The Farnsworth Invention

Pierre Players Presents:  

The Farnsworth Invention

February 28, March 1, 2*, 2014 (Fri, Sat, Sun*)
March 6, 7, 8, 2014 (Thu, Fri, Sat)
Grand Opera House, Pierre, SD
Preview Performance: February 25, 2014

Doors Open at 7:00 p.m., Performance at 7:30 p.m.
*Sunday Matinee Doors Open at 1:30 p.m., Performance at 2:00 p.m.


Drama by Aaron Sorkin
Directors Rodger Hartley and Joanna Lawler

It's 1929. Two ambitious visionaries race against each other to invent a device called "television." Separated by 2,000 miles, each knows that if he stops working, even for a moment, the other will gain the edge. Who will unlock the key to the greatest innovation of the 20th century -- the ruthless media mogul or the self-taught Idaho farm boy?

The answer comes to compelling life in "The Farnsworth Invention," the new play from Aaron Sorkin, creator of "The West Wing" and "The Social Network."

"Vintage Sorkin and crackling prime-time theater...breezy and shrewd, smart-alecky and idealistic." -- Newsday

* This show contains strong language.

The Cast: 
Tom Valentine: David Sarnoff

Sam Smith: Philo Farnsworth

Don Yost: Jim Harbord / Mr. Gardner and others

Barry LeBeau: Edward Wachtel / Vladimir Zworykin and others

Kristin Kellar: Lizette Sarnoff / Mary Pickford and others

Michael Pangburn: William Crocker / Howard and others

Rodd Bauck: George Everson / Doctor and others

Adam Lichty: Leslie Gorrell / Lennox and others

Dan Siebersma: Justin Tolman / Wilkins / Joseph Schenk and others

Aaron Siebersma: Donald Lippincott / Atkins / Douglas Fairbanks and others

Kayla Saxe: Pem Farnsworth and others

Kelli Anderson: Agnes Farnsworth / Mrs. Gardner and others

Louis Mehlhaff: Cliff Gardner / Ridley and others

Israel Kanz: Stan Willis / young Sarnoff and others

Andy Klitzke: Harlan Honn / Edward Simms and others

Paul Swedlund: Walter Gifford / Russian officer and others

Julie Niles:  Betty Jordan / Mina Edison and others

Kristjan Nixon: young Farnsworth

Emily Nielson: very young Sarnoff

"The Farnsworth Invention" is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Star Sponsors

Grey Goose Store & Social Club  visit website
BankWest  visit website

Ensemble Sponsors
Capital Journal  visit website
Country Carpet & Flooring  visit website
Edward Jones -- Tove Lichty  visit website
May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson LLP  visit website
Olson Plumbing  visit website

Crew Sponsors
Audiology Associates  visit website
Cathy Sonnenschein Properties  visit website
Curt Merriman Printing  visit website
Dakota Prairie Bank  visit website
Factor 360  visit website
First National Bank  visit website
Fischer Rounds & Associates  view website
Foster Rentals  visit website
H&R Block -- Michele Schmidt  visit website
Jepson Eye Care  visit website
Lynn's Dakotamart  visit website
Midwest Construction  visit website
Mortenson Law Office
Nielsen Dental
Pryntcomm  visit website
Stulken, Petersen, Lingle, Walti & Jones, LLP  visit website
Tieszen Law Office  visit website