42ND STREET Plays Now thru 6/23 at the Barn Theatre

Come on along and listen to the lullaby of Broadway at the Barn Theatre! The glamour, spectacle, and fashion of 1930s Broadway comes to the Barn in 42ND STREET tonight, June 11 through 23.

Twenty-five pages, ten dance numbers, and six songs to learn in 36 hours! That's the plight of Peggy Sawyer, a small-town chorus girl, freshly arrived in the Big Apple and just chosen to replace the leading lady in the biggest show on Broadway.

In her first Equity role at the Barn Theatre, Melissa Cotton stars as the charming Peggy Sawyer, as she is challenged to fill the shoes of imperious Broadway star, Dorothy Brock, played by Barn leading lady Penelope Alex. With plucky determination and a little help from her friends, bright-eyed Peggy Sawyer just may have the talent and heart to become a star!

The Barn's talented cast includes both well-known favorites and new talents. Eric Parker portrays big-time Broadway producer, Julian Marsh. Leading man Billy Lawlor is played by Jamey Grisham, with Steven Lee Burright and third year apprentice Bethany Edlund as the Broadway writing team. Amy Harpenau plays wise cracking Anytime Annie, flanked by her two boisterous chorus gal pals, second year apprentice Jillian Weimer as Phyllis Dale and first year apprentice Hannah Eakin as Lorraine Flemming. Roy Brown portrays wealthy, Texan tycoon Abner Dillon, and Patrick Hunter plays Dorothy's love, Pat Denning.

Based on the classic 1933 movie musical of the same name, the 1980 Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Musical and became a long-running hit. The show was produced in London in 1984 (winning the Olivier Award for Best Musical), and its 2001 Broadway revival won the Tony for Best Revival. With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren, and lyrics by Al Dubin, the memorable score includes classics such as "We're in the Money," "You're Getting to be a Habit With Me," "Lullaby of Broadway," and of course, the iconic title song "Forty-Second Street."

42ND STREET is directed by Hans Friedrichs. Choreography is by Jamey Grisham and Amy Harpenau. The Musical Director is Matt Shabala. Michael Wilson Morgan is Costume Designer and lights are designed by Corey Boughton. Emily Gardner is Properties Master and Sam Silva is Sound Designer. Frank Vela is Technical Director.

42ND STREET plays through June 23. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday at 8:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 PM. Check out the newly renovated Rehearsal Shed Lounge! Stop in before the main stage show, at intermission and after the show for refreshments, snacks, wings, nachos, and Plainwell ice cream.

The Barn Theatre is located on M-96, west of Augusta. Tickets are $35.00 for all performances of 42ND STREET, and Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. The Box Office is open daily 10:00 am-10:00 pm. Tickets may now be purchased on the internet or on your smart phone via PayPal at www.barntheatre.com ~ Or to reserve tickets at the Box Office Call today: (269) 731-4121.

Cast List:

Dorothy Brock............................................................................................................ Penelope Alex

Peggy Sawyer............................................................................................................ Melissa Cotton

Maggie Jones........................................................................................................... Bethany Edlund

Anytime Annie.......................................................................................................... Amy Harpenau

Phyllis Dale................................................................................................................. Jillian Weimer

Lorraine Flemming...................................................................................................... Hannah Eakin

Julian Marsh..................................................................................................................... Eric Parker

Bert Barry........................................................................................................ Stephen Lee Burright

Billy Lawlor.............................................................................................................. Jamey Grisham

Andy Lee...................................................................................................................... Greg Grimes

Oscar................................................................................................................................ Nic Balario

Mac............................................................................................................................. Ricky Philippe

Pat Denning.......................................................................................... Patrick Hunter

Abner Dillon............................................................................................ Roy Brown

Millie................................................................................................. Kelsey Braman

Ensemble...................................Veronica Battersby, Josh Meredith, Julie Grisham, Sarah Bomer, Samantha Rickard, Bradford Rolen, Caitlin Sprang, Lindsay Maron, Kelsey Woods, Anna Bradley, Philip David Black, Jordan Moody, Darrell Purcell, Nick FuQua, Becky Blosser

Melissa Cotton, Peggy Sawyer

Melissa is exceedingly proud to return to the Barn this year as a new member of the Equity company. She and her fiancé, Barnie Patrick Hunter, and puppy, Elle Woofs, have enjoyed the past winter in the Windy City but are excited to thaw out on their favorite summer stage. Fondest Barn memories include Legally Blonde, Chicago, and the Who's Tommy. Melissa is a proud graduate of Kent State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre.

Penelope Alex, Dorothy Brock

After 27 seasons, Penelope has more than established herself as the Barn's quintessential leading lady. Her resume here is highlighted by a series of compelling performances. Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA and Janet in our first two productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come to mind, as do her own favorites, the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Nurse Ratched in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, and opposite Tom Wopat as Nellie and Annie, respectively, in SOUTH PACIFIC and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Last season, she was thrilled to play opposite her husband in LEGALLY BLONDE as well as portray a rockstar as Roxy in RAUNCH AND ROLL a new musical written by Brendan. Exciting plans for the fall include a featured role in the film CAWDOR opposite Willem Dafoe. Her longest-running roles are her dearest- wife and mother to Barn Producer Brendan Ragotzy and their children Luke (18), Calli (16), Jacob (13), and Melina (9). In 2009 Penelope acted in Barn Films' FISH MICH and can still be seen in a long-running spot for Premier Diamond Center in Battle Creek. In addition to her full slate onstage and at home, Penelope serves the Barn as Publicist and coordinates the hiring and departmental placement of each season's apprentice company as Barn Theatre School Dean. She's a native of San Jose, CA, and is a proud alum of San Jose State University

Eric Parker, Julian Marsh

It's a big 20th season for Eric here at the big Barn. His favorite Augusta credits include leads in ESCANABA IN LOVE, CHICAGO, and SUNSET BOULEVARD, Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES, Tito in LEND ME A TENOR, Roger in RENT, Roger DeBris in THE PRODUCERS, Jerry in THE FULL MONTY, Remnar in all three stagings of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, Rocky or Eddie (most recently Riff-Raff) in almost all our runs of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Freddie in CHESS, Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook. His career has continued there with a variety of credits in almost a dozen TYA and mainstage productions. Regional: last winter's THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER at the Mercury Theater, Sebastian in THE THING ABOUT MEN, Henrik in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Miles in A FUNNY THING...FORUM, Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and Claude in HAIR (European Tour.) As a director, Eric has staged well-received Barn productions of WEST SIDE STORY, JOSEPH..., and DON'T DRINK THE WATER as well as RING OF FIRE, three hit productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and last spring's acclaimed AVENUE Q at the Croswell Opera House in his hometown of Adrian. Eric studied at the California campus of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and at Adrian's Siena Heights University. When not on the boards somewhere, Eric plays gangster at Tommy Gun's Garage in Chicago's South Loop. His movie and television credits include Barn Films' FISH MICH, GUIDING LIGHT, recent History Channel gangster shows, and several local ads for Behavioral Health Resources and Summit Pointe. On our offstage staff, Eric helps oversee maintenance of the Barn's physical plant and our popular Bar Shows.

Bethany Edlund, Maggie Jones

Bethany is so excited (and she just can't hide it) to return to the Barn for her third summer after a winter spent in California at The Great American Melodrama as a vaudeville performer! You may have caught her last season as Louise in The Fox on the Fairway, Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde, or Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show. Special thanks to my family for their support, my boyfriend for loving me no matter what, and my friends for laughing at all of my bad jokes.

AMY HARPENAU, Anytime Annie

Amy is thrilled to be returning to the Barn Theatre for her third season, now as an Equity member and choreographer! An Indiana native and current New York City resident, Barn audiences may remember Amy as the diva Lady of the Lake in Monty Python's SPAMALOT as well as the zany Fairy Godmother in Rodger's and Hammerstein's CINDERELLA, Gladys in PAL JOEY, Joanna in SUNSET BOULEVARD, and June in CHICAGO. Having graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ball State University, Amy's recent stage credits include BOUND FOR BROADWAY SINGERS SHOWCASE at The Duplex Theatre, Ursula Merkel in BYE, BYE BIRDIE, Cheerleader/Susan in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, Little Red in INTO THE WOODS, Miss Flannery in the EdTA National Cast of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and Toffee in ZOMBIE PROM at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Amy would like to thank her returning and new Barn family and the Ragtozys for this amazing opportunity, and, of course, Mom and Dad for their unending love and support.

Stephen Lee BURRIGHT, Bert Barry

Steven Lee is very excited to get this season going after returning from Cold Spring, NY where he is illustrating a children's book. He began his performing career here at the Barn in 1987 and originated the Barn's Eddie in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and was featured in BRIGADOON and THE MOST HAPPY FELLA. He was also seen recently in SHENANDOAH, THE CIVIL WAR, as Potiphar in our 2009 JOSEPH..., Saunders in LEND ME A TENOR, and a starring turn as the harried Walter Hollander in DON'T DRINK THE WATER. Following Dusty Reeds' mentoring at San Jose State University, he has been able to maintain a career as a scenic artist in Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay area and up and down the East Coast. Barn audiences will undoubtedly remember Steven Lee's scenic work on BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, WEST SIDE STORY, RENT and last season's SUNSET BLVD and CINDERELLA, the latter of which featured a beautiful Steven Lee-designed 'transformed' carriage, as a highlight. Other credits include rock and roll sets and many movie and teleVision Productions, including THE CHRISTOPHER LOWELL SHOW, working on camera as well as serving as the Master Scenic Painter on staff. He has created his own interior design company called Maverick Design. Steven Lee wore many hats during the 2008 Barn Films' FISH MICH. He served as Properties Master, Graphic Artist (including some computer animation) as well as creating the flamboyant role of Dennis. His favorite project has been his ongoing work with Jim Henson's Muppets.

Jamey Grisham, Billy Lawlor

Jamey is elated and deeply humbled to be spending a 5th Season at his beloved Barn Theatre. Some favorite Barnie memories include Ethan in THE FULL MONTY, Thomas Jefferson in 1776, Fred Casely in CHICAGO, Prince Christopher in CINDERELLA, and Brad in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Jamey comes to the Barn fresh off of the National Tour of Joe Iconis' WE THE PEOPLE, in which he played a bodacious yet rather dunderheaded George Washington. Regional: CAMELOT, TWELFTH NIGHT, THE STRANGELY FICTIONAL... TALE OF Edgar Allan POE (Trinity Rep); EUGENE ONEGIN, THE BARBER OF SEVILLE (Lyric Opera of Chicago); SONGS OF OUR TIME with Andrea Marcovicci (Chicago Humanities Festival). Workshops: THE FAMILY: MR GREEN PART 2, TENTS, and OF HUMAN BONDAGE (music, choreography, and direction by Michael John LaChiusa and Danny Mefford). In New York, Jamey is in the resident companies of both The Art Mob and Choral Chameleon. As a dancer and choreographer, Jamey has sashayed with The Joffrey Ballet School, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Lou Conte Dance Chicago, Alabama Ballet, Workhorse Theatre Ensemble, and Trinity Repertory Company. Training: LAMDA, Roosevelt University (BFA), and Brown University (MFA, Stephen Sondheim Fellow). Thanks to Artists Entertainment, all the gang at About Artists, and to my incredible family. "An artist cannot do anything slovenly." --Jane Austen.

Patrick Hunter, Pat Denning

Patrick couldn't be happier to embark upon another wonderful season at the Barn. He has spent the last year living in Chicago with his beautiful fiancee, fellow Barnie Melissa Cotton. His favorite Barn roles include Emmett in LEGALLY BLONDE, Glen Guglia IN THE WEDDING SINGER, Lancelot in SPAMALOT, Justin in THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY and Albert Soady, Jr in ESCANABA IN LOVE. Patrick holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College. When he is not on the stage, Patrick has a blossoming career as a Mixologist in Chicago's fine dining scene. Feel free to stop by the Rehearsal Shed to sample some of his creations!

Roy Brown, Abner Dillon

Roy is pleased to mark his ninth Barn season. Some of Roy's favorite Barn roles include Renfield in DRACULA, a role he reprised in New York, Mitch in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, Bingham in THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY, and that crazy Yooper, da Jimmer in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT. Most recently Roy was seen in New York workshopping the new play CALDWELL'S BOMB by Bill Rogers. Film credits: Derek in DEREK'S DREAM, Jerome in THE BEST MUSICAL EVER MADE (FOR UNDER 10 GRAND). Roy and his lovely wife, Emily Fleming, live in NYC.

Hans Friedrichs, Director
Is pleased to return to the Barn! He recently directed the sold out New York revival of PARADE for Brooklyn's Gallery Players. Other New York productions; THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (winner New York Innovative Theatre Award Outstanding Production of a Musical. Outstanding director nom.) A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE (IT nom. Outstanding production). Barn directing credits LEGALLY BLONDE,SPAMALOT, ESCANABA IN LOVE, CHICAGO and SUNSET BOULEVARD starring Kim Zimmer (Wilde Award nom. Outstanding Production). MUSIC FOR MICHAEL MOUSE at New York's Carnegie Hall with Armistead Maupin. SPARK OF CREATION: The Music of Stephen Schwartz featuring Matt Cavanaugh at The Duplex. Regional productions include ANYTHING GOES, EVITA, ROMANCE/ROMANCE, BABY, CAMELOT, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, GYPSY, FOOTLOOSE, HIGH SOCIETY, SOUTH PACIFIC, STATE FAIR, Sondheim's SATURDAY NIGHT, and THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM (with Stephan Sutcliffe). From 1999-2009 he was a Resident Director at The New London Barn Playhouse in New Hampshire. On the non musical side he has directed productions of THE ODD COUPLE, MIRANDOLINA (with Eric McCormack), THE MISANTHROPE, TEN LITTLE INDIANS, ASHES, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, OVERRULED, THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. He has served as an assistant director on the National tour of STATE FAIR (starring John Davidson) as well as productions of DIAL M FOR MURDER (with Juliet Mills and Maxwell Caulfield), as well as the Off Broadway revival of Arthur Laurents' HOME OF THE BRAVE. As an actor he has appeared Off Broadway in SUBLIME LIVES and KEAN. Favorite roles include; Arnold Epstein in BILOXI BLUES (at the Barn!), Simon in HAY FEVER, the Emcee in CABARET, Albin in LA CAGE and Roger DeBris in THE PRODUCERS. Television: ALL MY CHILDREN, ONE LIFE TO LIVE, and REMEMBER W.E.N.N. Graduate B.F.A. from the Ryerson Theatre School/Ryerson University in Toronto. Originally from Ann Arbor Michigan, he is now a native New Yorker. Hans also co-produced two sold out concert readings of AUNTIE MAME, staring Charles Busch and an all star cast for Broadway Cares Equity fights AIDS.

Pictured: Jamey Grisham (front) Girls (Left to Right): Samantha Rickard, Kelsey Woods, Julie Grisham, Sarah Bomber, Caitlin Sprang and Lindsay Maron.

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