Totem Pole Playhouse Prepares for 2011 Season

Totem Pole Offers More Shows in 2011- County grant funds children's theatre

Totem Pole Playhouse is expanding its summer programming in 2011. Along with its customary lineup of six musicals and comedies, The Playhouse will offer audiences more live music, additional family friendly shows, plus a new installment of the popular Late Nite Catechism series.
Like the last two summers, Totem Pole will again produce a season of plays never before seen on The Playhouse stage. June also marks the return of the beloved murder mystery to the Caledonia summer theatre.

Through a grant from The Franklin County Foundation, The Playhouse has formed a new company: The Totem Pole Players: Theatre for Young Audiences. Guest professional directors, writers and designers will work alongside the intern Acting Company to produce four Saturday morning performances of Pirates and Zombies. This new musical play is free and open to all ages. Artistic Director, Ray Ficca, sees this new company as vital to Totem Pole's future. "It is imperative that theatres take the lead to build new and younger audiences. This grant gives us that opportunity. We are extremely grateful to the foundation."
THE 2011 SEASON

Hank Williams: Lost Highway By Randal Myler and Mark Harelik

May 28, 2011-June 12, 2011

Popular Shenandoah Valley musician, Robbie Limon, will reprise his role as the troubled country music legend, Hank Williams. Lost Highway follows Williams' rise and fall, from his humble roots singing gospel music on the Louisiana Hayride, to the great stage of the Grand Ole Opry. The tribute features over twenty Williams classics including, Hey, Good Lookin', Move It on Over, Jambalaya, and Your Cheatin' Heart !

Sponsored by: Essis & Sons Carpet One and Walker, Connor & Spang, LLC

Cast and Crew Post Show Discussion: Friday, June 10, 2011

Moonlight and Magnolias By Ron Hutchinson

June 14, 2011-June 26, 2011
Gone with the Wind was recently named the top movie of all time in the ABC special Best in Film: The Greatest Movies of Our Time, but what most fans and movie lovers don't know is that this classic almost never made it to the silver screen. Three weeks into shooting the epic, producer David O. Selznick realized that the screenplay just wasn't working. Production was shut down and Selznick, writer Ben Hecht, and director Victor Flemming locked themselves in an office and rewrote the whole script in just five days. This new comedy recounts those pressure-filled, overly caffeinated five days. Playhouse Artistic Director, Ray Ficca stars along side Totem Pole favorites Paris Peet, Jon Liebetrau and Meredith Kaye Clark in this comedy about the greatest film that was almost never made.
Sponsored by: Franklin County Visitors Bureau

Cast and Crew Post Show Discussion: Thursday, June 23, 2011

It Could Be Any One of Us By Alan Ayckbourn

June 28, 2011-July 10, 2011
The plays of Alan Ayckbourn, known for their intelligent writing, creative wordplay and hilarious characters, have been a staple in summer theatres for over three decades. It Could Be Any One of Us marks the playwright's first venture into the mystery play and the clever Mr. Ayckbourn has even given the play three possible endings - which The Playhouse marketing team is taking full advantage of by advertising "You might have to see this more than once."

Sponsored by: The Orchards Restaurant

Cast and Crew Post Show Discussion: Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Wil Love and Catherine Blaine

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Suite Surrender By Michael McKeever

July 12, 2011-July 24, 2011

Suite Surrender premiered in January 2008 at the Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton, FL to sellout crowds and critical acclaim. The Story: Its 1942, and the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel is under siege as two of Hollywood's biggest divas vie for the same suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double entendres, and one pampered little lap dog round out this fall-down-laughing riot of a farce. Totem Pole favorites Wil Love and Catherine Blaine lead an all-star cast in what promises to be a favorite with Playhouse subscribers.

Sponsored by: Mister Ed's Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium and Orrstown Bank.

Cast and Crew Post Show Discussion: Saturday July 23, 2011

Honus and Me

Story by Dan Gutman

Adaptation by Steven Dietz

July 26, 2011-August 7, 2011

Honus Wagner is considered to be one of the greatest baseball players of all time. The Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop was an expert in all aspects of the game: hitting, fielding, and base running. He is best known for his American Tobacco Company T206 Baseball card. Wagner objected to his likeness being sold with tobacco and the card was withdrawn after only about 100 were printed. In the play, part of Totem Pole's family friendly series, a young boy finds himself face to face with the baseball legend after finding Wagner's coveted 1909 baseball card. Together, they travel back in time to see if the young man has what it takes to step in for the legend and be the hero of the 1909 World Series! 

Sponsored by: F & M Trust

Cast and Crew Post Show Discussion: Friday, June 29, 2011

Southern Crossroads By Warner Crocker and Steve Przybylski

August 9, 2011-August 21, 2011

When the roaring 20's crashed into the Great Depression, our country had to find a way to endure. Southern Crossroads is an inspiring story about one musical group's struggle against impossible odds as they find new hope through music in troubled times. Classics from the Great American Songbook such as Goodnight Irene, I Saw The Light, and Midnight Special provide the backdrop for this uplifting musical.
Sponsored by: Rotz & Stonesifer and M&T Bank

Cast and Crew Post Show Discussion: Thursday, August 11, 2011

Special Added Programming
Elvis: Before the Cape

June 7, 2011

7:30 PM

The Playhouse turns into a music hall as Clay Arthur and his band pay tribute to the early years of the King of Rock 'n Roll. Before the army, the movies, and the jumpsuit, there was a poor young man from Memphis who later would change the face of popular music forever. All music is live and there are no sideburns or capes. General Admission Tickets are only $10.

PIRATES AND ZOMBIES

by Sean Fri

Words and Music by Sean Fri

June 25, July 9, July 23, August 6 at 10:00am

Totem Pole Playhouse

Admission is free.
What happens when a young boy runs away from home to join two pirates on their quest for the legendary Treasure of Zombie Island? Singing, dancing, and an ocean of laughs, that's what. And there are plenty of opportunities for our audiences, young and old, to get in on the fun. Join us on the high seas for this musical adventure, discover the secret of the fabled treasure, and find out what our heroes are going to do with all those Zombies!
Sponsored by The Franklin County Foundation

Late Nite Catechism III: 'Till Death Do Us Part by Maripat Donovan

Kimberly Richards returns to Totem Pole as "Sister" taking on everything from Last Rites to Holy Matrimony! Late Nite Catechism 3: 'Til Death Do Us Part brings "Sister" back in an all new installment of the hilarious Catechism series that has become an audience favorite at Totem Pole Playhouse. In 'Til Death Do Us Part, "Sister" turns her attention to wedded bliss and our final reward. Classroom participation is a must, so come and experience Catholicism's feistiest couples' counselor!

August 24 - 28, 2011 (8 performances only)

Totem Pole Playhouse

For information on all Totem Pole Playhouse events call 888-805-7056 or visit us online at www.TotemPolePlayhouse.org. Find us on Face book!