presents
by Lawrence Roman January 17-February 2, 2014
Catherine Davis Director
Martha Shuford Costume Design
David Erck Scenic Design
Matt Kooi Lighting Design
Jason Clark Master Builder
Ashley Kammerath Asst Stage Manager
Maggie Neumayer Stage Manager
Peter Rasey Associate Producer
Gail Soberski Producer 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. No smoking allowed. “Alone Together� is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc, New York 847.604.0275 * www.bignoise.org * info@bignoisetheatre.org Alone Together
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C A S T O F C H A R AC T E R S ( I N O R D E R O F A P P E A R A N C E ) George Butler................................................................................................................................. Geoff Isaac Helene Butler............................................................................................................................. Julie Stevens Keith Butler, the youngest son............................................................................................. Brian Mengler Michael Butler, the oldest son..................................................................................................Taylor Okey Elliott Butler, the middle son........................................................................................................Phil Kaiser Janie Johnson.......................................................................................................................................Jaci Kay SET TING The Butler home, Los Angeles. The time is the present. THE PL AY Act I Scene 1: ................................................................................................................... A September morning Scene 2:........................................................................................................................................That evening Scene 3:...................................................................................................................................A few days later **Intermission** Act II Scene 1:...................................................................................................................................A few days later Scene 2:................................................................................................................................ A few hours later Scene 3: ....................................................................................................................................Four days later P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Producer...................................................................................................................................... Gail Soberski Director...................................................................................................................................Catherine Davis Stage Manager............................................................................................................... Maggie Neumayer Scenic Design ................................................................................................................................ David Erck Costume Design..................................................................................................................Martha Shuford Lighting Design................................................................................................................................Matt Kooi Sound Design............................................................................................................................... Peter Rasey Master Builder...............................................................................................................................Jason Clark Properties................................................................................. Ashley Kammerath, Maggie Neumayer Associate Producer..................................................................................................................... Peter Rasey Assistant Directors.................................................................Maggie Neumayer, Ashley Kammerath Assistant Stage Manager........................................................................................... Ashley Kammerath Light Board Operation............................................................................................................Blake Bortnik Sound Board Operation.............................................................................................. Maggie Neumayer Tickets................................................................................................................................ Marsha Rutenberg Press/Media Relations Manager..........................................................................................Tom Coppola Website/Graphics..........................................................................................................................Ann Stuart Photography............................................................................................................................ Jerry Crabtree Auditions................................................................................................... Daiva Paulis, Marian Kaderbek Program.......................................................................................................................................... Peter Rasey House Manager............................................................................... Big Noise Theatre Board Members 2
Big Noise Theatre Company
SPECIAL THANKS Shelli Sarg and the Prairie Lakes Community Center staff Gina Di Sandro and the Winnetka Community House Staff Jim and Nancy Moran Dan Primozic and Oce North America DeMarco, Kinnaman, Lewis & Company The Saints WR Imaging M13 Graphics 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
Kyle Dougan Marian Kaderbek Steve Malone Amanda Nianick Daiva Paulis
Peter Rasey Tom Walker David Whitlock Melissa Young
THE CAST GEOFF ISAAC (George Butler) Geoff is happy to join a Big Noise production for the first time, having previously worked with many Chicago theaters and improv groups, including three of which he was a founding member: Actors Theater Company, ComedySportz-Chicago, and Free Associates. Favorite stage roles include: Hal Carter in PICNIC, Thomas Jefferson in 1776, Nick Arnstein in FUNNY GIRL, Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Captain Hook in PETER PAN, Charles Condomine in BLITHE SPIRIT, El Gallo in THE FANTASTICKS, Tito Merelli in LEND ME A TENOR, and Julian Marsh in 42ND STREET. Geoff dedicates this show with love to Haralyn and the second 25! PHIL KAISER (Elliott Butler) Phil is ecstatic to join the cast of ALONE TOGETHER in his first production with Big Noise! He is a recent graduate of Millikin
University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Theatre. Phil also works in children’s theatre directing and choreographing. Recent credits include Simon the zealot in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Up and Coming Theater) and Mister Mistoffelees in CATS (Highland Park Players). Thanks to the staff for casting such a talented group to work with. Love and thanks to Mom, Dad, Nic and Di for all their love and support. JACI KAY (Janie Johnson) Jaci is a Miami, Florida native! She moved to Chicago to attend Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University where she earned her BFA in Acting. Most recently Jaci has been seen in EL STORIES IIX with The Waltzing Mechanics. Thanks to her super supportive family and C.J. This one is for you, Harry!!
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BRIAN MENGLER (Keith Butler) Brian is excited to be joining Big Noise as his first production out of college. Some of his favorite credits at North Central college are JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Annas), PRINCESS IDA (Prince Hilarion), GIANNI SCHICCI (Rinuccio), and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Andre). With a degree in Music Education Brian enjoys teaching and making music when he’s away from Big Noise. TAYLOR OKEY (Michael Butler) Taylor is thrilled to be back on stage with Big Noise Theatre after being seen in last spring’s production of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS. Additional stage credits include John in the US non-Equity premier of TOMORROW MORNING, Billy Bigelow in CAROUSEL, Horton the Elephant in SEUSSICAL, Walt Dreery in THE THREEPENNY OPERA, Zeke in the Midwest premier of DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, and most recently as Danimal in the world premier of THE LOCKOUT: A MUSICAL with Six Hour Short Productions at the American Theater Company. This summer, Taylor will be portraying the role of Zack in the world premier of THE NEXT THING with Signal Ensemble Theatre in
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Chicago. He is graduate of Elmhurst College and holds a BM in Music Education and Vocal Performance. Huge thanks to Catherine, the entire production team, and this incredible cast for making this an unforgettable experience! For mom, dad, the bros, AL&K, family, friends, and teachers! @TaylorOkey JULIE STEVENS (Helene Butler) Julie returns to the stage after a 20 year hiatus (to raise three sons!). Julie was a member of the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble for many years playing a wide range of roles. She also acted in many industrial films, commercials, and voiceovers. Favorite roles include Hedda in HEDDA GABLER, Jenny in CHAPTER TWO, Lina in THE PRAYING MANTIS, Bunny in THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES, Lady Percy in HENRY IV, Hermione in THE WINTERS TALE, Mags in PAINTING CHURCHES, and Essie in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU (directed by Catherine Davis). Julie studied acting in New York at HB Studio with Uta Hagen, Herbert Berghof, Austin Pendleton, and Sandy Dennis, and in Chicago with Mary Zimmerman, Kyle Donnelly, Jane Brody, and Peter Forster. Julie would like to thank her husband John for his love and support, and to Catherine Davis for this wonderful opportunity.
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F CATHERINE DAVIS (Director) Catherine is honored to be directing again for Big Noise Theatre, for whom she previously directed BORN YESTERDAY, BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE, and BEAU JEST. Catherine has worked as a director and educator since earning an MA in theatre, accumulating approximately 120 full-length productions to her directing credit. She was a Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee member, was Suburban Coordinator for SEASON OF CONCERN, created improvisation troupes, put together original mime shows, and toured / created / wrote / directed children’s theatre. Every performance is dedicated to her family, without whom inspiration and opportunity would not exist. MAGGIE NEUMAYER (Stage Manager/ Sound Board Operator) Maggie is excited to be stage managing again at Big Noise; this being her third show here! Since earning her Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre from Columbia College Chicago, she has worked with a variety of community, educational, and storefront theatres. In addition to stage managing, Maggie is also the Production Manager/ Camp Director for Metropolis Performing Arts Centre’s School of the Performing Arts. She’d like to thank her family and friends for supporting her in the art that she loves! DAVID ERCK (Scenic Design) David is a retired architect and is excited to be lending his design expertise to his wife, director Catherine Davis’ production of ALONE TOGETHER. He has previously designed sets for MY FAIR LADY, ANYTHING GOES, SLEUTH, and BAREFOOT IN THE PARK. As empty nesters, David and Catherine are happy to welcome their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandson home for dinner whenever they’re available!
MARTHA SHUFORD (Costume Design) Martha is thrilled to be returning for her fourth winter show with Big Noise. Martha costumed BORN YESTERDAY, BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE, and BEAU JEST. “It’s a pleasure to work with this wonderful group of people.” Other recent credits for costuming are SEUSSICAL with The Starlight Theater in Wilmette, ANNIE with The North Shore Theater of Wilmette, INTO THE WOODS and JUNGLE BOOK with the Wilmette Children’s Theater, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and INTO THE WOODS with Actors Training Center Rep Group. Martha thanks her husband Frank for his support and patience, and her kids Nellie and F. Lee for their unending ideas and inspiration. MATT KOOI (Lighting Design) is happy to be working on his fifth season with Big Noise Theater. His previous Big Noise credits include: RENT, ALL SHOOK UP, SPELLING BEE, BEAU JEST, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS, BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE, LEADER OF THE PACK, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, BORN YESTERDAY, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, and RUTHLESS. Matt also works with Oakton Community College and Triton College. He would like to thank the production team, cast, and crew for the opportunity and his wife, Kathryn, for her support as well as their new Assistant Lighting Designer, son Isaac. JASON CLARK (Set Construction) Jason has built sets for over twenty years. Some of his previous favorite design/builds are SLEUTH, HAMLET, DAMN YANKEES, and THE BOYS NEXT DOOR. Jason’s Big Noise credits include BORN YESTERDAY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, LEADER OF THE PACK, and BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE. Jason is also a talented actor and director and will be appearing soon in a staged version of THE PRINCESS BRIDE.
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ASHLEY KAMMERATH (Assistant Director/Assistant Stage Manager) enjoys performing and ‘making magic’ behind the scenes. Most recently, she stage managed RUTHLESS and appeared as the manicurist and maid in last winter’s production of BORN YESTERDAY. ALONE TOGETHER is her 6th show with Big Noise. Ashley is creative and passionate about the arts, with a diverse background in acting, stage crew/ staff, and set production/design. She loves to sing and dance and bring scripts to life. BLAKE BORTNIK (Light Board Operator) Blake is a tutor in the Naperville area, graduating with his Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 2012. Blake has been tutoring for over six years, and has recently been substitute teaching in a variety of school districts during the day. As a hobby, he enjoys helping with sound and lights in a variety of different community theatre groups and church events. He enjoys working mainly with Big Noise because of the kind, welcoming, and amusing people he gets to meet. You can’t find a tight-knit group like this just anywhere! PETER RASEY (Associate Producer/Sound Design) has produced or co-produced Big Noise Theatre’s productions of BORN YESTERDAY, BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE, BEAU JEST, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, LOST IN YONKERS, AMADEUS, and CHESS, as well as LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS for Up and Coming Theatre. A member of the Board of Governors, he has also appeared in a number of their shows over the years, most recently in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS. He has also enjoyed working on publicity and scenic painting on occasion. Elsewhere, Peter is an actor, choreographer, and director, most recently on HPP’s CATS as Skimbleshanks. Peter is very fond of vodka martinis, extra olives. Cheers! GAIL SOBERSKI (Producer) is thrilled to be working with Big Noise on the hilarious ALONE TOGETHER as Producer. 6
Big Noise Theatre Company
She was Associate Producer for last year’s production of BORN YESTERDAY. Some of her producing credits include YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, JOSEPH…, SCROOGE, THE MUSICAL, and THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE with Footlighters Theatre and JEKYLL & HYDE, MISS SAIGON, and STEEL MAGNOLIAS with NSTW. In a previous life, Gail was on the other side of the stage acting and singing in favorite shows such as JOSEPH…, THE MUSIC MAN (Alma Hicks), SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Dora Bailey), MISS SAIGON, DAMN YANKEES, ANYTHING GOES, SWEET CHARITY, and STATE FAIR. Gail thanks Marsha for giving her this opportunity to work with Catherine and Peter again. I have enjoyed working with all of you and I hope I have more opportunities to do so again in the future. Much love to her kids, Mike and Meg. To my wonderful husband, Frank, I love you and thank you for your love and support. Enjoy the Show!
B E C O M E A N A N G E L ... 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
Angel $200 - $900 Michelle and Jon L. Cunningham Marian & Stan Kaderbek Lois and Howard Samuels Cherub $5 - $199 Joan & James Leeney, Jr. Nancy and Jim Moran Lorraine Tancredi
B I G N O I S E T H E AT R E S H OW H I S TO R Y • 2 0 0 5 - P R E S E N T 2005-2006 Once Upon a Mattress Over the River and Through the Woods Jane Eyre 2006-2007 I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change The Beard of Avon Aspects of Love 2007-2008 Footloose Over the Tavern Urinetown 2008-2009 Beehive On Golden Pond Sunday in the Park with George 2009-1010 Rent I Hate Hamlet All Shook Up
2010-2011 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Beau Jest The Drowsy Chaperone 2011-2012 How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying Butterflies Are Free Leader of the Pack 2012-2013 Jesus Christ Superstar Born Yesterday Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 2013-2014 Ruthless Alone Together Ragtime (Spring 2014)
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