The Illustrious Onion Skin Players 2025 presentation of Wilson Creek’s production, HARK! A Woof at the Door or Rufus’s Revenge, marking a 40th anniversary of melodrama by the The Illustrious Onion Skin Players, many of them at the Historic Star Theater in Weiser Idaho. From the dramatic highs of cheer and villainy to the cherished moments behind the scenes, one thing was clear: the magic of theater is alive and thriving, united by the laughter and creativity that has entertained audiences for four decades. Here’s to many more melodramatic adventures to come! There are auditions every winter to give everyone interested a chance to read lines for a part in the play, to sing, and dance. Rehearsals take place throughout January and February where the cast comes together to portray a humorous, fast-paced evening of a melodrama, sing-a-longs, and songs as far back as the late 1800’s. The plays are performed in the “Grand Manner” of melodrama with exaggerated motion and expressions, the audiences are encouraged to “BOO” and “HISS” the villain, cheer for the hero and sing along to well-known oldies. The Onion Skin Players enjoy a wide-spread reputation for wholesome, professional entertainment. Thanks to the enthusiastic support from our audiences, local businesses and patrons of the art, we look forward to stepping into our fourth decade in an even more “illustrious” manner! Play Cast: Vance Variance – Jordan Childs Sheriff Sterling Pureheart – Gracen Cox Luscious Ludacious Kyle – Kim Cox Wider Min – Debby Enright Priscilla – Anna Fitch Fifi – Michaela Young Doc – Terena Haylett Amos – Bobby Post Rufus – Steve Shaw Senorita Lolita Conchita – Crystal Watts Maggie O’Malley – Lucinda Sutherland Will Swindle – Vern Ball Play Directors: Goldie Digger – Ruth Creek Liz Entoome – Brianne Garner Olio Cast: Viola Lynn – Michelle Chinn Cannon Ms Claire Waters – Chelsie Dugan Ruth Less – Adrianna Rivers Kenney Harmony Maker – Cindy Valenzuela Al Dente – Jordan Craig Robin U. Blind – Adrianna Field Liberty Bell – Sydney McClary Ruby Lipschtick – Candy Snyder Olio Directors: Melody Keys Sarah Nader Joni Ball Lisa Meyer Stage Manager: Stagecoach Charlie – Oliver Brown Stagehand Jade Garden Elizabeth Fitch Play Secretary: Rosetta Retta Pam Lakey Light and Sound Crew: Brite Theorum – Mark Doramus Dusty Boots – Dustin Mudgett Johnny on the Spot – Cliff Watts Hector A Enes – John Eavenson Smarty Sound Off – Lisa Lambert Green on the Spot – Kenrick Fitch Concessions: Concessionaire – Linda Shaw Poppy Corn – Kara Trammell Mr. Sales – Hunter Trammell Sassy Corn Mutt – Katie Shaw Set Design: Steve Shaw Dan Dykema Lisa Lambert Brianne Garner Ruth Creek Colton Newman Special Thanks Seamstress: Sarabelle Young Seamstress – Ruth Creek Consultant – Patsy Jo McMichaels Photography – Dan Dykema Videographer – Alex Chavarria Flag Presenters Dick Berquest CTI-1 Navy Marty Higner 2LT Navy Robin Strong SGT Army Steve Fenske MAJ Army Jana Hill SSG Air Force Stan Wilson MSG Army Ron Handle CW4 Army Charles Marvin 1SG Army Brad Atteberry SSG Army Royn Lauren E4 Navy Katie Shaw 1SG Army Ruth & Wilson Creek formed The Illustrious Onion Skin Players in 1985, patterning it after The Sawdust Theatre in Coquille, Oregon. The performers and stage crew come from all over Washington, Payette and Malheur County. Some even as far as Middleton and Nampa! Old-fashioned family entertainment complete with olio’s and Can-Can girls. Performing since 1985, the Illustrious Onion Skin Players have been delighting audiences by taking them back to the old and often wild west with a sense of flare all their own. If you have yet to see a show, you are missing out.
Hark! a Woof at the Door or Rufus’s Revenge – Celebrating 40 Years of Melodrama
