Barn Theatre - Li'l Abner

The Barn Theatre proudly presents

Book by Norman Panama and Melvin Frank

Based on Characters Created by Al Capp

Original Direction and Choreography by Michael Kidd

Lyrics by Johnny Mercer - Music by Gene de Paul

Directed and Choreographed by Charlie Misovye

Musical Direction by David Ames

Produced by Brendan Ragotzy

Opening June 28 at 8:30

Playing through July 10

The Comic Strip Come to Life!

(AUGUSTA, MI) The upbeat musical extravaganza LIL ABNER plays June 28 through July 10 and stars Grand Rapids’ own Guy LeMonnier. Al Capp’s world famous comic strip characters come to life in this wonderfully goofy mixture of hillbilly hilarity and barbed critical humor. The whole family will enjoy this “Typical Day” in Dogpatch, U.S.A. where the motley and lovable characters of this rural community steal your heart in this classic American musical. Last season’s audiences will remember Mr. LeMonnier from his commanding hilarious performance as Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

The curtain opens on "A Typical Day" in Dogpatch, U.S.A. where the motley and lovable characters who inhabit this burgh introduce themselves to the audience. There is the homely Scragg family and Marryin' Sam (portrayed by Barn favorite Scott Burkell), as well as Earthquake McGoon, Daisy Mae (last summer’s Shelley in BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL), Li'l Abner (Guy LeMonnier) and Mammy Yokum (Barn leading lady Penelope Alex). It only takes a moment to see that leisure time is at the heart of the local economy and drinking Kickapoo Joy Juice, fishing and the popular Sadie Hawkins Day Dance are the favorite pastimes for Dogpatch's citizens. What starts out as a calm day down at the fishing hole is quickly interrupted for Abner and his friends when a "Cornpone Meetin'" is called in the town square by Senator Jack S. Phogbound (portrayed by Eric Parker). This can mean one of two things-either an event of national importance has occurred, or there's to be "a hideous change in the Dogpatch way of life." Sure enough, a change is in the wind because the government has completed a study finding Dogpatch to be "the most unnecessary, no-account" place in the whole country, thereby setting the stage for evacuation of the town so that atomic testing can take place.
Isn't there anything that can be done to save it from becoming a nuclear wasteland?

Scoot on over to Dogpatch to find out what in tarnation comes of the little “holler!” This hilarious night includes some high-steppin’ tunes such as the gentle duet Namely You, If I Had My Druthers, the hilarious showstopper Jubilation T. Cornpone, General Bullmoose's Progress is the Root of All Evil, and the political satire The Country's in the Very Best of Hands. The Sadie Hawkins Day Ballet and fine choral work also contribute to making this a classic American musical.

Al Capp’s comic strip was first presented in black and white in 1940 as a feature film with a cast that featured Jeff York, Martha O’Driscoll, Mona Ray and Buster Keaton. In 1959 original co-writer Melvin Frank directed a color version which featured Peter Palmer, Leslie Parrish, Stubby Kaye, Julie Newmar and Stella Stevens.

Doug Blickle is Scenic Designer, David Hermosillo and John Kristianson are Costume Designers, Frank J. Vela is Lighting Designer, James Stephenson is Sound Designer, Fred Gillette is Technical Director.

The Barn Theatre is located on M-96 West of Augusta. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 PM, Saturday at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and Sunday at 5:00 PM. Tickets are $25.00 Tuesday through Thursday and $27.50 Friday through Sunday. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. For tickets call (269) 731-4121. The box office is open daily from 10:00AM-10:00 PM. Group prices available.

Enjoy refreshments in The Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. NEW THIS SEASON! Wings and Nachos in the Shed! Enjoy a light snack while being entertained by the free cabaret-style show in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge after the main stage performance.

Cast List

(In Order of Appearance)

Lonesome Polecat.................. JOHN M. MOAURO

Hairless Joe........................... ANDY PLANCK

Romeo Scragg........................ TIM MATSON

Clem Scragg.......................... ALSTON BROWN

Alf Scragg.............................. STEVEN DRAPALSKI

Moonbeam McSwine............. ELLEN SCHNIER

Marryin’ Sam......................... SCOTT BURKELL

Earthquake McGoon............. JAKE STACKHOUSE

Daisy Mae............................... KELLEY BRAY

Pappy Yokum...................... .. ANTHONY CHRISTIAN

Mammy Yokum...................... PENELOPE ALEX

Li’l Abner............................... GUY LeMONNIER

Cronies                                     KEVIN FIELD

                                                   JAMEYGRISHAM

                                                   NICK HORTON

                                                   ANDY PLANCK

                                                   RYAN STUTZ

Mayor Dan’l Dawgmeat........ HOWARD McBRIDE

Scarlett.................................... MALLORY GOOD

Father (Rufe).......................... ANDY PLANCK

Senator Jack S. Phogbound ERIC PARKER

Dr. Rasmussen T. Finsdale. GREGG REHRIG

Available Jones...................... KEVIN FIELD

Stupefyin’ Jones.................... JANA DeBUSK

Speedy McRabbit................... JAMEY GRISHAM

Government Man................ ALLEN HALE/

                                                STEVEN DRAPALSKI

Colonel.................................... ALSTON BROWN

Radio Commentators............ The Voice of

................................................. DICK FUCHS

President’s Voice.................. ANDY PLANCK

General Bullmoose............... JOE AIELLO

Secretaries............................. JAMEY GRISHAM

.................................................. NICK HORTON

.................................................. TIM MATSON

.................................................. ANDY PLANCK

Appassionata Von Climax.... ERIN ELIZABETH

                                                   COORS

Evil Eye Fleagle...................... RYAN STUTZ

Dr. Smithborn........................ ALLEN HALE

Dr. Krogmeyer....................... TIM MATSON

Dr. Schleifitz.......................... ALSTON BROWN

Cedric Softwicke................... NICK HORTON

Wives:

Carmen.................................... SARAH ROUSSOS

Pat............................................ MEGAN K. WEAN

Lillian...................................... MEGAN STEIN

Bonnie..................................... CECILY SMITH

Hope......................................... RENEE GONZALES

Dee Dee................................ SARAH R. SAPPERSTEIN

Butler (Creighton)................ ALLEN HALE

Waitress.............. JENNIFER MARGARETHE LUERS

Dogpatchers........................... TRACI BAIR, MELISSA DAHLE, KEVIN FIELD, NICK HORTON, CHARLIE MISOVYE, ERIC PARKER, ANDY PLANCK, DUSTY REEDS, GREGG REHRIG, RYAN STUTZ, BETHANY WOOD

Cast Bios

CHARLIE MISOVYE (Director/Choreographer)

Charlie returns to the Barn as resident Director/Choreographer and Bar Show Director for his 16th summer season. As Director/Choreographer, Charlie has been responsible for a number of the Barn’s productions including last summer’s stellar productions of GUYS AND DOLLS (starring tom Wopat and Adrian Zmed) and FOREVER PLAID. He also created the choreography for our enchanted BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Based in Chicago as a director/choreographer/performer, Charlie has been producing/directing children’s theatre in Chicago’s Southland for several years now, with sold-out productions of THE LITTLE MERMAID and THE WIZARD OF OZ to his credit. Additional credits from this past year include SWEET CHARITY and COMPANY. Daytime activities found Charlie as a primary special education instructor and l.d. resource teacher for School District #170 in his hometown of Chicago Heights, IL. He also recently became the Theatre for Young Audiences Coordinator at Theatre at the Center for Ridgewood Arts Foundation, Inc. at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, IN. Charlie also freelances for a number of production companies featuring live events such as costume character reviews, fashion presentations, industrial shows, and specialty promotions which keep him busy traveling the country.

GUY LeMONNIER (Li’l Abner)

Guy is a native of West Michigan, and a Rockford High School graduate. Last season’s audiences will remember Mr. LeMonnier from his commanding and hilarious performance as Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. This past Spring, Guy appeared in the New York City CAP21 production of SIX OF ONE, which was co-written by Barnies Scott Burkell and Paul Loesel. While in the Grand Rapids area, and before becoming a professional, Guy performed with the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Circle in the Park. He received a coveted “Grony” (Grand Rapids area Tony-type award) for his local work. Profesionally, Guy performed in the off-Broadway show THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER as Miles Hendon. He has also been seen around the country performing as Chauvelin in THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, Caleb in THE SPITFIRE GRILL, Father in RAGTIME, various roles in DRACULA THE MUSICAL, Molokov in CHESS IN CONCERT. He toured with JEKYLL & HYDE where he performed the title roles of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Guy has also toured with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in CHRISTMAS EVE & OTHER STORIES, and can be heard on the Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Beethoven’s last night CD. Please visit Guy online at www. Guy-lemonnier.com.

KELLEY BRAY (Daisy Mae)

Kelley graduated in 2004 from Millikin University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, Dance minor. Credits include Helene in SWEET CHARITY at Millikin, Lucy Understudy/Ensemble in JEKYLL & HYDE, Ensemble in NO, NO, NANETTE, and Lydia in CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD. Barn credits include GUYS AND DOLLS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, AIDA, Rumpleteaser in CATS, Soul Girl/Ensemble in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (with Gary Cherone), Annette in ANNIE, and Shelley in last year’s acclaimed BAT BOY. Kelley has also performed at numerous theme parks around the East Coast.

PENELOPE ALEX (Mammy Yokum)

In her 19 seasons Penelope has made herself quite a home on the Barn stage. She has delighted audiences with a series of compelling performances… Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Maria in LEND ME A TENOR, and Janet in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come imediately to mind, as do her own favorites, such as the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Nellie in SOUTH PACIFIC (with Tom Wopat), Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, and at the head of the list, Annie Oakley opposite Tom Wopat’s Frank Butler in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Last season Penelope was seen as Pamela in TWO INTO ONE, Meredith Parker in BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL and Babette in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Offstage and closest to her heart are her star roles of Mom to Luke (10), Calli (8), Jacob (5), and Melina (1), and wife to Barn producer Brendan Ragotzy. As busy as the Barn and her family keep her, Penelope still makes time for commercial and voiceover work throughout the region. Be sure to listen for Penelope on the Barn’s new commercials this summer! She is a native of San Jose, CA, and, like husband Brendan, is a proud San Jose State University Spartan alum.

ANTHONY CHRISTIAN (Pappy Yokum)

Anthony is a Mississippi native who resides in New York City. He is ecstatic about his Barn debut summer. He comes to us fresh off the National Tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, where he served as standby for Motel and the Fiddler (and went on, too). Regional credits include Matt in THE FANTASTICKS, the Baker in INTO THE WOODS, Buddy Layman in THE DIVINERS, Simon Gascoyne in THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND. Anthony has also served as director/choreographer for such shows as GREASE, SEUSSICAL, and THE BAD SEED.

SCOTT BURKELL (Marryin’ Sam)

Scott comes back for a 23^rd summer after another eventful year in NYC. His musical SIX OF ONE (with score by Barnie Paul Loesel) just received a very successful workshop staging that featured Scott with Barnies Tia Speros, Danyelle Bossardet, and Guy LeMonnier. Burkell/Loesel songs have become in the demand of such broadway performers as Susan Egan, Rebecca Luker (at Lincoln Center), Kristin Chenoweth (at Carnegie Hall) and Barnie Marin Mazzie (who recorded two songs with husband and fellow actor Jason Danieley for their debut recording to be released this fall). Scott and Paul are also in final negotiations for the musical rights to the popular Mark Dunn novel ELLA MINNOW PEA. Scott played in TITANIC both on Broadway and the first national tour. In Augusta his career has been unforgettable. Some favorite roles include: Molina in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, Georg in SHE LOVES ME (opposite Marin Mazzie), Felix in THE ODD COUPLE, Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and perhaps his all-time gem, Riff Raff in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Last season, Scott played Frankie in FOREVER PLAID, George in TWO INTO ONE, Dr. Parker in BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL (co-directed with Joe Aiello), Reuben in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, Lumiere in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and El Gallo in THE FANTASTICKS. Scott also directed last season’s AIDA. Visit scottburkell.net

HOWARD McBRIDE (Mayor Dan’l Dawgmeat)

In his 24 Augusta summers, Howard has given audiences a series of wonderful performances in the range known in the old days as “first business”. Last summer Howard had the time of his life playing two roles he’s waited 30 years to play: Arvide in GUYS AND DOLLS, and the Old Actor in THE FANTASTICKS. He also squeezed in a charming turn as Belle’s father Maurice in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Other favorites include Jacob in JOSEPH…, the Governor of Texas in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, Max in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Dr. Scott in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Max in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Herr Schultz in CABARET, and one of his earliest, Sancho in MAN OF LA MANCHA. He has toured nationally in ANYTHING GOES and CABARET, and stage managed tours of A CHORUS LINE, MAN OF LA MANCHA, and JANE POWELL: INSIDE OUT. With us, Howard lends his unique charms to his offstage role of General Manager. He also appears annually in the Gull Lake Café Christmas Show. Unfortunately, his part in that little pageant remains top secret.

ERIC PARKER (Senator Jack S. Phogbound)

Eric is overjoyed to be back for a 13th Barnie summer. His growing list of Barn credits includes several favorites: Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Rocky and Eddie in six go-‘rounds of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Cousin Kevin in TOMMY, Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, Freddie in CHESS, the title role in PIPPIN, Pharaoh in JOSEPH…, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Jinx in FOREVER PLAID, Remnar in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook. Eric’s career has continued there with roles in their recent ANYTHING GOES, JOSEPH…, ANNIE, CAMELOT, TYA productions of ALADDIN and CHARLOTTE’S WEB, and Jacey Squires in THE MUSIC MAN, which closed in May. Eric also earned raves this winter for a co-starring turn in the post-NYC regional premiere of the Off-Broadway musical THE THING ABOUT MEN at Theatre at the Center. Other faves include Henrik in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, the title role in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour). TV: GUIDING LIGHT. Local radio listeners may have heard Eric on a commercial for Brann’s Steakhouse over the winter. Eric’s an Adrian native who lives in Chicago.

JOE AIELLO (General Bullmoose)

Joe is proud to celebrate his 25^th anniversary with the Barn this summer. Year after year he has proven his talent and versatility in such roles as Daddy Warbucks in ANNIE, Lee in TRUE WEST, Albin/ZaZa in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Nathan Detroit in GUYS AND DOLLS, Gallimard in M. BUTTERFLY, Merrick in THE ELEPHANT MAN, Mozart in AMADEUS, Arthur in CAMELOT, Cogsworth in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and half the town in both GREATER TUNA and A TUNA CHRISTMAS. A gifted director as well, Joe has earned accolades for his Barn treatments of CABARET, SHE LOVES ME, CHESS, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, CRIMES OF THE HEART, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, SWEENEY TODD, and BAT BOY (the latter two co-directed with Scott Burkell). Joe lives in New York City and is currently Director of Sales for Match-Tix Group Sales and Promotions and co-owner of Allied/Hit-Tix, Inc.

GREGG REHRIG (Dr. Rasmussen T. Finsdale)

Gregg returns for a 12^th summer. His career here has been varied, with 8 seasons as our Stage Manager as well as several on-stage roles, which include Lt. Brannigan in GUYS AND DOLLS, a murdered traitor in AIDA, Fred McCracken (and Wacky) in ANNIE, the Narrator in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and the Customs Agent in CABARET. Favorite roles include Fagin in OLIVER!, Gary/George in SISTER MARY IGNATIUS…/THE ACTOR’S NIGHTMARE, and a caged prisoner in MAN OF LA MANCHA. Gregg was fortunate to find a home as a stage manager for 10 seasons at American Musical Theatre of San Jose, where he worked with the likes of Frenchie Davis, Ramona Keller, and Angela Robinson in DREAMGIRLS, JoAnne Worley, Judith Blazer, and Marc Jacoby in ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, and Kay Cole, Kathryn Mowat Murphy, and Kevin Spirtas in A CHORUS LINE. Gregg has stage managed over 80 productions here and at AMT as well as San Francisco Shakespeare, San Francisco Symphony, American Conservatory Theatre, Sacramento Musical Theatre, and the Fifth Avenue Theatre in Seattle.

ERIN ELIZABETH COORS (Appassionata Von Climax)

Erin is a recent graduate of Kent State University (Kent, OH). This is her second go-‘round as a Barnie and she is very excited to be a part of this 60^th season. She recently played Kate in THE WILD PARTY and Erma in ANYTHING GOES. Erin would like to thank her family and friends for their amazing support. Thanks to God for such an amazing opportunity.

JAKE STACKHOUSE (Earthquake McGoon)

Jake is a recent graduate of the Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne theatre program with a minor in dance. His past credits include Curly in OKLAHOMA with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and IPFW. Other favorites include Georg in SHE LOVES ME, Sir Harry in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Sergius Sarahnoff in ARMS AND THE MAN, Kenny in FLORA THE RED MENACE, and Caliban I THE TEMPEST. In his spare time Jake has choreographed numerous high school musicals.

RYAN STUTZ (Evil Eye Fleagle)

Ryan is so happy to be returning for a second season at the Barn. Last season he was seen in GUYS AND DOLLS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and the title role in BAT BOY. Since then he played Linus in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN and a sailor in ANYTHING GOES while completing his sophomore year at Ball State University. His favorite roles elsewhere include Joseph in JOSEPH…, the courier in 1776, and Jack in INTO THE WOODS.

CALENDAR NEWS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2005

NOW PLAYING: The upbeat musical extravaganza LIL ABNER playing June 28 through July 10 starring Guy LeMonnier. Al Capp’s world famous comic strip characters come to life in this wonderfully goofy mixture of hillbilly hilarity and barbed critical humor. The whole family will enjoy this “Typical Day” in Dogpatch, U.S.A. where the motley and lovable characters of this rural community steal your heart in this classic American musical. Last season’s audiences will remember Mr. LeMonnier from his commanding hilarious performance as Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

NEXT: THE GRADUATE, Starring Susan Cella as Mrs. Robinson. Cella was Kathleen Turner’s understudy for the role of Mrs. Robinson in the recent Broadway production of THE GRADUATE. Susan has also been seen on the big screen in a number of television shows including The Soprano’s, Law & Order, All My Children, Another World and As the World Turns. The summer after graduating from college, suburbanite Benjamin Braddock would rather float in his parents' pool than follow adult advice about his future. Mentally adrift, he accepts an adulterous offer from the icily feline Mrs. Robinson. Mike Nichols won an Academy Award for direction in this critically acclaimed movie in 1967 which starred Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft and Katherine Ross.

COMING SOON: Based on the record-breaking 1997 Academy Award-nominated hit of the same name, THE FULL MONTY is the raucous and heartfelt story of six unemployed steelworkers who go to great lengths to make some cash and help out a friend in trouble. When a local male strip show – whose dancers venture down to their G-strings – is a hit with the local women, the cash-strapped factory workers figure they can cash in big time if they go the full Monty. The Los Angeles Time called it a “Slam dunk Musical Sensation”. Composer David Yazbek, winner of the 2001 Drama Desk Award for his music, explains: “THE FULL MONTY is a sports story. It’s not about stripping. It’s a bunch of guys who get together and form a team. There are ups and downs, and, in the end, they win.”

The Barn Theatre

Located on M-96 1 mile west of the village of Augusta .

Box Office Phone

269 731-4121 Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Performance times

Tuesday through Friday at 8:30pm

Saturday (2 shows) 6:00pm & 9:00 pm

Sunday 5:00pm (8:30 Added performance, if applicable)

Ticket Prices

Tues. Wed. Thurs.: $25.00 Fri Sat (both shows) and Sun $27.50

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

Group rates available (10 tickets or more)

Professional Equity resident summer theatre. Our 60^th season

Listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites – Free and easy parking

Air-conditioned Theatre and Restrooms handicapped accessible.

Enjoy refreshments in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during

intermission and after the show. NEW THIS SEASON! WINGS AND NACHOS
in the Rehearsal Shed!Free cabaret-style entertainment follows main stage

performances.
Brendan Ragotzy, Producer