Flashback Theater is ringing in the new year with a delightful action-adventure comedy that is sure to please crowds: Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus. Though set during an 1869 expedition down a Colorado river, the play is less concerned with literal history as it is in using an old story to present a new perspective. New life is injected into this story by presenting the story with a cast of all women; the first all-femme cast in Flashback history! Led by Director Jade Ellis, our fearless explorers are sure to take you on a rip-roaring journey! Single tickets for Men on Boats are now on sale during regular box office hours Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by calling Flashback or visiting 209 E Mount Vernon Street.
About Men on Boats
Playwright Jaclyn Backhaus grew up in Arizona, where she first encountered the story of John Wesley Powell’s first government sanction expedition through the Western United States. Powell was known for keeping an extensive journal of the treacherous adventures he and his ten-man, four-boat crew encountered. When the playwright first sat down to adapt the story for the stage, she realized that she couldn’t imagine someone who looked like her playing an eighteenth century frontiersman. Thus, she was inspired to create the world of Men on Boats, where historically inaccurate casting challenges us to think deeply about who gets to write our nation’s story.
But don’t let gender-bending fool you- this play is anything but a pedantic feminist lecture. The key word here is adventure. Our female crew of explorers will tackle perilous river rapids, new people and places, dangerous waterfalls, and interpersonal disputes. Best of all: it’s a comedy!
Cast Crew, and Location
This production will be staged at Stoner Little Theater. “I’m super excited to direct a show in the Stoner Little Theatre at SCC. That space was my first theatre home. It’s where I fell in love with theatre.” says director Jade Ellis. The space, located at 808 Monticello St., is beloved in the community for its intimate proscenium charm.
Led by Director Jade Ellis, the crew includes Renate Dopp, CJ Bloomer, Israel Rains, Thomas Alvey, and Tracy Bray. The generation-spanning all-female cast includes Ruby Harrison, Brianna Phipps, Bailey Patterson, Erin Wolford, Martha Pratt, Nicole Strickler, Johnna Atkinson-Bigelow, Jenny Cleberg, Malorie Byrne, and Kailyn Ball. Additional roles will be played by surprise cameos from prominent local women.
Director Jade Ellis can’t wait for audiences to experience this unique theatrical experience: “I hope audiences walk away, learning something about this historical aspect of the tale we’re telling. I know audiences will walk away with great appreciation for how amazing these actors are, because they really are all amazing.”
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, February 12th, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 13th, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 15th, 2:30 p.m.
Friday, February 20th, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 21st, 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 22nd, 2:30 p.m.
Ticket Information
Single tickets for each individual production are available for purchase throughout the year at the box office or online. Learn more at https://www.flashbacktheater.co/events/
Purchase online at this link or by visiting the box office in person at 209A E Mount Vernon St. during office hours, or by calling the box office at (888) 394-3282, ext. 1. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Single ticket pricing for the 12th Season of Flashback productions will be:
Adults – $23 Advance, $25 Door
Students – $12 Advance, $15 Door
Seniors – $20 Advance and Door
Sponsors
Men on Boats is brought to you by our title sponsor Sheila Hugges. Production support comes from Artist Sponsors: Phoenix Preferred Care, the Kentucky Foundation for Women, KU & LG&E Foundation, Hilma & John Prather. Additional support includes design sponsor Citizens National Bank.
Flashback Theater Co. is grateful to our 2025-26 Starlight Sponsors: Applied Behavioral Advancements, The City of Somerset, Kentucky Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet, and The Shubert Foundation. Spotlight Sponsor: M&W Printing; as well as our Footlight Sponsors: David Daring Rentals,, First & Farmers National Bank, The Weigel Family, United Cumberland Bank, T. Ronald Kidd Trust, and Somerset Community College.
The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Flashback Theater Co. with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.