Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre

ARROW ROCK, MO – Plan on celebrating the joys of Christmas in Arrow Rock in December! The Lyceum stage will once again be aglow with good spirits and Christmas tradition as Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, A Christmas Carol, comes musically to life starring Lyceum favorite Ron Wisniski as Ebenezer Scrooge, returning for his fourth straight year. There will only be 13 performances running from December 13 through December 23.

The Lyceum brings to life the familiar story of a seemingly heartless miser given one last chance at redemption by four visiting ghosts. On Christmas Eve Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes an incredible transformation as he views with new eyes his past, present and the possibilities of the future. A Christmas Carol is now a cherished annual tradition in Arrow Rock and is made possible through the generous support of LammTech of Sedalia.

Lyceum Producing Artistic Director, Quin Gresham, directs his adaptation of the Dickens classic. “Dickens’ timeless and heartwarming message, more than a dozen holiday songs, and a brilliant cast will certainly fill audiences with Christmas spirit this December,” said Gresham. “Thanks to the continued embellishments by Resident Scenic Designer Ryan J. Zirngibl, Ron Wisniski’s brilliant performance as Scrooge, and a stunning cast of familiar favorites, I have no doubt that this will be our most powerful Christmas Carol yet!”

The Lyceum is pleased to announce that the role of Ebenezer Scrooge will be played, once again, by Lyceum favorite, Ron Wisniski. Mr. Wisniski originated the role in the inaugural production of A Christmas Carol in 2014, a role he has also played at Syracuse Stage. Other Lyceum appearances include the devilish Mr. Applegate in Damn Yankees, the flamboyant Roger Debris in The Producers, Diary of Anne Frank, You Can’t Take It With You and Hello Dolly. Ron appeared in the National Tours of Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Annie (FDR), and Tintypes (Teddy Roosevelt) and has appeared in more than 200 productions at theatres nationwide.

Ben Gougeon returns to the Lyceum playing Scrooge’s long suffering clerk, Bob Cratchit. Mr. Gougeon made his Lyceum debut this season as Dr. Watson in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Other favorite credits include: NYC: The Visitation (Witness Immersive), Half Moon Bay (Nylon Fusion), The Drunkard (Metropolitan Playhouse).  REGIONAL: Escanaba in Da Moonlight (Farmers Alley), Of Mice and Men (Booth Tarkington).  FILM/TV: The Price, A Crime to Remember, Black Mask.

Returning to the role he originated in the inaugural production of A Christmas Carol, Timothy Shew plays the jovial Ghost of Christmas Present and Scrooge’s first employer, Mr. Fezziwig. Tim’s long history with the Lyceum began nearly 40 years ago as a resident company member. Mr. Shew has appeared in 11 Broadway shows including, most recently, Kander and Ebb’s The Visit with Chita Rivera, Evita with Ricky Martin, Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, and Jean Val Jean in Les Misérables.

Playing the dual roles of Mrs. Fezziwig and Mrs. Dilber will be Lyceum regular April Woodall. April returns to Arrow Rock where she has appeared in Into the Woods, Little Women, Tom Sawyer, The Sound of Music, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Music Man, and Fiddler on the Roof. Regional credits include: Maine State Music Theatre, Fulton Theatre, American Theatre Group, Mill Mountain Theater, Little Theatre on the Square, Gateway Playhouse, Bristol Riverside Theatre; Hedgerow Theatre, Flashpoint Theatre, Center City Theatre Works, The Seaport History Museum Theatre, The Eagle Theatre, and The Devon. Barrymore and SALT nominations for the title role in Souvenir – a fantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins (Montgomery Theatre; Cortland Repertory Theatre); and a Carbonell nomination for her performance of Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre.

Robert Elliott returns to play the dual roles of Old Joe and Jacob Marley after playing Matt Drayton in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner earlier this season and last year as the domineering Capt. Queeg in The Caine Mutiny. Mr. Elliott began his career as a company member at the Missouri Repertory Theatre and at the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival. Extensive work over the years at Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Indiana Rep. Other regional credits include Syracuse Stage, Asolo Theatre, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, PCPA Theatrefest, Cleveland Playhouse, Roundabout Theatre.

Returning to the role she has played in all four years of A Christmas Carol, Laura Sexauer plays the violin-wielding Ghost of Christmas Past; Manon Halliburton returns as Mrs. Cratchit; Bailey Jordan Reeves returns in the dual roles of Scrooge’s first love, Belle, and Fred’s wife, Anne; Lyceum favorite Ben Nordstrom makes his A Christmas Carol debut as Scrooge’s nephew Fred as well as Marley’s younger self; Michael Dewar returns as one of Scrooge’s debtors and Scrooge’s younger self; and Adam McCall, Michael Brennan, Paula Danner, Jonathan Brown, Paula Bear, Myke Andrews and Cher Desiree Alvarez in  appear in a variety of roles.

The cast of 26 actors also features a number of young performers from neighboring communities including Lilian Buie, Simeon Buie, Cailyn Chaney, Sophia Christy, Lauren Kennon, Cooper Rainwater, Abigail Rainwater, Spencer Rainwater and Logan Musselman as Tiny Tim.

The creative team for A Christmas Carol includes Quin Gresham (Director/Adaptor), James Woodland (Resident Musical Director, Composer), Stephanie Berg (Composer), Kristen Nordstrom (Choreographer), Ryan J. Zirngibl (Resident Scenic Designer), Randy B. Winder (Resident Lighting Designer), Kerri S. Packard (Costume Designer), Jon Robertson and Ryan Matthew Hall (Sound Designers), Ivan Cano (Production Stage Manager), and Laura Berrios (Assistant Stage Manager).

Single Tickets for A Christmas Carol are priced at $37.00 for adults. Senior, student and children discounts are available as are special group rates. Performances are December 13 – December 23, 2017, Evening performances are at 7pm and matinees are at 2pm. For tickets: www.lyceumtheatre.org, (660) 837-3311 x1, or in person at the Lyceum’s box office at 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO 65320.

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3), professional theatre located in the unique village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a 19th century National Historic Landmark. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for 57 years producing a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies. Each year, this 416 seat theatre attracts professional talent from across the country to produce an eight show season (June-December). Performers, designers, directors, and technicians take residence in Arrow Rock for five months to bring its patrons Broadway caliber productions throughout the summer.

The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

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ARROW ROCK, MO – The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre rocks the theatre with music from the 60’s with Beehive from September 16 through September 24, 2017.

From the Supremes to Janis Joplin and everyone in between, Beehive The 60’s Musical is a rockin’ celebration of the female vocalists who unmistakably left their mark on the music of the 60’s and on many of our lives. Featuring such music as “It’s My Party,” “Natural Woman,” “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “One Fine Day,” “Where the Boys Are,” and “Proud Mary,” Beehive takes you back to music’s golden era and an empowering time in our history. Six energetic women and one very hot band take you on a journey through the fashion and the sounds of the 1960’s.

Ann Cooley returns to the Lyceum to direct Beehive. The production features the debut appearance on the Lyceum stage for JALYNN STEELE, MELANA LLOYD, KATIE LADUCA, EBONY BLAKE, ABIGAIL RAYE, and SHELBY RINGDAHL.

Jalynn Steele has performed across the world in roles including the lead in the National & International tours of Fosse, she’s played Dr. Simone in the Off-Broadway smash Sistas and Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors at the Westchester Dinner Theatre. She was a part of the Norwegian Cruise Line family for years, starring in Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Shout, Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor, and After Midnight.

Melana Lloyd, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, has degrees in Elementary Education and MFA in Dance (NYU). A former Kindergarten teacher, she left the classroom in 2008 to pursue her art. Favorite Credits Include: Off-Broadway: Soul Doctor, Klezmer Nutcracker. National Tours: The Color Purple, Hairspray. Regional: Rockin’ At The Fireside, The World Goes Round, Smokey Joe’s Café. TV: Boardwalk Empire, MTV.

Katie Laduca’s credits include: National Tour: Saturday Night Fever (Dance Captain/ Swing; u/s All Female Roles). Favorite regional credits include: Mamma Mia (Sophie), Saturday Night Fever (Stephanie), Smokey Joe’s Café (Delee), Gypsy (u/s Louise), West Side Story (Consuela).

Ebony Blake is a native of Dayton, Ohio, and a proud graduate of Wright State University. Some of her favorite credits include: The Book of Mormon (First National Tour), Nefertiti: A Concert of Music and Dance (starring role with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater), Black Nativity (The Classical Theatre of Harlem), Aida (National Tour, Aida understudy), The Colored Museum and For Colored Girls…(directed by Stanley Wayne Mathis), Jitney (The Human Race Theatre Company), and Thoroughly Modern Mille (directed by John MacInnis). Ms. Blake has also had the pleasure of traveling the world while working for Disney Cruise Lines, Holland America Cruise Lines, and Universal Studios Japan.

Most recently, Abigail Raye was seen at Fireside Theatre in their yearly band show, Back To The Fifties (Rosemary Clooney/ Peggy Lee) & Rockin’ At The Fireside (Janis Joplin/ Cher). Other favorite credit’s include: Lady of the Lake in the National Tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot, Paulette in Legally Blonde   & Rita La Porta in Lucky Stiff at Arizona Broadway Theatre.

Columbia native, Shelby Ringdahl’s credits include: Tours: Disenchanted (Snow White), West End’s ABBA MANIA (Agnetha). Off Broadway: Oh Kay! (Constance Appleton). Regional: Jesus Christ Superstar (MUNY, Ensemble), Heathers (Ensemble/ Heather Chandler US), Polkadots (Ms. Square), Catch Me If You Can (Cheryl Ann/ Ensemble). Concert Soloist with Jason Robert Brown, Susan Egan, Jodi Benson, The Fort Worth Symphony, 54 Below, and Cincinnati Pops. Miss Missouri 2013, Top 12 at Miss America, 3rd in America’s Choice making over 300 appearances that year motivationally speaking to Missouri’s children.

Ann Cooley returns to direct and choreograph the production. Ann is a New York City based director and choreographer – Highlights: The Music Man (Arkansas Shakespeare), Victor/Victoria (Nat.Tour), The Producers (Costal Carolina Arts), The Will Rogers Follies, (National Tour, Pioneer Theatre, Music Circus, Lyceum Theatre starring David Lutken), Merry Go Round, The Barn – starring Tom Wopat) Peter Pan & Little Shop of Horrors (Theatre By The Sea), White Christmas, Damn Yankees, The Today Show, USO, Leading Ladies, Menhattans (Carnegie Hall & Lincoln Center), Radio City Rockettes.

Musical director for the production is Bradley Vieth. Brad is currently Senior Lecturer in Musical Theatre at Edge Hill University in the UK. New York: Wings, A Child’s Garden, Shout! The Mod Musical, Smile, See What You Want to See, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Triumph of Love (pre-B’way). Chicago: A Little Night Music (Jeff Award), The Grand Duchess, Forbidden Broadway, Another Midsummer Night, Lend Me a Tenor, Book of the Night, Jerry’s Girls, The Libertine (with John Malkovich), Lovers and Friends, The Rake’s Progress, and The Consul. Europe: Chicago, On the Town, 42nd Street, Cabaret, Carmen, West Side Story, and Little Shop of Horrors (German premiere).

Scenic design is by Lyceum Theatre Resident Scenic Designer Ryan J. Zirngibl. Mr. Zirngibl has designed many productions at The Lyceum including Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol, Million Dollar Quartet, Around the World in 80 Days, The King and I, and Fiddler on the Roof. Resident Costume Designer Garth Dunbar has been part of 10 previous seasons at The Lyceum where his many designs include Into the Woods, Hairspray, The Fantasticks, and Little Women the Musical.  Resident Lighting Designer Randy B. Winder has designed close to 100 Lyceum productions including Cats, A Christmas Carol, Les Misérables, Million Dollar Quartet, and The Fantasticks. Resident Sound Designer Ryan Matthew Hall returns for his ninth season at The Lyceum where he has designed Les Misérables, The King and I, Spamalot, The Producers, To Kill A Mockingbird, Fiddler on the Roof, and many more. Ivan Dario Cano returns as Production Stage Manager.

Single Tickets for Beehive are priced at $37.00 for adults. Senior, student and children discounts are available. Special Group Rates are available as well. Performances are September 16 – September 24, 2017, Evening performances are at 8pm and matinees are at 2pm. For tickets: www.lyceumtheatere.org, (660) 837-3311 x1, or in person at the Lyceum’s box office at 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO 65320.

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3), professional theatre located in the unique village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a 19th century National Historic Landmark. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for 57 years producing a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies. Each year, this 408 seat theatre attracts professional talent from across the country to produce an eight show season (June-December). Performers, designers, directors, and technicians take residence in Arrow Rock for five months to bring its patrons Broadway caliber productions throughout the summer. The Lyceum receives much needed support from the Missouri Arts Council.

The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

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ARROW ROCK, MO – Fifty years after the groundbreaking film inspired the world, the Lyceum Theatre is thrilled to present Todd Kreidler’s electric stage adaptation of the iconic Academy Award-winning film Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. The production poignantly reflects on who we are as a nation – past, present and future. Based on the original screenplay by William Rose, this captivating, witty, romantic comedy opens September 2, and runs through September 10.

A handsome, prestigious doctor meets a beautiful young woman. The two begin a whirlwind romance and their swift courtship leads to a happily accepted proposal. The catch? It’s 1967 and the handsome doctor, John Prentice, is an African-American man and his intended, Joanna Drayton, is white. When Joanna surprises her progressive parents with the engagement, their values are put to the test in this moving story that deftly challenges the notion that love can conquer all. Playing it now, 50 years after its first flicker of life on the silver screen, offers us a chance to reflect back on a threshold moment in our country’s history and the state of our nation today where the struggle for race equality continues. “We are pleased to be staging this story at a time when we as a nation need it desperately,” said Lyceum Producing Artistic Director, Quin Gresham. “Thanks to the brilliant work of Mr. Haney and his cast, this show will resonate with audiences while warming their hearts and making them laugh.”

Michael Haney returns to the Lyceum to direct Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. The production features JAMAL JAMES as Dr. John Prentice, HANLEY SMITH as Joanna Drayton, ROBERT ELLIOTT as Matt Drayton, AMY WARNER as Christina Drayton, CEDRIC CANNON as John Prentice Sr., PERRI GAFFNEY as Mary Prentice, NANCY BELL as Hilary St. George, THURSDAY FARRAR as Matilda Binks and MICHAEL ROTHHAAR as Monsignor Ryan.

Jamal James makes his debut at The Lyceum playing Dr. John Prentice. Most recently, he closed a workshop of Illa: A Hip-Hop Musical at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. A proud member of AEA and the Hedgepig Ensemble some of his favorites shows include Peter and the Starcatcher, The Last Five Years, Beauty and the Beast, Violet, For Vixens…,The Seven, Jedi Training, Minor Character and, of course, Illa. Also making her Lyceum debut, Hanley Smith plays Joanna Drayton.

Favorite credits include: Vanda in Venus in Fur (The Fulton); Laura in The Glass Menagerie (Pioneer Theatre); Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest (Gulfshore Playhouse); Luisa in The Fantasticks (Virginia Stage); Fantine in Les Mis (The Fulton); and Sally in The Voice of the Turtle at Merrimack Rep. Hanley is also a proud member of the folk trio, A Band Called Honalee, as well as the comedy troupe, A Drinking Game NYC.

Last seen at The Lyceum as Captain Queeg in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial and as Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol, Robert Elliott plays Matt Drayton, Joanna’s father. Mr. Elliott began his career as a company member at the Missouri Repertory Theatre and at the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival. He has done extensive work over the years at Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Indiana Rep. Other theatres include: Syracuse Stage, Asolo Theatre, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, PCPA Theatrefest, Cleveland Playhouse, Roundabout Theatre. Amy Warner returns to the Lyceum to play Christina Drayton, Joanna’s Mother. Amy previously performed at the Lyceum in An Unexpected Guest, Black Coffee, Boeing Boeing and You Can’t Take It With You. Recently she played Winnie in Beckett’s Happy Days at the Open Eye Theater of Minneapolis. Previous work includes leading roles in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, The Goat, A Little Night Music and Angels in America. She was a company member for three years with the Off-Broadway Classic Stage Company. Television work includes roles in The Practice, Ally McBeal, and E.R. She played Cate Blanchett’s mother-in-law in the film Carol.

Cedric Cannon makes his Lyceum debut as John’s Father, John Prentice Sr. Cedric’s credits include: Sweetee, In Dahomey, Cats, Goddess, Mikado, Carmen Jones, Three Willies, Man of LaMancha, The Pirates of Penzance, Camelot, Porgy and Bess. An accomplished opera performer, his credits include Houston Grand Opera, Metropolitan Opera, NYC Opera, Frankfurt Opera, New Orleans Opera, Atlanta Opera, Edmonton Opera, Opera Carolina. Concert: Carnegie Hall, Israel Kibbutz Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, Pushkin Festival, Polish Radio Orchestra, Filarmonica De Montevideo Pittsburgh Symphony and Reykjavik Symphomy. TV/film: Blind, The Slap, Good Funk, Right of Way, Moon and Sun, Seven Lovers, Old 37 Know Your Logic, Raw Nerve, Cosby, Oz, All My Children, As the World Turns, Jon Benjamin has a Van and Porgy and Me.  Also making her Lyceum debut, Perri Gaffney plays Mary Prentice, John’s Mother. Perri’s stage credits include: Having Our Say, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (St. Louis Rep.), The Road Weeps The Well Runs Dry, Steel Magnolias, A Raisin in the Sun, Macbeth, Music Man, Death and The King’s Horseman, The Resurrection of Alice, Intimate Apparel, Polk County, Fences. Film/TV; As The World Turns (Nurse Bentley), Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU.

Thursday Farrar makes her Lyceum debut by playing Matilda Binks, the Drayton family’s maid. Her Broadway credits include: Aida, Parade, Once Upon a Mattress. Off-B’way: Regrets (MTC) St. Louis Woman, Golden Boy (City Center), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Pecadillio Theater). Nat’l tours: Flashdance, Les Miserables, Carousel, Dream Girls. Regional: First Wives Club (Old Globe), Merrily We Roll Along (Kennedy Center), Harmony (La Jolla Playhouse), Kiss Me Kate, Urinetown, Hairspray, Damn Yankees, To Kill a Mockingbird (Weston Playhouse). TV: Gotham, Bull, The Blacklist, The Americans, Ugly Betty, 30 Rock, Film: Across The Tracks, Brother, Only Time Will Tell, Lucky Day. Returning to The Lyceum, Nancy Bell plays Hilary St. George, an employee of Joanna’s Mom. Nancy’s was last seen on The Lyceum stage in the 2015 production of Rumors. Credits include Manhattan Theatre Club, NY Theatre Workshop, Berkeley Repertory, South Coast Repertory, McCarter Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis among many others.  On TV, she portrayed the role of Susan Bates on the soap opera, Guiding Light. Other television credits include: Numbers, The Medium, Law and Order, Law and Order SVU, and Star Trek Voyager, among others. Michael Rothhaar, a Lyceum regular, plays Monsignor Ryan, a longtime family friend of the Draytons. Mr. Rothhaar just recently directed the Lyceum production of Greater Tuna and has also directed Murder on the Nile, South Pacific, Witness For the Prosecution, A Murder is Announced, My Fair Lady and Spider’s Web, as well as appearing in such Lyceum shows as The Man Who Came To Dinner, You Can’t Take It With You, Black Coffee, Run For Your Wife and And Then There Were None. As an actor, he has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in various feature films, as well as in numerous television series.

Michael Haney returns to direct the production. At the Lyceum he has directed The Nerd, The Unexpected Guest, You Can’t Take It With You, The Man Who Came To Dinner, Black Coffee, Lend Me A Tenor, Driving Miss Daisy and The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial. He has acted and directed more than 200 productions including directing Around the World in 80 Days Off-Broadway, appearing in Elie Wiesel’s Zalmen on Broadway, and the first American production of Nicholas Nickleby. His regional directing credits include Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, Westport Country Playhouse and Kansas City Rep. Internationally, Mr. Haney has directed productions at the English Theatres of Vienna and Frankfurt as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He was the Associate Artistic Director with The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park for 15 years, where he directed the award winning productions of Speaking in Tongues, The Clean House, Blackbird, The Syringa Tree, Love Song, As You Like It, Crime & Punishment, Speaking In Tongues, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and the world premieres of The History of Invulnerability (a play about Superman and the Holocaust), Hiding Behind Comets, A Delicate Ship and Summerland. He resides in Minnesota with his wife Amy Warner. They appear in the movie Carol, with Cate Blanchett and Kyle Chandler playing their parents.

Scenic design is by Lyceum Theatre Resident Scenic Designer Ryan J. Zirngibl. Mr. Zirngibl has designed many productions at The Lyceum including Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol, Million Dollar Quartet, Around the World in 80 Days, The King and I, and Fiddler on the Roof. Costume Designer Rachel Wahl has worked as the assistant costume shop manager and Youth Tour Designer (The Paperbag Princess) at the Merry Go Round Playhouse.  Resident Lighting Designer Randy B. Winder has designed close to 100 Lyceum productions including Cats, A Christmas Carol, Les Misérables, Million Dollar Quartet, and The Fantasticks. Ivan Dario Cano returns as Production Stage Manager and Andrea Miller is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Single Tickets for Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner are priced at $37.00 for adults. Senior, student and children discounts are available. Special Group Rates are available as well. Performances are September 2 – September 10, 2017, Evening performances are at 8pm and matinees are at 2pm. For tickets: www.lyceumtheatere.org, (660) 837-3311 x1, or in person at the Lyceum’s box office at 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO 65320.

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3), professional theatre located in the unique village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a 19th century National Historic Landmark. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for 57 years producing a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies. Each year, this 408 seat theatre attracts professional talent from across the country to produce an eight show season (June-December). Performers, designers, directors, and technicians take residence in Arrow Rock for five months to bring its patrons Broadway caliber productions throughout the summer. The Lyceum receives much needed support from the Missouri Arts Council.

The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

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ARROW ROCK, MO – Stop in and experience the fictional town of Tuna, the “third-smallest” town in Texas, with GREATER TUNA performing August 19 through August 26, 2017 at the Lyceum Theatre. This hilarious satire of small town life was written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard.

Greater Tuna is the hilarious comedy about Texas’ third smallest town, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. What do Arles Struvie, Thurston Wheelis, Didi Snavely, Aunt Pearl, Petey Fisk, Rev. Spikes, and Vera Carp have in common? Thanks to some quick-changing wizardry, the eclectic band of citizens are portrayed by only two actors, making this satire on life in rural America even more delightful as they depict all of the inhabitants of Tuna — men, women, children and animals. This affectionate send-up of small-town life will have your rolling in the aisles!

Michael Rothhaar returns to the Lyceum to direct Greater Tuna. The production features Whit Reichert playing the characters of Thurston Wheelis, Bertha Bumiller, Yippy, Leonard Childers, Pearl Burras, R. R. Snavely, Rev. Spikes, Sheriff Givens and Hank Bumiller. Jeff Stockberger plays the characters of Arles Struvie, Didi Snavely, Harold Dean Lattimer, Petey Fisk, Jody Bumiller, Stanley Bumiller, Charlene Bumiller, Chad Hartford, Phinas Blye and Vera Carp.

Whit Reichert returns to The Lyceum as half the townspeople in Greater Tuna. Last season at the Lyceum, Whit appeared in four shows, most notably, as Ben Franklin in 1776. Other favorite Lyceum roles include J. B. Biggley in How To Succeed…, George Macmillan in Big, The Musical, Osgood Feilding in Sugar, Max in The Sound of Music, Grandpa in Meet Me In St. Louis, the Wizard in The Wizard Of Oz and Al Lewis in The Sunshine Boys. Whit has worked all over the country, but those familiar with St. Louis theatre may recognize him from productions at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Shakespeare Festival, Stages, The Muny, St. Louis Actors’ Theatre, The Black Rep and The Variety Club Theatre.

Making his Lyceum debut, Jeff Stockberger plays the other half of Tuna’s residents. Originally from St. Louis, Jeff is now a resident of Indianapolis Indiana and a regular performer at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Acting credits: Captain Hook/Peter Pan, Luther Billis/South Pacific, Lord Evelyn Oakley/Anything Goes, Charlie/The Foreigner, Stanley/Run For Your Wife, Oscar Madison/The Odd Couple, Lurch/The Addams Family, Stanley Banks/Father Of The Bride, Franz Leibkin/The Producers and Scrooge/A Christmas Carol.

Michael Rothhaar, a Lyceum regular, returns to direct the production. Mr. Rothhaar has directed the Lyceum productions of South Pacific, Witness For The Prosecution, A Murder Is Announced, My Fair Lady and Spider’s Web, as well as appearing in such Lyceum shows as The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, The Man Who Came To Dinner, You Can’t Take It With You, Black Coffee, Run For Your Wife and And Then There Were None. Michael served as the Artistic Director of Pennsylvania’s Allenberry Playhouse from 1987 to 1992. For Allenberry, he directed 40 productions, notably: Lettice And Lovage, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Agnes Of God, Cabaret, Guys And Dolls and My Fair Lady. For Pacific Resident Theatre, he has directed Becky’s New Car (Los Angeles Premiere), Brecht’s Saint Joan Of The Slaughterhouses, Otherwise Engaged, Candida, Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Waiting For Godot, The Hasty Heart, Four Dogs And A Bone and Family Planning, among others. Elsewhere, he directed the West Coast Premiere of Holy Ghost at Theatre of NOTE and The Last Flapper at the Ensemble Theatre of Santa Barbara. In Washington, D.C., he directed Mrs. Warren’s Profession and The Millionairess at the Washington Stage Guild. In 1994, he directed Sleuth, which toured southern California. As an actor, he has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in various feature films, as well as in numerous television series. He is the recipient of various theatre awards and nominations and a proud member of SDC, AEA and SAG-AFTRA.

Scenic design is by Lyceum Theatre Resident Scenic Designer Ryan J. Zirngibl. Mr. Zirngibl has designed many productions at The Lyceum including Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol, Million Dollar Quartet, Around the World in 80 Days, The King and I, and Fiddler on the Roof. Costume Designer Rachel Wahl has worked as the assistant costume shop manager and Youth Tour Designer (The Paperbag Princess) at the Merry Go Round Playhouse.  Resident Lighting Designer Randy B. Winder has designed close to 100 Lyceum productions including Cats, A Christmas Carol, Les Misérables, Million Dollar Quartet, and The Fantasticks. Tony Dearing is in his 25th year as Production Stage Manager and Ivan Dario Cano returns for his second year as Assistant Stage Manager.

Single Tickets for Greater Tuna are priced at $37.00 for adults. Senior, student and children discounts are available. Special Group Rates are available as well. Performances are August 19 – August 26, 2017, Evening performances are at 8pm and matinees are at 2pm. For tickets: www.lyceumtheatere.org, (660) 837-3311 x1, or in person at the Lyceum’s box office at 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO 65320.

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3), professional theatre located in the unique village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a 19th century National Historic Landmark. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for 57 years producing a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies. Each year, this 408 seat theatre attracts professional talent from across the country to produce an eight show season (June-December). Performers, designers, directors, and technicians take residence in Arrow Rock for five months to bring its patrons Broadway caliber productions throughout the summer. The Lyceum receives much needed support from the Missouri Arts Council.

The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

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ARROW ROCK, MO – The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre presents a Sherlock Holmes mystery, The Hound of the Baskervilles, August 5 through August 13, 2017.

London. Autumn. 1890. The famous consulting detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend and colleague Dr. John Watson are called in to investigate a most intriguing mystery: What could have frightened Sir Charles Baskerville to death? Is there an ancient curse on the Baskerville family? Is Sir Henry Baskerville, Sir Charles’ young heir, being stalked by a supernatural hound from Hell?  In this new adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s greatest adventure, Holmes and Watson pursue the answers to these questions from their rooms in Baker Street, through the teeming streets of London and on to the windswept moors of Devonshire. With a dash of humor, this thrilling feast culminates on the fog-bound reaches of Dartmoor, where finally the secret of The Hound of the Baskervilles is revealed. The play is written by R. Hamilton Wright and David Pichette.

The production features CRAIG WESLEY DIVINO as Sherlock Holmes, BEN GOUGEON as Dr. John Watson, T.J. MANNIX as Barrymore, LUCAS REILLY as Dr. Jack Stapleton, TIM CONNELL as James Mortimer, BAILEY JORDAN REEVES as Beryl Stapleton, HAROLD HYNICK as Sir Charles Baskerville/Mr. Frankland, ANNE MARIE BILLS as Mrs. Hudson/Mrs. Barrymore, MICHAEL WILLIAMS as Sir Henry Baskerville and MICHAEL BRENNAN as Perkins.

CRAIG WESLEY DIVINO plays Sherlock Holmes, the world’s most famous consulting detective. Craig was last seen at The Lyceum as Lt. Barney Greenwald in last year’s The Caine Mutiny Court Martial. His New York credits include The Oregon Trail, Frogs, Doctor Faustus, From White Plains, Breathing Time, At the Table (Fault Line Theatre); As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Love’s Labour’s Lost (Shakespeare at the Manor); The Tragedy of Arthur and The Two Noble Kinsmen (Guerrilla Shakespeare Project); Romeo and Hamlet (Gayfest NYC); Destiny and the Little Man (Nightcap Riot); The Goodbye Room (Happy Few Theatre Company); The Tragedie of Cardenio (Brain Trust Theatricals). His regional credits include Men of Tortuga (LVRT Theatre); Richard III (Tennessee Shakespeare Company); From White Plains (Kitchen Theatre Company), Amadeus (Chautauqua Theater Company/Virginia Arts Festival); In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play) (SpeakEasy Stage Company); Noises Off, The Winter’s Tale, Rx, Arcadia (Chautauqua Theater Company); A Christmas Carol (Trinity Repertory Company), A Christmas Carol 2011-2016 (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park) His film credits include American Genius, Girlfriend, The Automatic Hate. He is co-founder and co-Artistic Director at Fault Line Theatre. He teaches privately and at universities in the NYC area and around the country.

Making his Lyceum debut, BEN GOUGEON plays Dr. John Watson, Sherlock’s friend and colleague. Ben’s New York Theatre credits include The Drunkard, One-Third of a Nation, East Village Chronicles (Metropolitan Playhouse); Caligula (Horizon Theatre Rep), Half Moon Bay (Nylon Fusion Theatre Co.). REGIONAL: Escanaba in Da Moonlight (Farmers Alley Theatre), Of Mice and Men (Booth Tarkington Theatre), True West, One Flea Spare, Lobby Hero (Whole Art Theatre). His film and TV credits include Dara Ju, Black Mask, Reconstruction, “A Crime to Remember,” “Scorned: Love Kills,” “Six Degrees of Murder.”

Making his Arrow Rock debut, MICHAEL WILLIAMS plays Sir Henry Baskerville, the nephew of Sir Charles Baskerville.  Michael’s credits include David Shayne in Bullets Over Broadway (1st National Tour), Young Ben in Follies (St. Louis Rep), Ken in Red, Joseph in Joseph (Crane River Theatre), Bert in Mary Poppins (Grandstreet Theatre), Melchior in Spring Awakening, Harry Horner in The Country Wife, and Jack in Into the Woods (Webster Conservatory). TIM CONNELL will be playing Dr. Mortimer, a country doctor and friend of Sir Charles Baskerville. Tim recently played his solo show, Here’s the Thing…, to critical acclaim in NYC and Philadelphia. Broadway credits include Nick & Nora. National & International tours include Spamalot, West Side Story, Crazy For You. Off & Off-Off Broadway credits include Theater for the New City, Urban Stages, NY Fringe Festival, 47th Street Theatre.

T.J. MANNIX plays Barrymore, the butler at Baskerville Hall. T.J. was most recently in Mamma Mia! playing the part of Bill Austin. He is a proud director of the upcoming movie musical “Plus One.” T.V. credits include Law&Order: SVU, Law and Order, L&O: Criminal Intent, All My Children, One Life to Live, As the World Turns, and Late Night with Conan O’Brian. He is the founder/producer of the 9th annual NY Musical Improv Festival. ANNE MARIE BILLS also returns to play Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Barrymore. Anne has performed in theaters across Missouri, Georgia, Michigan, Iowa, and Tennessee. She is currently the Theatre teacher at Gentry Middle School with Columbia Public Schools. Recent Lyceum performances have included roles in The Fox on the Fairway, Murder on the Nile, Rumors and Spider’s Web.

Making his Lyceum debut and playing the part of Jack Stapleton, an eccentric naturalist, is LUCAS REILLY. Recent acting projects include Julius Caesar (St. Louis Shakespeare), the Texas premier of Constellations by Nick Payne (Limerence Theatre), and One Man, Two Guvnors (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis).  A graduate of the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University, he is the founder and producing director of The Larks, and recently directed The Verge by Susan Glaspell at Satori in St. Louis. Playing Beryl Stapleton, Mr. Stapleton’s sister, is BAILEY JORDAN REEVES. Bailey recently played Babette in Beauty and the Beast, Gertie in Oklahoma! and Ali in Mamma Mia!. Bailey has also appeared on the Lyceum Stage as Louise in Murder on the Nile and as Belle/Anne in A Christmas Carol! Bailey is a recent graduate of The Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts in St. Louis.

HAROLD HYNICK returns to the Lyceum to play Sir Charles Baskerville and Mr. Frankland. Harold is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Missouri Valley College where he was honored with the 2016 John McCallum Excellence in Teaching Award. Some of his favorite Lyceum credits include Mr. DiPinna in You Can’t Take It With You, Mortimer in The Fantasticks, and Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird. MICHAEL BRENNAN returns to the Lyceum to play Perkins, the Baskerville Hall groom. When Michael is not spending quality time in Arrow Rock, Michael is found teaching at Marshall High.

Lyceum Producing Artistic Director, Quin Gresham, directs the production. During the 2016 season, Mr. Gresham directed 1776 and his adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Past directing credits at The Lyceum include Around the World in 80 Days, Cotton Patch Gospel, Love Letters (starring Tab Hunter and Joyce DeWitt), The Music Man, Camelot, To Kill A Mockingbird, Run For Your Wife, The Fantasticks, The Producers, Hairspray, Sleuth, West Side Story, Into the Woods, Tuesdays with Morrie, Dracula, Peter Pan, Driving Miss Daisy and Stand By Your Man.

Scenic design is by Lyceum Theatre Resident Scenic Designer Ryan J. Zirngibl. Mr. Zirngibl has designed many productions at The Lyceum including Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol, Million Dollar Quartet, Around the World in 80 Days, The King and I, and Fiddler on the Roof. Resident Costume Designer Garth Dunbar has been part of 10 previous seasons at The Lyceum where his many designs include Into the Woods, Hairspray, The Fantasticks, and Little Women the Musical. Resident Lighting Designer Randy B. Winder has designed close to 100 Lyceum productions including Cats, A Christmas Carol, Les Misérables, Million Dollar Quartet, and The Fantasticks. Resident Sound Designer Ryan Matthew Hall returns for his ninth season at The Lyceum where he has designed Les Misérables, The King and I, Spamalot, The Producers, To Kill A Mockingbird, Fiddler on the Roof, and many more. Tony Dearing is in his 25th year as Production Stage Manager and Ivan Dario Cano returns for his second year as Assistant Stage Manager.

Single Tickets for The Hound of the Baskervilles are priced at $37.00 for adults. Senior, student and children discounts are available. Special Group Rates are available as well. Performances are August 5 – August 13, 2017, Evening performances are at 8pm and matinees are at 2pm. For tickets: www.lyceumtheatere.org, (660) 837-3311 x1, or in person at the Lyceum’s box office at 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO 65320.

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3), professional theatre located in the unique village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a 19th century National Historic Landmark. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for 57 years producing a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies. Each year, this 408 seat theatre attracts professional talent from across the country to produce an eight show season (June-December). Performers, designers, directors, and technicians take residence in Arrow Rock for five months to bring its patrons Broadway caliber productions throughout the summer. The Lyceum receives much needed support from the Missouri Arts Council.

The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

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ARROW ROCK, MO – July 12, 2017 – Come experience an unforgettable trip down the aisle! On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. With more than 20 ABBA songs you know and love, Mamma Mia! is certain to have you dancing in the aisles.

Melissa Rain Anderson will direct Mamma Mia! with choreography by Sam Hay. The production features HEATHER PATTERSON KING as Donna Sheridan, KATHRYN BRUNNER as Sophie Sheridan, STACEY HARRIS as Tanya, RACHEL COLOFF as Rosie, MICHAEL WILLIAMS as Sky, TIM CONNELL as Harry Bright, T.J. MANNIX as Bill Austin, and MARK EPPERSON as Sam Carmichael. Featured in the ensemble are BAILEY JORDAN REEVES, BRENNA NOBLE, KIRK LYDELL, SPENCER LAWSON, HOLLY DAYTON, ALEX HARTMAN, SAM HAY, TYLER JIMENEZ, KOURTNEY KEITT, GAGE MARTIN, MASON MCLOUD, and MONICA WOODS.

In her Lyceum debut, Heather Patterson King will be playing the role of Donna Sheridan, Sophie’s mother and owner of the hotel Villa Donna. Heather appeared off-Broadway in On the Rails, on television in Shadow of Doubt, and as Donna and Tanya for Mamma Mia! International. NYC and area credits include Mamma Mia! at the Engeman, Hit Her With the Skates (Rebecca), Part of the Plan (Patricia), and The Sound of Music at Westchester B’way. Continuing at the Lyceum as Sophie Sheridan, Donna’s daughter and Sky’s fiancée, is Kathryn Brunner. She is a recent graduate of Temple University where she majored in Musical Theater and was just seen as Laurey Williams in the Lyceum production of Oklahoma!. For the past year, Kathryn has been performing as a lead singer for Norwegian Cruise Lines where she had the opportunity to travel through the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas! Favorite credits include Mary Phagan in “Parade” (Arden Theater), Hope in “Anything Goes” (Temple Theaters) and Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” (Ocean City Theater Company). The role of Sky, Sophie’s fiancé, will be played by Michael Williams in his Arrow Rock Lyceum debut. Favorite credits include David Shayne in Bullets Over Broadway (1st National Tour), Young Ben in Follies (St. Louis Rep), Ken in Red, Joseph in Joseph (Crane River Theatre), Bert in Mary Poppins (Grandstreet Theatre), Melchior in Spring Awakening, Harry Horner in The Country Wife, and Jack in Into the Woods (Webster Conservatory).

The roll of Tanya, Donna’s former bandmate and a wealthy three-time divorcee, will be played by Stacey Harris. Stacey is returning to the Lyceum where she played Lola in Damn Yankees, Elsa in The Sound Of Music, Barbara in Run For Your Wife, and Lucia in Black Coffee. She appeared on Broadway in Bells Are Ringing, in the National Tours of Cinderella, Show Boat, and Dreamgirls, and Off Broadway in The Megile Of Itzik Manger (Esther), The Golden Land (Fannie), and Lone Star Love (Consuela, Mrs. Ford u/s). In her Lyceum debut, Rachel Coloff plays Rosie, another of Donna’s former fun-loving bandmates. Broadway credits include Ensemble/Swing/Baroness in Candide, w/ Hal Prince, Lestat, Fruma Sara/Shandl/Yente in Fiddler On The Roof, Soupy Sue in the Tony-award winning Urinetown, and Martha u/s White Christmas Tour. Off-B’way roles include Cardinal Franco, in Popesical, Debbi, in Old Jews Telling Jokes at the Westside Theatre, Mother in Enter Laughing at the York Theatre, and Mrs. Einsford-Hill in My Fair Lady with The New York Phil at Lincoln Center. Regional credits include Yente, in Fiddler On The Roof, at Barrington Stage, Golde, in Fiddler On The Roof, at The Human Race and Dora Bailey, in Singin’ In The Rain, at NorthShore Musical Theatre.

In his Lyceum debut, Mark Epperson plays Sam Carmichael, Sophie’s possible Father. National Tour credits include Elf The Musical (Walter Hobbs). International Tour credits include Mamma Mia! (Sam Carmichael), Chicago the Musical (Billy Flynn). Harry Bright, Sophie’s possible Father and a British banker, will be portrayed by Tim Connell. Tim recently played his solo show, Here’s the Thing…, to critical acclaim in NYC and Philadelphia. Broadway credits include Nick & Nora. National & International tours include Spamalot, West Side Story, Crazy For You. Off & Off-Off Broadway credits include Theater for the New City, Urban Stages, NY Fringe Festival, 47th Street Theatre. T.J. Mannix will be playing Bill Austin, Sophie’s third possible Father and travel writer. T.J. is a proud director of the upcoming movie musical “Plus One.” T.V. credits include Law&Order: SVU, Law and Order, L&O: Criminal Intent, All My Children, One Life to Live, As the World Turns, and Late Night with Conan O’Brian. He is the founder/producer of the 9th annual NY Musical Improv Festival www.NYMIF.com.

Melissa Rain Anderson directs the production. New York City credits include John and Jen for The Secret Theater. Regional credits include A Christmas Carol at The Denver Center Theater Company; The Cocoanuts at Utah Shakespeare Festival; Spamalot, Forum and Spelling Bee at Geva Theatre Center where she is an Artistic Affiliate; Spamalot and The Little Mermaid for Arkansas Repertory Theatre; Next to Normal (Houston Press Award Best Musical) as well the entire Wonderettes Series including the World Premiere of Wonderettes; Dream On for Stages Repertory Theatre. Upcoming projects include In the Heights at Geva and The Marvelous Wonderettes at Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Ms. Anderson lives in New York City with her husband, actor Jim Poulos. Sam Hay is the Lyceum’s Resident Choreographer where his previous credits include Funny Girl, Oliver, Little Shop of Horrors, and The King and I.  His choreography has also been seen at Phoenix Theatre, Little Theatre on the Square, Webster Conservatory, and Grandstreet Theatre. Now in his 14th season, Lyceum Resident Musical director James Woodland will serve as Musical Director and Conductor for Mamma Mia!. James retired as head of the BFA Acting Program at Missouri State University. In previous years, he was head of the Musical Theatre programs at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the University of Miami. Professionally, James has musical directed at North Shore Music Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, Brian C. Smith’s Off-Broadway at 26th Street Theatre, Florida Shakespeare Theatre, Maryland Shakespeare Festival, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, and Stages St. Louis.

Scenic design is by Lyceum Theatre Resident Scenic Designer Ryan J. Zirngibl. Mr. Zirngibl has designed many productions at The Lyceum including Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol, Million Dollar Quartet, Around the World in 80 Days, The King and I, and Fiddler on the Roof. Resident Costume Designer Garth Dunbar has been part of 10 previous seasons at The Lyceum where his many designs include Into the Woods, Hairspray, The Fantasticks, and Little Women the Musical. Resident Lighting Designer Randy B. Winder has designed close to 100 Lyceum productions including Cats, A Christmas Carol, Les Misérables, Million Dollar Quartet, and The Fantasticks. Resident Sound Designer Ryan Matthew Hall returns for his ninth season at The Lyceum where he has designed Les Misérables, The King and I, Spamalot, The Producers, To Kill A Mockingbird, Fiddler on the Roof, and many more. Tony Dearing is in his 25th year as Production Stage Manager and Ivan Dario Cano returns for his second year as Assistant Stage Manager.

Single Tickets for Mamma Mia! are priced at $37.00 for adults. Senior, student and children discounts are available. Special Group Rates are available as well. Performances are July 19 – July 30, 2017, Evening performances are at 8pm and matinees are at 2pm. For tickets: www.lyceumtheatere.org, (660) 837-3311 x1, or in person at the Lyceum’s box office at 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO 65320.

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3), professional theatre located in the unique village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a 19th century National Historic Landmark. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for 57 years producing a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies. Each year, this 408 seat theatre attracts professional talent from across the country to produce an eight show season (June-December). Performers, designers, directors, and technicians take residence in Arrow Rock for five months to bring its patrons Broadway caliber productions throughout the summer. The Lyceum receives much needed support from the Missouri Arts Council.

The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

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The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded $75,000 to the Arrow Rock Lyceum for planning and design of a major expansion of the theatre.

Because the main stage is in use throughout the season, rehearsals are currently held in the Stolberg-Jackson Community Center, commonly known as the Old School House. This space is far from adequate as rehearsals often require simultaneous efforts in multiple rooms—an option that doesn’t exist in the Old School House. This arrangement also makes the Community Center unavailable for use by the public for nearly half of the year.

The theatre is exploring the addition of a new rehearsal hall with multiple studios to allow for simultaneous staging of scenes, choreographing dance numbers and working on music. One of the rooms would serve as a second smaller “black box” performance venue that will accommodate more challenging plays, performances for young audiences, live music, and outside community events. Because the village of Arrow Rock is a National Historic Landmark, it is imperative that the aesthetics of the design fit with the character of the town as well as meeting the functional needs of the theatre.

The NEA’s Our Town grant program is designed to support “creative placemaking projects that help to transform communities into lively, beautiful, and resilient places – achieving these community goals through strategies that incorporate arts, culture, and/or design.” This was one of only 89 “Our Town” grants awarded by the NEA nationwide out of 274 eligible applications.

“The arts reflect the vision, energy, and talent of America’s artists and arts organizations,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations such as the Lyceum Theatre, to cultivate vitality in their communities through the arts.”

Specifically, the grant will support a community-wide planning charrette as well as architectural design services. The Town of Arrow Rock is a primary partner on the project, which is also supported by the Friends of Arrow Rock, the local historic preservation organization.

“It is a great honor to be recognized by the NEA with this very helpful award,” said the theatre’s Producing Artistic Director Quin Gresham. “It now makes it possible for the Lyceum to take its first steps toward an even more exciting future.”

For more than half a century, the Lyceum has delighted audiences by making professional theatre accessible in an area where it otherwise would not exist. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for over 50 years producing a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies. More than 30,000 patrons from all over Missouri and beyond attend Lyceum shows annually enjoy the only professional theatre between Kansas City and St. Louis. The 2017 season is just underway with Disney Beauty and the Beast currently on stage, to be followed by Oklahoma! and Mama Mia!

For more information about the Lyceum Theatre or to provide input about the expansion project, visit www.LyceumTheatre.org. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

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ARROW ROCK, MO – Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, June 7 through June 18, 2017. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written for the film, along with new songs by Alan Menken and Tim Rice. Beauty and the Beast tells the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress.  If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. This “tale as old as time” is spectacular fun for the entire family.

Len Pfluger returns to the Lyceum to direct Beauty and the Beast with choreography by Sam Hay. The production features  JOSEPH SPIELDENNER as the Beast, SHARON MALANE as Belle, DON RICHARD as Maurice, BEN CULLEN as Gaston, BOE WANK as Lefou, PERRY OJEDA as Lumiere, ALAN KNOLL as Cogsworth and JANE BROCKMAN as Mrs. Potts. The cast also includes BAILEY JORDAN REEVES as Babette, STEPHANIE GRAY as Madame De La Grande Bouche, and DANIEL RYAN as Chip. Featured in the ensemble are KATHYRN BRUNNER, HOLLY DAYTON, HANNAH RAE FAULK, ALEX HARTMAN, TYLER JIMENEZ, KOURTNEY KEITT, SPENCER LAWSON, KIRK LYDELL, GAGE MARTIN, MASON MCCLOUD, TREVOR MILES, BRENNA NOBLE, ISAAK OLSON, LESLIE WALKER, and MONICA WOODS.

Making his Lyceum debut as the Beast is Joseph Spieldenner. Joe was seen on Broadway as Grantaire in the 2014 Revival of Les Misérables and appeared in the National Tours of Les Misérables (25th Anniversary) and South Pacific. Regional credits include North Shore Music Theater, North Carolina Theater, PaperMill Playhouse, Sacramento Music Circus and many more. TV credits include “Iron Fist” (Netflix), “Redrum” (InvDiscovery). Playing Belle, Sharon Malane, returns to The Lyceum after having appeared recently as Denise in Sanders’ Family Christmas and Smoke on the Mountain. Other Lyceum productions include Hello Dolly (Minnie Fay) and Hairspray (Penny). Sharon appeared in the National Tour of Hairspray (Penny). Regional credits include Grease (Sandy), Legally Blonde (Chutney), Joseph…Dreamcoat (u/s Narrator), My Fair Lady and South Pacific (Lt.J.G.Yeager) at STONC; Leaving Iowa (Sis), Oystertown, and Vintage Hitchcock at the Dixie Theater.

Returning to the Lyceum to play Belle’s father Maurice is Don Richard. Lyceum audiences will remember Don from his previous performances as Fagin in Oliver!, Thernardier in Les Misérables, and Clem in Will Rogers Follies. Broadway credits include the original cast of Jane Eyre, Urinetown and the recent revival of Side Show. Don appeared for seven years in the National Tour of Wicked. Making his Lyceum debut, Ben Cullen will play Belle’s arrogant suitor, Gaston. Ben appeared in the National Tour of Beauty and the Beast and has been seen regionally in White Christmas (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Les Misérables (The Fulton), and Joseph…Dreamcoat (The Fulton). Boe Wank makes his debut at the Lyceum as Gaston’s sidekick and punching bag, Lefou. Boe was recently seen in the National Tour of Kathleen Marshall’s TONY Award-winning revival of Anything Goes.

Also making his Lyceum debut, Perry Ojeda plays servant turned candelabra, Lumiere. His Broadway credits include On The Town, Blood Brothers, and Imaginary Friends. In the West End he was seen in Dolly West’s Kitchen. Off-Broadway credits include Die, Mommie, Die!, Babes In Arms (City Center ENCORES!). National Tours include Blood Brothers, Camelot, and My One And Only. He has appeared regionally at Ogunquit Playhouse, South Coast Rep, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, The Old Globe, Goodspeed Opera House, Cleveland Playhouse, Arena Stage, Orlando Shakespeare Festival and many others. Playing Cogsworth, the tightly wound servant, is Lyceum veteran, Alan Knoll. Alan’s most recently portrayed Bob Ewell in the Repertory Theater of St. Louis’ production of To Kill A Mockingbird. Previous Lyceum appearances include the Rev Chasuble in The Importance of Being Earnest, Victor Velasco in Barefoot In The Park, Boolie in Driving Miss Daisy, Gangster #1 in Kiss Me Kate, Stephen Hopkins in 1776, Gatch in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Renfield in Dracula and his favorite, Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey. Returning to the Lyceum to play Mrs. Potts, the head of the kitchen turned teapot, is Jane Brockman. Jane comes directly from Wicked on Broadway, and 3 &1/2 yrs. on the National Tour where she played the Midwife & Madame Morrible. Jane spent 6 years on Broadway in A Christmas Carol and was seen as Lady Anne in “Live From Lincoln Center” Camelot and in Abba’s Kristina at Carnegie Hall and at The Royal Albert Hall. Other National Tours include The Light In The Piazza, (U/S Margaret), The and Sound of Music (Sister Berthe). TV/Film: The Americans, Law And Order SVU, All My Children, The Producer’s movie and various commercials.

Bailey Jordan Reeves returns to the Lyceum to play the castle maid, Babette. Bailey recently appeared on the Lyceum Stage as Louise in Murder on the Nile and as Belle/Anne in A Christmas Carol. Making her Lyceum debut, Stephanie Gray plays Madame De La Grande Bouche. Her National Tour credits include Beauty and the Beast and Arts Power Nat. Touring Company. Playing Chip, Mrs. Potts’ son, is Daniel Ryan, returning to the Lyceum after appearing as Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol last season. Daniel lives in Columbia where he has appeared in several TRYPS performances and attends Paxton Keeley.

Len Pfluger, a Lyceum regular, directs the production. For the Lyceum, Mr. Pfluger has directed and/or choreographed Funny Girl, The King and I, Fiddler on the Roof, Nunsense Jamboree, Forever Plaid, Anything Goes, Nunsense, Nuncrackers, Annie, Big, How to Succeed… and Sugar. He made his Carnegie Hall debut directing Sue Mathys Sings Broadway and Piaf at Weill Concert Hall. He has worked around the country, most recently directing and choreographing Camelot for Lyric Stage in Dallas. Sam Hay is the Lyceum’s Resident Choreographer where his previous credits include Funny Girl, Oliver, Little Shop of Horrors, and The King and I.  His choreography has also been seen at Phoenix Theatre, Little Theatre on the Square, Webster Conservatory, and Grandstreet Theatre. Now in his 14th season, Lyceum Resident Musical director James Woodland will serve as Musical Director and Conductor for Beauty and the Beast. James retired as head of the BFA Acting Program at Missouri State University. In previous years, he was head of the Musical Theatre programs at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the University of Miami. Professionally, James has musical directed at North Shore Music Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse, Brian C. Smith’s Off-Broadway at 26th Street Theatre, Florida Shakespeare Theatre, Maryland Shakespeare Festival, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, and Stages St. Louis.

Scenic design is by Lyceum Theatre Resident Scenic Designer Ryan J. Zirngibl. Mr. Zirngibl has designed many productions at The Lyceum including Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol, Million Dollar Quartet, Around the World in 80 Days, The King and I, and Fiddler on the Roof. Resident Costume Designer Garth Dunbar has been part of 10 previous seasons at The Lyceum where his many designs include Into the Woods, Hairspray, The Fantasticks, and Little Women the Musical. Resident Lighting Designer Randy B. Winder has designed close to 100 Lyceum productions including Cats, A Christmas Carol, Les Misérables, Million Dollar Quartet, and The Fantasticks. Resident Sound Designer Ryan Matthew Hall returns for his ninth season at The Lyceum where he has designed Les Misérables, The King and I, Spamalot, The Producers, To Kill A Mockingbird, Fiddler on the Roof, and many more. Tony Dearing is in his 25th year as Production Stage Manager and Ivan Dario Cano returns for his second year as Assistant Stage Manager.

Single Tickets for Beauty and the Beast are priced at $37.00 for adults. Senior, student and children discounts are available. Special Group Rates are available as well. Performances are June 7 – June 18, 2016, Evening performances are at 8pm and matinees are at 2pm. For tickets: www.lyceumtheatere.org, (660) 837-3311 x1, or in person at the Lyceum’s box office at 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO 65320.

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3), professional theatre located in the unique village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a 19th century National Historic Landmark. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for 57 years producing a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies. Each year, this 408 seat theatre attracts professional talent from across the country to produce an eight show season (June-December). Performers, designers, directors, and technicians take residence in Arrow Rock for five months to bring its patrons Broadway caliber productions throughout the summer. The Lyceum receives much needed support from the Missouri Arts Council.

The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

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Arrow Rock, MO, March 3, 2017 – Under the Streetlamp will perform 2 live concerts on Friday, April 21 at 2 pm and 8pm in the intimate setting of the Lyceum Theatre. Featuring former leading cast members of hit Broadway musicals including “JERSEY BOYS,” Under the Streetlamp is a concert celebration of classic hits of the American Radio Songbook from the 1950s-1970s. Their shows feature tight harmonies and slick dance moves that take audiences back to an era of sharkskin suits, flashy cars and martini shakers. A flashback to a time when, on hot summer nights, people would gather under a streetlamp to sing their favorite rock and roll songs.

Classic hits first performed by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, The Beatles, Roy Orbison, Bobby Darin and more are reborn for today’s audiences in this evening of great music and hilarious behind-the-scenes tales, complete with an exceptional seven-piece band composed of world-class musicians. With irresistible charm and rapport, Under the Streetlamp offers audiences the opportunity to get to know four critically acclaimed stars of stage and screen, Michael Ingersoll, Christopher Kale Jones, Brandon Wardell and Shonn Wiley. While each performer gets his moment in the spotlight, their synergy and charisma as a group, has drawn an extremely devoted nationwide following.

Each performer carries with him an impressive list of credits. Between them, they have appeared on Broadway, in feature films and on television – including special appearances during the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, on “The Tonight Show,” “The Primetime Emmy Awards,” “The Tony Awards” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

The show’s original performers met onstage as the lead characters in “Jersey Boys” and have since formed a concert sensation of their very own. After achieving initial success performing in and around Chicago, Under the Streetlamp aired its first PBS special in 2011, and a second in 2014. The four gifted singers are currently on tour in support of their 3rd PBS Special – Rockin’ Round The Clock, thrilling sold-out houses throughout the country.

The goal of the concerts is to raise much needed funds to continue providing Professional Theatre to the Heart of Missouri. “There cannot be anything better, for the many fans of Under the Streetlamp, than to watch their live performances in a close and personal setting such as the Lyceum Theatre!” said Lyceum Director of Marketing and Special Events, Kevin Magee. “Our work could not be possible without financial support from the people who believe in what we do. This is why regular engagement with our supporters and fundraising events are so vital to keeping our work going.”

Tickets are available for $75.00 and can be purchased at: www.lyceumtheatre.org, (660) 837-3311 x1, or in person at the Lyceum’s box office at 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO 65320. The concerts are sponsored in part by Wood & Huston Bank.

The Lyceum Theatre will open its exciting new 8 show 2017 season on June 7 with the Lyceum premiere of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. What follows are four more Lyceum premieres (Mamma Mia!, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner, and Beehive the 60’s Musical), two Lyceum favorites Oklahoma! and Greater Tuna, and the fourth annual production of the Lyceum’s unique adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. The Lyceum’s season runs June 7 through December 23, 2017.

All ticket and ticket package sales for the 2017 season are now on sale. Senior, student and children discounts are available. Special Group Rates are available as well. Evening performances are at 8pm and matinees are at 2pm. For ticket information: www.lyceumtheatre.org, (660) 837-3311 x1, or in person at the Lyceum’s box office at 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO 65320.

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3), professional theatre located in the unique village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a 19th century National Historic Landmark. The Village of Arrow Rock received the 2017 Missouri Arts Council Creative Community Award. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for 57 years producing a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies. Each year, this 408 seat theatre attracts professional talent from across the country to produce an eight show season (June-December). Performers, designers, directors, and technicians take residence in Arrow Rock for five months to bring its patrons Broadway caliber productions throughout the summer.

The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. The Lyceum receives much needed support from the Missouri Arts Council.
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Arrow Rock, MO, January 6, 2017 — Local auditions for our 2017 season will be held at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  If necessary, additional audition dates and times will be added. These auditions are by appointment only. Appointments can be made by emailing a picture and resume to arrowrockcasting@lyceumtheatre.org.  Please specify if there is a time of day that is best for you.  Also, please indicate if there are specific roles for which you would like to be considered.  Please include in the subject line of your email ARROW ROCK CASTING. No phone calls, please. A Lyceum representative will be in touch the second week of February confirming your time slot. If you are unable to attend the audition, you may email a video to arrowrockcasting@lyceumtheatre.org.

Those auditioning must prepare 16 bars of two contrasting songs and one brief monologue. An accompanist will be provided. Children under the age of 10 may audition with 16 bars of one song and no monologue. Anyone who is not a singer may perform a monologue only.  The Lyceum is seeking equity and non-equity actors of all ages and ethnicities.  There will not be a dance call at the Arrow Rock auditions.

Along with the local auditions, the Lyceum will participate in the MidWest Theatre Auditions in St. Louis Feb. 17-19.

New York auditions will be held by appointment only in March. For consideration, email a headshot and resume to casting@lyceumtheatre.org by Feb 22, 2017. Please include in the subject NYC CASTING. No phone calls, please.

Rehearsals for the first production of the Lyceum’s 57th Season, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, will begin Tuesday, May 23. The season concludes with the final performance of A CHRISTMAS CAROL on December 23.

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