by Tom Varner | Feb 19, 2014 | Announcements, Shows
We are proud to announce our 2014-15 season! We are still in the process of arranging audition and specific performance dates. Therefore, that information will be officially announced at a later time.
Youth Summer Musical #1:
Wendy Darling loves to tell stories to her brothers, Michael and John. But when her father announces she must move out of the nursery, Peter Pan comes to visit the children and whisks them away to Never Land. Their adventure introduces them to the Lost Boys, Mermaids, Indians and even the infamous pirate, Captain Hook!Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie’s enchanting play, Disney’s Peter Pan JR. is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn’t grow up with no flying required! The score includes new arrangements of classic Disney songs, such as “Following the Leader,” “You Can Fly,” “The Second Star to the Right” and “Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me.” Directed by Gentry Nessel.
Youth Summer Musical #2
Set during the last years of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street in 1980-1984, before its merger with LaGuardia High School, FAME JR. is the bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students who commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. With candor, humor, and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today. With its topical subject manner, multi-ethnic cast of actors, singers, dancers and instrumentalists and high-energy, contemporary pop score (which includes the hit title song), FAME JR. is an ideal musical for young performers. Directed by David Whitacre.
Summer Musical:
9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL features a brand-new score by seven-time Grammy Award® winner DOLLY PARTON that includes the blockbuster title song. The show revolves around three female leads. Violet Newstead, the super-efficient office manager who joins her fellow co-workers – frazzled divorcée Judy Bernly and sexy secretary Doralee Rhodes– to turn the tables on their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical, bigot” of a boss, Franklin Hart Jr. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy, and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Directed by Evan Fifer.
Winter Play:
Accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce. In DRINKING HABITS, two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancees, are hot on their trail. They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone tries to preserve the convent and reconnect with lost loves. Directed by Tom Varner.
by Tom Varner | Jan 22, 2014 | Announcements, Shows
(wanted theft suspects Freddy Benson & Lawrence Jameson with mystery woman)
Have you seen either of these two men? They are wanted for questioning in a series of thefts. They pose no physical danger except to themselves. However, be forewarned that they will use humor to better their position.
If you have seen either of these men, please report to the Highland High School Kennel, 12760 Troxler Ave., Highland, IL at either 7:30 p.m. on January 24, 25, 31, and February 1 or at 2:00 p.m. on January 26. Reports will be taken and a dramatic reenactment of some of their escapades will be presented to the public at each of these times. A $12 fee to compensate the victims of the suspects’ crimes will be collected at the door. The fee can be paid beforehand online at a discounted rate.
For more information, please call 618-409-6286, email cs@hardroad.org, or visit the Hard Road Facebook page.
by Tom Varner | Nov 27, 2013 | Announcements, Rehearsals
“First of all, thank you to everyone who came out and auditioned! I appreciate everyone lending their talents for me to see and hear. As with any production, casting is one of the most difficult parts of the process. Thanks to all those who auditioned and who made some of the choices so difficult; great job! It should be a good and fun mix and I’m looking forward to working with all of you! –Gentry Nessel, director
The first rehearsal for DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS will be on Monday, December 2nd at 7pm @ the Highland High School Kennel, 12760 Troxler Ave., Highland, IL. If you choose to decline a role, please contact the director, Gentry Nessel at 618-610-4258 ASAP. If she has not heard from you prior to Monday, it will be assumed you have accepted your role. Any other questions about the production should be directed to Gentry at this time.
Lastly, please note that there will be several smaller roles that will be given out on Monday. Once again, thanks to all who auditioned!
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Cast List
Lawrence Jameson – Bill Sullivan
Freddy Benson – Evan Fifer
Christine Colgate – Kendra Moore
Andre Thibault – Chris Weckler
Muriel Eubanks – Linda Collman
Jolene Oakes & Ensemble – Megan Jakel
Renee & Ensemble – Myra Juenger (understudy for Christine & Jolene)
Gerard & Ensemble – Eric Sykes (understudy for Freddy)
Lenore – TBD
Sophia – TBD
Ensemble – Tim Albaugh (understudy for Andre & Gerard)
Jacob Callahan
Sierra Mantz
Michael Miller (understudy for Gerard & Freddy)
Shelia Riggs (understudy for Muriel & Renee)
Courtney Talbert
Tom Varner (understudy for Lawrence)
by Hard Road Admin | Oct 4, 2013 | Announcements, Shows
Are you ready to do The Time Warp? If you aren’t already familiar with it, just know that you will be by the time you leave. The show opens with the adorable (and very naïve) couple of Brad & Janet as they lose their way and find shelter at the home of Dr. Frank N Furter (a mad scientist from Transexual, Transylvania) who is anxiously awaiting your arrival so that he may present his creature!
The Hard Road “Rogue” Players have taken this show on the road and will be performing at the beautiful Alfresco Arts Center in Granite City. You’ll love the intimate atmosphere as you’re pulled into the show and are encouraged to sing along. Please feel free to dress the part. Adults over 21 may also enjoy a drink at the second floor speakeasy bar.
Tickets are only $15 for this amazing performance Oct 18th-20th and can be purchased RIGHT NOW! Go to our “Purchase Tickets” page (see the tab at the top of this page?). Seating is limited so don’t wait too long — who knows
**Please do not bring water/food props and keep in mind that this is a show with adult themes when purchasing tickets.
