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"Talking With . . ."
A Community Theater Production of
the Hays Arts Council
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With razor sharp wit and meaningful
perplexity, the eleven women of "Talking
With. . ." share their experience with life,
love
and mortality. Always speaking from
their soul, this motley crew includes: a
baton twirler, a fundamentalist
snake-handler, an
ex-rodeo rider, and an
actress willing to go any length for the
job. Sometimes humorous, sometimes
startling, sometimes heartwarming, these
gripping narratives tell each woman’s story
in a very personal and revealing style. As
their enthusiasms become obsessions, each of
these extraordinary women is seeking to come
to terms with a crisis in her life.
“Talking With” won the American Theatre
Critics Association Award for Best Regional
Play in 1982. The Philadelphia Inquirer
said, “With Jane Martin, the monologue has
taken on a new poetic form, intensive in its
method and revelatory in its impact.” |
Scenes from "Talking
With. . ." Rehearsals
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Cast
(in order of appearance)
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Andrea Crees (15 Minutes)
Acting more than half her life, Andrea’s favorite roles
include Sally Bowles in “Cabaret”
and Mary in
“Vanities”. She made her directorial debut for HHS’s
“The Pajama Game” and continues with this fall’s “Beauty
and the Beast”. When she’s not at work as the office
manager at the Hays Arts Council, Andrea’s new obsession
is NASCAR! She has to thank Chap and Maddie for giving
her time away from home renovations to participate in
her passion – theatre! |
Debra Creamer (Scraps)
Theatre has always been a love for Debra. She has
appeared as Martha in “The Children’s Hour”, Bessie in
“Marvin’s Room” and Tansy in “The Nerd”. For 18 years
she has served as the Director of Finance for Smoky Hill
Public TV. Debra also enjoys listening to the blues, art
and reading. Recently tornados have become a
fascination, developing into a secret desire to be a
tornado chaser! Debra would like to thank her two sons,
Joshua and Jordan, who have always encouraged her to
pursue her love of acting. |
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Becky Kiser (Clear Glass Marbles)
Becky made her stage debut in a 3rd Grade
production of “Snow White” where she portrayed Good
Queen Wisteria. But she is most recognized for her small
screen work as the Executive Director of ECTV’s “Street
Beat”. Off camera Becky is learning the art of becoming
a farmhand at the age of 50! She thanks her mother,
Rosemary, for her support as she returns to the stage.
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Samantha Butler (Audition)
Samantha counts among her favorite theatre roles as
Rizzo in “Grease”, Vera in “The Odd Couple” as well as
performances in “The Congresswomen” and “Talking With…”
Samantha is a counselor and advocate for NWKS Domestic &
Sexual Violence Services. Her interests include
traveling and theatre! Samantha thanks her mother, Sammi,
mother-in-law, Chris, her husband Brian and nine-month
old daughter, Lily, for their support. |
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Michelle Rader (Rodeo)
No stranger to the stage, Michelle has performed in
productions of “Vanities”, “Grease”, and “Return
Engagements”. A graduate of Fort Hays, she currently
serves as the office manager for the Kelly Center at
FHSU. When off the stage she enjoys playing with her
nephew Carson. Michelle is pleased to be working with
her husband, Scott, who directed her in the role of Big
Eight, in this production of “Talking With…”. |
Stefanie Stevens (Twirler)
Growing up in Hays, Stefanie
was very active in theatre at Hays High. Currently in
her last semester at FHSU, majoring in Communication
with an emphasis in theatre, she has appeared in several
productions including “Rocket Man”, “Cabaret” and
“Random Acts”. She also appeared in a Musical Theatre
Cabaret in NYC during a year studying theatre at Hunter
College. Outside the theatre, Stefanie teaches at
Becky's School of Dance. She’d like to thank her mother
for being so supportive and encouraging and Mario for
always knowing exactly what to say. |
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Ruth Firestone (Lamps)
Ruth counts among her favorite theatre experiences
working in two different productions of “Harvey”. She’s
enjoyed roles including Juanita in “Come Back to the
Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” and Mammy in “The
Cripple of Inishmaan.” Though retired, Ruth stays busy
writing music and theatre reviews for The Hays Daily
News. She enjoys swimming and yoga, also a good dinner
occasionally. She wishes to acknowledge her dear husband
Robert, son Andrew and cat Looney who “put up with me
all the time.” |
Laura Decker (Handler)
A recent graduate of FHSU, Laura received her BA in
music. While a student, she performed as Fraulein
Schneider in “Cabaret” Marty in “Grease”, Lilli Vanessi
in “Kiss Me Kate” and Tessie Tura in “Gypsy”. Between
theatre and managing Retail Therapy at The Mall, Laura
enjoys singing, writing, reading and traveling to
anywhere and everywhere. She thanks her mother for her
constant love and support in all of her endeavors.
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Erin N. Renard (Dragons)
Erin is the newest instructor of theatre at FHSU. Her
favorite theatrical experiences include directing “The
Cradle Will Rock” and “The Vagina Monologues”. She was a
founding member of the Good Clean Fun Improvisational
Company. Erin is co-owner of Saline River D Ranch, Board
Stable and Organic Egg Farm and she makes up half the
local group “The Mother Folkers”. She enjoys cycling,
equestrian sports, sailing, reading and of course,
theatre! She would like to acknowledge husband, Doug,
and son, Nick, for their support. |
Pat Schumacher (French Fries)
Pat, a special education teacher for USD 489, is making
her long awaited return to the theatre. She has appeared
on stage in some of her favorite roles as Mrs. Paroo in
“The Music Man” and Julia Gibbs in “Our Town”. Off
stage, Pat enjoys spending time with her grand-daughters
Maddie and Mickey and the newest member of the family,
dog Jake. She would like to thank her husband, Tony, for
his support. |
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Brenda Meder (Marks)
Brenda has been involved as an actor and director for
over 30 years. As an actor, her favorite roles include
Blanche in “Streetcar Named Desire” and Emily Dickinson
in “Belle of Amhurst”. As a director she is most proud
of her work on the FHSU productions of “Cabaret” and
“Gypsy”. Brenda has served as the Executive Director of
the Hays Arts Council since 1990. When not at the
council or in the theatre, she adores spending time with
her 2 year old grandson, Canon James. |
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