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Fort Wayne Civic Theatre Present Disney's Frozen at the Newly Expanded and Modernized Arts United Center, weekends November 8-23, 2025! Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love.   Set in the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Frozen  tells the story of royal sisters Elsa and Anna, who are torn apart by Elsa’s icy powers. When Elsa sets Arendelle into eternal winter, Anna seeks to save her sister and sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.   Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage.   Music & Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez Book by Jennifer Lee Originally directed on Broadway by Michael Grandage Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Group   Disney's Frozen is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com A Note from Director Phillip Colglazier Music Theatre International is one of the many theatrical licensing companies in the United States from which we secure the legal permission and rights to do our productions. When I received the early advance release of the rights, prior to a public announcement, I jumped on this wonderful opportunity to bring it to our community. This story of sisterhood and the true meaning of love is brilliantly told through the dramatic, comic, and wildly creative lens of Disney. The rich music and enchanting lyrics are infectious and forever instilled in the hearts of the young and old, a timeless tale for all generations. For this reason, its popularity makes it a challenge to bring to the stage and meet your expectations. First, trying to translate the original animated version into “real life” characters in the Disney style is not an easy task. Olaf, the puppet, needed to be rented.  Sven, the reindeer, was created by staff members Andrew Holderfield and Gavin Thomas Drew. Scenic projections had to be purchased early to set the scenic flow of the show, especially when we had to rehearse and build our sets off-site. We had to put this show in trucks, just like a National Touring Company, and put the puzzle back together on stage. Secondly, the auditions and casting process were wonderful because we had 140 talented individuals audition, which was a challenge in and of itself. We could have cast the show twice, which is a major complement to our community and educators.   Thirdly, Frozen  is the first full production to be formed at the newly renovated Arts United Center with new electronic scenic flying system, new lighting instruments, new audio system, new box office CRM system, and more. This is a challenge we embraced and took on willingly with the incredible talents and support of the Arts United’s Technical Team.   Thank you to Miriam, Luke, Josh, and all others! In addition, thank you to Hagerman Construction, MSKTD, and the entire Arts United staff and organization who worked tirelessly to complete the renovation project on time for our production of Frozen, our 726 th  production! Finally, I can’t thank the staff, Board of Directors, and the Frozen production team enough for their dedication and perseverance during the renovation and for bringing this show to the stage.  As the show’s Director, you and everyone  work hard and long hours in a collective artistic effort, and then it is time to “Let it Go!” Places! Curtain! “For the First Time in Forever” the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre is proud to present Frozen under the music direction of Rolin Mains and assisted direction and choreography of Eric Smead. Enjoy!

The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre’s Board of Directors announces the retirement of Phillip H. Colglazier, the organization’s Executive/Artistic Director. Colglazier has led the Civic Theatre since 2000 and served as the Education Director/Choreographer for 6 years prior to taking the lead role. Over the years, some of the key initiatives and programs Colglazier helped shepherd were the Northeast Indiana Playwright Festival, Celebrities Act Up Fundraisers, Project Lights Up Program, Theatre Arts Weekend, and Civic Theatre Conservatory. He directed and/or choreographed 67 productions for the Civic Theatre.    When Colglazier was hired in 2000 as the Executive/Artistic Director, the organization was $90,000 in debt. By working with the Civic’s board leadership, he was able to bring the organization back to a balanced budget within 2 years. His strong leadership nurtured the organization through economic changes impacting funding for the Arts, Covid, and the recent temporary relocation of the Civic Theatre’s operations during the renovation of the Arts United Center.   During Colglazier’s tenure, the organization’s endowment has grown from $10,000 to over $3,500,000. In 2008, Colglazier was recognized by the Indiana General Assembly and the Indiana Coalition for the Arts Foundation as an Outstanding Arts Administrator at the Community Arts Leadership Awards in Indianapolis.   In 1975, Colglazier began his life-long passion for theatre when he was cast in his first Civic Theatre production of South Pacific  at the age of 15. While obtaining a Theatre degree at Ball State University he worked during the summers at King’s Dominion Theme Park and Opryland USA. Upon graduation Colglazier’s career mostly took him overseas to perform on RAI UNO Television in Rome, Italy on FANTASTICO CINQUE , in CATS  in Vienna, Austria under the direction of Gillian Lynne, and at Lotte World in Seoul, Korea under the direction of Baayork Lee. He earned his Actors Equity Association union status performing at Beef-N-Boards Dinner Theatre in West Side Story and as Paul San Marco in A Chorus Line.   He returned home to Fort Wayne in 1989 to perform and work for the Fort Wayne Ballet before accepting the only full-time “paying” acting role in town, Happy the Hobo, the actor/producer of Happy’s Place on Channel 55.   Colglazier’s retirement date is June 30, 2026. The search committee is accepting resumes through December 1 st . The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre is one of the oldest community theatres in the United States and the second largest in Indiana. The Civic is currently in its 98 th  Season and is preparing to celebrate the 100 th  Anniversary Season in 2027-2028.  We are hiring! The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2027-2028, is seeking a full-time Executive/Artistic Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the position is responsible for the Administrative, Personnel, and Artistic functions of the organization, and serves as the liaison between the Board of Directors and Committees including Finance, Development, Personnel, Marketing, Fundraising, Artistic, Facilities, etc. A degree in Theatre and/or experience in not-for-profit theatre management preferred. Excellent benefit package. Compensation commensurate with experience. For more information and to apply, head to our website at https://www.fwcivic.org/employment

“Let’s do the Time Warp again!” In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky”.   Complete with sass from the audience and an array of other audience participation props, this deliberately kitschy rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical is great fun for adults and a perfect way to kick off the Halloween season!   Book, Music, and Lyrics by Richard O’Brien   The Rocky Horror Show is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com Presented at Foellinger Outdoor Theatre Musical Rated R Adult Language and Content ​ Box Office Contact Information Foellinger Outdoor Theatre Box Office Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Office 705 E. State Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Hours - Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Questions - (260) 427-6000   Ticket orders cannot be purchased over the phone   NO EXTERNAL PROPS ARE ALLOWED ON-SITE! Prop bags will be available for purchase. Director, AJ Lorenzini, gives some insight to the production - The Rocky Horror Show premiered on the West End in 1973, almost 51 years ago to the exact day that I’m writing these notes. I have to admit that number really shocked me when I did the math. The original London and Los Angeles productions were successful, but the musical did not find success on Broadway. Even the now iconic film version was not an immediate success, only through years of midnight showings and audience participation has it become one of the most well-known musicals in the musical theatre canon. Its popularity makes it a natural choice for the Civic, as audiences from all around will be familiar with its iconic moments. But I didn’t want it to be that simple… The Rocky Horror Show was very subversive for its time, and still is in many ways over fifty years later. When presented with the immense opportunity to direct this show, one questions immediately came to my mind: “How can we bring this show that has been entertaining and shocking audiences for half a century to 2024?” At its core, The Rocky Horror Show is a story about a traditional young couple that gets thrown into a world they don’t understand and are inherently uncomfortable with. I immediately wanted to take Brad and Janet, the nuclear ideal of a 1950s American couple, and put them in the most uncomfortable situation they could be: a 1980s underground punk gay club. This is the environment that the creators of The Rocky Horror Show were very familiar with, so why not place the story there? Exciting ideas immediately came to mind: “Frank-N-Furter is the drag headliner of the club!”, “Riff is the bouncer!” “The Phantoms are the patrons!” It all began to click. Fortunately, the entire Civic staff immediately gravitated to these ideas and ran full-speed ahead with this vision. Two of the biggest people I need to thank are my assistant director Brandon Porter, and my “creative consultant” Michael Bartkiewicz, who both listened to my wild ideas and kept me in check at all times in preparation for this show. It also helps that we have an absolute dream of a creative team (Olivia, Rollie, Bobbi Jo, Brittany) along for the ride. Thank you to Phillip for this amazing opportunity, and of course to “THIS. CAST.” for bringing this story to life with charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent! I constantly think of myself as one of the luckiest guys around, and that is no joke! No more antici…..pation! On with the show! AJ Lorenzini (Director) is making his community directing debut with The Rocky Horror Show! He is no stranger to Fort Wayne theatre, having appeared as an actor and technician with Civic, Arena Dinner Theatre, First Pres, TRMT, SCMT, and IMTF. He received Anthony Awards for his roles as The Cat in the Hat in Seussical , the ensemble of Sweeney Todd , and the one-man-play Buyer & Cellar , as well as Arena Awards for his performances as Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone and the Headwaiter in She Loves Me . Other favorite roles at the Civic include Cinderella’s Stepmother in Into the Woods , Frederick in Young Frankenstein , Harry in Mamma Mia! , and Mandy Patinkin in Forbidden Broadway . AJ is currently in his 9th year as a high school theatre director, where he has directed over 15 productions including Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Clue, and The Wizard of Oz. He thanks the entire Civic board and staff for this amazing opportunity, his amazing cast and dream production team, and Quyen for being the best supporter in the whole world!

Audition dates are now set for our upcoming On the Road Season, help us spread the good word! Also, don't miss out on our Early Bird Discount for next season's tickets! The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre is offering an Early Bird Discount of 10% off ticket prices now through May 31, 2024. To save even more, plan to purchase your tickets in person at each Box Office location to avoid fees! Get a great deal, the best seats, and plan your next season with the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre today! We are excited to welcome back LIVE MUSICIANS next season! All auditions will be held at our temporary location, 1940 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46809. Auditions - Sunday, July 14 starting at 6:00 PM Callbacks - Monday, July 15 starting at 7:00 PM Director - AJ Lorenzini Choreographer - Olivia Rang Music Director - Rolin Mains Rated PG-13 Adult Language and Content Auditions - Sunday, September 22 starting at 6:00 PM Callbacks - Monday, September 23 starting at 7:00 PM Director/Choreographer - Leslie Beauchamp Music Director - Ben Wedler Rated PG Auditions - Sunday, November 3 starting at 6:30 PM Callbacks - Monday, November 4 starting at 7:00 PM Director/Choreographer - Capri Parrish Williams Music Director - Holly Knott Rated PG-13 Adult Language and Content Auditions - Sunday, January 5 starting at 7:00 PM Callbacks - Monday, January 6 starting at 7:00 PM Director - Andrew Holderfield Rated R Adult Language and Content Auditions - Sunday, March 2 starting at 6:00 PM Callbacks - Monday, March 3 starting at 7:00 PM Director/Choreographer - Doug King Music Director - Rolin Mains Rated PG

With phenomenal music, memorable characters, and great storytelling, Jersey Boys follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, Jersey Boys takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Enjoy the thrill of electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, “Dawn”, and “My Eyes Adored You”, which brought The Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice Music by Bob Gaudio Lyrics by Bob Crewe Jersey Boys is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com Presented at the Arts United Center at Arts Campus Fort Wayne Musical Rated R for Adult Content and Language Director/Choreographer, Leslie Beauchamp, gives some insight to the production - “Oh, What a Night!” As we prepare to open Jersey Boys, the final Civic Theatre production before renovations on the Arts United Center stage, a little nostalgia seems just about right. Whether or not you were around in the 60’s when radio and TV stations were constantly blasting out the iconic sound of The Four Seasons, you most certainly know their songs. Their first #1 hit was “Sherry”, followed quickly by “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man”. They weren’t always The Four Seasons. The group that eventually came together were known, both individually and collectively, as over 18 stage names. Frankie Valli and The Travelers, The Romans, The Village Voices, and The Topics to name a few. It must have been destiny the day they found themselves at the bowling alley that inspired their eventual name. Jersey Boys is a show about guys from the streets of Jersey working together to realize a dream. As Tommy says, “If you’re from my neighborhood, you’ve got three ways out: you could join the army. You could get mobbed up. Or you could become a star.” Well, these four voices were no random guys – they were four voices that blended together to create magic. Jersey Boys shows us what happens when a star shines too bright and too fast for guys too young to always know how to handle it. But, more importantly, it’s a story about reaching for the stars and realizing dreams. It’s about family. It’s about loyalty and never forgetting where you come from. And it’s about finding your way home." As the Civic prepares for a season On the Road, I truly think Jersey Boys reminds us that no matter where we go, no matter the venue, we are a family. We stick together through thick and thin, and together, wherever we are, we are home. We hope you enjoy our production. This cast is the epitome of an ensemble – they are tremendous! I’m always overwhelmed at the depth of talent we are blessed with in our community, and these folks will knock your socks off! They have amazed us every night! We have had entirely too much fun in rehearsal and are thrilled to finally get to bring this show to the stage! Oh, and go ahead and sing out – you won’t be able to stop yourselves!! LESLIE BEAUCHAMP (Director/Choreographer) is a familiar face to area audiences, having been involved in our arts community for over 40 years (Arts United Award Recipient, Outstanding Volunteer). Most recently, Leslie served as Director/Choreographer for the Genesis Outreach production of Ragtime, Director for FPT’s production of Head Over Heels, Director/Choreographer for Civic Theatre’s Hello, Dolly!, Assistant to the Director for Arena’s Bright Star, as Choreographer and Education Director for FWSMT's The Phantom of the Opera and last seen onstage in Civic Theatre's Something Rotten! (Bea Bottom). Her favorite roles include The Witch (Into The Woods), Desiree Armfeldt (A Little Night Music), and Margaret Johnson (The Light in the Piazza). Directing/Choreographic works include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sweeney Todd, Newsies, The Marvelous Wonderettes, and the all-female production of 1776 (Arts United Award, Significant Contribution to the Arts). Leslie and her husband Brad were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from USF's School of Creative Arts where they were involved in bringing theatre to students and the community at large. She currently serves as President of Arena Theatre BOD, choreographs award-winning area show choirs, is an adjudicator and motivational clinician, and can be heard in local, regional, and national voiceover campaigns.

The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre is proud to celebrate our 97th year and announce our 2024-2025 On the Road Season! The Civic Theatre will be temporarily moving out of the Arts United Center starting June 2024, due to Arts United renovating the Arts United Center. During the renovation, the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre will be relocating to 1940 Bluffton Road in the Foster Park Plaza. We will continue to produce high quality shows at the Embassy Theatre and the Foellinger Outdoor Theatre, including a special collaboration with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Tickets on sale now! The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre will be offering an Early Bird Discount of 10% off ticket prices now through May 31, 2024. To save even more, plan to purchase your tickets in person at each Box Office location to avoid fees! Get a great deal, the best seats, and plan your next season with the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre today! “Let’s do the Time Warp again!” In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky”. Complete with sass from the audience, cascading toilet paper, and an array of other audience participation props, this deliberately kitschy rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical is great fun for adults and a perfect way to kick off the Halloween season! Presented at Foellinger Outdoor Theatre Musical Rated PG-13 Adult Language and Content Box Office Contact Information Foellinger Outdoor Theatre Box Office Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Office 705 E. State Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Hours - Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Questions - (260) 427-6000 Ticket orders cannot be purchased over the phone Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters enroute to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features a dazzling score including well known standards such as “Blue Skies”, “I Love A Piano”, “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial favorite, “White Christmas”. Irving Berlin's White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages. Presented at the Embassy Theatre Musical Rated G Box Office Contact Information STAR Bank Box Office at the Embassy Theatre 125 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Hours - Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM Questions - (260) 424-5665 Ticket orders cannot be purchased over the phone Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop…until a baking contest in a nearby county and the town's handsome new doctor offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. Supported by her quirky crew of fellow waitresses and loyal customers, Jenna summons the secret ingredient she's been missing all along — courage. Brought to life on Broadway by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, Waitress features original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song"), and a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson. Nominated for four Tony Awards (including Best Musical), and cherished by audiences and critics alike, Waitress is inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film and offers a special recipe for finding happiness in unexpected places. Presented at the Embassy Theatre Musical Rated PG13 Box Office Contact Information STAR Bank Box Office at the Embassy Theatre 125 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Hours - Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM Questions - (260) 424-5665 Ticket orders cannot be purchased over the phone Master abstract expressionist, Mark Rothko, has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art, a series of murals for New York’s famed Four Seasons Restaurant. In the two fascinating years that follow, Rothko works feverishly with his young assistant, Ken, in his studio on the Bowery. But when Ken gains the confidence to challenge him, Rothko faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. Raw and provocative, Red is a searing portrait of an artist's ambition and vulnerability as he tries to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting. Winner of the 2010 Tony Award® for Best Play. Presented at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art Play Rated R Box Office Contact Information ArtsTix Box Office 303 E. Main St. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Hours - Monday-Friday 12PM-6PM Questions - (260) 424-5220 When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter. ​ The new musical, Freaky Friday, based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films (and developed by Disney Theatrical Productions expressly for licensing to theatres), features a book by Bridget Carpenter - the co-executive producer and writer on the beloved TV hits, "Friday Night Lights" and "Parenthood" - and music and lyrics by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey - the Pulitzer Prize-winning composers of Next to Normal and If/Then. Presented at the Embassy Theatre Musical Rated PG Box Office Contact Information STAR Bank Box Office at the Embassy Theatre 125 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Hours - Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM Questions - (260) 424-5665 Ticket orders cannot be purchased over the phone

Ouisa and Flan find themselves victims of a strange invasion after offering a young man, who claims to be the son of Sidney Poitier and who appears to have been mugged in Central Park, shelter in their apartment. He tells them he knows their children from Harvard, and so begins an evening that captivates the older wealthy couple, eager to embrace the promise of an intelligent, provocative young person who also happens to stroke their egos and reinforce their sense of good personhood. ​ Six Degrees of Separation stunningly demonstrates the way each person’s individual vision of the world, limited by our desire to control how we ourselves are seen, leaves us prey to the manipulations and nuances of human design at play all around us. Winner of the 1993 Olivier Award for Best Play and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, no subject is left untouched in this comic, fast-paced, and affecting piece. The title refers to a statistical theory which states that any two people in the world can be connected through only six other people. The play is an examination of the threads of chance that link one person to another. ​ Author John Guare Six Degrees of Separation is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. www.dramatists.com We welcome back Guest Director Ranae Butler! RANAE BUTLER (Director) is a theatre educator and Director of Fine Arts for area programs. She knows that the collaborative process of creating theatre with a team of designers, crew, and actors to tell a story about our shared humanity is a personally rewarding endeavor and a profound way to serve the community. A lifelong student of theatre, Ranae holds a BA from PFW and an MFA in Theatre from Brandeis University where she studied under the great teachers, Ted Kazanoff and David Wheeler. Her greatest joy is her family. Ranae's Notes About Six Degrees of Separation - Six Degrees of Separation, written by John Guare, was published in 1990 and had a successful Broadway run before being made into a film in 1993. It is an intellectual comedy/drama/mystery with heady themes and hidden treasures for those willing to step inside the world of the play. My intention with these notes is to provide you with a few clues for viewing. But first, a note about the thrust set, a style chosen for its intimacy. There are three areas to familiarize yourself with: 1. The Apartment of Ouisa and Flan Kittredge. 2. "Otherwheres" - the area of the floor that is painted in the style of Kandinski. You will notice that the "Otherwheres" begin to encroach on the apartment as the play proceeds. 3. The Street - these are the aisles directly in front of you which will frequently be inhabited by actors talking directly to you. Please place any belongings under your seat! Your Questions/Clues for viewing: Over the past 34 years, the following questions ring truer than when the play was written: What happens when a lack of authentic human connection and spiritual emptiness leaves us with a hole inside ourselves? How do we try to fill that hole? Gossip? Sex? Drugs? Experiences? Good causes? Self-delusion? Who in this play is open to authentic human connection? Where are the authentic connections? The missed connections? A double-sided abstract expressionist painting by Wassily Kandinsky serves as a visual focus on the set as well as a symbol of the themes explored in the text such as chaos/control, two sides to every story, and the imagination. Guare taps into the painter’s abstract expressionist style that “tried to unlock the unconsciousness of humanity”. Kandinsky painted unrecognized shapes which requires the viewer to assign meaning to the abstract. How do the characters in this play assign meaning to the young black man who walks into their homes? Why do they allow him into their homes? When this stranger delivers a monologue about the imagination, he sets in motion a series of events that alters the future of our characters, "The imagination. It's there to sort out your nightmare, to show you the exit from the maze of your nightmare, to transform the nightmare into dreams, that become your bedrock. If we do not listen to that voice, it dies, it shrivels, it vanishes. The imagination is not our escape. On the contrary, the imagination is the place we are all trying to get to......The imagination. That's God's gift to make the act of self-examination bearable." Who will answer the call for self-examination in this play and where will that lead them? Who are the con artists in this play? Who is hustling and for what? The play is also an exploration of race. Originally cast with only one person of color, I have increased that number to include characters in positions of authority, characters as witnesses to concerns of race, and characters of color in positions of low and high status. The actors in the play, and Assistant Director, Cortney White, have been instrumental in discussions and discoveries around this theme. I owe a debt of gratitude for their insights and lived experiences. Since this is a play demanding self-examination, what are your thoughts about how race impacts the decisions made in this story? Hopefully these questions give you a head start in exploring the many puzzles this play has to offer. Untangling the mysteries has been an important part of our artistic process and I couldn’t have hoped to do it with a better team.

The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music, and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life. ​ Based upon the novel written by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment Motion PictureBook by Marsha Norman Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray The Color Purple was produced on Broadway at the Broadway Theater by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, Roy Furman, and Quincy Jones. The world premiere of The Color Purple was produced by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia. The Color Purple is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com Welcome Director Dianne Shaw back to Fort Wayne! DIANNE B. SHAW (Director) is extremely pleased to be returning to the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre for this production of The Color Purple. She has directed Dreamgirls and 9 to 5 in the past seasons, along with two winning pieces in the Northeast Indiana Playwright Festival. Dianne holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Directing and Theater Arts from MacMurray College in Jacksonville IL., with continuing studies at Northwestern University, Indiana State, and Chicago’s Second City. As an actress, Dianne has been seen on the Civic stage along with other theaters in Fort Wayne. She has several films/TV credits including Chicago Med, Chasing Gold with Paul Sorvino, and The Women of Brewster Place with Oprah Winfrey along with roles in the beloved classics, Home Alone and Groundhog Day. Dianne has worked with Fort Wayne film director Steve Miller on several independent films. DIRECTOR'S NOTES The Color Purple, Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, inspired a blockbuster film and now, by some accounts, a landmark musical. Perhaps a musical version of Walker’s original epistolary novel was inevitable. The musical hints at the little-known history of Black letters written in search of family members lost during 300+ years of enslavement. However, the musical does powerful work that the novel could not do. It engages the language and history of Black music--gospel and jazz performances undergirded by the Negro spiritual, the blues, and the work song. This music provides the soundtrack of the Black American experience. Celebrate with us tonight the journey of Celie, a young girl born into rural Georgia of the early 1900s. Her life is restricted by cultures and rituals of dominance coded by colors, white and black; by sex and gender, male and female; by wealth and poverty; by dictates of law, the language of power. What power does a poor, illiterate Black girl summon that she might navigate a world embedded in histories and practices of cruelty, abuse, denial, and silence? Alice Walker gives Celie fortitude, sisterhood, love, and imagination. Composer par excellence, Quincy Jones, gives her music. The Color Purple is a uniquely American story situated in a larger history of women, men, and children around the world working to evolve toward a culture that honors a dream of community defined by love. Alice Walker has stated that Purple is a story about love. “Love is big. It can hold anger, hatred, and pain." Love must also make room for forgiveness and redemption. Celie’s story, for me, is one of simple grace, an enduring faith in our capacity to love others and more importantly, ourselves.

Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure! Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears. ​ "Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek..." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek. Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre. Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire Music by Jeanine Tesori Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions ​ Shrek The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com Welcome Gavin Thomas Drew as he makes his Fort Wayne Civic Theatre directorial debut! Gavin is a nationally recognized director, performer, and playwright. Locally, he is the Artistic Director of Summit City Music Theatre. He attended Oklahoma City University for Musical Theatre and Directing. His starring turns as Igor in Civic Theatre’s production of Young Frankenstein and a host of characters in Forbidden Broadway garnered him praises and two Anthony Awards. He won a BroadwayWorld Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Summit City Music Theatre’s You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown as Snoopy. He won another for Best Ensemble of a Play with Nina Raine’s Tribes at the University of Central Oklahoma. As a director, he has led casts to award-winning performances at AACT Festival and is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. As a profoundly deaf performer and director with cochlear implants, he takes pride in mentoring disabled/differently abled casts and holding seminars on inclusion and accommodation for all talents. He has guest lectured on disability in theatre at the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. He is proud to be making his Civic Theatre directorial debut with this talented cast and production team. Here are a few insights from Gavin about the production! "It’s a Big, Bright, Beautiful World…and Shrek The Musical is a shining example of that, right here at the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, where the arts are alive and talent abounds. It has been my good fortune to lead this amazing cast through the swamps and sights of Duloc and beyond. It’s not my first rodeo with this “ogre” of a show… As a 17-year-old, I appeared in Shrek The Musical at the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre in 2014. Then, I reprised my role of Pig #2 again at a small theatre in Oklahoma City in 2016. So, to say me and Shrek are old pals, is an understatement. Almost everyone has seen the 2001 (feel old?) DreamWork’s film Shrek, or one of its three sequels. Far less are familiar with the original source material, a children’s book called Shrek!, written and illustrated by William Steig. The book tells the tale of a repugnant, green-skinned, fire-breathing seemingly indestructible Ogre who enjoys causing misery with his repulsiveness. After his parents decide that he must be sent out into the world, they kick him out of their swamp. Along the way, Shrek soon encounters a witch, is taken to a castle by a donkey, battles a knight, and marries a princess who is even uglier than him. Together, they live happily ever after and vow to scare the socks off anyone who ever dares come near them. So, you know… a classic love story! Beyond the incredibly gifted designers, technicians, and production team that have worked on the show you are about to see, I have been blown away by the insane talent of this magnificent cast. After an overwhelming audition turn-out, we can safely say that we have amassed the most talented cast in Fort Wayne, a majority of which are making their Fort Wayne Civic Theatre debut. I cannot wait for you to experience this screwy but delighted crazy stew that this cast has been cooking up for the last seven weeks. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this hilarious, crude, and downright adorable story. If you look past the fart jokes, you might just find a whole lot of heart." Shrek The Musical Study Guide Come meet Shrek and his friends at Shrek the Halls, Sunday November 19th! Begin the Holiday Season in true ogre fashion with a day at the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre! Event starts at 12:30 PM and includes your meal, tickets to the show, door prizes, and much, much, more (maybe even a visit from our jolly friend) After a fun afternoon, enjoy our final production of Shrek The Musical at 2 PM - tickets on sale now!

The longest running off-Broadway musical revue in history has been revised for the 21st century! I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship.” Through sketches and songs, Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car, and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, and to those who have dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?” Meet the Cast! AJ LORENZINI returns for his 11th show at the Civic Theatre. Previous Civic appearances include Into the Woods (Cinderella's Stepmother), Hello, Dolly! (Rudolph, Dance Captain), Young Frankenstein (Frederick), Mamma Mia! (Harry), and Forbidden Broadway. He has won Anthony Awards for his appearances in Seussical (The Cat in the Hat), Sweeney Todd, and the one-man-play Buyer & Cellar. AJ has also appeared in productions with Arena Dinner Theatre, TRMT, and Firs Pres. STEPHANIE LONGBRAKE is loving her 13th Civic Theatre show, and 5th under Doug’s direction! Roles in FW theatre include actor, music and assistant directors, and most recently, dramaturg. Aside from the Civic Theatre, she’s performed at Arena Dinner Theater, First Pres, TRMT, SCMT, USF, and VWCT. Favorite roles include Annelle in Steel Magnolias and Amalia in She Loves Me. Stephanie can offer zero relationship advice, but can quote Nora Ephron, queen of the romcom on demand. AARON MANN was recently seen in Arena’s Tick, Tick, Boom (Michael). Graduate of Purdue Theatre, Fort Wayne, Mann holds a Master’s in Education: Special Education from USF, and is Technical Director for Snider High School’s Theatre program. Recent roles include Wedding Singer (Glen Guglia), American Idiot (Saint Jimmy), and Noises Off (Lloyd Dallas). Performing in venues from North Carolina to California, favorite roles include Annie (Oliver Warbucks), Company (Bobby), Avenue Q (Princeton), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Lawrence Jameson), MacBeth (MacBeth), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), HAIR (Berger), and South Pacific (Emile De Becque). MELISSA TERHUNE is a singer, actor, wife, and mom to both human and feline children. She is thrilled to be making her Fort Wayne Civic Theatre debut with this incredible cast. Most recently, she appeared as Marian Paroo in The Music Man with Summit City Music Theatre. Other local credits include Alf in The Wedding Singer with Summit City Music Theatre, The Nice Mrs. Cratchit/Monica/Hedwig in Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge at Arena Dinner Theatre, Ms. Gardner in Carrie with Three Rivers Music Theatre, and as a Featured Soloist in TRMT’s cabaret series. BEN WEDLER is happy to be back on stage at the Civic Theatre where he has music directed Sweeney Todd, Rock of Ages, Seussical, Elf, and Something Rotten!. He also assistant directed 1776. He has been seen on stage at the Civic Theatre in Into the Woods, Once Upon a Mattress, Shadowlands, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Christmas Story and in his Anthony Award winning role as Horton the Elephant in Seussical in 2006. He has music directed many musicals at Arena Dinner Theatre, including I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change and had his directing debut with last summer’s Lucky Stiff. He is the Board Treasurer at Arena Dinner Theatre. LEAH WEDLER is excited to be back on the Civic Theatre stage after last being seen in Hello, Dolly! Other Civic productions include 1776 (John Dickinson), Sweeney Todd (Wigmaker Quintet), Seussical (Bird Girl), The Glass Menagerie (Laura) and Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Beatrice- Anthony Award). Among her credits, Leah lists favorites South Pacific (Nellie Forbush - Arena Award), A Little Night Music (Mrs. Anderssen), and Lucky Stiff (Anabelle Glick). In 1995, I Love You... premiered at New Jersey's American Stage Company, where, in the middle of one early performance, a woman in the audience couldn't help but blurt out, “This is my life!” From that moment on, the creators knew they were on to something. The following season, I Love You... moved to New Haven's Long Wharf Theater, and then on August 1st, 1996, I Love You... opened off-Broadway at The Westside Theater, where it ran through for 5,003 performances. When it closed on July 27, 2008, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change had become the second longest-running show and longest-running revue in off-Broadway history. The musical has been showcased in more than 250 cities worldwide, including London, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, Sydney, Seoul, Rio de Janeiro and Johannesburg. In addition to its enormous success, the off-Broadway production was the site of over 50 marriage proposals.

Are you ready for the adventure!? Join us this November for this epic story of friendship, true beauty, and acceptance with all your favorite fairytale creatures! Please help us welcome Gavin Thomas Drew to the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre for his Directorial debut, break a leg Gavin! Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure! Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there's more to the story than meets the ears. ​ "Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek..." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek. Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all), and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

You are officially invited to the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre Moving Out Sale, Saturday, September 23rd from 10 AM-6 PM and/or Sunday, September 24th from 10 AM-3 PM! Come shop lots of great items from costumes to fabric to props to furniture and more! All sales are final and as is, there will be no refunds or returns. Please plan to park in the Arts United Center parking lot and enter through the front of the theatre! Interested in volunteering, sign up at the link below! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4DA9AA23AAFB6-civic#/