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Notice to Bidders, City of Salem will receive sealed bids for the 2024-2 Community Crossings Matching grant

Jan.9, 2025

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Derby Dinner Playhouse announces
that longtime company member and Producing Artistic Director, Lee Buckholz,
will retire effective March 1, 2025, following an accomplished 35-year
career at the Playhouse. Veteran Derby Dinner actor and current Director of
Children’s Theatre and Audience Development, Tina Jo Wallace, will step into
the role of Derby Dinner’s new Producing Artistic Director upon his
departure.



Buckholz has been a fixture at Derby Dinner Playhouse since 1989, when he
began as an actor with the company, performing in dozens of productions. He
went on to become Resident Scenic Designer and Associate Producer, before
being chosen by Bekki Jo Schneider as her successor. Buckholz assumed the
role of Producing Artistic Director in 2018, following the passing of
Schneider. 



During his tenure with the company, Buckholz directed 92 productions,
created countless scenic designs, and hired dozens of artists and
technicians. His many accomplishments include helping the company navigate
and persevere through COVID-19. The company now serves over 200,000 audience
members each season. 



“Lee’s contributions to Derby have been immeasurable. His artistic vision
has inspired and delighted audience members across the country. He has been
a supportive partner throughout the many years that we have worked together.
He has continued to bring exciting and challenging productions to our
audiences and our production staff, and we have all grown with his
leadership. I am thankful to have worked alongside him, and wish him a
wonderful well-earned retirement,” said Cindy Knopp, General Manager and
co-owner of Derby Dinner Playhouse.



Buckholz shared, “Through the years, it has truly been a pleasure and a
privilege to work alongside so many talented actors, musicians,
choreographers and designers. From concept to curtain, we’ve experienced
great success and sometimes difficult challenge, but have consistently
created magic and memories for audiences of all ages. A product that I will
always be proud of. A foundation for continued success. I’m especially
grateful for guidance from my mentor, Kathy Mulay and unconditional support
from my partner, Michael Tierney, and am looking forward to a new chapter,
walking along the shoreline of Lake Michigan.”



Buckholz’s final production will be the musical URINETOWN, beginning
performances on the Playhouse stage February 19, 2025. 



Knopp has selected Tina Jo Wallace as the fourth Producing Artistic
Director in Derby Dinner Playhouse’s 50-year history. Wallace has been a
company member for 22 years, performing in numerous productions on the main
stage, children’s theatre, and as a Footnote. Since 2013, she has also
served as Director of Children’s Theatre and Audience Development. In this
capacity, she has directed and created musicals, created and managed
education programs for thousands of students, and expanded the theatre’s
social media presence. 



Wallace’s former position will be restructured and expanded, welcoming
staff members Sally Scott as Director of Children’s Theatre, Christina
Booker as Musical Director of the Children’s Theatre, and Tonilyn Hussey as
Director of Education. Long-time Company Manager and Director of Marketing,
Annie Myers, will assume the title of Associate Producer. 



“I’m deeply honored by this privilege of serving as Derby Dinner
Playhouse’s next Producing Artistic Director,” said Wallace. “I’m beyond
grateful to the staff, board, creative team, and all those who’ve come
before, building this incredible organization. Derby Dinner has been my
artistic home for the past two decades, and I couldn’t be more excited for
the opportunity to lead us into this next chapter.”



ABOUT DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE

Derby Dinner Playhouse is a theatrical entertainment leader in both Indiana
and neighboring state Kentucky, noted for their professional productions of
Broadway musicals and lighthearted comedies. Each dinner theatre production
comes alive with the magic of lights, costumes, a live orchestra, and a
stage full of professional performers. Derby Dinner operates with over 100
employees, working in the restaurant and theatre portions of the business.

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The Our Southern Indiana Regional Development Authority meeting scheduled for January 10^th had been cancelled.

The next public meeting is scheduled for February 7^th at Ivy Tech - Sellersburg. Public Notices will be sent out prior to the meeting. 

The RDA will process financial claims as scheduled and ratify those at the February meeting to ensure disbursements are completed as soon as possible.