Briar Patch Players open seven-show romp Wednesday

For the Republican

The Briar Patch Players are in final rehearsals for this year’s show, “RUSH COUNTY RECESS (shun),” which will be presented seven times over the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. The group of 37 high schoolers will continue a comedy tradition that’s been going on in Rush County since the first Homer Festival in 1967.

Satire, song, and story guide this year’s varying story lines, which – according to script writer Marcia Blair – have been easy to find.

Several local topics are included in this year’s show as usual.

The opening number once again pays a memorial tribute to Jeff Hufford and Bob and Emy Waggener, who encouraged and continued the program (originally called “The Slabtown Players) into this – it’s 42nd season. To open, the Patchers claim to be proud of “Who They Are,” and make no apologies for it!

“R.C.P.A. (Rush County Pure American)” depicts early pioneers Dr. William Laughlin and Chief Ben Davis of the Delaware Indians, as routinely set out to found and name our county in the early 1820s.

A large-cast number titled “Don’t Tell Mama” traces the difficult roles mothers have always faced in Rush County and takes a look at their methods of disciplining kids and how that’s changed over the years.

A not-so-historical number NOT steeped in Rush County history features “Doc Czech, pioneer doctor” as he arrives to fight the deadly pioneer medical problems and encounters the “Octo-Sow” a lovely pig in the family waller who’s about to create history.

Other numbers detail the real Rush County racing scandal that occurred at the turn of the 20th Century, and shows some of the history of Riverside Park; and a spicy little look at Mr. Matt and substitute teacher Miss Flo, who face the challenges of the cell-phone era in a number called “Text before Marriage.”

As always, the theory behind the Players – both Briar Patch and the old Slabtown – is that there is much locally to poke fun at without being mean or offensive. There’s lots “right” with our old home community and the overall goal is to give folks a certain sense of pride in living here.

Happily, local personalities usually attend at their own risk.

RCHS Drama Director Jennie Tague has returned to direct this year’s show. Jennie has supervised theatre at RCHS for the past eight years. This past year saw her directing two outstanding high school shows, “The Complete History of America (abridged),” and the popular Sondheim musical “Into the Woods.”

The final number is aptly titled "Rush County Proud.”

Popular local musician Mike Woods continues as musical director. Mike was one of the first Slabtown Players and continues to be active in all forms of music in the Rush County Community. He has taught hundreds of students and adults how to play piano and is Director of Music at Main Street Christian Church. He is assisted in the pit by Larry Daubenspeck, who plays drums.

RCHS Radio-TV director Ed Small also is assisting Mrs. Tague. He is an RCHS alum, and took over Jeff Hufford’s spot at the high school last fall.

Jack Harmon is doing Lights-Tech for the show.

Moms Donna Swigart and Wanda Phillips have been on hand during most rehearsals to make and assist with costumes and props.

Shows begin with a single 6 p.m. kick-off show Wednesday. The productions continue with shows at 6 and 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Following the annual Community parade, the Players will present shows at 2 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Fourth of July. All shows will be held at the Laughlin Center on the RCHS campus.

A very active Parents’ Group, headed by Cheryl Evans, handles the backstage support for their kids, including costumes, props, tickets, pictures, and snacks.

A portion of the show’s donations will go to fund the Jeff Hufford Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Rush County Community Foundation. The Briar Patch Players also are grateful to several community businesses who have supported the program with advertising contributions.

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