The MVHS Theatre Department Presents

a Velvet Curtain/1470 Production

Music by Book and Lyrics by

Richard Rodgers Oscar Hammerstein II

Based on the play "Green Grow the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs

Original Choreography by Agnes de Mille

April 6th, 12th, and 13th at 7:00 pm

April 7th at 2:00 pm

Mount Vernon District Auditorium

The videotaping, photographing, or other recording of this

production is strictly prohibited.

Please respect those around you and keep lighted screens put away.

Musical Numbers

OVERTURE

OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING

THE SURREY WITH THE FRINGE ON TOP

KANSAS CITY

I CAIN’T SAY NO

MANY A NEW DAY

IT’S A SCANDAL! IT’S A OUTRAGE

PEOPLE WILL SAY WE’RE IN LOVE

PORE JUD IS DAID

LONELY ROOM

DREAM SEQUENCE

ENTR’ACTE

THE FARMER AND THE COWMAN

ALL ER NOTHIN’

PEOPLE WILL SAY WE’RE IN LOVE – REPRISE

OKLAHOMA

FINALE ULTIMO

Tonight’s performance will include one

15-minute intermission.

Director’s Notes Oklahoma! is noteworthy for being the first fully integrated musical where the

acting, singing, and dancing all work seamlessly to advance a unified story. The

significance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1943 masterpiece, however, is its central

idea that we all want to belong – to find our place in a society of our peers. This has

certainly always been true in high schools and it allows these young actors to relate

to the material. I believe it also underlies the idea that if we just start truly listening

to one another, we can all find ways to contribute and belong.

In 1906, the Territory of Oklahoma was on the cusp of becoming the 46th state. In

this time of great change, each of the main characters represents a longing for

something to be a part of. Laurey is a single woman but also a land owner. Her

apprehension in choosing a husband – giving her land and herself to the right man –

is compounded by how long she can remain independent and still belong to her

community. Curly is a carefree cowman, owning little and sleeping under the stars.

Marrying the right girl will put a roof over his head. How can he join the newly

forming society if he doesn’t get serious about finding a wife? Jud Fry, a hired farm

hand of no status who bunks in a smokehouse, has his sights set on something more

from life. Ado Annie finds herself at odds with her society’s image of propriety, but

wants to settle down with the right man. Ali Hakim is a traveling salesman who is

always on the periphery as he meanders from town to town. Everyone, it seems,

wants to belong as the nation expands its borders. These are the day-to-day, real-life

struggles of ordinary people finding ways to co-exist; surely, we can still relate.

All of the action of Oklahoma! (aside from the last scene that ties up loose ends)

occurs over the course of a single day. In that day we see the hopes, dreams, and

struggles of these characters, as well as unresolved questions about the inclusivity of

the United States as a whole - questions that are still being played out today. I

believe the mix of humor, optimism, simplicity, and open-heartedness are every bit

as necessary, satisfying, and relevant today as they ever have been.

Soon our Musical Theatre program will move to a new Performing Arts Center.

While it will certainly give us new opportunities, we will not forget the years of

artists and amazing art that has been created in this space.

As always, I hope you enjoy the show.

#MVFineArts

Cast

Kode Banwart Ellie Barkalow Tessa Baty

ensemble ensemble ensemble

Ella Brase Rylan Butterbaugh Ryan Clark

ensemble ensemble Will Parker

Jeremy Ferguson Aubrey Frey Claire Gaffney

Andrew Carnes ensemble ensemble

Morgan Houghtaling Ben Johnson Preston Johnson

Kate ensemble ensemble

Paige Beck Shannon Beck Lydia Benesh ensemble ensemble ensemble

Alice Conroy Clara Conroy Tyler Fall

ensemble Virginia Cord Elam

Haley Hepker Sarah Homrighausen Jaden Houghtaling

Laurey ensemble ensemble

Derek Jordan Kaleigh Jordan Kenzie Ketchum

Ike/Dream Jud ensemble ensemble

Cast

Grace Krapfl Isabelle Krapfl Eli Krob

ensemble ensemble ensemble

Ellie Luchtenburg Gracie Luchtenburg Lucy Maddock

ensemble ensemble ensemble

Maddie Naeve Jack Ossenkop Tyler Panos

ensemble ensemble Slim

McKenzie Rentschler Annie Rhomberg Emma Rodman

ensemble ensemble ensemble

Tryston Locke Andrew Louwagie Mitchell Louwagie

ensemble Joe Mike

Finley McVay Alina Merlak Connor Myers

ensemble Ellen Jud Fry

Georgia Pierce Margaret Player Matt Recalde

ensemble ensemble Fred

Quinnie Rodman Jasper Rood Micheala Rowell

Ado Annie Ali Hakim ensemble

Cast

Paul Ryan Isabella Squiers Jake Stanerson

ensemble ensemble Curly

Daniela Torres-Roe Caroline Voss Kayla Wallace

ensemble ensemble Vivian

Emrys Yamanishi Cedar Zangerle

ensemble ensemble

Ashlynn Steen Maddy Steen Nicole Theobald

ensemble Aunt Eller ensemble

Emma Walsh Sam White Ella Wischmeyer

ensemble Gertie ensemble

In June, our cast of Once on This Island will be performing in the

Chapter Select showcase at the International Thespian Festival in

Lincoln, NE. Thank you to each of you who purchased a fundraiser

ticket to tonight’s performance, $1 of which helps defray the cost of

travel. Keep an eye on twitter for our send-off performance!

Featured Dancers

Sophia Andrews Megan Baumler Chloe Bunch

Ashlee Elliott Dallas Olberding

Pit Musicians

Sabrina Bleile Lily Cripe Ashton Hunt

flute viola bass

Leah Kaminsky Elizabeth Meier-Gast Cate Morgan

violin 2 cello flute

Adult Pit

Musicians

piano Julia Andrews

clarinet Kristin Anderson

bass clarinet Elise Rodenberg

violin 1 Tabitha Rasmussen

bass Kristi Keast

trumpet 1 Mark Anderson

trumpet 2 Scott Weber

trombone Andy Owen

drums Steve Junge

Conducted by Thad Wilkins

Technical Leads

Ellie Crock Lynn Burgin Kai Yamanishi

AD/SM Assistant TD Assistant TD

Thank you to our

2018-2019 Presenting Sponsors!

Technical Crews

Lighting Technician: Kai Yaminishi

Light Board Operators: Sage McVay and Audi Eichorn

Spot Operator: Kate Margheim

Sound Board Operators: Xander Hunt and Aryn Siddell

Run Crew Lead: Lynn Burgin

Run Crew: Quinn Alles, Nathan Woods, Ashley Grice, Maddie Dickson, Lillie

Hawker, Phillip Hyde, Amaya Mahoney, Faith Roudabush, and Taylor

Wilson

Set Design: Quinn Alles, Lynn Burgin, Lillie Hawker, Amaya Mahoney, and

Emma Stevenson

Set Construction: Quinn Alles, Lynn Burgin, Rylan Butterbaugh, Ellie Crock, Maddie

Dickon, Audi Eichorn, Ty Fall, Ashley Grice, Lillie Hawker, Phillip

Hyde, Eli Krob, Tryston Locke, Amaya Mahoney, Kate Margheim,

Sydney McElree, Sage McVay, Jake Panos, Reese Panos, Faith

Roudabush, Natalie Spinsby, Luke Stephens, Emma Stevenson, Kayla

Wallace, Taylor Wilson, Nathan Woods, Emrys Yamanishi, and Kai

Yamanishi.

Fight Choreographer: Grant Freeman

Front of House Manager: Mandy Morrical

Front of House Crew:

Jackson Brus, Oliver Crocker, Kayle Fairchild, and David Wolfe

Poster Design Steve Andresen

T-shirts The Company Store

Tack provided by Reilly Gross

Theatre Department Staff

Troupe/Artistic Director Mr. Tom Stephens

Vocal Director Mr. Thad Wilkins

Technical Director Mr. Steve Andresen

Choreographer Mrs. Jill Wilkins

Costumer Mrs. Barb Shepley

Costumer Ms. Janelle Knight

Speech Team Coach Mrs. Tawnua Tenley

Speech Team Coach Mr. Grant Freeman

Superintendent Dr. Greg Batenhorst

Principal Mr. Steve Brand

Activities Director Mr. Matt Thede

Velvet Curtain Dramatic Society

The first drama club at Mount Vernon High School was organized in

1925 under the supervision of F. Seville Gaston to "encourage the

dramatic arts in the high school." Newspaper records reveal that by

1937 the name had changed to the Velvet Curtain Dramatic

Club. After lapsing for several years, the name was reintroduced in

1958 by director Gladys Rife. This title again fell out of use after the

awarding of a charter from the International Thespian Society in 1972

under the leadership of Donna Jacob. Troupe 1470 continues today as

a proud member of Iowa Thespians and the Educational Theatre

Association. In 2012, as a nod to the past and present, the MVHS

Theatre Department official adopted the title Velvet Curtain Dramatic

Society to encompass our work as actors, technicians, orators, and

thespians.

@mvhstheatre

http://tiny.cc/mvhstheatre

Upcoming Events Thespian Induction Ceremony & Fine Arts Awards Night May 22

IHSMTA Showcase Jun. 3

International Thespian Festival Jun. 24-29

[title of show] Sep. 14-15

Eurydice Oct. 26 & Nov. 2

This program is also available

to view on your mobile device.

Download the program at

http://tiny.cc/mvhstheatre

Please remember to turn off your device

when the performance begins.

Mount Vernon Fine Arts Association

2018-2019 Supporting Members

Diamond Supporting Member ($1000+) Downtown Dental Jody and Sandra Kolker

Jennifer and Paul Morf Mount Vernon Bank and Trust

Tom and Susan Pitlik Ray and Ann Stoner

Platinum Supporting Members ($500-$999) Eric and LeAnn Briesemeister Dave and Karen Cripe

Kelly Concrete Rick and Trude Elliott

Ben and Megan Pospisil Dave and Heidi Ryan

Dan and Cathy Stoner

Gold Supporting Members ($250-$499) Michael and Brenda Bany Bridge Community Bank

Mike and Barb Connolly Mike and Lori Cranston

Stan Crocker and Susan Hargus Todd and Wahneta Dimmer

Hall and Hall Engineering Hills Bank and Trust Company

Koppenhaver and Associates Adam and Erin Krapfl

Ron and Carolyn Lochner Lynch Ford Chevrolet

Matt Mahoney Thelma and John Rife

Robison Construction Ryan and Angie Steen

Stewart Baxter David and Julie Yeoman

Silver Supporting Members ($100-$249) Christian and Anna Andrews Jim and Julie Baty

Corey Benn & Carrie Brown-Benn Scott and Barb Bleile

Blooming Acres Florist Ebe and Lynde Boettcher

Jason and Brittany Booth Lezli Luneckas Broomhall

Brother’s Market Andy Brus and Tori Barnes-Brus

Kristine Butterbaugh Mike and Ruth Clark

Lance and Sarah Dickson Mark and Kim Erlandson

Tim and Kim Fall Fordyce Painting

Jeff and Laura Friedman Chad and Britini Gookin

Sharon and Darin Grice Hepker Family

Hertz Farm Management Jennifer and Loren Hoffman

Keith and Janet Huebner Iowa Physical Therapy

Ron and Amy Jackson Beth and Preston Johnson

Darrell and Donna Jordan Donna and Jerry Kaalberg

Kevin and Traci Kadlec Chad and Melissa Kelly

Lee’s Town and Country Charles and Coralie Liberko

Troy and Tracey Louwagie Matt and Sue Margheim

M & K Dust Control Rod and Linda McElvain

Denae McGrath Christopher Merriman

James and Becky Meier-Gast Lori Merlak and Scott McWherter

Andy and Jackie Morrical Mt. Vernon Driver’s Education

Mt. Vernon Eye Clinic Stephen and Kristin Ossenkop

Palisades Family Dental Ken and Jane Pospisil

Ryan and Nichole Rentschler Sauter, Baty, and Bloomquist

Colin and Mary Squiers Doug and Crystal Shannon

Darrin and Lea Snedden Wade and Krista Squiers

Jen and Clint Stanerson Tom and Katie Stephens

Kent and Aimee Streicher The Sun Newspaper

Darin and Charlene Vig David and Barbara Vig

Shawn and Karmin Voigt Todd and Lisa White

Bronze Supporting Members ($10-$99) Matt and Kim Alles Kristin and Mark Anderson

Matt and Emily Appleton Alan and Lori Arnold

Neil and Renee Barkalow Rickey and Ila Jean Benzing

Bob and Polly Blythe Jean Boardman

Ben and Brittany Brannaman Chameleon’s

Brannaman and Dausener Family Carrie and Jeremy Elliott

Jason and Lynn Fencl Glyn Mawr Vineyard

Rich and Tara Hall David and Carol Hanneman

Benton and Monica Frey Kevin and Lorri Gunderson

John and Ann Gruber-Miller Rob and Jaimie Hanson

Doug Hanson and Sue Diebner Heather and Mathew Hasley

Chad and Annie Hawker Helios Stitches N Stuff

Kyle and Jena Jaspers James and Jessica Jensen

Duane & Leigh Ann Jordan Kristi Keast

Mike and Suzette Kragenbrink John and Kaylene Kroul

Mark and Erin Krob Joe and Amanda Latta

The Locksmith Marsha McWhinney

Mike and Mandy Moellering Mount Vernon Insurance

One Mission Fundraising Pat Ouverson

Dave and Lesley Panos Jon and Amy Paulus

Joel and Kari Pendergrass Jodie and Tucker Pettinger

Sherene and Roch Player Family Brandon Pitlik

Nancy and Ray Reasland David and Stacy Roe

Sargent and Fortmann Shear Madness Salon

Si Senor Restaurant Clint and Jennifer Stanerson

Robert and Linda Steen Don and Judy Stine

Joann Stoner Darin and Angie Swartzendruber

Matt and Jessica Thede Ed and Stephanie Timm

Tim and Jill Vavricek Maggie and Nate Willems

Jenna and Kirk Wischmeyer Family Andrew and Krista Witham

Barbara Woods Barbara Worlein

Richard and Deloris Young Zeb and Michelle Zaruba

raison d’être

It is the mission of the Mount Vernon High School Theatre Department

to entertain and edify participants on stage, backstage, and in the

audience. Educational theatre is meant to foster critical thinking

skills, provide historical perspectives, examine social issues, explore

other cultures, promote meaningful discussion, and engender lifelong

appreciation for the arts.

Presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals

www.rnh.com