The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 1, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 February 1988 — Page 71
New owners promise 'best I *• season' at Enchanted Hills
Offering a major Syracuse-Wawasee area cultural activity for over 20 years, the Enchanted Hills Playhouse has received new life this year, with three new owners prepared to make 1988 one of the best seasons ever.
“We feel the potential is excellent, we expect to become a vital part of the summer stock theater in this area,” says Bob Decker, one of the chief operators. Decker will serve as general manager, while Middlebury resident Christopher Helvey will be business manager. Michael Algate of Goshen rounds out the new leadership, serving as production manager. Algate is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York and is active in Elkhart Civic Theater. A new artistic director will also grace the stage, in the form of Dr. Earl Reimer, a nationally known playwright and director who has almost 100 productions to his credit. “We’re hoping Dr. Reimer will bring a new style and vitality to our productions,” Decker asserts, noting that four musicals and two comedies will be performed beginn-
ENCHANTED HILLS PLAYHOUSE I
1988 Premiere Season
& The Sunshine Boys ~ June 15-26 The Fantasticks June 29-July 10 Company July 13-24
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! * Sensational Value! Save over single ticket prices. * Priority Seating! GOOD SEATS become YOUR seats. Seating locations for our subscribers are always the best available in the theatre and are guaranteed for each play! * Tickets Mailed In Advance Easy and convenient! You have the tickets in your hand when you arrive at the theatre. No waiting in line, risking being turned away at the last minute from performances you wanted to see. * Easy Exchange Privileges! Your tickets may be exchanged on a seat available basis by returning them to the Box Office at least 24 hours in advance. * Ticket Insurance! Lost or stolen tickets can be replaced easily, even on show nights. * Gala Party After Each Opening! Attend each play on Opening Night and become a “First Nighter.”
ing June 15 and ending September 4. Plays include: The Sunshine Boys, The Fantasticks, Company, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Sweet Charity, and Butterflies Are Free. Professional Crews Featured “We will also be in-
itiating a strong intern program, where high school and college students can gain credit for their work on stage and behind the scenes,” Decker states. “There will be several times during the summer that we will be featuring special artists, brought in for particular productions,” he adds, noting that a popular actor/choreographer has already been contracted to appear as Charity in “Sweet Charity,” a role the actor has played on stage with great success. With a staff of 25 to 30 persons, a majority of which will live in the Enchanted Hills Playhouse dormitory, trained professionals will offer the theater an enhanced reputation. “All our support personnel will be specialists in their areas, while we’re auditioning for cast members throughout the Midwest,” Decker confirms.
An “encore” system is also being rehashed by the theater, with directors, casts, and production crew, members being available for a question and answer period with audience members after Friday night performances. Senior citizen and student specials are also available, while an enhanced sound system and stage lighting will make for a more enjoyable visit. “We’ve also computerized the box office to make for faster service, while set designs will also be produced by computer,” Decker says. Remaining a non-profit organization, the playhouse continues to rely on community
■ < Hi IB' ' B '* I % lISsIXA. 1 I 1
NEW LIFE FOR PLAYHOUSE — Former ownei Robert Stover handed over the keys to the Enchanted Hills Playhouse to, from left, Robert Decker, new general manager; Michael Algate, production manager, and Christopher Helvey, business manager, in December, setting the trio on its way to providing family entertainn ent that everyone can enjoy. Various improvement, in the plays as well as the theater’s appearance, will greet visitors this summer.
A Funny Thing Happend On / ; The Way To The Forum July 27-August 7 Sweet Charity August 10-21 Butterflies Are Free August 24-September 4
SEASON TICKETS ' ADULT: Tues.-Thurs. At $39 Fri -Sun. At $45 SENIOR CITIZEN: Tues.-Thurs. At $36 Fri.-Sun. At $42 STUDENTS: (Tues.-Thurs. See below)Fri.-Sun. At $42 SENIOR CITIZEN SPECIAL: Sunday Mat nee At S3O STUDENT SPECIAL: Tues.-Thurs. At $3(
BOX OFFICE TELEPHONE: Until May 15 CALL (219) 295-8939 After May 15 CALL (219) 856-2328 1
Wed., February 17,1988 — PROGRESS EDITION
, GROUPS Discounts of SI.OO per ticket to groups of 15 or mere! Any Night! CURTAIN TIMES: T uesday- Saturday 8:00 P. M. Sunday Matinee 2:30 P.M. Sunday Evening 7:00 P.M.
supjort, with donations being tax deductible. One of its biggest supporters also remains, in the form of the Enchanted Hills Theater Guild. “They are our heartbeat — they supply mailings, help with chores around the theater, and put in numerous hotrs throughout the year to support the playhouse,” Decker says, lauding the efforts of the popular volunteers. Inviting everyone to experience the “New Enchanted Hills Playhouse,” Decker insists every performance is designed with the family in mind. “Viewers will never see suggestive or avant-garde performances on our stage,” he concludes.
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