Butler Theatre Presents Premier of Original Children’s Play

Butler Theatre Presents Premier of Original Children’s Play

Butler Community College Theatre will present the premier of “Band Together - An Alvin the Alligator Adventure,” an original children’s play written and directed by Butler’s Lead Theatre Professor Bob Peterson, on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. in the College Theatre on the El Dorado campus. The ticket price includes a post-show onstage sarsaparilla sipping meet and greet with cast members.

The play is a continuation of Alvin the Alligator’s adventures, this time in a trip to the Wild West as Alvin and friends teach the audience the value of teamwork.

“We’re excited to bring this new “Alvin” adventure to the stage,” said Peterson. “The excitement of the Old West in this latest escapade gives him new antics, while finding a life lesson to share with the children.”

In addition to Saturday’s public performance, Butler Theatre offers free student matinee performances during the week to area school groups. Last year’s production served 1,958 students from 13 area schools and one homeschool group. Seating is limited. School groups may make reservations by contacting the Fine Arts Office at 316.322.3325.

Butler sophomore Kevin David Norfleet of Wichita has the lead role as Alvin. Other cast members include Tarah Pearson of Wichita as Loretta Lou, Haylee Couey of Wichita as Kid Rascally, Brandon McKinney of Wichita as Sidekick, Jay Dee Schafers of Marion as Miss Kelly, Tyler Franklin of Wichita as Big City Professor of Music, Jeremy Buoy of Valley Center as Mayor Mayer, Brianna Keene of St. Louis, Mo. as Miss Patsy, and Niki Green of Wichita as Mrs. Mayor Mayer.

Bernie Wonsetler of the theatre faculty is the scenic and lighting designer and Sam Sparks of the theatre faculty is the costume coordinator. Tad Gilbert of Andover is the stage manager and Hallie Cook of Leavenworth is the sound designer.

The Butler Fine Arts Box Office is open 1 - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reservations can be made by calling 316.322.3262 or online by visiting www.butlercc.edu/finearts/boxoffice. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children and senior citizens.

The Butler Theatre Department produces four productions each year and offers full tuition and book scholarships to qualifying students in both performance and technical theatre. Interested students should contact Bob Peterson, [email protected].