BLUEGRASS THEATRE GUILD

PERFORMANCE DATES:  Dec. 4-7, 2025

PERFORMANCE VENUE:  The Grand Theatre, Frankfort, KY

 

SHOW DESCRIPTION: Ratatat Man unfolds as Oliver Denton, a forty-something drummer in a jazz quartet, looks back on a fateful Christmas in 1969. Having lost a dad to Vietnam and a mama to despair, young Oli now resides with his Aunt Susan. In the close quarters where they live, he finds himself in the crossfire of a troubled marriage between two neighbors. Tapping his drum in the children’s choir at St. Michael’s provides Oliver some solace, but did the beat of his drum create the perfect cover for the perfect crime? This year, in the nightclub scene of jazz and blues, an unexpected Christmas friendship helps him finally unwrap the truth. This Christmas, the past is the present.

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Visit our Box Office page to reserve your tickets now!

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PRODUCTION TEAM:

PLAYWRIGHT – CHARLES BAGLAN: Charlie has been a renowned fixture in Frankfort and Central KY for decades as a radio journalist, photographer, and active member/leader with the Kentucky Broadcasters Association, Board of Governors/Trustees at The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Kentucky Association of Government Communicators, Kentucky State Senate, and much more. He wrote Ratatat Man as a radio drama in 2010, and is thrilled to collaborate with BTG to adapt the show to the stage.

 

DIRECTOR – BILL PAYNE: Bill has been involved in performing arts in Central KY for more than 20 years. Ratatat Man will be his 2nd time in the director’s chair for BTG, having directed Maise’s Dead in 2012. Favorite roles include Mr. Potter (It’s Wonderful Life), Mack (Fruitcakes), Dr. Kelekain/Mr. Bearing (Wit), Mushnik (Little Shop of Horrors), Moscow (The Christmas Foundling). Bill is honored to be helping to bring this world premiere production to The Grand Theatre.

 

PRODUCER – SHAWN REAVES: Shawn is a past president of Bluegrass Theatre Guild and has been involved for over 25 years (and over 50 productions) with theatre companies in Franklin, Anderson, Woodford, Scott, Shelby, and Lexington/Fayette Counties. Recent producing/directing credits include The Crucible, Miracle on 34th Street, American Son, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon.