2006 Archives:

TATER PATCH PLAYERS PRESENT HARVEY
FEATURING BENT TREE RESIDENT
CARL JAPIKSE

By: Pat Jewell

"Harvey is a timeless piece, as appropriate today as it was 70 years ago," says Big Canoe’s Carl Japikse. Japikse auditioned for and earned the role of Dr. Chumley, a character that he can associate with in many ways. As an author, specializing in the creativity of the mind and spirit, Japikse is able to bring insight and wit to his role. Dr. Chumley is the lead psychiatrist of a sanitarium that has been charged with the task of making people "normal". He meets Elwood Dowd, a mild mannered, pleasant man, whose best friend is a 6-foot tall invisible rabbit. Elwood’s sister, Veta, finds that Harvey’s presence is not acceptable when it comes to entertaining dates for her daughter, Myrtle Mae. Dr. Chumley has been commissioned by Veta to make Elwood "normal" and make the rabbit go away. The story unfolds from there with lots of laughs.

Japikse and his wife, Rose, have been avid Tater Patch fans for many years. It was not until the troupe’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace, that he came to their stage. He was cast as Mr. Gibbs in that production and later cast as Erronious in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Japikse is no stranger to the stage. He was involved in theatre in high school and college, and has made a career as a public speaker as well as author. He has fun on the stage, and it shows in his performances. Japikse has also been invaluable to the organization with the publication of programs and selling of advertising.

Harvey has cast several Tater Patch favorites, such as Dan Huth as Elwood and Nan Nawrocki as Veta. The show also features Leah Fowler as Myrtle Mae. "Harvey is a marvelous insight into the role of faith in life. Instead of accepting that role, we try to shy away from it. Harvey is funny. Everyone should come and bring their entire family to this production!" says Japikse.

Harvey will be staged at the Pickens High School Auditorium on Dec. 7^th –10^th. Mark you calendar now for this must see production. Advanced ticket sales locations will be announced soon, or tickets can be purchased at the door.

Submitted to Big Canoe Smoke Signals; November edition.

A THOUSAND THANKS (OR FIVE HUNDRED, AT LEAST)

The Tater Patch Players had a terrific costume party last Friday night.

There was dancing, late into the night to live music by Bay and the Strays and a wonderful DJ, David Johnson of Holly Springs, who played some great music and had a fantastic light show. Kids of all ages were in attendance. Selected as best-costumed were Kim Aaronson, portraying the classic plumber with low-rise jeans (and everything that goes with that) and Gincy Bufford, who was a fabulous Marilyn Monroe. Attendees were treated to watching these two share a victory dance -- and a lovely couple they made! Also in attendance were a nun, a pirate, the entire Scooby-Doo gang, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, Joe DiMaggio, and many and sundry warriors, witches, cowboys, janitors, vampires, and other strange folks --- a costume party with theater people is not to be missed!!

Of course, this was more than just a party, it was a fundraiser. At the end, many guests went home with wonderful items from our silent auction. Thanks one more time for all the wonderful items donated by Lynn Lumley, Hollyhocks of Talking Rock, Sarah Karloff, Trout's Beverage, the Aaronson Family, Ollie White of the Antique Shelf, Chestatee Bank, Moore Furniture, Mark Miller, and High Country Gallery. Food was graciously provided by Kroger, Deb's Bakery, Bojangles, Piggly Wiggly, the Jasper Coca-Cola Bottlers, the Fireside Café and Pub, Kathe Hall, Domino's and Cindy White. Some great door prizes were conatributed by Weeks Jewelry, Mike Martin, Jasper Tire, Movie Gallery, Bridge Monkey, and Domino's.

Marble Valley Friends' Tate Gym was decorated by Kay and Andy Fowler with lights and ghosts and pumpkins (oh my!). Andy Fowler, who delighted audiences last summer as Pseudolus, put in a chilling appearance in the guise of Beetlejuice and acted as the host and emcee all evening. The turnout, while not huge, was active and entusiastic. The troupe raised close to $500 to aid in some upcoming Tater Patch projects, to be revealled later in the season. But, just for you folks who missed it -- the Taters enjoyed it so much, they said they would do it again next fall!!!

Don't forget the upcoming theater productions. Tater Patch will be helping round out an evening's entertainment in support of Pickens High Drama Club's one-act play on November 16-18 and Tater Patch's production of Harvey will be December 7-10, both at the PHS auditorium. Keep reading the Progress for more information on these shows.