Taking This Play's Temperature

Why Fahrenheit 451 as a musical drama?

Because, all of my life, I have wanted to fall in love with various art forms and fail at them for awhile and then get fairly mediocre at them and then at least become somewhat more than good, leaning toward excellence.

Drama and musical theatre and poetry have been part of my life since I was twelve and appeared in a Christmas operetta and then moved into radio reading the comic strips to kiddies on Saturday night. I began to write for the stage in high school and did work with Laraine Day's little theatre group in the Mormon Church when I was twenty. All of my early plays were dreadful. But I made up my mind to see all of the plays and musicals I could possibly attend, over a period of twenty-five years. One of my loves, along the way, was opera. You only need to raise the curtain on TOSCA and I'm in tears before the music starts. It follows then, after so much time spent devouring poetry and attending performances, I had to dare to fail in the musical theatre. My first musical was DANDELION WINE at the Lincoln Center in New York in 1967. It did not fail. But it did not have an earthshaking survival, either. Not long after, I wrote FAHRENHEIT 451 as a straight drama, which seemed to work. The final step came five years ago when Georgia Holof and David Mettee showed up on my doorstep as strangers with half the score of the musical play already finished. I listened and invited them into my life to stay. For two summers we wrote and rehearsed and staged and restaged our almost-opera at the O'Neill Theatre Center in Connecticut. Now my love, begun so many decades ago, has joined with theirs and our strange future child is ready to be born in a public place. May I dare to predict its immediate fate? We will not fail. And, who knows, we may well have a bit more than an ordinary, amiable run.

Ray Bradbury
Los Angeles
August 22nd, 1988

Ray Bradbury has published twenty-three books - novels and collections ot short stories, poems, and plays - since his first story appeared in Rob Wagner's Script when he was twenty years old.

In 1964, Mr. Bradbury founded the Pandemonium Theatre, which has produced his plays, including THE WONDERFUL ICE CREAM SUIT and, this year, FALLING UPWARD, a comedy about his time in Ireland working for John Huston on the screenplay of MOBY DICK. He was the creator of the scenario for the U.S. Pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair and the concept around which Spaceship Earth was constructed for EPCOT at Disney World, in Florida. In 1980 he became creative consultant for the architectural firm Jon Jerde Partnership, which planned the Westside Pavilion in Los Angeles and the Horton Plaza in San Diego. "The Ray Bradbury Television Theatre" has appeared since 1986.

Mr. Bradbury is currently collaborating with Jimmy Webb on the lyrics for a musical version of his DANDELION WINE. He has been asked to help design a twenty-first century city to be built near Tokyo.

David Mettee

David began writing musical scores while a student at the Eastman School of Music. He served in the Peace Corps as Artistic Director of the Barbados National Theatre developing original projects. UNCHAINED, an authentic Bajan musical, conceived and directed by David, was produced at Carifesta, the Pan American Arts Festival. Within the last ten years, he and lyricist Georgia Bogardus Holof have collaborated on four Off-Broadway musicals: NEW VOICES, MESSAGE UNITS, ONE BY TWO FOR THREE and INTERNAL COMBUSTION. They also contributed the song FRIENDS to the Off-Broadway revue A...MY NAME IS ALICE. The New York Times identified Georgia and David as one of the "outstanding songwriting teams involved in MY NAME IS ALICE" (2/27/84). Currently, they are working with playwright Bruce Peyton on RETREAT AMERlCA, a musical spoof of the religious theme park Heritage USA. David is an alumnus of the Lehman Engle BMI Musical Theatre Workshop, the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Georgia Bogardus Holof

With David Mettee, Georgia has written lyrics for Off Off-Broadway musicals. She is an alumnus of the Lehman Engle BMI Musical Theatre Workshop and has completed the ASCAP Workshop. Georgia has written lyrics and special material for club acts including two songs for Michael Carney recorded on the Nocturn label. She and David Mettee contributed the FRIENDS sequence to A...MY NAME IS ALICE, which was awarded the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Revue of 1984. INTERNAL COMBUSTION, a musical about the American automobile created by Holof and Meflee, was co-produced for the New Jersey Theatre Jubilee this past summer by Musical Theatre Works and Paper Mill Playhouse. It is currently being considered for Off-Broadway this winter. Georgia is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Henry Aronson

Henry Aronson is proud to rejoin the Holot/Mettee writing team, having arranged their INTERNAL COMBUSTION for Musical Theatreworks in New York. His arranging credits include MAIL at the Pasadena Playhouse, MIAMI at Playwrights Horizons, and Coca-Cola's 100th Anniversary Celebration in Atlanta. He has also written arrangements for Marvin Hamlisch and, for two seasons, has been the Orchestrator for the BARYSHNIKOV & CO. ballet troupe; he has programed and played synthesizers for the Oldsmobile industrial show and Miss America Pageant and, as composer; was awarded a "Meet the Composer" Foundation Grant. He is married to actress Colleen Hefferman.

The Cast Unmasked

Paul Binotto (Guy Montag)

Paul Binotto has appeared in a number of acclaimed Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions. Currently on leave from the cast of STARLIGHT EXPRESS, he was recently featured in the New York Soho Repertory production THE BLITZSTEIN PROJECT His Broadway credits include Dave in DREAMGIRLS, Jerry Stone in ONE NIGHT STAND and a member of the Tribe in the revival of HAIR. Under Hal Prince's direction he played Tobias Ragg in the New York City Opera production of SWEENEY TODD. At the Edinburgh Festival, Scotland, he played Connie Rivers in the World Premiere of the adaptation of John Steinbeck's THE GRAPES OF WRATH, as well as Paul Granger Ill in HOT'L BALTIMORE.

Among Paul's regional work has been the role of Candide in the Arena Stage, Washington, production of CANDIDE, Ferdinand in the Annenburg Center THE TEMPEST, and he was seen as the First Rock Singer in Leonard Bernstein's MASS at the Kennedy Center. Paul has had the good fortune professionally of being directed by many of the foremost artists in theatre today: Michael Bennett, John Dexter, Tom O'Horgan, Frank Corsaro, and Elizabeth Swados.

Paul is a native of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, resides in New York, and is married to Julie Ratcliffe, a member of the wardrobe staff of the New York City Opera Company.

David Landis (Fire Chief Beatty)

My parents were a published poet and a concert pianist while holding "real life" jobs as an insurance executive and a teacher. I have followed that same balancing act. At 22,1 was elected to office as the youngest officeholder in Nebraska history. After seven years on various public service boards, I was elected to the Legislature in 1978. In 1987, the Omaha World Herald described me as one of the two most effective legislators on passing bills. In other areas, I've been "Teacher of the Year" at Doane College and a rock'n'roll DJ for twenty years. I have been in Who's Who for the past several years.

This is the second world premiere of a musical for me. I did the title role in David Bell's CONAN IS A GRAND OLD NAME that played Chicago several times. Seven professional rep seasons for Nebraska Repertory Theatre have meant leads in Shakespeare, Orton, Ayckbourn, Simon and Shaw shows. I played Dr. Watson in 33 episodes of "Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Great-Granddaughter" an instructional television show for sixth graders that was on public television in several states.

I've walked the tightrope in BARNUM, ascended to Heaven in GODSPELL, proposed in MONDAY AFTER THE MIRACLE, TALLEY'S FOLLY and MAN AND SUPERMAN and frozen to death in TERRA NOVA. I've blinded horses in EOUUS, killed in DEATHTRAP and CORPSE, died in DEATHTRAP CORPSE, THE INNOCENTS, and WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION and hopped up a flight of stairs with my pants at my ankles in NOISES OFF.

My constituents don't always know what to think of me. My son, Matt, plays soccer for the University of Tulsa, my daughter Melissa, is a dancer and my wife, Melodee, is the steady, reliable zookeeper who keeps us going.

Mary Ebel (Clarisse) Mary brings the distinction of two Best Actress awards from the Washington D.C. area where her credits included Babe in CRIMES OF THE HEART Agnes Gooch in MAME, and Hermia in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. She has studied theatre at Towson State University and has also trained in New York City under Nikos Psacharapoulis from the Williamstown Theatre in Massachusetts and Ellie Renfield of Circle Rep.

James Clauser (Faber/Stevenson) Jim is an institution at the Civic. His many roles include Salieri in AMADEUS and his Anthony Award winning Don Quixote in MAN OF LA MANCHA. In addition he has worked as a scenic artist and is recognized as a Master Technician. He recently appeared as Hajj, the Poet, in the Civic's summer musical KISMET.

Beth Ewing Jafri (Millie) Winning BE Actress as Agnes in I DO, I DO at Arena Theatre and Best Supporting Actress for Grandma Tzeitel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Beth will also remembered as Dolly Levi in THE MATCHMAKER. Recently, she portrayed Ayah in KISMET. Beth has a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and has studied Theatre Miami of Ohio. Married and mother of two, 5 is a Personnel Administrator at Magnavox.

Julie Donnell (Mrs. Hudson) A winner two Anthonys for her roles as Elsa in THE SOUND OF MUSIC and Helen Stott in AND A NIGHTINGALE SANG, Julie was the loveable Sister Amnesia in our hit musical NUNSENSE. With a Master of Arts in German Literature, she is employed by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department as Director of Public Relations.

David Bell (Paramedic) Affer inventing the incandescent light in the hilarious WILD OATS, David happily continues to explore new worlds on the Civic stage. In addition to his stage work, he was cast as an extra in the film EIGHT MEN OUT. Currently David attends Indiana/Purdue University in Fort Wayne and is a Manager for Wooden Nickel Records.

Linda Bender (Company) Married and the mother of three, two of whom are appearing with her on stage, Linda is the Media Manager for North American Van Lines. She has demonstrated a talent for singing and dancing earlier this season as a part of the company in KISMET.

Steve Black (Stone) Steve has been acting for the past twenty-eight years and supports himself as a freelance actor and voice talent. His credits include Al Hakin in OKLAHOMA, Semlicue in DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, and Bill Sykes in OLIVER. He is married with three children.

Ron Carr (Holden) Still known for "quotattions, I hates it," his infamous line from WILD OATS, Ron continues to add to his stage credits. Over the past two years his roles vary from a baseball player in EIGHT MEN OUT to a frog in A DOPEY FAIRY TALE at the Forte Festival. Ron is an avid James Dean fan.

Delia Diehm (Company) Delia shows her dedication to local theatre by not only appearing in Civic shows such as KlSMET but by also serving on the Board of Directors for the Youtheatre. She is currently President of the Aboite Township Fire Department Auxiliary.

Gail "Abby" Ehinger (Alice/Barker) Since beginning her acting career in 1982, Gail has not only acted in a variety of roles, but has choreographed over thirty high school and community theatre musicals. She has also performed in the Barnes Circus in 1987 and was asked to be a trapeze artist for the following summer. Gail recently portrayed the beautiful Marsinah in KISMET.

Andrew Gingrich (Paramedic/Aristotle) Our wandering thespian Harry Thunder from WILD OATS returns for yet another production on the Civic stage. His many credits include roles in ROMEO AND JULIET, GIFTS OF THE MAGI, an Eric Parker from AND A NIGHTINGALE SANG. Andrew attended North Side High School and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University.

Michael Glass (Barker/Rostand) Michael considers himself a master Nutritionist, Herbologist, Muscle Therapist, and Guitarist. He will be remembered as Schroeder from YOUR A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN at Arena Theatre. Michael has previously appeared on the Civic stage in OLIVER and KISMET

Dorothy Graham (Company) Dorothy laughingly recalls her first acting role, as a kindergartner in Auburn, Indiana. She was a carrot! She believes if something is wanted bad enough, it can be achieved. Dorothy applies this philosophy to her singing, piano and organ playing, painting, and poetry writing.

Sigurd Hepler (Barker/Wilde) Sigurd has been seen in a variety of roles at the Civic. His appearances include ROMEO AND JULIET, THE MATCHMAKER, and an Anthony nomination for his work as Salieri's Valet in AMADEUS. Sigurd recently was the shifty Angel Eyes in WILD OATS.

Greg Jackson (Fireman/Tolstoy) Greg, once again, finds lime away from his construction work to appear at the Civic. His first role on our stage was appearing as Lalume's Guard in the summer musical KISMET Greg also received acting experience while attending New Haven High School and the University of Indianapolis.

Blair Johnson (Barker/Tolkein) Blair began acting while attending Elkart Central High School where he played the Prince in THE KING AND I as well as Theo in PIPPIN. He has previously appeared at the Civic in AMADEUS. His favorite role to date has been Nick in A THOUSAND CLOWNS.

Kenneth Miller (Company) Kenneth works as a Computer Programmer and Analyst for Magnavox. He made his stage debut in the Civic's AMADEUS as Salieri's Cook.

Jessica Jenne Portiho (Company) Jessica is not only a recognized actress with a Best Supporting Actress award for her work in GREASE at the Civic, but is also an accomplished dancer She has been a member of the Fort Wayne Ballet for fifteen years. Jessica choreographed and performed an original ballet as a thesis at Ball State University and is Choreographer for the Homestead High School Swing Choir.

Rosy Ridenour (Helen) Another veteran of many Civic productions, Rosy has a long list of awards and theatrical achievements. She recently appeared as Lalume in KISMET and Sister Regina in NUNSENSE. Her other credits include Dolly in HELLO DOLLY, Rose in GYPSY, Yente in FlDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Emma in TINTYPES. Rosy is married and mother of two.

Daina Riley (Company) Currently involved in the community as Chairman of the Board for the March of Dimes, Daina fills her spare time singing for many weddings and other private events. While attending high school, she toured Alabama, Mississippi, and northwest Florida performing with a singing group.

Richard Runkel (Company) Beginning with the role of Nachum in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Richard has gone on to many roles including Mr. Eichelberger in PROMISES, PROMISES and recently, as Iman in KISMET. He attended Southside High School and Indiana/Purdue University in Fort Wayne and is currently employed by Magnavox.

Joel Scribner (Fireman) As a fan and collector of Science Fiction literature, Joel feels right at home in a Ray Bradbury play. He has received the Gehrig Acting Award as Outstanding Actor for four years at Northrop High School where his roles included Will Parker in OKLAHOMA and Alfred P. Doolittle in MY FAIR LADY. Joel is currently studying Communications at Indiana/Purdue University in Fort Wayne and works for the Allen County Public Library.

Charles Wilson (Black/Dostoevski) Recipient of a National Society of Arts and Letters Career Award for Acting, Charles also comes to the Civic from the Washington D.C. area. He recently appeared as the Wazir in the summer musical KISMET Employed with Atlantis Travel, Charles is a member of the Actors Equity Association.

Michael Young (Fireman/Company) Another well known Civic performer, Michael returns to our stage following his portrayal of Colonel Thunder in WILD OATS. He is remembered for his work in ROMEO AND JULIET AS YOU LIKE IT and BORN YESTERDAY In the Spring of 1989, he will direct Arena's production of THE LAST DAYS OF THE DIXIE GIRL CAFE. Michael is also active backstage with set construction as well as lighting and sound management.

The 451 Children

Currently attending Woodside Middle School, Emily Bender has done stage work at Haverhill Elementary and also helps with sets for the Civic when she can.

Andy Bender presently attends Haverhill Elementary School and enjoys skateboarding.

Christy Diehm has already developed an extensive list of credits on stage with the Youtheatre, PIT and the Civic including CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF and KISMET She has also appeared on film in HEARTBURN and in several local commercials. Christy is a student at Holy Cross.

Kevin Diehm was in the Youtheatre's THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER as well as AMADEUS.

Joey Diehm is in the first grade at Indian Meadows Elementary School and was in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER.

Matt Diehm has a long list of credits that includes CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, KISMET and his favorite role as a pickpocket in OLIVER. Matt attends Aboite Elementary School.

Joe Laureano attends Haverhill Elementary and appeared there in SNOW WHITE and with the Youtheatre in PETER PAN.

Jody Thompson, a sixth grader; has worked with the Youtheatre in HANSEL AND GRETEL and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER as well as shows at the Wagon Wheel Playhouse.

"PORCHES"

The square
that was there
was fireman's statue
that's new
the river once had bridges
the guard tower
that's new too
there were fields and hills
from here to the mall
but most of all I remember

There used to be porches
they used to have chairs
we'd sit there and talk
maybe go for a walk
on smooth cement sidewalks
leading right up to the porches

There used to be windows
you could see out and in
you could let in fresh air
or sit there and stare
a man had time to ponder
watching people on their porches

We cried about injustice
what else could we do
cried when love began and when it died
sad movies
parades could make us cry
sometimes we felt lonely
without even knowing why

But
there used to be neighbors
they used to drop in
without transit control
up the sidewalk they'd stroll
and welcome made us merry
when there used to be porches

from FAHRENHEIT 451 Lyrics by Georgia Bogardus Holof

Synopsis of Scenes and Musical Numbers
ACT I
Prologue:..........The Town
"Burning"..........Montag, the Company
Scene 1-The Firehouse
"The Will of the People"..........Beatty, Montag, the Firemen
Scene 2-The Street
"I Wonder".......... Clarisse, Montag
Scene 3-Montag's House
"Dial Survive-A-While".......... Paramedics, Montag
Scene 4-Faber's House
"Porches".......... Faber; Clarisse
Reprise: "I Wonder".......... Clarisse, Montag
Scene 5-Montag's House
"Where Did We Meet?"..........Mildred, Montag
"Mine".......... Mildred, TV. Man
Scene 6-The Firehouse
"Confrontation I"..........Montag, Beatty
Scene 7-The Street Outside Firehouse
"Questions".......... Montag, Clarisse
Scene 8-The Firehouse Fileroom..........
Scene 9-Mrs. Hudson's House
"The Truth"..........Beatty, Montag, Mrs. Hudson, the Company
Scene 10-The Street Outside Mrs. Hudson's House
"The Prayer".......... Clarisse
"Cross the Border".......... Clarisse, Montag

ACT II
Scene 1-The Fun Park
"Fun Park".......... Barkers, the Company
Scene 2-Montag's House
Scene 3-Beatty's Apartment
"When I Was Your Age"..........Beatty, Montag
Scene 4-The Street
"Clarisse"..........Montag
"Burning".......... Children
Scene 5-Faber's House
"Connections".......... Faber; Montag
Scene 6-Montag's House
"Forget"..........Mildred, Alice, Helen, TV Man, TV Woman
Reprise: "Cross the Border"..........Montag, Mildred
Reprise: "Connections".......... Montag, Faber
Scene 7-The Firehouse
"Confrontation II: Quote Fight"..........Beatty, Montag, Faber
"Confrontation Ill: Powerful and Mighty"..........Montag, Beatty
Scene 8-The Chase
"I Remember".......... Montag, the Company
Epilogue: The Book People Shire
"The Anthem".......... Aristotle, Book People
"The Prayer/Anthem".......... Clarisse, Montag, Book People

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