At the time of a paralyzing drought in the West, we discover a girl whose father and two brothers are worried as much about her becoming an old maid as they are about their dying cattle. For the truth is, she is indeed a plain girl The brothers try every possible scheme to marry her off, but without success.Nor is there any sign of relief from the dry heat.When suddenly from out of nowhere appears a picaresque character with a mellifluous tongue and the most grandiose promises to bring rain for $100. It's a whacky idea, but the rainmaker is so refreshing and ingratiating that the family finally consent. Forthwith they begin banging on big brass drums to rattle the sky; while the rainmaker turns his magic on the girl, and persuades her that she has a very real beauty of her own. And she believes it, just as her father believes the fellow can actually bring rain. And rain does come, and so does love. "A cloudburst hit" - N.Y. World Telegram & Sun "Admirable skill...insight into the human heart...the touch of a poet...A hit you must see" - N.Y. Mirror
The Cast
Danny Armitrage
(Starbuck)
Danny is the Executive Director of Playhouse 51 and in his spare time is the Associate Dean of Students at The University of Memphis. He lives in Millington with his wife, Kate, daughter, Ellie, Dave the dog, Fluffy the bunny and more fish than he can name. Danny has a degree in Speech Communications and Theatre from Austin Peay State University and over 30 years experience in the theatre. For Playhouse 51, he has performed in Love Letters and directed Bell, Book and Candle. Danny has done stints at Playhouse on Square, Circuit Playhouse, Theatre Memphis, Germantown Community Theatre, The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and The Gaslight Dinner Theatre to name a few. Years ago he played the role of Jimmy in this play, but is pleased to be on stage again in the role of Starbuck.
Barry Akin
(Noah Curry)
Barry lives in Atoka with his wife, Linda, and daughter, Kirsten. Barry has performed several different roles in his church's Easter productions, but this is his first try in community theatre. During the day, you can find him in his job as the Network Administrator for the National Cotton Council or maybe riding his motorcycle if its nice outside..
Allison Fisher
(Lizzie Cury)
The Rainmaker is Allison's second appearance on the Playhouse 51 stage. Her first performance was as Corie Bratter in Barefoot in the Park. Since then, Allison and her husband, Chris, have been contributing members of Millington's Playhouse 51. Allison lives in Millington and teaches English at Millington Central High School. She has thoroughly enjoyed playing opposite so many talented actors, including her husband.
Chris Fisher
(Deputy File)
Chris is a member of Playhouse 51 and makes The Rainmaker his second experience on stage. The first playing Paul Bratter in Barefoot in the Park. Chris is married to another Rainmaker cast member, Allison Fisher, who plays Lizzie Curry. Chris lives and works in Millington.
David Hammons
(Jimmy Curry)
David is a student at The University of Memphis, where he took part in the fall production of Much Ado About Nothing. He has also taken part in many productions at Tipton-Rosemark Academy such as Seussical, Guys and Dolls and West Side Story. This is his first performance with Playhouse 51.
James MacFarlane
(H.C. Curry)
Jim returns to the stage after a 30 year absence. Jim's last role was as a butler in the Gilford New Hampshire Playhouse. He is part of the construction crew for Playhouse 51, but returns to the boards tonight at H. C. Curry. MacFarlane is the coordinator of Pupil Services for Memphis City Schools. For 20 years he was a school principal in New England. Jim's two daughters and their families own an Inn in Vermont. His son is a government attorney in Washington, DC Jim and his wife, Gloria live in Millington with their dog, Maxx and Abby and Daisy, the cats.
Director
Teresa Yarwood
Teresa is married to musician Charlie Yarwood. Her daughter, Kell, is a talented artist. Teresa is a 5th grade teacher at Presbyterian Day School. She has been involved with Playhouse 51 since its inception. Her latest roles include Melissa in Love Letters and Opal in Everybody Loves Opal. This is her first opportunity to direct a production here.
Melissa Wright
Melissa is one of our most active members and has been with us since the beginning. She has worked crew for Love Letters, and has portrayed the memorable character of Ethel Banks in Barefoot in the Park along with directing our recent production of Everybody Loves Opal. Melissa serves on the Playhouse 51 board as our Artistic Director. She is the mother of two children Brittany (11) and Garrett (7). Melissa was born in Millington, but was raised in Northeastern, PA. She returned to the area in 1989, following her father¹s retirement and to attend Memphis State University. Her theatre experience began as a small child and continued through college with some of the shows being: Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Anything Goes, Oliver and Little Shop of Horrors..
