'Gangster Funeral' Raises Funds For Wagon Wheel Program
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Staff Report-
The Wagon Wheel Theatre just keeps birthing new programming, according to a press release. Soon to celebrate 60 years, the theater continues to grow and expand programming since becoming a not-for-profit in 2012. Last weekend, the Wagon Wheel Theatre and Jennifer K. Shepherd produced a murder mystery fundraiser, “Funeral for a Gangster.” Theatre management reports the event raised roughly $10,000. And while the proceeds will benefit all of the Wagon Wheel Theatre community programs, the press release states the big news for the community is that yet another new program will be added to the Wagon Wheel Theatre offerings in 2014. The event was the unofficial kickoff for the newest addition to the Wagon Wheel Theatre stable, Center Street Community Theatre. The play was directed by Shepherd and starred Jason Dugger, Christine Dillon, David Haines, Glen Hall and Katie Polk with cameo appearances by Mayor Joe Thallemer, Suzie Light and Alan Alderfer. For the Wagon Wheel Theatre, this year brought the acquisition of the Symphony of the Lakes, which debuts Dec. 17 with a holiday event titled “The Polar Express.” 2012 welcomed the Wagon Wheel Junior programs and have been overwhelmingly successful when weighed upon the scale of youth participation, the release states. Endeavoring to keep growing, Wagon Wheel Theatre leadership began meeting with prospective community volunteers early this year in hopes of forming a new community theater to supplement the professional offerings of the summer and holiday season. “We are committed to entertaining our region with the highest quality professional productions,” said Wagon Wheel Theatre Director of Operations Will Dawson. “And yet, many of those folks we entertain are looking for a creative avenue such as this. They are your neighbors, they are teachers and clerks. They are moms and dads. We believe that initiating and fostering these opportunities are not only good for the individuals, but for the community as a whole and ultimately raises the quality of life here in Kosciusko County. That is our mission with all of our programming, professional and community.” Shepherd, an experienced actor herself, having graced the Wagon Wheel Theatre stage on several occasions, is a former theater teacher at Warsaw Community High School and will lead the new Center Street Community Theatre committee. The group plans on presenting their first musical sometime in fall 2014. Information regarding audition dates and times will be posted on the Wagon Wheel Theatre website as soon as the information becomes available. The press release concludes, “The Wagon Wheel Theatre would like to thank all of the volunteers who made the fundraising event possible as well as sponsors Lewis Salvage Corporation, Alderfer Bergen and Biomet.”
