Publicity photos

Director Eric Van Woert is a take-charge kind of guy, and he has to be to keep everybody focused in this largest cast ever to be on the Masquers’ stage. “This is a show where you can just pull out all the stops and have a romping good time,” he says. 

 His up-beat attitude is infectious, and spreads throughout the cast.  

 Based on the 50’s comic strip of the same name, created by Al Capp, this high-spirited musical is true to Capp’s whimsical vision of hillbilly life in Dogpatch, a town that has been officially declared to be the most unnecessary place in the USA.  It might be unnecessary, but its home to this large cast of colorful characters, and they are whomping up some foot-stomping performances.  The music, written by Johnny Mercer and Gene de Paul, underscores Capp’s fun-loving version of rural characters as well as his penchant for taking hilariously blatant, but light hearted swipes at high-flung pretensions, political corruption, and corporate greed.  Songs include, A Typical Day, Jubilation T. Cornpone, The Country’s in the Very Best of Hands, If I Had My Druthers, Put ‘Em Back, Progress is the root of all Evil and Namely You.

 Alex Buchmann plays Abner, the hero, and Kylee Schlagel is Daisy Mae, the sweet young gal who wants to catch Abner in the famed Sadie Hawkins Day race.  Although this is a no holds barred race without rules, the purpose of it is of great personal importance. An eligible bachelor like Abner has to run for his freedom or become the husband of whichever woman is fast enough to catch him.  After the race, Randy Brooks as Marryin’ Sam is on hand to perform the wedding ceremonies.  Abner’s parents, Pappy and Mammy Yokum, are played by Bob Jasman and Bev Hasper. Darryl Pheasant plays Earthquake McGoon, Abner’s rival.  Eric Suitter plays General Bullmoose, a man with a devious plan, and Appassionata Von Climax played by Stephanie Moore is part of his plan.  Dr. Finsdale, the scientist, is played by Don Long.  Pete Heilman is Available Jones, Pat Connelly is Senator Phogbound, Nancy Connelly is Mayor Dawgmeat, Brendon Brooks is Evil Eye Fleagle,  Jennifer Jessen is Moonbeam McSwine, Raymond Gravelle is the Colonel, Ian Paulson is the government man, Sarah Davis is Stupefyin’ Jones, Cole Jacobson is Lonesome Polecat.  The Dogpatch wives are played by Billie Bedford, Joanne Bracht, Carea Kuhn, Danielle Boss, and Charlotte Blanchard.  The scientists are Cecelia Monda, Jennifer Jessen, and Sarah Rogers.  Zach Knudsen is a lab specimen,  John MacDonald is Romeo Scraggs, Dominique Mauceri, Conner Boss, and Lucas Tift are some of Abner’s cronies.  Other chorus members are Sadie Bedford, Kellie Bracht, Michael Flippen, Renae Fuhrman, Callie Jenkins, Jessica Jessen, Signe Knudsen, Bethany Leonard, Carolee MacDonald, Erin Monda, and Rashel Rogers.

 Mary Walker is the music director and accompanist along with Dianna Stidman.  Danielle Boss and Charlotte Blanchard are the Choreographers.  Cheri Barbre is the stage manager. Vocal coach is Pamela Sortomme. Kim Paulsen is the sound technician and Spencer Wall is the lighting technician. Denise Keegan is costume designer.

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