OLE OLSEN MEMORIAL THEATRE NEWSLETTER

When reimagining William Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy “The Taming of the Shrew”, CTW coordinators Pat Piper & Tammy Hileman concede that there were many conversations con-cerning Petruchio’s methods, societal pressures on an unmarried maiden, & Kate’s reactions to her surroundings. Hileman advises, “At the end of the day, our interpretation of clues given to us in the script led us to believe that Kate was not the favored child of Baptista Minola & reacted in kind. Due to her headstrong temperament she was injured by society as unworthy of love. Then comes a man that wants to marry her all the while boasting to the others that he intends to “tame” her. “

Set in the Wild Wild West, the CTW version of “Shrew” is still a play within a play as originally

written by the Bard. Opening scenes take place in the 1930’s where we meet some pranksters

that decide it is in the best interests of the gentleman at the brunt of their joke to see a play… a

play that happens to be set in the Wild West, turn of the century. As in previous offerings, co-

ordinators Piper & Hileman do not change the language or words of Shakespeare, however

admit to omitting long speeches or reassign dialogue or genders to the players. They also like

to add music. This year they are adding songs from Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me Kate”, paying

homage to one of the world’s greatest songwriters. Songs are being re-written by local Ivy

Tech Student, Aaron Birnell, to match the Western theme. Purists may argue this is defacing

the play, but program coordinators think otherwise. They are confident that Mr. Shakespeare

would love that they are adapting his works to their vision. Piper explains, “The beauty of all

art is that each person may interpret it differently.”

In all Shake it Up with Shakespeare productions, coordinators strive

for a total immersion experience including a discussion of the lan-

guage & the customs of the time, the Globe Theatre, & even a field

trip. In this year’s cast & crew of 19, ten are previous participants in

the program. Those ten individuals will, at the close of Shrew, be

able to boast of 32 years of combined Shakespearean acting experi-

ence. Piper states, “we are happy to report that of our 12 college age

kids, 10 are currently enrolled or attending college. Of those ten,

90% are previous participants in this program.”

“Now in the throes of the staging of this production,” says Hileman, “we ourselves are still

uncertain if this is a story of true love or just a power struggle. But then, aren’t most marriag-

es a mixture of both? We certainly hope we have managed to “make it to the time, not mar it to

the time” (Kate Minola Act 4, Sc 1).”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

“SHREW’LY THE SHOW TO SEE!

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Steel Magnolias Sept 29, 30, Oct 1, 2, 7-9 Director: Debby Myers

is a 1989 American comedy-drama

about the bond a group of different

women share in a small-town south-

ern community. The play is an audi-

ence favorite. M'Lynn Eatenton is the

mother of bride-to-be Shelby & as

they plan the wedding, close friend &

hair stylist Truvy Jones fixes the

women's hair for the ceremony, with

a helping hand from aspiring beauti-cian Annelle. Diabetic Shelby has a

health scare, which is averted but

doesn't bode well for her hopes of

having children. Time passes, and the

women and their friends encounter

tragedy and good fortune, growing

stronger and closer in the process.

The title suggests the main female

characters can be both as delicate as

the magnolia flower and as tough as

steel. Show dates are: Sept 29 & 30,

Oct 1 & 2, Oct 7-9. The show will be

directed by Ole Olsen Hall of Fame

member Debby Myers, who por-

trayed Trudy when Ole Olsen per-

formed the show 10 years ago. This year’s cast includes: Kelly Makin as

Truvy, Jayne Kesler as Ouiser, Kelly

Williams as Clairee, Sammi Grudzien

as Shelby, Teresa Hershberger as

Annelle, & Diana Blair as M’Lynn.

is being written & directed by

Ole Olsen Hall of Fame mem-

ber Kelly Voss. Show dates:

Dec 1-4, 9-11. Join the cast for

Christmas themed singing,

dancing, & an explosion of fun

to put everyone in the holiday

spirit. Using spectacular lighting

& costuming will make the pro-

gram shine. Both traditional & not so traditional music will

also make for a nutrcrackin’

crazy time! The story will in-

clude favorites for both adults

& kids.

Ole’s Showstoppin’ Christmas Story December 1-4, 9-11 Director: Kelly Voss

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will be directed by Alan Myers. As

described by the New York Times:

"When the play begins there is Harry

Berlin, looking like a shaved, musta-

chioed beatnik who has sunk so low

that honest beatniks would disown

him. He has no future except to jump

off the bridge and is about to do so

when Milt Manville comes along and

intervenes. Milt and Harry turn out to be college classmates. As Harry, in his

rags, slowly drops hints of his tale of

woe, Milt, a picture of prosperity, is

all sympathy. Milt is also full of frustra-

tion, for his wife won't release him &

let him marry the girl he loves. Milt's

wife, Ellen, appears. As she stands

under a lamppost, her expression is

clear that she, too, is torn by anguish.

Now we have a triangle matched in

misery. Milt has an inspiration. Why

not bring Ellen & Harry together and

thus win the freedom to marry the

other girl? The events that follow

need not be detailed. Whatever mar-

riages are made and unmade, Milt, Ellen and Harry end up in sorrow &

agony, and the greater their misun-

derstandings & problems, the more

you laugh." Show dates are: Feb 23-26

& March 3-5.

LUV February 23-25, March 3-5 Director: Alan Myers

was written by Ole Olsen Hall of

Fame member Bob Bryan, & will be

directed by Bob Bryan & Jerra Mo-

reland. The earth is faintly trembling

beneath two longtime bachelor lodg-

ers, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John

Watson of 221B Baker St. London:

Watson is about to be married &

move out. Holmes very reluctantly,

must confront his future. Into

Holmes’ life comes an attractive &

bright young lady with an intriguing

problem—a sister who has disap-

peared under eerie circumstances.

Holmes takes on the case only to find

it is more than he can handle emotion-

ally. Show dates are: April 27-30, May

5-7.

Sherlock Holmes— Raising the Dead April 27-30, May 5-7 Directors: Bob Bryan & Jerra Moreland

2015-2016 SEASON Page 4

DID YOU

KNOW? Sales of season

tickets just cover the costs of

productions & do not go toward Depot overhead or maintenance.

From the Prez by Alan Myers, Ole Olsen Memorial Theater President

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President—Alan Myers Vice President—Kelly Voss Treasurer—Cathy Converse Secretary—Christy Sullivan

Marketing—Debby Myers Tickets—Shannon Banter

Hospitality—Angel Williams Member at Large- Jim Walker Production—Kelly Mathias-

Williams Children’s Camp Chair—

Stephanie Wagner

A new year is starting for our wonderful organization & together we strive to make our theatre the best in central Indiana. As we move forward in the next months we plan upgrades to our building & grounds. The last weekend in July we need volunteers to help paint the interior of the depot & the gazebo. We are currently Also cleaning the concrete as to keep the building appearance fresh. The interior woods floors are in the works for refinishing too. We need your help. To volunteer, please call the Depot. 765.472-3680. Thanks.

“Back to the Summer” In the month of June, Ole Olsen offered a kid’s camp to 16 area

youth ranging from age 7-12. Half of the campers were new to the

Ole stage. The group learned basic stage directions & how to

work as an ensemble. They put on their play Saturday June 25th

for family & friends! Special thanks to Debby Myers, Jayne Kesler,

Stephanie Wagner, Tiffany Smith, Alan Myers, Tom Cavanaugh, &

Bryan Bertoline.

(Taming of the Shrew continued from front page) The cast for “The Taming of the Shrew” is as follows: Caleb Rexroad

(Petruchio), Avery Jackson (Kat e), Ethan Kimm (Lucentio), Quenton Free-

man (Tranio), Kiley Stiers (Bianca), Blake Martin (Hortensio), Caitlyn Doyle

(Baptista), Daniel Knauff (Grumio), Dominic Guard (Gremio), Maddie Krieg

(Biondello), Bianca Sloan (Nikki, Tailor), Lily McBride (Woman 2, Widow)

Erik Hobbs (Vincentio), Hunter Keaton (Lord, Pedant), Carson Rexroad

(Huntsman, Sheriff), April Wolfe (Woman 1, Haberdasher), Ally Almon

(Dialogue monitor) and featuring Aaron Birnell and Kyle Johnson as Trou-

badors. Performances are July 29, 30, 31 and Aug 5 & 6 at Ivy Tech of Peru.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7pm and Sunday performances are

at 2:30pm. ALL PERFORMANCES ARE FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Program Partners include: Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre, Ivy Tech College, Northern Indiana Community Foundation, REMC, Cole Porter Trust, & Psi Iota Xi Sorority.

May you laugh as long as you live and live as long as you laugh.

—John S. “Ole” Olsen

Three New Board Members Share Goals

Vice President Kelly Voss Makin—Kelly joined

Ole in 1990 as a chorus member in “Carousel.”

She has since acted, worked back stage, written

& directed many shows & has been inducted in

the Ole Olsen Hall of Fame. Kelly has served

on the board on & off for 2 decades. This year

as VP she hopes to bring new fresh play ideas

to the membership & audiences. She wants to

support the President in getting the member-

ship more involved in volunteering. She also

hopes to be involved in bring the Cole Porter

Review back to the festival next season.

Ticket Chairman Shannon Banter—Shannon

joined Ole in 2004 first performing in

“Nunsence 2.” She has acted, served as assis-

tant director, & served on the board previously

as ticket chairman. Shannon is happy to be back

after a few years away & looking forward to

helping & even getting back on stage.

Children’s Chairman Stephanie Wagner—

Stephanie has loved theater since her Dad was

involved when she was young. She is excited to

take on a role working with young actors to

develop the next generation of actors. She

hopes to teach them the fun of theater to en-

rich their lives with new fresh ideas & looks

forward to getting started.

Kelly Makin

Shannon Banter

Stephanie Wagner

OLE OLSEN MEMORIAL THEATRE, INC.

154 S. BROADWAY

PERU, IN 46970

Although he won’t say just how many years,

Jerry has been with Ole Olsen since his 1st

role as Elijah the bible seller in "Inherit the

Wind.” Jerry says "I have enjoyed all of my

roles; Ole has become my second family, I

wish I had more energy to contribute to off-

stage activities. Some of my favorite roles;

Fert in Prehistoric Cole; the "balloon chair" guy

in Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in

Kindergarten; and my Tim Conway shuffler

guy in Witness for the Prosecution and in It's a

Wonderful Life. Jerry enjoys performing but is

bravely, publicly battling cancer. He told us

“I'm hoping I can get thru this chemotherapy

business and get back to what I like. “ We

love you Jerry & wish you a speedy recovery!

SPOTLIGHT

ON JERRY

BUTLER!