Big Noise Theatre Company - Ruthless! The Musical by Footlights.com

Proudly presents

Producers Daiva Paulis & Marsha Rutenberg

Music Director Alex Newkirk

Choreographer Danny Spagnuolo

Director Kyle Dougan Artistic Director Nancy Flaster

Stage Manager Scenic Design and Decoration Ashley Kammrath David Geinosky

Assistant Director Jonathan S. Verge

Costume Design Alicia Anne Lees

Sound Design Richard Neumann

Lighting Design Matt Kooi

Big Noise Theatre Company is a division of Winnetka Theatre and a proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres. The use of recording devices, as well as the taking of flash photographs, is strictly prohibited without prior consent of Big Noise Theatre Company. No smoking is allowed. Ruthless! is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. 847.604.0275 * www.bignoise.org * info@bignoisetheatre.org Ruthless! The Musical

D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E “Talent! Where does it come from? Is it a product of one’s environment…something picked up from the street? Or is it something you are born with? Something passed down from generation to generation” Ah, the child actor. So much competition, so much drive, so many stage mothers and many others, as we shall see, pushing. Oh, and then having to survive the bad reviews. As a director you often look at theatrical pieces that have a message, that hopefully, if done right will leave the audience thinking. At first look at Ruthless! you see the hilarious characters, the absurd situations and the campy references to movies such as The Bad Seed, Gypsy, Mommie Dearest, and All About Eve. When watching these movies for research, I started to realize that these movies are campy classics not because they intended to be funny but because of the seriousness in which they are handled. Ruthless! is a family drama to a hilarious extreme. It is dark musical comedy. It is campy, honest fun. It is “ruthless” in approach to wit. I would like to thank Big Noise Theatre for entrusting me with this wonderful show and the fabulous cast of comediennes for their dedication to the hilarity and honesty of the script. I hope that you will find this show as touching and funny as I do. And if nothing else take a cue from our leading ladies and remember “The key to success is ruthlessness.” Kyle Dougan, Director SPECIAL THANKS Shelli Sarg and the Prairie Lakes Community Center staff The Saints Light Opera Works Abracadabra Productions

Jim and Nancy Moran WR Typesetting DeMarco, Kinnaman, Lewis & Company M13Graphics Fast Signs Morton Grove

B I G N O I S E T H E AT R E / W I N N E T K A T H E AT R E B OA R D O F G OV E R N O R S Jon Cunningham, President Michelle Cunningham, Vice-President Marsha Rutenberg, Treasurer Rob Smith, Secretary Nancy Flaster, Artistic Director

Big Noise Theatre Company

Kyle Dougan Marian Kaderbek Steve Malone Amanda Nianick Daiva Paulis Peter Rasey Tom Walker Melissa Young

C A S T O F C H A R AC T E R S Sylvia St. Croix................................................................................................................. Tommy Bullington Judy Denmark/Ginger DelMarco........................................................................Betsy Kohart Morgan Tina Denmark..............................................................................................................................Abby Merrill Miss Thorn...............................................................................................................................Mary Campbell Lita Encore.......................................................................................................................... Marian Kaderbek Miss Block............................................................................................................................ Sara Jane Blevins Eve.....................................................................................................................................Sadie Rose Glaspey MUSICIAN Piano............................................................................................................................................. Alex Newkirk MUSICAL NUMBERS Act I Tina’s Mother.............................................................................................................................................Judy Born to Entertain.......................................................................................................................................Tina Talent.........................................................................................................................................................Sylvia To Play This Part.........................................................................................................................................Tina Teaching Third Grade..................................................................................................................Miss Thorn Where Tina Gets It From.....................................................................................................Judy and Sylvia The Pippi Song....................................................................................................................................... Louise Kisses and Hugs.......................................................................................................................Tina and Judy Talent - Reprise........................................................................................................................................Sylvia I Hate Musicals............................................................................................................................................Lita Angel Mom................................................................................................................. Tina, Sylvia and Judy Act II Montage...................................................................................................................................Judy and Tina Penthouse Apartment...............................................................................................................................Eve It Can Never Be That Way Again.......................................................................................................Ginger I Want The Girl.........................................................................................................................................Sylvia There’s More to Life....................................................................................................................................Tina Parents and Children.................................................................................................................Ginger, Tina Ruthless........................................................................................................................... Ginger, Sylvia, Tina Ruthless – Reprise...................................................................................................................The Company

Ruthless! The Musical

P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Producers....................................................................................... Daiva Paulis and Marsha Rutenberg Director.........................................................................................................................................Kyle Dougan Music Director........................................................................................................................... Alex Newkirk Choreographer................................................................................................................ Daniel Spagnuolo Assistant Director................................................................................................................ Jonathan Verge Artistic Director........................................................................................................................ Nancy Flaster Stage Manager.................................................................................................................Ashley Kammrath Scenic Design ...................................................................................................................... David Geinosky Costume Design.................................................................................................................Alicia Anne Lees Lighting Design................................................................................................................................Matt Kooi Sound Design.................................................................................................................. Richard Neumann Light Execution........................................................................................................................... Daiva Paulis Sound Execution......................................................................................................................Blake Bortnik Carpenter....................................................................................................................................... Mike Peters Scenic Painting..................................................................................................................... David Geinosky Hair,Wigs and Makeup.....................................................................................................Sienna Macedon Stage Crew................................................................................................................................Millie Schmalz Tickets................................................................................................................................ Marsha Rutenberg Press and Media Relations....................................................................................................Tom Coppola Auditions....................................................................................................................................... Daiva Paulis Program............................................................................................................................ Marsha Rutenberg Website and Graphics..................................................................................................................Ann Stuart House Manager................................................................................................... BNT Board of Governors

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THE CAST SARA JANE BLEVINS (Miss Block) Sarah is very happy and very honored to be working once again with Big Noise! Some of Sarah’s past show’s with Big Noise include Annas-JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Trix, The Aviatrix-THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Mayor Matilda Hyde-ALL SHOOK UP, BEEHIVE, FOOTLOOSE , & JANE EYRE THE MUSICAL. Some of Sarah’s other Musical credits include The Widow CorneyOLIVER! for Light Opera Works, MegBRIGADOON , Rizzo-GREASE & Patsy Cline in ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE. Sarah is also a singer with the country band The RoadHouse Prophets. Sarah would like to thank everyone from staff to crew to cast for all of their hard work and patience. It’s been FUN! I’m so glad I got to work with all of you! And to my Queen Mum & Prince Bob…Thanks for all your help with everything!! Love ya! TOMMY BULLINGTON (Sylvia St. Croix) is glad to be back at Big Noise! Past Big Noise credits include JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (King Herod) and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS…(Bud Frump). Other credits include A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Little Theatre on the Square, DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY, REEFER MADNESS, KISS ME, KATE and THE WEDDING SINGER with Circle Theatre, CINDERELLA AND ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE… with Emerald City. B.S. in Musical Theatre from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Much love and thanks to Kyle, Alex, Danny and the Big Noise family.

MARY CAMPBELL (Miss Thorn) is so excited to once again be on a Big Noise stage. She also welcomes any chance to purposely act a fool . Her Big Noise appearances have included Vi in FOOTLOOSE, Mrs Tottendale in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, the Senator’s wife in BORN YESTERDAY, and the Step-mother in the Children theater’s production of CINDERELLA. Mary has also been seen in local productions of 42ND ST [Maggie Jones], THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE [Miss Flannery], and THE BAKERS WIFE [Denise]. It is humbling to be surrounded by such amazing talent as well as a little intimidating. That’s why Mary always carries an extra jump rope in her bag…just sayin’. A “special thank you” to Kyle and Alex for letting her play. You two are inspirational. SADIE ROSE GLASPEY (Eve) is thrilled to be working with Big Noise Theater on such an hilarious show. In May of 2012, Sadie Rose graduated from Chicago College of the Performing Arts at Roosevelt University with her BFA in Musical Theater. Since then, she has been out in the “real world” working with Hell in a Handbag Productions on the musical SCARRIE (Norma Watson), Emerald City Children’s Theater in CINDERELLA (maid/ female swing), and a few other original music projects. She has also had a hand in helping to raise a new theater company, Pastiche Productions, which put up its very first production last May, an almost fully staged reading of A NEW BRAIN by William Finn. Sadie Rose is very happy to be working with a few old friends as well as meeting some great new ones in the Chicago theater family throughout this Ruthless! The Musical

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process. She would like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work, her family and friends for talking on the phone during long train rides to Wilmette, and her preschool class for all the great inspiration and material. SAGE HARPER (Louise Lerman) is ecstatic to be debuting in such a funny part in RUTHLESS at Big Noise Theater. Sage lives in Winnetka with her mom, dad and two sisters. Some of her previous musical performances include LES MISERAB LES (Cosette), ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR. (White Rabbit), CINDERELLA JR. (Cinderella), THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER (Lilli Mae), and ANNIE (orphan). Sage also studies ballet and voice, and writes and performs her own original songs. Sage would like to thank her family, especially her parents, for taking her to endless lessons and rehearsals! She would also like to thank her friends and teachers for always being supportive as she follows her dreams. MARIAN KADERBEK (Lita Encore) is thrilled to be back on the BNT stage, where she last appeared in the title role of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Her local appearances include many favorite roles with numerous theatre groups such as Glenview Theatre Guild, Actor’s Theatre, and NSTW. She thanks her husband, Stan for all his support and patience. Marian is grateful for all the new friends she has made in this production, and hopes there are many more opportunities to come! She is especially thankful to be working with such a terrific staff! This performance is dedicated to Dr. Donald Brady.

Big Noise Theatre Company

ABBY MERRILL (Tina Denmark) is 12 years old and lives in Iowa City, IA. She is thrilled to be making her debut performance at Big Noise Theatre in a dream role! Previous favorite roles include: JoJo/SEUSSICAL--Marriott Lincolnshire, Lizzie/ARMY ROYALTY--Workshop Theatre NY, Susan Waverly/WHITE CHRISTMAS-Theatre Cedar Rapids, Gingy/SHREK THE MUSICAL--City Circle/IA, Marian/MUSIC MAN, JR , Mulan/MULAN, JR--Metropolis Curtains Up and Louisa/SOUND OF MUSIC-Starlighters Theatre/IA Thank you Kyle Dougan, Stacey Flaster and everyone at Big Noise Theatre for this opportunity. ELIZABETH MORGAN (Judy Denmark/Ginger De Marco) “Betsy” is thrilled to join the cast of RUTHLESS! Recent performances include MARVIN’S ROOM (Lee) at Circle Theatre, OPUS 1861 (City Lit - Jeff Nomination, Best Ensemble), THE RITZ (Googie Gomez) at Circle Theatre as well as many other productions with Boho, Quest Ensemble, Backstage Theatre Company, Rogue, Rascal, Appetite, Point of Contention, and Theatre Building Chicago. She has also served as a director, Viewpoints leader, and music director since moving to Chicago from her home state of Ohio in 2004. Betsy is an acting and repertoire coach and holds a BFA in Acting from Miami University of Ohio. XO to Will always.

P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F KYLE DOUGAN (Director) just moved to Chicago a little over three years ago after completing his Masters in Directing and Producing for Musical Theatre at Goldsmiths, University of London. While in London, Kyle produced a workshop of new musicals and directed, a new musical, INTERVAL by Eleanor Agius. He also directed a production of HELLO AGAIN by Michael John Lachiusa as well as stage-managed a series of new musicals with Perfect Pitch: New Musicals at Trafalgar Studios in London’s West End. In the Chicago area Kyle has performed in, directed and associate directed shows for Chamber Opera Chicago, Theater at the Center, Big Noise Theatre, The Musical Theatre Company and Light Opera Works, where he is on full time staff. He just finished working on a new play with author Irving Welsh based on his book Trainspotting here in Chicago. Kyle is Artistic Producer of a series of new musicals with Midwest New Musicals. He is also co-owner of Style Theatrical Casting, a professional casting company. A special thanks to family, friends and the Ruthless! team for all their support. DAIVA PAULIS (Producer/Light Execution) When a friend, who is involved in theater, calls you and asks “What are you doing?” Never answer “Nothing, why?” Because seven years and almost 30 shows later you’ll be asking yourself “What just happened?!!” Thanx to Big Noise (and Saja) for dragging me into this theatre experience laughing and smiling all the way. I have met and worked with some truly talented directors, actors and amazing crew people. Looking forward to the next seven seasons. Daiva is also a member of the Board of Governors of Big Noise Theatre.

MARSHA RUTENBERG (Producer) is thrilled to once again collaborate with Daiva in this production of Ruthless! The Musical. Working with Kyle, Alex, Danny and Jonathan has been everything we could have hoped for and so much fun! Their talent and enthusiasm contribute to a very special experience. And oh, what a wild and fabulous cast! Rehearsals have been hilarious! Bravo tor their heartfelt dedication to the show and creating such a cohesive ensemble. Thanks also and grateful appreciation to our talented production staff! You have been a pleasure to work with and have done so much to temper the craziness of being a producer! Marsha has served as a solo or co-producer of a multitude of Big Noise productions and has also managed the box office for many seasons. She is a proud member of the Board of Governors of Big Noise Theatre and is excited to launch its twelfth season at Prairie Lakes Theatre! ALEX NEWKIRK (Music Director) is so excited to finally be a part of a Big Noise show. After watching his friends go off to rehearsal there many times he is thrilled to be doing it now for himself. Alex has music directed for companies around Chicago and the surrounding area including Lantern Theatre, JPAC, and Columbia College Chicago. He also has led workshops at Broadway in Chicago, Lyric Opera, and Porchlight Music Theatre Company. Thanks to everyone involved in the show and for our supremely talented cast. As always, thanks to Roberta and family and friends for their continued love and support! www.alexnewkirk.net DANIEL SPAGNUOLO (Choreographer) has enjoyed every minute of rehearsal on this hilarious project. Daniel has choreographed at Western Michigan University (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and several concert dance pieces), with Catalyst Cabaret in Chicago, and Ruthless! The Musical

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has been assisting and serving as dance captain for several companies in Chicago. Recently, Daniel choreographed Godspell with The Brown Paper Box Co. and received a nomination for Best Choreography from Broadway World Chicago. North Shore audiences may recognize Daniel from the 9 productions he has appeared in with Light Opera Works including Carousel, Cabaret (Dance Captain), Man of La Mancha, and The Secret Garden (The Fakir). In Chicago, Daniel has appeared in productions with Porchlight Music Theatre (Pal Joey), Boho Theatre (Pippin, Kiss of the Spiderwoman), and the Brown Paper Box Co (Reefer Madness). Daniel is also appearing at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora in In the Heights. Thank you Kyle, Alex, and our amazing cast and crew! Love to PJB! JONATHAN S. VERGE (Assistant Director) graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and trained at The Globe Theater in London, England. Jonathan served as Producing Intern at American Theater Company, helping to produce the Chicago premier of YEAST NATION: THE TRIUMPH OF LIFE and the touring production of IT’S A WONDEFUL LIFE.Other credits include assisting Daisy Prince on the premier of John Bucchino’s IT’S ONLY LIFE at The Beckett Theater in New York as well assisting Lonny Price on the Ravinia Festival Production of ANYONE CAN WHISTLE staring Patti LuPone and Audra MacDonald. Having recently served as Producing Director at Bailiwick Chicago, Jonathan is thrilled to be working with Kyle and the amazing team at Big Noise. DAVID GEINOSKY (Scenic Designer / Painter) Returns to BNT as a designer, rather than performer. He recently played Freddy Benson in this past spring’s production of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and in 2011, Robert Martin in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Other BNT 8

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affiliated scenic work includes Winnetka Theater for Young Audiences Productions of FLAT STANLEY and RAPUNZEL, directed by Stacey Flaster . Previous Children’s Theater companies include- The Wilmette Park District, Glencoe Broadway Bound, Libertyville’s The Wishing Star, Buffalo Grove Broadway Bound, Arlington Heights Center Stage Education, Hinsdale Stage Door Fine Arts, and Millbrook Playhouse Summer Kids (PA). David graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. While residing in New York He had the pleasure of designing a New Musical called DAISY IN DISGUISE for the Vital Children’s Theater (off off Broadway). Other Theater credits include productions with ( Buffalo Grove) Big Deal ProductionsLITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, ANNIE, (Des Plaines) Footlighters- THE MUSIC MAN, (Palatine) Up and Coming- HAIRSPRAY, (Palatine) Music on Stage- KISS ME KATE, (Palatine) LZP Productions- THE KING AND I, (Palatine) Best of the Best Theater Company- YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN, INTO THE WOODS, and THE WIZARD OF OZ, (Wilmette) North Shore Theater- HAIRSPRAY, BRIGADOON, and ANNIE, (New Hope PA) Bucks County Playhouses Open Air Theater- OKLAHOMA. A very special Thanks to Big Noise Theater, the Creative Staff and crew. Love to Mom and Dad. ALICIA ANNE LEES (Costume Design) is thrilled to be working with Big Noise Theatre. She is a graduate of the University of Tulsa and spent the last three years as the wardrobe assistant at Light Opera Works. Recent Shows include, CABARET, H.M.S. PINAFORE, OLIVER!, and MAN OF LA MANCHA. After working on the creations of so many talented designers, she is honored to be making her debut as a designer with RUTHLESS.

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MATT KOOI (Lighting Design) is happy to continue working with Big Noise Theater. His previous Big Noise favorites include: RENT, ALL SHOOK UP, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS, LEADER OF THE PACK and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Matt also works with Oakton Community College. He would like to thank the production team, cast, and crew for the opportunity and his wife, Kathryn, for her support. RICHARD NEUMANN (Sound Design) This is the fifth season of Big Noise/ Winnetka Theatre shows for which Rich and his company Abracadabra Productions have provided sound design. Previous productions on this stage and in Winnetka include DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, LEADER OF THE PACK, HOW TO SUCCEED…RENT, SLEEPING BEAUTY, ALL SHOOK UP. THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, LITTLE RED AND HER FRIENDS, RAPUNZEL THE MUSICAL ADVENUTERES OF FLAT STANLEY, and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Abracadabra Productions is a full service audio, video and production company located in Skokie, Illinois. www.abraprovideo.com

ASHLEY KAMMRATH (Stage Manager) Ashley loves participating in theater - from adoring and appreciating shows as an audience member to working hard and making magic back stage and on stage. She’s excited to be working with Big Noise as Stage Manager for RUTHLESS; her 5th show with the company. She recently starred as manicurist and maid in last winter’s production of BORN YESTERDAY, while delivering stellar production quality through her work as co-assistant director and assistant stage manager. Ashley is creative and passionate about the arts, with a diverse background in acting, stage crew/staff, and set production/design. MILDRED SCHMALZ (Stage Crew) “As a lifetime devotee of the theater, when circumstances placed me at a cross roads of life, I found time to indulge my passions to help in many ways and view the world from my favorite spot, “back stage”. Thanks to Big Noise for making me a part of each production.” From the time that Millie approached Big Noise and offered to volunteer, her involvement as a part of our production family has been all encompassing. We marvel at all Millie can do…whether painting sets, serving as stage crew, dressing our actors, or distributing publicity materials, Millie inspires us all with her wonderful stories, fabulous attitude, and generosity of spirit.

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Ruthless! The Musical

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 Chase Community Grant Peter Latto & Associates Archangels $1000 + Sandy & Nancy Flaster Bill and Marsha Rutenberg Ann Stuart

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Ages 8 and older At Nichols Concert Hall 1490 Chicago (at Grove), Evanston

October 4–13, 2013 Fridays • 8 pm Saturdays • 2 and 8 pm Sundays • 2 pm Wednesday • 2 pm

Tickets: $30, $40, $50, $60 Age 21 and younger 1/2 price for all Gershwin’s Greatest Hits performances

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Saturday, Dec. 21 • 8 pm Sunday, Dec. 22 • 2 pm Thursday, Dec. 26 • 2 pm

Saturday, Dec. 28 • 2 pm (Family Matinee—meet the cast)

Friday, Dec. 27 • 8 pm

Saturday, Dec. 28 • 8 pm Sunday, Dec. 29 • 2 pm Tuesday, Dec. 31 • 8 pm

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