FPT Archives
First Presbyterian Theatre
300 W. Wayne St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 422-6329

2005-2006 Season

Our Town

by Thornton Wilder

directed by John Tolley

September 1**, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11*, 16, 17 2005

This is one of the wisest, most moving pieces of theater ever written, dealing with the most human of issues: birth, family, love, marriage, and death.  Full of humor and pathos, it is no wonder that this production makes Our Town FPT s most produced work.  As guest director John Tolley puts it, The perspective that the theatre can give us is one in which we are challenged to comprehend the spiritual reality in the humdrum of our own lives.  As the characters in Our Town discover, it s the simple values of life that resonate with the very heart of God.

Two Gentlemen of Verona

by William Shakespeare

directed by Thom Hofrichter

October 20**, 21, 22, 28, 29,30*, November 4, 5 2005

William Shakespeare s incisive comedy about how a friendship can be tested by love is this season s annual nod to the greatest playwright ever.  Valentine and Proteus (the two gents) are best friends until Proteus becomes enamored of Valentine s girlfriend.  Fickle lovers, baffled bandits, sassy servants and an unforgettable ill-mannered dog make up this rollicking comedy of disguise and deception.

Amahl and the Night Visitors

By Carlo Menotti director Joel D. Scribner, musical director Stephen Sheftz

December 1**, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11*, 16, 17, 2005

Presented to celebrate Christmas, this opera tells the tale of how three kings on their way to Christ s nativity touch the lives of a little crippled Shepard boy and his mother.  This piece of work was the first show to be produced when FPT began producing in this theater back in 1968, and we are revisiting it, in part, to commemorate First Presbyterian Church s 175^th anniversary.

Eleemosynary

by Lee Blessing

directed by Thom Hofrichter

January 5**, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15**, 20, 21, 2006

Sensitive and probing, this masterful play examines the relationships between three generations of remarkable women: a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother.  The play takes its title from a word the girl spells to win a national spelling bee, and means, of or pertaining to alms, charitable.  It reminds us that charity isn t just what we put in a church collection plate, but also has to do with forgiving the weaknesses of those who surround us.  

Jesus Christ Superstar

by Weber & Rice

directed by Thom Hofrichter

March 9**, 10, 11, 12*, 17, 18, 19*, 24, 25, 26* 31, April 1, 2*, 2006

Together this team wrote Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Evita.  Separately they produced Cats, The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King.  Jesus Christ Superstar is the production that catapulted them to fame in the early 70s.  Superstar is a powerful piece of musical theater that celebrates the passion of Christ.

Lend Me a Tenor

by Ken Ludwig

directed by Joel D. Scribner

May 4**, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14*, 19, 20, 2006

Filled with broad comedy, lots of slapstick, and mistaken identities, this play is one of the great American farces of the 20^th century.  Called Non-stop laughter by Variety, as well as Uproarious! Hysterical! by USA Today, this wild romp is about two small time opera producers who bring in the world s greatest tenor to perform Otello.  They accidentally kill him (they think), and try to hide it by having a local man go on pretending to be him.  So when the tenor comes to there are now two Otellos running around.  Sound crazy?  It is.  This play is absolute madness.  

Underneath the Lintel

by Glen Berger

directed by Thom Hofrichter

June 29**, 30, July 1, 7, 8, 9*, 15, 16*, 2006

A librarian, obsessed with discovering why a book was returned 113 years overdue, sets out to discover who the borrower was and ends up on a fascinating journey of self-discovery.  As the librarian shares an impressive presentation of lovely evidences, the result is not only hilarious, but also an enthralling exploration of myth, history, and geography.  

2004-2005 SEASON

by A.R. Gurney�directed by Ranae Butler

September 2**, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12*, 17, 18, 2004

by William Shakespeare�directed by Thom Hofrichter

October 14**, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24*, 29, 30, 2004

adapted by James W. Rodgers from the Frank Capra film�directed by Thom Hofrichter

December 2**, 3, 4, 5*, 10, 11, 12*, 17, 18, 19*, 2004

by Jean Paul Sartre�directed by Joel D. Scribner

January 6**, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16*, 2005

by Emily Mann�directed by Thom Hofrichter

featuring Terra Brantley and Dianne Shaw

February 10**, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20*, 25, 26, 2005

music & lyrics by Frank Loesser, book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert

directors Thom Hofrichter & Stefan Zubal, choreographer Stefan Zubal, musical director Stephen Sheftz

April 21**, 22, 23, 24*, 29, 30, May 1*, 6, 7, 8*, 2005

by Neil Simon�directed by Joel D. Scribner

June 30**, July 1, 2, 8, 9, 10*, 16, 17*, 2005

Prisoner of Second Avenue � July 11-13, 16-17, 19-20, 2003
Spinning Into Butter � September 5- 6, 12-14, 19-20, 2003
Ghosts �October 24, 25, 31 Nov. 1, 2, 7, 8, 2003
The Christmas Schooner: A Musical �December 5-7, 12-14, 19,-21, 2003
Fiddler on the Roof � February 27-29 March 5-7, 12-14, 2004
Measure for Measure � April 23, 24, 30 May 1, 2, 7, 8, 2004

Prisoner of Second Avenue by Neil Simon

July 10*, 11, 12, 13**, 16, 17, 19, 20**, 25, 26 2003

An executive suddenly finds himself out of a job after nearly 30 years of service. Written in the 70s, this comedy rings as true today as when first written. Neil Simon, king of the American theater, has a true gift for taking grave subjects, and without losing sight of their seriousness, imbuing them with hearty and sympathetic humor. This is one of Simon�s funniest comedies. Directing will be Joel Scribner, FPT�s new Production Manager.

Spinning Into Butter by Rebecca Gilman

September 4*, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14**, 19, 20 2003

This stunningly frank, caustically humorous examination of race relations explores the dangers of political correctness and the latent racism that may lurk in the liberal heart. Set in a small college in Vermont, the school explodes when one of its few African-American students begins receiving hate mail. The characters are forced to explore their own feelings of racism, providing surprising discoveries and painful insights.

Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen, adapted by Thom Hofrichter

October 23*, 24, 25, 31, Nov 1, 2**, 7, 8 2003

Ibsen, the father of the modern drama, is at his best in this provocative drama which remains at the pinnacle of dramatic literature some 120 years after it was written. Mrs. Alving is a widow in a Victorian Age that compels her to hide her late husband�s unseemly past, especially from her son who is home to unveil a memorial to his father. The play reveals that the past will never die if one refuses to confront it, and the ghosts will forever haunt you.

The Christmas Schooner: A Musical book by John Reeger, music & lyrics by Julie Shannon

Auditions: Young Karl (age 9) only - through September 10, 2003. (call for details)

December 4*, 5, 6, 7**, 12, 13, 14**, 19, 20, 21**, 2003

This critically acclaimed holiday treat returns for its second voyage on the FPT stage. Based on true events from the 1800s, it tells the story of a Michigan shipping captain who braves the deadly winter weather on Lake Michigan to deliver a cargo of Christmas trees to homesick German American families in Chicago. It will delight all who see it.

Fiddler on the Roof book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick

Auditions: November 8-9, 2003.

February 26*, 27, 28, 29, March 5, 6, 7**, 12, 13, 14** 2004

Rich in historical and ethnic detail, this classic American musical has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth, and honesty. Its universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality, and religion; leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness. FPT Artistic Director Thom Hofrichter will star as Tevye, and David Schuler will be in from New York to direct.

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

Auditions: January 17-18, 2004

April 22*, 23, 24, 30, May 1, 2**, 7, 8 2004

One of Shakespeare�s works labeled a "problem play," this masterpiece doesn�t fit easily into any category (though it is usually labeled comedy). Examining the subject of justice, Shakespeare takes his title from Matthew 7: 1-2, "Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get." This play is wildly entertaining and provides great fodder for serious discussion.

2002-03 SEASON

Educating Rita
by Willie Russell
September 5*, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15**, 2002

Molly Sweeney
by Rebecca Gilman
October 17*, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27** 2002
This play by Ireland's greatest living playwright has taken the regional theatre by storm in recent seasons. The ancient tradition of storytelling is revived in this poignant and moving drama. Three characters' thoughts are interwoven as they address the audience, telling their story. Molly, blind since early infancy, tells of her journey from blindness to sight and back to blindness. Her husband, who pushed her into the operation, relates his view of his wife's journey as does the once-famous eye surgeon who performs the miracle. This is a play about how we see the world and the damage we can cause others by demanding they see the same way we do.

Rehearsals: Flexible, June to September 15, 2002. (Show consists of monologues, schedule for actors will be arranged once cast). Then, September 16 - October 16, 2002, Monday through Friday, 7-10 p.m.
1 man 40s, 1 man 60s, 1 woman 40s
Be ready to read from the script
All three characters use Irish dialect.

The Christmas Schooner: A Musical
book by John Reeger, music and lyrics by Julie Shannon
December 5*, 6, 7, 8**, 13, 14, 15**, 20, 21, 22**, 2002

Twelfth Night
by William Shakespeare
January 30*, 31, February 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16**, 2003

Godspell
music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
March 20*, 21, 22, 23**, 28, 29, 30**, April 4, 5, 6**, 11, 12, 13**, 2003
Possible extension dates

Arsenic and Old Lace
by Joseph Kesselring
May 8*, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18**, 2003

2001-02 SEASON

Man of LaMancha book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, lyrics by Joe Darion September 13-30, 2001

A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare November 1-17, 2001

Art by Yasmina Rasa, translation by Christopher Hampton February 7-23

Brand by Henrik Ibsen, adaptation by David Schuler and Thom Hofrichter April 4-20, 2002

The Mikado words by Gilbert-music by Sullivan, May 30-June 16, 2002

2000-01 SEASON

CHILDREN OF EDEN
September 14-17, 22-24, 29-October 1, 2000

I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER (by Robert Anderson)
November 2-4, 10-12, 17-18, 2000

THE ACTORS NIGHTMARE and SISTER MARY IGNATIUS (both by Christopher Durang)
February 22-24, March 2-4, 9-10, 2001

ALL MY SONS (by Arthur Miller)
April 19-21, 27-29, May 4-5, 2001

Cast
Teresa Bower.....Sue Bayliss
Tracy Collins.....George Deever
Angie Craft.....Ann Deever
Janet Goodyear.....Kate Keller
Brian Gorman.....Dr. Jim Bayliss
Bob Haluska.....Joe Keller
Nicholas J. Regalla.....Frank Lubey
Dawn Sorenson.....Lydia Lubey
Andrew Vaughn.....Bert
Kerry Yingling.....Chris Keller

Always, Patsy Cline
June 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-23, 30, July 6-7, 13-14, 2001

CAST
Melissa Machinski as Patsy Cline
Julie Longwell as Louise
Danielle Andersen to swing in both roles

1999-2000 Season
The Pirates of Penzance
by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan
Sept. 16, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, Oct. 1, 2, 3, 1999

Frederic, a pirate-in-training, is freed from servitude on his 21st birthday. Will he follow his conscience and report his ruthless cohorts, or remain loyal to the brigands he has run with by letting them continue their naughty ways? Nobody really cares as long as the comedy is funny and the tunes are well-sung.

Driving Miss Daisy
by Alfred Uhry
Auditions: Sunday, September 19, 1999, from 6 pm to 8 pm
Performances: Nov. 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 1999

This 1988 Pulitzer Prize Winner and winner of a Best Picture Academy Award takes us to Atlanta mid-century and tells the story of an elderly Jewish matron and her chauffeur. This play, which spans 25 years, is a delicate depiction of racial tensions and growing old. Uhry has created two outsiders who come to a mutual respect based on their independence, strength, and stubborn integrity.

Duck Variations by David Mamet
Imagining Brad by Peter Hedges
Auditions: (Duck Variations only) Sunday September 19, from 8 pm to 10 pm
Jan. 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 2000

In The Duck Variations, two old men sit on a partk bench and philosophize about life. Though they are rarely profound, they are profoundly hilarious in this comedy about the need to talk to someone.

In Imagining Brad two women become close as they share their abusive histories. This quirky absurdist comedy will still have you thinking long after you leave the theater.

Othello, one of Shakespeare's greatest tragic heroes, is destroyed by Iago, one of literature's greatest villains. This play exposes the frailty of the human spirit when it is assaulted by jealousy. No playwright has ever written a work that so fully depicts jealousy's ability to explode weaknesses in the human soul.

The Curious Savage by John Patrick
Auditions: TBA
May 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 2000

This comedy with heart is a chestnut of the American theatre. When Mrs. Savage is left $10 million dollars, her stepchildren have her committed because she wishes to give it away to help people realize their dreams. In this high comedy, the playwright questions whether the greed and materialism on the outside of the mental asylum is more insane than the simple wishes and desires of the inmates.

1998-99 Season

Rip Van Winkle
By Joseph Jefferson
September 17, 18, 19, 25,2 6, 27, October 2, 3, 1998
American actor Joseph Jefferson brought the classic short story by Washington Irving to life in 1865. He then played the role and perfected the script for the next 40 years of his life, the same time span Rip spent sleeping up in the Catskill Mountains. This fable is wildly entertaining. It is a great evening in the theater for the whole family!

The Autumn Garden
By Lillian Hellman
Audition September 20 at 7 pm, callbacks September 21
November 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 1998
The renowned American playwright contemplates the meaning of middle age. A group of people gathers annually at a summer home. As the summer ends they realize that man is the sum of his past life. What they have made of themselves in earlier years is what they are as they enter the autumn of their lives. Hellman writes with great understanding and unsentimental compassion.

Agnes of God
By John Pielmeier
Audition September 20 at 7pm, callbacks September 22
January 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 1999
A young nun has no memory of the crime she is accused of, bearing a child and strangling it with its umbilical cord. The battle between her Mother Superior who wishes to protect Agnes' fragile spirit, and a court-appointed psychiatrist, who wants to heal her shattered mind, becomes a fierce examination of humanity's conflicting needs for rational scientific certainty and faith in the mysteries of God.

Jesus Christ Superstar
Music by Andrew Lloyd Weber, Lyrics by Tim Rice
Audition December 5 at 2pm, callbacks December 6
March 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 1999
From the creators of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Evita. Separately, they've produced works such as Cats, Sunset Boulevard, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Lion King. Jesus Christ Superstar is the production that catapulted them to fame in the early 1970s. This moving musical re-tells the story of Christ leading up to his crucifixion.

The Good Doctor
By Neil Simon, based on short stories by Anton Chekhov
Audition March 8 at 7 pm, callbacks March 9
April 29, 30, May 1, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 1999
This Broadway hit is a composite of Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov. Simon took nine of Chekhov's funniest short stories and put them in the dramatic form. The stories are delightful, the portraits of the characters are insightful and affectionate, the humor is infectious, and the fun unending.

1997-98 Season

Our Town
By Thornton Wilder September 19 to October 5, 1997

Tartuffe
By Moliere, translation by Richard Wilbur
November 7-22, 1997

Diaries of Adam and Eve
By Mark Twain, adapted by Thom Hofrichter
Starring Jan Venderly and Michael Young
January 9-25, 1998

Three Tall Women
By Edward Albee
Featuring Amy Ball, Kate Black-Haluska, and Joan Goldner
March 6-22, 1998

Ruddigore
Words by Gilbert, music by Sullivan
May 1-17, 1998

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