2023-2024

Link to the awards for the season

Disaster! The Musical

Performances: Sept 21, 22, 23, 24*, 28, 29, 30 & Oct 1*, 2023 — Curtain at 8 PM, *2 PM on Sundays
Disaster! The Musical: Set in the 1970s, this comedic musical takes place on a floating casino where a diverse group of characters gathers for a grand opening celebration. However, their night takes an unexpected turn when multiple disasters strike, including earthquakes, tidal waves, and more. As chaos ensues, the characters must navigate hilarious and perilous situations while discovering surprising connections and unexpected romances.

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Sorry! Wrong Chimney!

Performances: Nov 30, Dec 1, 2, 3*, 7 ,8, 9, 10*, 2023 — Curtain at 8 PM, *2 PM on Sundays

SPONSORED BY Schrader Realty

This lighthearted farce revolves around David Tuttle, a man who pretends to be Santa Claus to impress his wife. However, his plan backfires when he becomes entangled in a series of misunderstandings and mistaken identities. Hilarity ensues as David tries to untangle the web of confusion and keep his true identity a secret, leading to comedic chaos and surprising revelations.

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Seussical Jr

Performances: Jan 20, 2024 at 7:30 PM & Jan 21, 2024 at 2 PM at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center

SPONSORED BY Edward Jones

Seussical Jr. is a delightful musical that brings Dr. Seuss’s whimsical world to life. Follow Horton the Elephant as he protects the tiny world of Whoville, encountering beloved Seuss characters along the way. With catchy songs and lively storytelling, this vibrant production celebrates imagination, friendship, and the power of Seuss’s iconic tales. Seussical Jr. is a joyful and magical experience that will captivate audiences of all ages.

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Misery

Performances: Feb 8, 9, 10, 11*, 15, 16, 17, 18*, 2024 — Curtain at 8 PM, *2 PM on Sundays

SPONSORED BY Schroeder Roofing

Based on Stephen King’s novel, Misery is a thrilling stage adaptation that follows the story of Paul Sheldon, a successful author. After a car accident, he is rescued by his self-proclaimed “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes. However, Paul soon realizes that Annie is not the caring nurse she appears to be. Trapped in her secluded home, he must navigate her twisted and obsessive behavior while plotting his escape, leading to a gripping psychological battle.

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Hands on a Hardbody

Performances: May 2, 3, 4, 5*, 9, 10, 11, 12*, 2024 — Curtain at 8 PM, *2 PM on Sundays

SPONSORED BY Lifestyle Furniture

Hands on a Hardbody: Inspired by a true story, this musical depicts a grueling competition in a small Texas town. Ten contestants compete to win a brand-new truck by keeping their hands on it for as long as possible. As the competition unfolds, the show explores the hopes, dreams, and struggles of each contestant, revealing their motivations, vulnerabilities, and unexpected connections. With a blend of country and rock music, the musical delves into the human spirit’s endurance and the pursuit of the American Dream.

2023-2024 AWARDS

 We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2023-2024 awards, celebrating the incredible talent and hard work of our community. The most prestigious award , the Trustee Award, was presented to Dale Terry.

President Terry Plas presented the President’s Award to Doug and Sandra Grooms while thanking them for their efforts in providing support to her and the theatre community in general over the past year.  

For each production, a Company Choice award is given.  This award honoree can be selected by the director or cast for special efforts made during the production.  Honorees were – Disaster – Mary Ann Falk, Sorry Wrong Chimney – Austin and Gabrielle Sheets, Misery- Jan Miller, and Hands on a Hardbody – Keith Allen

The Gypsy Robe, a tradition at VWCT that is patterned after the Broadway tradition of the same name, goes to a chorus member in a musical.  This year is was presented to Courtney Wendel for Disaster.  

The People’s Choice Award, given to the production with the highest attendance, went to Hands on a Hardbody. 

A panel of adjudicators attends one performance of each show during the season.  These folks then meet to select the cast and crew to receive awards.  This year’s recipients were as follows: 

Production of the Year – Hands on a Hardbody

Outstanding Acting Performance in a Play

– Nick Hribar – Misery

– Jan Miller – Misery

Outstanding Acting Performance in a Musical

– John Shuffle – Hands on a Hardbody

– Stacy Rife – Hands on a Hardbody

Outstanding Director

– Kedryn Roether – Misery (Play)

– Jerry Zimmerman – Disaster (Musical)

Outstanding in Music Direction

– Dee Fisher – Disaster and Hands on a Hardbody

Outstanding Pit Performance

– Disaster – Dee Fisher, Erik Falk, Elliot Mueller, Mark Sampson

– Hands on a Hardbody – Dee Fisher, Erik Falk, Elliot Mueller

Outstanding Performance of an Ensemble

– Hands on a Hardbody

– Disaster

Outstanding Set

– Hands on a Hardbody – Keith Allen, John Kramer, Chad Kraner, Josh England, Kim Pollock

Outstanding Costumes

– Sorry Wrong Chimney

Outstanding Lights

– Amy Boley – Misery

Outstanding Sound

– Burdette Bolenbaugh – Misery

Outstanding Choreography

– Kim Pollock – Hands on a Hardbody

Excellent Acting Performance in a Play

– Nick Long – Sorry Wrong Chimney

– Gabrielle Emerick – Sorry Wrong Chimney

Excellent Acting Performance in a Musical

– Mary Ann Falk – Disaster

– Taylor Hesseling – Hands on a Hardbody

– Nick Long- Hands on a Hardbody