ABOUT THE SHOW
Our 50th Season and Our Two Hundred and Thirty-Sixth Production!
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Buck Creek Players and Director Ben Jones are excited to announce their upcoming production of SORDID LIVES by Del Shores. Chaos erupts in Winters, Texas when good Christian woman Peggy trips over her lover's wooden legs, hits her head and bleeds to death in a motel room. In this ‘coming out’ story, the hilarious, sad, trashy truth about their lives runs amuck as three generations of her family prepare for Peggy's funeral! Buck Creek Players is pleased to kick off our 50th season with this live event on our mainstage. Join us for the six live in-person performances at the playhouse starting Friday, August 4th and running through Sunday, August 13th. |
Produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (www.concordtheatricals.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 4, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 7:30 PM Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 2:30 PM |
Friday, August 11, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 7:30 PM Sunday, August 13, 2023 at 2:30 PM |
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CAST OF CHARACTERS
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SETTING
Winters, Texas. July 24th & 25th, 1998.
HELP SUPPORT THIS PRODUCTION
Tickets only cover a portion of the costs to produce this show.
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
ELIZABETH RUDDELL
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ELIZABETH RUDDELL (Sissy Hickey) is happy to be making her debut on the Buck Creek Players stage. After graduating from Smith college with a degree in theatre, she has appeared on both professional and community stages. An Encore winning actress, some of her favorite role include Bunny in THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS, Katharine in MOTHERS AND SONS, Celia in CALENDAR GIRLS and Truvy in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Elizabeth served as President for The Dramatic Club, an Indianapolis institution which is now in its 133rd year. She also proudly serve in the Board of Directors for Epilogue Players. Elizabeth would like to thank the incredible Ben Jones for directing her in this hilarious show! Thanks also to the fabulous Francie Oglesby Mitchaner and the very talented cast and crew of SORDID LIVES. Support your local theatre!
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CATHY CUTSHALL
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CATHY CUTSHALL (Latrelle Williamson) is thrilled to be a part of the cast bringing BCP’s first production of our 50th season! 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 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. Cathy would like to Ben Jones for his support and giving her the chance to get back on stage! “I’d like to thank my family for their constant love and support, and for letting me have time to play. It’s been an honor to work with this amazing cast and staff!”
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LEA ELLINGWOOD
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LEA ELLINGWOOD (Noleta Nethercott) is excited to have this opportunity to be back again after having most recently assisted as assistant producer on THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL. You may have seen her recently on stage playing the role of Charlie in ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID. Prior to that she worked behind the scenes on OVER MY DEAD BODY as a first time soundboard operator. Lea has appeared previously as characters in both the ROSIE THE RIVETER and LIZZIE BORDEN productions here at Buck Creek. Lea enjoys being part of the Buck Creek theater family and is excited to return to the stage.
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KYLER CASBON
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KYLER CASBON (Ty Williamson) Kyler is a rising sophomore at Purdue University studying communications. He's been on the stage for ten years now, and is ready to partake in another show. He was unable to participate in any theatre for his first year at Purdue while adjusting to college life. But he's now ready to get back on stage after his brief hiatus! He thanks everyone who supports him and appreciates everyone attending SORDID LIVES!
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LETITIA CLEMONS
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LETITIA CLEMONS (LaVonda Jean) is thrilled to be performing again at Buck Creek. She is a certified medical biller and coder who is no stranger to the theatre. She has been performing onstage and even backstage doing hair and makeup, set construction, set design, set painting, props, stage managing, and costuming for over 30 years. Since retiring as a color guard choreographer, her main passion continues to be acting. Some of her favorite roles she has portrayed are Claire Ganz in RUMORS, Gabriella in BOEING BOEING, Dragon in RAPUNZEL, Gillian Moore in 37 POSTCARDS, Clara Nowak in MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET, and Jimmy in NO BODY LIKE JIMMY. Letitia also has most recently played several extras in the streaming movie SO COLD THE RIVER. She stays involved in other community theaters and currently just celebrated 30 years as a shadow cast member performing in THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. She also performs as a shadow cast member in REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA as Blind Mag. Her next upcoming role will be playing Blanche Morton in BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS. Letitia is thankful to Buck Creek for giving her this wonderful opportunity to work with this fabulous cast and crew. She also thanks her daughter Yvette for her constant love and support.
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RENEE WHITEN LOPEZ
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RENEE WHITEN LOPEZ (Dr. Eve Bollinger) is delighted to be back at Buck Creek! She recently performed here as Lizzie Borden in LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER and Inspector Goring in THE GAME’S AFOOT. She earned a degree in Theatre Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University and has performed locally in several community theatre productions, including as Izzy in CROSSING DELANCEY and Annelle in STEEL MAGNOLIAS at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support and is so proud to be part of this show!
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THOM TURNER
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THOM TURNER (Earl "Brother Boy" Ingram) is absolutely thrilled to be making his BCP stage debut while helping kickoff the theatre's 50th Season. He has been doing community theatre on and off for the last 17 years. Tempus Fugit! Some previous shows that he has been lucky enough to be a part of are: SOUTHERN BAPTIST SISSIES, EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL, NUNSENSE: AMEN, KILLING KITTENS, THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL, and A NIGHT IN VEGAS. First, he would like to thank his husband for the nudging to get back into the acting scene. Thanks, handsome, your support is so appreciated! Next, thank you lovely audience member for attending...enjoy the show! Last, Thom would like to dedicate this performance to Mr. Ron Spencer. You, sir, are deeply missed.
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JOSH ROOKS
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JOSH ROOKS (GW Nethercott) makes his 7th appearance on stage at Buck Creek Players in SORDID LIVES. Josh is over the moon to be involved with this production and share the stage alongside an outstanding cast. Some of his favorite past roles include Jeff in THE CURIOUS SAVAGE, Sgt. Lewis in FLY BABIES, DUKE in THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL, and Rob in THE BOOK CLUB PLAY. Josh was born and raised in Indianapolis and is a graduate of IUPUI. When not on stage, Josh enjoys kayaoke singing, collecting vinyls, playing his guitars, and hanging out with his friends and family. Josh would like to thank director Ben Jones for his everlasting support. “Enjoy this funny and tender show. Thank you for supporting live theatre!”
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JEREMY TUTEROW (Odell) m has been active in Indianapolis community theater for many years and is very excited to get back to it. Some of his favorite roles include Mike Dillon in GOOD PEOPLE, Boolie Wethan in DRIVING MISS DAISY, Charlie Gordon in FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON, and Trip Wyeth in OTHER DESERT CITIES. He has also had the pleasure of directing many local plays around Indianapolis including all four GREATER TUNA plays, OUTSIDERS, and GREETINGS. During the day he works as a Director of Practice Operations for Adult and Child Health. Aside form Theater, Jeremy enjoys camping and spending time with friends and family. Jeremy would like to thank his husband, family, and friends for their support of his theatrical adventures.
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LOGAN LAFLIN
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LOGAN LAFLIN (Wardell) is very excited to return to the Buck Creek stage. Previously seen in SLEEPY HOLLOW, some favorite past roles include Hamlet in HAMLET, Fredrick in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Lord Farquaad in SHREK THE MUSICAL, and Cinderella's Prince in INTO THE WOODS, among others. He has also enjoyed performing in SWEENEY TODD, SOMETHING ROTTEN, and THE WILD PARTY. An Illinois native, Logan got his Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, IN, and currently works for Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc. He also wants to thank his parents, Mick and Karen, for their support and love; and the whole cast and crew for their encouragement and shared talent!!
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COPYRIGHT LAWS PROHIBIT ALL UNAUTHORIZED PHOTOGRAPHY,
AUDIO, OR VIDEO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION.
PRODUCTION STAFF
FRANCIE MITCHANER
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FRANCIE MITCHANER (Producer) is beyond excited to be working with the incredibly gifted and talented cast and crew of SORDID LIVES! You're sure to find Francie somewhere around the theater either on or off stage; most recently on stage as JEAN in GOOD PEOPLE; and Producer for BCP's ARE YOU BEING SERVED? and THE GAME'S AFOOT. She also served as Producer for OVER MY DEAD BODY and 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 your trip to Texas!
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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 SORDID LIVES after having most recently directed THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL this past spring. 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. He would like tot thank his family, cast, and amazing production team for helping bring this show to life.
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SUZI BROWN
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SUZI BROWN (Lighting Designer, Sound Board Operator, Production Assistant) is thrilled to continue with Buck Creek Players this season. Suzi has previously worked with BCP as a dialect coach for ARE YOU BEING SERVED? as well as a stage manager and light board operator for THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL. Suzi is excited to continue working on other shows this coming season. She is a teacher at Avon Middle School North and has been the co-director of theatre there for the past three years. Suzi also teaches acting classes at the Biz Academy of Musical Theatre and runs their productions at North as auditorium director, makeup designer, lighting operator, as well as many other aspects of theatre. Shows that Suzi has worked on recently include, THE LAST GLADIATOR, THE MUSIC MAN, MATILDA, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, 42ND STREET AND CHICAGO. When not in a theatre, which is rare, Suzi enjoys cross-stitching, painting, and spending time with her family, especially her niece and nephew. She wants to thank Ben for introducing her to BCP and including her in his vision.
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MARY MILLER
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MARY MILLER (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be working backstage after having most recently performed as Victoria McGuire in OVER MY DEAD BODY. After her debut as Mrs. Trinkler in THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, she worked backstage for GOOD PEOPLE and LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. Mary got her Associates Degree in General Arts at Marian University. When she's not doing theatre, Mary is either working as a production associate at Sock Religious, singing with her church choir, or spending time with her family. Theatre ahs been a part of Mary's life since she played Narrator #1 in INTO THE WOODS. She has been in theatre productions ever since, both in high school and college. Some of her favorite roles include Faye in SUBTEXT, Mrs. Hopkins in MY FAIR LADY, Fairy Godmother in FINAL DRESS REHEARSAL, and Issachar in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. "I would like to thank my mom, my dad, and for all my family and friends, for their love and encouragement to embrace the theatre kid inside of me."
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A Note from the Director...
Theater, and art in general, is meant for people to celebrate, mourn, protest, and ultimately make an impact. When, thinking of shows that I’ve had an impact on myself, I could not help but think of sordid lives.
I fell in love with the show when I was 20 years old and discovered the genius writing of Del Shores. I had the opportunity to play Ty when I was at the young age of 22 years old. I related to Ty’s struggle of ultimately finding happiness within himself.
The message of love and acceptance is something that I will always hold near and dear to me. When I think about, the message and impact of Sordid Lives, I can’t help but think that the message is simple and hopeful.
One of those words led me to my directorial vision for this show: simple. Flashy lights, and elaborate sets would only detract from what the heart of the show is: A message about love and acceptance.
I hope as you watch this production that you sit back and soak in everything this story teaches us. Often in the hustle and bustle of today’s world we forget that love is love and that we all have a unique story to write in the chapter book of Life.
I would personally like to dedicate this show to the memory of three artist who helped shape the crazy Sordid World: Olivia Newton John, Rue McClanahan, and Leslie Jordan.
All my Sordid Love,
Ben Jones
Director
I fell in love with the show when I was 20 years old and discovered the genius writing of Del Shores. I had the opportunity to play Ty when I was at the young age of 22 years old. I related to Ty’s struggle of ultimately finding happiness within himself.
The message of love and acceptance is something that I will always hold near and dear to me. When I think about, the message and impact of Sordid Lives, I can’t help but think that the message is simple and hopeful.
One of those words led me to my directorial vision for this show: simple. Flashy lights, and elaborate sets would only detract from what the heart of the show is: A message about love and acceptance.
I hope as you watch this production that you sit back and soak in everything this story teaches us. Often in the hustle and bustle of today’s world we forget that love is love and that we all have a unique story to write in the chapter book of Life.
I would personally like to dedicate this show to the memory of three artist who helped shape the crazy Sordid World: Olivia Newton John, Rue McClanahan, and Leslie Jordan.
All my Sordid Love,
Ben Jones
Director
BCP is a non-profit organization
Please consider supporting our efforts to ensure live theater in Franklin Township
SPECIAL THANKS
Jeremy and Georgie Teipen
Keller Mortuary Services
Eric Matters
Footlite Musicals
and
TONY BRAZELTON - THE VOICE OF BUCK CREEK PLAYERS
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
DEL SHORES
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DEL SHORES is the writer/director/producer of the films SORDID LIVES, BLUES FOR WILLADEAN, SOUTHERN BAPTIST SISSIES, and A VERY SORDID WEDDING. He wrote and executive produced the MGM feature DADDY'S DYIN'...WHO'S GOT THE WILL? His plays CHEATIN', DADDY'S DYIN' (WHO'S GOT THE WILL?), DAUGHTERS OF THE LONE STAR STATE, SORDID LIVES, SOUTHERN BAPTIST SISSIES, THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF A TRAILER TRASH HOUSEWIFE, YELLOW, THIS SIDE OF CRAZY, and A VERY SORDID WEDDING are all published by Concord/Samuel French.
In television, Del Shores wrote, directed, executive produced and created the LOGO series SORDID LIVES; THE SERIES. He also wrote and executive produced Showtime's groundbreaking QUEER AS FOLK for the last three seasons, and wrote and produced for DHARMA & GREG and NED & STACEY. He has directed Academy Award winners Octavia Spencer and Whoopi Goldberg; Grammy Award winner Olivia Newton-John; Emmy winners/nominees Beau Bridges, Delta Burke, Leslie Jordan, Bonnie Bedelia, Bobbie Eakes, Patrika Darbo and Rue McClanahan; Spirit Award winner Dale Dickey; and Screen Actor's Guild Award winner Beth Grant, as well as Caroline Rhea, Debby Holiday and David Steen. As a performer, Shores has performed in hundreds of standup gigs and in 2018 completed a national tour of his critically acclaimed award-winning one-man play, SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF A PLAY, directed by Emerson Collins. The play was filmed and is now streaming worldwide. Mr. Shores resides in Los Angeles and can be found at DelShores.com, facebook.com/delshoresofficial and @delshores on Twitter and Instagram. |
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