Hello, Bedford Falls! Merry Christmas!

The beloved Christmas classic 'It's A Wonderful Life' is more than just holiday entertainment. It's an inspiring tale of one man's life and the lives he touches in his little town. The Rush County Players are presenting this classic tale Thurs. Nov. 17, Fri. Nov. 18, and Sat. Nov. 19 at 7:30 PM, and a matinee on Sat. Nov. 19 at 2:30 PM, all at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 426 N. Morgan St., Rushville, IN.

Director Matt Amos, Asst. Director Cindy Amos, and Producer Shelli Griffin have put together a wonderful cast for this uplifting tale. Greg Simpson, an RCP veteran, makes his return to the stage as Mr. Potter, the richest man in town, bent on taking over everything he can, and destroying that which cannot. His nemesis is the young George Bailey, played by Greg’s younger brother, Shawn Simpson, also marking a return. George’s family includes his mother, Mother Bailey, played by Betsy Fox, his younger brother Harry Bailey, portrayed by Kyle Huntsman, and Uncle Billy and Aunt Tilly, played by RCP favorites Dan and Sharon Scholl.

Two young ladies in Bedford Falls vie for George’s affections. These are Violet, played by newcomer Haley Briner, and Mary Hatch, as portrayed by Jessica Miller. Mr. Gower, George’s employer as a youth, and friend as an adult, is Sam Davenport, and his best friends include Todd Howard (another returnee to the RCP stage) as Sam Wainwright, Randy Bason as Bert, and Wylie Coons as Ernie.

The cast is rounded out by Alesha Smith as Miss Carter, the bank examiner, Christina Rankin in dual roles as Mrs. Hatch and Miss Andrews, Bonnie Miller also in dual roles as Mr. Potter’s secretary and Mrs. Thompson, and keeping a watchful eye over all, and George in particular, is Michael Best as Clarence, George’s guardian angel.

For this outing the Production Team has decided it is very in keeping with the theme of this show to assist several charities in the county. Each performance will be dedicated to an individual philanthropic effort. For Thursday’s performance, 10% of ticket sales will be donated to the Rush County Toys for Tots campaign, Fridays’ show will benefit in equal measure ARC of Rush County, Saturday’s matinee will give 10% of tickets to the Rush County Food Pantry, and 10% of Saturday evenings box office will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Rush County.

Tickets are currently available by calling 765-938-1711 and leaving a message for a reservation, or by contacting any cast member. Adult tickets are $10, and students K-12 are $5. Children small enough to be held on your lap are no charge. Seating will be at a premium in this smaller venue, so reserve your seats soon!

As Clarence reminds George, “Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” You can watch it on TV over and over again, but nothing can beat seeing “It’s a Wonderful Life” live. Let Rush County Players touch your life this holiday season. And listen for the bells to ring!

Remember, George, no man is a failure who has friends

Rushville Republican

RUSHVILLE — The Rush County Players will be holding auditions for the Christmas classic, "It's A Wonderful Life," based on the beloved Frank Capra movie starring James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore and Donna Reed, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Playhouse, 201 W. 2nd Street, Rushville, on Sept. 27 and 28.Ê

Roles to be filled range from high school age to adult. Backstage help is also needed, so if you would like to participate, but don't want to be on stage, we have a place for you!

Director Matt Amos, Assistant Director Cindy Amos and Producer Shelli Griffin are excited to bring this wonderful tale to life during the upcoming holiday season. With so many people going through tough times, a tale of love, redemption and appreciation for our everyday lives will be sure to strike a chord with many people.Ê RCP also plans to support several local charity endeavors through-out the run of this show. Details on these efforts will be forthcoming.

Showdates and location are yet to be firmed up, but the production is projected to take place in mid-November. The Players are looking for their own Clarence, as they continue to search for a long-term home. This will be the Players 36th season, making them one of the longest-running community theatre groups in the state.

For more information about auditions or the production, please call Rush County Players at 765-938-1711 and leave a voice message.

Clumsy Custard cuts the mustard!

Once upon a time, there was a magical kingdom by a mystical sea. It was
the land of Zob. And of Zob, there were two parts; the upper kingdom, Zob
Proper, and the lower kingdom, Zob Improper. In Zob Proper, King Dumb is
preparing his daughter, Princess Prince, for the Prince Picking Ceremony.
But, the evil Dacron from Zob Improper has other plans for her.
Will the princess ever find love or become the next meal for the Clumsy Custard?

There's one way to find out! Attend RCP's Clumsy Custard Horror Show!
The audience is invited to get into the act through audience participation in this hilarious comedy. You don't want to miss it!

The middle school and high school cast is as follows: Laura Smith, Steven Locchetta, Wade Griffin, Sadie Collum, Justin Crowder, LJ Conrad, Leah Noe, Jordan Fritz, Anna Smith, Alison Ward, McKenzie Conrad, Kellan Dawson, Shawn Fisher, Alec Armstrong, Karlie Hall, Monica Davis, Alli Jett, Kait Jett, Sarah Ford, Carlie Ford, Mackenzie Wells, and Delaney Dawson.

The shows will be held in the Old Milroy Elementary Auditorium two weekends (six shows): Oct. 7 to 9 and Oct. 14 to 16. Friday and Saturday's showings begin at 7 p.m. and Sunday's matinees will begin at 2 p.m.

Audience members are encouraged to dress up in family appropriate Halloween attire and be prepared to have a blast!

RCP will also be collecting coats for the quickly approaching annual Coats for Kids drive.

Tickets are now available by leaving a voice mail message at 765-938-1711.

There’s no earthly way of knowing…why you wouldn’t plan on going….

The Rush County Players prepare to close out their 35^th season with sweet treat: their “all-youth” production of “Willy Wonka, Kids!” This tasty morsel will be served on Fri, July 29 and Sat. July 30 at 7:30 PM and on Sun. July 31 at 2:30 PM in the Auditorium of the Historic Milroy Elementary School, 215 N. Pleasant St. in Milroy, Indiana.

This show is a condensed version of the classic Roald Dahl story, featuring Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregard, Mike Teavee, Augustus Gloop and the King of Chocolate himself, Willy Wonka! Oh, and don’t forget the Oompa-Loompas!

All cast members are K-12, and Director Chante’ Wells, Asst. Directors Whitley Fada and Terri Sipes, and Producer Scott Evans certainly had their work cut out for them, with many talented youngsters auditioning. The cast includes: Willy Wonka: Wade Griffin; Narrator/Candy Man: Tony Gulley; Charlie Bucket: Tyler Amos; Augustus Gloop: Jordan Fritz; Mike Teavee: Jameson Dykes; Veruca Salt: Lilli Spaeth; Violet Beauregarde: Gabby Doyle; Phineous Trout: LJ Conrad; Grandpa Joe: Steven Locchetta; Grandma Josephine: Laura Smith; Grandpa George: Shawn Fisher; Grandma Georgina: Jen Lattner; Mr. Bucket: Hayden Meckes; Mrs. Bucket: Larissa Dunn; Mr. Salt: Justin Crowder; Mrs. Beauregarde: McKenzie Conrad; Mrs. Gloop: Sadie Collum; Ms. Teavee: Heather Snow; Oompa Loompas: Carly Buckley, Nick Amos, Jacob Amos, Casey Wood, Dominick Evans, Mackenzie Wells, Calista De Jager, Austin Dunn, Josie Doyle, Andrew Armstrong (& Charlie Bucket Understudy); Candy Shop kids/squirrels: Amelia: Kait Jett; Gwendolyn: Allison Jett; Maggie: Leah Noe; Matilda: Whitney Simpson; Sophie: Sarah Ford; Jamie: Monica Davis. Others involved include: Prod Work/Asst St Mngr: Monica Davis and Backstage: Katie Rankin, Bryce Conrad, Karlie Hall, and Holly Sams.

Tickets are on sale now from cast members or by calling 765-938-1711. Adults are $10 and Students K-12 are $5. Any child small enough to be held on your lap will be free.

Since this show is a condensed version of the movies most are familiar with, the RCP Board and WWK Directing team agreed that this show will be a double feature. The Opening Act will be presented as a kids only musicale– called Sweet Sounds– featuring the kids in the WWK cast and songs about candy, etc. You can expect to hear songs like: The Good Ship Lollipop, I Want Candy, Sugar Sugar to name a few. This will be followed by intermission then Act II will be Willy Wonka, Kids! in its entirety. We expect to have a runtime of approximately 2 hours.

Presenting a show in this school represents a return to RCP’s history. For years, RCP was headquartered in the Pleasant Street Playhouse, just a few blocks away in Milroy. It also presents a new set of challenges, and many, many benefits, one of which is the opportunity to sell refreshments in this facility.

Help RCP and the youth of our community close out a historic season in a new venue by entering a “world of pure imagination” with “Willy Wonka Kids!”

Rush County Players Community Theatre Group presents: THE HAUNTED TRAIL OF TERROR!!! Oct. 23 & 24, from 7 - 11 pm. Kid friendly area in the pavilion--$5, Haunted Trail--$7, or $10 for both. Family-friendly Halloween scares for all!! Come out and support the Rush County Players!!!!

Like, it’s TOTALLY an 80’s show!

Director Chante Wells, and Producer Bonnie Locchetta are pleased to announce auditions for Rush County Players long-awaited 80’s musicale, “Video Killed the Radio Star!” Auditions will be held at the Playhouse, 201 N. Morgan Rushville, on Monday, March 16, Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Music and scripts will be provided for those auditioning.

“Video Killed the Radio Star!” is a scripted musicale, celebrating the hits of the MTV generation. Artists from Duran Duran to Tina Turner will be represented as the Montridge High Class of 1989 hold their final prom of the ‘80’s. Roles include students attending the prom, as well as teachers acting as chaperones! Those auditioning must be at least high school age. Thirty roles have been scripted, but “extras” may be needed to attend the prom as well! And, yes, there will be some dancing, but it’s 80’s dancing! How hard can that be?

Rehearsals will begin on Monday March 30, and will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Playhouse, also from 6:30-8:30 pm. This production will be held in a more “dance” oriented venue---the Rushville Elks Ballroom. The performances will be “in-the-round”, to put the audience closer to the show. And, audience members will be chaperones for the “dance” as well! Show-dates are May 1 at 8:00 pm, May 2 at 8:00 pm, and May 3 at 2:00 pm..

If you want to be totally rad and cool, come and revisit the years when MTV actually showed music videos! For more information, call 938-1711, or visit www.rushcountyplayers.org. And, like, it’ll be EXCELLENT!

Rush County Players Celebrate 32nd Season

On Saturday August 9, the Rush County Players gathered at the New Salem Lions Club for their Annual Meeting and Hammy Awards Celebration. Following a hog roast, with meat supplied by J & D Meats, and side dishes and desserts supplied by the RCP Board of Directors, the Players held their Annual Meeting.

Outgoing President Bonnie Locchetta opened the meeting, then yielded the floor to Outgoing Treasurer Chante Wells. Chante gave an overview of the financial health of the Players following the 2007-2008 season that included a breakdown of the income and expenses for each show presented last season, income from other sources including working concessions at the RCA Dome, and expenses for items including new windows in the Playhouse, microphone paks, and a new sound system. She also presented the Secretary's report for Outgoing Secretary Rhonda Barton. The Secretary's report included membership information among other items. Outgoing Vice-President Aaron Scholl then took the podium to cover a some proposed changes to the by-laws of the Players, dealing with memberships and Board member eligibility. These changes passed the membership unanimously.

At this time, the directors of the shows from the 2007-2008 season came forward to give a wrap-up report on their shows and present certificates to those who had contributed to their shows in a way over and above the usual. Chante Wells, director of "101 Dalmatians, Kids" presented certificates to Molly Rose, Terri Sipes, Whitley Griffin, and Sharon Scholl. The director of "Big Feet," Lisa Boaz, presented a certificate to Janet Foster. "A Joyful Noise" director, Shelli Griffin, showed her appreciation to Virginia Holdman, Michael Fisher, Matt Amos and Lisa Boaz. Lora Norris, who took on "Fiddler on the Roof," wanted to thank Loys Rees, Steven Locchetta, Billy Myers, and John Conn. The final director of the 2007-2008 season, Aaron Scholl, presented certificates of appreciation to the Rush County Commissioners, Pat Reed, and Matt Griffin.

Outgoing President Bonnie Locchetta gave a brief overview of her time in office, and challenged the incoming Board and the membership of RCP to continue to work with the youth of the community,and to attempt to increase membership, among other items. Then, incoming President Matt Griffin re-iterated many of the points Bonnie had made, committing RCP to continuing to work with youth, and encouraging the membership to join one of several committees to work in several areas. Outgoing Board members Bonnie Locchetta, Aaron Scholl, Chante Wells, and Rhonda Barton were thanked for their 3-year terms of service. The 2008-2009 Board of Directors is: President Matt Griffin, Vice-President Matt Amos, Treasurer Dan Scholl, Secretary Elizabeth Gist, Scott Medd, Sharon Scholl, Merrilyn Lower, Janet Rose, Jeff Wagoner, Becki Paul, Amanda Locchetta, and Lora Norris.

Finally, the directors for the shows to take place in the 2008-2009 season came forward to talk about their shows. Curt Mock, director of season opener, "God's Favorite," was unable to attend, but did send word that his auditions would be held at the Playhouse on Aug. 26 & 27, from 6-9 PM, and showdates would be Oct. 17, 18 and 19 at the Laughlin Center. Jack Harmon, who will be directing "Little Shop of Horrors," also announced his audition dates, which will be in late December at the Playhouse, and show dates, which are Feb.27, 28 and Mar. 1. Chante Wells and Bonnie Locchetta, co-directors discussed their 80's musicale, "Video Killed the Radio Star," audition and show dates to be set. The director of this year's children's production, Becki Paul, then talked about her "Disney Musicale," featuring the music and characters of Walt Disney, also with audition and show dates to be set later. The business portion of the evening was then adjourned.

At this point, the part of the evening everyone had been eagerly awaiting began....the presentation of the Hammy Awards. The Hammys are RCP's version of the Tonys. They are voted on by a top-secret committee, chosen by and known only to the President of the Board of Directors. So, this is not the Board or the Players patting themselves on the back. These awards are chosen by audience members, who go to each show and take notes. Then, at the end of the season, they vote on who they think were the best in each of several categories. The Blue Ribbon committee for the 2007-2008 season chose the following as the best in their respective categories:

Director of the Year----Aaron Scholl, Director of "Sandbag, Stage Left, or One Dead Dolly"

Producer of the Year----Bonnie Locchetta, Producer of "Sandbag, Stage Left, or One Dead Dolly"

Outstanding Musical Performance, Male----Mike Alexander, for "A Joyful Noise"

Outstanding Musical Performance, Female---Janet Foster, for "A Joyful Noise"

Outstanding Lead Actor, Male---Jack Harmon, for playing Judge Roy L. Been in "Sandbag, Stage Left, or One Dead Dolly"

Outstanding Lead Actor, Female---Nikki Calciano, for playing Prosecutor Cling in "Sandbag, Stage Left, or One Dead Dolly"

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Male---Mark Sloan, for his performance as Lazar Wolf in "Fiddler on the Roof"

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Female---Bethany Hancock, for her performance as Hava in "Fiddler on the Roof"

Outstanding Character Portrayal, Male---Matt Amos, for playing Gus the Lovable Doorman in "Sandbag Stage Left, or One Dead Dolly"

Outstanding Character Portrayal, Female---Elizabeth Gist, for playing Gretel Van Cistern in "Sandbag Stage Left, or One Dead Dolly"

Outstanding Technical Achievement---Scott Medd for "Fiddler on the Roof"

Outstanding Set---"Fiddler on the Roof"

Outstanding Costuming---the cast and crew of "101 Dalmatians Kids"

Outstanding Performance by a Juvenile, Male---Steven Locchetta, for Roger in "101 Dalmatians Kids"

Outstanding Performance by a Juvenile, Female---Tia Ruji, for Cruella DeVille in "101 Dalmatians Kids"

Outstanding Ensemble Musical Number---"Awesome God" by the cast of "A Joyful Noise"

Outstanding Non-Vocal Musical Performance---"Great God" by the blacklight dance group in "A Joyful Noise"

The last award given was Trouper of the Year. This award is voted on by the Board of Directors. This is to recognize someone who has gone “above and beyond” in their work for the Players this past season. Generally, the recipient of this award has worked very hard, and usually for more than one show, in more than one capacity, but has not sought recognition for their efforts. The Trouper of the Year is a living example of what Rush County Players seeks to represent, that “the show must go on” with not only a sense of responsibility and duty, but a smile. This year, the Board recognized Bonnie Locchetta as the Trouper of the Year for her efforts in a variety areas.

The evening then closed out with music and karaoke provided by Kenny Walker. Thanks to the New Salem Lions Club, J & D Meats, Kenny Walker, and those who provided food items for the evening. For more information about Rush County Players, please visit www.rushcountyplayers.org, http://rushcountyplayers.blogspot.com/, call 938-1711 or email rushcountyplayers@yahoo.com