by Tom Varner | May 24, 2014 | Casting, Shows
First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who came out to audition. Auditioning is not easy and I applaud each and every person for coming out. Thank you for giving of your time and your talents. I have directed a lot of shows (something like 16+, but who’s counting?) and this was the best and the most difficult audition that I have ever been a part of as a director. Every person who came out gave a phenomenal performance. I was very, very impressed and, truthfully, was blown away and stunned. In all the shows that I have directed and assistant directed, this show was by far the most difficult to cast. There were no easy choices to make. I wrestled with these decisions for a long time and the casting was not easy. Honestly and sincerely, these were the hardest casting choices I have ever made in my life.
The read-through for 9 TO 5 will be Wednesday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m. at the Highland Elementary Auditorium. If you choose not to except a role, please let me know ASAP (please call me at (217) 556-6399 or send me an email at evan@hardroad.org). If I do not hear from you by 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 26th, it is assumed you have accepted the role(s) you have been cast and will be a part of the show.
We have an amazing and fantastic cast. I’m very excited and am looking forward to working with each and every one of you this summer! It’s going to be a GREAT show! Once again, thank you all.
Sincerely,
Evan Fifer, Director of 9 TO 5
9 TO 5 CAST LIST
Violet Newstead – Lori Wahl
Doralee Rhodes – Erin Hoepfner
Judy Bernly – Breanna Noe
Franklin Hart, Jr. – Eric Sykes
Roz Keith – Mary Knebel
Joe – Tim Albaugh
Dwayne – David Whitacre
Josh – CJ Knebel
Missy – Gentry Nessel
Maria – Jessie Rub
Kathy – April Cook
Margaret – Lisa Strubhart
Candy Striper – Siarra Price
Doctor/New Employee – Brian Wilson
Detective/Dick/Mr. Tinsworthy – Tom Varner
Ensemble: Meredith Canterberry
Linda Collman
Becky Eaton
Carrie Henrichs
Courtney Hochuli
Katherine Kirchoff
Emily Lucia
Angela Nuxoll
Sheila Riggs
Courtney Talbert
by Tom Varner | Mar 20, 2014 | Announcements, Shows
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 | Jan 14, 2014 | Shows
Looking for a way to beat the winter blues? Highland’s Hard Road Theatre Productions has just the answer. Sponsored by First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, the Hard Road troupe will raise the curtain on DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 24, with encore performances slated for 7:30 p.m. on January 25, January 31st and February 1st and a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 26th.
Based upon the 1988 movie comedy hit starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS follows the antics of two very different types of con artists as a chance meeting throws them into each other’s paths. Lawrence Jameson is suave and sophisticated while Freddy Benson is a small time crook. At first the two combine forces, but their egos are too big for both of them. Deciding that the resort town on the French Riviera isn’t big enough for both of them, they agree to a wager: whoever can swindle $50,000 from an agreed upon target stays while the loser has to pack up and leave town. You’ll be pleasantly delighted at their journey as it’s filled with loads of laughs along the way. The show offers something for everyone: from witty puns to classic slapstick.
The show stars Bill Sullivan as Lawrence, Evan Fifer as Freddy, and Hard Road newcomer Kendra Moore as Christine Colgate. Supporting leads include Linda Collman as Muriel, Chris Weckler as Andre, and Megan Jakel as Jolene. The show is directed by Gentry Nessel with musical direction from David Wilton and choreography by Megan Jakel.
All performances will be held at Highland High School’s Kennel located at 12760 Troxler Avenue in Highland, IL.
Tickets for DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS are currently available at www.showclix.com or can be purchased through the Hard Road website. Online tickets are $9-$10. Any unsold tickets will be available at the box office on performance nights for $12. Seating is limited.
Hard Road Theatre Productions was founded in 2001 to provide the Highland area with affordable, high quality theater productions. The organization provides on- and off-stage opportunities for actors, directors, vocalists, dancers, musicians and other volunteers of all ages.
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.
