1 Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French | www.concordtheatricals.com 1223 Liberty St., Franklin, PA 16323 | ( 814 ) 437-3440 | barrowtheatre.org B L A C K C O F F E E A g a t h a C h r i s t i e August 12, 13, 19, 20 7:30 pm August 14 & 21 2:00 pm A N O F F - B A R R O W P R O D U C T I O N D I R E C T E D B Y A N D R E W R I T S I G PRODUCED BY NICHOLAS HESS & BROOKE LAWRIE
Life is a spider's web. It's beautiful, delicate, occasionally irritating, and above all else, intricate. Few authors understand how to weave and manipulate it to entertaining ends better than Agatha Christie. Her stories thrive by creating webs of character interactions. Hidden secrets, lies, desires, and schemes all collide with the hunt for a murderer inevitably bringing everything to the surface. It's always a race against time for Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, or other lead characters of intelligence and grit to unravel it all and find the truth, for it is always understood that if left uncaught, the killer will likely strike again. I was first exposed to Agatha Christie through playing Sergeant Trotter in her seminal masterpiece, The Mousetrap, many years ago on the Little Theatre stage, and I've considered her one of my favorite playwrights and authors ever since. Our production of Black Coffee has been two and a half years in the making. Originally slated to be performed in October of 2020, it was canceled along with the rest of the Barrow's season due to the pandemic. The idea remained alive all throughout our theatre's "extended intermission," and was tentatively rescheduled several times for both the main stage and the Little Theatre until the world finally settled down just enough to bring it to you here and Thisnow. show wouldn't be possible without many people. Casey Beightol, to whom I originally pitched the production, helped keep it on the Barrow's list of shows to return to as the pandemic dragged on. Nicholas Hess and Brooke Lawrie, my producers/ actors/superheroes juggled several roles apiece and never once dropped a ball, always encouraging and supporting me as a first-time director along the way. Ashlynne Cornmesser brought her artistic flair to our fantastic window display and props. Tracy Brown worked her usual set-design and painting wizardry, taking a show originally written for a much larger stage and adapting it to perfection. Tech Director Jim Amero built the set with his cadre of volunteers, added his own decorative touches to it, and gave us a marvelous space to play. Stage Manager Lydia Braughler keeps everything running smoothly backstage and Light/ Sound Operator Elizabeth Amero provides an essential atmosphere on stage. Every single member of the cast came to rehearsals with all the professionalism, talent, and infectiously fun energy that a director could ever ask for. The Barrow staff is always amazing to work with, and I have to particularly shout out Jenalee Schenk and Kristy Moore for their help on the marketing and administrative sides of the show.
Finally, my deepest thanks go to you, the audience, for coming out to support all our efforts and patronize this place I love so much. I hope this performance helps you forget your worries for a while, transports you to a different time, and leaves you with the kind of sly smile on your face that only a well-honed mystery can provide. Enjoy the show!Andrew Ritsig Director
Director's
Note
3 Black Coffee AgathabyChristie 'Black Coffee' C 1930 Agatha Christie Limited All rights reserved. 'AGATHA CHRISTIE,' 'POIROT' and the Agatha Christie Signature Mark are tradmarks of Agatha Christie Ltd.. All rights reserved. The rights to this play are controlled by Agatha Christie Ltd. For further information about this play, others by Agatha Christie and about other stage adaptations of her stories, please visit: http://www.agathachristie.com THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)'S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artistsVISIT:
Production Team Stage Director Andrew Ritsig Producers Nicholas Hess Brooke Lawrie Technical Director James Amero II Artistic Director Tracy Brown Stage Manager Lydia Braughler Technical Theatre Intern Roman Hulver Lighting & Sound Execution Elizabeth Amero Props Masters AshlynneBrookeCornmesserLawrieNicholasHess Costumer Nicholas Hess Hair Elizabeth Braughler Dialects Shawn Clerkin Cast Hercule Poirot Jim Nash Lucia Amory Grace Fish Richard Amory Caleb McCarthy Barbara Amory Elizabeth Braughler Dr. carelli Josh Devlin Caroline amory Tracy Brown Captain Arthur Hastings Aaron Ritsig Ella Raynor Brooke Lawrie Sir Claud amory Bill Trimble Tredwell Mike Heise Dr. Graham Aundrea Hill Inspector Japp Andrew Ritsig Constable Johnson Nicholas Hess
5 Special Thanks Casey Beightol Hannah Gamble, Iron Furnace Coffee Tammy Bible, Coffee In Between Garrett C. Kline Photography Richard Sayer, Eight & 322 erie playhouse oil city Warehouse mall RyanGraceIngramFish Oil City Area School District The Producers and Production Staff of Black Coffee would like to send a big THANK YOU to the following community members for their outstanding support in this production!
There will be 10 minute intermissions between acts. Act One 8:30 p.m. Act Two The following morning. Act Three Fifteen minutes later. The action of the play takes place in the library of Sir Claud Amory's house at Abott's Cleve, about twenty-five minutes from London.
7 Thank You to the Oil City Warehouse Mall for lending us their beautiful furniture. The furniture on set is for sale! O i l C i t Wy a r e h o u s e M a l l 3 0 P U M P H O U S E R O A D , O I L C I T Y P A ( J U S T O F F R T . 6 2 ) TEL: 814-678-2200
Elizabeth Braughler (Barbara Amory) Elizabeth has always enjoyed the stage, whether singing, dancing, acting or often all three simultaneously. This led to many years of open mic nights, dance recitals and Barrow shows as a teen. She is so happy to have re-entered the Barrow scene in the last few years, portraying Older Anne in Anne of Green Gables and Sarah Good in The Crucible as well as writing and directing for The Red Eye Theatre Project. Elizabeth is thrilled with her role in Black Coffee, not only because it's her first Little Theatre production or that black coffee is her drink of choice, but because she gets to be a part of her long time friend's directorial debut. Andrew, it has been a blast to work with you! Your dedication and creativity for this story shines through. Bravo!
Elizabeth would also like to thank all of the cast and crew for working so hard and making this such a fun experience. And Caleb, what fun to share yet another stage together! And always, her love to Luke, Lydia and Louisa for always, always supporting her creative endeavors. If not through theatre, Elizabeth uses her passion for the arts to teach dance at The Performing Arts Academy With Darin. Tracy Brown (Aunt Caroline Amory) is excited to be taking the stage as an actress for the first time in an Off-Barrow production. She is no stranger to the Little Theatre stage when it comes to work behind the scenes, as she has previously designed and painted the set for 2018’s Wait Until Dark and was backstage tech for 2020’s
. In addition to taking on the role of Aunt Caroline in Black Coffee, she has once again designed the set and painted the rather charming room in which our mystery takes place. Regular patrons of the Barrow-Civic Theatre and FCOA productions may recognize Tracy from her previous roles in Mainstage offerings including 2018’s The Producers in which she played Ulla Inga Hansen Benson Yansen Tallen Hallen Svaden Swanson Bloom, as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors that same year, or in 2017’s Young Frankenstein as Inga.
Baltimore Waltz as well as being a cast member in multiple Liberty Cabaret shows and singing in Keepin’ It Real Cabaret
Biographies
Joshua Devlin (Dr. Carelli) plays Dr. Carelli in the OffBarrow’s production of Black Coffee. His first role in an Off-Barrow show, he is elated to have been given the opportunity. You may have seen Josh in several Main Stage shows, where he most recently played Shylock in the theatre’s production of Something Rotten! His first memory at the Barrow-Civic Theatre was playing saxophone in the pit for the 2019 production of Crazy for You. Josh would like to thank his family and friends for their support and his co-workers for being so forgiving with all of the work he has missed. Finally, he would like to thank the cast and crew of the show for being so easy to work with as Josh joined the production late. Their kind nature has been instrumental in making Josh feel so welcome. Enjoy the show!
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Nicholas Hess (Constable Johnson) has delighted in helping breathe life into this Off-Barrow production alongside such talented and committed humans. He extends immense gratitude to Andrew as a first time director, a novice who has led his cast and crew with the utmost professionalism and passion, crafting the insatiable drama you see on the stage before you today. Nicholas is no stranger
to the Barrow Civic Theatre himself. He serves as a board member for the Franklin Civic Operetta Association, where he chairs the costuming and production warehouse. Most recently he has lent his costuming prowess to Something Rotten!, The Wizard of Oz and The Crucible, which he also directed. When he's not at the theatre, he owns and operates The Printer's Cabinet & Curiosities in downtown Franklin. Nicholas looks forward to working on future productions with each and every person involved with this show -- be it as an actor, director, costumer or producer. He offers many thanks to all of you for choosing to share in our art. Aundrea Hill (Dr. Graham) lives with her BFF, Spencer, who always encourages her to follow her heart and her dreams--so here she is back onstage! Aundrea was last seen in the ensemble of Together Again for the First Time, and she was Marilla in Anne of Green Gables. She hopes you will love this little story as told by this wonderful cast! Brooke Lawrie (Ella Raynor) is thrilled to be in this OffBarrow production of Black Coffee. The Off-Barrow is such a unique space and it’s an honor to not only be on its stage, but to work alongside a solid production team. Brooke is no stranger to the BCT having worn many hats here. Most recently Brooke has been seen as Sister Robert Anne in Nunsense, as well as having produced that show. She will next set aside her assistant garb for some dancing shoes as she's set to play Mrs. Wormwood in the Applefest production of Matilda. She would like to thank this rockstar cast, her co-producer Nicholas Grace Fish (Lucia Amory) is so excited to finally be making her Off-Barrow debut! So far this year she has played Abigail Williams in The Crucible, Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense, and Portia in Something Rotten!
Seussical Christmas. Mike’s first memory at the Barrow is when his son Steven, now 14 years old, played Tiny Tim in Scrooge’s Christmas Carol. Mike would like to thank his loving and supporting wife of 20 years, Martha, for introducing him to the theater and especially the youth theater where his daughter performed in many shows (aka Lillie bug). Mike would also like to thank the cast and crew of Black Coffee for giving him a part in this murder mystery.
Other FCOA credits include Grease (Patty Simcox), Crazy For You (Ensemble), and The Producers (Ensemble). She thanks Ben for supporting her through so much, and she thanks the cast and crew for putting on a fantastic show! Mike Heise (Tredwell) has been in a few shows at the Barrow. He first acting role was as Mr. Vandamm in Ann Frank. He was also in Titanic, Oklahoma, Tom Sawyer, and A
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431 Kennerdell rd, Kennerdell, PA 16374 | (814) 385-6601 Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 6, 7, & 8 at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at 2:00 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 9, & 10 at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 & 11 at 2:00 p.m. Presented by the Franklin Civic Operetta Association
Aaron Ritsig (Captain Hastings) is fresh off of two consecutive roles as angry Puritans (The Crucible and Something Rotten! ) and thrilled to be stepping into the amiable shoes of Captain Hastings. Previous favorite roles have included Gangster 1 in The Drowsy Chaperone, Mr. Paravicini in The Mousetrap, Selsdon in Noises Off, Thing 2 in Seussical, Tweedledum in Alice in Wonderland, and Jim in You Can't Take It With You, where he also fulfilled a life-long dream of being an official BCT kitten-wrangler backstage. Many thanks to Andrew for reasons too numerous to list, the production team for all of their hard work, and the cast for making the entire process so much fun.
Andrew Ritsig (Inspector Japp) will always jump at the chance to take part in any Agatha Christie production. Past favorite roles include Giles Corey in The Crucible, Christopher Wren and Sergeant Trotter in Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, Karl the Giant in Big Fish, and Lloyd Dallas in Noises Off. Many thanks to the cast and crew for their endless talent, comradery, patience, and positivity. Enjoy the show!
Bill Trimble (Sir Claud Amory) is happy to be once again working on stage (albeit the little one) with his Barrow Theatre friends after three years of pandemic and knee surgery. His last performance as the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland has left him with many wonderful memories and he is happy to be doing another play with Andrew. This is his third time playing Agatha Christie and so far, Agatha leads the series, 2-0. Hess, and our fearless leader Andrew Ritsig for leading this show with grace and fearlessness. She now invites you to put on your detectives hat and join Poirot in trying to figure out just who murdered Sir Claud Amory. Caleb McCarthy (Richard Amory) is very grateful to be back on the stage at the Little Theater. His previous work on this stage includes Harry Roat in Wait Until Dark and Juror 10 in 12 Angry Men. He is also grateful for any chance to get back into the world of Agatha Christie. He has previously taken a turn in the murder mystery game as Sergeant Trotter in Mousetrap. Caleb is also thrilled to share the stage with his sister Elizabeth for the third time. She inspires him greatly and in his words she is absolutely crushing it. He also would like to extend his congratulations to Andrew Ritsig for a wonderful job at his directorial debut. Lastly, he would like to thank the audience for attending and invites them all to enjoy the show. Jim Nash (Hercule Poirot) is proud to be making his OffBarrow debut in Black Coffee. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania's School of Theater and Dance, Jim is also proud to have studied with Jill Wadsworth in the Donna Belejac Actor's Studio in Pittsburgh. Most recently seen at the Barrow-Civic Theatre as Reverend John Hale in The Crucible, Jim has also performed as Oscar in Sweet Charity, Harold in The Boys in the Band, and most proudly as Bun Bun in The Feeling of Cotton, as part of the last Off-Barrow Red Eye Theater Project.
13
Music at the Barrow
Recent theatre collaborations include the critically-acclaimed Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall in London, working with Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions, and Murder on the Orient Express adapted by Ken Ludwig, with productions at McCarter Theatre in Princeton and Hartford, Connecticut, USA. ACL also works closely with international theatre companies developing in-territory stage productions.
Agatha Christie (1890-1976) is the author not only of The Mousetrap, the longest running stage production in history, but also Witness for the Prosecution and And Then There Were None, to name but a few of her greatest stage successes. Her novels have sold more than 2 billion copies around the world, and she is only outsold by the Bible and Shakespeare. Born in 1890 in Torquay, Devon, England, to an American father and English mother, she wrote her first play, Black Coffee, (the only play in which she chose to feature Poirot) in 1930, having been disappointed by the way The Murder of Roger Ackroyd had been adapted into Alibi in 1928. She adapted her bestselling novel And Then There Were None for stage in 1943, giving it a different ending, followed by, in quick succession, Appointment with Death (1945), Murder on the Nile (1946) and The Hollow (1951). With The Mousetrap (1952), Witness for the Prosecution (1953), and Spider's Web (1954), she became the only female playwright to have three plays running in the West End at the same time. Later plays include Towards Zero (1956)
co-adapted with Gerald Verner, Verdict (1958) possibly her most unusual play, Go Back for Murder (1960), and Rule of Three (1962) a series of three one-act plays. After a hugely successful career and a wonderful life, Ms. Christie died peacefully on 12 January 1976. You can read Agatha Christie's own account of her life in An Autobiography, which was published after her death in 1977. Agatha Christie Limited (ACL) has been managing the literary and media rights to Agatha Christie's works around the world since 1955, when the company was set up by Christie herself. ACL works with the best talents on stage, in film, television, publishing and on digital platforms to ensure that Christie’s work continues to reach new audiences in innovative ways and to the highest standard. The company is currently managed by Christie’s greatgrandson, James Prichard.
Agatha Christie
The IsaacsAug. 27 at 7:30pm
15 COMING SOON TO THE ERIE PLAYHOUSE 13 W. 10TH STREET | ERIE, PA | ERIEPLAYHOUSE.ORG The stage will be alive with the Sound of Music, one of the most popular musicals of all time, based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers. Sept. 16 - Oct. 2 MAIN STAGE Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist. Oct.14 - Oct. 30 MAIN STAGE This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book opened on Broadway in 2019. Nov. 11 - Nov. 20 MAIN STAGE
We certainly appreciate your cooperation as we work to keep our theatre as safe as possible! Our Valued Patrons:
BARROW-CIVIC THEATRE COVID POLICY: Vaccinations are highly recommended. We recommend that all guests who fall into the eligible categories as defined by the CDC become vaccinated as soon as possible. At this time, proof of vaccination is not required to enter our building. Masks are a requirement in the building for unvaccinated individuals. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, are encouraged to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth in the building while the CDC’s community transmission rate in Venango County remains in the “substantial” or “high” categories. (Click here to check status.)
A COVID-19 Update for
Approved face coverings include masks made of tightly-woven and layered fabric. Surgical masks and KN95 masks are also approved face coverings. Gaiters, bandanas, ski masks, scarves, or vented masks are not approved facial protective coverings. Face shields are appropriate if you are unable to wear a face mask. Approved face coverings are available upon request for those guests who enter without Weone.would like to thank all of our patrons for their patience and understanding as we continue to work through the process of presenting live theatre during a pandemic. Please join us as we all do our part to mitigate the spread of the virus within the theatre. Please monitor your health and the health of your family. If you feel ill for any reason, please do not come to the theatre. Your health and safety, and that of our other patrons, our artists, and our staff is our highest priority.
An Update For Our Valued Patrons: The Barrow-Civic Theatre is excited to welcome audiences back into our auditorium in 2022! We continue to track the positive and negative COVID testing and transmission rates and deaths in our area. In addition, we are studying the CDC, PA Dept. of Health, and Venango County guidelines on a regular, ongoing basis. In order for us to remain open, it is paramount that we do all we can to provide a safe environment for our patrons, volunteers and staff, visitors, and performers. We are making every effort to mitigate the spread of the virus within our building.
