Memories of the Director

“Directing Bettie Endrizzi and David Brubaker in Tina Howe‘s Painting Churches (’85) was truly a memorable assignment. Watching them from rehearsal day one through opening night, taking on the depth of characterization they achieved was rewarding. They touched their audience with a laugh and a tear every performance.” Driving Miss Daisy, 1996  “It is the Wednesday matinee opening of Oklahoma! The curtain went up promptly at two. The House was full. Intermission lasted the normal eighteen minutes. I was needlessly pacing the director’s path in the lobby as the show came down with the singing curtain call of the title song. I glanced at my watch — 4:50 pm. I thought ‘This is the longest show that I can remember in seventeen years.’ In fact, it was the longest show ever! To see each actor, each scene, each song come together; to watch the twenty-five ballet; to experience a great collaborative effort from all artists was an experience that far surpassed my expectations. Not one person moved before the final curtain.” Richard “Jack” Frost

Richard Frost

Allenberry’s Fiftieth Season will mark the twenty-second year at the Playhouse for this Washington D.C. native and his second full season as artistic director. Certainly Richard “Jack” Frost comes to his present position with more Allenberry Playhouse experience than any of the other previous directors. Hired as production stage manager and designer in 1977, Jack spent the next twenty years working with Nelson Sheeley, Michael Rothhaar and Michael Haney nightly calling “Half hour” and “Places please,” before yet another disciplined and sharp performance.

Oklahoma, 1994

Jack has endeared himself to hundreds of Allenberry actors by providing them with creative and complementary lighting. He has also influenced audiences most favorably with his appropriate and compelling choice of mood-enhancing music for each show.

Before being named resident artistic director in June, 1996, Jack had guest-directed numerous shows, the first being Everybody Loves Opal in 1981. Other credits include Painting Churches with Bettie Endrizzi and Dave Brubaker; Intimate Exchanges with Michael Rothhaar and Nancy Linehan Charles; South Pacific; and the acclaimed, uncut production of Oklahoma.

Memories of the Scenic Director

Bob’s favorite memories bring floods of our own cherished remembrances… Snow on the ground in April, snow on the ground in November. The first show of the season…the feeling of starting fresh. The Staff House–I’m not saying any more! Testing out the red wagon with Cate for Everyone Loves Opal. Everybody Loves Opal, 1981 Impressive violent storms and the shop flooding. Charles Heinze, age seven, trying to work in the shop. All the silly technical things–some of those that never worked were the most fun. Will Rothhaar roaming the property in his rubber boots. Decorating the old, red pick-up for 4th of July and riding it down the hill to the meadow. The first show in the Fall Season, knowing musicals are over. Watching my Matthew roam the property on any given day. Jack and Cate, Michael and Nancy, Michael and Amy, Bob and Debbie... so many good times. Robert Klingelhoefer

Mary Jane Heinze

As the Official Host and Greeter at the Allenberry Playhouse for the last eighteen years, faithful Allenberry playgoers have “become accustomed to her face.”

Cate Van Wickler

Junior Staff, Prop Master, Master Electrician, Technical Director, Assistant Stage Manager, Business Manager, Assistant to the Director, and Production Coordinator… Cate Van Wickler has worn all of these hats with dignity, efficiency, humor and charm. Truly a person of exceptional and varied ability, Cate has proved to be a master problem solver.

Starting as an apprentice in 1977, she gained hands-on experience in every technical aspect of the theatre over the past twenty years. “Ask Cate!” almost always leads to a solution. Cate works with our E.M.C. staff arranging work schedules, rehearsals, housing and transportation for theatre personnel. She also coordinates with theatre management, directors and designers on virtually all aspects of the Playhouse operation.

Cate is married to our artistic director, Jack Frost. Together, they have been responsible for thousands of Allenberry performances, but their greatest production and most beautiful, is daughter, Lillian Marie.

John J. Heinze

As Producer at the Playhouse and leader of many other Allenberry endeavors,
he carries on the family legacy.

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Memories of the Producer

In 1944 my family came to the Allenberry Estate… It was a special place. My father served dinners, banquets, and picnics… For events, it was a special place. Stone Lodge, Meadow Lodge and Cottages were opened… For meetings and weekends, a special place. Jane, Jere and I grew up, married and had families… For children, a special place. However, what has made Allenberry most special is the fifty years of theatre; the fifteen hundred talented performers who came to do one show or stayed for several seasons; the directors, musicians, choreographers and technicians who brought a personality and a professionalism to a unique country setting. Allenberry — a special place indeed! John J. Heinze

Robert Klingelhoefer

The fateful telephone interview in 1980 by Jack Frost and Cate Van Wickler brought this immensely talented scenic designer to Allenberry. Today, 101 productions later, we are delighted that the Allenberry Playhouse is the showcase for his innovative and glorious designs.

Few would believe the actual size of the stage on which he creates the miracles that transport audiences to worlds of fantasy. Not only are Bob’s sets pleasing to the eye, but provide great space for the directors and performers. His favorites include the 1981 and 1991 productions of My Fair Lady, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Damn Yankees, and Lettice and Lovage.

The Allenberry Playhouse shares Bob and his much sought after talent with many theatres throughout the country… from Massachusetts to Florida to Minnesota. However, we believe Allenberry holds a special place in Bob’s heart as it was here that he met his wife Debbie, Playhouse Costumer, in 1980. They married in 1987, and their son, Matthew, was born in 1989. As a family they became part of our family as they lived on the property for two years.