Previous Inspiring Arts Shows
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A CHRISTMAS CAROLDecember 14-17, 2023Ebenezer Scrooge is just as wicked as ever in this musical adaptation of the classic Victorian Christmas tale. Ghosts, chains, and nocturnal visions may be strange elements of a holiday story, but Charles Dickens' masterful storytelling takes us on a journey through the past, present, and into the future to see the effect that one man can have on those around him. Featuring music by Broadway legend Alan Menken, this unforgetable production reminds us that even the worst sinner can be saved.
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HORIZONS OF GOLDJuly 28-August 3, 2023Rose is a young Mexican migrant, abandoned and lost in turbulent 1930s California. She clings to Margaret Thomas, a Kansas farmwife displaced by the Dust Bowl. Together, they grieve a lost family and search for home and healing in the midst of unrelenting hardships. Could John Bollen, the generous wheat farmer down the road, be a savior for them both? A powerful journey of the heart unfolds for three people who find their lives intertwined, each desperate to heal the past and embrace a new future.
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THE PIRATES OF PENZANCEMarch 23-26, 2023Frederick's apprenticeship to the famed Pirates of Penzance is nearly over, and he believes his life is about to take a new turn with his beloved Mabel... until the pirates resurface and claim that Frederick is their apprentice for the foreseeable future based on a craftily worded contract. Hilarity ensues when the pirates, the noble but timid police force and the Major General meet in the General's newly acqured cemetary in the night!
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THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVERDecember 8-11, 2022The Herdmans truly are the worst kids in the history of the world, and when they decide to take over the town Christmas pageant, everyone is convinced it will be the worst pageant ever. But instead, the old story takes on new meaning and somehow, turns out better than ever!
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BYE BYE BIRDIEAugust 4-7, 2022To the heartbreak of every teen girls in 1950s America, music idol Conrad Birdie has been drafted into the U.S. Army. His sendoff? One final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, where Birdie will sing a new tune that his agent Albert Peterson hopes will be popular enough to save both his struggling business and his relationship with his longtime girlfriend Rosie. Birdie will also give one last kiss to teen Kim MacAfee from Sweet Apple, Ohio... but while the rest of Sweet Apple may be giddy with Birdie mania, Kim's new steady beau is anything but thrilled!
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Congratulations to our Inspiring Arts Bye Bye Birdie Orchid award winners!
The following received an Orchid Award in the categories listed:
The following received an Orchid Award in the categories listed:
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EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTION -
Beth Kenniv assisted by Stacey Stratton EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCING – Kerry Marsh EXCELLENCE IN VOCAL DIRECTION - Tara Hill EXCELLENCE IN CHOREOGRAPHY - Grace Hart EXCELLENCE IN COSTUME DESIGN – Sharyn Cooksey & Beth Kenniv EXCELLENCE IN HOUSE - Tara Dudley & Kerry Marsh EXCELLENCE IN SOUND DESIGN – Dave Kenniv EXCELLENCE IN LIGHTING EXECUTION - Micah Burkhard EXCELLENCE IN OTHER - Kerry Marsh (Projections) |
EXCELLENCE IN OVERALL PERFORMANCE QUALITY–
Beth Kenniv and The Cast of Bye Bye Birdie EXCELLENCE IN ENSEMBLE - The Cast of Bye Bye Birdie EXCELLENCE IN DANCE EXECUTION - The Cast of Bye Bye Birdie EXCELLENCE IN MUSICAL THEATER PERFORMANCE - Evan Blust Megan Murray Audrey Burgdorf John Bolser Maria Ventura |
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ROMEO & JULIET TOGETHER (AND ALIVE) AT LAST!March 24-27, 2022Pete and Anabell are in love, but too shy to talk. Enthusiastic friends vote them into the title roles of Shakespeare's greatest tragedy, but problems plague the well-meaning endeavor and getting the lovebirds together may prove too difficult.
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Congratulations to our Inspiring Arts Romeo & Juliet Orchid award winners!
The following received an Orchid Award for the categories listed:
The following received an Orchid Award for the categories listed:
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EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTION -
Beth Kenniv assisted by Abbie Patrick EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCING – Kerry Marsh EXCELLENCE IN COSTUME DESIGN – Sharyn Cooksey, Beth Kenniv and Team EXCELLENCE IN SET DESIGN – Beth Kenniv EXCELLENCE IN SET CONSTRUCTION: Dave Kenniv with Bob Meoak, Keith Ray, Greg Bakos, Rebekah Wells EXCELLENCE IN SOUND DESIGN – Dave Kenniv EXCELLENCE IN LOBBY DISPLAY – Sara Cox and Kerry Marsh |
EXCELLENCE IN ENSEMBLE – Beth Kenniv and The Cast
EXCELLENCE IN ACTING IN A PLAY – Annemarie Bakos Ava Cooksey Carter Van Erp Eliana Wiseman John Bolser Josh Kenniv Lacie Barnes Olivia Barnes Rebekah Wells Sophia Patrick Soren Frederiksen |
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LEGACYDecember 16-18, 2021An encore of our original Inspiring Arts Christmas production, expanded and revised for 2021.
When a disillusioned young woman is sent to a dusty attic to find a missing Christmas box, she discovers a legacy of hope and joy through old family letters that reveal the perseverance and faith of those who have gone before us. |
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McBRIDE'S CALLJuly 30-August 8, 2021An Inspiring Arts original production
Celebrated son Justin McBride revels in his father's favor and disregards his brothers' fiery contempt... until he goes too far. Cruelly exiled from his beloved Ireland, will Justin answer the call to save his nation and mend his broken family? This new musical features original irish-inspired melodies, celebrating the hope and resilience of a people longing for freedom. |
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Congratulations to our Inspiring Arts McBride's Call Orchid award winners!
The following received an Orchid Award for the categories listed:
The following received an Orchid Award for the categories listed:
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EXCELLENCE IN OVERALL PERFORMANCE QUALITY -
Beth Kenniv & The Cast EXCELLENCE IN ORIGINAL BOOK/LYRICS– Beth Kenniv & Faith Marsh EXCELLENCE IN ORIGINAL MUSIC BOOK - James Kenniv & Jeff Smith EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTION - Beth Kenniv, assisted by Faith Marsh EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCING - Kerry Marsh EXCELLENCE IN CHOREOGRAPHY - Cosette Hood & Quinn York VOCAL DIRECTION - Beth Kenniv, assisted by Tara Hill EXCELLENCE IN COSTUME DESIGN - Sharon Cooksey & Beth Kenniv EXCELLENCE IN LIGHT DESIGN - Eric Cimini EXCELLENCE IN STAGE MANAGEMENT - Abigail Patrick, assisted by Jacob Meadors EXCELLENCE IN HOUSE - Stephanie Patrick EXCELLENCE IN PROGRAM - Kerry Marsh |
EXCELLENCE IN ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE -
James Kenniv & the Orchestra EXCELLENCE IN DANCE EXECUTION - The McBride's Call Irish Dancers EXCELLENCE IN ENSEMBLE - Beth Kenniv & The Cast EXCELLENCE IN MUSICAL DIRECTION - James Kenniv EXCELLENCE IN MUSICAL THEATER PERFORMANCE: Max Allison Rachel Frence Cosette Hood Amy Lacey Izak Lord-Wohlstein Nathan Mabry Arielle Mantel Megan Murray |
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LEGACYDecember 10-13, 2020An Inspiring Arts original production
When a disillusioned young woman is sent to a dusty attic to find a missing Christmas box, she discovers a legacy of hope and joy through old family letters that reveal the perseverance and faith of those who have gone before us. |
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SEUSSICALMarch 26-29, 2020*
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens Book by Lynn Ahrens; Stephen Flaherty *All performances cancelled due to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions |
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NEWSIESJuly 26-28 and August 2-4, 2019Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Jack Feldman Book by Harvey Fierstein A rag tag bunch of kids selling papers in New York City to survive are furious when newspaper giant Joseph Pulitzer decides to raise the price of "papes." The Newsies band together to take action against their ruthless boss and ultimately enact change to protect children nationwide. |
Congratulations to our Inspiring Arts Newsies Orchid award winners!
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EXCELLENCE IN CHOREOGRAPHY – Grace Hart
EXCELLENCE IN COSTUME DESIGN – Beth Kenniv EXCELLENCE IN DANCE EXECUTION – Grace Hart & Cast EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTION – Grace Hart EXCELLENCE IN ENSEMBLE – The Newsies EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCING – Tara Dudley, Kerry Marsh, Deb Meinerding, Stephanie Patrick |
EXCELLENCE IN SET CONSTRUCTION –
Arthur Hart, Dave Kenniv & Crew EXCELLENCE IN SET DESIGN – Grace Hart EXCELLENCE IN SOUND DESIGN – Carter Jackson EXCELLENCE IN SOUND EXECUTION – Carter Jackson EXCELLENCE IN STAGE MANAGEMENT – Meg Patrick EXCELLENCE IN VOCAL DIRECTION – Beth Kenniv |
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JANE EYREMarch 15-17, 2019Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon
Book and Additional Lyrics by John Caird Haunted by a painful past, Jane forges her way through the maze of mysteries and dark secrets at Thornfield hall. Victorian Gothic grandeur and romance complement this heroic saga of sweeping beauty and depth. |
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BEAUTY & THE BEASTJuly 12-15, 2018Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Time Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton A beautiful young woman takes the place of her imprisoned father in the castle of a beast, who is really a cursed prince. She teaches him to be courteous and respectful, and they fall in love, in this stage adaptation of the animated Disney film, based on the classic fairy tale. |
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INTO THE WOODS, Jr. &
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CRAZY FOR YOUAugust 3-6, 2017Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Book by Ken Ludwig A toe-tappin' production of favorite Gershwin melodies in a light-hearted, fun-for-the-family romp through the lights of the Big City and the dust of the West. |
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MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAMApril 6-7, 2017Adapted by Beth Kenniv
Original script by William Shakespeare It’s 1955. A Blue Moon is shining when four mismatched lovers get tangled up in a fairy-filled forest with a band of misfit teens rehearsing a play. It couldn’t get wackier…unless of course...you added an Elvis impersonating Donkey! |
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HORIZONS OF GOLDAugust 12-14, 2016Book/Concept by Beth Kenniv
Music by James Kenniv & Jeff Smith Lyrics by Beth Kenniv & Dave Thompson Two women, displaced by the Dust Bowl, cling to each other for support as they struggle to find peace and a place to belong. Will the farmer down the road be the source of hope for both of them? |
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ANNE OF GREEN GABLESJune 10-12, 2016Book, Music and Lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt & Mark Friedman
A spunky orphan brings joy to a small town stuck in its ways, despite her horrifically red hair and imaginative personality. |
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MEET ME IN ST. LOUISNovember 7-8, 2015By Christopher Sergel
Based on the book by Sally Benson A family with five rambunctious children faces a variety of dilemmas under the shadow of the impending 1904 World's Fair. |
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NICHOLAS NICKLEBYNovember 22, 2014Adapted by Tim Kelly
Performed in cooperation with Dramatic Publishers Inc. A theatrical adaptation of the often-overlooked classic by Charles Dickens following young Nicholas Nickleby as he navigates the treacherous world of London while trying to maintain his integrity. |
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THE MUSIC MANSeptember 19-21, 2014Book/Music/Lyrics by Meredith Willson
Story by Meredith Willson & Franklin Lacey An all-time classic musical about a smooth-talking con-man who gets more than he bargained for in Iowa. |
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FARTHER ONJanuary 2014Book/Concept by Beth Kenniv
A straight-play high school adaptation of the original musical Horizons of Gold, following the story of a young Mexican girl in the Great Depression trying to find a place to belong. |
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HORIZONS OF GOLDSeptember 13-15, 19-22, 2013Book/Concept by Beth Kenniv
Music by James Kenniv & Jeff Smith Lyrics by Beth Kenniv & Dave Thompson The premier community theater production of Horizons of Gold. With an all-ages cast, this production showcased changes and updates from the preview school performance. |