February 2023
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David Andreas
David performed for Ark City Community Theatre as “Paul” in Moon Over Buffalo. For Ark Valley Players, David played “Jack” in Leading Ladies and directed Always, Patsy Cline. David continues to be involved with Winfield Community Theatre, both acting and directing. Acting credits include “Daniel Kaffee” in A Few Good Men; “Flex Unger” in The Odd Couple; “George” in Of Mice and Men; and “Ken” in Rumors. David has also been in melodramas at the Cherokee Strip Museum. In real-life, David is an attorney in Winfield and is married to Teri Spengler-Andreas. Their blended family consists of five children, with 16 grandchildren and counting.
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Teri Spengler-Andreas
Teri’s last appearance on stage was a very minor role in Central of Burden High School’s production of Hillbilly Weddin‘ in 1978. Fast forward 45 years…she has decided to step out on stage again. Teri has supported husband, David, in his various acting rolls as David has shared his love of theatre with her. Teri has been managing their Air B & B in Winfield for the past five years. She and David have a blended family of five children and 16 grandchildren. Teri is a native of Cowley County. She is grateful to Yazmin and David for their belief and support in her.
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Jeff Wood
Jeff Wood is excited, as well as surprised, to be a part of this show. He is surprised because he has never acted on stage, nor has he ever read a letter aloud before [his bucket list is getting smaller]. Moving to Arkansas City in 1991 after graduate school he opened Wood Chiropractic Clinic. In 1993 he had the honor to play the lead role in the Cherokee Strip Centennial Pageant, but that was acting “in a field” not on a stage. Jeff grew up in Dearborn (MI) and was trained as a versatile professional drummer. His training prepared him to play Broadway shows, with big bands as well as in other musical venues and included performing with Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and many other Motown groups. When not on stage, Jeff enjoys listening to books on Audible (because he falls asleep when reading printed text), golfing, photography, learning new things and having new adventures. “Life is not a dress rehearsal” is a saying he uses often in his Clinic. You can find Jeff, when not doing the above-mentioned activities, eating ice cream after 9PM.
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Roxy Callison
Roxy made her acting debut in a one room school house at the age of four where she had to be dragged from the stage in her chicken costume after reciting her poem, not once or twice, but thrice! She has portrayed young girls, pre-pubescent boys, elderly women, an old man, middle aged matrons and on a couple of occasions, the ingenue. Co-founder of Southwestern College’s ‘Horsefeathers and Applesauce Summer Dinner Theatre’, Roxy has also performed in educational, amateur and/or professional venues in Winfield, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Emporia, Lawrence and Chicago. She is excited to take the stage for her first time in Arkansas City’s beautiful, historical Burford Theatre. Roxy would like to dedicate her performance to her first elocution teacher, the late Mrs. Vivian Spangler of Mayfield, KS.
Arkansas City’s community theatre, Ark Valley Players, is happy to announce tickets are available for the touching, and frequently funny, Love Letters.
Love Letters is a play by A. R. Gurney that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Performances are February 10 and 11, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. in the historic, climate-controlled Burford Theatre, 118 South Summit Street, Arkansas City (KS). Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m.
The play centers on two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. The actors read the notes, letters and cards – in which they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments – that have passed between them throughout over nearly 50 years of their correspondence. Director Yazmin Wood is excited to share the work of the talented cast members. Teri Spengler-Andreas and David Andreas will appear together in Friday evening’s performance. Roxy Callison and Jeff Wood will perform Saturday evening.
Patrons interested in including dinner in their Friday night show plans will enjoy a meal of bacon-wrapped pork loin, Baby Bakers, green salad, garlic knots and cheesecake along with their show ticket for $30 each. “Show Only” tickets are available for balcony seating at just $15 each.
Saturday night tickets are for “Show Only” both on the main level and in the balcony. Concession foods will be available for separate purchase at the Saturday night performance.
The Burford Theatre will provide a cash bar both evenings for interested individuals. For tickets contact the Burford Theatre office by calling 620-442-5895.
(Photo credit Jeff Wood Photography)
August 2022
If you like “Harry Chapin, brisket and apple cobbler” you won’t want to miss this event!
Ark Valley Players – Ark City’s community theatre – is presenting the rollicking, foot-stomping, hand-clapping musical Cotton Patch Gospel. It’s the “Greatest Story Ever Told” in a setting of rural Georgia with country music songs, the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin.
(Photo credits – Jeff Wood Photography)
Jason Brewer is an Ark City native making his debut theatrical performance. He played the double bass at Arkansas City High School, the Wichita Youth Symphony and Washburn University. He and his wife Keela have five children and one grandchild. Jason is an attorney in Arkansas City. When out of the office, he can be found in the garden, working on a rental property, or teaching Sunday school class at First Baptist Church.
Spencer MacLaughlin is an Arkansas City native, and a 2022 ACHS graduate. He has performed in a wide variety of roles, including Kenickie in Grease, Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde, Creon in Antigone, and most recently Miss Helsa Wenzel, a German maid, in the Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Spencer attends Cowley College full-time majoring in civil engineering and participating in choir and theatre. After almost a decade of separation, Spencer is thrilled to be reunited with dictator, I mean, director Dejon Ewing. His acting career officially began at the age of nine with the role of Michael Darling in Peter Pan, directed by the legendary Dejon Ewing.
Thomas Meyer. Thomas hails from Ponca City, OK., is husband to Mindi, and father of three. “I have always loved music and love to play any instrument I can get my hands on.” Thomas performed with the Ponca City High School Chorale where he graduated, 1999. He served in the US Marine Corps, worked for Union Pacific Railroad, and has been in Operations with the Phillips 66 Refinery, Ponca City, for 15 years. Thomas enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and hunting. Making his debut stage performance this evening he hopes this experience will open his eyes to a new world of music.
Jodie Stanley theater and music has been a part of her life with small, moderate, and occasional lead parts in solos, choirs, small groups, and worship praise teams, not to mention making music with extended family when the opportunity arises. Her favorite voice instructor was Mr. Kenneth Judd who she still thinks of often. It is with much joy and enthusiasm that she is a part of this retelling of the good news of Jesus with Dejon and Steve directing these talented vocalists and musicians. Jodie lives in Ark City, and is still married to her handsome, fun high school sweetheart, Dave. She is happy to be the mom of four amazing young adults and their spouses, with granddaughter number one to arrive any day soon! As a home health nurse case manager Jodie enjoys coordinating care for some wonderful patients with Angels Home Health Care team.
Eric Swanson is a native and resident of Arkansas City and is currently a math teacher at Dexter High School where he serves as the Head Girls Basketball Coach. At ACHS he was a member of Ark Highs performance group under the direction of Tim Harmon. It was here that he first developed a love for singing and performing. Eric also enjoys playing guitar and singing praise and worship music at Northside Baptist Church in Ark City. He is a graduate of Emporia State University with a degree in Education. He is a Deacon at Northside Baptist Church where he and his wife, Kelsey, are both counselors for its Youth Group. They have a daughter, Emersyn, who is 3 years old. As a youngster, Eric was cast in the Cowley College musicals of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat and The Nutcracker. He is the grandson of Jim and Jan Miller, who both also instilled a love for music at a young age.
November/December 2021
With the holidays right around the corner it is the perfect time to start celebrating with us!
Join the Ark Valley Players as they host “ ‘Tis The Season – a Christmas Gala,” Saturday, November 20th at the Burford Theater. We’ve gathered an amazing ensemble of performers for an evening of fantastic music to put you in the Christmas spirit!
We are extremely excited about the outstanding talent represented in this cast including Chad Anderson, Steve Butler, Jen Gardner, Brandon Haynes, Miranda Nation-Hofmeister, Alice Paton, “Oklahoma-Mike” Travelletti, Ryan Smykil, Chelsi Turner, and the trio of Emily Anderson, Kyle Grigsby and Paul Lemke.
Tickets are available at Schmidt Jewelers – reserved seating Hors d’oeuvres and Show $25, Balcony (show only) $15. Tickets are going fast – so call 442-3045 and get your seats today!
Only ONE Performance November 20 at 7:30 PM (Doors open at 7PM)
Tickets go on sale starting October 19th at Schmidt Jewelers. TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AT SCHMIDT JEWELERS due to assigned seating.
Hors d’oeuvres/Show tickets $25
Show only (balcony) tickets $15
All tickets must be paid in advance (tickets will not be held if not paid for). Can pay by cash, check or credit card at Schmidt Jewelers (call 442-3045 or text for info). No refunds.
Box office:
Schmidt Jewelers
226 S Summit
620.442.3045
Tues-Fri 9-5:30
Sat 9-2
August 2021
Ark Valley Players are excited to be back in production!
In August we’re welcoming Piper Leigh and Paula Steinbacher to the Burford Theatre stage as they reprise their roles in Always…Patsy Cline.
Legendary country singer, Patsy Cline, is played by local favorite Piper Leigh. Louise Seger – Texas housewife and fan, played by Paula Steinbacher, is sharing her memories of many years ago. Like her memories, Louise is timeless; stuck somewhere in the era of Patsy Cline’s short, but stellar, career. The action of the play takes place at Louise’ kitchen table and at various places from Patsy Cline’s career, including the Grand Ole Opry, The Arthur Godfrey Show, the Esquire Ballroom and a Houston radio station. The time is the past (circa 1957-63) to the present. David Andreas directs the cast, including five band members.
Performances are August 12, 13, and 14 at 7:30 PM (Doors open at 7PM)
Show only tickets $15 – Dinner/show tickets $30*
*Saturday only – Dinner at 6 PM (Show only tickets Saturday are balcony only)
Tickets go on sale starting July 6th at Schmidt Jewelers and the Burford. DINNER/SHOW TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AT SCHMIDT JEWELERS – due to assigned seating.
All tickets must be paid in advance (tickets will not be held if not paid for). Can pay by cash, check or credit card at Schmidt Jewelers (call 442-3045 or text for info). No refunds.
Box office:
Schmidt Jewelers
226 S Summit
620.442.3045
Tues-Fri 9-5:30
Sat 9-2
July 14, 2018
Please join us for a beautiful event benefiting the Ark Valley Players as we share an evening featuring lush Broadway hits sung by South Central Kansas’ best and brightest performers! Hors d’oeuvres and some yummy sparkling bubbly are included in the price of the ticket. Tickets to go on sale mid-June and can be purchased online or from one of our theatre members.
Featuring:
Lindsay Allen
Jen Bechter
Steve Butler
Emily Flickenger
Carter Humphreys
Piper Leigh
Jim Pringle
Diana Reese
Jeremy Willmoth
Michelle Zakharov
Please check back here for ticketing details soon!
August 2, 3, and 4
Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig
Two Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, find themselves so down on their luck that they are performing “Scenes from Shakespeare” on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When they hear that an old lady in York, PA is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long lost nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. The trouble is, when they get to York, they find out that the relatives aren’t nephews, but nieces! Romantic entanglements abound, especially when Leo falls head-over-petticoat in love with the old lady’s vivacious niece, Meg, who’s engaged to a prominent local businessman. Meg knows that there’s a wide world out there, but it’s not until she meets “Maxine and Stephanie” that she finally gets a taste of it.
Tickets go on sale SOON, so please check back often!