Tom Wopat to Lead THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES at the Barn Theatre

Tom Wopat returns to the Barn to star as Will Rogers in the musical comedy THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES - A Life in Revue, playing August 25 - September 6. Set in the glitz and glamour of Rogers' Ziegfeld Follies days, the musical tells the life story of the cowboy rope trick artist turned political satirist, philosopher, write, movie star, humanitarian, champion of the underdog and friend of kings and presidents.

Author Peter Stone and lyricists and Betty Comden and Adolph Green used the writings and words of Will and Betty Rogers to create the story about the life of American's most beloved humorist who never met a man he didn't like. Cy Coleman composed the tow-tapping music which includes lavishly costumed musical and dance numbers.

The Barn Theatre School is thrilled to welcome back Tom Wopat. This mark's Mr. Wopat's 16th season shared with the Barn company. He has kept quite busy on Broadway, touring with his band, appearing in feature films and commercials. Most recently Tom appeared with the Kalamazoo Symphony for their December holiday concert in December of 2013. Guest director/choreographer Ann Cooley is bringing her fantastic vision to the Barn's production in order to recreate the splendor, spectacle and fun of an old fashioned Ziegfeld revue. Her award winning choreography will feature the showstopping hand jive and staircase dance numbers featured in this six time Tony Award winning musical.

Producer Brendan Ragotzy has also enlisted the talents of trick roper AJ Silver. Mr. Silver has performed internationally as a roper and trick rider on television and in numerous, prestigious venues. Other cast members include Brooke Evans as Betty Blake, Julie Grisham as Ziegfeld's Favorite, Charlie King as Clem Rogers and Eric Parker as Florence Ziegfeld.

Performances for THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES are August 25 - September 6, Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. The Barn Theatre is located on M-96, west of Augusta. Tickets are $37 for all performances. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Credit Union, Military Discounts and Group rates available. The Box Office is open daily 10:00 am-10:00 pm. Click on the Box Office link - Tickets may now be purchased on the internet or on your smart phone via PayPal. ~ To reserve tickets at the Box Office - Call today: (269) 731-4121.

Cast List Will Rogers / TOM WOPAT Ziegfeld's Favorite / JULIE GRISHAM Wiley Post / HANS FRIEDRICHS Clem Rogers / CHARLIE KING Florenz Ziegfeld's Voice / ERIC PARKER Betty Blake / BROOKE EVANS Roper / A J SILVER Four Cowboys - Quartet / KEVIN ROBERT WHITE, JAMEY GRISHAM, MICHAEL TUCK, BRANDON MICHAUD Ensemble / BETHANY EDLUND, SAMANTHA RICKARD, DALLYN BRUNCK, BRITTANIE GRACE, KASADY KWIATKOWSKA, SARAH LAZAR, CHANCE ARMSTRONG, ALEXANDER GHATTAS, JJ HOSS, LARON HUDSON, HANNAH EAKIN, JACKIE GUBOW

More Information: barntheatreschool.org, Facebook, and Twitter.