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Bullshot Crummond

A comedy by Ron House, Diz White, John Neville-Andrews, Alan Shearman and Derek Cunningham. Based on an idea by Ron House and Diz White.

Directed by Amy Amani and Renye Ress.

Captain Hugh "Bullshot" Crummond is a dashing British officer and a man with "a nose for intrigue." Otto Von Brunno is "the second most dangerous man in Europe," an evil genius, aka "The Baron of Blitzkrieg." The two arch rivals clash in a madcap tale with more disguises, plot twists and general mayhem than you can shake a German Luger at. Von Brunno's aim is nothing less than the conquest of the whole world. With the help of his dastardly mistress Lenya he hatches a plot to steal a scientific formula. Will Crummond foil his plans? Or will Von Brunno finally trip him up? Will he fall for the lovely Rose Fenton, daughter of the kidnapped scientist? Or will Lenya have her way with him? The answers to these questions and more revealed along with a lot of guffaws, hoots giggles and snorts — an evening of all-around fun for all ages.

Director's Notes

You know that blank smile and nod that people give you when they haven't the first clue what you're talking about? That's the look I've been getting when I (very excitedly) tell people that my current show is "Bullshot Crummond." So, then I say, "It's a send up of a 1930's detective serial called "Bulldog Drummond." More blank smiles & nods. Really, that doesn't make it sound like a whole lot of fun, does it? So, I went on-line to try and dig up some history. I discovered that there were at least 20 installments produced, with tantalizing titles such as: The Return of Bulldog Drummond, Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back, (a title that was so good, it was used twice – in '34 and '47!), Bulldog Drummond's Revenge, and yes, Bulldog Drummond's Bride! Now that's comedy! Except, those films were meant to be serious police drama.

So, when did Bulldog morph into Bullshot? A little more on-line digging brought me to a theatrical review from the East Bay Express dated 11-6-02 by Lisa Drostova. Ms. Drostova had the good fortune to review a production of "BC" directed by one of the writers, Ron House. She had this to say, "Drummond's pervasive influence wasn't lost on Ron House, Alan Shearman, and Diz White, the founders of Low Moan Spectacular, a British theater company known for its ecstatically goofy improvisational comedy. Bullshot Crummond is Low Moan's take on the '30s-era adventurer, with a heavy emphasis on physical comedy and absurd situations … Low Moan brought Bullshot to San Francisco in 1976, where it ran for four years (eventually ex-Beatle George Harrison made a film of it, starring several Low Moan members)."

Now that we know where Bullshot came from, let's explore how it comes to open the 2004-2005 season for The Evergreen Players. This script was tossed around the Play Selection Committee for a few years. Since there are so many sight gags and so much physical comedy, the written script does not do itself justice. It can be difficult to visualize a "converse force field" or a stuffed falcon named Fritz as being funny. Fortunately, Renye and I are just twisted enough to have seen these ludicrous props, gags and prat falls in our heads. (Maybe that's not something I should write out loud!). Next, we have been abundantly blessed with a dream cast. Honestly, my greatest fear during our rehearsal period has been that we won't pull this show together on time because we spend so much time useless with laughter! I think is safe to call this show a "tear jerker" but know that those are tears from laughing so hard that you may leave the theater wishing there were a "Bullshot Crummond Strikes Back."

- Amy Amani


I believe comedy is one of the most difficult art forms to convey. When it is working, we laugh. Are you laughing? Then we have done our job well.

Bullshot Crummond has become for me, one of the finest examples of creative collaboration I have ever experienced. It began with two producers who hit the ground running in the March snow, and haven't stopped since. It continued with a design dream-team that supported and encouraged our vision. It was blessed with a brilliant ensemble cast whom I admire and respect, and who has brought so much to the table. But it really started when Amy asked if I would like to co-direct with her. Thank you Amy for bringing your amazing perception, selfless mentor-ship, and deep commitment, both to this production, and the art form itself.

- Renye Ress

Cast

Whitney M. Ayers Miss Rosemary Fenton

Whitney is pleased once again to be able to walk the boards with The Evergreen Players. As an Evergreen native, it’s wonderful to be home. She is very excited about the show and even more excited about working with such a talented cast and crew. She’s appeared in several Players’ productions including Crimes of the Heart, La Cage aux folles and Noises Off. Thank you for coming to the show and supporting your community theater. She thanks her family for all their continued love and support. Love you, Sindo, you are my heart.

Matt Bachus Bullshot Crummond

Matt lives in Evergreen with his wife Jennai and their adorable baby daughter Jorie. His acting experience includes numerous professional theater productions, television and radio commercials and industrial films. Most recently Matt was in Evergreen Players’ production of Breaking Legs, and he can currently be seen in a national TV commercial for Starz Encore. Matt also enjoys his very busy “day job” selling real estate in the Evergreen area with Tupper’s Team.

Kerry Beebe Lenya von Brunno

Long ago and far away, Kerry appeared in "Bullshot Crummond" with the American Theater Company in Tulsa Oklahoma. More recently, she worked with Evergreen Players as Mrs. Watts in "Trip to Bountiful". Other Evergreen Players productions Kerry has been invloved in are "All in the Timing", Noises Off", "Haiku" and "Lion in Winter". Love to my boys, Scott and Joe

Brian Dowling Otto von Brunno, Salvatore Scalicio

Brian is thrilled to return to the Evergreen stage working with such a talented cast and director. He was last seen with the Players in Breaking Legs as "Tino De Felice". Since then he played the role of "John" in the world premiere of Gene Kato's Just For Laughs with Next Stage and "The Sheriff of Nottingham" in Robin Hood at Aurora Community College. Brian is excited and anxious to return to the role of the 'bad guy'. "Thanks for everything Amy, it's always such a blast to work with you."

Scott Gibson Algy, Professor Fenton, Waiter, Policeman, Inspector Scabbard, Wolfgang Schmidt, Marovitch

Scott last appeared at Center/Stage in The Players' 2001 production of Deathtrap, playing Sidney Bruehl. Other recent credits include the role of Dr. Kelekian in Wit at The E Project in Lakewood, and Paul in Moon Over Buffalo at The Denver Victorian. He directed the suspense drama Brimstone and Treacle for Conundrum Productions, his own theater company, last autumn. These days, Scott considers himself primarily a playwright (perhaps a lingering Deathtrap influence), and his mystery/thriller, Kill the Moment will open at The Buntport Theatre in Denver next April.

Amy Amani Director

This is Amy's fifth directorial effort with the Evergreen Players. Past productions include Noises Off, Deathtrap, Breaking Legs. She played Chick in the Players' Crimes of the Heart in 2002. Amy is tickled to be directing another comedy and even happier it’s a period piece. It’s a perfect combination of two of her favorite past times: laughing and playing dress-up! Amy got her theater training from Northwestern University Theater Dept, and from The Groundlings in L.A. She got her seamstress training when she interviewed for a crew position on an equity show at age 19 and was told after she was hired the position was costume mistress! Amy sends all her love out to her two fellas and hopes you bust a gut tonight!

Renye Ress Director

Renye's affiliation with the Players began as co-founder and director of their summer drama camp program. Backstage, she has worked professionally as properties artisan for the Denver Center, Arvada Center, and independently in scenic design and paint. Onstage, favorite roles include Sister Hubert in Nunsense, and Jane in Dentity Crisis.

Patrick 'Red' Howard Lighting Design

Patrick Howard is presently employed as Master Electrician for the Colorado Ballet, and Production Electrician for Denver Center Attractions, running the lighting department for shows such as "The Nutcracker", "I Love A Piano" and "Heaven Help Us!" Design credits include shows for Virginia Opera, Charlotte Opera, Columbus Opera, Charlotte Repertory Theatre, and Lighting Director for the Colorado Ballet’s popular production of "Dracula". An Evergreen resident for 14 years, he is pleased to be working so close to home.

Peggy Morgan Stenmark Set Design

Peggy Morgan Stenmark begins her second year as Artist-in-Residence for the Evergreen Players. Previous theater experience includes working on five shows with the Players in the 2003-2004 season and eleven shows at Littleton High School, where she was involved in scene painting, costumes and prop construction.

Production Crew

Images from Bullshot Crummond

Photography by Ellen Nelson and other volunteers.

Captain Crummond (Matt Bachus) and Algy (Scott Gibson); "Curari! An oriental potion capable of clouding a white man's mind in seconds!"

Captain Crummond (Matt Bachus); "If you should see any athletes passing, give me a shout"

Lenya (Kerry Beebe) and Otto (Brian Dowling); "Death to thousands of innocent people - Oh! Otto! - I'm so happy!"

Crummond (Matt Bachus) and Rosemary (Whitney Nuchols); "The slightest movement could send us hurtling towards those jagged rocks below"

Cast of Bullshot Crummond

Cast & Crew of 'Bullshot Crummond'