"John Brown's Body"

by Stephen Vincent Benet,
opens June 27 - 29, July 3 - 6, 2008

THE STORY: There are three principal speaking parts, plus a chorus that speaks and sings. Though this is technically an epic poem, it is actually a highly dramatic work with a quality of excitement unrivaled by many plays. The poem begins with John Brown's attack on Harper's Ferry and goes on through the Civil War, telling much of it from the points of view of Jack Ellyat, a Northern soldier, and Clay Wingate, a Southern soldier. The families and backgrounds of both men are woven into the action of the poem, as are their romances.

Directed by John Woodruff. John Woodruff has appeared in many roles at The Muni, Theatre Centre, and Theater in the Park. He has also appeared in several movies and commercials. His all-time favorite role is as Amos in Chicago, which he performed both at Theatre Centre and The Maple Club in Lincoln. John loves to perform and appears with the Mature Mob and the Old Capitol Chorus.

Director John Woodruff

Although this is John’s first theater directing experience, his 30 years in Information Technology design and management lends itself well to creating reality from concepts and imagination. He has formed new IT departments, managed analysts and programmers, and has led the development of major computer systems for both the public and private sectors. John is also involved in various charitable activities and enjoys outdoor sports including golf, hunting, and fishing.

John and his wife Judy are happily retired and live in a log cabin on a small farm south of Pleasant Plains. Between theater work and homestead maintenance, John is usually very busy. Judy stays busy in gardening and reading, not to mention keeping john’s perpetual chore list updated. Son Jim and family live in San Diego and daughter Beth and her family live in Memphis.

STAFF LIST
Director: John Woodruff
Assistant Director: Flynn Hanners
Vocal Director: Cindy Fuener
Costumes: Debi Iams
Properties: Melody Sheehan
Stage Manager: Mary Myers
Accompanist: TBA
Lighting Design: Edward Smith
Set Design: TBA
Choreography: Jamie Impson
Special Effects: Steve McCaffrey

Thanks to all who auditioned! Below is the cast list for the show!

Don Bailey
Pam Brown
Vickie Farmer
Cynthia Higginson
Elizabeth Howell
Deborah Janik
Caleb Klauzer
Rachel Larison
Steve McCaffrey
Shirley McConnaughay
John Moore
Dennis Rendleman
Bob TeRonde
Joyce TeRonde
Don Schneider
Linda Schneider
Rick Weaver