News Sentinel article (article subject to change)

At the 1946 Iowa State Fair, each member of the Frake family is out for a different prize at the fair. Abel Frake is determined to win a blue ribbon with his prize boar, Blue Boy. His wife Melissa has her heart set on a blue ribbon for her mincemeat, while the Frake children are discovering the thrills of young love on the midway. State Fair is filled with lively dance sequences, a festive carnival atmosphere and memorable songs by America's favorite musical theatre team, Rodgers and Hammerstein, in this Civic Theatre premiere. Songs that will delight the entire family include "A Grand Night for Singing," "All I Owe Ioway" and the Oscar-winning "It Might As Well Be Spring."

Director's Notes
By Harvey Cocks

The year was 1945. October; to be exact. World War II had finally ended. The masses were eager to forget the horrors of the past four years. What better way to escape tragic memories than through the only two avenues of mass entertainment available to them at the time: radio and motion pictures. Television was murmuring in the background with no one realizing that it soon was to revolutionize the entire world of entertainment. The computer was merely a figment of the scientific mind.

Radio had great appeal but it was the movies that afforded people their complete escape from reality. The 14,000 movie palaces that dotted the land offered them glittering Hollywood stars to admire, cry with and laugh at. October 1945 tinsel town releases included HER HIGHNESS AND THE BELLBOY starring the glamorous Hedy LaMarr; Joan Crawford in MILDRED PIERCE and ABBOTT AND COSTELLO IN HOLLYWOOD. None of these films, how-ever; gave audiences the sense of innocence that was life before the war

And then came the release of STATE FAIR written by the theatre's supreme composers, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. It was their first team venture into film, shortly after they had changed the form of the musical theater with their production of OKLAHOMA. They brought to the silver screen their adaptation of the Phil Stong story (originally a 1933 Will Rogers film) concerning an Iowa farm family, the Frakes, and their annual trip to the Iowa State Fair The lilting songs that they composed for the movie, such as "It's A Grand Night For Singing," "It Might As Well Be Spring" (winner of the Academy Award for the best song of 1945) and "Ioway," soon led the nation's musical hit parade.

Millions of movie-goers lined up for blocks to pay their 50 cents to view the year's outstanding Technicolor motion picture. The delightful story, the beautiful music and the lovable characters captivated them and restored the joy of life before the war The film, in time, passed into motion picture history but its memory lingered on.

Little did anyone dream that 54 years later it would come dancing back as a full-fledged Broadway musical, directed by James Hammerstein, Oscar's son. And where did it debut? The most logical place of all, at the Iowa State Fair; in Des Moines. The original plot and songs remained intact. Adding to its charm, however; were nine songs borrowed from several of the composers' long list of Broadway successes: ME AND JULIET, ALLEGRO, PIPE DREAM and the now classic OKLAHOMA.

The joyous musical toured the length and breadth of the country for six months, to cheering audiences, before it opened in New York City at the Music Box Theatre. It elicited the following comments from the local newspaper critics: "STATE FAIR is worthy of a blue ribbon." "This isn't just America the way it ought to be. It's a musical the way it ought to be." The gala opening night audience cheered "It's a Grand Night for Singing" as if it were the national anthem."

And now here it is at the Civic Theatre to lighten and brighten your summer day. Will Abel Frake's boar Blue Boy win a blue ribbon? Will Melissa Frake's mincemeat take first prize? Will their children, Margy and Wayne, happily find their lives turned around? You need only to sit back and relax to find the answers. But, most of al{ to revel in the melodic music and the foot-stomping dances. We welcome you to enjoy our state fair!

James R. Clauser (Abel Frake) has won eight Anthony Awards for acting and one for technical work and has been active with the Civic Theatre since 1981. An English teacher at Snider High School his favorite role remains Don Quixote in MAN OF LA MANCHA, his first Civic performance. Jim would like to thank his wife, Card, for her dedication to the work he has done with our theatre and Bob Sandmaier for his friendship and ability to surround actors with outstanding scenery.

Janet K. Piercy (Melissa Frake) has performed in many shows throughout the community. She last was seen in the Civic's productions of PETER PAN and SOME ENCHANTED EVENING. Janet is a member of "Broadway Babies 1999" for Bower North Productions and just has completed directing a summer school play for FWCS elementary students. STATE FAIR has been a special project for her because her husband, Bill, and all three of their children are in the show as well.

Jamie J. Cochran (Margy Frake) most recently was seen in RODGERS & HART at the Civic Theatre. She is very excited to be performing in her tenth Civic production. Her other Civic Theatre credits include SOME ENCHANTED EVENING, MAMA'S TURN, JOSEPH '96 and THE TAFFETAS, where she played Donna, one of her favorite roles. Jamie is a pre-med student at IPFW and would like to thank her family, friends and Andy for their support.

Tony Didier (Wayne Frake), between lifeguarding, teaching ballroom dancing and water-skiing, has found time to return to the Civic Theatre stage. He has performed in BABY, GUYS AND DOLLS, and SOME ENCHANTED EVENING at the Civic Theatre. Tony also has performed at the University of Saint Francis in their production of Children of Eden. Tony would like to thank his fianc6, Sarah, for her love and support during the run of this show.

Pam Good (Emily Arden) has not graced the Civic Theatre stage since her performance as Prudie in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES in 1995. Fort Wayne audiences have seen her most recently on the Arena Theatre stage in DEATHTRAP and THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS. Pam is thrilled to be in this production. She and her husband, Mike, reside in Auburn.

Phillip H. Colglazier (Pat Gilbert I Co-Choreographer) is the Civic's development I education director and has served in a variety of other positions while at the Civic Theatre: guest director, choreographer and interim director Some of his Civic Theatre performances include THE KING AND I and BARNUM. His 19-year career has taken him around the world: CATS in Vienna, Austria; a musical revue in Seoul, Korea, and FANTASTICO 5 in Rome, Italy.

Emily M. Lyday (Jeanne) STATE FAIR marks Emily's Civic Theatre debut. She attends Homestead High School, where she will be a senior this fall. She has been involved in a number of shows at Homestead including BLOOD BROTHERS, ZOMBIE PROM, COOL GUYS... SMART GUYS and most recently SIDESHOW. Emily is very happy to be a part of the STATE FAIR cast and would like to thank her family for their support

Shaun S. Davis (Harry) is once again performing on the Civic Theatre stage. He last was seen in COME BLOW YOUR HORN at Arena. He also has performed with First Presbyterian Theatre. When not on stage he likes spending as much time as he can with his daughter; Mallory.

Melissa Suzanne Dowty (Eleanor) will be a senior at Leo High School in the fall and is excited to be in the Civic's production of STATE FAIR. She most recently appeared in CINDERELLA at Leo. Her recent theatre credits include SLEEPING BEAUTY and BEANSTALK! for Youtheatre, and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS at Arena. Melissa is an active member of the Leo student council and jazz choir; "Live Rhythm."

Daniel Woodruff (Charlie) is happy to be working with director Harvey Cocks for the sixth time! Daniel would like to express his eternal love and gratitude to his lovely wife, Rhonda, and their children (kittens) Squeeker and Dink'ems. Daniel also would like to thank you, our patrons, without whom we could not do our work.

Sharon V. Nelson (Vivian) is pleased to be on the Civic stage once again. She most recently has been seen in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at First Presbyterian Theatre. Sharon, with more than 20 years' experience in theatre, has been in a number of Civic productions including GUYS AND DOLLS, THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, CAMELOT and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Sharon would like to thank her husband, Mark, for his undivided love and support.

Ric Geist (Lem) is the vocal music, stage musical and show choir director at Bellmont High School. He is enjoying his third straight summer musical with the Civic. Last seen playing Sir Lionel in CAMELOT, Ric enjoys living the simple life as a pig farmer He would like to thank those who love and support what he does; and besides, how could he miss an opportunity to work with Harvey?

Ron Smith (Hank Munson) got his first bite of theatre as the Tenor in the harmonizing School Board in Civic's THE MUSIC MAN for which he won an Anthony Award. Since then he has been seen in 13 other productions including BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS as the Governor; Alonzo Smith in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS at Arena and as Annas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at First Presbyterian Theatre.

David Lautzenheiser (Chief of Police) appeared for the first time on the Civic stage in last summer's production of CAMELOT. David is a full-time music minister at Christ's Church at Georgetown and also performs with the Lincoln Life Choralers. David would like to thank his wife, Mary, and his children, Laura and Luke, for all of their support.

Bill Piercy (Dave Miller), a newcomer to the stage this year; has performed in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER with his wife and two of his children and THE LITTLE MERMAID, as the Sea King, at Youtheatre. He is happy to be sharing the stage with his wife, Janet and his three children Elizabeth, Katherine and Steven in STATE FAIR.

David Owen Boggs (Clay) fondly recalls his youth as a successful 4-H member and the many Indiana State Fairs he attended! David is a choral director at Bishop Dwenger High School and has performed in Civic Theatre's GUYS AND DOLLS, BRIGADOON, THE FANTASTICS, and received an Anthony Award for his role in LEND ME A TENOR. His next role will be as John Wilkes Booth in the upcoming IPFW production ASSASINS.

Maurice Turner (Roustabout) last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in PETER PAN, where he played one of the cool and cruel pirates. Before that he was in THE WIZ at Civic Theatre. Always enthusiastic, he enjoys performing and knowing the audience is having a great time.

Noah DeLong (Concession Barker; Roustabout) is excited to perform in his second show at the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre. Recently he appeared at the Muncie Civic Theatre in the production if THE MOST HAPPY FELLA. Last summer he appeared in CAMELOT here at the Civic Theatre. He hopes to return to school this fall where he will be a senior

Deborah Hartman (Lady Judge) may be making her theatrical and Civic Theatre debut, but she is no stranger to the Performing Arts Center. She has worked in the lobby for two years as a volunteer house manager and she also teaches fifth grade at Price Elementary School. She is very excited to be in her first show.

Christopher J. Murphy (Judge Heppenstahl) has had a busy year in theatre. He spent his summer in Camelot after which he visited Never Land in PETER PAN as Captain Hook, followed by a stint at the glamorous LA CAGE AUX FOLLES as director. This multi-award winning character actor and director also has appeared in local productions of SHE LOVES ME, MOON OVER BUFFALO and JOSEPH '96.

Beverly McCavitt (Balloon Vendor / Mrs. Metcalf's friend) loves to perform and recently won an Anthony Award for her performance in RODGERS & HART... A CELEBRATION. Civic Theatre audiences also will remember her from CAMELOT and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. She would like to thank Brianne and Ryan for tolerating her passion for performing and to "the love of her life," for all of his support.

Jennifer Rapp (Mrs. Edwin Metcalf) has been seen most recently by Fort Wayne audiences at Arena Dinner Theatre in their productions of SOUTHERN FRIED MURDER, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and ONCE UPON A MATTRESS. After 16 years in community theatre, Jenny claims it's nice to be back where she started-with Harvey Cocks from Youtheatre, "He and my family have been a great source of support and I always will be grateful."

Jeffery S. Kreischer (Fairtone) is making his Civic Theatre debut and hopes to make performing at Civic a habit. He last was seen at First Presbyterian Theatre in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. He is a student at the IPFW Theatre department and has performed in AUNTIE MAME and ANTIGONE. Jeff would like to dedicate this performance to his friend, Jason Leichty, who passed away in March.

Darren Ledbetter (Fairtone) is a 16-year old junior at Norwell High School. He has had a wide range of experience in the theatre from such productions as GODSPELL, THE WIZARD OF OZ, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, to his most recent production of YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. Darren is pleased to be making his Civic debut and would like to thank his parents for their constant support.

Gary Lanier (Fairtone I Calf I Co-Choreographer) is an associate faculty member of the theatre department at IPFW and has a number of acting and choreography credits to his name. He has choreographed PETER PAN for the Civic Theatre and has been the associate choreographer for area productions of WEST SIDE STORY, JOSEPH '96, CHICAGO, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, DAMN YANKEES, CHORUS LINE AND PIPPIN.

Marc Kelley (Fairtone) from Bronson, Michigan, is a junior at Taylor University where he is studying pastoral ministries, and is the youth director at Calvary Baptist Church. Marc enjoys showing horses and athletics. This is Marc's first production with the Civic.

Jocelyn Gauthier (Violet) will be a seventh grader at Summit Middle School and is very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Harvey Cocks again. She is a two-time Anthony Award winner for her performances in THE SECRET GARDEN and THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. She would like to thank her family for their ever-present support.

Mary Fortman (Piglet / Dance Captain) is currently a senior at St. Joseph's College and has recently choreographed their production of GODSPELL. She loves performing at the Civic Theatre and last was seen in CAMELOT last summer She will be graduating with a B.A. in economics.

David J. Mitsch (Uncle Sam) is a senior at Bishop Dwenger High School and has appeared in a number of productions there, including SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. At the Civic he has appeared in PETER PAN and CAMELOT. He would like to express his thanks to his family, friends and the cast for their overwhelming support and love.

Mark Evans (Hoopla-Barker), a broadcaster in Fort Wayne for more than 16 years is now a feature reporter at NBC 33 television. After taking time off for his new job, he's back as the Hoopla Barker in his favorite musical of all time, STATE FAIR. Mark is a Civic veteran, having performed in WAIT UNTIL DARK, JOSEPH '96, and BARNUM.

Eric Vitz (Shooting Gallery Barker / Bartender) is performing in his second production at the Civic Theatre. He most recently was seen portraying Doc Porter in CRIMES OF THE HEART. Eric would like to thank his family, friends and fabulous wife, Jamie, for their support.

William David Andrews (Gus / The Astounding Stralenko / Bartender) recently appeared in GODSPELL at Hope United Methodist Church as Jesus, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at First Presbyterian, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS at Arena and AUNTIE MAME at IPFW. He also won an Anthony Award for his portrayal of Arnold Epstein in BILOXI BLUES at Civic.

Sara Miller (Chorus) is a sixth grader at Memorial Park Middle School and has been active in the theatre for a number of years. Sara won an Anthony Award for her portrayal of Helen Keller in THE MIRACLE WORKER. She also appeared in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Civic. She enjoys swimming, boxball and playing with her friends.

Jon Durant (Chorus) recently was seen as one of the Lost Boys in the Civic's production of PETER PAN. He has been active in theatre productions in Fort Wayne since the age of six. Jon also does a good deal work backstage, which he enjoys very much.

Steven Piercy (Chorus) is making his Civic Theatre debut. He last was seen in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Youtheatre and also just finished a summer play at school. He will be a second grader at Whitney Young School and is having fun with his whole family in STATE FAIR!

Michael Good (Chorus) has performed in productions such as THE MAGIC PEBBLE GANG and LILY WHITE AND HER UTTERLY ODD FRIENDS at Youtheatre and in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Civic. He is currently a seventh grader at Memorial Park.

Katherine Piercy (Chorus) is a fourth grader at Weisser Park School and has performed in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER for Youtheatre. She loves to sing and recently sang a solo with the Kenny Rogers Holiday Show at the Memorial Coliseum. She is making her Civic Theatre debut and she is pleased to be sharing the stage with her sister; brother; mom and dad.

Alicia Knight (Chorus) is a sophomore at Bishop Luers High School and she recently appeared in THE LITTLE MERMAID as Princess Morianna for Youtheatre. She also has appeared in THE CHILDREN'S HOUR and THE MIRACLE WORKER at the Civic. She would like to thank her family, especially her dad, for all their support.

Colleen McNabb (Mrs. Robert Mosely) has spent several seasons at Busch Gardens-Williamsburg and also Cedar Point as a performer Colleen also spent four years as a singer I dancer with Ball State University Singers; she also has managed to devote time to the Ball State Jazz Band as a soloist. Colleen would like to thank her supportive family and friends, "I am delighted to be returning to the Civic Theatre."

Tamara Drew (Chorus) is thrilled to once again be working with Harvey Cocks. She has been seen on the Civic Theatre stage in THE CHILDREN'S HOUR and THE WIZ. She would like to thank her family and friends (both on and off stage) for helping her perform at the Civic Theatre, especially Kim Hamilton and Jessie Walker.

Kelly Shea Gunkel (Chorus) is excited to be performing again after being offstage for three years. Kelly may be making her Civic Theatre debut, but she is very familiar in the business office where she keeps the administrative staff on the right path. She enjoys working with her Girl Scout troop, music and dancing. Kelly will start her fourth year at IPFW this fall where she is majoring in accounting. She would like to thank everyone who has been there for her; especially the past year

Tina M. Miller (Mrs. Dorothy Boxhorn) last was seen in GUYS AND DOLLS at the Civic Theatre. She has also performed at First Presbyterian and Arena Dinner Theatre and is a past member of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus. Tina is a sales representative for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals and enjoys sharing her home with her retired racing greyhounds and also has two cats.

Jill S. Nelson (Judges' Assistant) is happy to be at the Civic Theatre again after performing last summer in CAMELOT. She is in the Butler Chorale and Madrigal Singers at Butler University. She has been seen in ANYTHING GOES, LEND ME A TENOR, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS. She most recently was the assistant director in Arena's LA CAGE AUX FOLLES.

Molly Alberda (Chorus) last was seen on the Civic Theatre stage in PETER PAN and HAMLET. Molly is a recent graduate of Lakewood Park Christian School and will be a freshman at IPFW in the fall. She would like to thank God for her life and her family for being her best friends.

Elizabeth Kay Piercy (Judges' Assistant) is a sophomore at Snider High School and is a member of many extra curricular activities. She is making her Civic Theatre debut with STATE FAIR. Her other stage credits include LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, DAMN YANKEES, NO, NO NANNETTE, THE SECRET GARDEN, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Elizabeth would like to thank her family, friends, especially Shannon, and her jazz quartet BLEW.

Eunice Wadewitz (Music Director) is a woman of many talents. She not only works as the Civic Theatre music director during the season, but she also works as a sales associate in our box office and as an assistant in our business office. Eunice has been involved in more than 35 shows at the Civic Theatre.

Bill Wunderlin (Stage Manager) is a retired grade school teacher who makes church banners for a hobby. He likes to travel and loves to work on musicals at the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre. To date, he has worked on more than 90 productions at this theatre. Bill, we don't say this often enough but thank you, thank you, thank you.

Megan Tepfer (Assistant Stage Manager) has managed many theatrical events including THE WIZ, ANNE FRANK, PETER PAN, RODGERS AND HART and CRIMES OF THE HEART. She is currently directing a performing troupe with the AIDS Task Force. Megan thinks its wonderful to be working with such a great stage manager Thanks to Mom, Dad, Becca, Emily and Josh for their support!

Sharon Smith (Assistant Stage Manager) says, "it has been a pleasure working with such a talented cast and crew. It has been a joy seeing the cast carry the production from the rehearsal room to the stage! As this year's Civic Theatre's Guild president, I would like to encourage all of those who may be interested to learn what support the guild members provide to our theatre. The next meeting will be in the Ian Rolland Gallery September 13, 1999 at 7:30.

CHARACTERS:
Abel Frake (James Clauser)- 40s - 50s - gruff but big hearted, affectionate farmer and father
Melissa Frake (Janet Piercy)- 40s - 50s - Abel's wife, a worrier but vital and loving
Margy Frake (Jamie Cochran)- 17 - 18 - Frake's daughter, strong, bright, but unsophisticated
Wayne Frake (Tony Didier)- 20 - Margy's energetic brother, naive but thinks he knows the score
Pat Gilbert (Phillip Colglazier)- 30s - cynical, worldly newspaper man
Charlie (Daniel Woodruff)- 20s - 30s - friendly, vital news photographer
Emily Arden (Pam Good)- early 30s - worldly entertainer with a hard edge
Eleanor (Emily Lyday)- 18 - 19 - Wayne's spunky, intelligent girlfriend
Harry (Shaun S. Davis)- 17 - 18 - Margy's innocent, sincere boyfriend
Dave Miller - 40s - 50s - grumpy local storekeeper
Gus (William Andrews)- 20s - 40s - the Frake's farmhand
Hank Munson (Ron Smith)- 40s - 50s - a lighthearted farmer
Lem (Ric Geist)- 30s - 40s - a farmer
Clay (David Boggs)- 30s - 40s - a farmer
Violet (Jocelyn Gauthier)- 10 - 12 years - spunky little girl
Chief of Police - 30s - Violet's father
Judge Hippenstahl (Christopher Murphy)- 40s - 50s - staid, pompous, fair adjudicator
Mrs. Edwin Metcalf (Jennifer Rapp)- 40s - snooty matron
Vivian (Sharon Nelson)- 20s - 30s - a cooch dancer
Jeanne - 20s - 30s - a cooch dancer

Plus - barkers, announcers, vendors, fairgoers and entertainers

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