The Barn Theatre proudly presents

 

THE GRADUATE

A PLAY ADAPTED BY

Terry Johnson

 

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY

Charles Webb

 

AND THE MOTION PICTURE SCREENPLAY BY

Calder Willingham and Buck Henry

 

BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH

StudioCanal

 

Directed by Brendan Ragotzy

 

Opening July 12 at 8:30

Playing through July 24

 

The Adult comedy that defined a generation.

 

(AUGUSTA, MI) This hysterical adult comedy stars Broadway’s Susan Cella and hits the Barn stage July 12th through the 24th.

 

Audiences will certainly remember the groundbreaking 1967 film which starred Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft and Katherine Ross. This influential movie was a biting satire/comedy about a recent East coast college graduate, Benjamin Braddock, who finds himself adrift, alienated and betrayed.  At his graduation party, family friend Mr. Robinson offers Benjamin some sage advice about seizing every opportunity that comes his way.  Mr. Robinson was speaking specifically about business, (“I have one word, Benjamin: plastics”) but Benjamin interprets things a little differently once mysterious, tipsy, and neglected Mrs. Robinson makes the famous offer young Benjamin can’t refuse.   The subsequent affair and lounging in his parents’ pool all summer are all well and good until Ben finds he is falling in love with the Robinson’s daughter, Elaine. Mrs. Robinson sabotages the relationship but Ben is determined not to let Elaine get away. He follows her to school and then disrupts her family-sanctioned wedding.

 

The film was adapted first for the stage (at London's Gielgud Theatre), and then premiered on Broadway in early April of 2002.  Kathleen Turner reprised her British turn as Mrs. Robinson, along with Jason Biggs and Alicia Silverstone in the other major roles. Susan Cella was in the Broadway production from beginning to end – playing several roles, including understudying Kathleen Turner in the role of Mrs. Robinson. Barn newcomer, apprentice Alston Brown, tackles the titular role of Benjamin. Barn favorite Joe Aiello will portray Mr. Robinson, Scott Burkell and Penelope Alex portray Benjamin’s parents and 2nd year apprentice Megan K. Wean portrays Elaine Robinson - the object of Ben’s affection.  In supporting roles are Barn veterans Eric Parker and Gregg Rehrig as well as newcomers Traci Bair, Nick Horton, Jennifer Margarethe Luers, and Andy Planck. **Adult themes, nudity**

 

The film was nominated for a total of seven Academy Awards and won for Mike Nichols’ direction. The Oscar-nominated screen adaptation by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry (who appeared as the hotel's desk clerk) was based on the novel of the same name by Charles Webb (a recent graduate of the East Coast's Williams College when he wrote his first novel).  At the Barn, our production is directed by Producer/Director Brendan Ragotzy. Doug Blickle is Scenic Designer, David Hermosillo is Costume Designer, Frank J. Vela is Lighting Designer, James Stephenson is Sound Designer, Fred Gillette is Technical Director.

 

Cast

 

Benjamin........................................... ALSTON BROWN

Mrs. Robinson.................................. SUSAN CELLA

Elaine................................................. MEGAN K. WEAN

Mr. Braddock................................... SCOTT BURKELL

Mrs. Braddock.................................. PENELOPE ALEX

Stripper.............................................. TRACI BAIR

Hotel Clerk....................................... ANDY PLANCK

Receptionist...................................... MELISSA DAHLE

Bartender.......................................... NICK HORTON

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

Men................................................... STEVEN DRAPALSKI, JAMEY

                                                            GRISHAM, TIM MATSON and JAKE STACKHOUSE

Psychiatrist........................................ ERIC PARKER

Priest................................................. GREGG REHRIG

 

Bios

 

 

SUSAN CELLA (Mrs. Robinson)

Susan is thrilled to make her Barn Theatre debut with THE GRADUATE, a show she performed in on Broadway in a variety of roles including Mrs. Robinson (understudy for Kathleen Turner).  Susan’s other Broadway and National Tour credits include ME AND MY GIRL, EVITA (Eva), ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, HAIRSPRAY, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Golde), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, CRAZY HE CALLS ME, and 1940’S RADIO HOUR. Off-Broadway Susan has performed in HELLO MUDDAH… HELLO FADDUH, MAYOR, and JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS.  Equally in-demand on television and in the movies, Susan has been seen on THE SOPRANOS, LAW & ORDER, ALL MY CHILDREN, ANOTHER WORLD, AS THE WORLD TURNS, and PBS broadcasts of A SONDHEIM CELEBRATION and Sondheim’s musical FOLLIES.  On the big screen her credits include THE ASTRONAUT’S WIFE.  Her concert appearances include dates at Carnegie Hall and ALLEGRO and LADY IN THE DARK with the Encore Series in New York.

 

ALSTON BROWN (Benjamin)

Alston is very excited to be joining the Barn ensemble this summer!  He recently graduated with a BFA in Performance from Valdosta State University (GA).  He was most recently seen as Hines in THE PAJAMA GAME at VSU.  Past roles include Banquo in MACBETH, kobby/First Blind Man in THE VISIT, and Frank Scanlon in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST.

 

JOE AIELLO (Mr. Robinson)

Joe is proud to celebrate his 25th 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.

 

MEGAN K. WEAN (Elaine)

Megan is very excited to be returning to the Barn for a second summer.  Last season Megan appeared in GUYS AND DOLLS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and AIDA.  This coming fall she will be a senior musical theatre major at Wright State University (Dayton, OH).  Credits at school include Rosie in CABARET, Marina in UNCLE VANYA, Florinda in INTO THE WOODS, NINE, HOW TO SUCCEED…, the 2003 and 2005 DANCE CONCERTS, Arts Gala’s BABES IN ARMS, STUDENT CABARET 2004, FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS, and SIX PLAYS IN SEARCH OF AN AUDIENCE.  Elsewhere, Megan’s favorite roles include Wendy in PETER PAN, Little Red Ridinghood in INTO THE WOODS, Liesel in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and Dorothy in THE WIZ.  You can catch Megan in Paramount Pictures’ MILK MONEY.

 

SCOTT BURKELL (Mr. Braddock)

Scott comes back for a 23rd 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

 

PENELOPE ALEX (Mrs. Braddock)

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.

  

TRACI BAIR (Stripper)

Traci is thrilled at the opportunity to work at the Barn this summer.  Originally from Pryor, OK, she is pursuing a theatre degree at Oklahoma City University.  Traci is a voice student of Florence Birdwell and just finished her sophomore year.   Her curriculum also features Meisner Method acting training. Traci most recently played Mrs. Gobineau in THE MEDIUM at school and was also featured in the OCU Cabaret.  Last summer she interned at Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts and appeared in the ensembles of RIGOLETTO and OEDIPUS TEX.  Other roles include Marian in THE MUSIC MAN and Liesl in THE SOUND OF MUSIC.  She attended the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute for Acting in both 2002 and 2003 and received an award for Best Actress in a Short Film.

 

 

CALENDAR NEWS:               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 1, 2005         

NOW PLAYING:   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. **Adult themes & nudity**

 

NEXT:  THE FULL MONTY; 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.”  **Brief nudity**

 

COMING SOON:  HAIR; The Tribal Love Rock Musical first produced on Broadway in 1969.  Hair was created by James Rado and Gerome Ragni.  According to Rado, "we were aware of the traditional Broadway format, but we wanted to create something new, something different, something that translated to the stage the wonderful excitement we felt in the streets." This "excitement" was that of the long-haired, peace-loving, freewheeling hippies of New York's East Village. Though HAIR is known as a musical of the late 60's, it questions the standards of morality, sexuality, individualism, racism, violence, drug use, loyalty, and social acceptance which remain problems in the America of today.  **Complete & Uncut; brief nudity**

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

 

 


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