P kie GOES GRENADING
By: JC Lee Directed By: Kevin Glaccum
October 31 – November 18, 2012 The Off-Broad Street Theater
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR Last year Azuka Theatre went about creating a strategic plan for the next three years (and you thought theater was all about the glamour, didn’t you?) During that process there was talk about re-working our mission statement to see if we could clarify it somehow. The mission reads “Azuka Theatre strengthens the connection and shared humanity among its diverse audiences by giving voice to the people whose stories go unheard.” As we were considering changing this I asked members of the theater community whether or not they felt it was appropriate, how might they describe an Azuka show, etc. One of my favorite responses was “Azuka tells stories about the unpopular kids in the lunchroom.” In this show, Pookie says, “I’m tired of posting Craig’s list ads for people to have lunch with us.” Yeah...this is an Azuka show.
I recently spoke to a high school drama class and the teacher asked me how I went about picking a play. Was it the story, the style, certain lines of dialogue that popped for me? The characters, I replied. It’s always about the characters. In Pookie Goes Grenading I fell in love with all five characters as soon as I met them. There’s a little (sometimes not so little) part of me in each of them. I truly believe, in each of you as well. That’s what excites me about theater. As you watch this story unfold, your first thoughts may be that these people are crazy and have nothing to do with you; and by the end you’ll be wondering how the playwright knew you so well. Pookie’s story becomes all of our stories...just looking for someone to sit with them at the lunch table.
Thanks for coming and I hope you have as much fun watching this as we did making it!
– Kevin Glaccum
Kevin Glaccum Producing Artistic Director
Harmelin Media Honorary Producer
AZUKA THEATRE presents
P kie GOES GRENADING by
JC LEE Featuring BRANDI BURGESS JAMISON FOREMAN BRIAN MCCANN ERIC SCOTOLATI MARY TUOMANEN Scenic Design ROMAN TATAROWITZ
Lighting Design SHELLEY HICKLIN
Costume Design MAGGIE BAKER
Sound Design DANIEL PERELSTEIN
Hair & Makeup MONIQUE GAFFNEY
Fight Choreographer BRIAN COWDEN
Dramaturg SARAH OLLOVE
Production Manager MIKE TRONCONE
Production Stage Manager LAUREN TRACY Directed by KEVIN GLACCUM
Philadelphia Premiere!
October 31 – November 18, 2012 POOKIE GOES GRENADING is produced by special arrangement with THE GERSH AGENCY, 41 Madison Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10010 Azuka Theatre is a 501(c)(3) Not for profit organization
CAST Greta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brandi Burgess Benny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jamison Foreman Larry Ragonesse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian McCann Dynamo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eric Scotolati Pookie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Tuomanen
Time & Place: The Present. Camden, NJ. Please turn OFF all electronic devices prior to the performance. Photography or recording of this production, including cellular phones, is strictly prohibited
Proud member of Off-Broad Street. Celebrating Philadelphia Independent Theater!
Azuka Theatre is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (GPCA).
The Scenic Designer for this production is represented by United Scenic Artists, Local 829 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
The Fight Choreographer for this production is a member of The Society of American Fight Choreographers (SAFD).
WHO’S WHO Brandi Burgess (Greta) Brandi Burgess is thrilled to be returning to Azuka. She was last seen in Hazard County. She is a recent graduate of the University of the Arts. Past productions: Love/Stories (Or, But You Will Get Used To It), Women of Manhattan, Little Women, Midsummer Night’s Dream (London), The Crucible, Under Milkwood, and To Kill A Mockingbird. Brandi is a Teaching Artist for various companies in town, and up next she will be touring Pennsylvania in a production of I Never Saw Another Butterfly with Wolf Performing Arts Center. She sends love and gratitude to her Heavenly Savior, her Alabama and Philly families. Jamison Foreman (Benny) Jamison is an actor, composer, and musical director. He is a proud graduate of the Brind School at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. His previous credits include: Overexposed (Edinburgh Fringe Fest.), The Seagull (Quintessence Theatre Group), Terrorism (New City Stage), Voices of Christmas (Theatre Horizon), Act a Lady (Azuka Theatre), Miss Saigon, White Christmas, Fiddler on the Roof (Walnut Street Theatre), Fame- The International Tour (Phoenix Proudctions), Damn Yankees, Sweeney Todd (Toby’s of Columbia). His original musical, Realm of the Unreal, was produced by the University of the Arts, and was also in the 2009 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Brian McCann (Larry Ragonesse) Brian is delighted to be returning to the Azuka stage after a many year absence. (Whats that about, Kevin?) He is currently working on Inis Nua’s A Slow Air. Next up, 1812’s To Fool the Eye and Theater Exile’s world premier of Bruce Graham’s North of the Boulevard. Past favorites include; The Tempest at Curio Theater, Bedbound with Inus Nua and Duchess of Malfi with Philadelphia Artist Collective. He is a 15 year member of Comedy Sportz. Much love to this great group of artists.
Eric Scotolati (Dynamo) Eric is thrilled to be making his Azuka Theatre debut with this awesome production. Eric graduated from West Chester University where he received his BA in Performance. Some previous credits include: Our Town (CCTC), The Tempest (Curio), The Ching Room (Play, pie and a pint/Inis Nua), Prometheus Bound (Renegade Co), and The Miser (CCTC). Thanks to Kevin and Azuka for making this possible!
Mary Tuomanen (Pookie) Mary’s recent credits include Clara in Lantern’s New Jerusalem, Alice in Riot Group’s Sophie Gets The Horns, John Brown in Wide Awake: A Civil War Cabaret with Bearded Ladies (returning this April at the Kimmel), and Hamlet in Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre’s Hamlet. She is a company member of Applied Mechanics, with whom she will perform as Napoleon in VAINGLORIOUS this spring. She is a graduate of L’Ecole Lecoq in Paris. She and her collaborator Aaron Cromie are currently creating The Body Lautrec, an exploration of the life and work of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec made in conjunction with the Mutter Museum of Medical Oddities. This is her first Azuka show. J.C. Lee (Playwright) JC is a NNPN Playwright in Residence at the Marin Theatre Company and a recent writing fellow at The Playwrights Realm. For several years he was the Founding Artistic Director of the Omicron Theatre Project and a member of the Theatre Faculty at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts. JC’s plays have been seen/staged/developed throughout the United States including South Coast Repertory, The Magic Theatre, The Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Bay Area Playwrights Festival, Wordsmyth Theatre, Sleepwalkers Theatre, Crowded Fire Theatre Company, Azuka Theatre and many others. He’s currently under commission from South Coast Repertory. Education: The Juilliard School. Kevin Glaccum (Director) Kevin is Producing Artistic Director of Azuka Theatre, where he been a member since he appeared in Azuka’s first production La Rue des Faux. For Azuka he has directed productions of Hope Street and Other Lonely Places, Act a Lady, Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, Nerve, Whisky Neat, Greek Active, Kid Simple, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Barrymore Nomination; Best Director of a Musical, Philadelphia Weekly), Azuka One-Acts, Four, The Boys and Sincerity Forever. Other credits include Say Goodnight, Gracie (Act II Playhouse) The Rocky Horror Show, Club California (Arcadia University) Iron
Kisses (Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theater Festival) and The Shoes (Philadelphia Fringe Festival). Before turning to directing he appeared in Azuka’s productions of Metamorphosis, Friends and An Artist’s Workshop. Kevin is a member The Lincoln Center Directors Lab (2005). Thanks to HP. Roman Tatarowicz (Scenic Designer) Roman was recently represented Off-B’way with My Occasion of Sin at Urban Stages and is currently designing The Exit Interview for InterAct Theatre. Off-B’way: Beyond Words, Apostasy, Roses in December, The Sweepers, Comfort Women, Mother Lolita, Seven Rabbits on a Pole, The Oxford Roof Climber’s Rebellion and the musical 27 Rue de Fleurus. (Urban Stages); Mother Courage, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Triumph of Love, Dona Rosita The Spinster, The Threepenny Opera, Dames At Sea, The Maids and The Miser (Jean Cocteau Rep.). Off off-B’way: Bee-Luther-Hatchee (Audelco Award nom.), Sacred Journey, Alma and Mrs. Woolf, The Cure At Troy, Medal of Honor Rag, Fanny and Walt, Queen Margaret, Ionesco’s Macbett and Four Beers. Outside of NYC, he has designed numerous productions including the 20th anniversary production of Closer Than Ever directed by Richard Maltby, Jr. at the Queens Theatre in the Park, Black Pearl Sings at Florida Studio Theatre and various projects for Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany, NY including the critically acclaimed Syncopation at both Capital Rep. and Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Locally he has designed several productions for Bristol Riverside Theatre including A Raw Space, Barrymore, and Little Women as well as Rosemary for InterAct Theatre. Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. Shelley Hicklin (Lighting Designer) Shelley is thrilled to be working with Azuka Theatre. Recent Credits: Why I’m Scared of Dance and This Is The Week That Is (1812 Productions), All My Sons and Blithe Spirit (Delaware Theatre Company), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (11th Hour Theatre Company), Romeo and Juliet (Lantern Theater), Steelworks and The Striped Hat (BalletX), HAIR and It’s a Wonderful Life (Prince Music Theatre) Mousetrap and Born Yesterday (Walnut Street Theatre). She won the Barrymore Award for her work in Of Mice and Men (Walnut Street Theatre). Maggie Baker (Costume Designer) Maggie is excited to design her first show for Azuka Theatre. Maggie is resident costume designer for Inis Nua Theatre Company and other recent designs include: Dublin by Lamplight (Inis Nua), New Jerusalem (original and remount) The Liar, and Beauty Queen of Leenan - Lantern Theatre Company, Free Man of Color, Chicago and Dangerous Liasons (UArts), makeup design for In the Next Room (The Wilma Theatre), The Whipping Man (Arden Theater), and specialty costumes and wig assistance for Angels in America (The Wilma Theatre). Maggie is the Assistant Professor of Costume Design for University of the Arts. MFA Costume Design – Carnegie Mellon University. Daniel Perelstein (Sound Designer) Daniel is a freelance sound designer, composer, and musical director in Philadelphia. Previously with Azuka Theatre, the terrible girls, Neighborhood 3, Act A Lady. Other recent designs at Wilma, Live Arts, Walnut, Arden, Peoples Light, Kimmel Center, PlayPenn, Lantern, Theater Horizon, Flashpoint, others. Resident sound designer for Bearded Ladies Cabaret. In 2012, Daniel’s work was recognized with three Barrymore Award nominations in the categories of outstanding sound design and best original music. Education: B.S. Engineering, B.A. Music, Swarthmore College. In loving memory of Dad. Monique Gaffney (Hair & Makeup) Monique is excited to be working on another Azuka show after spending the summer working on Le Roi Malgre Lui at the Richard B. Fisher Performing Arts Center. Her most recent work in Philadelphia includes Act A Lady & Hope Street and Other Lonely Places at Azuka and Boston Marriage at 1812 Productions. She wants to thank the people at Azuka for always welcoming her with open arms. She would also like to send a special thank you to Mr. Kevin Glaccum for letting her be a part of his world. Brian Cowden (Fight Choreographer) Brian is a proud member of the SAFD and AEA. This is his third time choreographing fights for Azuka. Past fights have been, Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom and terrible girls (Azuka), Credeaux Canvas and Fat Pig (Theater Horizon), Little Women (Bristol Riverside Theater) and various productions at the local university level. Brian is a professional local actor, holding a BFA in Theater from the University of the Arts. Brian would like to thank Kevin, this amazingly talented cast, and all the people at Azuka for their trust and support. Enjoy. Avista Custom Theatrical Services, LLC (Properties) Avista was founded in 2007 as a properties design and construction firm. Avista specializes in custom construction, upholstery, soft goods construction, and also owns a 7,000 square foot rental house in Norristown filled with props and lighting equipment. Avista’s work has been seen at Azuka Theatre, Flashpoint Theatre, Theatre Horizon, Mauckingbird, Act II Playhouse Theatre Exile, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Burlington County College and Drexel University. Avista is in its second season as resident prop team at 1812 Productions and its fifth season at InterAct Theatre. Mike Troncone (Production Manager) Mike has worked for the last 5 years as Production Manager, Technical Director, Designer, and Consultant around the
Greater Philadelphia area. Since moving to Philly, he has worked for Azuka Theatre, Theatre Exile, BRAT Productions, Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Company, The Arden, Philly Live Arts, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Pig Iron Theatre Co and many more. Some of his favorite productions include the terrible girls (Azuka - Technical Dir.), knives in hens (Exile - Technical Dir.), and Old Wicked Songs (Bristol Riverside Theatre - Sound Designer). He is very happy to be taking the Production Azuka reigns this season and for many seasons to come. Evan Leigh (Technical Director) Evan is a Technical Director and Scenic Designer operating in the Philadelphia area. He is a recent graduate of the Theater Design and Technology program at the University of the Arts. Recent credits include: Azuka Theatre’s Hazard County, Private Places as part of the 2012 Live Arts Festival¸ Off Color Theater Company’s Tiny Tales, UArt’s production of The Seagull, as well as assistant designs for Lady M in the 2011 Live Arts Festival. He has also been involved with productions by Inis Nua, Theatre Exile, Azuka, BRT, Act II Playhouse, and a myriad of other companies as a scenic carpenter. He would like to thank his family, friends, and colleagues for their continued support. Lauren Tracy (Stage Manager) Lauren is thrilled to be returning to Azuka for her 3rd season. She has stage managed Act A Lady, the terrible girls, Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, and Hope Street and Other Lonely Places with Azuka. Other credits include Stop Kiss (Kristin Heckler – Philadelphia Fringe), West Side Story (Wyoming Seminary’s PAI), A Christmas Carol (Walnut Street Theatre), Hamlet Machine / Medeaplays (Renegade Classic Theatre), This Is How It Goes (Room 6 Theatre), and The Winter’s Tale (Delaware Shakespeare Festival). She also serves at the Production Manager for Plays & Players Theatre. She’s a graduate of Syracuse University’s Stage Management program. Thank you to her friends, family, and Andrew for all of their support.
STAFF & CREDITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012-2013 David Fedor - President Heather Evans - Vice-President Andrea Sheaffer - Treasurer Mark Andrews - Secretary Natalie Diener Jason Evans Tamanya Garza Kevin Glaccum Lee Porter
AZUKA THEATRE STAFF Producing Artistic Director Kevin Glaccum Director of Marketing Mark H. Andrews Artistic Associate Allison Heishman Production Manager Mike Troncone
PRODUCTION CREW Technical Director Evan Leigh Carpenter Oona Curley Assistant Stage Manager Amy Harting
CREDITS Photo Credit Johanna Austin/AustinArt.org Graphic Design Mark H. Andrews & Derek Carnegie IT, Website Design & Maintenance Andrew Nelson Printing Quaker Printing
SPECIAL THANKS Kate Tejada, Tyler Melchior & everyone at 1812 Productions, Roy Harker, Pete Wool, and Tanya Ward from First Baptist Church; The Wilma Theater; Philadelphia Live Arts Festival; University of the Arts
SUPPORT FOUNDATION SUPPORT William Penn Foundation The Wyncote Foundation The Lida Foundation Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Arts Education Fund Partners for Sacred Spaces CHG Foundation
PRODUCERS CIRCLE Honorary Producer Annie and Ken Goldenberg Harmelin Media Producer Karen & David Jones Anne O’Donnell Patrick & Robin Tracy Associate Producer Michael Norris
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT Dreamer ($1000 - $2499) Mark Andrews & Derek Carnegie David Fedor Matthew & Marie Garfield Dan & Christiane Geisler Kevin Glaccum Bob & Sue Ann Marburg
Optimist ($500 - $999) Louis Bluver Chris Colucci Marilyn Steinbright Idealist ($100 - $499) Mary Anne & Robert Andrews Patrick Bell Martin Bodtmann Marie Conti Natalie Diener & Michael Cosenza Heather Evans Andrew Fatek & Andrea Levin Jill & Michael Feighan Dan Gannon Greg Gephart
Bryan & Kathy Glaccum Maureen Glaccum Stephen Heishman Betsy & Ted Hershberg E. Ashley Izard Kate & John Kerrigan Josephine Klein Tom Korman & Ann Kirschner Robert Mandel Brian Moore Ellen Mulroney Dan Perelstein Joel & Roberta Porter Lee Porter Dito van Reigersberg Kevin Riordan John Tobin Lee Cooper Van de Velde Florence Vanembden Peter Wool Anonymous Realist (up to $99) Judy Adamson & Fred Jackes Ralph Andracchio & Daniel Kelly Todd Armstrong Larry Biren Gail Bourguignon Tony Braithwaite Pearl Carpel Daniel Cheever Christopher Cline Joseph Distanislao Melanie Einbund Quinn Eli Tony & Sue Faillace Molly Frantz Pat & Narinder Garg Amber Gaynor Grace Gonglewski Gene Gualtieri Terry Guerin Joann & Michael Kean Andrea Kocerha Jean Markovitz Jay May Jr. Christopher McCarrick Antonio Muniz Judie Nodler Sara Pilling Peter Reynolds Tom Shotkin Richard St. Clair
(List complete as of October 20, 2012) Azuka Theatre thanks all of our donors for their continued support of the work we do. If you have questions about supporting Azuka, please call Kevin Glaccum at 215.563.1100
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