Ring of Fire Playbill

MISSION STATEMENT:

Flat Rock Playhouse, The State Theatre of North Carolina, enriches lives through the art of theatre by sustaining production excellence, nurturing talent, and inspiring creativity in an inclusive safe haven for artistic vision, life-long learning, and creative risk.

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE’S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION:

Flat Rock Playhouse, The State Theatre of North Carolina, is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community of artists, patrons, volunteers, students, partners, and supporters where everyone is welcome.

At Flat Rock Playhouse, all people – whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, religion, education, or ability – are valued and respected. As storytellers, we strive to tell stories that reflect and illuminate the diversity of our shared humanity. We are grateful to our community and our audience members for joining us in this shared spirit of inclusion and equity for all.

HEAR THE DIFFERENCE

HOW TO USE: Easy as 1,2,3!

1.Attach headphones.

2.Press the green button to turn on.

3.Press the Black “T” button for the Hearing Loop. Adjust volume with the (+) and (-) buttons

Info on Hearing Loop:

•About 1 in 4 Americans —some 8.4 million—have hearing aids, according to a 2018 poll.

•A hearing loop magnetically transfers the microphone or TV sound signal to hearing aids and cochlear implants that have a tiny, inexpensive “telecoil” receiver. This transforms the instruments into in-the-ear loudspeakers that deliver sound customized for one’s own hearing loss.

•69% hearing models—including in-the-ear models and conventional behind-the-ear models.

•A form of assistive listening, including hearing loops, come with portable receivers and headsets.

•What is a telecoil?

-A tiny coil of wire around a core that will induce an electric current in the coil when its in the presence of a changing magnetic field.

- Normally, a hearing aid "listens" with its microphone, then amplifies what it “hears”.

-A telecoil “hears” a magnetic signal which represents sound.

-On telecoil-equipped hearing aids and CIs, the wearer must “turn on or “switch to” telecoil mode. Some users prefer a mode that only uses the telecoil and not the microphones when they are in telecoil mode, and other users prefer a combination of telecoil and microphones.

Major Benefits:

•Can use your own hearing aid that is geared to your particular needs.

• Don’t have to take extra time to go find hearing aid assistance or configure it to work best for you.

Check it out: Hear The Difference! http://www.americanhearingloop.com/

Scroll down the page and listen to the two audio clips.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

SPECIAL THANKS TO ASHEVILLE EAR NOSE & THROAT

LISA K. BRYANT, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which ahuman being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

–Oscar

Wilde

Welcome to Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina. Visitors have been making their pilgrimage to the great flat rock for over 70 years now. While many of our patrons have indicated that they can’t get enough of the ‘creative,’ and ‘unique,’ and ‘free’ parking experience we provide (ahem), it seems that most keep coming back for the professional excellence of our productions! It’s possible that the gorgeous Appalachian Mountains, surrounding shops, and yummy restaurants have some impact as well. But mostly, we know that it’s the parking they can’t get enough of. Sorry, I mean the professional excellence!

Ok, seriously—every season, the staff and artists who make up Flat Rock Playhouse come from all over the country to lend their passion, talent, and skill to the craft of making live theatre happen. As a producing theatre we design and build everything you see on stage ourselves: the props, the costumes, the scenery, lighting, and sound. We cast the actors, rehearse everything right here on property, sprinkle some world-class musicians on top, and then SHAZAM! —it’s another opening of another fantastic show. The truth is, it’s kind of a miracle that it all comes together the way it does. Fortunately, we are blessed to work with incredible talent on stage and off. And each member of the team desires nothing less than creating an experience second to none for our audience.

As theatre artists and artisans, we love bringing the words and worlds found in a script to life on the stage. We know that great theatre challenges how we think and encourages us to fantasize about a world we aspire to or to contemplate worlds previously unknown. Theatre teaches lessons about life, society, and emotion. It is a magical craft capable of transforming each of us and fostering epiphanal experiences that can change lives and hearts. Also, it’s really fun!

Shakespeare wrote that “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Whatever role you play at Flat Rock Playhouse—patron, donor, volunteer, or parking enthusiast, — we are profoundly grateful. Thank you for playing your parts so faithfully, and for your shared love of our beloved Playhouse on the great flat rock.

Sincerely yours,

Lisa K. Bryant Artistic Director

A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT

MIKE WEITZEL

Everyone associated with Flat Rock Playhouse, the staff, performers, musicians, production crew, interns and apprentices, volunteers, and the Board of Trustees welcome you to the 2023 season. If you saw one or more of the Music on the Rock® concerts earlier this year, you felt the excitement that we have all come to know on the Rock. And that was just the beginning. Every month you are welcome to come back to the Rock to see another outstanding presentation. From the Bard’s work to the casting of A Chorus Line, from The Girl on the Train to the girls in Steel Magnolia, and of course, our Christmas show, we have something for everyone all year long.

I am always amazed at the effort it takes to put on a production. Everything you see and hear is “Made at the Playhouse”. Glance at the set, it was designed, built, painted, and set up by the production crew. Notice the detail. There is a lot more to the Playhouse than meets the eye on opening night. The Actor housing, the costume shop, the Playhouse Jr. rehearsal hall, the administrative offices, and more are all part of our campus. We even have our own pond.

Please know that all of this could not be happening without your generous support. Whether a season subscriber, a visitor from “up North”, an occasional patron or a long time Vagabond, YOU make a difference. With your patronage, through ticket sales or a generous donation, the lights stay on at the Playhouse. From the very first tent shows in 1952 to tonight’s performance, your “State Theater of North Carolina” has produced so many memorable shows because of community support. Please know that YOU are important to the Playhouse. It is YOUR donation or YOUR ticket purchase that keeps us moving forward.

Now it is time for the show to begin. Soon you will be transported to another place or time where you will be tapping your toes or reaching for a tissue. Enjoy being a part of the Flat Rock Playhouse.

Mike

Weitzel

Board of Trustees President

DIRECTORS

Clyde Allen

Connie Backlund

Suzanne Camarata

Sharon Campbell

Steve Cosgrove

Bob DiBella

Deanna Ellis

Gene Hamme

Robin Hamme

Sherri Holbert

Bruce Holliday

Karolyn Killian

David Leiman

Peg Luy

Tom Marshall

Joff Masukuwa

Larry McGaughy

Charlotte Otto

Turner Rouse

Emily Russell

Janette Sullivan

Michael Sullivan

Michael Weitzel

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE BOARD OF

Doris, painter

A MESSAGE FROM BEN HOPE, DIRECTOR OF RING OF FIRE

‘There’s a lot about Johnny Cash that is extraordinary; He’s won 11 Grammy’s, released 96 albums, and written over 1500 original songs. He supported causes like mental health associations, homes for autistic kids, and battered women’s shelters. He was an avid reader and collector of antique books. He wrote poems throughout his entire life, emulating his favorite poets like Edna St. Vincent Millay, William Blake, and the Apostle Paul (he even wrote a novel about Paul on the road to Damascus - The Man In White).

Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire.

Preserving the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site for generations to come - would you like to be a part of that legacy? Connect with The Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara to find out how.

friendsofcarlsandburg.org

RING OF FIRE

The Music of Johnny Cash

Created by RICHARD MALTBY, JR.

Conceived by WILLIAM MEADE

Adapted from the Broadway Production by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Jason Edwards

Orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisen by Additional arrangements by David Abbinanti

Ring of Fire was originally produced on Broadway by William Meade, CTM Productions, Bob Cuillo, GFour Productions, and James B. Freydberg

DIRECTOR

BEN HOPE

ASSOC. PRODUCTION MANAGER

JOSHUA STEWART

ASST. STAGEMANAGER AMELIA DRISCOLL*

COSTUME DESIGNER

ASHLI CRUMP

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

LISA K. BRYANT

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

MATTHEW GLOVER

SCENIC DESIGNER

DENNIS C. MAULDEN

SOUND DESIGNER KURT DAVIS

PRODUCTION MANAGER

ADAM GOODRUM

PRODUCTION STAGEMANAGER BILL MUÑOZ*

LIGHTING DESIGNER

BEN HAMANN

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

BRANDON McIVER

HAIR + MAKEUP

ANSLEY JUAN

PROPS MANAGER

RORY BROWNELL

Daddy/Band Member CHRIS BLISSET*

Brother Jack........................................BRIAN RUSSELL CARE Y*

Johnny Cash.....................................................LUKE DARNELL*

Mama/Vivien............................................MARCY MCGUIGA N*

Little Sister/June..............................ELIZABETH NESTLER ODE*

PRODUCTION STAFF

Morgan Shea - Assistant Scenic Designer

Mike Sarisky - Assistant Technical Director

Deborah Samuelson - Head Carpenter

Steph Charaska - Scenic Charge

Shaly Farmer - Assistant Scenic Charge

Gabby Goldman - Electrician

Shannon O'Leary - Electrician

Brook Davies - Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Amy Pavelka - Head of Wardrobe

Betty Miller - Stitcher

Katherine Wells - Costume Shop Volunteer

Mason Sams - Audio Engineer

RING OF FIRE

Is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036

www.theatricalrights.com

The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.

*Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association

Act I

Montage

Country Boy

Daddy Sang Bass

Five Feet High and Rising

Far Side Banks of Jordan

Straight A’s in Love

While I’ve Got It on My Mind

Hey, Porter

Cry, Cry, Cry

Martha White

Dirty Old Egg-Suckin’ Dog

Big River

Oh Come, Angel Band

Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart

Ring of Fire

Act II

Jackson

Sunday Morning Coming Down

Flesh and Blood

Jackson Reprise

I Walk the Line

Folsom Prison Blues

Man in Black

If I Were a Carpenter

A Boy Named Sue

Get Rhythm

All Over Again

I Still Miss Someone

Why Me, Lord

Bows

I’ve Been Everywhere

*SONG LIST IS SUBJECT TO

CHRIS BLISSET* (DADDY) is thrilled to return to this wonderful company. His previous projects here include: Keep on the Sunnyside, Cottonpatch Gospel (Actor and Music Director in both), The Melville Boys, Kiss Me Kate, Million Dollar Quartet, and Plaid Tidings (actor or actor-musician in each).

TV: Bull (CBS – Guest Star), Killer Couples (Oxygen – Lead Killer). Tour: First and second national tours of Stand by Your Man, the Tammy Wynette Story. Off-Broadway: RockShow (actor/composer/music director), Joe Iconis’ Bloodsong of Love (on-stage orchestra). Other regional favorites include: Natasha Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812, Once, Twelfth Night, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Civil War, The Full Monty, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Cotton Patch Gospel, Unnecessary Farce, Almost Heaven (actor, musician, director, music director, combat choreographer in various.) As a composer, Chris works primarily in New York City, where his songs have been sung by Lena Hall, Brenda Braxton and Chris Jackson, among others. “Red” lives in service of actor-musicianship; writing, teaching, and promoting such work whenever possible. Chris is the musical director of The Grand Tour, a George Jones tribute act. He is also the composer of the new musical The Caldera currently in process. He was awarded “Best Musical Score” by the Creative International Film Festival for the short film Life is Funny – and a Wilde Award for Best Music Direction for Once. www.chrisblisset. com. Special thanks go out to Lisa and Ben for the invitation.

BRIAN RUSSELL CAREY* (BROTHER JACK) is excited to be making his Flat Rock Playhouse debut! Off-Broadway: Red Roses, Green Gold; A Christmas Carol (MOD Theatre Company). Regional Theatre: Ring of Fire (Actors Theatre Louisville, Milwaukee Rep, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Potsdam Music Theatre), The Buddy Holly Story (North Shore Music Theatre), Star of Freedom (Ivoryton Playhouse), The All Night Strut! (Milwaukee Rep), Back Home Again (The Lesher Center), All Shook Up (Carriage House Theatre). Brian received his BFA from Brigham Young University. He frequently collaborates with his husband, musical theatre writer Joey Contreras, and is the music supervisor of his shows In Pieces, Forget Me Not, and Heartbreakers in Hell. In addition to playing 12 instruments and acting, he is a professional videographer and runs his production company, BRC Creative. Love to Joey, his family, and friends! (He/Him) @brianrcarey brianrussellcarey.com

LUKE DARNELL* (JOHNNY CASH) is grateful to be making his Flat Rock debut. Recent highlights include Off Broadway’s The Other Josh Cohen, Syracuse Stage’s Matilda (Mr Wormwood), the Las Vegas company of Million Dollar Quartet (Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash), Jersey Boys (Gyp Decarlo) at North Shore Music Theatre, and The Buddy Holly Story (Norm Petty) at Tuacahn Center in UT. TV credits include: FBI, Law & Order, Billions, General Hospital. A fourth generation performer and multi instrumentalist, he also plays with several rock-n-roll bands and with his partner, Lianne Marie Dobbs, (https://www.facebook.com/LianneandLukeDuo) adding jazz standards and Great American Songbook to his repertoire. Big thanks to Ben, Katie, and everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse! www.lukedarnell.com. IG: @actormusicianguy

Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show (Ghost of Christmas Present & others) at the Old Globe in San Diego, 4 productions of Once (Girl) including Cape Playhouse, Actors Playhouse, 2 productions of Ring of Fire (June Carter Cash) Violet (Violet) …Spelling Bee (Olive), Buddy Holly (Vi Pettydirector Hunter Foster), 54 Forever (director Tommy Tune), It’s A Wonderful Life (Mary Bailey / Evelyn). Readings: Clue, One Hit Wonder, Battlefield. TV: The Late Show with David Letterman. BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Miami. Member of Actors Equity Association. During the pandemic Elizabeth started her own business and built two 12-week courses for actors: N2NYT: New to New York Theatre for emerging professional actors to bridge the gap between their creative training and the craft of pursuing theatre in NYC, and NYT Reboot to help established professional actors break through to the next level by re-discovering all of the variables and power that artists have, in an industry where they so often feel disempowered. Reach out to learn more! Instagram: @elizabethnestlerode www.elizabethnestlerode.com

MARCY MCGUIGAN* (MAMA / VIVIEN) I watched Jamie Lee Curtis accept her Academy Award and Thank all the fans who have stood by her over all these years from her Genre Movies. She also said “I am not standing up here by myself… I am hundreds of People.” She understood it is everyone involved that creates the magic and It is also the Audience who supports the Artists over the Years. I could not be more blessed than to return to Flat Rock Playhouse. It has been my Artistic Home and Playground because of the Audience and all of the Hundreds of Vagabonds who have worked and created here over the Years. I could not be more excited than to work with Ben Hope on Ring of Fire. He was a Young Apprentice when I met him here at The Rock. He has performed all over this country, on Broadway and Back to The Rock… Our Rock. We represent a few of Hundreds who owe our careers to the relationships we have forged here and the Audience who have supported us honing our craft. Here’s to Life, Here’s to Love, Here’s to Our Rock. Flat Rock Playhouse.

O ering two community-supported channels, BPR Classic & BPR News, that inform, inspire, connect, and reflect Western North Carolina

On your radio & on your digital devices Learn more at bpr.org

NONE OF THIS IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT THIS CREW!

Adam Goodrum................................................................................Production Manager

Joshua Stewart.................................................................Associate Production Manager

Morgan Shea............................................................................Assistant Scenic Designer

Brandon McIver.....................................................................................Technical Director

Mike Sarisky...........................................................................Assistant Technical Director

Deborah Samuelson................................................................................Head Carpenter

Steph Charaska............................................................................................Scenic Charge

Shaly Farmer................................................................................Assistant Scenic Charge

Ben Hamann.................................................................Head of Lighting and Projections

Gabby Goldman................................................................................................Electrician

Shannon O’Leary...............................................................................................Electrician

Ashli Crump................................................................................Costume Shop Manager

Brook Davies...............................................................Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Amy Pavelka.........................................................................................Head of Wardrobe

Betty Miller............................................................................................................Stitcher

Katherine Wells.........................................................................Costume Shop Volunteer

Ansley Juan............................................................................Hair and Makeup Designer

Kurt Davis....................................................................................................Head of Audio

Mason Sams..............................................................................................Audio Engineer

Rory Brownell............................................................................................Props Manager

LISA K. BRYANT (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR) This season marks Lisa’s ninth year as the Artistic Director for the State Theatre of North Carolina. Beginning her FRP career as an Apprentice, Lisa has been proud to serve the theatre through the years as a student, Equity actor, teacher, and director. Select favorite FRP performances include Velma Von Tussle/Hairspray, May/The Affections of May, Bianca/Kiss Me, Kate, and Peggy Sawyer/42 nd Street Favorite Directing projects include 2022’s West Side Story, Amadeus, RENT, My Fair Lady, Once On This Island, and so many more. Lisa is proud to have introduced the critically successful Black Box Series last year where she directed the hilarious God of Carnage and brought South African playwright Athol Fugard’s Blood Knot to WNC. DO NOT MISS this year’s Black Box production of Shakespeare’s popular MACBETH coming this October. As ever, a special thanks to the extraordinary Playhouse Staff and every artist whose talent, dedication, and passion make ‘The Rock’ rock! Finally, a heartfelt thanks to the patrons, donors, sponsors, and volunteers who keep the theatre going year after year. We literally would not be here without you, and we are forever grateful for your faithful friendship and support.

BEN HOPE (DIRECTOR) Ben is grateful for any opportunity to return to the Rock! Ring of Fire, in particular, is a passion project for Ben, and he’s thrilled with another opportunity to pay tribute to one of his musical heroes. This show marks Ben’s 10th production of Ring of Fire and his 24th production at Flat Rock Playhouse! Hope made his Broadway debut in 2012 as the first replacement for Guy in the Tony Award-winning musical ONCE. With degrees in Musical Theatre and Arts Administration plus 20 joyful years of experience as a professional performer, Ben recently settled into a full-time position as Executive Producer at Ivoryton Playhouse in Connecticut, working alongside his wife Katie Barton, whom he met at Flat Rock Playhouse in the summer of 2005. Katie and Ben lovingly welcomed Dorothy Jo Hope into the world in December 2021 and have a baby boy on the way in May 202 Ben wishes to extend his genuine gratitude for the friendship and professionalism of all his Flat Rock Playhouse family, past and present. Special thanks to this amazing cast and the wonderful support of the best Stage Manager in the business, Bill Muñoz. Ben wishes to dedicate his work on this project to his late father, Captain James ‘Bud’ Hope who nurtured and supported Ben’s love of music and storytelling for many years.

ADAM GOODRUM (PRODUCTION MANAGER) Adam graduated from UNC School of the Arts in with a B.F.A. in Technical Direction. After graduating he went to Goodspeed Opera House where he spent 3 years climbing the ranks from a Carpenter, Lead Welder, Master Carpenter to their Assistant Technical Director 2007. He then moved to DC to become Signature Theatre’s Technical Director. After a year with Signature he returned to Goodspeed to take over as their Technical Director where he stayed from 2009-2013. In 2013 Adam moved closer to home and joined the Flat Rock Playhouse staff where he took on the position of Technical Director, and in 2014, he moved up to be the Production Manager. Adam is happy to have found his place back in his home state of NC where he is closer to family and friends and where he and his wife, Samantha welcomed their first child Ryden to the Vagabond Family in 2018.

JOSHUA STEWART (ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION MANAGER) Originally from the Midwest, Joshua traveled the US as a production manager and stage manager prior to settling in Western North Carolina. He has worked with companies such as Florida Grand Opera, the Atlanta Opera, Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre Company, and Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts, among others. Joshua holds a Master of Fine Arts in Stage Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a Bachelors of Science in Theatre Production from Illinois State University, and is a member of the American Guild of Musical Artists.

BILL MUÑOZ* (PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER) This year marks Bill’s 32 nd season at Flat Rock Playhouse. Starting out as an apprentice in 1985, through subsequent years, he went from Scenic Carpenter to Actor to Stage Manager to Fight Choreographer to year-round staff as Production Manager. Although now he “stepped down” to only be hired seasonally, he always looks forward to return to this special community at the “Rock.” Special thanks to those who support live theatre and make the arts an important contribution to society. Much love to his wife and daughter, the two most important people of his life.

AMELIA DRISCOLL (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) is thrilled to be back at Flat Rock Playhouse working on another fantastic production. In 2012, she graduated from UNC Wilmington with a BFA in Creative Writing and a minor in Theatre. Since then, she has worked as an Production Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager for theatres in North Carolina, South Carolina, and California. She would like to thank the cast, crew, production team, and everyone at FRP for making this a wonderful experience. Finally, to her friends and family, a huge thank you for their endless support and love.

DENNIS C. MAULDEN (SCENIC DESIGNER) Apprenticed with the Playhouse in 1967 and continued for 11 years as Equity Stage Manager and Scenic Artist. He became Resident Scenic Designer in 1985 and joined the full-time staff in 2000. With an MFA degree from UNC-Greensboro in 1977 and membership in United Scenic Artists, New York Local #829, Maulden has designed standard and classical repertory works, experimental projects, new plays, operas, and musicals in regional, university, and New York theatres. Proud to have contributed to the theatre’s physical and aesthetic growth, artistic production quality, and strong educational development, Dennis feels particularly blessed to be a part of the Playhouse family. denniscmaulden.com

MATTHEW GLOVER (ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE) In 1998, Matthew became a fellow Vagabond where he fell in love with the theatre at the age of 11 performing in The Sound of Music and The Will Rogers Follies followed by many more productions on the Rock! Thankful to continue to direct and choreograph for FRP. Matthew also creates, directs and choreographs the successful production of A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas which is now in it’s sixth season! After receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre from Elon University, he traveled the worl performing in national tours, mumerous regional theatres, cruise ships and theme parks. Over the last several years, Matthew has transitioned to the creative side of the theater, wearing many hats that come with the territory. Huge thanks to the FRP Staff and team for bringing me back home!

University. His favorite shows to work on at FRP have been The Lion, The Witch, & The Ward robe, Mamma Mia, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and Turn of the Screw. His other lighting design credits include Guys & Dolls, Mary Poppins (Overshadowed Theatrical Productions); Christmas Cabaret (Younts Center). In his free time he also designs and consults for Pinkish Floyd, a local tribute band. He would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support.

KURT DAVIS (SOUND DESIGNER) graduated from The University of Mississippi in 2015, receiving a B.F.A. in Theatrical Design & Production emphasizing in Sound Design. Since then, he has worked in multiple performing arts venues across the country, including Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, DC, New Stage Theatre in his hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, and The Brevard Music Center in Brevard, North Carolina. Kurt is excited to return to Flat Rock Playhouse for his second season! Favorite designs include MAMMA MIA, GOD OF CARNAGE (Flat Rock Playhouse), THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE (Warehouse Theatre), BRIGHT STAR, and SWEAT (New Stage Theatre).

ASHLI CRUMP (RESIDENT COSTUME DESIGNER / COSTUME SHOP MANAGER)

Ashli has been a Vagabond for 31 years and has led the costume department for over a decade. A graduate of the former FRP Theatre for Young People Conservatory program. She has a degree in Theatre Design and Technology from Appalachian State University. As the Resident Costume Designer, she has designed countless FRP productions. Some of her favorites include West Side Story, South Pacific, All Shook Up, Annie, Chasing Rainbows, Million Dollar Quartet, 9 to 5, The Music Man, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Hank Williams Lost Highway, The Little Prince, Peter Pan, and A Christmas Story. Ashli has also worked for New Stage Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Blowing Rock Stage Company, The Opera Company of NC, Brevard Music Center, Brevard College, and Sapsis Rigging. You can also see Ashli’s handcrafted jewelry and designs at The Garage on 25 in Fletcher, NC.

ANSLEY JUAN (HAIR AND MAKEUP) This is Ansley Juan’s first season at Flat Rock Playhouse as their Wig and Makeup Artist. She has spent the past 5 years learning and expanding her craft as a wig technician and stylist, and is excited to share that with everyone here this season.

RORY BROWNELL (PROPS MANAGER) Born in Maryland and raised in South Dakota, Rory Brownell is a Prop Artist and Manager returning to the east coast for his first summer here at Flat Rock Playhouse. Rory loves working on anything fantastical and everything historical. He is overjoyed to begin the summer season with Ring of Fire. *Rory Brownell also works freelance, and makes custom commission work under the moniker, RGB Props.*

BRANDON MCIVER (TECHNICAL DIRECTOR) is celebrating his first production with Flat Rock after joining the theatre at the very end of the season last year. He has worked in numerous scene shops in various capacities over the last 20 years. In 2003 he moved to Columbia, SC where he began his theatre career as ATD with Trustus Theatre. Throughout his artistic adventure, Brandon has worked as a carpenter, painter and props and scenic designer for many if not all of the theatre, dance and opera companies in Columbia. He has also designed/built scenery, special effects and props for independent film and commercial video. On a smaller scale, Brandon has built scenery and served as puppeteer for the Columbia Marionette Theatre. After relentless vacationing in WNC for the last 15 years, he decided to finally become a resident. Brandon is excited and grateful to his new friends at FRP for giving him a chance and having him aboard.

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE STAFF

Producing Artistic Director.............................................................................................Lisa K. Bryant

Managing Director...............................................................................................................Lex Green

Artistic Associate........................................................................................................Matthew Glover

Resident Music Director..............................................................................................Ethan Andersen

Production Manager..................................................................................................Adam Goodrum

Associate Production Manager.......................................................................................Josh Stewart

Technical Director.......................................................................................................Brandon McIver

Education Programs Manager....................................................................................Lauren Hopkins

Major Gifts Officer.......................................................................................................Kim Hinkelman

Development Manager..................................................................................................Olivia Palmer

Development Associate.................................................................................................Debra Nelson

Marketing Director......................................................................................................Christy Souther

Videographer.....................................................................................................................Jeb Purcell

Box Office Manager.......................................................................................................Stephanie Orr

Assoc. Box Office Manager...........................................................................................Jade Anastasia

Customer Service Representative........................................................Meredith King, Alyson Gooch

Patron Services Manager..............................................................................................Heather Smith

House Managers.........................................Emmett Casey, Vicki Leeds, Jessica Casey, Libby Morris

Facilities Manager.............................................................................................................Paul Feraldi

Assistant Facilities Manager + Concessions...................................................................Bryan Taylor

Head of Lighting.............................................................................................................Ben Hamann

Head of Sound Kurt Davis

Resident Costume Designer / Costume Shop Manager.....................................Ashli Arnold Crump

Patti LuPone

Audra McDonald

THE LEIMAN

Find peace and tranquility in this new garden of remembrance.

Flat Rock Playhouse’s founder, Robroy Farquhar, settled in this beautiful mountain region to celebrate the joys of nature and create a safe haven to practice his craft. In 2021, we continue to embrace the quiet serenity of our beautiful surroundings with The Leiman Garden of Remembrance.

David and Sharon Leiman donated this hallowed ground in memory of the six million Jews and millions of other men, women, and children murdered by Nazi Germany. The garden invites us all to remember, learn, reflect and NEVER FORGET.

David and Sharon first came to Flat Rock Playhouse in 2016 for the all-star hit production, Million Dollar Quartet. We are honored and overjoyed to call this dynamic duo part of the Flat Rock Playhouse team of patrons, donors, and volunteers.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE INDIVIDUAL DONORS:

We are abundantly grateful for the generous support of our donors who ensure that the show will go on. Together we can preserve, ignite, and revitalize the arts in Western North Carolina. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional theater and arts education organization, Flat Rock Playhouse relies on tax-deductible donations to support our programming.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS