Steel Magnolias

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.

It is a joy to sponsor the 2023 season of world-class productions created right here at Flat Rock Playhouse.

We hope you enjoy the show. Thank you for supporting Flat Rock Playhouse.

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

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

DIRECTORS

Larry McGaughy

Charlotte Otto

Turner Rouse

Emily Russell

Janette Sullivan

Michael Sullivan

Michael Weitzel

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE BOARD OF

Doris, painter

ROBERT HARLING, AUTHOR

Robert Harling made his directorial debut with “The Evening Star” for Paramount, which he also wrote for the screen based on Larry McMurty’s novel. “The Evening Star” reunited Shirley MacLaine and Jack Nicholson and co-stars Juliette Lewis, Bill Paxton, Scott Wolf, Miranda Richardson, and Marion Ross. “The Evening Star” is the continuation of one of the most beloved and acclaimed movies of our time, “Terms of Endearment.” Before launching a successful stage and screenwriting career, Robert graduated from Tulane University School of Law, but instead of taking the bar exam, he opted to become an actor in New York. After years of productive work as an actor in voiceovers and commercials, Harling was inspired to write the highly acclaimed stage play STEEL MAGNOLIAS, which was based on events from his personal life. STEEL MAGNOLIAS continues to thrive in theatrical productions throughout the world. Immediately bridging a career from stage to screen, Harling adapted his original play into the popular film of the same title, which starred Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, and Daryl Hannah. Over the years, Mr. Harling has become a much sought-after screenwriter: other credits, to name a few, include “Soapdish,” which was based on Harling’s acting experience and starred Sally Field, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robert Downey Jr., and “FIRST WIVES CLUB” for Paramount, starring Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton.

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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.

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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.

ANNE HERING (DIRECTOR) Directing credits include Christmas at Pemberley, The Great Gatsby, The Turn of the Screw and Yankee Tavern (Orlando Shakespeare Theater), Every Brilliant Thing (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival),Cabaret, Into the Woods, and Bat Boy (Valencia College) and Defying Gravity, Sylvia and All in the Timing (Orlando Theater Project). As an actor, has appeared in many Orlando Shakespeare Theater productions, including Noises Off, Sweet Water Taste, Henry V, The Three Musketeers, Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2, Richard II, Bakersfield Mist, Bad Dog, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Sense and Sensibility, Romeo and Juliet, Cymbeline, God of Carnage, Pride and Prejudice, All’s Well that Ends Well, Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, The Merchant of Venice, The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, The Glass Menagerie, Macbeth, The Comedy of Errors, The Merry Wives of Windsor, King Lear, Into the Woods, Twelfth Night and The Winter’s Tale. Anne is a member of AEA and SAG/AFTRA and is Director of Education at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. www.annehering.com

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.

LINDSEY A. MOSS* (PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER) is beyond thrilled to be back at Flat Rock Playhouse and to be part of this wonderful production. Previous credits include Hairspray, Les Miserables, The Last Five Years, Miss Saigon, and Annie (among many others) at FRP; Vrooommm! at Triad Stage; and Twelve Dates of Christmas-2017 & 2018, The Lifespan of a Fact, The Roommate, and Be Here Now at North Carolina Stage Company. Many thanks to Lisa, Adam, Anne, this INCREDIBLE cast of strong women, and the entire FRP team for inviting me back and a BIG thank you to YOU for supporting the return of live theatre.”

MADELYN HAWVER (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) is so excited to be making her Flat Rock Playhouse debut! In 2021, Madelyn graduated from the University of Cincinnati (CCM) with her BFA in Stage Management. While in college she stage managed at local theatres Know Theatre of Cincinnati and Pioneer Playhouse. Since graduation, she’s had the privilege of stage managing at theatres in South Carolina (Long Bay Theatre, Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute) and Florida (Gulfshore Playhouse). She is so thankful to her family, friends, and mentors for their unconditional 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 seventh season! After receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre from Elon University, he traveled the world 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).

TRAVIS M. GRANT (COSTUME DESIGNER) FRP Debut! Elsewhere: It’s A Wonderful Life, The Addams Family, Escape to Margaritaville (Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre); Cinderella (North Shore Music Theatre); Cinderella, Annie Get Your Gun, Million Dollar Quartet (Fulton Theatre); The Rocky Horror Show, The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, Million Dollar Quartet, Grease, Tommy (Maine State Music Theatre); Anything Goes, Cinderella (The Wick Theatre); Tuck Everlasting, Hello Dolly!, Young Frankenstein, Mary Poppins, Into the Woods, Shrek, Fiddler on the Roof, Spamalot (Waterville Opera House); Equivocation (New England Premiere), Swimming in the Shallows, Topdog/Underdog, Gross Indecency (Dramatic Repertory Company); The Nutcracker (Bossov Ballet); Inook and the Sun (U.S. Premiere), Last Easter (New England Premiere, KCACTF/Barbizon Region I National Design Award) (University of Southern Maine), and many more! Travis is a frequent collaborator with RuPaul’s Drag Race alum JuJubee (Huluween Dragstravaganza, PetSmart National Commercial/Instagram). Winner of five regional Broadway World Awards for Best Costume Design, including Best Costume Design of the Decade (2010 – 2020). www.travismgrant.com

ANSLEY JUAN (HAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGNER) 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