Set inside a bustling 1940s radio studio, this cheerful holiday show follows a talented troupe of performers as they bring the beloved story of Kris Kringle to life before a live audience. When young Susan Walker struggles to believe in Santa Claus, an unexpected friendship with Kris sparks a journey that challenges skepticism, inspires hope, and reminds everyone of the power of faith and imagination. Filled with holiday carols, vintage charm, and heartwarming humor, Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play captures all the warmth of the classic Christmas tale while celebrating the golden age of radio. Rediscover this timeless holiday favorite in a way you haven’t seen before.
If you have questions, contact us via email (theater.aspi@gmail.com) or call the box office at 920-826-5852.
Meet the Cast!
TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Character Descriptions
Kris Kringle: The kind-hearted, jolly man who believes he is Santa Claus.
Doris Walker: A pragmatic Macy’s executive and Susan’s mother.
Fred Gaily: A smart, warm military captain and friend/neighbor to Doris and Susan.
Susan Walker: Doris’s young daughter who is skeptical of the Christmas myth.
Marvin Shellhammer: An aggressive but bumbling junior PR executive for Macy’s.
R.H. Macy: The ambitious owner of Macy’s department store.
Mr. Sawyer: The obnoxious, antagonistic personnel director.
Judge Martin Group/Harper: The judge presiding over the case to prove Kris is Santa.
Thomas Mara, Sr.: The prosecuting attorney.
Dr. Pierce: A sympathetic psychiatrist and friend to Kris.
Ensemble Roles: Includes Mr. Gimbel, Drunken Santa, Henrika (and her mother), various shoppers, and news reporters.
Announcer: Introduces segments and reads commercials.
Abrams Spotlight Productions is celebrating the 250th birthday of our nation with 1776 the Musical, a bold, witty, and powerful musical that brings the signing of the Declaration of Independence to life. With sharp dialogue, rousing music, and moments of humor and heart, 1776 follows the debates, compromises, and larger-than-life personalities of America’s founding fathers as they struggle to unite thirteen colonies into one nation.
Synopsis
It is a long hot summer in Philadelphia, and the Continental Congress is an exhausted, annoyed, quarrelsome collection of men, at each other’s throats over the burning question of independence from Great Britain. John Adams, the passionate crusader for rebellion, races against time: if the congress does not agree to throw off the yoke of tyranny, General Washington’s painfully outnumbered army will have no ideal for which to fight. But Adams is obnoxious and disliked — no one will listen to his arguments. They might have a chance if Thomas Jefferson, that silver wordsmith, would write a Declaration — but Jefferson, frustrated by his long absence from lovely wife Martha, is in no mood to be creative. And when it comes down to a final decision, the course of history hangs on whether sycophantic Judge James Wilson can remain as anonymous as possible with his vote….. Under these conditions, how will America ever achieve Independence? Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards’ 1776 is a brilliant imagining of American history, a grand tale which manages to feel both intimate and epic at once, bringing humor and humanity to the account of twenty men, three months, and one incredible argument, in which the fate of nations is decided. The score features such famous tunes as the romantic “He Plays the Violin,” the comedic “The Lees of Old Virginia,” and that plaintive memorial to young patriots, “Momma, Look Sharp.”
Who’s Who? The Cast of 1776
John Hancock: (Mike Eserkaln)
President of the 1776 Continental Congress, John Hancock, put the first and largest signature on the Declaration of Independence.
Dr. Josiah Bartlett: (Brian Kohls)
A New Hampshire delegate. Dr. Josiah Bartlett sides in favor of independence.
John Adams: (Matt Worzala)
A Massachusetts delegate, John Adams is the leading voice for separation from England and the Declaration of Independence. Unfortunately his tendency toward fiery rhetoric makes him generally disliked by other Congress members.
Stephen Hopkins: (David Jolly)
A Rhode Island delegate, Stephen Hopkins is given to indulgence in alcoholic beverages.
Roger Sherman: (Mary Spencer)
A Connecticut delegate, Roger Sherman sides in favor of independence and is on the committee to write the Declaration.
Lewis Morris: (Julie Johannes-Frohliger)
A New York delegate, Lewis Morris abstains from the original vote.
Robert Livingston: (Ryan Hibbard)
A New York delegate, Robert Livingston is a member of the committee assigned to write the Declaration.
Reverend John Witherspoon: (Maggie Monte-Knaapen)
A New Jersey delegate, the Reverend John Witherspoon, argues for, and wins, the inclusion of the Supreme Being in the Declaration.
Benjamin Franklin: (Drew Pamperin)
A Pennsylvania delegate, Benjamin Franklin is urbane and coolheaded. His logic often prevails where the emotions of other fail. He and Adams lead the charge for independence.
John Dickinson: (Ariana Gibeault)
A Pennsylvania delegate, John Dickinson leads a group of Congress members who favor petitioning King George III with their grievances rather than declaring independence from England.
James Wilson: (Julie Johannes-Frohliger)
A Pennsylvania delegate, James Wilson casts the final vote to approve the Declaration, not because of his own belief in the cause, but because he does not want to be remembered in history as “the man who prevented American independence.”
Caesar Rodney: (David Retzlaff)
A Delaware delegate, Caesar Rodney works hard for independence, despite the fact that he is suffering from skin cancer.
Colonel Thomas McKean: (Maggie Dernehl)
A Delaware delegate, Colonel Thomas McKean is Scottish and very vocal.
George Read: (Rolean Wernicke)
A Delaware delegate, George Read is opposed to independence and sides with Dickinson.
Samuel Chase: (Xander Birschbach)
A Maryland delegate, Samuel Chase always seems to be eating and is portly. He initially sides with Dickinson.
Richard Henry Lee: (Dan Potvin)
A Virginia delegate, Richard Henry Lee is selected to make the argument for independence to the Congress, as Adams is having little luck.
Thomas Jefferson: (Bobby Buffington)
A Virginia delegate, Thomas Jefferson, in spite of his many protests, is selected to pen the Declaration of Independence.
Joseph Hewes: (Mark Wernicke)
A North Carolina delegate, Joseph Hewes sides with Rutledge on the slavery issue, demanding the Declaration allow slavery.
Edward Rutledge: (Will Knaapen)
A South Carolina delegate, Edward Rutledge is opposed to the Declaration of Independence because of his passionate opposition to the document’s call for an end to slavery.
Dr. Lyman Hall: (Brian Prestley)
A Georgia delegate, Dr. Lyman Hall initially sides with Dickinson.
Charles Thompson: (Allison Carter)
The secretary of the Congress.
Andrew McNair: (Kelsey Steeno)
The custodian and bell-ringer
Abigail Adams: (Maggie Monte-Knaapen)
Wife of John Adams, her communications with John tell some of the story of the Declaration and much of the story of her and John’s love and life.
Martha Jefferson: (Julie Johannes-Frohliger)
The young and beautiful wife of Thomas Jefferson, Martha Jefferson is brought to Philadelphia to help dispel Jefferson’s writer’s block.
Get your tickets now for a night of mishaps, mischief, and madcap mania! It’s the opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” and things have quickly gone from bad…to utterly disastrous. The troupe’s ambitious 1920s whodunit has everything you never want in a show: falling props, collapsing scenery, an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything…including their lines. How will this eager ensemble battle against all of the disastrous odds? Will they make it to the final curtain call?
An international hit that’s equal parts Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes – The Play That Goes Wrong is full of hilarious perfection.
Abrams Spotlight Productions is thrilled to introduce our cast of “The Play that Goes Wrong”. As the Director says “it’s gonna be a WILD show!”
Cast Name (Role)
Chris Mayse (Chris/Director)
Maddie Pamperin (Annie/Stage Manager)
Jerah Doxtator (Trevor/Lights and Sound Guy)
Maggie Monte-Knaapen (Sandra/Florence)
Bobby Buffington (Max/Cecil/Arthur the Gardener)
Eric Westphal (Perkins/Dennis)
Erick Gyrion (Thomas Colleymore/Robert Grove)
Matt Worzala (Jonathan/Charles Haversham)
Will Knaapen (Stage Crew)
Marly Thomson (Stage Crew)
Julie Johannas-Frohlinger (Stage Crew)
Mike Eserkaln (The Director, for real, he’s really the director of the show)
Maggie Dernehl (Assistant Director, the one helping Mike)
Performed by Abrams Spotlight Productions in March 2025, Godspell is a musical in two acts with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John-Michael Tebelak. The show is structured as a series of parables, primarily based on the Gospel of Matthew, interspersed with music mostly set to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion of Christ appearing briefly near the end.
Audition information for The Play that Goes Wrong, Directed by Mike Eserkaln Seeking a cast of male and female actors 16 years old or older
Auditions Auditions will be held January 28th or 29th from 6pm-8pm. You may attend either day. Location: The Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St Abrams, WI
The audition will consist of a short reading from the show. You are welcome to come with your own monologue prepared, although not required. If you have a conflict with audition times, please reach out and we will try to accommodate you. There will be paperwork to complete prior to auditioning.
Rehearsals Rehearsals will begin the last week of March (date to come). Rehearsal dates and times will be scheduled around availability, however typical rehearsals will be: Sundays 5pm-8pm, Tuesdays 6pm-8pm and Thursdays 6pm-8pm. There will be a Tech Week of rehearsals May 4th-7th. These rehearsals are mandatory.
Performances
There will be 8 performances of The Play that Goes Wrong.
May 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 7pm
May 11 and 18 at 1pm
All performances are mandatory.
If you have questions, you may contact us via email at theater.aspi@gmail.com or call the box office at 920-826-5852.
Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. invites you into the world of Dr. Seuss to revisit beloved characters including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and JoJo.
“Seussical the Musical,” directed by Debra Jolly, will be presented Dec. 5-8 and 12-15 at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Anyone interested in helping behind the scenes can contact ASPI to volunteer.
“Seussical” weaves a story of friendship, loyalty, and love. The Cat in the Hat guides us into The Jungle of Nool where we see Horton, the kind-hearted elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whoville. He meets JoJo, a Who child sent to military school for thinking too many “thinks.”
“Seussical” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. Music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Based on the works of Dr. Seuss.
To order tickets, visit abramsspotlightproductions.com or call the box office, 920-826-5852.
A musical perfect for the whole family, Seussical takes us into the world of Dr. Seuss, where we revisit beloved characters including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and JoJo.
The Cat in the Hat guides us into The Jungle of Nool where we see Horton, the kind hearted elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whoville.
Now one of the most widely produced musicals in the country, Seussical weaves a story of friendship, loyalty, and love. Charming Seussical teaches us the power of being unique, and the importance of fighting for your beliefs.
This production will be presented December 5th (with an opening night Gala exclusive for our Sponsors and Season Ticket holders!), December 6th, 7th, 8th and December 12th, 13th,14th and 15th.
With nearly $20,000 in grants from two local foundations, Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. has the necessary funds to purchase a state-of-the-art theater sound system. The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation contributed $10,000, and the Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation awarded the remaining $9,900 of the theater’s Can You Hear Me Now? project. The sound system will enhance the theater experience of the cast, crew, and audience, including older adults and individuals with hearing impairments. According to Bond Foundation executive director Jennifer Hanna, the project was selected for funding because of the theater’s significance in the community. “The foundation’s board of directors recognized Abrams Spotlight Productions as a great creative outlet for the local community as well as an entertainment venue for people of all ages,” she said. “The board was also impressed with the dedication and hard work of the many volunteers who are responsible for the success of Abrams Spotlight Productions. The board felt that the sound system will also allow Abrams Spotlight Productions to better serve the community.” The grants cover the purchase of a sound board, amplifier, speakers and microphones. Additionally, ASPI will install a hearing assisted sound loop system that works wirelessly with people’s hearing aids. Bill Koehne, president of Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc., said the community theater was grateful to be selected for the grants, because the current sound system is past its useful life. “When the sound board failed during ‘White Christmas’ rehearsals in 2022, we scrambled to find a solution. Luckily, we could borrow a sound board from another theater. But that wasn’t a long-term solution,” he said. “When a speaker failed this year during rehearsals for ‘Gypsy,’ it was just another indication that our theater needed a new sound system.” Volunteers will provide the labor to install the sound system, saving the theater an estimated $3,000. Carpenters, electricians, and ASPI volunteers will pull wire, groove the hardwood floor for the sound loop, and install and connect the system. “A new sound system will really make a big difference,” Koehne said. “When performers’ voices are too quiet or overpowered by music, it’s hard for the audience to follow the storyline. The new sound system and hearing loop enables everyone to fully enjoy a show.”
A visit to the theater is a full immersive experience! You sit in a seat and are transported by actors and musical numbers. Did you know that not only can you see local talent at ASPI, but you can also rent the theater for your own weddings and events?!
Three different wedding packages are available! Something to meet every need:
Ceremony Package
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Package
Reception Package
See more details below! Other specialized packages available and inquiries can be made at the box office.
AND renting the theater for non-wedding events has also become quite popular! Need a space for a business gathering, a baby shower, a birthday party? The rental includes use of the sounds and lights (with a volunteer to run them), and the concession stand, with all proceeds going to the theater. There is an hourly rate, so please call the Box Office to inquire!
We invite you to Be Our Guest and put our service to the test! Please call the Box Office at (920) 826-5854 with any questions.
Wedding Package Guide:
Ceremony Package – $500
Rental Time: Two (2) hour rehearsal, Four (4) hours day-of ceremony
Capacity: 10-160 guests
Includes:
One (1) hour consultation with one of our private event coordinators
One (1) attendant during your rehearsal, three (3) attendants during the ceremony
Chair set-up and take-down in any configuration you wish
Use of sound system – compatible with phones, tablets, or computers
Specialized lighting designed to fit your color theme – or to make your entrance more theatrical!
“Ceremony Manager” – who will cue/operate any music and/or lights
Use of our facility and grounds for your photos (must be done within your rental time)
Bridal suite area backstage for bridal party to get ready (groomsmen area also available)
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Package – $700
Rental Time: Two (2) hour rehearsal, six (6) hours day of ceremony*
Capacity: 10 – 160 guests
Includes:
Everything from Ceremony Package
Two (2) hours post ceremony for a pre-reception cocktail hour
Wine, Beer, Wine Coolers & snacks sold by our concession stand in the back of the auditorium (please see our Concession Menu for our full offering)
Reception Package – $900
Rental Time: 4pm – Midnight*
Capacity: up to 150 (seated)
Includes:
One (1) hour consultation with one of our private event coordinators
Three (3) attendants during the ceremony
Use of sound system – compatible with phones, tablets, or computers
Specialized lighting designed to fit your color theme, or to make your entrance more theatrical!
“Ceremony Manager” – who will cue/operate any music and/or lights
Use of our facility and grounds for your photos (must be done within your rental time)
Wine, beer, wine coolers, and snacks sold by our concession stand in the back of the auditorium (please see our Concession Menu for our full offering)
Ability to add on a Ceremony outside for $250 – please ask your coordinator for more details
*All decoration and clean up must be done within your rental time, additional rental time is available for $50/hour for the first two (2) hours and $100/hour after that.
(Please note that the above mentioned rates are current as of June 2023)
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