VIRTUAL PLAYBILL
A MESSAGE FROM BHP DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION: DEB WORKMAN
Back in 1999, the Black Hills Playhouse hired my husband Dan and I to start a touring children's theatre company with the goal of taking live theatre educational experiences to kids and their families throughout South Dakota. For 20 years, Dakota Players has toured original productions created by artists from the Midwest to schools and communities in every corner of our great state and beyond. And many incredible artists have worked for the company over the years as actor/directors, playwrights, lyricists, musicians, costume, and set designers.
X is for Zebra is the story of a zebra named Xena, who was born with no stripes. The play unfolds on the Savanna and features a cast of animals native to Africa, who counsel Xena about her appearance, self-image, and the bullying she has experienced. This timely, touching story of self-acceptance, tolerance, and understanding is an entertaining show for the whole family, and a great educational reflection of the world today.
This show was touring when COVID-19 hit and the tour was cut short because of the pandemic. Since we couldn't take it to communities, the idea emerged to bring the play to life with talented former actor/directors and friends and family of the Black Hills Playhouse so we could send it to kids who missed out. We had so much fun reconnecting with our friends to do this show.
If you are able, I hope you’ll consider donating to support our beloved Playhouse so we can be back and better than ever in 2021. We dedicate this performance to kids across South Dakota and the dedicated partners who had scheduled Dakota Players to visit their communities. We thank you for your continued support and steadfast commitment to theatre education for kids.
Let's take care of ourselves and each other. We miss our Dakota Players communities and will be back again!
Please enjoy the show. X IS FOR ZEBRA SING-A-LONG BOOKLET!
With gratitude,
Deb Workman
BHP Director of
Education
The production team and cast include former actor/directors of Dakota Players as well as friends and family of the BHP:
Stage Directions: Jacqueline DeGraff
Milo the Meerkat: Eric Hedlund
Zoologist: Matt Cook
Honey Badger: Jeff Kingsbury
Thomas the Brainly Gazelle: Randy Niles
Xena the Zebra: Jacinta Sutphin
Hervé the Hippo: Jen Luke
Winston the Intern: Satchel Workman
Leonardo the Lion: Dan Workman
Zac: Jason Reuter
Zed: Megan Weidner
Zeke: Cole Kurcz
Charlie the Cheetah: Cole Kennedy
Black Mamba: Darryl D'Angelo Jones
with Madison Dodson, Josey Miller, Emilie Baartman, Heather Pickering, Jason Coppenbarger, and Sarah Randall in multiple roles.
Director and Stage Manager: Kevin Earlywine
Tech Team: Katryna Preston and Deb Workman
We thank everyone listed above for their marvelous contributions of
ideas, time, and talent.
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