A Highlands Homecoming | Highlands Playhouse

Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2021/08 – August

(L to R): Sarah Klocke, Jimmy Lewis, Susie Williams, Andrew Harvey, and Holly Ruth Gale

Executive Director Scott Daniel shines the light on the phenomenal 2021 Playhouse out-of-town team-members who work the theatrical scenes behind, betwixt, and between. 

Scott says, “I developed the Summer Spotlight series so our audience could hear from returning actors, designers, and creative team members about their experience at Highlands Playhouse, and why they return each summer. It’s truly a testament to Marshall Carby’s incredible stage directions, and the collaborative and safe environment he creates each summer for our company of artists.” 

Here’s what Andrew, Holly, Jimmy, Sarah, and Susie have to say in return. 

Andrew Harvey: “Hey, Gang! My first summer here was back in 2019 when I was fortunate enough to play Buddy Holly …and got to be a member in the ensemble of Oklahoma! thereafter. The people of Highlands – whether they were cast mates, production crew, members, or audience members – welcomed me with open arms. So, get ready Highlands, because we’ve got one heck of a comeback season lined up for you and I can’t wait to get it started!”

Holly Ruth Gale: “Hello! My first season at Highlands Playhouse was in 2016 in Steel Magnolias as Truvy, and I come back every chance I get.  You may have seen me on the Playhouse stage as an actor and singer (most recently Aunt Eller in Oklahoma!), but this year I’m excited to wear a different hat, that of Production Assistant! I love the process of making theater, and I am crazy-excited about this summer.”

Jimmy Lewis: “Hellooooo Hiiiiighlaaaaaaands! I am a returning actor/Assistant Artistic Director. My first summer with the Playhouse was back in 2013. I fell in love with our beautiful mountain town and quickly realized how much of a community the town truly was. Having people yell ‘Hey, Bopper!’ from outside Kilwin’s as I walked down Main Street or even in 2019 when a 10-year-old audience member said, ‘Hello, Baby!’ to me as I had breakfast at Blue Bike Café, are moments that I will cherish the rest of my life. Hope to see you at the Playhouse and thank you for supporting the arts in Highlands.”

Sarah Klocke: “Hi Y’all! … this season I’ll serve as Director of Production and Design. This will mark my sixth season with the Playhouse. I can’t express how excited I am to return to Highlands Playhouse! I created and implemented scenic designs for Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story and Oklahoma!, but my favorite scenic design for the Playhouse was for Godspell in 2015. Though I’ve settled in Nebraska, Highlands will forever be my home-away-from-home.”

Susie Williams: “This summer I’ll be the costume designer for the Highlands Playhouse. This is my second year at Highlands and I could not be more excited. I was the Assistant Costume Designer in 2018 for Guys and Dolls and Damn Yankees. My husband, Ben Williams, will join the company this summer as the lighting and sound designer. We have been making theater together for 14 years. What could be better than sharing theater with those you love most? Thank you for supporting the arts in Highlands. Hope to see you this summer.”

Read more about the Playhouse’s extended family and upcoming shows at highlandsplayhouse.org.