ABOUT THE SHOW
Our Two Hundred & Thirty-Second Production!
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Buck Creek Players and Director Brian Noffke are excited to announce their upcoming production of THE GAME'S AFOOT, by Ken Ludwig.
It is December 1936, Christmas Eve, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry and holiday cheer. But when one of the guests is murdered, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. It is then up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays. Buck Creek Players is pleased to continue our 49th season with this live event on our mainstage. Join us for the nine live in-person performances at the playhouse starting Friday, December 2nd and running through Sunday, December 18th. |
Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. (www.concordtheatricals.com)
Parental Guidance suggested for adult language and situations. Some material may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13
Sensitivity Warning
This production contains loud sound effects, including thunder, gun shots, and a small annoying dog.
Performance Dates & Times
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Friday, December 2, 2022 at 8:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 8:00 PM Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 2:30 PM - SOLD OUT |
Friday, December 9, 2022 at 8:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 8:00 PM - SOLD OUT Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 2:30 PM - SOLD OUT A waiting list for tickets will be maintained starting one-hour prior for any sold out performances. |
Friday, December 16, 2022 at 8:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 8:00 PM - SOLD OUT Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 2:30 PM - SOLD OUT |
CAST OF CHARACTERS
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SETTING
The living room of the mansion of William Gillette on the Connecticut River near East Haddam, Connecticut
December 1936
December 1936
HELP SUPPORT THIS PRODUCTION
Tickets only cover a portion of the costs to produce this show.
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
JOSHUA RAMSEY
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JOSHUA RAMSEY (Sherlock/William Gillette) is excited to make his Buck Creek Players debut. You may remember him from other local stages most recently as Edward Proctor in BENJAMIN HARRISON CHASED A GOAT at Arts for Lawrence. You can see more of his work on the youtubes as Captain James T. Kirk in STAR TREK VS BATMAN and Dr. Sam Beckett in A LEAP TO DI FOR. Josh thanks the cast and crew for a delightful romp through this entire process. He also thanks Carrie Schlatter for her patience and support.
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CATHIE MORGAN
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CATHIE MORGAN (Martha Gillette) is delighted to be back on the Buck Creek stage in this wonderful farce. Her last appearance here was as Eddy Mae in FOUR OLD BROADS. Most recently she appeared as Sister Philamena in DRINKING HABITS at The Belfry Theatre. Other favorite roles include Mrs. Alexander in THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at Carmel Community Players, Margo Fontaine in DESERT SONG at Footlite Musicals, and Daughter in QUILTERS at Buck Creek Players. Although onstage performing is her favorite, Cathie also occasionally works backstage as a costume designer for which she has won several Encore Awards. Her most recent costuming adventure was with Epilogue Players' production of MY THREE ANGELS. Many thanks to Brian for his unfailing support, dedication, and laughter and to you, as an audience member, for including live theatre in your entertainment options.
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TIFFANY D. WILSON
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TIFFANY D. WILSON (Marian/Madge Geisel) is honored to be appearing in her eighth production with Buck Creek Players. She was first seen in 2012 in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE playing Kitty. She has also appeared as Actor 5 in VINTAGE HITCHCOCK: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, she portrayed Sally Applewhite in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY in 2017, and she played Mrs. Eynsford-Hill in the outdoor staged reading of PYGMALION in 2020. Tiffany has also been involved with Shelby County Players since 1999. Her favorite roles include Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Lizzie in THE RAINMAKER, Elizabeth Proctor in THE CRUCIBLE, Agnes in I DO! I DO!, and Nurse Ratched in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST. In 2019, she won an Encore Award for Best Costumes for a Comedy for Shelby County Players’ BLITHE SPIRIT. Tiffany holds a Bachelors Degree in English and Theatre from Franklin College and a Masters of Library Science from Indiana University. She serves as the Branch Manager at the Franklin Branch of the Johnson County Public Library. She also works part-time for PAX (Program of Academic Exchange) placing wonderful exchange students with amazing host families.
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TONY BRAZELTON
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TONY BRAZELTON (Moriarty/Felix Geisel) Tony's distinguished acting career includes a lot of productions from 1981 to 1990 and then there's a suspicious gap in his resume until he resurfaced at Buck Creek Players in 2021, including roles in ROSIE THE RIVETER and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. By day, Tony designs and teaches training workshops on leadership and management 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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HANNAH PARTRIDGE
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HANNAH PARTRIDGE (Alice/Aggie Wheeler) is thrilled to be back at Buck Creek Players alongside such a talented cast. Hannah made her Buck Creek Players debut in 2021 as Helen Henry in ROSIE THE RIVETER and was most recently seen here as Amy March in LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. Other favorite past roles throughout Indy include a Wife in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, ensemble in CINDERELLA, Herod’s Harem in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Professor Willard in OUR TOWN, and Marian Paroo in THE MUSIC MAN. Hannah would like to thank Brian for the opportunity, her friends for their encouragement and support, and the entire cast and crew for all their hard work creating this show.
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JOSH ROOKS
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JOSH ROOKS (Simon Bright/Count Zerlinsky) returns to Buck Creek Players after most recently playing Jeffrey Meredith in THE CURIOUS SAVAGE at Main Street Productions. Other credits include Sousa in LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER, Detective Rubin in the world premiere of THE AMBUSH, 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/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. “Thank you to my family, friends, and fellow castmates for your undying support; I couldn’t do this without you.”
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SARAH POWELL
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SARAH POWELL (Daria Chase) of Indianapolis is thrilled to be making her Buck Creek debut in THE GAME'S AFOOT. Sarah began her theatrical career as an original member of The ACT youth theatre group at the Mud Creek Barn Theatre, before going on to study theater at Ball State University. Some of Sarah’s favorite past roles include Nellie Blythe in THE CURSE OF AN ACHING HEART, and Susan Pevensie in THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. Most recently, you may have seen her in the Belfry Theatre’s production of DRINKING HABITS, playing the role of Sally. Sarah would like to thank this incredibly talented cast, as well as director Brian Noffke for his unwavering confidence and passion.
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RENEE WHITEN LOPEZ
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RENEE WHITEN LOPEZ (Inspector Goring/Maid) is thrilled to be back after making her debut at earlier this year as Lizzie Borden in LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER. 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 theatre!
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CYRENA KNIGHT
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CYRENA KNIGHT (Cook/Madge Geisel Understudy) is excited to be returning to Buck Creek Players after having most recently making her debut as Aunt Vinnie in LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER . Cyrena has 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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BREANNA HELMS
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BREANNA HELMS (Maid/Aggie Wheeler Understudy) 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 having just recently performed as Carlotta in LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER at Buck Creek Players.
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JULIE GILPIN
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JULIE GILPIN (Maid/Inspector Goring Understudy) is making her debut with Buck Creek Players. While this is her first show with BCP, she is no stranger to the stage. Before moving to Indiana in July of 2020, Julie had been in theatre since 2007, performing in many productions throughout her hometown, Cleveland, Ohio. A few past roles include Lucy Pevensie in THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, Imogene Herdman in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, Ronnette in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Edith Horton in PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, and Juror #10 in TWELVE ANGRY JURORS. Most recently, Julie was in the production of A THURBER CARNIVAL with Shelby County Players. Throughout the week, Julie is a first grade teacher at Milroy Elementary School, where she is also in charge of the Theatre Club. When Julie is not teaching or performing on stage, she loves to spend time with family and friends, help run the youth group at her church alongside her fiancé, Ben, and take time to relax. Julie would like to thank her mom for always encouraging her to follow her theatrical endeavors, Ben, for supporting her in all she does, and, most importantly, God, for giving her the passions and talents to pursue theatre.
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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/Dramaturgy) is beyond excited to be back working alongside the gifted and talented cast and crew of THE GAME'S AFOOT. 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 OVER MY DEAD BODY. 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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BRIAN NOFFKE
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BRIAN NOFFKE (Director/Lighting Designer/Technical Director) is a proud Board Member of BCP and is beyond excited to bring this hilarious show to you for the holidays! Previous BCP credits: Lighting Designer for OVER MY DEAD BODY, Lighting/Sound Design for LIZZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER. Mr. Laurence in LITTLE WOMEN-THE MUSICAL, Lighting Design for FLY BABIES, Light/Sound Board Op for GOOD PEOPLE, Light Board Op for IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO PLAY, Farmer Stuyvesant in SLEEPY HOLLOW, Props for ROMANCE/ROMANCE and Jack Chesney in CHARLEY’S AUNT. Favorite directing credits include: MAN OF LAMANCHA, MISS SAIGON, LEND ME A TENOR, THE CRUCIBLE, HAMLET, TWELFTH NIGHT, JEKYLL & HYDE, WEST SIDE STORY, ANNIE, ASSASSINS, THE MUSIC MAN, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, BYE-BYE BIRDIE and NEVERMORE. Thank you for supporting live theatre. Sit back and I hope you have a fun time. Oh, and KEEP THE SECRET!
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ED TROUT
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ED TROUT (Set Designer) is a founding member, co-owner, Artistic Director, and CEO of CSz Indianapolis, the home of ComedySportz Indianapolis. He has been working in Improvisational theatre as an actor and director for thirty years. Ed is a member of the Applied Improvisation Network and CSz Worldwide. Through CSz Worldwide, he has been certified as both an Improvisational Education Architect (CIE-EA) as well as an Applied Improvisation Executive Practioner (CAI-EP). Ed lives in Indianapolis where is also and actor, artist, musician, songwriter, and a frequent speaker at Unity of Indianapolis.
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SUSANNE BUSH
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SUSANNE BUSH (Scenic Charge Artist) is thrilled to be working with Buck Creek Players again! Susanne has been super involved with community theatre over the past 5 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, LIZZIE BORDEN, A CHRISTMAS STORY, and LITTLE WOMEN. By day, Susanne homeschools her three kids and owns her own clothing resale business. She hopes you enjoy the show!
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CATHY CUTSHALL
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CATHY CUTSHALL (Costume Designer) - Cathy is excited to work with this wonderful cast and crew. She has bad 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 BLOND, 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 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 ON 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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BEN JONES
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BEN JONES (Hair/Make-up Designer) is thrilled to be working on this production after most recently directing LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER. 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 and will be directing the final production of the 49th season, THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL. He would like to thank his family, cast, and amazing production team for helping bring this body to life.
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BREANNA HELMS
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BREANNA HELMS (Hair/Make-up Assistant) 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 after having most recently playing Carlotta in BCP's production LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER.
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ERIC MATTERS
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ERIC MATTERS (Sound Designer) is happy to be working at Buck Creek Players once again! He would like to thank Brian Noffke for giving him the opportunity to be creative. He would like to thank his family and friends for encouraging him in this chaotic journey of life.
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LEA ELLINGWOOD
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LEA ELLINGWOOD (Production Assistant/Sound Board Operator) is excited to have this opportunity to be involved in the production of THE GAME'S AFOOT after having most recently run the soundboard in OVER MY DEAD BODY. Lea has appeared previously as characters in both the ROSIE THE RIVETER and LIZZIE BORDEN productions here at BCP. Lea enjoys being part of the Buck Creek Players theater family and is excited to try out this new role.
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CONNIE SALVINI THOMPSON
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CONNIE SALVINI THOMPSON (Light Board Operator) is thrilled to return to Buck Creek Players after playing Mrs. Kirk/Ensemble in LITTLE WOMEN: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. Her other experience includes playing trombone in the pit orchestra of Perry Meridian High School's spring 2018 production of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. She is studying environmental public safety at Ivy Tech, and she works as a caregiver for her mother. She is proud to be a transgender woman, and even prouder to be an organizer and activist in the Party for Socialism and Liberation. She would like to thank Brian for offering her this incredible opportunity.
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MELISSA DEVITO
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MELISSA DEVITO (Properties Designer) is back working back stage after having most recently playing Miranda Gould in OVER MY DEAD BODY. 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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PRODUCTION CREW
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Stage Manager
JENNIFER EDWARDS Stage Hand BEAU KELLAMS Scenic Painting Assistants RACHEL BUSH & WILL BUSH |
Stage Combat/Fight Choreographer
ROB JOHANSEN Website Management AARON BAILEY Box Office Management NICKIE CORNETT & AARON BAILEY |
BCP is a non-profit organization
Please consider supporting our efforts to ensure live theater in Franklin Township
SPECIAL THANKS
Aaron B. Bailey
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Cathy Cutshall
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Ken Ludwig has had six shows on Broadway, seven in London's West End, and many of his works have become a standard part of the American repertoire. His 28 plays and musicals have been performed in over 30 countries in more than 20 languages and are produced throughout the United States every night of the year.
LEND ME A TENOR won two Tony Awards and was called “one of the classic comedies of the 20th century by The Washington Post. CRAZY FOR YOU was on Broadway for five years and won the Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical. In addition, he has won the Edgar Award for Best Mystery of the Year, two Laurence Olivier Awards, two Helen Hayes Awards, and the Edwin Forrest Award for Contributions to the American Theater. His plays have starred, among others, Alec Baldwin, Carol Burnett, Tony Shaloub, Joan Collins and Hal Holbrook. His stage version of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS was written expressly at the request of the Agatha Christie Estate, and his latest play, DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE, won the 2020 Charles MacArthur Award for Best New Play of the Year and is optioned for Broadway. His book HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN SHAKESPEARE, published by Penguin Random House, won the Falstaff Award for Best Shakespeare Book of the Year, and his essays are published in the Yale Review. He is a graduate of Harvard and Cambridge and is a frequent guest speaker for groups as varied as The Oxford-Cambridge Society, The Jane Austen Society of North America, The Folger Shakespeare Library, and The Baker Street Irregulars. For more information, see his website at www.kenludwig.com. |
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:
