NEWS LETTER
"THE BACKSTAGE PASS"
DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS
TO CLOSE PW’S REGULAR SEASON
Players Workshop will close the official 2025-2026 season with Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, a hilarious, gender-bending blend of comedy and camp based loosely (very loosely) on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker.
Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, this version of the famous vampire story could be, according to one writer, the “love child of Mel Brooks and Monty Python;” featuring “a mix of clever wordplay, pop culture references, and absurd humor,” Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors “will deliver a curious appetite of laughter that audiences will simply want to sink their teeth into.”
The story follows Lucy Westfeldt and her fiance’ Jonathan Harker. When Lucy’s sister Mina falls ill with a mysterious blood disease, they seek the help of famed, female vampire hunter Jean Van Helsing, to assist them. Their quest to confront Count Dracula leads to a series of comic misadventures, as six actors portray over a dozen roles.
The show is under the direction of Kara Ewinger. Adam Fauser is assistant director. Marlene Holsteen is the producer.
According to the director, “In this fast-paced comedy, six fearless actors take on a ‘who’s who of who is playing who,’” as they transform “into a parade of characters throughout the night.”
The six actors are Dev Rohr (# 1), Lee Franklin (# 2), JoJo Munkee (# 3), Cody Flietner (# 4), Tyler Maddox (# 5), and Eva Salvador (# 6).
The show is slated for production on Apr. 24-26 and Apr. 30-May 3, 2026. All shows are at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of the 2:00 p.m. matinees on April 26 and May 3.
PLEASE NOTE: This show is rated PG13. This production contains strong sexual content and adult humor.
For more information, call the Workshop at 319-753-6623, go to the Workshop’s Facebook page, or go to www.playersworkshoptheater.com.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals,
FROM PW TICKET SALES COMMITTEE
JUST A REMINDER
Beginning with the 2025-2026 season,
Players Workshop no longer allows patrons to use ticket stubs from previous shows (they had not attended) on other shows.
We thank you for your cooperation on this matter.
LAUGHTER VS. WINTER BLUES
For two weekends laughter won against winter’s blues as PW’s performances of Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses had audiences howling at the antics of the characters inhabiting the Lovers Landing Beach Hotel.
Congratulations and thank you to the talented cast and hardworking crew of the show who made it all work. It’s another feather in the cap of Burlington’s only community theater. KUDOS!
THEY CAME TO
THE MOUNTAINTOP
Below are excerpts from the posting on the Workshop’s Facebook page that says it all:
“Huge THANK YOU to our incredible community for showing up and showing love at all three performances of “The Mountaintop” by Katori Hall at The Capitol Theater [sic].
“Your presence, your reactions, and your thoughtful conversations afterward reminded us why live theater matters. This powerful story landed because you were there to witness it, feel it, and carry it with you beyond the stage.”
Thanks to cast & crew and “Special thanks to Linda Lentine Clark & The John H. Witte Jr. Foundation for underwriting the cost for this production.
ANNOUNCING AUDITIONS
Players Workshop is announcing open auditions for the 2026 Young Actor Production Dr. Experimentor and the League of Evil by Charlotte Nixon.
Auditions will be held at the Workshop, 1431 Grove St., Burlington, on Sun. & Mon., May 3-4, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The plot revolves around the supervillainous mastermind Dr. Experimentor and what he must do to maintain his membership in the League of Evil.
According to director Anika Morton, roles are available for a gender flexible cast of 27, and no special talent or preparation is necessary.
Dr. Experimentor and the League of Evil is scheduled for performance at the Workshop from June25-28, 2026.
For more information, please contact director Anika Morton at 319-759-5708.
Dr. Experimentor and the League of Evil is presented with permission of Pioneer Drama Service.
WE'RE HAVING A PARTY
The honor of your presence is requested at our
2026-2027 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT PARTY!
Players Workshop will hold its first season announcement party on April 11, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m,. at the Workshop, 1431 Grove St., Burlington.
The party is free and open to the public, along with invitees such as board and committee members, season ticket holders, and cast/crew of current and past PW shows.
“Mocktail Hour” will be from 4:00-5:00; guests will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and mocktails, inspired by each production in the upcoming season, while ”mingling with the talented community that brings Players Workshop to life.”
The highlight of the event will be a video season-reveal on the Workshop stage, at 5:00 p.m. It will feature insights, notes, and behind-the-scene perspectives from the directors of the productions of the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
Those attending will also be given a singular opportunity: they will be able to purchase 2026-2027 season tickets at 2025-2026 season prices, ONLY at this party! (Note: The PW Board of Directors has voted to increase season ticket prices for 2026-2027.)
AND, the first 100 purchasers of season tickets during the party will also receive specially designed PW swag bags (one bag per household).
Please join us to “Celebrate the magic of live theatre, meet the artists behind the curtain, and be among the first to discover what’s coming next at Players Workshop!”
If you have questions,, call the Workshop at 319-753-6623, go to the PW Facebook page, or check www.playersworkshoptheater.com.
SAVE THE DATE
PW ANNUAL MEMBESHIP MEETING
Players Workshop will hold its Annual General Membership Meeting on Wed., May 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Workshop.
There will be election of new members to the Board of Directors, election of the President, reports about the past season and the upcoming season, and reports about the financial status of the organization. All dues-paying members may vote
RAFFLE WINNER ANNOUNCED
Cindy Boyle was announced as the winner of the stained glass piece that Players Workshop raffled off in its annual Fundraising Art Raffle of this season.
The stained glass, produced and donated by PW’s own Sally Price, incorporated “glass canning lids and a crystal dish, paying homage to our mothers and grandmothers who worked so tirelessly to feed their families.”
Tickets were sold during the first two shows of the 2025-2026 season, and the drawing was held during the intermission of Miracle on South Division Street on Dec. 7. (You did not need to be present to win.)
Combining the $1,445.00 in raffle ticket sales, and $45.00 in raffle donations, the total came to $1,490.00. These funds, along with the proceeds from last summer’s garage sale and a generous donation from Rollen Giffin, means that the Workshop will soon be able to purchase the long-needed, new cabinets for the make-up area of the theater.
Players Workshop expresses their deep thanks to all who purchased raffle tickets; community support of the annual raffle has, in the past, helped put a new roof on the building and renovate the Workshop lobby. We couldn’t do it without you.
DON’T FORGET SMUGMUG
SmugMug is an online platform (website) for photographers to store, share, and sell their photos.
This includes longtime PW photographer DAVID BECKMAN, and he has many PW production pictures available. David is also donating any proceeds from the sale of his pictures to PW.
If you would like to view or purchase photos of any of our recent plays, scan the QR code above and go to www.davidbeckman.smugmug.com. If you would like photos from an earlier performance, send your request to pw6623@gmail.com, and we will see if we have photos from that show.
Please remember that these photos are copyrighted and not to be shared. Proceeds help Players Workshop.
PW SUPPORTING CAST 2025-2026
Players Workshop invites you to join the Supporting Cast for 2025-2026 season.
This one-time financial donation runs for the theatrical season, contributing significantly to the financial stability of PW.
All those who join will have their names listed in each play program and newsletter, as well as on the PW website, for 2025-26.
You may join the Honorary Supporting Cast for 2025-2026 by completing the form at the end of this newsletter or the form in your play program.
Donations may be made in one of the following categories:
Usher $25-$99 Stage Crew $100-$249
Supporting Actor $250-$499 Star $500-$999
Director $1000-$2499 Producer $2500+
The following have already joined for 2025-2026.
Director
Barb Bonnett (in memory of George Bonnett)
George & Clara Klein
Star
Tonja & Tim Binder
Mary Fox
Lillian Robbin
Supporting Actor
Carolyn Dorting
Bonnie Downes
Barbara Drozdz (in memory of Jim Drozdz)
Dr. Amy Groeltz -- The Smile Shoppe
Jon & Peggy Hart
Judy Johnson
Brian & Sara Sink
Duane & Bev Sherbondy
Kathy & Kevin Wolfskill
Stage Crew
Cindy & Darrell Bachtell
Connie Bowen
Don & Kathy Butler
Dan & Kathy Cahill
Lois Close
Carol Copeland
Robert Haines
Kay Hanna & Tim Hutchins
(in memory of Susan Diehl & Bobbie Hillard)
Dean & Karen Hurliman
Carol Janosik
Renita Jarrett & Dave Dorethy
Mike & Kren Johnston
Cynthia Leonard
Donna & Jan Logan
Dean & Pam Marshall
Keith McNeil (in memory of Maxine)
Ralph Parish
Lori Moore
Prugh Funeral Service
Jim Raudabaugh
Chip & Dana Readinger
Carol Reed
Marlis Robberts
Tim Roberts
Kathy & Kevin Schneider
Matt & Mary Shivers
Peggy Stott
Olive Sullivan (in memory of Mary Krohlow & Rod Reeves)
Henry Villareal
Kay Wilson
Merry Wiseman (in memory of Rod Reeves)
Tammy Kimmel-Wunderlich
Usher
Judith Bartachek
Jill Baumert
Sally Bird
Jacquelyn Edwards (in memory of Dave Edwards)
KC & Beth Fleming
Barbara Hahn
Barara Hahn
Zachary Hall
Pat Mayle
John & Lisa Pomberg
Scott Hartje
Karen Hassel
Melinda & Dave Hentzel
Linda Hoenig
Marleen Holsteen
Katherine Hoth
Maureen Hutchcroft
Jessica Irish
Ladonna Kitch
Faith Krause
Shylah Lenahan
Pat Mayle
Linda Messer
Kenneth Morris
Linda Peitz
Pamela Pinkston
Connie Quee (in memory of Rod Reeves)
Jeff Rucker
Jane Sanford
Kathleen Schier
Dorothy Schulte
Anita Stapleton
Lora Turner
Kathryn Waterhouse
Martha Wolf
Calley Yaegar
PLAYERS WORKSHOP sends sincere thanks to the following who made general donations since the last newsletter: Brad Cathcart, Joe Sattler, and John Wetteland. Thank you so much for supporting local community theater.
FROM THE FUNDRAISINGS COMMITTEE--
It's not too soon to start thinking about one of Players Workshop’s best fundraisers, the annual garage sale.
This year’s event is set for July17 & 18, 2026, at the Workshop, 1431 Grove St.
Donations will be accepted at the Workshop from July 12 through July 16.
So, start cleaning out those closets and attics now and start deciding what you would like to bring on down to the Workshop for sale.
Our garage sale is wildly popular with the community, and we couldn't keep it going without you.
PW's Officers and Board of Directors
Officers
President: Mary Fox
Vice-President: Kent Lewis
Treasurer: Brittany Gerst
Secretary: Michelle Huppenbauer
Board of Directors
(in alphabetical order)
Gene Anderson - Joni Brainerd
Christine Claeys - Nikki Critser
Jody Ellison - Cody Flietner
Libba Flores - Amy Ford
Lee Franklin - Jayne Gobble
Carol Hinkle - Anika Morton
Njeri Patric - Anna Short
For past newsletters click here