When WVU Potomac State College alumnus Jaiden Courrier '20 brings a two-person musical to Keyser this weekend, he's continuing a theater tradition in the region sparked by former Potomac State professor Dr. John "Doc" Hawkins.
Jaiden is the director of the musical, John & Jen, which is produced by the Keyser-based Apple Alley Players. The show stars Jaiden's younger brother, Jace Courrier, and his girlfriend Katie Zimmermann.
Written by Andrew Lippa and Tommy Greenwald, John & Jen is defined as a chamber musical, exploring the often complex relationship between Jen and her younger brother, John, and later between Jen and her son, also named John. Spanning from 1950 to 1990, the show follows Jen’s life from childhood through her relationship with her brother, his death in Vietnam, and her later life as a mother, highlighting themes of family, commitment, and healing in a changing America.
The trio staged the show last summer at Mountain City Traditional Arts in Frostburg, Maryland. Because of the venue's small size, ticket sales were limited, and audiences hoped for a relaunch at other locations.
“We always knew this would be a show we would come back to,” Jaiden said. “We just didn’t think it would be a year later. And when the idea came up to revive it and do the show again somewhere else, I knew we had to bring it to Keyser.”
It took nearly 12 months, but that is exactly what the trio is doing. After performing the show as guest artists at the Spotlighters Theatre in Baltimore over Memorial Day weekend, Apple Alley is opening its 2026 season Friday, May 29, with a requested revival of John & Jen at the Lincoln Event Center in Keyser.
“It was actually a contact at the Cumberland Theatre who suggested it,” Katie said. “She had a connection with the Spotlighters Theatre in Baltimore, and they had an open weekend. I talked to the Apple Alley board and then checked Jace’s availability, and he said yes. And from there, we thought, if we are going to Baltimore to do it, why not bring it to Keyser, which is something I think Jaiden always wanted to do.”
It took a year to launch another production of the show because of talent availability. Jace- who took college prep classes through PSC while a senior at Keyser High School – is enrolled in George Mason University in Fairfax County, Virginia, where he studies theatre. Katie was involved in various other shows – including being selected as Favorite Local Actress by the readers of Allegany Magazine earlier this year for her interpretation of Carole Lombard in the Broadway World-nominated play, Never Say Goodbye. She also played the title princess character in the Potomac State College production of Anastasia last year at Church-McKee, where Jaiden served as the musical director.
According to Jaiden, there would be no Apple Alley Players without Potomac State College. The troupe was essentially founded by the late, and mutually admired, John “Doc” Hawkins.
Dr. John Allen Hawkins – affectionately referred to as “Doc” Hawkins- died in 2013 at the age of 61. Dr. Hawkins earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from West Virginia University and earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland. Doc started his career at Potomac State College in 1979, teaching classes in music appreciation, music theory, and courses about great composers and jazz history. A dedicated professor of 34 years, Doc helped organize the Potomac State Jazz Singers while also performing with the Potomac State College Community Band. In his spare time, he also performed as a solo pianist. Over the years, he was responsible for producing and musically directing numerous large-scale productions at Potomac State College, including Cats, Footloose, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Hawkins also composed the music for the original musical McNeill’s Rangers. That show – based on actual historical events that took place between Moorefield and Keyser during the Civil War and ultimately led to the establishment of West Virginia as a state - was performed annually at the now-closed Larenim Amphitheatre for years.
“There is some history tied into Potomac State with Apple Alley Players,” Jaiden said. “The theatre scene that is here would not be what it was and what it is without Potomac State College. Doc had strong ties to the College and to the community, and he put his heart into every musical he produced.”
“Laremim was the home theatre of Apple Alley Players for years,” said Jace. “Now, the group travels and finds venues and theatres wherever we can.”
“But I like the idea that we are a traveling company,” said Katie. “And we would love to bring back McNeill’s Rangers in honor of Doc one day. Even if we do a concert of the material.”
Jaiden said he worked with Doc as a child in musical theatre – as did his older brother. When Doc died 13 years ago, and the College promoted Brian Plitnik as the new department chair, Jaiden stepped up and offered his services as musical director for shows staged at Church-McKee. Since renovations at the theatre postponed a musical this year, Jaiden saw an opening to present John & Jen to the community.
“I can’t say enough about Potomac State College and the music department there,” he said. “Brian Plitnik was a big influence on me and my ability to pursue music.”
After graduating from PSC six years ago, Jaiden Courrier pursued his bachelor’s degree in music composition at Morgantown. He graduated from WVU in 2023.
“Going from Potomac State to WVU was great because I got my general studies finished in Keyser, so when I got to Morgantown, I could concentrate on the music stuff,” he said.
With Potomac State College turning 125 years old this year, it is worth noting that for half of the school’s history, a student with the last name of Courrier has attended classes and graduated from here. The family’s involvement in the Catamount community spans three generations. Jim and Dinah Courrier met and fell in love while students at the College in the 1950s. The Courriers continue to oversee scholarships to community-minded students every year. Dinah Courrier taught English here and authored a book in 2001 detailing the College’s first 100 years. Their son, Jay Courrier, taught political science and coached basketball for 15 years before becoming a circuit court judge for Mineral County. And two of Jay’s sons, Jaiden as well as his brother Justice, are also alumni.
As for the musical itself, leading lady Katie says to expect an intimate evening of “in the round” theatre in which the story revolves around character development and less on a sophisticated set.
“For me, this show packs in so much. It’s an emotional show,” she said. “It’s a challenge for me because I play my character from the age of five into her 40s. The resolution of the story at the end is beautiful without telling the audience what they should or should not do. It’s refreshing that this is a musical that portrays people as they are. And there are not too many two-person musicals.”
Jace Courrier said he discovered the play online four years ago after he “fell down a YouTube rabbit hole” and found video clips of songs from the show.
“I was 16 then, and I told Katie at that time, when I get old enough, I have a project we can do together,” he said. Jace Courrier is also a busy working professional actor. As soon as John & Jen ends its limited engagement, Jace will be appearing in Psycho Beach Party at the Cumberland Theatre.
Normally a venue for private events like weddings or banquets, this will be the first public performance staged at the newly opened Lincoln Event Center, located at 30 South Church Street.
“We are really excited to be the first public production there,” Jaiden said. “I knew when we talked about this show, we had to do a production of it here at home. We are doing this show in the round, so we have had to adapt somewhat with the way the show is being presented, but Jace and Katie know this show, and it will be a different way for audiences to experience it. We are really excited and hope people come out and support it.”
Apple Alley Players will also present the Disney musical Frozen later this summer at Keyser High School. Jaiden Courrier will serve as musical director for that show as well.
Tickets to John & Jen can be purchased at www.applealleyplayers.com, and they can be found on Facebook (Apple Alley Players), Instagram (@applealleyplayers), TikTok (@applealleyplayers), LinkedIn (Apple Alley Players), and YouTube (@aap_mineral).