Fishers Welcomes the Nickel Plate Players

Writer / Kara Reibel

The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater will see something new this summer: a musical! Fishers Arts Council member Ashton Wolf proposed bringing theater to Fishers, and this summer will see an exciting show added to the calendar of civic activities: Beehive will debut July 19.

“Where there’s culture, there’s commerce, and where you have that, a city will thrive,” states Wolf, a dynamic performer who has performed all over the country and on Royal Caribbean cruises. He moved to Fishers several years ago with his family. He performs all over the world, writes music and has written original musical scores, as well. As a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC, Wolf states that his “first love is theater.” He is sharing this love of theater with Fishers this summer.

The initial support for this new venture, which has been overwhelmingly positive, is a clear indication of future success. Fishers Parks and Recreation is really excited with the development of the Nickel Plate Players. “The Nickel Plate Amphitheater opened in fall of 2012 with hopes of groups forming that would call it home,” says Parks Director Tony Elliot, “and we hope that this first theatrical performance is just the beginning of something big for the Nickel Plate Players.” Fishers has been thrilled with the initial success of other groups such as Fishers Music Works.

The enthusiasm is palpable. Fishers Arts Council President Jocelyn Vare is thrilled to have the FAC be a key sponsor for the Nickel Plate Players. “This is an exciting development for our community,” says Vare.

Echoing the theme of enthusiasm is the master of ceremonies, Onis Dean. Dean lends his voice to open Beehive with a couple of hit songs and is excited about working with the Nickel Plate Players. “It’s a wonderful honor to be included in a new and growing group,” he says.

Ashton Wolf and his wife, co-producer Sandy Thorne, held auditions seeking triple-threat performers—ones who can sing, dance, and act. Beehive is an all-female cast, aside from the master of ceremonies, featuring some top local talent. “We are utilizing the Nickel Plate Amphitheater to its fullest potential in hopes that the musical will be well-received,” says Wolf.

Recently finishing an original musical, Ten Pin Alli, which he co-wrote with Daina De Prez and co-produced with his wife, Wolf shares his talent and experience with the Nickel Plate Players. “Starting the Nickel Plate Players is an exciting venture to a growing city like Fishers,” states Wolf, who hopes to expand for next summer. An accomplished, self-taught pianist and composer, Wolf has written the arrangements for the musical score.

Cast member Alicia Hamaker, who was on hand for some photos and is looking forward to the production, states, “We are having a blast in rehearsal. This will be a fun show!” Other cast members include Becky Lee Macy, Carrie Barnthouse, Kelli McCrary, Tiffanie Bridges, Tracy Friddle, Lori Vella Hayes and Jocelyn Vare. Choreography is provided by Barbara F. Cullen. WISH-TV 8 morning anchor Lauren Lowry will make a special guest appearance in Beehive.

Beehive is a high-voltage, fast-paced, lighthearted look back at the girl groups of the ’60s, featuring hit songs like “Proud Mary”, “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”, “Where the Boys Are,” “Natural Woman”, and many more. Providing the musical accompaniment are musicians from Fishers Music Works, including pianist Nancy Matt. “This is an exciting production to bring to our local stage,” says Matt.

The generous sponsors of the Nickel Plate Players include: Fishers Parks & Recreation, Fishers Arts Council, Fishers Music Works, The Ambassador House and Nickel Plate Arts. Beehive is a free show for the entire family, so mark your calendars now for this fun event on July 19!

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