Little+Theatre

“Act well your part; There all the honor lies” -Alexander Pope Little Theatre is the organization which promotes the dramatic arts at Belleville West High School. It does so through the sponsorship of five shows each year as well as by offering its members an opportunity to attend a professional production. Little Theatre is one of the largest organizations at West comprised of actors, technicians, and lovers of the theatrical arts. Little Theatre has a long and rich history including a mid-production location change and many other exciting events. The organization has staged many shows throughout the years and gone through many leaders. The Belleville West Little Theatre was organized in the fall of 1947 to further the dramatic appreciation in the school. The group was founded by Mrs. Merle Guthrie, Mr. Jim Pleasant, Miss Katherine Davis, Miss Margaret Hallock, and Miss Madge Ream. From the original 60 members in Little Theatre, it has grown to over 150 members. The original goal of the Little Theatre was to teach students the arts of stage make-up, scenery, stage movements, voice inflections, and other necessary parts of play production. The first officers of the organization were President, Wayne Nast, Secretary, Pat McCormick, and Treasurer, Betty Remelius. When Little Theater started they performed one show each year. There was also a Senior Play, Sophomore Play, Freshmen One Act Plays, and Junior Jam. In order to be a member of Little Theatre, students had to participate in at least two shows during the year. Currently, anyone can become a member of Little Theatre by paying their dues. The Belleville West Thespian troupe was begun in 1935 and became associated with the National Thespian Society in 1953. In order to become a thespian a student must work for 300 hours in the theater, 150 of which must be backstage. The amount of hours needed used to be 200 hours until the early 2000’s when it was changed to 300 hours, making it an even more elite group of students.
 * __ Belleville West Little Theatre __**
 * __ Summary __**
 * __ History __**

Belleville West High School moved from the buildings that are now Lindenwood University to its current location on Frank Scott Parkway West during the summer before the 2003-2004 school year. The theater department was unable to move with the rest of the school because the new Performing Arts Center was still under construction. The Freshmen-Sophomore One Acts were rehearsed and performed in the auditorium on the old West campus. When Little Theater began preparations for fall play, they planned on performing on the old campus even though there was a possibility they would be moving to the current Performing Arts Center. The set for the 2003 Fall Play, //Dracula//, was built under the direction of technical director Mr. John Lodle in the old auditorium, and adjusted to the old, uneven stage. In order to have rehearsals with the set, the cast under the direction of Ms. Jennifer Sage had to travel from the current campus to the old campus everyday after school. In the weeks leading up to the show the seats were installed in the new Performing Arts Center and the finishing touches were added. A week before //Dracula// was set to perform they moved into their new home in the current PAC. Encouraged by the retiring principal to move before the show, the cast and crew of //Dracula// took apart the entire set, loaded it on to trucks, moved it over to the new school, and re-assembled it on the new stage just six days before the performance. Adjustments had to be made as the set was now on a much larger, and more even stage. The crew faced the daunting task of learning a whole new set of equipment with a brand new and much larger sound board and light board. Schools that had been planning to attend the matinee performances of the show had to be told of the change in location and extra advertising had to be done to spread the word that the show would no longer be held in the Lindenwood auditorium. //Dracula// was performed on November 20, 21, and 22 in the brand new Performing Arts Center to an admiring crowd.
 * __ The Move __**
 * [[image:P5251241.JPG width="393" height="245"]] ||

Auditorum at Old West New Performing Arts Center

First Little Theater Show- A Connecticut Yankee First Freshman One Acts: The Greener Grass, The Tenth Word, The Canary Club First Fall Play- Androcles and the Lion First Children’s Play: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs First Contest Play: The Diary of Anne Frank First Spring Musical: Bye, Bye Birdie First Little Theater Officers: President, Wayne Nast; Secretary, Pat McCormick; Treasurer, Betty Remelius Two current faculty members who played the lead role in a West production are Mr. Nick Johnson in //Pippin//, and Dr. Tom Birkner in //The Pajama Game.//
 * __Little Theatre Firsts__**

The old auditorium seated 940 people. The current auditorium seats 756 people. The show, //Stalag 17//, performed in 1967 had a cast of 19 boys and 0 girls. The old auditorium was designed by the famous architect, Itner. He believed that schools should be a work of art to showcase the wonderfulness of education. The show, //The Madwoman of Chaillot//, was performed on November 22, 1963, the evening of President Kennedy’s assassination. //Willy Wonka//, performed on February 4, 2010 was the first show sold out performance in the Performing Arts Center. Two current faculty members who were leads in a Belleville West High School production are Mr. Nick Johnson who was in //Pippin,// and Dr. Tom Birkner who was in //The Pajama Game.//
 * __ Fun Facts __**

Mr. Nick Johnson in //Pippin//
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Dr. Tom Birkner in //The Pajama Game//
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 * __ Show Titles, Directors, Student Directors, Performance Dates 1946-2010 __**

__ 1946 __ Senior Dramatic Club Shows: Little Prism; Three’s a Crowd -Junior Dramatics club for freshman and sophomores -Senior Dramatics club for juniors and seniors

__ 1947 __ Dramatics Club-hope to organize into Little Theatre in future Miss Ream and Mr. Pleasant directors Senior Play: The Vampire Bat -directed by Miss Ream Operetta: Robin Hood, Inc.

__ 1948 __ Operetta: The Mocking Bird Senior Play: Mignonette Sophomore Play: Almost Eighteen -directed by Mr. James Pleasant Freshman Plays: The Greener Grass; The Tenth Word; The Canary Club Little Theatre Play: A Connecticut Yankee -directed by Miss Madge Ream -was the first play produced by the members of the Little Theatre Group

__ 1949 __ Operetta: The Bells of Capistrano -directed by Miss Hope Baer and Miss Marjorie Switzer Little Theatre Play: Meet Me in St. Louis -directed by Mr. James Pleasant Senior Play: You Can’t Take it With You -directed by Mrs. Merle Guthrie Junior Jam Show: Junior Nutwork Sophomore Play: Skidding Freshman Plays: Come Out of It; Nobody Sleeps; The Blue Jeans Girl -directed by Miss Katherine Davis; Mr. James Pleasant; Miss Margaret Hallock

__ 1950 __ Operetta: A Waltz Dream -directed by Miss Hope Baer and Miss Marjorie Switzer -performed Friday November 18, 1949 Little Theatre Play: Little Women -directed by Mrs. Kathryn Davis -performed February 17, 1950 Senior Play: Night of January 16th -directed by Mr. James Pleasant -performed April 14, 1950 Sophomore Play: Off a Pewter Platter -directed by Miss Margaret Hallock -performed December 16, 1949 Freshman Plays: Wise Freshman; The City Slicker and Our Nell -directed by Mrs. Merle Guthrie

__ 1951 __ Operetta: Jewels of the Desert -directed by Miss Hope Baer and Miss Marjorie Switzer Senior Play: Angel Street -directed by Mrs. Kathryn Davis Sophomore Play: Tish -directed by Miss Madge Ream Freshman Plays: One Egg; Sparkin; Take a Letter -directed by Mrs. Kathryn Davis; Miss Margaret Hallock; Mrs. Merle Guthrie Little Theatre Play: Seventeenth Summer -directed by Miss Margaret Hallock

__ 1952 __ Operetta: The Golden Trail -performed November 16, 1951 Assembly Play: Someone for Bunny -directed by Miss Betty Edmiston Senior Play: The Man Who Came to Dinner -directed by Miss Margaret Hallock Sophomore Play: Cheaper by the Dozen -directed by Mrs. Merle Guthrie Freshman Plays: A Date With Paul; House of Greed; The Early Worm -directed by Miss Margaret Hallock; Mr. James Pleasant; Miss Madge Ream Little Theatre Play: Stage Door -directed by Miss Madge Ream

__ 1953 __ Operetta: Tulip Time -directed by Miss Hope Baer and Mrs. Kenneth Edwards Two Crooks and a Lady -directed by Miss Margaret Hallock Little Theatre Play: Our Miss Brooks -directed by Mrs. Merle Guthrie Senior Play: Green Valley -directed by Miss Madge Ream Sophomore Play: Our Hearts Were Young and Gay -directed by Miss Betty Edmiston Freshman Plays: Fixers Incorporated; Part-Time Job; Homecoming -directed by Mr. James Pleasant; Mrs. Merle Guthrie; Miss Madge Ream

__ 1954 __ Listed Sponsors: Miss Ream, Miss Edmiston, Mrs. Guthrie, Mrs. Reed, and Mr. Pleasant Operetta: The Fortune Teller -directed by Miss Hope Baer and Miss Etta Burns -performed November 20, 1953 Assembly Play: Halloween Luck -directed by Mrs. Orpha Reeder - student director: Angela Cochran -performed October 30, 1953 Little Theatre Play: Ladies of the Jury -directed by Miss Betty June Edmiston -student directors: Jackie Massey and Nancy Blair -performed February 19, 1954 Senior Play: Our Town -directed by Miss Etta Burns -student directors: Bob Tieman and Terry Avery Sophomore Play: The Form Divine -directed by Miss Madge Ream -student directors: Jay Bell and Jackie Mullane Freshman Plays: For Whom the Telephone Rings; Alpha Kappa; The Professor Roars -directed by Miss Betty Edmiston; Miss Madge Ream; Mrs. Merle Guthrie -student directors: Dick Beske; Carol Reed; Dick Evans __ 1955 __ Operetta: Mikado Little Theatre Play: The Robe Freshman Plays: Revolt of Mother; Wandering Scholar; Wilbur’s Honey Bea

__ 1956 __ Operetta: The Chimes of Normandy -directed by Miss Hope Baer and Mrs. Donald Peters Little Theatre Play: Icehound -directed by Miss Madge Ream Senior Play: Men Are Like Street Cars -directed by Mrs. Merle Guthrie Freshmen One Acts: Good Night, Caroline; Quiet Please; Ladies of the Mop -directed by Mrs. Ralph Green; Mr. James Pleasant; Miss Madge Ream

__ 1957 __ Freshmen-Sophomore One Acts: The Perfect Gentleman; The Happy Journey; The Uninvited Ghost -directed by Mrs. Florine Dungrey; Mr. William Stringfellow; Mr. Harold Yung -performed November 30, 1956 Senior Play: Time Out for Ginger -directed by Mrs. Dungey -student director: Jim Novy Little Theatre Play: Life With Father -directed by Mr. Harold Yung

__ 1958 __ Freshmen-Sophomore One Acts: Antic Spring; Broken Rehearsal; Egad, What a Cad -directed by Miss Schleicher; Miss Schleicher; Mr. James Pleasant -student directors: Jim Novy; Judy Baumgarten; Suzee Murphy Senior Play: I Remember Mama -directed by Miss Schleicher -performed April 25, 1958 Little Theatre Play: Sabrina Fair -directed by Miss Schleicher -student director: Marilyn Jerde

__ 1959 __ Freshman One Acts: Why I Am a Bachelor; Forever Judy -directed by Mrs. Bryant; Mrs. Quackenbos -student director: JoJean Stafford; Jon McIntire -performed November 21, 1954 Thespian One Act: Gloria Mundi -directed by Mr. James Pleasant Senior Play: Lo and Behold -performed May 29, 1959 Little Theatre Play: Bad Seed -directed by Mrs. Bryant and Mr. James Pleasant -student director: Gary Buettner

__ 1960 __ Freshmen One Acts: Pretty Girl Wanted; Men Don’t Change; The Monkey’s Paw -directed by Mrs. Bryant; Mrs. Quackenbos; Mrs. Milligan -student director: Steve Peeck; Sarajo Dunck; Susan Hermann Sophomore Play: The Steadfast Tin Soldier -directed by Mrs. Quackenbos and Mrs. Milligan -student director: Brenda Spies -first time a sophomore class presented a children’s show Senior Play: First Lady -directed by Mrs. Milligan and Mrs. Bryant -student director: Lewis Bosworth Little Theatre Play: The Diary of Anne Frank -performed January 22, 1960 -directed by Mrs. Bryant and Mr. James Pleasant Contest Play: The Diary of Anne Frank -placed 1st at district competition

__ 1961 __ One Acts: Sorority Girls; The Breaking of Bread; A Portrait of Nelson Holiday -directed by Mrs. Milligan; Dr. Richard Hunsaker; Mrs. Bryant -student directors: Liz Park; Carol Joganic; Jane Chenoweth Little Theatre Play: Androcles and the Lion -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker and Mr. James Pleasant -student directors: Jane Dungey, Sandy Bogard, and Lynne Hirz Sophomore Play: Simple Simon -directed by Mrs. Quakenbos, Mrs. Milligan, and Gay Hentze Junior Jam: Campaign Capers

__ 1962 __ Freshmen One Acts: What’s Wrong With the Girls?; Alice in Wonderland; The Last Days of Good Old Bill Senior Play: The Curious Savage -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker and Mr. Jack Stokes -student director: Patsy Mueller Anastasia -directed by Mrs. Lynette Bryant -student director: Sandy Bogard Many Moons -directed by Mrs. Janet Milligan -student director: Rosiland Penk

__ 1963 __ Freshmen One Acts: Meet Me at the Witch-Skinning, or Burnt to an Ash with a Song in his Heart, or Trampled by Elephants Before Dinner; The Brute; A Night in the Country Sophomore Play: The Day the Plottypo Danced -directed by Mr. Jack Stokes -performed February 15, 1963 Junior Jam: Harem Scarem Senior Play: The Mouse That Roared -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker Little Theatre Play: The Glass Menagerie -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker and Mrs. Milligan -performed November 15 and 16, 1962 Contest Play: The Glass Menagerie -placed 3rd at district competition February 19, 1963 and tied for 2nd at sectionals March 9, 1963

__ 1964 __ Freshman One Acts: Egad, What a Cad!; The Sand Box; Three on a Bench Sophomore Play: The Honkybird -written and directed by Mr. Jack Stokes Senior Play: A Fast Gun for Old Mama -written and directed by Mr. Jack Stokes Little Theatre Play: The Madwoman of Chaillot -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker -performed November 22, 1963 -evening of President Kennedy’s assassination

__ 1965 __ Freshmen One Acts: Objective Case; Sauce for the Goslings; The Happy Journey -directed by Miss Groom; Miss Nina Bono; Dr. Richard Hunsaker Sophomore Play: The Wizard of Oz -directed by Mr. Gary Paban and Miss Groom Junior Jam: A Scholar in the Holler -performed October 17, 1964 Senior Play: Ladies of the Jury -directed by Mrs. Jones and Mr. James Pleasant Little Theatre Play: Medea: A Ceremony of Masks -directed by Mr. Stokes and Dr. Richard Hunsaker -original script by Mr. Stokes, first time an original script was used for a Little Theatre Show Contest Play: Letty

__ 1966 __ Freshmen One Acts: Murder on the High Seas; The Shadow Play; Chain of Jade -directed by Miss Nina Bono; Miss Holle; Mr. Hill Sophomore Play: The Christmas Jolly Eater -directed by Mr. Gary Paban -performed December 16, 1965 Junior Jam: Once More With Bullets Little Theatre Play: Our Town -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker -performed November 19, 1965

__ 1967 __ Freshmen One Acts: Ah the Ladies; Impromptu; House of Juke Little Theatre Play: Mrs. McThing Contest Play: Phoenix Too Frequent -Sectional competition was held at Belleville West High School Sophomore Play: Rapunzel and the Witch Senior Play: Bye, Bye Birdie

__ 1968 __ Freshman One Acts: The Open Window; The Happy Journey to Trenton and Camden; Nobody Sleeps Little Theatre Play: Stalag 17 -directed by Mr. Gary Paben -performed November 17 and 18, 1960 Contest Play: Stalag 17 -special effects and scenery added and only a cutting of Act III was used -bus trouble caused the cast and crew to arrive at district competition too late for their 8:30 A.M performance -they were given a chance to perform later in the day and placed 2nd Sophomore Play: Winnie the Pooh (musical version) -directed by Miss Nina Bono, produced by Miss Duke -student director: Cheryll Boswell Junior Jam: Sing Oar Sink -directed by Mr. Gary Paben and Miss Nina Bono -performed October 19, 1967

__ 1970 __ Little Theatre Play: The Diary of Anne Frank Contest Play: The Sandbox -state qualifier Junior Jam: Is Your Generation Gapping?

__ 1971 __ Fall Play: Tom Jones -directed by Miss Jane Mueth and Dr. Richard Hunsaker -performed November 19 and 20, 1970 Junior Jam Show: Leave it to Beaver Crossing Children’s Play: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs -directed by Miss Nina Bono and Miss Mina Halliday -performed February 25 and 26, 1971 Contest Play: The Bald Soprano -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker -placed 2nd at districts and 2nd at sectionals, state qualifier

__ 1972 __ One Acts: Sorry, Wrong Number; Murder on the High Seas; Impromptu Fall Play: JB Junior Jam: Channel 73, or Everything You Wanted to Know About TV but Were Afraid to Ask Children’s Play: Nobody Likes Mordacious and That’s the Way He Likes It Contest Play: Rhinoceros -state qualifier, Ray Healey named to all-state cast Spring Musical: Pajama Game

__ 1973 __ One Acts: “Spirit of ’76 Presents: Three Flags Over Frosh One-Acts” More Perfect Union; The Cat in the Hat; The Breaking of Bread Fall Play: The Drunkard Sophomore Play: Pinocchio Contest Play: Plaza Suite -placed 2nd at district competition and 4th at sectionals -Ray Healey named to all-sectional cast Spring Musical: Hello Dolly -original Broadway costumes were rented

__ 1974 __ One Acts: Little Theatre Play: Dark of the Moon Sophomore Play: Cinderella Contest Play: The New Play Spring Musical: 1776

__ 1975 __ A Midsummer Night’s Dream Mystery at Tumble Inn Deputy for Broken Bow Rhubarb Children’s Play: The Wizard of Oz Spring Musical: The Music Man

__ 1976 __ Membership: 200 Sponsors: Jane Mueth, Michael Boyll, Debbie Stieneker One Acts: Fall Play: Arsenic and Old Lace Children’s Play: Hansel and Gretel Contest Play: The Bald Soprano -Received first place at districts Readers’ Theatre: Short Stories, Old Glories Spring Musical: Little Mary Sunshine

__ 1977 __ Fall Play: The Miracle Worker -performed November 16 and 17, 1976 Contest Play: The Love Course -directed by Miss Jane Mueth Readers’ Theatre: Nose, Nose, Nose Spring Musical: The King and I -performed on two weekends instead of one -10th anniversary of spring musicals -new lighting and sound systems, new red velvet curtains with gold B on top -first time a reception held after show

__ 1978 __ One Acts: The Last Days of Good Ole Bill; Once Upon a Playground; The Doctor in Spite of Himself Fall Play: Our Town Children’s Show: King Arthur’s Calamity Contest Play: Adaptation -directed by Miss Nina Bono and Mr. Mike Boyll -placed 1st at districts March 11, 1978 advanced to state from sectionals March 17 and 18, 1978 Spring Musical: Oklahoma

__ 1979 __ Freshman One Acts: “Young Stars” Hiss The Villian; The Sand Box; The Final Dress Rehearsal Fall Play: Bell, Book, and Candle Junior Jam Show: Where There’s a Will There’s a Way Children’s Play: Peter Pan Contest Play: A Stranger Word Was Never Spoken -Received third place in district contest Readers’ Theatre: Welcome to Japan Spring Musical: Li’l Abner

__ 1980 __ Sponsor Jane Mueth Freshman One Acts: The Liberated Cinderella; Wedded to a Villain; The Diary of Adam and Eve Fall Play: Barefoot in the Park Children’s Play: The House at Pooh Corner Spring Musical: Camelot -performed on two consecutive weekends

__ 1981 __ One Acts: Three on a Bench; Silent Snow; The Wild Flowering of Chastity Fall Play: Inherit the Wind Children’s Play: Mary Poppins Contest Play: The Caretaker Spring Musical: My Fair Lady

__ 1982 __ Fall Play: The Passion of Dracula

__ 1983 __ One Acts: Game; The High Window; The Bad Children Fall Play: To Kill a Mockingbird Children’s Play: Frosty the Snowman Contest Play: Feathertop Spring Musical: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

__ 1984 __ Freshman One Acts: The Ransome of Emily Jane; A Deputy for Broken Bow; Final Dress Rehearsal Fall Play: The Hollow Children’s Show: The Twelve Dancing Princesses -matinees February 1 and 2, 1984 evening performance February 4, 1984 Spring Musical: Godspell

__ 1985 __ 65 members Sponsor Jane Mueth Freshman One Acts: Dinney and the Witches; Little Red Riding Hood; South Pacific Junior Jam Show: Jammin’ the Gap

__ 1986 __ Children’s Play: Jack and the Beanstalk Spring Musical: Annie Get Your Gun

__ 1987 __ One Acts: Fall Play: Rehearsal for Murder Children’s Play: Babes in Toyland Spring Musical: Hello Dolly

__ 1988 __ One Acts: Every Room With Bath; Clarabelle the Clock Watcher; Pullman Car Hiawatha -directed by Ms. Jennifer Sage; Ms. Nina Bono; Dr. David Snowden -performed October 1, 1987 Fall Play: The Importance of Being Earnest -directed by Ms. Nina Bono -performed November 12 and 13, 1987 Children’s Play: The Incredible Jungle Journey of Fenda Maria -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker and Dr. David Snoden -matinees February 9 and 10, 1988 evening performance February 13, 1988 -evening performance had to be rescheduled to the 13th because of snow Spring Musical: Pippin -performed April 21, 22, and 23, 1988

__ 1989 __ One Acts: Liberated Cinderella; The Man Who Died and Went to Heaven; Nobody Sleeps -directed by Miss Nina Bono; Mr. Alan Sanders; Miss Jane Mueth Fall Play: Blithe Spirit -directed by Miss Nina Bono and Mrs. Janet Kuehn Children’s Play: Spring Musical: -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker

__ 1990 __ One Acts: “An Evening of One Acts” Little Theatre Play: Our Town Children’s Play: The Unhappy Dragon Spring Musical: Guys and Dolls

__ 1992 __ One-Acts: The Lottery; Murder is Fun; The Little Red Schoolhouse Fall Play: Don’t Drink the Water Children’s Play: The Emperor’s New Clothes Spring Musical: Fiddler on the Roof

__ 1995 __ One Acts: The Bald Soprano; The Liberated Cinderella; The Omelette Murder Case -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker; Mrs. Susan Jernigan; Ms. Nina Bono -student directors: Leah Besse and Dawn Weilbacher; Tyson Blanquart, Skye Gurney, and Harry B Wilson III; Erin Chance, Natalie Davis, and Courtney Sommers -performed September 22, 1994 Fall Play: Androclese and the Lion -directed by Dr. Richard Hunsaker and Ms. Nina Bono -student directors: Angie Bertelsman, Leah Besse, Ellen Eardley, Gavin Sisson -student technical directors: Scott Clark and Christy Fahey -perfomed November 4 and 5, 1994 Children’s Play: Rumpelstiltskin: The True Story -directed by Miss Nina Bono and Mr. Richard Hunsaker -student directors: Leah Besse, Erin Chancy, Natalie Davis, Dan Kaffer -student technical directors: Tyson Blanquart, Scott Clark, Christy Fahey, and Aaron Kenney -February 9, 1995 Spring Musical: Pippin: His Life and Times -director: Mr. Richard Hunsaker; technical director: Ms. Janet Kuehn; choreographer: Mrs. Sharon Carter; musical director: Dr. Tom Birkner; director of magic: Mr. Chris Rayman -student directors: Tyson Blanquart, Nichole Fowler, Kim Knuckles, and Harry B. Wilson -student technical directors: Tyson Blanquart and Erin Chancy -performed April 20, 21, 22, 1995 -Miss Nina Bono and Mr. Richard Hunsaker retire

__ 1996 __ One Acts: The Danes of Our Lives; Hiss the Villian; The Lottery -directed by Mrs. Susan Jernigan; Mrs. Marianne; Mr. John Lodle Fall Play: The Mousetrap -directed Ms. Janet Kuehn and Ms. Jennifer Sage Children’s Play: Stuart Little -Mrs. Susan Jernigan -Miss Jane Mueth passed away in November. A plaque for her is in the lobby next to the box office.

__ 1997 __ One Acts: “An Evening of One Acts” Baby; Counting the Ways; The Wonderful Western Hat -directed by Mr. Vince Harris; Mr. John Lodle; Mrs. Susan Jernigan -student directors: Kyle Gurney and Zach Rogers; Laura Adams and David Sander; Pam Brezger, Steven Darnell, and Megan McGlasson -performed October 4, 1996 Fall Play: Charley’s Aunt -directed by Ms. Jennifer Sage, Mrs. Marianne Chmeleck, and Mr. Joe Chmeleck -student directors: Pam Brezger, Julie Hunt, and Brandon Kassebaum -student technical directors: Donna Garrison, Ryan Holyman, Ben Schneider -performed November 22 and 23, 1996 Children’s Play: Charlotte’s Web -directed by Ms. Susan Jernigan and Ms. Janet Kuehn -student directors: Keith Kaminski, David Sander, and Serene Tobey -student technical directors: Ryan Holyman and Christy Shulte -performed February 6, 1997 Contest Play: Waiting for Godot -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Serene Tobey and Ben Schneider -performed March 20, 1997 -sectional competition held March 22, 1997 state competition held April 4 and 5, 1997 Spring Musical: Damn Yankees -director: Ms. Janet Kuehn, technical director: Ms. Jennifer Sage, choreographer: Mrs. Sharon Carter, musical director: Dr. Tom Birkner -student directors: Pam Brezger and Allison Duncan -student technical directors: Lesley Eble, Donna Garrison, Holley Hargraves, Ally Mizulski, Ben Schneider, Christy Schulte, Courtney Stankey -performed May 8,9, and 10, 1997

__ 1998 __ One Acts: “An Evening of One Acts” Hide & Seek; Persephone; Competition Piece -directed by Mrs. Susan Jernigan; Mr. Brandon Hentze; Mr. Vincent Harris -student directors: Russel Kelly, Liz Walasin, and Heather Weible; David Sander, Kelly Moosman, Wendy Greenwood, and Dana Baumann; Zach Rogers and Becky Lewis -performed October 10, 1997 Fall Play: Night Must Fall -directed by Ms. Jennifer Sage and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Steven Darnell, Allison Duncan, Zach Rogers, and Courtney Stankey -student technical directors: Rachel Hegeman, Ally Mizulski, Ben Schneider -performed November 20, 21, and 22, 1997 Children’s Play: The Jungle Book -directed by Mrs. Susan Jernigan and Ms. Janet Kuehn -student directors: Wendy Greenwood and David Lintzenich -student technical directors: Nathan Brady, Rachel Hegeman, and Courtney Stankey -performed February 5, 1998 Contest Play: Educating Rita -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Trisha Eardley and Ben Schneider -performed March 26, 1998 -sectional competition March 27 and 28, state competition April 3 and 4 Spring Musical: The Music Man -director: Ms. Janet Kuehn, technical director: Ms. Jennifer Sage, choreographer: Mrs. Sharon Carter, musical director: Dr. Tom Birkner -student technical directors: Rachel Hegeman, Lesley Ebel, Sarah Hegeman, Christy Schulte, Courtney Stankey, Donna Garrison, Ally Mizulski -performed May 7, 8, and 9, 1998

__ 1999 __ One Acts: “An Evening of One Acts” M*A*S*H; The Lottery; Dress Rehearsal -directed by Mrs. Susan Jernigan; Ms. Janet Kuehn; Mr. Vince Harris -student directors: David Ham, Sarah Hegeman, and Elizabeth Sander; Wendy Greenwood, Russell Kelly, and Kim Mourey; Becky Lewis and Joshua Gillrhiam -performed October 9, 1998 Fall Play: Bell, Book & Candle -directed by Ms. Jennifer Sage and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Allison Duncan and Kelly Strayhorn -student technical directors: Dan Frierdich, Sarah Hegeman, and Jill Welker -performed 19, 20, 21, 1998 Children’s Play: The Legend of Pocahontas -directed by Mrs. Susan Jernigan and Mr. Brandon Hentze; choreographer: Ms. Jennifer Sage -student directors: Alison Garces, Jim Mourey, and Kristen Dronen -student technical directors: Nick Sedlack, Nathan Brady, Kelly Mourey -performed February 18, 1999 Contest Play: All Over -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Dan Frierdich and Sarah Hegeman -performed March 18, 1999 -placed 3rd at sectional competition March 20, 1999 -sectionals were held at Belleville West High School Spring Musical: Annie -director: Ms. Janet Kuehn; technical director: Ms. Jennifer Sage; choreographer: Mrs. Sharon Carter; musical director: Dr. Tom Birkner -student directors: Brad Cygan and Cassie Hanusa -student technical directors: Dan Frierdich, Nathan Miller, and Scott Hankley -performed May 6, 7, and 8, 1999

__ 2000 __ One Acts: “An Evening of Shakespeare” Shakespeare Unbound; Romeo and Juliet; Taming of the Shrew -performed October 15, 1999 Fall Play: Inherit the Wind -performed November 18, 19, and 20, 1999 Children’s Play: The Wizard of Oz Contest Play: Independence -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Sarah Hegeman and Dan Frierdich -performed March 16, 2000 Spring Musical: Oklahoma -student technical directors: Katie Doughty, Sarah Hegeman, Jodi Bremer, and David Carr

__ 2001 __ Sponsors: Mrs. Susan Jernigan and Mr. John Lodle One Acts: “An Evening of Suspense” Pressure; The Tell-Tale Heart; The Invisible Man -directed by Mrs. Struze; Mr. Brandon Hentze; Mrs. Janet Kuehn -student directors: Kristen Dronen, Matt Heckman, and Ian Randall; Zach Johnston, Jim Mourey, and Erika Olsen -student technical directors: Jodi Bremer and Nathan Miller -performed October 5, 2000 Fall Play: Arsenic and Old Lace -directed by Ms. Jennifer Sage and Mr. John Lodle -student technical directors: Jodi Bremer, Nathan Miller, Sam Wilson -performed November 16, 17, and 18, 2000 Children’s Play: Abracadabra Aladdin! -directed by Mrs. Susan Jernigan -student directors: Abby Bernardini, Kyle Kratky, Brian Reinhart -student technical directors: Jodi Bremer, Dan Frierdich, Zach Johnson, Sam Wilson -performed February 8, 2001 Contest Play: Picasso at the Lapin Agile -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Stewart Calholn and Jaime Greenwood -performed March 14, 2001 -placed 1st at sectional competition March 16,17, 2001 and 4th at state competition March 30, 31 -sectionals were held at Belleville West High School Spring Musical: My Fair Lady -directed by Ms. Janet Kuehn and Ms. Jennifer Sage -student director: Jaime Greenwood -student technical directors: David Carr, Nathan Miller, Kelly Moore, Kim Noble, and Betsy Seib

__ 2002 __ Faculty Play: George Washington Slept Here -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle One Acts: “A Spooktacular Evening of One Acts” The Devil and Daniel Webster; The Haunting; Turn of the Screw Fall Play: All My Sons -performed November 15, 16, 17, 2001 Children’s Play: The Enchantment of Beauty and the Beast -directed by Ms. Susan Jernigan, Mrs. Janet Kuehn, and Mr. Brandon Hentze -student director: Sarah Jones -student technical directors: Cole Davis, Jaime Greenwood, Nathan Miller, and Kim Noble Contest Play: An Imaginary Dance of the Fragments -went on to state competition Spring Musical: Fiddler on the Roof -directed by Ms. Jennifer Sage and Ms. Janet Kuehn, musical director Dr. Thomas Birkner -student technical directors: Cole Davis and Jessica Paulter

__ 2003 __ One Acts: “Comedy Capers” That Was No Lady; Dogsbreath Deveraux; Inspector Detector -performed October 3, 2002 Fall Play: Father of the Bride -Directed by Ms. Jennifer Sage and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Gabriel Fries, Sarah Schuessler and Katie Williams -student technical directors: David Aye, Jessica Carr, and Briana Kassebaum Children’s Play: Charlotte’s Web -directed by Mrs. Susan Jernigan and Mr. Brandon Hentze; choreographer: Ms. Jennifer Sage -student directors: Jennifer Bay, Stewart Calhoun, and Jenna Palovick -student technical directors: Cary Callison, Jessica Carr, Courtney Harris, and Emilie Weilbacher -performed February 6, 2003 Contest Play: Our Town -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Justin Brady and Jessica Carr -sectional champions -performed March 19, 2003 Spring Musical: Hello Dolly! -director: Ms. Jennifer Sage; technical director: Ms. Janet Kuehn; choreographer: Ms. Sharon Carter; musical director: Dr. Tom Birkner -student directors: Jennifer Bay and Ryan Heckman -student technical directors: Ryan Moore and Emilie Weilbacher -performed May 1,2, and 3, 2003

__ 2004 __ One Acts: “An Evening of One Acts” Puberty: The Game Show; Spy TV; The Oddballs -performed October 2, 2003 Fall Play: Dracula -performed November 20, 21, 22, 2003 -first show to be performed in the current Belleville West Performing Arts Center Children’s Play: Stuart Little -performed February 5, 2004 Contest Play: The Weir -performed March 18, 2004 -state qualifier

__ 2005 __ Freshman-Sophomore Show: The Wizard of Oz -performed September 30, 2004 Fall Play: A Raisin in the Sun -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Tamika Diggs and Brian Wood -student technical directors: Adam Hamm, Liz Pauler, and Claire Tisch -performed November 18, 19, and 20, 2004 Children’s Play: The Hobbit -performed February 3, 2005 Contest Play: Lost in Yonkers -sectional champions, state qualifier Spring Musical: Finian’s Rainbow -performed May 5,6, and 7, 2005

__ 2006 __ One Acts: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged Fall Play: Metamorphoses -performed November 17, 18, and 19 2005 Children’s Play: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Contest Play: The Beauty Queen of Leenane Spring Musical: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum -performed May 4,5, and 6, 2006

__ 2007 __ One Acts: Once Upon a Wolf; Final Dress Rehearsal; Little Red and the Riding Hoods Fall Play: Twelfth Night -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Stephanie Johnston, Jeff Krampf, and Monica Simonin -student technical directors: Kate Besse, Alivia Carrico, DJ Rockwell, and Kim Schuetz -performed November 16, 17, and 18, 2006 Children’s Play: Velveteen Rabbit Contest Play: Bach at Leipzig -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student directors: Lauren Acker, Kate Eckert, Jeff Krampf, DJ Rockwell, and Kim Schuetz -performed March 15, 2007 -sectional competition March 17, 2007 state competition March 23 and 24, 2007 Spring Musical: The Pajama Game -performed May 3,4, and 5, 2007

__ 2008 __ One Acts: “A Night of Modern Mysteries” Employees Must Wash Hands Before Murder; Window to Murder; CSI: Neverland Fall Play: The Heiress -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -performed November 15, 16, and 17, 2007 Children’s Play: James and the Giant Peach -matinees February 5, 6, 2008 evening performance February 7, 2008 Contest Play: Doubt -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student director: Adam Meirink -student technical directors: Cody Owens, Eleanor Rank, DJ Rockwell, Ryan Sax -performed March 6, 2008 -placed 2nd at sectional competition March 8, 9, 2008 and 8th at state competition March 14, 15 -sectionals were held at Belleville West High School Spring Musical: A Chorus Line -May 1,2,and 3, 2008

__ 2009 __ One Acts: “Behind the Scenes” After Hours; Snappy’s Happy Half Hour; Competition Piece -directed by Mr. Brandon Hentze; Mr. Jenkins; Mr. Reildelburger Fall Play: 12 Angry Jurors -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -students directors: Eleanor Rank, Whitney Woods -student tech directors: Kaitlyn Broyles, Kevin Logan, Cody Owens, DJ Rockwell, Casey Wessel -performed November 20, 21, 22, 2008 Children’s Show: The Little Mermaid -directed by Mrs. Susan Jernigan and Mr. Brandon Hentze -student directors: Lauren Karraker, Lindsey Muskopf -student tech directors: DJ Rockwell, Ryan Sax, Jamie Klein, Whitney Woods, -matinees February 3, 4 evening performance February 5, 2009 Contest Play: Rabbit Hole -directed by Ms. Laurie Bielong and Mr. John Lodle -student tech directors: Eleanor Rank, DJ Rockwell, Ryan Sax, Whitney Woods -performed March 19, 2009 -placed 1st at sectional competition March 21, 2009 and 7th at state competition March 27, 28 Spring Musical: Pippin -director: Ms. Jennifer Sage, technical director: Mr. John Lodle, choreographer: Mr. Nick Johnson, musical director: Dr. Thomas Birkner, magic consultant: Mr. Matthew Olson -student tech directors: Adam Anglin, Kaitlyn Broyles, Luke Eckert, Mac Griffin, Eleanor Rank, DJ Rockwell, Ryan Sax, Whitney Woods -performed April 30, May 1, May 2, 2009

__ 2010 __ One Acts: “An Evening of One Acts” One Night Only!; Feed the Whales: The Saga of the Boy Band Oreo; The Audition -directed by Mr. Brandon Hentze; Mr. Adam Jenkins; Mr. Russell Reidelberger -student directors: Sophie Powell and Adam Merink; Sarah Walker and Emily Woods; Andy Goldstein and Kirstin Palovick -student technical directors: Adam Anglin, Kaitlyn Broyles, Casey Wessel, Kevin Logan, Kimberly Kish, Jon Dahm -performed September 30, 2009 Fall Play: Brighton Beach Memoirs -directed by Mr. John Lodle and Ms. Laurie Bielong -student director: Cornelius Allen -student technical directors: Adam Anglin, Eli Bernstein, Kaitlyn Broyles, Amanda Klein, Kevin Logan, Casey Wessel -performed November 19,20,21, 2009 Children’s Show: Willy Wonka -directed by Mr. Brandon Hentze and Mr. Nick Johnson -student directors: Sophie Powell, Brinique Woodcock, and Tom Hermann -student technical directors: Casey Wessel, Amanda Klein, Kaitlyn Broyles, Kim Kish, Kevin Logan, Mac Griffin -matinees February 2,3 evening performance February 4, 2010 -first time a show has completely sold out the PAC at the new West, over 800 people attended Contest Play: Marvin’s Room -directed by Mr. John Lodle and Ms. Laurie Bielong -student technical directors: Adam Anglin, Eli Bernstein, Kaitlyn Broyles, Amanda Klein, Casey Wessel -performed March 18, 2010 -placed 2nd at sectional competition March 20, 2010 and 10th at state competition March 26, 27 Spring Musical: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat -director: Ms. Jennifer Sage, technical director: Mr. John Lodle, choreographer: Mr. Nick Johnson, musical director: Dr. Thomas Birkner -student directors: Kirstin Palovick and Andria Bowlsby -student technical directors: Adam Anglin, Kaitlyn Broyles, Amanda Klein, Kevin Logan -performed April 29, April 30, May 1, 2010


 * [[image:P5261319.JPG caption="Laurie Blae runs the board for a show."]] ||


 * __ Partial List of Little Theatre Officers __**

1948 President: Wayne Nast Secretary: Pat McCormick Treasurer: Betty Remelius 1971 President: John Hackman Vice President: Bill Jordan Secretary: Karen Gallbraith Treasurer: Bob Gallo Historian: Anna Wall Parliamentarian: Mel Weith

1973 President: Roger Henke Vice President: Peter Degenhardt Secretary: Cindy Neuner Treasurer: Jan Cook Historian: Chris Trotter Parliamentarian: Mark Vandiver

1974 President: Chris Trotter Vice President: Jim Moye Historian: Debbie Richard Parliamentarian: Kelby Fries

1975 President: John Edwards Vice President: Debbie Richard Secretary: Jean Blaes Treasurer: Doug Hansell Historian: Patty Beaird Parliamentarian: Keith Chew

1976 President: Bob Bell Vice President: Patty Beaird Secretary: Jean Blaes Historian: Carolyn Dyer Parliamentarian: Lew Hages

1979 President: Joe Palausky Vice President: Margaret Stroud Secretary: Kelly Dailey Treasurer: Ethan Edwards Parliamentarian: Laurie Blacs

1981 President: Cass Barranco Vice President: John Reichert Secretary: Jane Womble Treasurer: Ken Lopinot Historian: Jesse Weilmuenster Parliamentarian: Ron Henry

1982 President: Mark Metzger Vice President: Jane Womble Secretary: Cass Barranco Treasurer: Kenny Lopinot Historian: Ron Henry Parliamentarian: Shaun McGuire

1983 President: Larry Pry Vice President: Mark Feazel Secretary: Jean Andersen Treasurer: Todd Schroeder Historian: Sarah Dinges Parliamentarian: Jeff Blaies

1985 President: Jay Elliott Vice President: Janelle Limper Secretary: Tammy Gibbons Treasurer: Scott Shepherd Historian: Angela Beyer Parliamentarian: Lisa Auffarth

1987 President: Lisa Auffarth Vice President: Jeff Dent Secretary: Kelly Dillon Treasurer: John Bowen

1995 President: Tyson Blanquart Vice President: Nick Johnson Secretary: Skye Gurney Treasurer: Dawn Weilbacher Historian: Megan Wells Parliamentarian: Erin Chancy

1997 President: Zachary Rogers Vice President: Secretary: Jennifer Jahey Treasurer: Julie Hunt Historian: Steven Darnell Parliamentarian: Megan McGlasson

1998 President: Zachary Rogers Vice President: Christy Schulte Secretary: Liz Walasin Treasurer: Michelle Moosman Historian: Heather Weible Parliamentarian: Russel Kelly

1999 President: Russel Kelly Vice President: Paige Johnston Secretary: Trisha Eardley Treasurer: Jared Kassebaum Historian: Elizabeth Sander Parliamentarian: Nick Sander

2000 President: Sarah Hegeman Vice President: Katie Doughty Secretary: Trisha Eardley Treasurer: Sam Wilson Historian: Elizabeth Sander Parliamentarian: Dan Frierdich

2001 President: David Carr Vice President: Kiki Olsen Secretary: Stacy Woelhke Treasurer: Abby Historian: Jodi Bremer Parliamentarian: Dan Frierdich

2002 President: Ian Randall Vice President: Kyle Aaron Kratky Secretary: Paul Hackbarth Treasurer: Briana Kassebaum Historian: Kimberly Noble Parliamentarian: Kevin Tisch

2003 President: Briana Kassebaum Vice President: Erik Dronen Secretary: Jennifer Bay Treasurer: Kasey Bersett Parliamentarian: Jessica Carr Historian: Katie Williams

2007 President: Ben Watts Vice President: Hannah Griffin Secretary/Treasurer: Jamie Klein Historian/ Parliamentarian: Eleanor Rank

2008 President: Eleanor Rank Vice President: Jamie Klein Secretary/Treasurer: Adam Munro Historian/Parliamentarian: Jessica Petrie

2009 President: Adam Meirink Vice President: Kevin Logan Secretary/Treasurer: Amanda Klein Historian/Parliamentarian: Lindsay Muskopf

2010 President: Casey Wessel

Vice President: Amanda Klein Secretary/Treasurer: Eli Bernstein Historian/Parliamentarian: David Felts

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women are merely players” -William Shakespeare