brent Wooldridge, Amanda Lane, and Lynn Allison Erdmann for their invaluable assistance.
It has been a treat to include on the production team two 11 year olds who have a real interest in theater. They both want to learn, so I gave them an opportunity to assist with the show. My thanks to Bennett and Elsie!
For your listening pleasure, the "soundtrack" includes the following pieces:
Hooked On Classics - The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Louis Clark Conducting, 1981
Mozart, Horn Concerto #3, Allegro - Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Sigiswald Kuijken Conducting, Timothy Brown Performing, 2006
Shōgun - Maurice Jarre, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Opening, 1980
Shōgun, Tea and Jealousy - Maurice Jarre, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, 1980
Happy Days Are Here Again - Leo Reisman Orchestra, 1929
You Don’t Like It, Not Much! - Paul Ash & His Orchestra, 1927
The Cuckoo’s Nest - Hornpipe on Concertina, Concertinette, 2010
The Sailor’s Hornpipe - Concertina Solo, Parry Music, 2019
Please do enjoy the show!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BRUCE GRAHAM
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Bruce Graham began his career as a playwright at the Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays (PFT) in 1984 with Burkie. Graham became playwright-in-residence at PFT and later served two years as Artistic Director. He has received grants from the Pew Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and was a past winner of the Princess Grace Foundation Statuette. He won the Rosenthal Prize for Coyote On A Fence, two Barrymore Awards for Something Intangible and Any Given Monday, and the Joseph Jefferson Award for The Outgoing Tide.
An ex-high school teacher, Graham still teaches play-writing and film courses at Drexel University. In the past he has taught graduate level play-writing at Universit y of Pennsylvania, Villanova University and Rutgers . He has conducted play-writing workshops in high schools and colleges across the country. His textbook, The Collaborative Playwright, A Practical Guide to Getting Your Play Written (co-written with Michele Volansky) is published by Heinemann. Graham recently returned to acting and has appeared as the Black Cat Husband in Haunted Poe (Brat Productions), Lenny in Any Given Monday (Act II), Richard in Time Stands Still (Delaware Theatre Company/Act II), Artie in Hurlyburly (New City Stage), Milt in Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Eddie in Lost in Yonkers, Ernie in Rumors (all for Bristol Riverside Theater), and Ben Hecht in Moonlight and Magnolias (Eagle Theater). |
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:
