Theological Reflection
by John Stephen Park

"Why does anybody tell a story? It does indeed have something to do with faith, faith that the universe has meaning, that our little human lives are not irrelevant, that what we choose or say or do matters, matters cosmically."

Madeleine L'Engle from Walking on Water Rip Van Winkle comes to realize that "the fatal effects of poverty and drink" do not necessarily take an ultimate toll on our life journey. There are places in our stories in which a different sort of chapter can be inserted, a new plot twist resulting from a decision to walk an alternate path. Our own response to the episodes of our stories may alter the journey in a manner which surprises everyone, defying expectations, particularly our own!

For all of us, there are times when we believe with Rip that we "don't know whether [we] are dreaming, or sleeping, or waking." During these episodes of life, something always changes. We withdraw from the things which will not withdraw from us. Or, in the uncertainty of the episode, during which we seem "away," in some eyes perhaps an irresponsible act, we gain a perspective, or wisdom, or courage which enriches the life we "resume."

When we resume life and return to our "home," we are often rewarded to find some questions answered, some obstacles vanished, or some emptiness displaced with that which fulfills and completes. The value of being "away" is the effect upon our perceptions of that which we take for granted.

CAST BIOS

Beth Abbott (Meanie, age 26 / Villager) appears for the first time on the FPT stage. She goes to Homestead High School, where she is a member of the show choir, speech team and key club.

Bob Ahlersmeyer (Hendrick Vedder, age 26) makes his third appearance in a show at FPT. He is a communications major at IPFW, and a graduate of New Haven High School. Bob wants to thank Lisa, Mom, Dad and his girlfriend Eileen, for their love and support

Sue Beck (villager) is a newcomer to the stage at FPT. She has enjoyed the experience and thanks her husband for his understanding of all the time she has spent at the theater.

Molly Beck (Hudson Ghost) goes to Leo High School, she loves to act, and has been in dance classes and plays since kindergarten.

Mike Brown (Cockles, age-26) makes his acting debut with RIP VAN WINKLE. He seems to be enjoying himself.

Roger Fletcher (Seth) is making his first appearance in a play. A new member of First Presbyterian, Roger has enjoyed meeting and working with the dedicated cast and crew.

Tony Fumarolo (Cockles, age 6) has had lead roles in numerous Youtheatre productions, and most recently, performed as Tom in the Civic's CAMELOT. He wants to thank Harvey Cocks who is his hero.

Krista Gessner (Hudson Ghost) age 10, would like speaking??, and the card games, and would also like a new gun for Rip Van Winkle.

Daniel Harrison (Hendrick, age 6) appeared in PETER PAN last summer, his 5th grade musical at school. He thanks his mom and dad for all their support.

Darren Harrison (Rip Van Winkle) has been in theater since 1976. He owns Whirlwind Pictures, a television commercial production company and is proud to make his FPT debut with his kids, Daniel and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Harrison (Hudson Ghost) is nine years old. She loves singing and dancing. She thanks her mom and dad for getting her into this play.

James Hodgin (Nick Vedder/Stage Manager) believes theater is an art/craft that allows a person self-expression. He says it is very satisfying when the people you love give you support and time to participate, such as Jennifer and Sarah, his daughters, Jyll and those he works with at Science Central. To them, he says "Thank you."

Dexter Hofrichter (Schneider the dog) is a nine-year old black lab making his theater debut. After this production he will return to his favorite hobbies: fetching stuff and licking himself.

Kirsten Hopkins (Ensemble/Hudson Ghost) is a 6th grader at Memorial Park. She sends out thanks to her mom and dad for their support and encouragement.

Janet Korsmeyer (Gretchen Van Winkle) is delighted to share in this classic story with daughters, Anna and Lydia. She's been in FPT's TWO BY TWO and PRINCESS IDA. Janet is a drama teacher at Weisser Park-Whitney Young School.

Debbie Leech (Villager) is a member of FPC. Her second stage performance was in FPT's OUR TOWN. She enjoys meeting and working with the dedicated cast members. She thanks her family for their love and support.

Stacie Leech (Meanie, age 6) is in the third grade at Haley Elementary. This is her second stage performance. She was in FPT's OUR TOWN. She enjoys art and acting. She thanks her family for their love and support.

Laura Manganiello (Katchen/Villager) This is her first experience in theater. She is a teacher at Haverhill Elementary School. She thanks her family and friends for their support.

Mark Manganiello (Hudson Ghost) is making his acting debut in RIP VAN WINKLE. He is 8 1/2 years old and goes to Haverhill Elementary School.

Anna Martin (Hudson Ghost) says "This is a fun play to do." She is in the sixth grade.

Lydia Martin (Hudson Ghost) is 11 years old and in the sixth grade. She has been in church and school plays.

Mary Jo Meyer (Henry Hudson) has been seen frequently at FPT including appearances in GODSPELL and AH! WILDERNESS. She loves the space and the players. She sends kudos to her cat, Phoebe Carlotta who is resting.

Randy Oswalt (Villager) has been in three other plays, SNOW WHITE, RUMPELSTILTSKIN, and OUR TOWN. He is 14 and goes to school at Paul Harding High School.

Cassie Porter (Hudson Ghost) is ten years old and is in the fifth grade at St. Joe Central. She enjoys doing school plays, where she always gets a part.

Don Williams (Jacob Stein) is a member of First Presbyterian Church. This is Don's second show at FPT, he was in last season's Our Town.

Wayne Williams (Derrick Von Beekman) has performed in many productions in Fort Wayne and in Boston MA, where he earned a BFA from Emerson College. Recently Wayne received an Anthony Award from the Civic Theatre for his performance as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in GUYS AND DOLLS. You can also hear Wayne at the Hilton as the Sunday Brunch Pianist.

PRODUCTION STAFF BIOS

Thom Hofrichter (director) is excited about the upcoming season at FPT. He is very proud of all the hard-working volunteers who have made last season one of the most enjoyable and artistically rewarding years of his life. Let's do it again this season!!!

Brenda Saban (choreographer) moved to Fort Wayne three years ago after graduating cum laude from Hope College with a degree in Dance Performance/Choreography and a subsequent internship with the National Endowment for the Arts - Dance Program. Credits include: PRINCESS IDA, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, FINIAN 'S RAINBOW, and RUDDIGORE at FPT. She presently works with the Fort Wayne Dance Collective, LA Dance, and is the cello instructor for the Fort Wayne Talent Education Program (Suzuki method). She also performs with the IPFW Community Orchestra. She enjoys spending her free time playing with her husband Daniel.

Ron Badour (set designer/technical director) has been working at FPT for the last 2 years. He has designed TARTUFFE, OUR TOWN, DIARIES OF ADAM AND EVE, and SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! in that time. During the day Ron works for GM, but almost any night you can find him in the theater.

Virginia Badour (costume designer) manages the collection of costumes at FPT, where she has designed OUR TOWN, TARTUFFE, SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!, and RUDDIGORE. Along with her husband Ron, she runs Encore Productions.

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