Bonnie and Clyde
Book by IVAN MENCHELL
Lyrics by DON BLACK
Music by FRANK WILDHORN
Director: Jerry Zimmerman
September 2025
The musical Bonnie & Clyde electrifies with the story of two small-town Texans whose connection ignited a wildfire of notoriety during the Depression. Their passionate and reckless pursuit of fame and adventure, fueled by their intense bond, turns deadly, set to a dynamic score of blues, gospel, and rockabilly. Witness their thrilling rise and tragic fall as they become legends of the American outlaw, forever marked by the fateful choices made at that critical crossroads.
Bonnie and Clyde is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY
One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall
by Lynne Halliday, James Hindman, Arlene Hutton, and Craig Pospisil
Director: Ashley Roberts
December 2025
One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall serves up hilarious holiday chaos in eight intertwined stories. From a lovesick Santa to an overzealous mall cop, the play hilariously captures Christmas Eve’s frantic energy. Expect laugh-out-loud moments and surprising connections as diverse characters navigate the mall’s festive mayhem. This charming comedy offers a relatable, joyfully silly glimpse into the season, where unexpected connections highlight the heart of the holidays.
One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
Into The Woods (youth production)
NOTICE: Due to impending bad weather, the Sunday show has been moved a day earlier to Saturday, January 24 at 2:00 pm. The later show, at 7:30 pm, will remain as scheduled. Your tickets will remain valid, and your same seats will be honored for the rescheduled performance. If you prefer to attend the 7:30 pm show, we are happy to help you switch your tickets.
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Director / Music Director: Doug Grooms
January 2026
Get ready for a whimsical adventure Into the Woods, where your favorite fairy tale characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack (of Beanstalk fame) find their paths hilariously tangled. A charming Baker and his determined Wife embark on a special quest, stirring up magical mayhem and unexpected friendships along the way. In a land where wishes can come true, this enchanting musical explores what happens after “happily ever after,” reminding us that even in fairy tales, life can be wonderfully surprising and that working together makes any journey more fun!
Into the Woods is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY
Barefoot in the Park
By Neil Simon
Director: Joelle May
February 2026
Barefoot in the Park plunges newlyweds into the hilarious chaos of their first apartment. This Neil Simon classic explores the clash of personalities, revealing the comedic struggles found at the early crossroads of marriage. The play shows making strong connections, even with big differences, is key. Expect laughter and heartwarming moments as this story reminds us that love thrives on compromise.
Barefoot in the Park is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. http://www.concordtheatricals.com
Songs for a New World
Music and Lyrics by JASON ROBERT BROWN
Director: Amy Boley
Music Director: Dan Basinger
May 2026
Songs for a New World weaves together powerful stories of individuals at life’s pivotal crossroads. This musical explores the emotional connections we forge in moments of change and uncertainty. Each song is a vivid snapshot of human experience, from heartbreak to hope. Prepare to be moved by its soaring melodies and the universal themes of growth and resilience.
Songs for a New World is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY
2025-2026 AWARDS
What a night! 🎭✨
Thank you to the nearly 60 members, volunteers, performers, directors, designers, supporters, and friends who joined us for the Van Wert Civic Theatre Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. Your passion, dedication, and countless hours of hard work made the 2025-2026 season one to remember.
This season brought unforgettable stories to our stage, from the thrilling musical drama of Bonnie & Clyde, the heartwarming holiday comedy One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall, the timeless laughs of Barefoot in the Park, the powerful music of Songs for a New World, and the world premier from a local talent in Looking Back. Our youth performers also took audiences on a magical adventure with Into the Woods, showcasing the incredible talent, dedication, and future of theatre in our community. Every production highlighted the creativity and passion that make community theatre so special.
🌟 Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Award Winners!
Merit in Set Design
- Barefoot in the Park – Chad Kraner, Trip Elliot & Joelle May
Excellence in Set Design
- Bonnie & Clyde – Jerry Zimmerman & Amy Boley
- One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall – Jan Miller & Ashley Roberts
Excellence in Light Design
- Songs for a New World – Amy Boley
Outstanding in Light Design
- Bonnie & Clyde – Mary Ann Falk & Joe Falk
Excellence in Choreography
- Bonnie & Clyde – Kristin Lee
- Songs for a New World (“The Steam Train”) – Amy Boley
Excellence in Music Direction
- Looking Back – Perri Webb
- Bonnie & Clyde – Terri Spencer
- Songs for a New World – Mark Sampson & Dan Basinger
Merit in Direction
- One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall – Ashley Roberts
Excellence in Direction
- Songs for a New World – Amy Boley
Outstanding in Direction
- Bonnie & Clyde – Jerry Zimmerman
Merit in Acting
- Looking Back – Alivia Hines & Douglas Long, Jr.
- One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall – John Havill
- Barefoot in the Park – Travis Nihiser, Alea Rex & Adam Shanaman
Excellence in Acting
- Bonnie & Clyde – Amy Boley
- One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall – Sean Carpenter & Dianna Hicks
- Barefoot in the Park – Amber Evans
Merit in Musical Performance
- Bonnie & Clyde – Grayson Baker, Taylor Hessling, Abbie Mengerink & Adam Ries
- Songs for a New World – Amanda Block & Laura Wells
Excellence in Musical Performance
- Bonnie & Clyde – Hannah Davis, Nick Long, Ashton Szabados & Cheyenne Weber
- Songs for a New World – Sean Carpenter, Kristin Lee & Nancy Shuffle
Outstanding in Musical Performance
- Songs for a New World – Nick Long
Merit in Duet Performance
- Songs for a New World – Sean Carpenter & Virgo Lee
Excellence in Musical Duet
- Bonnie & Clyde – Hannah Davis & Cheyenne Weber
- Bonnie & Clyde – Nick Long & Ashton Szabados
Outstanding Vocal Trio
- Looking Back – Emily Gehle, Kimberly Salisbury & Jazmin Loaiza Ordonez
Excellence in Ensemble
- Looking Back
- Bonnie & Clyde
- Songs for a New World
Director’s Awards
- Looking Back – Carson Carpella
- Bonnie & Clyde – Dianna Hicks
- One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall – Terry Plas & Emily Gehle
- Barefoot in the Park – Michelle Foster
- Songs for a New World – Sean Carpenter & Nick Long
Gypsy Robe Award
- Bonnie & Clyde – Sean Carpenter
Trustee’s Awards
- Keith Allen, Chad Kraner & Terry Plas
🏆 Production of the Year
- Bonnie & Clyde
🎓 VWCT Scholarship Recipients
- Grace Spieles
- Abbie Mengerink
- Sofia Alvarado
Congratulations to all of our award recipients and scholarship winners! Thank you to everyone who stepped on stage, worked behind the scenes, volunteered their time, attended performances, donated, sponsored, and supported Van Wert Civic Theatre throughout the season.
Here’s to another incredible year of theatre and the exciting 2026-2027 season ahead! ❤️🎭
Van Wert Civic Theatre 