PRESENTS
Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar
April 22 – May 15, 2011 Director Melissa Young Music Director Robert Deason
Choreographers Nancy Flaster & Ann Fink
Assistant Director Jesse Pierce Set Design Rick Paul
Lighting Design Gina Patterson
Sound Design Richard Neumann
Costume Design Patty Halajian
Stage Manager Matt Kucharski
Master Carpenter Drew Staton
Producer Daiva Paulis
The Drowsy Chaperone is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also authorized through MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 ww.MTIshows.com Big Noise Theatre Company 1
MUSICAL NUMBERS Overture.......................................................................................................................................Orchestra Fancy Dress..................................................................................................................................Company Cold Feets..................................................................................................................Robert and George Show Off.................................................................................................................. Janet and Company As We Stumble Along.................................................................................. The Drowsy Chaperone I Am Adolpho....................................................................... Adolpho and The Drowsy Chaperone Accident Waiting to Happen..................................................................................Robert and Janet Toledo Surprise.......................................................................................... Gangster #1, Gangster #2, Kitty, Feldzieg, Mrs. Tottendale, and Company Act I Finale....................................................................................................................................Company Bride’s Lament....................................................................................................... Janet and Company Love Is Always Lovely in the End.................................................Mrs. Tottendale and Underling George’s Triumph....................................................................................George, Trix, and Company I Do, I Do in the Sky..................................................................................................Trix and Company As We Stumble Along (reprise).......................................................................................Man in Chair, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Company
C A S T O F C H A R AC T E R S ( i n
or der of appe ar ance)
Man in Chair...........................................................................................................................PJ Samorian Mrs. Tottendale ...............................................................................................................Mary Campbell Underling..........................................................................................................................Mark Anderson Robert Martin................................................................................................................. David Geinosky George................................................................................................................................Mark Komiskey Feldzieg..................................................................................................................................Peter Verdico Kitty............................................................................................................................................. Carrie Weis Ganster #1...............................................................................................................................Levi Lawson Ganster #2..................................................................................................................... Cory Stonebrook Aldolpho................................................................................................................................. Peter Durkin Janet Van de Graaff....................................................................................................Alexis Armstrong The Drowsy Chaperone............................................................................................ Marian Kaderbek Trix, the Aviatrix...................................................................................................................Sarah Blevins Staff, Reporters, etc.......................................................................... Amanda Nianick, Mark Kosten, Laura Merchut, Alex McCrary
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Producer.................................................................................................................................. Daiva Paulis Director................................................................................................................................Melissa Young Music Director................................................................................................................. Robert Deason Choreographers...........................................................................................Nancy Flaster & Ann Fink Assistant Director..................................................................................................................Jesse Pierce Set Design .....................................................................................................................................Rick Paul Costumer Design...............................................................................................................Patty Halajian Wig Design............................................................................................................................Joey Kiening Hats and Accessories.......................................................................................................... Jean Rebeka Lighting Design...............................................................................................................Gina Patterson Light Operation.............................................................................................................. Aaron Andrews Sound Design............................................................................................................ Richard Neumann Master Carpenter................................................................................................................. Drew Staton Stage Manager................................................................................................................ Matt Kucharski Stage Crew.......................................... Al Carello, Alyssa Murphy, Mike Murphy, Millie Schmalz Dance Captain.....................................................................................................................Alex McCrary House Manager.................................................................................................................... Evie Murphy Tickets.......................................................................................................................... Marsha Rutenberg Program.................................................................................................................................... Peter Rasey
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ORCHESTR A Keyboard I/Conductor.................................................................................................. Robert Deason Keyboard II/Auxiliary Percussion................................................................................Sara Schreiner Reeds.................................................................................................................................... Ashley Hamer Trumpet.........................................................................................................................Justin Woodward Trombone................................................................................................................................Bryant Scott Bass...................................................................................................................................... John Summers Drums.......................................................................................................................... Brandon Schreiner
SPECIAL THANKS Shelli Sarg and the Prairie Lakes Community Center Staff Gina Di Sandro and the Winnetka Community House Staff WR Imaging The Saints
Jim and Nancy Moran Rob Smith Scott J. Sumerak FastSigns Morton Grove Ira Rosenthal
D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E S Picture this: Seattle, November 2008. Each year my husband and I travel to Seattle to visit my Crazy Uncle Jon, CUJ. He is called so, not because he needs to be in an institution, not at all, but because he is wacky. He loves life and while not a performer himself, a mathematician actually, he loves live theater. CUJ has an amazing sense of humor; one of his favorite stories to tell me is that of the time he saw Morticians in Love at the Seattle Fringe Festival. So, when going to visit CUJ, picking a show to go see that will be entertaining is not the only criterion. We’ve seen Cirque du Soleil, a jukebox version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with 1950s music added, and Wicked. But, this November 2008, I wanted something as wacky and as energized as my Uncle and just then I got an email from the Fifth Ave Theater in Seattle. The touring company of The Drowsy Chaperone would be in town while we were there and the tag line of email simply said,“Mix ups, mayhem and a gay wedding” and I thought,“That’s it!” The email also said the show won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2006. Sounds like the perfect choice for us and it was. We laughed. It was a deep down, hurt your throat laugh. CUJ gave me the thumbs up and 2008’s show selection for our annual Seattle visit was a huge success. When Big Noise was picking their season for 2010-11, Drowsy was one of the choices, among others. When Nancy called to ask me of the choices I’d given,“What about Drowsy?” I smiled from ear to ear and was super excited to tell CUJ. He had been in and out of the hospital with this and that and was back in when I called. He laughed when I told him and we reviewed the silly things about the show that we liked when we saw it in 2008. We were both looking forward to this spring and my return to directing after a long break. Sadly, in May 2010, my Uncle Jon passed away. I think it’s an amazing magical thing that of all the shows that were picked for me ever to direct in my entire career of directing, that this show is the first show I am directing after his passing. I know he’s laughing, where ever he is, and enjoying the wacky one more time. I thank him for all the love and laughter he gave me in my life and CUJ-this one is for you. In loving memory of Jonathan Young October 19, 1942 - May 13, 2010 -Melissa Young Big Noise Theatre Company is a division of Winnetka Theatre and a proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres. 847.604.0275 * www.bignoise.org * info@bignoisetheatre.org ***The videotaping or other audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. No smoking is allowed.*** Big Noise Theatre Company 3
THE CAST Mark Anderson (Underling) HELLO! Welcome to The Drowsy Chaperone. I know you’ve never heard of the show before, but it is going to be GREAT. They don’t write ‘em like this anymore! But wait, this is a NEW show. Don’t worry, you’ll get it! I saw this show two months after it opened on Broadway and couldn’t wait for it to become available. I’m so happy to get a chance to play with ALL these wonderful people. I’ve been in a few things around Chicago, usually as the funny, wisecracking friend, father-figure or other non-dancing featured parts. Before Chicago, I worked in Ohio, Indiana and New York at various TV stations and am currently at PBS station WTTW as an editor working on such shows as Check, Please! Longtime followers may recall when my wife and I starred in THE NIGHT THE WAITERS TOOK OVER HARMONIA GARDENS--a one act farce. Thank you Pamela, Sydney, and Mackay. Alexis Armstrong (Janet Van de Graaff ) is thrilled to be back on stage with Big Noise Theatre after performing in their productions of JANE EYRE (Jane Eyre), ASPECTS OF LOVE (Rose Vibert), URINETOWN (Ensemble), and JOSEPH… (Wife/Ensemble). She also performed in their Especially for Children productions of ALICE IN WONDERLAND and SLEEPING BEAUTY. Other area credits include Germaine in PICASSO AT THE LAPINE AGILE with Citadel Theatre, Charity in SWEET CHARITY and Velma in CHICAGO with North Shore Theatre, Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL with Actors Theatre, and Nellie Forbush in SOUTH PACIFIC with Glenview Theater Guild. Alexis also enjoys teaching a musical theatre class for children in Glencoe and being the mom of two lovely little girls whom she encourages to show off as much as they please. Xo to Ox. Enjoy the show! Sarah Jane Blevins (Trix, the Aviatrix) is very happy to be once again sharing the stage with so many wonderful and talented cast mates. Some of Sarah’s other rolls for Big Noise include Mayor Matilda Hyde from ALL SHOOK UP, Laura in BEEHIVE, Mrs. Fairfax in JANE EYRE and many more. Sarah would like to thank all her cast mates and crew for making this a very enjoyable experience for her. For all their hard work and patience, thank you to Nancy, Ann, Daiva, Jesse, Rob and Missey. Queen Mum and Bob- it’s lovely to have you both in the house night after night, you rock! Mary Campbell (Mrs. Tottendale) is so happy to be a part of this production she could just spit! She was last seen on the 4 Big Noise Theatre Company
Big Noise Stage as Vi in FOOTLOOSE. Mary also gave small children nightmares as the Stepmother in their Especially for Children production of CINDERELLA. Mary has demonstrated the degree of her multiple personality disorder as Domina in FORUM (Theater Nebula), Velma in HAIRSPRAY (Up and Coming Theater), Tessie Tura in GYPSY (LZP), and Madame Arcati in HIGH SPIRITS (LZP). She is very pleased to be able to add the Rhodes Scholar character of Mrs. Tottendale to the group. A student of the Black Box Acting Studio, Mary has also appeared in student films at Northwestern and Columbia Colleges. Many thanks to Missey, Robert, and Nancy and to meet so many new people while reconnecting with old friends. Peter Durkin (Adolpho) is excited to be part of his first Big Noise Theatre production. Peter was last seen in Chicago in HELLO, DOLLY! (Light Opera Works). Peter has also been seen onstage in Chicago at Theatre at the Center, Circle Theatre, and Chicago Kids Company. He holds a BFA in music theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University. He would like to thank and send his love to Beeka and Mom and Dad. David Geinosky (Robert Martin) is thrilled to be making his Big Noise Theater debut. He was most recently seen as Jack in REEFER MADNESS (The Brown Paper Box Theater Co) and Link Larkin in HAIRSPRAY (Up and Coming Theater Co). Favorite roles include Bibi Bonnard in THE HAPPY TIME (Musicals Tonight), Eddie Ryan in PATENT LEATHER SHOES…, Mark in ALTAR BOYZ (Millbrook Playhouse), Dennis in ALL SHOOK UP (The Armory Dinner Theater), Ren McCormick in FOOTLOOSE, Frankie in FOREVER PLAID (Bucks County Playhouse), Ensemble/ u.s. Bob Wallace in WHITE CHRISTMAS (Circa 21 Dinner Theater), Ensemble/ u.s. Scarecrow in THE WIZARD OF OZ (Networks Presentations). David would like to send a special thanks to Missey, Anne, Nancy, Robert, and Daiva for this wonderful opportunity and their dedication. Love to Mom, Dad, and Andrea. Enjoy the show! Marian Kaderbek (The Drowsy Chaperone) is thrilled to be playing the Drowsy Chaperone along with such an amazing cast and crew. Former roles with BNT include Momma Rose in GYPSY, Pennywise in URINETOWN, Katisha in MIKADO, and the Witch in INTO THE WOODS. Recent performances with other north suburban groups include Miss Hannigan in ANNIE (Highland Park Players), Stella Deems in FOLLIES (Actor’s Theatre Company), and Mrs. Meers in THOROUGHLY
T H E C A S T ( c o n t .) MODERN MILLIE (NSTW). Marian particularly enjoys sharing the stage with daughter Maggie, as she did this past fall in OLIVER. She works as a hygienist when not pursuing her theatre habit. Marian thanks Stan and J.P. for their support, and dedicates these performances to Helga for all her work with BNT. Thanks again to our terrific staff. Enjoy! Mark Komiskey (George) is thrilled to be making his first appearance with Big Noise! Other tap roles he has played include Cosmo Brown in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (GTG), Andy Lee in 42ND STREET (BGPD), and Billy Krutzik in ZOMBIES FROM THE BEYOND (UWW); and he most recently performed as Iago, the parrot in ALADDIN (HPP). When not playing a frazzled best man, Mark works as an actuary for the “good hands” company. Enjoy the show! Mark Kosten (Ensemble) is elated to be returning to Big Noise for yet another wonderful production. Mark appeared in the 2009 Ouroboros co-production of RENT. He returned that season as Dean Hyde in ALL SHOOK UP. Recent credits include Jason in RABBIT HOLE (Triton College) and the featured part of Stanley in HELLO, DOLLY! with Light Opera Works. Mark would like to thank his family for their unwavering support and the entire Big Noise staff for another terrific experience. Levi Dean Ward Lawson (Gangster #1) was born and raised in central Nebraska. He attended two years at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas where he studied music and performance and was a member of the Headliners. He transferred to The College of Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater with a emphasis in musical theater. He moved to Chicago to pursue a career in acting and has enjoyed his time here so far. Alex McCrary (Ensemble/Dance Captain) is thrilled to be working at Big Noise Theatre for the first time. Alex appeared in IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRALS, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and was the male swing in CRAZY FOR YOU at Theatre at the Center. Some of his favorite previous roles include Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Jesus in GODSPELL (Center Stage Houston), Riff in WEST SIDE STORY (Columbia College Chicago), and Mike in A CHORUS LINE (Village Players Theatre). He sends special thank yous to Missey, Nancy, Ann, and Robert for a wonderful experience.
Laura Merchut-Wesslund (Ensemble) is excited to be part of her first Big Noise production. She is a Northwestern University graduate who has kept busy since graduation acting, singing, dancing, and teaching the performing arts. Performance credits include DAMN YANKEES, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre,) PHAEDRA (New World Repertory Theatre,) and MAIN STREET KIDS’ CLUB (director Scott Ferguson). In addition, she is a performing member of BE THE GROOVE – a Chicago based rhythmic performance ensemble. Laura would like to thank everyone at Big Noise for welcoming her into such a wonderful ensemble, and thanks her husband Sean for all his love and support! Amanda Nianick (Ensemble) is super thrilled to return to the Big Noise stage in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE! Hailing from Long Grove, IL, Amanda is a recent grad of Indiana University earning a BA in Theatre and Drama with a minor in Music. She was a four-year member of IU’s premier female a cappella group Ladies First and a proud member of the The Jacob’s School of Music Singing Hoosiers. Some favorite roles include Tracy Turnblad (HAIRSPRAY), Beauty (THE ENCHANTMENT OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), Ms. Jones (HOW TO SUCCEED…) as well as ALL SHOOK UP and ONCE UPON A MATTRESS. Much love to her family and friends for their continued love and support, which includes always trekking out to whoknows-where! Thanks a bunch, couldn’t do it without you! www.wix.com/anianick/arn P. J. Samorian (Man in Chair) is pleased to be making his “return to stage” in his first production with Big Noise and he is excited to be working with director Melissa Young. Mr. Samorian is currently teaching and coaching speech and debate at New Trier High School in Winnetka after having worked at Loyola Academy for 17 years. He just finished work on two independent films. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Ferg, Scott, Robert and Daryl for their encouragement and support. Thanks to Emily for modeling what it means to be a professional. Shout out to Bill, Danny, and Becca with whom he shared THE DROWSY CHAPERONE on Broadway. Cory Stonebrook (Gangster #2) is very excited to be returning to the Big Noise stage in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Cory’s past credits with Big Noise Theatre: Leaf Coneybear in THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, Mark Cohen in RENT and Dennis in ALL SHOOK UP. Cory’s Big Noise Theatre Company 5
T H E C A S T ( c o n t .) other Chicago credits include: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS at Theater at the Center, Maxwell Kotch in SEX MARKS THE SPOT at the Theater Building Chicago and Phil in Hangar 9 Theatre Company’s BOY’S LIFE. corystonebrook.com Peter Verdico (Feldzieg) is thrilled to be returning to Big Noise for this wonderful production. Big Noise credits include DAMN YANKEES, OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS, FOOTLOOSE, and URINETOWN. Recent credits include HELLO, DOLLY! (Light Opera Works), THE FANTASTICKS (Promethean Theatre), and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Lacosta Theatre). Peter has also appeared in BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (Metropolis Theater), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Night Blue Theatre), and MY FAIR LADY and MEET ME IN ST LOUIS (Stage Right Productions). Favorite roles
include Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Julian Marsh in FORTY SECOND STREET, Harold Todd in VICTOR/VICTORIA, Tito Merelli in LEND ME A TENOR, George Hay in MOON OVER BUFFALO, and Juror #3 in TWELVE ANGRY MEN. Peter thanks his beautiful wife Julie and daughters Lori & Catherine for their love and support. Carrie Weiss (Kitty) is very happy to be making her Big Noise debut! Her recent credits include Beatrice in BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (Circle Theatre), Snoopy in SNOOPY (Northbrook TYA), Marge McDougall in PROMISES, PROMISES (Jedlicka Performing Arts), DAMN YANKEES (Metropolis Performing Arts), and numerous other shows with Northbrook TYA. She would like to thank Sare, the fam, her HLM (you’re the best), and the love of her life, Lorenzo! Thanks to everyone involved with the show! Enjoy!
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Melissa Young (Director) is a graduate of Point Park University’s Conservatory. Directing credits include WORKING (New City, Chicago Tribune, and Reader’s Critic’s Choice) with The Boxer Rebellion Ensemble, EVERYTHING’S SEXY 1 AND 2 (New City, Reader, and Chicago Tribune Critic’s Choice) with BackStage Theater Company, ME, THE DEVIL, AND OTHER FRIENDS (New City Critic’s Choice and New York International Fringe Festival’s Official selection 2003) with BackStage Theater Company, MIDDLE AGED WHITE GUYS (Chicago Sun Times Critic’s Choice) with Open Eye Productions. Melissa was artistic director for The BackStage Theater Company, now celebrating its 11th season, from 2000-2005. Melissa has been seen on stage with Big Noise in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, URINETOWN, and I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE. A board member of The Chicago Cabaret Professionals, Melissa sings in cabaret clubs around the country; currently at 3160 located at 3160 N. Clark Street, Chicago on Sunday evenings. Come on by after the show! www. melissayoung.com Thanks to Nancy, Ann, Daiva, Patty, Rick, Jesse, and Bill W. Love you! Mean it! Thanks to Maw Maw and of course, Rob and Buddy, you know why. Robert Deason (Music Director) is thrilled to be returning to Big Noise where he has been previously seen ON stage as Chad in last spring’s production of ALL SHOOK UP. As an actor, he has worked with Theatre at the Center, Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant 6 Big Noise Theatre Company
Run resort, Circle Theatre, and the Bailiwick Rep, among others. Musically, he had worked with Circle Theatre’s Emerging Young Artists program, Art Reach Educational Theatre, and a variety of schools throughout the Chicagoland area. This summer, he will be music directing THE WEDDING SINGER with Big Deal Theatre in Buffalo Grove. Additionally, Robert can be seen around the city and suburbs as a dueling pianist. Enjoy the show! www.Robertandsaraduel.com Nancy Flaster (Choreographer) directed PATENT LEATHER SHOES…, JANE EYRE, PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, BEEHIVE, and ALL SHOOK UP for Big Noise Theatre. She has worked with her favorite side-kick/ choreographer/director, Ann Fink, on most of these shows. As a choreographer, she has created dances for KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, BARNUM, BIG RIVER, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, and many more for Big Noise. She is delighted to work this time with the talented, groovy Missey Young, the amazing Robert Deason, her old friend and classmate, genius Rick Paul (we have a long history), and of course, Daiva. Her dance captain and collaborator Alex McCrary is a gift from, well, you know who. Nancy is the very proud artistic director of Big Noise— and the even more proud “Na” of Jackson, Melanie and Macy.
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F ( c o n t .) Ann Fink (Choreographer) is happy to be working again with Nancy Flaster to provide choreography for another great Big Noise Theatre production. Past collaborations have included BEEHIVE, PATENT LEATHER SHOES…, BARNUM, CINDERELLA, LEADER OF THE PACK, I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, and ALL SHOOK UP among others. She is also happy to be working with Melissa Young and Robert Deason. Ann’s performance credits include Cha Cha in GREASE (TOTL), the Mute in THE FANTASTICKS, (WTC), and Val in A CHORUS LINE (ATC), and numerous productions with BNT/ WTC, among others. Jesse Pierce (Assistant Director) Big Noise debut. Jesse recently directed: CCP’s MERRY MEASURES and Alma Mendoza’s UNFINISHED MUSIC: A TRIBUTE TO JOHN LENNON. Jesse has also received accolades from the Reader for his choreography for THE STOPS with its “wickedly funny song and dance routines”. He travels the state as a trainer and advocate for social change for the Illinois Coalition against Sexual Assault. Rick Paul (Set Design) began his award winning career at the Winnetka Community House with the first all student run high school theatre group in the country, Summerset Players. Since then his designs have been seen in Europe, Canada, Latin America, and Asia. He is still working on Africa. Rick was a pioneer of Chicago’s Off Loop Theatre Movement, designing many of its hits, including: GREASE, Tennessee William’s OUT CRY, STATUS QUO VADIS, E/R EMERGENCY ROOM, and recently HIZZONER. Film designs include: HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER, NORMAL LIFE, BUTCH CAMP and HANNAH FREE with Sharon Gless. International credits include NEW WORLD MIAMI, SPOLETO, FILMEX LOS ANGELES, EDINBURGH FRINGE, SINGAPORE MOVEMENT THEATRE, and STARS OF AMERICAN BALLET. He currently teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. “It’s great to work with high school classmate Nancy Flaster again and all the riotously talented Big Noisers!” Gina Patterson (Lighting Design) is excited to be working with Big Noise Theatre for the first time. She has worked extensively at Apple Tree Theatre where her designs include WINGS, MOUNTAIN, UNCLE VANYA, TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO, A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, and INDIAN INK. Other design work includes CHASTE, and THE UNCONQUERED at Trap Door Theatre; THE PIANO
TEACHER with Next Theatre Company; AIMING FOR SAINTHOOD with Victory Gardens Theatre; and AIDA, A COMEDY OF ERRORS, and ROMEO AND JULIET at Interlochen Center for the Arts where Gina spends her summers designing and teaching. She has also served as assistant lighting designer on many shows, including WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, DETROIT, and SEX WITH STRANGERS at Steppenwolf Theatre; and STAGE KISS, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and MARY at the Goodman Theatre. Rick Neumann (Sound Design) is very happy to be designing for the Big Noise Theatre. He is the owner of Abracadabra Productions, a local audio, and video & stage production company. Richard has worked with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, North Shore Dance Center, The JCC (Skokie), The O’Hare Dance Company, The National High School Institute, Columbia College, School District 73.5, The Stradivari Society, The North Shore Players, Lubavitch Girls High School, Solomon Schechter Middle School, Akiba Schechter, Ida Crown Jewish Academy, Chicagoland Jewish High School, IRIM, Genesis at the Crossroads, Oberweiss for Congress, and The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (Chicago Chapter), and others. He is a member of AES (Audio Engineering Society). Patty Halajian (Costume Design) has been a freelance costumer in the Chicago area for many years. She has worked in the costume shops of the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre in the Center in Munster, and Northlight Theatre. Nationally, Patty has made tutus for Burklyn Ballet Theatre in Vermont, Festival Ballet in Florida, and the Carolina Ballet in North Carolina. Most recently, she made the Sugarplum tutus and Spanish costumes for the Charleston Ballet Nutcracker in South Carolina. Her costumes for the Burklyn Youth Ballet have been seen at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival three times. Patty works wardrobe at the Chicago Theatre and the Venue at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, where she has assisted Gladys Knight, Donnie and Marie, Diana Ross, and the Chippendales, among others. Patty lives in Kildeer with her 3 cats and 6 sewing machines. Joey Kiening (Wig Design) is a Chicago native who has been serving the beauty industry for over 15 years. His first job was styling wigs and he is currently the Color Director and stylist at Solo Salon in the West Loop. Joey has worked backstage in NaBig Noise Theatre Company 7
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F ( c o n t .) tional Hair shows, photo shoots, and runway shows. He says, “I feel it is a true privilege to work on such an amazing production like this. My mission in life and as a hairdresser is to share. I am a firm believer that in order for me to keep what I have I have to give it away. After all, if you don’t love what you do then why do it?” Matthew Kucharski (Stage Manager) is proud to be back with the Big Noise Theatre Company for his fifth production. He is thrilled to be Stage Managing his first Musical with Big Noise. Recently Matthew had Stage Managed BEAU JEST and was the Assistant Stage Manager of SPELLING BEE and Stage Crew for RENT with Big Noise, BABY and FOLLIES with Actors Theatre Company. Matthew is dedicating his hard
work to his dear friend and mentor, the late Ann Dunn, R.I.P. Special Thanks for all the love and support from Natalie. Daiva Paulis (Producer) is pleased to be making her debut as Producer for Big Noise Theatre. Over the years, she has been invaluable, filling positions from sound and light operator, spotlight, stage manager, building, painting, setting up for rehearsals, running auditions, and always doing more. Most recently she stage managed SPELLING BEE and RENT; assistant stage managed ALL SHOOK UP, ON GOLDEN POND, and I HATE HAMLET; and spent tireless hours programming the dramatic animations for SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. As always, Daiva has been “dragged” into another production, laughing and smiling all the way.
BIG NOISE THEATRE / WINNETK A THEATRE BOARD OF GOVERNORS Jon Cunningham, President Michelle Cunningham, Vice-President Marsha Rutenberg, Treasurer Rob Smith, Secretary Nancy Flaster, Artistic Director Linda Andrews Joyce Bishop Marian Kaderbek
Steve Malone Evie Murphy Daiva Paulis
Scott J. Sumerak Tom Walker Melissa Young
Become an Angel Angels are the financial backers of theatre productions. Your financial support allows us to produce excellent shows at affordable prices. Send your check (payable to Winnetka Theatre, our corporate parent) along with your name as you wish it to appear in the program to Marsha Rutenberg, Treasurer, 1895 Clavey Road, Highland Park, IL, 60035. Winnetka Theatre is a 501(c) 3 organization, so your contribution is tax deductible. Thank you! Corporate Sponsor Robert W. Baird & Company Archangels $500 - more Sandy & Nancy Flaster Marian and Stan Kaderbek in memory of Doug Diggs Bill and Marsha Rutenberg in memory of Doug Diggs Ann Stuart Saints $150-499 Peter Rasey
Cherub $25 – 149 Marlon & Dennis Barden Joyce Bishop in memory of Doug Diggs Bob & Susan Bloss Jean Brown Lois & Harold Jaderborg Logan Langballe Nancy & Phil Lejman Joan & James Leeney, Jr. Nancy & Jim Moran Joe Schmitt Joe & Pat Sumerak Al & Virginia Walker
This season is dedicated in loving memory of one of the founding fathers of Winnetka Theatre, Doug Diggs. His stellar guidance and leadership has had an everlasting impact on our evolution and growth. We trust Doug is still watching and proudly applauding our efforts!
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