The Winter’s Tale 1
SET TING Part One An evening in a Grand Ballroom of Sicilia The next day, Elsewhere in the Castle An afternoon, three weeks later, Outside of the Prison Later that night in the Court of Sicilia The next day, the Court in Public Trial During a storm on the Shore of Bohemia 15-minute Intermission Part Two During a storm on the Shore of Bohemia Sixteen years later… A day in the Court of Bohemia Later, in the Bohemian Countryside That evening at the Old Shepherd’s Cottage Back at the Court of Sicilia A bit later and Elsewhere in Sicilia That night at Paulina’s Cottage Gallery CAST
in order of appearance
Archidama, a Lady from Bohemia....................................................................Deanna Strasse Camillo, a Sicilian Lord..............................................................................................Josh Scheibe Leontes, King of Sicilia, referred to as “Sicilia”....................................................Bryan Quinn Hermione, Queen of Sicilia........................................................................MaryFran Stefanich Mamillius, son of Leontes & Hermione.............................................................. Paul Stefanich Polixenes, King of Bohemia, referred to as “Bohemia”.......................................Josh Kneser Lady 1 of Sicilia..................................................................................................... Octavia Morton Emilia, Lady of Sicilia.................................................................................. Lachrisa Grandberry Sicilian Sentry............................................................................................................... Ben Adickes Cleomenes, a Sicilan Lord...........................................................................................Kyle Bartelt Dion, a Sicilian Lord...............................................................................................Brian Stefanich Antigonus, a Sicilian Lord.......................................................................Abednego Samudera Paulina, wife of Antigonus....................................................................................Renee Pottorff Lady 2 of Sicilia......................................................................................................Hannah Stellick Ladies of Sicilia.................................................................. Anastasia Wild, Kimberly Neuman, Meghan Folkerts, Sarah Johnson Lord 1 of Sicilia..............................................................................................................Jon Krueger Lord 2 of Sicilia................................................................................................................Matt Borck Lords of Sicilia...................................................................... Jacob Roberts, Michael Kittelson Jailer............................................................................................................................ Jacob Roberts Mariner.....................................................................................................................George Spelvin Old Shepherd of Bohemia.........................................................................................Jon Krueger Clown, son of the Old Shepherd.......................................................................... Jacob Roberts Autolycus, a rogue of Bohemia............................................................................... Ben Adickes Perdita, a changeling.............................................................................................Anastasia Wild Florizel, son of Polixenes.................................................................................. Michael Kittelson Mopsa, a Bohemian shepherdess.................................................................. Meghan Folkerts Dorcas, a Bohemian shepherdess............................................................... Kimberly Neuman Housekeeper for the Old Shepherd.................................................................Deanna Strasse Bohemian Shepherdesses................................................................................Octavia Morton, Lachrisa Grandberry, Sarah Johnson Bohemian Shepherds............................................................................ Abednego Samudera, Kyle Bartelt, Brian Stefanich 2 Wisconsin Lutheran
S TA F F Director...........................................................................................................................Jay Sierszyn Costume Design......................................................................................................Eleanor Cotey Hair & Makeup Design....................................................................................... Erica Ortenblad Lighting Design....................................................................................................Kristen Kraklow Choreographer...........................................................................................................Kathy Knoop Stage Manager.....................................................................................................Cheryl Figueroa Assistant Stage Manager..............................................................................................Tina Chau Technical Director/Shop Manager....................................................................... Dana Fralick Costume Shop Manager....................................................................................Hannah Stellick Master Electrician............................................................................................ Lindsay Woelbing Sound Technicians..........................................................Katie Meisenhelder and Trey Cube Paint Charge Artist..................................................................................... Anna Biedenbender Theatre Dept Tech/Costume Staff............Ben Adickes, Brenda Kolell, Christine Wilde, Hannah Greene, Kirsten Funk, Lindsay Woelbing, Martin Smith, Renee Pottorff, Angie Li, Jacob Roberts Administrative Staff........................................................... Deanna Strasse, Octavia Morton, Michelle East, Erika Peterson Additional Support...........................................................................THR 230-Stagecraft Class
D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E David Frank, Artistic Director of American Players Theater in Spring Green, a couple of years ago in writing his director’s notes for their production of The Winter’s Tale, admitted that it was an absolutely “preposterous story.” Alas, and so it is. I’ve used this play as an assignment in design class because of its multiple, varied, juxtaposed and apparently disconnected aspects. Perhaps due to this, it is a play that is not among the Shakespeare “favorites” and has often been referred to as one of his “problem plays.” So, why do it here and now? My only answer can be is that it seemed to fit—by being “a little bit of everything.” The first third of the play has the feel of a tragedy; the next part is a rustic pastoral; and we end in traditional comic form with reconciliation and marriage! Through this production we have tried to evoke a sense of the theatre in Shakespeare’s day (most scholars place the first performance of The Winter’s Tale in late 1611): it was a theatre of language and acting and costume, not of scenery and props; music and dance were often integrated into the plot; and the real “settings” of the stories were often not authentically as listed (in this play, Sicily and Bohemia), but instead variations of an England familiar to the theatregoers standing in the pit and sitting in the galleries. The young Prince Mamillius exclaims that “a sad tale’s best for winter” and that he has one “of sprites and goblins.” Shakespeare certainly provides the “sad” part— most notably for the boy—but winter turns to spring and the passage of time allows for the cycles of life to rejuvenate. In this tale we don’t encounter sprites or goblins, but are still brought to a meeting with the apparent supernatural. Paulina, who has guided Leontes through his sustained period of grief, has also been his and our model of steadfast belief—“it is required You do awake your Faith” is her command before the final joy is revealed and her 16-year plan accomplished. It is also fascinating how often the word, “bear” appears in this play! The Winter’s Tale 3
SYNOPSIS Leontes, King of Sicilia, asks his pregnant wife, Hermione to help convince his boyhood friend Polixenes (King of Bohemia) to prolong his visit in Sicilia. She is successful, but in the process Leontes suspects her of adultery with Polixenes. Leontes’ trusted advisor, Camillo, is instructed to murder Polixenes but instead plans their secret departure. Hermione is publicly (although falsely) accused of not only infidelity, but also treason in aiding the escape of Polixenes and Camillo. While in prison Hermione gives birth to a daughter who is subsequently exiled and abandoned by order of Leontes. Hermione is brought to trial and upon a declaration from the Oracle of Apollo, is found innocent. The Oracle also declares that Leontes will remain without an heir if the daughter is not found. Death abounds as deep grief captures the household and kingdom of Sicilia. Sixteen years pass and our tale resumes in Bohemia where Prince Florizel, Polixene’s son has fallen in love with an old shepherd’s daughter, Perdita. During a sheepshearing festival the young lovers are separated by a disguised King Polixenes and forbidden to see each other. With the help of Camillo, they flee to Sicilia where true identities are revealed and the friends and families are joyfully reunited. BIOGR APHIES Benjamin Adickes (Sicilian Sentry/ Autolycus) This is Ben’s first role in a legitimate Shakespeare play, and he has been looking forward to it since the director announced The Winter’s Tale as the spring production. Holding a tune in a non-musical setting isn’t something he’s done before, but he’s ready to put on a good show. Kyle Bartelt (Cleomenes/ Bohemian Shepherd) is stoked to be a part of The Winter’s Tale. He had the privilege of kicking off his WLC Theatre experience as Hank in Marvin’s Room and is ready to take on the role of Cleomenes in his second production. He is glad and excited to be involved and hopes to continue to be.
4 Wisconsin Lutheran
Matt Borck (Lord 2) is making his Raabe stage debut. He is excited to be taking part in this Shakespearian endeavor. He hopes you all enjoy the show! Eleanor Cotey (Costume Design) is glad to be working with Wisconsin Lutheran for the first time. Eleanor received her BFA in Costume Production from UWM in 2009. Since graduating, Eleanor has designed for The Fireside Theatre, Youngblood Theatre Company, Pink Banana Theatre Company, UWM’s Dance Department, and Intandem Theatre. This summer she looks forward to designing Macbeth for Optimist Theatre. She has also spent five seasons with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and has stitched for the Milwaukee Rep and American Player’s Theatre. This year was Eleanor’s third season with the Milwaukee Ballet Company, and first with the Florentine Opera. Much love to Michael.
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Cheryl Figueroa (Stage Manager) is very thrilled to be a part of her first Shakespeare production. Last appearing onstage in The American Clock, Cheryl is very grateful to be stage managing for the first time in the Raabe Theatre. She is looking forward to graduation in December as a double Theatre and Communicative Arts major. Love and kisses to friends and family! Meghan Folkerts (Mopsa/ Lady of Sicilia) is thrilled to be a part of this production of The Winter’s Tale after seeing it in the Twin Cities last spring! She has most recently been seen as the doctor in New York. She has recently been accepted to Indiana University’s Master of Music in Vocal Performance Program, and she looks forward to future opera theatre productions in graduate school! Lachrisa Grandberry (Emilia/ Shepherdess) is excited for every opportunity she gets to work with the WLC theatre department! The Winter’s Tale is her fifth production at WLC. She looks forward to participating in many more! Enjoy the show!
Sarah Johnson (Shepherdess) is ecstatic to be involved in this, her fourth opportunity with WLC’s theatre program. This is her first time dancing in a production and she thanks Jay for the chance to do what she loves with a great group of actors. Michael Kittelson (Florizel) is a freshman at WLC and is really happy to be a part of The Winter’s Tale. Earlier this year, he was a part of the cast of New York, which was his first production at WLC. He acted in many productions in high school, and is really excited to take the next step and do more college productions. He would like to thank God and his mother for always being there for him. Josh Kneser (Polixenes) is tickled pink to be a part of this production. Not one to be confined to the stage, Josh can frequently be seen toting a camera around campus working on short films. He hopes you all enjoy the show. Great job!
GRADUATE EDUCATION
A resource for education and research for the nonprofit sector
Courses leading to a Graduate Certicate in Nonprot Management or a Masters in Nonprot Management and Leadership
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Tues., Jan. 31 & Wed., April 4, 6-7:30 pm UWM Alumni House, 3230 E. Kenwood Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53211
FOR MORE INFORMATION: 414-229-3176 HBI.UWM.EDU The Winter’s Tale 5
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Kathy Knoop (Choreographer) comes from an extensive performing background that includes theatres across the country, such as The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Muny in St. Louis, and Maine State Music Theatre. Kathy has also performed in two National Broadway Tours of Showboat and Brigadoon. She has also performed on cruise ships around the world and recorded under the WORD recording label. Kathy is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.A. in Musical Theatre. Kristen Kraklow (Lighting Design) is thankful for this opportunity to design for Shakespeare on her beloved Raabe stage. Kristen is a 2011 graduate of WLC and has worked at Sunset Playhouse, Summerstage and recently at Waukesha Civic for The Miracle Worker. She is thrilled to be directing and designing for Off-Book Players in Mukwonago this coming June when they perform Twelfth Night! Thanks can’t be forgotten for her friends, family and God for their undying support!
6 Wisconsin Lutheran
Jonathan Krueger (Lord 1/Old Shepherd) having performed in the WLC productions Anything Goes, The Seagull, and J.B. will finish his WLC acting career with The Winter’s Tale. He will graduate this May with a B.A. in psychology, and having a love for Shakespeare, trying out was not a difficult choice to for him in deciding to be or not to be in The Winter’s Tale. Octavia Morton (Lady 1/ Shepherdess) is a junior Theatre Major at WLC. She has been involved in several productions including Curse of An Aching Heart, Last Train to Nibroc, and most recently Lovers and the Like. She is very excited to be a part of this Shakespearian show. She would like to thank her family for their constant love and support. Kimberly Neuman (Dorcas/Lady of Sicilia) is honored to be a part of the cast of The Winter’s Tale as her college theatrical debut. She has been a part of numerous high school productions such as A Midsummer
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Night’s Dream, Beauty and the Beast, and The Wizard of OZ. Each production offers the wonderful opportunity to praise God and grow in friendships. She eagerly awaits the next production. Erica Ortenblad (Hair/Make-up Design) is thrilled to design for The Winter’s Taleher first Shakespearian production. She loved researching and learning the 16th century hairstyles and working with all the wigs and hairpieces! A 2010 graduate of WLC and licensed cosmetologist, Erica plans to get her MFA in Wig and Makeup Design in order to work in professional theatre and film. Renee Pottorff (Paulina) a senior Theatre Major, has mixed emotions about this show. It is her first Shakespeare (yay!) but also her last show (boo!). This is her ninth appearance on the Raabe stage. She thanks God for the friends and family that have helped her through the past four years of life. Bryan Quinn (Leontes) is pleased to return as a guest artist for The Winter’s Tale. He studied theater at Wisconsin Lutheran College and has previously performed as an alumnus is The American Clock, The Seagull, and The Man Who Came to Dinner. An optician by day, he has continued his work with local companies including Prelude to a Kiss (Sunset Playhouse) and Escanaba in da Moonlight (Falls Patio Players) as well as directing the premier of Lovers and the Like at WLC.
Jacob Roberts (Jailer/Clown) has longed for the stage and is welcomed back for an experience unlike any other. This is Jacob’s third production at WLC, and his first Shakespearian play ever. His gratitude lies with his family, friends, and his love, Charmaine, for their hope and support throughout the years. Finally, he sends a special thanks to his cast members for the fruits of friendship. As a freshman, Abednego Samudera (Bohemian Shepherd/ Antigonus) is excited to play a part in his second play at WLC. He has only 4 plays credited to him but is looking forward to more plays at WLC. He would also like to thank the theater department for giving him the opportunity to experience life as a theater artist and the valuable lessons they have taught him. Josh Scheibe (Camillo) is a freshman this year. He was involved in eight shows on the high school stage. He has appeared in three Wisconsin Lutheran College productions this year (playing Jed in New York, Doctor Wally in Marvin’s Room, and Gerry Holmes in Lovers and the Like). He is very excited to perform in a Shakespeare show for the first time. He is also convinced that Camillo is the true hero of The Winter’s Tale, but don’t tell Bryan.
The Winter’s Tale 7
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) George Spelvin (Mariner) is new to the WLC stage, but is very excited to be a part of this production. His previous stage credits include Marvin (Marvin’s Room), Godot (Waiting for Godot). He hopes you all enjoy the show. Brian Stefanich (Dion/Bohemian Shepherd) is a high school freshman at Grace Academy Homeschool. He is thoroughly excited to be working with the WLC Theatre department. He would like to thank Jay and WLC for this great opportunity and his family for their love and support. MaryFran Stefanich (Hermione) is a senior Theatre Major who is participating in her 13th and final show at WLC. She would like to thank Jay and Jan for everything they’ve taught her the past four years. She would also like to thank her family and friends for their constant support of her pursuit to be an actress. Cheers Paul Stefanich (Mamillius) is a sixth grader at Grace Academy Homeschool. He is both excited and nervous to be onstage. He would like to thank Jay and WLC for this opportunity and his family (especially his sister) for their love and support. Hannah Stellick (Lady 2) is a sophomore Education Major who is participating in her first Shakespeare 8 Wisconsin Lutheran
play in her theatre experiences thus far. She would like to thank Jay for challenging everyone in pursuing this production, and her friends and family for their constant encouragement, love, and support. As a senior Theatre Major, Deanna Strasse (Archidama/ Housekeeper) must bid the Raabe Theatre goodbye after Winter’s Tale. Past roles include Lee (Marvin’s Room), Zuss (J.B.) and Mrs. Brummett (See Rock City) to name a few. Much thanks must go to Jay for humoring her and Jan for pushing her these past years. As always, big love goes to her family for dealing with her. The question isnt’t ‘Who is going to let me’; it’s ‘Who is going to stop me?” -Ayn Rand. Anastasia Wild (Perdita/Lady of Sicilia) is a junior at WLC and is thrilled to be a part of this Shakespearian endeavor. She sends out a huge thank you and lots of love to her family for all their support and to Jesus for blessing her with this fabulous opportunity. Lindsay Woelbing (Master Electrician) is a junior this year and is the Master Electrician for this show and is very excited about that. She also works in the set shop. Past technical credits include Light board Op. for Lady Windermere’s Fan, and New York, Sound Board Op for Gulf View Drive, and Lighting Crew for J.B. She is excited to be working another WLC production. She thanks her friends and family for their love and support and God for giving her these talents and dedication. Enjoy the show!