Taking chances with 'The Gambler'

Producer finds talented residents for Kenny Rogers Christmas musical

Courtesy of “The Toy Shoppe” Antique toys and items, such as this cash register, are used in “The Toy Shoppe.”
Courtesy of “The Toy Shoppe” Antique toys and items, such as this cash register, are used in “The Toy Shoppe.”

SILOAM SPRINGS -- Producer/director Kelly Junkermann of Siloam Springs has made a career of taking chances with music legend Kenny Rogers. That's what Rogers once told him.

He's produced Rogers' live shows, including his Christmas shows, for more than 30 years.

The two started as friends, Rogers said. Tennis brought them together. While on the road for eight years, Rogers and Junkermann played tennis for eight hours a day. Junkermann played on the pro tour for four years and said he defeated a 16-year-old Andre Agassi.

"It did not take me long to realize that Kelly had a gift and creative talent," Rogers said. "He has continued to prove I was right. He can do anything he chooses to challenge."

Junkermann wrote, produced and acted in several movies in which Rogers was the star, including two in "The Gambler" series, "Kenny Rogers Going Home" and "Rio Diablo." He was an actor in "Uncommon Valor" and produced a movie in which country musician Travis Tritt was the star.

"His greatest achievement is that he is quick to commit himself to a project and refuses to let it fail," Rogers said. "That is a great gift."

Junkermann is working on Rogers' farewell tour, "End Of The Rainbow," that starts in February.

"He's 77 and still doing 100 shows a year," Junkermann said of Rogers.

Rogers, who plans to retire in 2016, said when it's over, he will miss arguing with Junkermann. "He is a very gifted arguer."

This Christmas will be the first time Junkermann will not remain for the full length of Rogers' tour, which started Nov. 11. After two weeks on tour with Rogers, Junkermann will join the "The Toy Shoppe" tour.

In 1996, Rogers and Junkermann took a chance on something they'd never tried before when they created the Christmas musical.

It started backstage with a song Rogers wrote about a broken toy and developed into a Broadway show.

The heartfelt musical originally featured Rogers as Hank Longley. As the owner of a used toy shop that's about to go out of business, Longley will need a Christmas miracle to keep big business from shutting him down.

They didn't know what to expect in its first showing, but the audience loved it and gave a standing ovation at the end.

"The Toy Shoppe" opened on Broadway in 1998 and went on tour nationally.

"I think it is well written, and I think it has a great message," Rogers said. "It has stayed alive because of Kelly's passion for that story."

On Friday, Nov. 27, the musical will go back on tour again. It previously showed in Branson, Mo.

The 20-show U.S. tour starts in Florida. Alan Thicke, who was Jason Seaver, the father figure in the TV series, "Growing Pains," will take the lead as Hank Longley.

"He has been a good friend of mine for 30 years," Rogers said. "I am excited about him singing the songs and telling this wonderful story."

Junkermann said its story is about "the little guy" finding ways to succeed in the ever-changing world of big business.

He compared the story to how the community here has come together to retain history, preserve traditions and restore downtown.

Two years ago, Junkermann, his wife, Rosemary, and her sisters restored a historic building into Inn At The Springs. The Junkermanns moved here to raise their two sons after living in Los Angeles for 30 years.

Their 11-year-old son, Lucas, will go on tour and perform in the musical. "It's something that he'll use forever," Junkermann said.

The restaurant in Siloam Springs has allowed Junkermann to find talented residents.

"One thing you find in a small town is craftsmanship," he said.

His sister-in-law, Leigh Lee, who helped restore the historic building, has used her woodworking skills to modify the stage set, so it can be transported in a truck. Lee of Siloam Springs, has worked on the set in Junkermann's garage.

"I think it's fantastic to be able to use local talent," Lee said.

Associate producer Hope Johnstone said she's not surprised Siloam Springs has such talent.

Johnstone's friends put her in touch with Junkermann after they met him at the restaurant. Johnstone, who has lived in Siloam Springs for 10 years, has been creating content for the show's social media sites and will work through rehearsals and its opening weekend.

"I was looking for an awesome position," Johnstone said. "It was an opportunity."

Junkermann also found welder Mike Rood to work on the set. In all, six or seven residents have worked for the musical or will go on tour with it.

"I think it's extraordinary," said Austin Baldwin, a Siloam Springs native.

Baldwin was disc jockey for the New Year's Eve party at Inn At The Springs last year. He will go on tour with the Christmas musical as sound tech.

Rogers, who grew up in the projects, said his mother made Christmas feel like the most important time of the year. He's always enjoyed singing Christmas songs because they feel fresh to him. "I get to sing songs I don't sing the rest of the year."

Rogers' father told him to "be friendly to all and friends with few because friendships are very demanding, and Kelly is one of the people I have chosen to be friends with. He has never let me down, and I don't think he will in the future."

More information on "The Toy Shoppe" can be found online at www.thetoyshoppe.biz.

Community on 11/25/2015