Kevin Glaccum Producing Artistic Director
AzuKA TheATre presents
by Bruce WAlsh Featuring NAThAN emmoNs eleNA Bossler KeiTh J. coNAlleN BriAN coWdeN luiGi soTTile Set Design simoN hArdiNG Sound Design miKAAl sulAimAN
Costume Design AlisoN sAmANThA JohNsoN Lighting Design PAul PeyToN moffiTT
Stage Manager liNdsAy GAlBrAiTh Directed by KeviN GlAccum
April 3 - 26, 2009 Azuka Theatre Collective is a 501 (c) (3) Not for Profit Organization
cAsT Tommy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nathan Emmons* Terry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keith J. Conallen Tim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian Cowden Handsome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Luigi Sottile Alex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elena Bossler *Member of Actors’ Equity Association
There will be no intermission. Please TurN off your cellular phones, pagers and watch alarms prior to the performance. Photography of any kind, including cellular phones, is strictly prohibited.
The noted Actors in this production are members of Actor’s Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Azuka Theatre is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (GPCA).
Azuka Theatre is a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia (TAGP).
Azuka Theatre proudly participates in the Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre.
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR Ah, work relationships; they’re unlike any other we may have. We spend so much time at work our co-workers really are like another family; sometimes as dysfunctional as our real ones! We’ve even begun to refer to particular co-workers as a ‘Work-Husband’ or ‘Work-Wife’. Our work ‘families’ have their own history, their own language, their own customs—to an outsider, it can all appear incredibly strange and foreign. Whisky Neat is about a stranger in a new job, trying to get the lay of the land in a very unwelcoming place. Sections of Whisky Neat mimic those banal conversations we have with co-workers — the people to whom we have nothing to say and yet see over and over. It’s a kind of shorthand to avoid passing someone in the hall in total silence. When I read those sections, I knew I wanted to direct this show; the moments rang so true to me. The more significant reason Whisky Neat appealed to me was what it has to say about connecting with others as we go through life; about the need to feel a‘part of’, no matter the cost. All of the characters in this play spend a lot of time with people who are indifferent if not downright mean to them and yet their desire for acceptance, for a place in the world, is so strong they take what’s dished out to them. Hopefully, most of our workplaces are not as oppressive as the one depicted here, and we have all successfully become a‘part of’something that makes us happy. I’m happy to say that I have…and I want to thank MY ‘work family’ for helping me keep the dream alive. To Mark, Allison, Mike, Terry, Simon and Lindsay.
Who’s Who Nathan emmons (Tommy) originally hails from the redwood territory in northern California, and is very excited for this first opportunity to work with Azuka. He has most recently been seen as the twins Peter and Craig in Amaryllis Theatre’s production of Dying City, the drunken Russian in The Hostage for the Resident Ensemble Players at the University of Delaware, and Baron Von Spiegel for Anonymous Theatre’s Won At Last. He received his MFA from the University of Delaware’s Professional Theatre Training Program, and is a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association. elena Bossler (Alex) is psyched to be making her Azuka debut. She recently graduated from Temple University with a BA in Theater. You may have seen her this year in Anna Bella Eema with Gas and Electric Arts and in the Cinderella Panto with the People’s Light and Theatre Company. Elena has worked all around Philadelphia and is currently a teaching artist apprentice with Philadelphia Young Playwrights. Last hurrah! Keith J. conallen (Terry) is ready for another great run with Azuka; working with Kevin previously on Kid Simple for last year’s Fringe Festival and Greek Active for the Greg Giovanni Retrospective. Last seen with Flashpoint Theater in Jump/Cut, Keith has worked with Brat Productions, Lantern Theater, Madhouse, Theatre Catalyst, etc. Thanks to Kevin, cast and crew, the amazing Lindsay, Club, Team, my supportive family and my main man - Grant. Love ya, babe. Brian cowden (Tim) Brian is so excited to be working with Azuka in this great production. Recent Philadelphia credits include Misanthrope (Mockingbird), Solitary (Philadelphia Theater Workshop) and Ballad Boys (Aspire). A recent graduate of the University of the Arts, Brian would like to thank Kevin for his support and belief, Bruce for his excellent words, Christie for her strength, and of course all my love to Mamma, Pabbi, Anna and Jon. Bio courtesy of alex keiper...thanks. luigi sottile (Handsome) is thrilled to be working in Whiskey Neat with such a terrific cast. He has recently been seen at the Lantern Theater (The Lonesome West, The School for Wives, Othello, The Hothouse, The Government Inspector) and has performed in the Philly Fringe Festival’s ‘06 production of One Flea Spare. Thank you to my friends and family and especially to Kevin for his faith and for this wonderful opportunity.
Bruce Walsh (Playwright) is a writer living in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. His site-specific plays have been featured events in the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival, including The Guided Tour (2004 & 2006), a narrative elegy of Philadelphia aboard a tourist trolley, and Northern Liberty (2005), which lead audiences from yoga studios to vacant lots on a quest for the protagonist’s unrequited muse. He has written two full length plays for the stage: William Wheathersby (2007 National Playwrights Conference Semifinalist) and Whisky Neat (2008). He also co-wrote one with an ensemble of actors/director: Once (2002, produced by Brat Productions). His short plays include: Dasein (2002 Philly Fringe), The Wounded Body (2000 Philly Fringe) and a bunch more he well never admit to… never! He has dreamed up nearly all of his plays while on the clock at various day jobs, including work as a waiter, valet, mail order porn warehouse clerk, tour guide, bike messenger and a few more he will never admit to… never! Since 2006 he has found a far more fulfilling day job as a freelance arts reporter and editor, mostly for the Philadelphia Metro. Bruce Walsh is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America, INC. He loves communicating with audiences: walsh.bruce@gmail.com. Kevin Glaccum (Director) is Producing Artistic Director of Azuka Theatre, where he has directed productions of 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) Iron Kisses (Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theater Festival), The Shoes (Philadelphia Fringe Festival) and Greek Active (The Painted Bride). Kevin is a member The Lincoln Center Directors Lab. Thanks to HP. simon harding (Set Designer) is a Set and Lighting Designer based in Philadelphia. He is the Resident Designer for SaBooge Theatre and has designed sets and lights for all of their productions including the critically-acclaimed shows Hatched, Fathom, and Every Day Above Ground. He has also designed for Mum Puppettheatre, Hotel Obligado Physical Theatre, Gas and Electric Arts, and Flashpoint Theatre Company, among others. Upcoming work includes Crossed Wires for the Prague Fringe Festival and Scheherazade with Enchantment Theatre. See his website for more information: www.simonhardingdesign.com. Alison samantha Johnson (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be working with Kevin and the AWESOME Azuka team again! Last season Alison was the wardrobe crew and costume asst. on Hedwig and the Angry Inch—which was a blast! Alison is a University of the Arts Alum and was among the very first graduating class to receive a BFA in Design Tech Theater. With a concentration in costume, wig and makeup design Alison has been working and designing in Philadelphia non-stop since graduation. Her most recent designs include: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Rutgers Univ.), Quake (UArts), Ballad Boys (Fringe, Aspire Arts) and This Is Our Youth (Theater Revolution). This is a beautiful and amazing show, thank you to all who love.
mikaal sulaiman (Sound Designer). Born and raised in Rochester, NY, attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA where he received a BFA in Acting. He later studied the Lecoq approach to physical theatre at the London International School of Performing Arts. Mikaal has most recently created sound designed for Inis Nua’s Skin Deep and Sarah McCarron’s Owning up to the Corn at CEC’s New Edge Resident Artists Performance Series. Next up is his sound design for Makoto Hirano’s dope one-man dance piece and Inis Nua’s Made in China at the Adrienne Theatre. salaam. Paul Peyton moffitt (Lighting Designer) has worked as a designer with 1812 Productions, Nicole Canuso Dance Company, Theatre Exile, The Farber Foundry from South Africa, James Devine Dance Company from Scotland, everything smaller dance from NYC, and Houses On The Moon from NYC. Some of the shows Paul has designed this year include Blackbird with Theatre Exile, Karma Cookie with Theatre Exile, Wondering Alice with NCDC, MoLoRa with the Farber Foundry (17 international cities), and Jeff Suggs The Sea. Paul is currently the Technical Director for Ursinus College. Paul thanks Azuka for the opportunity to create with you. Avista custom Theatrical services, llc (Properties) was founded in 2007 by Jennifer Burkhart, Amanda Hatch, and Travis Whitaker as a properties design and construction firm. Avista specializes in custom construction, upholstery, soft goods construction, and period paper props. Avista’s work was also seen in Kid Simple and Hedwig and the Angry Inch with Azuka. Other shows include: The Taming of the Shrew with CCTC, Bug and Roosters at Theatre Exile, War Party with InterAct, and Brothers-in-Law, Songs for a New World, Stones in his Pocket, Magnetic North and Iron Kisses at Act II Playhouse, Jump/Cut at Flashpoint, and Compleat Works…at Theatre Horizon. Avista Custom Theatrical recently purchased the rental houses Prop Shop, Inc. and Entertainment Technologies in Norristown, where they now make their home. Terry smith (Production Manager) is (adjective) to be working with Azuka Theatre. Originally from (US State), Terry has been (ing verb) and (ing verb) in Philadelphia for (#) years. Favorite (pl. noun) include Batboy: The Musical, (play/musical) and Brian Sanders’AdShock. He is also the (job title) for Philadelphia Theatre (synonym for “group”), and (job title) for Living News at the National (document) Center. He would like to (verb) Tom and Jared for the (noun). For Kristy, to whom I am (adverb) grateful for all of her (emotion) and support. lindsay Galbraith (Stage Manager) has a B.A. in theatre from Bloomsburg University. She completed a season as the stage management fellow at the Wilma, and has worked with Pig Iron and Azuka during the past three fringe festivals. She stage managed Azuka’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as well as Kid Simple, and has been on four tours with American Family Theater. This past holiday season she was pleased to have the opportunity to go back to her college town and stage manage a production of A Child’s Christmas in Wales at the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble. She’s very excited to be working with Azuka again and thanks everyone for their love and support.
PAST SEASONS
An Artist's Workshop (2004)
Sweetie Pie (2007)
Friends (2002)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2008)
Lauraʼs Bush (2004)
Four (2005)
2007-08 *Sweetie Pie by Madi Distefano Hedwig and the Angry Inch by John Cameron Mitchell music & lyrics by Stephen Trask 2006-07 Azuka One-Acts by various ‘Twas the Night by Veronica Griego Two Rooms by Lee Blessing Co-Produced with Blue Ridge Theatre Festival
2003-04 *An Artist’s Workshop conceived and created by Alden Moore written by Raelle Myrick-Hodges 2001-02 **Sincerity Forever by Mac Wellman **Friends by Kobo Abe 2000-01 **Polaroid Stories by Naomi Iizuka
2005-06 *‘Twas the Night by Veronica Griego *The Boys by Kris Elgstrand
1999-2000 *Trouble With Bohemia by Raelle Myrick-Hodges Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka adapted by Steven Berkoff
2004-05 **Laura’s Bush by Jane Martin **Four by Christopher Shinn
1999 *La Rue des Faux by Raelle Myrick-Hodges adapted from James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room
*World Premiere
**Philadelphia Premiere
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2008-2009 David Fedor - President Heather Evans - Vice-President Andrea Sheaffer - Treasurer Mark Andrews - Secretary Alan Blumenthal Kevin Glaccum Eileen Mayko Brian Moore AZUKA THEATRE STAFF Producing Artistic Director Kevin Glaccum Director of Marketing Mark H. Andrews Literary Manager Allison Heishman Artistic Associate - Education Mike Dees Administrative Interns Dustin Karrat Vanessa Reddin PRODUCTION STAFF Assistant Director Bayla Rubin Assistant Stage Manager Jillian Haas Production Manager Terry Smith Technical Director Simon Harding Fight Choreographer Dustin Karrat CREDITS Graphic Design Mark H. Andrews, Derek Carnegie IT, Website Design & Maintenance Andrew Nelson Printing Quaker Printing
SPECIAL THANKS Tyler Melchior, Kate Tejada & 1812 Productions, Clayton Tejada, Adam Riggar, Derek Hachkowski, Dan Gannon, Tommy D., Brett Mapp & Whole Foods, South Philly Taproom, Brian Clark, Peter De Feo, and Woody’s.
FOUNDATION SUPPORT Charlotte Cushman Foundation Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust “B” As recommended by Lenny Haas Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust “A” As recommended by Carole Haas Gravagno Philadelphia Cultural Fund INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT Lori Aghazarian Mark Andrews Robert & Mary Anne Andrews Steve Anthonavage Beau Monde Jeffrey Bell Dennis & Christine Bloh Alan & Sherry Blumenthal Tony Braithwaite Pearl M. Carpel Tom Carragher John Paul Christy Juliana Clawson & Adam Brunner Chris & Peggy Cline Phyllis Cohen Marie Conti Kathryn Crary William Dadamio John F. Daly Albert N. Decola Joseph & Helene Dees Jared Delaney Charles J. Devlin Madi Distefano Michael Donaghy Joshua T. Eck Heather Evans Jason D. Evans Anthony & Susan Faillace David Fedor Michael & Jill C. Feighan Mary Q. Frantz Christopher Frazer Vincent E. Fumo, Jr. Narinder K. & Patricia A. Garg Eric Gartenberg & Sean Bradshaw Nan R. Gilbert Bryan & Kathy Glaccum Kristin Glaccum Maureen Glaccum & David Speers William Glaccum & Carolyn Glaccum Ken & Anita Goldenberg Aleksander Goranin Bonnie Graham
Herta Graham Theresa Guerin & Paul Guerin Ann Gundersheimer Craig Hamilton John Haynes Betsy Hershberg Stephen & Jane Heumannn Michael Hollinger & Megan Bellwoar David Ingram & Melanye D. Finister David & Karen Jones Joann & Mike Kean Patrice Kelly John & Catherine Kerrigan Kate F. Kimbel James A. Kirby David Krensing Margaret Lonzetta Meredith N. Maciolek NorisWeiss Malvey Stephen Mandato Jean S. Markovitz Mary Martello Francis R. Matherly Eileen Mayko Nancy J. McCauley & PatrickWoods Christopher McCarrick Paul McElwee Rick McIntire Michael McKeever Tyler Melchior Susan L. Mock
Joseph K. Murphy Karen Nightenhelser Michael Norris Thomas K. O’Leary Steve Organ Matthew Pettigrew Sara Pilling Robert S. Plunkett Phylllis A. Priester Moira Rankin Thomas J. Reing Kevin Riordan Eduardo Ruiz Kurt Runco Douglas L. Schantz Andrea Sheaer Kathleen Stepehnson Noreen Tarr & Eric Tarr Ed & Lynn Tettemer Allison Trimarco Reuben Wade & Janice Smith Jane T. Warren Tony Zalis (List complete as of March 31, 2009)
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 215.733.0255, ext.3.
Azuka Theatre Producers circle Azuka Theatre established The Producers Circle in order to ensure that each of our productions could be presented in a way that best conveys their extraordinary stories. Azuka Theatre strives to give voice to the people whose stories go unheard, and so we applaud the members of The Producers Circle for their exceptional generosity and allowing us to bring this incredible story to life.
Annie & Ken Goldenberg Terry Graboyes rosalie Gerson louis Bluver michael Norris & matt varrato If you would like to learn more about this program or are interested in becoming a member of the Azuka Theatre Producers Circle, please contact Kevin Glaccum at (215) 733-0255 x3 or kevin@azukatheatre.org.
Kevin M. Lyons FUNERAL SERVICE, LTD.
202. S. Chester Pike Glenolden, PA 19036 610.583.4400 Kevin M. Lyons Supervisor