OLD TIMER

 

The musical

 

Book & Lyrics by BRENDAN RAGOTZY

Music by TROY BENTON

 

OPENING August 21 AT 8:30

and playing through September 2

 

Directed by BRENDAN RAGOTZY

 

This is theatre history in the making – Don’t miss it!

“A lively, original musical” – Kalamazoo Gazette

“An explosive, captivating night of theatre” – Battle Creek Enquirer

 

(Augusta, MI) The Barn Theatre season is extending!  August 21 – September 2 the musical OLD TIMER, written and directed by Producer Brendan Ragotzy, with the music of Troy Benton, will play at the Barn.

 

Television and film actor David Naughton will star as the central character in this captivating rock musical.  Audiences will undoubtedly recognize Mr. Naughton most notably from the classic thriller “An American Werewolf in London” as well as the late 70’s sitcom “Makin’ It”. His good looks were all over the television as well in the catchy, popular “Dr. Pepper” commercial in which he sang “I’m a Pepper, you’re a Pepper…”

 

OLD TIMER tells the story of Clay Miller, portrayed by David Naughton, who is finally released from jail after serving a 30-year prison term, punishment for a crime of which he was wrongfully accused.  Now his mission is to travel west and find his only living relative, his daughter Juanita, played by Penelope Alex.  Along the way to Hollywood he is befriended by Joe Stephenson, a young cowboy portrayed by Barn apprentice Jamey Grisham, who introduces him to the movie business. There he meets a menagerie of flashy Hollywood characters, including over-the-top movie director James Hines, (Joe Aiello), his assistant Stanley (Roy Brown) and sexy songstress Betsy (Lisa Marie Morabito).  Clay soon finds his daughter and endeavors to mend his past.

 

This explosive, moving night of theatre has hits in the making with “Ridin’ the Rails”, “Hollywood”, “Waitin’ for You”, “What Happens Now,” and “Kiss Juanita for Me”.  OLD TIMER received its world premiere at the Barn Theatre in 2001.  Having had a highly successful New York City reading, writer Brendan Ragotzy took pen in hand to make a few revisions to the script as well as adding a few new songs. OLD TIMER is a rockin’ end of summer treat, not to be missed!

 

OLD TIMER is directed by Brendan Ragotzy. Troy Benton is Music Director.  Dusty Reeds is the Scenic Designer, and Kate Irvine Mills is the Costume Designer.  Garrylee McCormick is the Hair/Wig Designer. Properties are designed by James B. Knox and Lights are designed by Adam Levine. Tim Crews is the Sound Designer. Technical Direction is by Fred Gillette.

 

Performances for OLD TIMER will run August 21 – September 2 and are Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 PM, Saturday at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and Sunday at 5:00 PM. Enjoy refreshments in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before the show, during intermission and after the show. Enjoy a light snack while being entertained by the free cabaret-style show in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge after the main stage performance. 

Call the Box Office today and make your reservation ~ 269 731-4121!

 

 

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OLD TIMER

Cast List

 

Prisoners......................................................... ROY BROWN, SCOTT BURKELL, ERIC PARKER, ERIC PETERSEN, JEFF BAKER, ALSTON BROWN, ERIC BYRD, NICK HORTON, ISAAC JAMES, VAUGHN SCHMIDT

 

Guards............................................................ JASON CABRAL, JAKE STACKHOUSE

 

Clay Miller........................................................................................... DAVID NAUGHTON

 

Warden....................................................................................................... GREGG REHRIG

 

Train Passengers.............................................. EMILY MAY SMITH, JEFF BAKER, ALSTON BROWN, ERIC BYRD, STEPHANIE CAPLIN, ELIZABETH ANN CORKUM, JULIA PAIGE GORDON, EMMI HILGER, NICK HORTON, EMILY SOTELO MATLACK, COURTNEY REED, VAUGHN SCHMIDT

Conductor............................................................................................... JUSTIN LECLAIRE

 

Joe Stephenson........................................................................................ JAMEY GRISHAM

 

James Hines....................................................................................................... JOE AIELLO

 

Miss Watson....................................................................... KATHERINE WEATHERFORD

 

Stanley............................................................................................................ ROY BROWN

 

Juanita...................................................................................................... PENELOPE ALEX

 

Johnny Molano........................................................................................... ERIC PETERSEN

 

Susan........................................................................................................ CALLI RAGOTZY

 

Detective Hill.................................................................................................. ERIC PARKER

 

Patrons............................................................ ERIC BYRD, JASON CABRAL, STEPHANIE CAPLIN, EMMI HILGER, EMILY SOLTELO MATLACK, VAUGHN SCHMIDT

                                                                   

Maitre’d............................................................................................................ JEFF BAKER

 

Waiter..................................................................................................... JUSTIN LECLAIRE

 

Betsy........................................................................................... LISA MARIE MORABITO

 

Back Up Singers............................................. ELIZABETH ANN CORKUM, JULIA PAIGE GORDON

 

Logan Bedford......................................................................................... SCOTT BURKELL

 

Young Clay.................................................................................................. NICK HORTON

 

Young Bedford........................................................................................ ALSTON BROWN

 

Ensemble......................................................... EMILY MAY SMITH, ALSTON BROWN, ERIC BYRD, JASON CABRAL, STEPHANIE CAPLIN, ELIZABETH ANN CORKUM, JULIA PAIGE GORDON, EMMI HILGER, ISAAC JAMES, EMILY SOLTELO MATLACK, COURTNEY REED, VAUGHN SCHMIDT

 

 

Cast Bios

 

 

BRENDAN RAGOTZY – Director/Writer/Lyricist

No stranger to Barn operations, Brendan literally grew up in the business, from his walk-on debut in 1966’s OLIVER! to his work as a stagehand, spot operator, stage manager, actor, director, assistant producer, and now Producer/Director.  Combining his parents’ attributes with his own practical expertise, the Barn has an ideal leader for its second generation of Ragotzy ownership.  Prior to his full-time Barn residency, Brendan was a production assistant for the American Film Market Association and production coordinator for ABC’s THE HOME SHOW.  In 1989 he made his directorial debut with HAIR, followed by our soon-to-be all-time hit THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, BAY HOUSE, PHANTOM, A FEW GOOD MEN, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, TOMMY, BIG RIVER, FOOTLOOSE, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (also playing Pontius Pilate), and last season’s hits ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT and THE WIZARD OF OZ.  He also staged his original musicals BILLY THE KID in 1994 and OLD TIMER in 2001, which received a highly successful New York reading in 2003 featuring several Barnies and the title role performed by Tom Wopat.  Brendan is married to actress Penelope Alex and is father to Luke (12), Calli (10), Jacob (7), and Melina (3).

 

TROY BENTON – Composer/Musical Director

This season marks Troy’s 10th Anniversary at the Barn.  Though the orchestra pit is his primary residence, he has ventured out occasionally to accompany our special guests in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge as well.  Audiences will probably recognize Troy from numerous theatre productions around the Kalamazoo area as well as the two bands he was in simultaneously until just recently.  He would like to thank his wife and kids for being so supportive and understanding of this dream and the time it consumes.  Thanks also to Brendan, Penelope and the entire Barn family for sharing in this madness that is theatre.

 

DAVID NAUGHTON - Clay Miller

David made his first national appearance as the lead singer-dancer in a series of Dr. Pepper commercials, which became some of the most popular ads in television history.  He was also seen in Los Angeles with Cybill Shepard as a pitchman for Mercedes Benz.  He starred in the TV Series Makin’ It and received a gold record for his hit single which was the title song from the show. Mr. Naughton’s screen debut came in Midnight Madness with Michael J. Fox.  David is best remembered for his leading role in John Landis’s classic horror film An American Werewolf in London.  He also starred in Amityville, The New Generation, Hot Dog, the Movie, The Boy in Blue, The Sleeping Car, and Separate Vacations.  His TV roles include My Sister Sam with Pam Dawber and At Ease for Aaron Spelling. Mr. Naughton had roles in such classics as Joe Papp’s production of Hamlet, Da, Much Ado About Nothing, Poor Little Lambs, and the recent musical revues Both Barrels and A Good Swift Kick.  Born in West Hartford, Connecticut, David graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English Literature.  He went on to study at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.  He is an avid golfer and cyclist and is the father of two terrific kids, David and Kendal.

 

PENELOPE ALEX - Juanita

In her 21 seasons, Penelope has more than established herself on the Barn stage.  Her resume here is highlighted by a series of compelling performances: Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Maria in LEND ME A TENOR, and Janet in our first two productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come to mind, as do her own favorites, such as the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, and opposite Tom Wopat as Nellie and Annie, respectively, in SOUTH PACIFIC and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Last season she was seen in OUT OF ORDER and starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in our sleeper hit THE WIZARD OF OZ.  Her longest-running roles are her dearest- wife and mother to Barn Producer Brendan Ragotzy and their children Luke (12), Calli (10), Jacob (7), and Melina (3).  Over the winter Penelope was seen in a guest artist capacity as Agnetha in the Whole Art Theatre’s FROZEN and appeared ‘round the region on radio and television commercials for Denooyer, Behavioral Health Resources, CTS, and was the pale restaurant customer in the spot for Midnight Tan and Cruise.  In addition to her full slate onstage and at home Penelope serves the Barn as Publicist and coordinates the hiring and departmental placement of each season’s apprentice company.  She’s a native of San Jose, CA, and like husband Brendan, is a proud alum of San Jose State University.

 

JAMEY GRISHAM - Joe Stephenson

Jamey hails from Tupelo, MS, and is a recent graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago with a BFA in Musical Theatre from their Chicago College of Performing Arts Theatre conservatory.  Jamey is excited for a third Barn summer!  Audiences may remember his turns as Brad in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Ethan in THE FULL MONTY, Thomas Jefferson in 1776 and Dream Curly in OKLAHOMA!  His Roosevelt credits include Bill in KISS ME KATE, Valentine in the musical TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA and John Jasper in THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD.  Jamey also recently originated the role of Little Light in the original workshop production of THE LITTLEST LIGHT ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE in New York, which was directed by Broadway veteran Luis Perez and produced by APAP (Association of Performing Arts Presenters).  He shared the stage with cabaret star Andrea Marcovicci and composer John Bucchino in the ASCAP presentation SONGS OF OUR TIME in Chicago and has been a featured soloist at Jim Caruso’s CAST PARTY in New York.  Jamey sends his love and special thanks to his family for their unconditional support.  “Psalms 108:1”

 

ERIC PARKER – Detective Hill

Eric is celebrating 15 Augusta summers this season.  His growing list of Barn credits include several favorites: Rutledge in 1776 and again as Remnar in our third go-‘round of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT last summer, Jerry in THE FULL MONTY, Rocky and Eddie in several occurrences of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW,  Freddie in CHESS, Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, Pharaoh in JOSEPH…, Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the title role in PIPPIN, Cousin Kevin on TOMMY, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook.  His career has continued there, with roles in both their TYA and dinner theatre productions, most recently Jacey Squires in THE MUSIC MAN, Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and Fezziwig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL.  Regional: Sebastian in THE THING ABOUT MEN, Henrik in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Miles in A FUNNY THING…FORUM, Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour).  An Adrian native, Eric was honored to reprise his Barn turn in THE FULL MONTY in a hit production at the Croswell Opera House last fall. He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood and Siena Heights University in his hometown.  He currently resides in Chicago with his cat and his cd collection. On our offstage staff Eric helps oversee the maintenance of the Barn’s physical plant and directs our popular Bar Shows.

 

ERIC PETERSEN – Johnny Molano

Eric comes back to Augusta for his first full season as an Equity resident straight from the First National Tour of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, in which he starred as William Barfee.  The highlight of the fall will be his most exciting role ever, that of the groom when he marries fellow Barnie Lisa Marie Morabito.  Favorite Barn roles include Berger in HAIR, Matt in THE FANTASTICKS, Rick/Lorraine in BAT BOY, and the Chinese Waiter in TWO INTO ONE.  Other credits include Bill Sykes in OLIVER! (Charleston Stage, SC), Paul Revere in SPREAD THE WORD (TheatreworksUSA), and Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM AT Bradley University in Peoria, IL, of which Eric is a proud graduate.  He sends love and thanks to Lisa, his parents, Kyle, Chuck and the Ragotzys.  Visit www.EricPetersenOnline.com.

 

 

JOE AIELLO - James Hines

This is Joe’s 27th, yes 27th season as a member of the Barn’s resident Equity company.  Over the course of his Barn career Joe’s talent and versatility won him acclaim for memorable portrayals of Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Daddy Warbucks in ANNIE, Lee in TRUE WEST, Albin/ZaZa in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Arthur in CAMELOT, Mozart in AMADEUS, Gallimard in M. BUTTERFLY, Nathan Detroit in GUYS AND DOLLS, Herbie in GYPSY, half the town in both GREATER TUNA and A TUNA CHRISTMAS, and he was the Barn’s original Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter in its perennial hit THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  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, LOST IN YONKERS, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, SWEENEY TODD, and BAT BOY (the last two co-directed with Scott Burkell).  Joe lives in New York City where he is Director of Sales for Match-Tix Group Sales and Promotions and co-owner of Allied/Hit-Tix, Inc.

 

ROY BROWN – Stanley

Roy is pleased to mark his second season as an Equity resident.  He’s gained quite a following locally for a series of wonderful performances during his apprenticeship: Renfield in DRACULA, Stewpot in SOUTH PACIFIC, Reuben in our ’99 JOSEPH…, LeFou in BEAUTY IN THE BEAST, Harry the Horse in GUYS AND DOLLS,  Mrs. Taylor in BAT BOY, Smudge in FOREVER PLAID, and most famously, da Jimmer in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT.  Last summer Roy reprised his ESCANABA turn and also followed in the footsteps of Louis Girard and Barn founder Jack Ragotzy as the Bellhop in our third go-round of OUT OF ORDER.  Roy’s professional experience includes a Theatreworks USA national tour and the independent film Summer Daze, which is currently in limited release.  A native of Hastings and a veteran of major roles in all the prominent local civic theatres, Roy now calls New York City home.  In addition to his acting load Roy is responsible for maintaining the beautiful grounds here at the Barn.

 

KATHERINE WEATHERFORD - Miss Watson

Katherine is elated to be spending her first summer at the Barn. A native of Houston Texas, Katherine is a recent graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and is currently attending the New School University in New York.  She recently toured with Periwinkle National Theatre as Karen HALFWAY THERE. And was an ensemble member in HAPPY HOUSE at Big Little Theatre in New York City.

 

 

SCOTT BURKELL – Logan Bedford

Scott is celebrating his 25th Barn season after another eventful year in New York.  Scott and Barnie Paul Loesel’s new musical, ELLA MINNOW PEA, is now complete and had a major reading in May.  Burkell/Loesel songs continue to be in-demand for cabaret and concert artists such as Susan Egan, Rebecca Luker and Kristin Chenowith.  Barn favorite Marin Mazzie and her husband Jason Danieley recorded a couple of selections for their “Opposite You” CD.  Scott also just finished a run as Cole Porter in RED, HOT, AND COLE for the Beaufort Performing Arts in Beaufort, SC. He also played various roles in the Broadway and First National Tour of the musical TITANIC.  Here in Augusta his career has been unforgettable.  Some faves include Molina in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Georg in SHE LOVES ME, Felix in THE ODD COUPLE, Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, the other half of Tuna, Texas in both GREATER TUNA and A TUNA CHRISTMAS, and perhaps his all-time gem, Riff-Raff in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  Scott’s credits last season include starring in 1776, ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, co-starring (opposite Joe Aiello) in both GREATER TUNA and OUT OF ORDER, and directing both OKLAHOMA! and GYPSY. 

 

LISA MARIE MORABITO – Betsy

Lisa Marie is excited to return to the Barn this summer for her first season as an Equity resident.  As an apprentice, her credits include Columbia in our ’02 and ’03 productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and Catherine in THE FOREIGNER as well as Jenny Anydots in CATS. As well as being a member of the Equity company, Lisa also assists Producer Brendan Ragotzy and is Bar Show Choreographer. New York credits include SHINBONE ALLEY with Musicals Tonight!, CONSUMER BEHAVIOR with Emerging Artists, INTERREGNUM at The Studio Theatre at Theatre Row, Huck Finn with TheatreworksUSA and NOTHING LIKE A DAME Broadway Cares Benefit at The Imperial Theatre. Her Regional credits include Conchita in COPACABANA (National Tour), Rosalia in WEST SIDE STORY (Human Race Theatre), and Lucy in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (Hot Summer Nights). She’s also excited about her engagement to fellow actor and Barnie Eric Petersen, whom she met the summer of 2003.  Their wedding will be celebrated on October 20th!  She thanks God, Eric, her whole family, and the Ragotzys.  You can find Lisa online at www.lisamariemorabito.com.

 

 

CALENDAR NEWS:                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  August 10, 2007

 

 

NOW PLAYING:  The Wild West explodes on stage in this rowdy, rip-roaring, lighthearted adaptation of the MGM movie musical SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS playing through August 19.  This musical will delight all ages with its exciting songs and show-stopping dance numbers! When young Millie marries backwoodsman Adam, she thinks her life just got easier...until she meets his six brothers! Based extremely loosely on the Stephen Vincent Benet story Sobbin' Women," SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS is one of the best MGM musicals of the 1950s.

 

NEXT: The Barn Theatre season is extending!  August 21 – September 2 the musical OLD TIMER will play at the Barn. Clay Miller is finally released from jail after serving a 30-year prison term a punishment for a crime in of which he was wrongfully accused.  Now his mission is to find his only living relative, his daughter Juanita.  Television and film actor David Naughton, known for the catchy, popular “Dr. Pepper” commercial in which he sang “I’m a Pepper, you’re a Pepper…” and the hit film An American Werewolf in London will star as the central character in this captivating rock musical.  After a highly successful New York City reading, writer Brendan Ragotzy took pen in hand to make a few revisions to the script and composer Troy Benton has added a few new songs!  This explosive, moving night of theatre is a rockin’ end of summer treat!

 

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                 $29.00 Each.  Any day, any performance.

 

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

Group rates available (10 tickets or more)

Professional Equity resident summer theatre.  Our 62nd season

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

Air-conditioned Theatre and Restrooms handicapped accessible.

 

Enjoy refreshments and a light snack in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. WINGS AND NACHOS in the Rehearsal Shed!  Free cabaret-style entertainment follows main stage performances.

 

Brendan Ragotzy, Producer.


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