2024 Barrier-Free Theatre Program

Barrier-Free TheaTre

FOR MYSTERY AT THE RIDER MANSION

PROGRAM

WELCOME TO THE SHOW!

Our story begins on Thanksgiving morning. The Rider family is all arriving at the family mansion for their annual Thanksgiving dinner. Grandpa Samuel tells his favorite stories, the cousins have fun catching up with one another, and aunts and uncles rush around preparing food and setting the table.

Mariah comes in wearing the fabulous, jeweled necklace that was passed down to her from her mother. Someone makes a comment about how beautiful it looks, but another family member wonders why the necklace ended up with her, and not Wallace Rider’s wife, Rose. Mariah feels uncomfortable and decides to put the necklace away.

The family members cannot stop talking about the necklace and how it could have ended up with any of the families present at the Thanksgiving dinner. The necklace is stolen during dinner and passes through many hands over the course of the evening. Everyone is a suspect. Everyone has a motive. Who will have it at the end of the night? Will such capers tear the family a part or bring them closer?

Thank you

The director team would like to give their sincerest thanks to the supportive families of the cast and crew, Kurt Fenster, Hal Espy, and the Pike High School performing arts department. It takes a village to make theatre magic, and we are grateful for all of you for being a part of our village.

Welcome to Mystery at the Rider Mansion! This year’s cast made it very clear to us that family is at the core of their lives. Family is where we turn to for support, comfort, and love. So it’s no surprise that this year, our story takes place over a family’s Thanksgiving dinner. The cast also wanted to throw in some twists and turns with betrayals, jealousy, and mystery. Put all that together and you’ve got this year’s show!

Our cast have worked so hard this year. We welcomed many new faces with this cast, and were thrilled to have them join our ensemble. Week by week, they grew closer together, appreciating and supporting each other along the way. We have delighted in seeing them build this show and their community simultaneously.

We hope you enjoy the mystery and drama of this year’s Barrier-Free Theatre performance!

Sarah

Fenster Barrier-Free Theatre Director

Hello and welcome to the Rider Family Thanksgiving. I hope you came hungry because this incredible cast has cooked up one dramatic feast. They have worked hard to bring to life a story that explores the complexities of family dynamics. It also raises questions for reflection. How does one keep true to themselves and their values in the midst of crisis? What is it to be faithful? We hope you enjoy the show and thank you for supporting our Barrier-Free family.

Deborah Fisher Barrier-Free Theatre Director

@ccpradaptivecommunity

www.carmelclayparks.com/programs/adaptive/

The Barrier-Free Theatre

PRESENT

WRITTEN BY The Barrier-Free Theatre Cast and Crew

WITH

Jade Alia Steven Bates Morgan Beck Madison Best Maddie Cardamone

Joan Champagne Bryan Darden Caroline Dunklau Maria Graham

Grace E. Hamilton Lucy Hammann Kelly Kaser Will Lienemann Abby Love

Zach Mandel Michael McCarley Michelle McClellan John Creighton Noal

Evan Ollier Madeline Paxton Joel Persinger Tomas Sliva Amber Sykes

Lily Thompson Emma Wagoner

STAGE CREW

Jade Alia Caleb Banks Danielle Lewis Daniel Peeler Quin Strzynski

DIRECTED BY

Guest Director

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF MYSTERY AT THE RIDER MANSION WAS PRESENTED IN CARMEL, INDIANA IN 2024 BY THE BARRIER-FREE THEATRE PROGRAM

Sarah Fenster

Deborah Fisher Kelly Kaser

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation

MEET THE CAST

Jade Alia

Joan Champagne

Lucy Hammann

Michael McCarley

Joel Persinger

Steven Bates

Bryan Darden

Kelly Kaser

Michelle McClellan

Tomas Sliva

Morgan Beck

Caroline Dunklau

Will Lienemann

John Creighton Noal

Amber Sykes

Madison Best

Maria Graham

Abby Love

Evan Ollier

Lily Thompson

Maddie Cardamone

Grace E. Hamilton

Zach Mandel

Madeline Paxton

Emma Wagoner

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

JADE ALIA (Rachel Lyons)

This is Jade’s third year with Barrier-Free, but their first year on stage. They are a local sound designer and back stage technician. Jade loves watching everyone grow and the story come together at Barrier-Free. Their thanks go to their husband for supporting everything they do, even if it sometimes means they see a little less of each other.

STEVEN BATES (Thomas Carver)

Steven is super excited to return to Barrier-Free for his third year! Prior to Barrier-Free, Steven was involved with the SOAR Program in Bloomington Illinois, and participated in The Holiday Performers for six years! Steven created the part of Thomas, who is a neighbor of the Carver Family. He likes playing the part of a dramatic character who has to work to make things right. He enjoys practicing with the cast each week and learning new ways to help him improve his skills. He would like to thank Sarah and Deborah for all that they do for him and the cast, and for Tina, who helped and inspired him to be a performer.

MORGAN BECK (James Rider)

Morgan has caught the acting bug! This is her second year in theatre and she has been looking forward to acting since last year’s production. Morgan created James, who is Anna’s twin sister, to be quirky, caring and funny. James loves her family but is not impressed with the family drama. Morgan enjoys being involved in creating the story, her character, and practicing with the cast. Special thanks to her family and fellow cast members.

MADISON BEST (Charity Campbell)

This is Madison’s first year in Barrier-Free. She has performed with People Like Us. Since 2020 Madison has been a member of the Improvaneers. Additionally, Madison is a ballroom performer. Madison plays Charity Campbell, who desires to open her own restaurant to showcase her talents as a chef. Madison borrowed the name Charity from The Greatest Showman. Madison is passionate about Barrier-Free Theatre and feels she has a new family. She has come to understand mistakes in practices are easily forgiven and appreciates the guidance and support she feels. Madison would like to thank Sarah and Deborah for their guidance. Madison would also like to thank Amber for being so caring and making the season fun. Shout out to Creighton for being funny, a gentleman and introducing her to this program!

MADDIE CARDAMONE (Justin Rider)

This is Maddie’s second year in Barrier-Free Theatre. Maddie chose the role of Justin because she wanted to portray a strong character. Her first character name choice was Gaston. Away from theatre Maddie loves competing in Special Olympic sports and hanging out with the guys. She is always excited for theatre practice and loves socializing with the other cast members. Maddie would like to thank her family and friends for coming as well as directors, Sarah and Deborah, for all their hard work.

JOAN CHAMPAGNE (Bethany Hamilton)

Joan is excited to be playing Bethany Hamilton, a loyal member of the Rider family’s waitstaff. This is her first role in Barrier-Free Theatre. In 2012 she played both the Baroness Elsa Schraeder and a nun in the Vanity Theater’s production of The Sound of Music in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Joan is a family law attorney, and her hobbies include singing and playing rhythm guitar in an all-female rock band called The Janeways. Joan would like to thank the directors, cast and crew for being so welcoming!

BRYAN DARDEN (Jonathan Barnes)

Bryan is so excited about entering into his first full year of practicing and performing with Barrier-Free. Last year Bryan was part of the crew, but was blessed to experience a couple of lines in the play at the last minute. He and Amber have been participating in practicing together, they have been riding to the rehearsals together for the past two years. Bryan loves coming to rehearsal to see all of his fellow cast members each week. He likes performing on the stage and having a good time at the parties.

CAROLINE DUNKLAU (Kaylee Campbell)

This is Caroline’s fourth year at Barrier-Free. Caroline plays Kaylee. Her story is important because it reminds Caroline of her Grandpa, who would always say to her, “Don’t be afraid of doing what is right, and be faithful.” Caroline loves coming to rehearsal and making new friends, as well as being with old friends. Thanks to Sarah and Deborah, the directors for making her a part of Barrier-Free Theatre.

MARIA GRAHAM (Megan Carver)

Maria is happy to be appearing in her first Barrier-Free Theatre production. She has been in several musicals and plays in high school and college, including productions with Young Actors Theatre, and musicals with Summer Stock Stage and Civic Theatre’s Young Artists Program. Maria loves acting and being on stage. She thanks the Barrier-Free Theatre directors, Deborah and Sarah, for giving her this opportunity.

GRACE E. HAMILTON (Alexa Rider)

This is Grace’s first year performing with Barrier-Free Theatre. She has been in two commercials. Her character, Alexa Rider, is independent, loves performing, is responsible, and a “girl boss”. She is important because she is a successful Broadway star. Grace loves her character and acting. She has enjoyed rehearsals and being with friends. Grace would like to thank Sarah and Deborah, her fellow castmates, and the audience for coming to support our production.

LUCY HAMMANN (Mariah Rider)

Lucy has been in Barrier-Free Theatre for two years and is playing Mariah. The reason this story is so important to her is because she believes in true love, friendship, and family. Lucy loves being on stage and being a part of this cast, who has become a family to her. She wants to thank all of her family for supporting her as she chases her dreams. Acting is her favorite part of her career!

KELLY KASER (Rose Rider) This year’s Guest Director

Kelly is back this year for her sixth Barrier-Free production. Kelly has previously been involved in the Monon Community Center’s Playback Troupe, and Shakespeare in the Park. This year Kelly plays Rose. She loves mysteries and likes that her character helps her daughter, Alexa. Kelly also serves as this year’s guest director, which she has enjoyed and has learned a lot from. Thanks go to the Barrier-Free staff, family and friends who supported her this season.

WILL LIENEMANN (Mike Waters)

Will is making his second appearance in Barrier-Free Theatre. Will was inspired by his friend Michael Walters to create his character and enjoys being on stage with his castmates. Big thanks go out to Will’s Mom, his sister Rachel, and friends Shelby and Olivia.

ABBY LOVE (Calli Rider)

Abby has been in Barrier-Free Theater for six years, and was in a theater class and choir in high school. This year Abby created the character of Calli, who is inspired by her IU dance marathon buddy Calli. She is very fun to be with and really nice. Abby enjoys Barrier-Free because she likes being on stage with her friends. Abby would like to thank her mom, dad, and her sister Maggie, and her friend Michael Dillon.

ZACH MANDEL (Wallace Rider)

Zachary studied theatre all throughout high school and was a member of the Fishers High School Choir. He spent the past four years watching his younger sister perform and is so excited to be making his debut in his first production with Barrier-Free Theatre. He created Wallace because he liked the fact that he is very caring and is a hard working professor who still shows love for his family, even when they try to steal the necklace. Zach is having a fantastic time at Barrier-Free and he looks forward to Thursday evenings to see his friends. A big thank you to the directors, cast and crew for all they do and making him feel so welcome.

MICHAEL MCCARLEY (Vincent Monroe)

Michael is excited to be appearing in his second Barrier-Free show. Michael enjoys spending Thursday evening with his friends and has previously acted in high school and with the Artist Studio. Michael portrays Vincent Monroe, a man accused of a crime, but is he guilty? Michael sends a big thank you to his chaperone (his Mom), his best friends Erica and Service Dog Dee, and Directors Sarah and Deborah. Michael is hoping to make his Dad in heaven very proud.

MICHELLE MCCLELLAN (Narrator)

This is Michelle’s first year with Barrier-Free Theatre. Michelle was in theater and show choir when she was in high school, which was many years ago. Michelle’s love for theater makes this experience extremely rewarding. Michelle has a degree in Recreation Therapy and is currently working as a Case Manager. She and her husband, who are newlyweds, have four adult children and two dogs.

JOHN CREIGHTON NOAL (Kent Campbell)

This is John Creighton’s third year acting with Barrier-Free Theatre. He absolutely loves the program and all the members! It is his favorite Monon Community Center activity. This year John Creighton is playing Kent Campbell. He would like to thank ALL the directors and cast for supporting him in the productions. In addition, he would like to thank his Mom and Dad for always getting him to Barrier-Free.

EVAN OLLIER (Samuel Rider)

This performance marks Evan’s sixth year in Barrier-Free. Evan has always been interested in theatre and acting on stage. His parents have said that this is the best venue for him! This year Evan plays Grandpa Samuel, who he based on Grandpa Joe from the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Evan loves Barrier-Free. He enjoys meeting new and old friends, sharing experiences, and learning their likes and dislikes. He likes sharing this experience with his girlfriend, Lily Thompson. Evan would like to thank his Mom and Dad for their encouragement, and his relatives and friends for supporting in many ways. “Enjoy the play, just as we have enjoyed working on it together!”

MADELINE PAXTON (Anna Rider)

This is Madeline’s second year with Barrier-Free Theatre. She is so excited to be playing Anna, because she likes saying her funny lines and she likes to create art like Anna does. She has enjoyed her time in Barrier-Free this year and has had lots of fun with her fellow cast mates. Madeline would like to thank Sarah and Debbie for their support and leadership.

JOEL PERSINGER (Gregory McAllister)

Role created by Andrew Nichol Joel is excited to be participating in his first Barrier-Free Theatre program. As an avid movie-watcher, Joel has always liked the idea of working with actors, and he fondly remembers his high school drama class as well. Joel is playing the part of Gregory the butler, a character inspired by Beauty and the Beast. Joel is grateful to Deborah, Sarah, and everyone in Barrier-Free Theatre who made this opportunity possible.

TOMAS SLIVA (Rick Lawson, Jr.)

This is Tomas’ third year in Barrier-Free Theatre. Tomas wanted to challenge himself to portray someone much older than him. He enjoys seeing his friends every week, practicing lines, and making everyone laugh. Tomas wants to thank his parents for driving him to our meetings, his brother and sister-inlaw for encouraging him in his dream to become a stand-up comedian, and his dog Max for keeping him company when practicing his lines in his room.

AMBER SYKES (Victoria Taylor)

Amber is making her stage debut as Victoria in this year’s Barrier-Free Theatre production. Amber served as a member of the stage crew last year and was excited to take on a speaking part for the 2024 season. Being the social butterfly that she is, Amber has never met a stranger and is eager to try new things. She has enjoyed meeting and working with some great people and meeting new friends. Amber created the character Victoria because she enjoys spending time with her family along with being in the kitchen with her mom to help cook and try some new recipes. Special thanks and shout-outs to her family and friends for being there and always supporting her as she branches out to more independence. Big kudos and hugs to Nana for helping her memorize her lines.

LILY THOMPSON (Ludwig Rider)

This is Lily’s fifth year in Barrier-Free! Lily took inspiration for her character’s name from composer Ludwig Van Beethoven & Rapunzel’s Prince, Flynn Rider. Lily has been directing and acting in an annual Christmas production since 2014. Lily’s favorite line from the show is: “Now wait just a minute, Alexa is alive and well? Okay, so where is she?” Special thanks go to Lily’s boyfriend Evan for being supportive and her mom for videotaping & taking pictures of her Barrier-Free Theatre play.

EMMA WAGONER (Mallory Rider)

This is Emma’s first Barrier-Free production. She has been involved in many previous productions, both on stage and back stage, including at Grace Church. Emma plays Mallory, Mariah’s wife who finds herself in the middle of a lot of family drama during this Thanksgiving dinner. Emma looks forward to being a part of more Barrier-Free productions in the future!

BARRIER-FREE STAGE CREW

JADE ALIA | CALEB BANKS | DANIELLE LEWIS | DANIEL PEELER | QUIN STRZYNSKI

Call for participants for the 2024-2025 Theatre Season!

join us next season and help us create a brand-new, original play! Barrier-Free Theatre is looking for community members with and without disabilities to join our ensemble for the 2024-25 season. We will be meeting weekly from September through March (excluding holiday breaks). Come help make our cast truly inclusive, and have fun while doing it! No prior theatre experience necessary. For details, contact Kelvin Solares: ksolares@carmelclayparks.com

Keep your program and this QR code handy during the performance. You will be asked to scan and participate later on in the show.