Book 3-TOTL

T H E AT E R O N T H E L A K E Hello friend! Are you sitting down? Good. Because you’re about to experience the 2012 season of Theater on The Lake, for the first time selected through a process involving two artistic curators. We thought curators only worked in gardens and museums, but there you have it. We’re curators. Seriously, though, we love being working artists in Chicago, a city so rich with imaginative and emotional theater that it makes choosing only eight plays for you a hair-graying, heartbreaking, but ultimately exciting, proud-parents moment. Here, you will encounter world premieres and Chicago premieres; scripts written out of necessity, scripts written through workshopping with an ensemble, scripts adapted from great works, and scripts written right before your very eyes—carved out of the air and the summer moment.

The shows you’ll experience this summer have stopped us in our tracks, made us think, laugh, and cry. But perhaps most importantly, they’ve made us dream.

Someone once said that a play never really closes until every single person who saw it stops dreaming about it. These plays have been running in our dreams for quite some time. Perhaps because of you, they will remain open forever.

Your Artistic Curators, Meghan Beals McCarthy & Michael Patrick Thornton Special thanks to the League of Chicago Theatres for being not only a tremendous resource to the Chicago theatre community but also for partnering with Theater on the Lake to make our 2012 season unforgettable.

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT June 13, 2012 Thank you for joining us for the 60th anniversary season of Theater on the Lake: The Chicago Summer Theater Festival. As part of this landmark year, we’ve brought Michael Patrick Thornton and Meghan Beals McCarthy from the local theater community on board as our new co-artistic curators. Together they have planned eight weeks of the best theatrical productions the city has to offer on our unique open-air stage.

In addition, you’ll find pre and post-show programming at Theater on the Lake this season to round out our celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage. The Chicago Park District is dedicated to showcasing premier theatrical productions and providing high quality, affordable cultural programming to patrons throughout our neighborhood parks no matter where they live.

We value your support of our parks and programs and encourage you to enjoy the lake breeze, the skyline view and the wonderful performances. Here’s to another successful season, and we invite you to join us for additional cultural programming in our parks.

Michael P. Kelly General Superintendent & CEO Chicago Park District

Moby Dick 1

presents

HIT THE WALL A B O U T T H E C O M PA N Y The Inconvenience is a community of interdisciplinary artists who seek to create a new way of experiencing art through a collaboration of music, theatre, dance, fine art and celebration. We create, produce and curate works that challenge audience and artist perspective and ignite social dialogue. Since 2008, The Inconvenience has collaborated with over 350 artists and companies, and played to over 15,000 people throughout Chicago. To learn more about The Inconvenience and find out about upcoming events, visitwww.theinconvenience.org CAST Walter Briggs.................................................................................................................................Cop Manny Buckley.......................................................................................................................Casron Daeshawna Cook.................................................................................................................Roberta Daniel Desmarais................................................................................................................. Newbie Desmond Gray............................................................................................................................Mika Ricardo Gamboa........................................................................................................................Tono Zach Kenney..............................................................................................................................A-Gay Steve Lenz......................................................................................................................................Cliff Rania Salem Manganaro........................................................................................................... Peg Mary Williamson...............................................................................................................Madeline

BAND Ryan Murphy.....................................................................................................Guitar/ Composer John Cicora................................................................................................Bass/ Musical Director Josh Lambert.......................................................................................................................... Drumz

2 Theater on the Lake

PRODUCTION Ike Holter.......................................................................................................................... Playwright Eric Hoff.................................................................................................................................. Director Gus Menary................................................................................................................ Asst. Directot Missi Davis.................................................................................................... Production Manager Michael Solomon............................................................................ Asst. Production Manager Krissy Larson....................................................................................Production Stage Manager Nora Mally..................................................................................................... Asst. Stage Manager John Holt.......................................................................................................................... Set Design Coral Gable...........................................................................................................Costume Design Jeff Glass.................................................................................................................Lighting Design Joe Court................................................................................................................... Sound Design Erin Kilmurray..........................................................................................................Choreography Ryan Bourque.............................................................................................. Fight Choreography Kelly Kerwin.....................................................................................................................Dramaturg David Seeber.......................................................................................................Script Supervisor T H E C O M PA N Y Christopher Chmelik.......................................................................................... Artistic Director Emily Reusswig................................................................................................ Executive Director Missi Davis............................................................................................................................Producer Walter Briggs........................................................................... Theatre Programming Director Erin Kilmurray............................................................................Dance Programming Director Gus Menary.................................................................................Music Programming Director Mary Williamson............................................................................. Art Programming Director Sam Deutsch.................................................................................................................. PR Director Ryan Bourque.........................................................................................................Media Director Ryan Bourque, Walter Briggs, Christopher Chmelik, John Cicora, Missi Davis, Sam Deutsch, Sierra Dufault, John Holt, Ike Holter, Erin Kilmurray, Gus Menary, Nic Jones, Brian Rad, Emily Reusswig, and Mary Williamson BIOGR APHIES PERFORMERS Walter Briggs (Cop) is thrilled to make his Theatre on the Lake debut with Hit The Wall. He feels incredibly fortunate to be back on stage with his Chicago family, The Inconvenience, where he is a founding member and serves as Head of Theater programming. Inconvenience credits include: The Earl, Ike Holter’s Chicagoland, The Little Things, Like The Fish, and Moss Lady. Other Chicago credits include: Seven Sickness’s and Woyzeck (The Hypocrites); Pornography (Steep Theater); Louis Slotin Sonata (A Red Orchid Theatre); and Cowboy Mouth (Mary-Arrchie.) Film credits: Possessions and Older Children. Walter earned his BFA from the CCPA at Roosevelt University.

Many thanks to his family.

Manny Buckley (Carson) Manny Buckley returns to the role of Carson, the role he originated, that has recently earned him the Best Actor 2012 Award from Chicago Reader. He has also worked with Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, Next Theater, Gift Theater & Mary Arrchie Theater. Manny recently performed in both The Interview, a part of Leapfest, and The Eight Reindeer Monologues, with Stage Left. Manny is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater, where he will next perform in the Pulitzer Prize nominated The Heavens are Hung in Black in the company’s educational outreach.

Daeshawna Cook (Roberta) is both thrilled to return to the stage and to make her Theatre on the Lake debut Hit the Wall 3

starts june 28

three sisters By anton Chekhov AdApted By ensemBle memBer traCy Letts directed By ensemBle memBer anna D. shapiro Featuring ensemble members Alana Arenas, Ora Jones, Sally Murphy and Yasen Peyankov with Usman Ally, Chance Bone, B. Diego Col贸n, Maury Cooper, Derek Gaspar, Scott Jaeck, John Judd, Caroline Neff, Mary Ann Thebus and Dan Waller

three sisters, unCertain of their future, Long for the happiness of their ChiLDhooD.

Tickets start at just $20

Buy tickets at steppenwolf.org or call 312-335-1650

Corporate Production Sponsor

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) with The Inconvenience. Performance credits include: A Midnight Cry: The Underground Railroad (Auditorium Theatre) and countless performances at the CCPA, including Bury the Dead.

She received her B.F.A from the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA). Special thanks to my mom for her unconditional love.

Daniel Desmarais (Newbie) is thrilled to be performing at Theatre on the Lake.

Chicago credits include: Spring Awakening (Griffin Theatre), Powerless (Society of Young Superheroes), and The Diary of Anne Frank (Metropolis Performing Arts Center). Last season he was an acting apprentice at Actors Theatre of Louisville where he appeared in The Mystery of Irma Vep, A Christmas Carol, and The End as part of the Humana Festival. Thanks to The Inconvenience for letting him be in their play.

Ricardo Gamboa (Tono) Ricardo is a writer, performer, and filmmaker based in New York City. Ricardo graduated from the University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign and worked several years in his native Chicago. He was a Company Member of Barrel of Monkeys, founding Artistic Director of Teatro Americano, and performs comedy with the Southside Ignoramus Quartet. In New York City, he is a member of the NY Neo-Futurists and was an EmergeNYC fellow at the Hemispheric Institute of Performance and Politics. Gamboa has worked with over 5,000 young people across the country and in Mexico using performance and media as an avenue for empowerment.

Desmond Gray (Mika) Desmond is thrilled to back hitting the Lake with the Inconvenience after being a part of the original production of “Hit the Wall” in this season’s Steppenwolf Garage Rep. In addition, Desmond has worked for Theatre Seven of Chicago (“We Live Here” and “The Chicago Landmark Project”), Collaboraction (“Sketchbook:

Reincarnate”), Bailiwick Chicago (“Aida”), and TimeLine Theatre (“In Darfur”) as an understudy. Thanks and love to my parents and family, the Inconvenience, Dawn and Brooke at Gray Talent Group, and to an awesome group of very supportive friends. Thanks folks!

Steve Lenz (Cliff) makes his Theatre on the Lake debut with Hit The Wall which is so-far-out. Previous theatre credits include: Peter Pan and Lookingglass Alice (Lookingglass Theatre Company); The Comedy of Errors, MacBeth, and Cymbeline (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Wintertime Tale and Misanthrope: Or the Impossible Lovers (Vintage Theater Collective); Much Ado About Nothing and Robin Hood (Oak Park Festival Theatre); Peer Gynt, Henry V, and Machinal (CCPA); and As You Like It (Montana Shakespeare in the Schools).

TV Credits: Boss. Film Credits: Red Dawn (2012). Steve received his M.F.A. from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and his B.A. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Rania Salem Manganaro (Peg) is honored to be working at Theatre on the Lake with The Inconvenience. Chicago credits include 1001, Sketchbook 11: Evolution, Franz Fest (Collaboraction); and Jackie and Me (The Chicago Children’s Theatre). After moving to Chicago a year ago from Beirut, Lebanon, she is very excited to have Hit the Wall bring her on board. Rania received her BA in Drama from Kenyon College in 2010 and attended the London Dramatic Academy in the UK. Zach Kenney (A-Gay) is excited to be a part of this production. Most recently, he performed in Next Stop: A Chicago Musical, which featured a piece by Ike Holter. He recently worked as an understudy for The March (Steppenwolf Theatre). Other Chicago credits include Chicago Boys, (Goodman Theatre); It’s A Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph!, Waiting for Lefty (American Blues Hit the Wall 5

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

Theater); The Gospel According to James (Victory Gardens Theater); and The Farnsworth Invention, Not Enough Air (TimeLine Theatre). A San Francisco native, Zach played Charlie in Mary’s Wedding (Indiana Repertory Theatre) and originated the title role in The Actor by Horton Foote (A.C.T. Young Conservatory). This fall, he’ll perform in 1776 at Asolo Rep in FL.

Columbia College of Chicago with a degree in Jazz Studies, he recorded two records with independent label Vanguard Records������������������ and ����������������� signed a publishing deal with Warner Bros. Television. He found The Inconvenience in 2009 and became part of the music department when the company formed. He has worked with many theaters in town including: Mary Arrchie, The Chopin, The Viaduct, Stage Mary Williamson (Madeline) is excited 773, Theater Wit, The Bailiwick, The to be working at Theatre On The Lake, Den, Collaboraction, and Steppenwolf. and even more excited for the opportu- John is ecstatic to be working with nity they have given The Inconvenience, Theatre on the Lake and to be a part where she acts as Creative Director and of The Inconvenience.

Head of the Art Department. She has worked with many theatre companies Missi Davis (Producer/Production around Chicago including: TimeLine, Manager) is lucky to have been able Griffin, Redmoon, The Hypocrites, Dog to produce, production manage, act, and Pony, Lifeline, Jacalope, Emerald direct, curate and create in many City, NWaC, LightsOut, and of course, mediums with The Inconvenience as a The Inconvenience. She graduated from founding member. Other acting credits The Theatre School at DePaul University include The Cabinet, Last of my Species with a BFA in acting. When she is not ‘09, Last of my Species ‘10, Winter Pageant acting she is working as a designer, ‘08, Winter Pageant ‘09, Winter Pageant director, stylist, curator, and visual artist. ‘11 (Redmoon Theater); As Told by the Vivian Girls (Dog & Pony Theatre Co.); DESIGN AND PRODUCTION and Woody Guthrie’s American Song (Blindfaith Theatre). She studied with Christopher Chmeik (Artistic DirecThe Actors Gymnasium and Plasistor) is a founding member of The cene after having graduated from The Inconvenience and an actor within Theatre School at DePaul University. the company and around Chicago.

She can be seen in the upcoming proSome of the projects he has worked duction of Butcher of Baraboo (A Red on include Chicagoland, The Earl (The Orchid Theatre). Many thanks to her Inconvenience),Wuthering Heights, (Life- talented co-creators in The Inconveline Theater), The Hostage, Letters Home, nience, as well as this outstanding cast On The Shore of the Wide World (Griffin and crew.

Theatre),Moonshiner (Jackalope Theater), Short Shakespeare! Comedy of Errors Jeff Glass (Lighting Design) is (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Chris delighted to be working with The graduated with a BFA in Acting from The Inconvenience and Theatre on The Lake.

Theatre School at DePaul in 2008.

Chicago credits include: Sweet Bird of Youth (The Artistic Home, Jeff Award John Cicora (Musical Director/ Nomination); Alexander and The Terrible, Musician) is a multi-instrumental arHorrible…, Snow White, If You Give a ranger and composer. He has taught Cat a Cupcake (Emerald City Theatre); private lessons and worked closely Invasion of the Body Snatchers (City Lit with the music, visual arts, dance, and Theater). Jeff is an ensemble member of theater communities in Chicago for New Suit Theatre Company, as well as a eight years. After graduating from protégé with Shattered Globe Theatre.

6 Theater on the Lake

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

John Holt (Scenic Design) serves as production designer and technical director for the Inconvenience, of which he is a founding member. John has played an integral role in events since the company’s inception, collaborating in the creation of the play festivals Strapped and Post-Traumatic, as well as Brett Neveu’s The Earl as a co-production with A Red Orchid Theatre, The Fly Honey Show burlesque, the original dance salon Standing Room Only, and the A Little Bit Louder Now live music series. Favorite Chicago designs include Paloma Querida (Luna Negra Dance Theatre), Passing Strange and Aida (Bailiwick),That Sordid Little Story (New Colony), Riff Raff (Mary-Arrchie), Arrangements (Pavement Group) and Paper Thin Walls (Abraham Werewolf ).

Ike Holter (Playwright) Ike Holter’s work has been developed by The Playwrights Center, The Eugene O’Neil Theater Center, and The Kennedy Center. His plays have been produced at EP Theatre, The Mixed Blood, Jackalope, The Chopin, Vintage, City Lit, and Nothing Without a Company, where he is the Associate Artistic Director. Ike has written 6 shows for The Inconvenience (where he is the Resident Writer); most recently “Hit The Wall” at The Steppenwolf Garage, which sold out two extensions in record time. His work will also be produced this summer by Route 66, Colloboraction, The Ex-Pats, and LiveWire, Jackalope. Recently, he was commissioned by DePaul University’s Theater school (where he is an alum of ‘07 for Playwriting) to write a play for the Merle Reskin Theater to be directed by Dexter Bullard in May of 2013. *This show is dedicated to my Mother, Catherine Cullen, who taught me how to fight.* Eric Hoff (Director) is very excited to Hit The Wall with you. Eric’s mission is to explore the intersection of beautiful art and social justice. For The Inconvenience, Eric directed Woyzeck

of Sarajevo, part of 2011’s city-wide The Woyzeck Project, which he co-produced.

For About Face Theatre, he worked with Bonnie Metzgar on Pony, by Sylvan Oswald. He directed Brooke Allen’s Ruby Wilder for the New York International Fringe Festival and served as Managing Director of (a)Symmetry Cycle for Chelsea Marcantel. A recent alumnus of The Directors Lab at Lincoln Center Theater, Eric is based in New York where he works with International Contemporary Ensemble. He returns to Chicago this summer to direct What’s the T? with About Face Youth Theatre.

Ike Holter (Playwright) is back for his fourth show with The Inconvenience, where he is the Resident Writer. His work has been developed by The Playwrights Center, The Eugene O’Neil Theater Center, and The Kennedy Center’s ACTF. His plays have been produced by EP Theatre, The Mixed Blood Theatre, Jackalope Theatre, City Lit, and Nothing Without a Company, where he is the Associate Artistic Director.

Kelly Kerwin (Dramaturg) is thrilled to be working with The Inconvenience again after co-directing Chicagoland and acting as Producing Director for Strapped. Favorite dramaturgy credits include Oblivion, part of Steppenwolf’s First Look Repertory of New Work, and the world premiere of The House Theatre of Chicago’s The Sparrow. She has worked in the literary departments at Steppenwolf, The House, and Atlantic Theatre Company in New York. Currently, Kelly curates a monthly performance series for Salonathon, and she is the Associate Producer at Collaboraction.

She received her BFA in Dramaturgy/ Dramatic Criticism from The Theatre School at DePaul University.

Erin Kilmurray (Choreography) has been the dance programmer and collaborating artist with The Inconvenience since 2010. She has worked on Company (Griffin Theater), Hit the Wall 7

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

Chicagoland, The Fly Honey Show, The Little Things, Standing Room Only (The Inconvenience), Spring Awakening (Northwestern University), and various independent projects around Chicago, including co-producing The Open Space Project. In addition, Erin has performed with Same Planet Different World Dance Theater, Kate Corby & Dancers, The Moving Architects, Becca Lemme, Jacqueline Stewart/Jaxon Movement Arts, and Thodos Dance Chicago/New Dances. Erin would like to thank her Incon family for providing a continuous opportunity to create.

Josh Lambert (Musician) was born and raised in southeastern Michigan.

After several failed attempts at finding a major focus of study at the University of Southern Michigan (which doesn’t exist), he decided to focus on music and life experience. Thus far, his travels have led him to Logan Square, Chicago, Illinois, where he currently works as a bartender, musician, actor, and haver of fun. He is in two musical projects, one with fellow cast member Ryan Murphy, Vamos, and Bring Your Ray Gun. Josh would like to thank the Inconvenience and the Theatre on the Lake for allowing him to take part in what has proved, and is still proving to be, one of the greatest times in his life: HIT THE MUTHAF*CKIN WALL!!!

Krissy Larson (Production Stage Manager) Krissy is thrilled to be working with The Inconvenience on this incredible production. In March she made her Chicago debut with Jackalope Theatre Company’s world premiere of The Last Duck. Recently transplanted from Houston, Texas, Krissy was PSM at Stages Repertory Theatre for Speech and Debate, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Auntie Mane, Panto Pinocchio,Oh, The Humanity, Yankee Tavern, and Winter Wonderettes. She also spent a summer in upstate NY at Forestburgh Playhouse where she was ASM for Idaho! (dir. Matt Lenz), Biloxi Blues, Shirley Valentine (with Loretta Swit), The Man of 8 Theater on the Lake

LaMancha, Jekyll & Hyde, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Chicago, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and PSM for The Wizard of Oz and The Three Little Pigs. She has a BFA in theatre from Sam Houston State University. A very special thanks to Missi, Eric, and the wonderful Ellen Willett. TTMAB. Nora Mally (Assistant Stage Manager) Nora moved to Chicago in August of 2011 to work as a stage management apprentice at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. While at Steppenwolf she had the great pleasure of working on Clybourne Park, Time Stands Still, and assistant stage managing Life and Limb for the Steppenwolf/Northwestern Next Up series. Hit the Wall will be her first non-Steppenwolf show in Chicago. She could not be more grateful or excited for the opportunity.

Gus Menary (Assistant Director) is honored to be working on this production. He is a company member and Director of Music Programming for The Inconvenience. He directed Andrew Swanson’s Moonshiner and Shawn Reddy’s My Name is Mudd (Jackalope Theater Company); and next October he will be directing Mickle Maher’s Spirits to Enforce (Abraham Werewolf ).

He has worked with many Chicago theatre companies including Mary Arrchie, NWAC and EP Theater. He attended Columbia College’s directing program and was trained at The American Conservatory Theatre, The New Conservatory Theatre and attended the San Francisco School of the Arts. Much love to The Inconvenience.

Ryan Murphy (Composer/Musician) has played music all his life. Enjoys VHS, John Candy and a good tickle. He’s from the south suburbs and went to Columbia for a minute. Now he fronts the band VAMOS! and writes for punk band The Bedpans with Inconvenience member Chris Chmelik. He would like to thank The Inconvenience for being his friends, roommates and lovers and

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .)

Dj Rahm Emanuel for bringing the house down last night. Let the good times roll…

Ryan Bourque (Fight Choreography) graduated from Columbia College with a degree in acting. He has acted inSophocles: Seven Sicknesses, Woyzeck, The Pirates of Penzance, Miss Julie (The Hypocrites),The Earl (The Inconvenience),Cherrywood (Mary Arrchie), and The Hostage (The Griffin).

Fight Choreography: Oedipus El Rey, We are proud to Present: a Presentation, (Victory Gardens), Romeo Juliet, Sophocles: Sicknesses, Woyzeck (The Hypocrites Hit The Wall, Fight Night, The Earl, Chicagoland (The Inconvenience), Moonshiner (Jackalope), Company (The Griffin), Bus Stop (The Den), Cherrywood (Mary Ar��� rchie),), and Festen (Steep Theatre). Ryan is a freelance photographer, the Director of Media Relations, and a company member of The Inconvenience.Thank you Family, and Friends for your Love and Support.

David Seeber (Script Supervisor) is very excited to be working with The Inconvenience again. A recent graduate from Columbia College, David is an actor, director, clown, musician, and performance artist. He conceived and directed the site-responsive play,

QuarryProject (AltSpaces), The Invention of Space at Columbia College’s Manifest, and Three Plays by Tron Von Trier at Mary-Arrchie’s Abbiefest 23. Most recently he directed the live installation piece, Steam Orkestra ���������������� (Liminality Theatre). David was the stage manager for LiveWire Chicago’s A Bright New Boise, and ASM for Conquest of the South Pole at Strawdog Theatre Company.

Michael H. Solomon (Asst. Production Manager) is thrilled to be working with the Incon once again. He is a graduate of the Ohio State University ‘07 and Steppenwolf Casting Intern ‘11. Michael is an actor, director, producer and all around supporter of the arts. He is the site director for JCC Chicago’s AfterSchool program in Skokie. He co-founded ArtRatProductions in Columbus, OH in 2008, an arts organization dedicated to the proliferation of outstanding artworks in the community. Michael will be sitting on the board for the 2012 Creative Chicago Expo and is a company member of the Murder Mystery Co. Chicago. His work on HTW is dedicated to the memory of John K. Adams. Many thanks to family, friends and supporters.

Hit the Wall 9

Moby-Dick Adapted by The Building Stage From the novel by Herman Melville Conceived and directed by Blake Montgomery* Original music by Kevin O’Donnell Scenic Design by Pamela Maurer* and Blake Montgomery Costume Design by Izumi Inaba Lighting Design by Jared Moore Sound Design by Claudette Perez Stage Management by Amanda Frechette The Building Stage creates new works through the rehearsal process, with no separation between play and production. This adaptation of Moby-Dick has been developed and shaped by the designers and performers who worked on the show in 2006 and 2011: David Amaral, Casey Baker, Sarah Goeden, Rachel Griesinger, Sarah Hecht, Fannie Hungerford, Izumi Inaba, Chelsea Keenan*, Ian Knox, Jason Martin, Stephanie Millar, Kevin O’Donnell, Danny Osburn, Justin D.M. Palmer, Mike Przygoda, Meghan Raham, Marcus Stephens, Jon Stutzman*, Joel Sugerman, Leah Urzendowski, and Nathan Wonder. *company member of The Building Stage

10 Theater on the Lake

The Ensemble Ishmaels Rachel Griesinger Sarah Hecht Chelsea Keenan Ian Knox Blake Montgomery Nathan Wonder Percussionists Casey Baker Kevin O’Donnell Mike Przygoda

A Note on the Adaptation “Call me Ishmael.” With this bold direct address of the audience, Herman Melville launches into one of the greatest American literary creations. Passionate, philosophical, and funny, Melville’s MobyDick is a grand and messy work. In order to capture the giddy swirl of ideas that characterize the book, The Building Stage adaptation employs a chorus of “Ishmaels” to tell the story, each Ishmael in turn plays the key characters of the story, allowing for six united but unique perspectives on Ahab, Starbuck, Stubb, and the crew of the Pequod.

The adaptation’s tight focus allows us to invest fully in our chosen theme — the contagious nature of obsession — instead of frantically chasing down every narrative detail from the novel. This means that characters and events essential to Melville’s work — including the beloved Queequeg — have been excluded from this production. We apologize to you, Melville, and Queequeg for this cruel treatment.

We do not pretend that this is the definitive adaptation of Melville’s novel. It is simply our adaptation.

— Blake Montgomery, Artistic Director of The Building Stage

Moby-Dick runs for 2 hours and includes one intermission.

Moby Dick 11

THE ARTISTS Casey Baker PercussionistDuring the week, Casey is a producer at the Chicago Tribune for , a stage and radio show created by the Tribune and The Second City. On Sundays, he is the producer of on WGN Radio. In his free evenings, he can be found hanging around various theatres (currently drumming in this lovely production, most recently performing with Be the Groove and stage managing with The House) or playing volleyball. His preferred ride is a 1980 Honda c70 Passport, his preferred beach is Montrose.

Countless thanks to his kind parents, Barbara Butts, Erika, and providence.

Amanda Frechette Stage ManagerAmanda is very happy to join The Building Stage for their remount of at Theatre on the Lake. Amanda has been seen working around Chicago with New Leaf Theatre (Artistic Associate), The House Theatre of Chicago, and Red Tape Theatre to name a few.

She earned her BA from Plymouth State University with an option in Acting and Design & Technology. As always love to Mum, Dad and Cindy!

Before making Chicago her home, Sarah lived in New York City where she pursued a variety of theatrical adventures. In Chicago, she’s appeared in and with Cock and Bull Theatre, with Arc Theatre, and As You Like It with Soundstage Radio.

Last summer, she co-wrote and performed in in The Chicago Fringe Festival with The Vox Theatre.

Most recently she appeared at The Building Stage in . Please visit www. sarah-hecht.com.

Izumi Inaba Costume Designer Izumi is so excited to be working with The Building Stage where she also designed the costumes for .... She has recently worked with About Face Theatre and Chicago Dramatists for their co-production of , Sideshow for , Immediate for , and Griffin for . A recipient of a non-Equity Jeff Award for make-up design for Cats (Theo Ubique Cabaret), Izumi received her MFA in Stage Design from Northwestern University.

Rachel Griesinger Ishmael Rachel graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in the performing arts. She has been seen in Street Scene (National Pastime Theatre), (Redmoon), (State Theatre Chicago), as a puppeteer in the original new musical Stalk (LaCosta), as Juliet in (Stone Soup Shakespeare). Rachel is excited to be working with The Building Stage again after having recently performed in . Immeasurable gratitude for her parents’ and little bro’s support.

Chelsea Keenan Ishmael Chelsea has performed with The Building Stage in and . She also was the Associate Director on their recent production of . Chelsea is a founding company member of Sandbox Theater Project, appearing in and cowriting in the site-specific comedies and . She has also appeared with The House Theatre of Chicago in and and in productions with The Mill and sprung movement theatre.

A native of California, Chelsea is a graduate of the Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts and UC Santa Barbara’s BFA program. She is proud to serve as the Director of Strategic Engagement at The House Theatre of Chicago.

Sarah Hecht Ishmael Sarah grew up in Knoxville, TN, and earned her BA from Tufts University and her MFA in Acting at DePaul.

Ian Knox Ishmael Ian recently performed with The Building Stage in . Ian has also worked with many Chicago theatre

12 Theater on the Lake

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T H E A R T I S T S ( c o n t .) companies; most recently he’s been seen in LOTC’s Armless, Aston Rep’s , 45 min Production’s 365 Sketches, WNEP’s , OPFT’s , Infamous Commonwealth’s , Annoyance Theater’s , Quest Theatre Ensemble’s , and Theater Wit’s. Ian is also a musician and plays the accordion with The New Switcheroo. He would like to thank his fantastic girlfriend, his amazing friends, and his loving family.

Pamela Maurer Co-Scenic Designer Pamela is a graduate of the CCPA at Roosevelt University. As a company member of The Building Stage, she has performed in and as well as having served as scenic designer for and props designer for . She has designed scenery and props for Will Act for Food, Open Eye Productions, Oak Park Festival Theater, and Polarity Ensemble. She regularly performs as a musician in Chicago, and is currently working with Andrew Francis as the blues and gospel duo Poor Elvis.

Blake Montgomery Director/Co-Scenic Designer Ishmael Blake is the founder and artistic director of The Building Stage, where he has conceived and/or directed Hamlet, (co-directed), , and With The Building Stage, Blake has performed in, , and . Recent work outside the company includes performing in The House Theare of Chicago’sand at Court Theatre. He trained at the Ecole Jacques Lecoq and Dell’Arte School of Physical Theater.

Jared Moore Lighting Designer Jared studied Theatre & Design at Georgia College & State University graduating in 2001. He has completed internships with the Berkshire Theatre Festival in 14 Theater on the Lake

Stockbridge, Massachusetts and the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville, Florida. He resides in Chicago as a professional freelance lighting designer where he has lit more than 200 shows, in a variety of genres ranging from opera to outdoor spectacle, over the past ten years.

He is a resident designer/artistic associate with The Hypocrites, New Leaf Theatre, NoMi LaMad Dance Inc., and currently serves as Lighting Director/Designer for Luna Negra Dance Theater, undertaking national & international touring projects.

His work has garnered him seven Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards for Outstanding Design and two After Dark Awards. He returns to The Building Stage after previously providing the lighting for

Kevin O’Donnell Composer/Music Director Kevin is a composer and musician based in Chicago. At The Building Stage he has worked on music for , and His work in theater has earned 18 Jeff Nominations (8 Awards), and 2 consecutive After Dark Awards (for Outstanding Season). In Chicago he has worked with The House (company member), The Hypocrites (artistic associate), Redmoon, TimeLine, A.T.C., The Next, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare, and Lookingglass, amongst others; regionally his work has been heard at The Cherry Lane, 59E59, St Anne’ s Warehouse, DTW (NYC), The Taper Forum (LA), A.C.T. (San Francisco), Tangént (Montreal), The Arsht Center (Miami), The Stages Rep (Houston), The Kansas City Rep, and Baltimore CenterStage. As a musician he has worked extensively with Andrew Bird, with whom he co-produced the music for the film “Norman”. For theatre, film, and gig info: www.kevinodonnellmusic.com.

Mike Przygoda Percussionist

T H E A R T I S T S ( c o n t .)

Mike Przygoda never knew when he was in high school that playing in the drumline and reading Herman Melville would be combined. This experience has given him hope to finally produce ”Bartleby, The Scrivener” as a rock opera.

Nathan Wonder Ishmael Nathan is thrilled to work with The Building Stage again after having recently performed in. Previously he appeared as Hoppner/Ensemble in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s production of . He holds an M.F.A. in Acting from the Theatre Conservatory of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. He is also a graduate of the University of Oregon’s Theater Arts and Mathematics programs. Nathan would like to thank his girlfriend for her unwavering support.

Call me Ishmael Rachel Griesinger

Sarah Hecht

Chelsea Keenan

Ian Knox

Blake Montgomery

Nathan Wonder Moby Dick 15

A B O U T T H E B U I L D I N G S TAG E Company Members

Blake Montgomery, Artistic Director Daiva Bhandari Chelsea Keenan Pamela Maurer Jon Stutzman Max Wirt T H E AT E R O N T H E L A K E 2 012 Managing Director........................................................................................... Samantha Chavis Managing Director Emeritus.................................................................. Krista Bryski Richard Artistic Curator.................................................................................... Meghan Beals McCarthy Artistic Curator...................................................................................Michael Patrick Thornton Production Manager..............................................................................Maude Graham-Nieds Box Office Manager............................................................................................ Matthew Pierce Box Office Staff................................................................................ Erika Geller, Andrea Young House Manager.............................................................................................................. Kitty Baker Master Electrician.............................................................................................. Jacob Snodgrass Technical Director.......................................................................................................Patrick Fries Sound.......................................................................................................Red Line Event Services Sound Board Operator............................................................................................ Brian Shader Lighting Board Operator............................................................................... Karen Thompson Lighting Crew................................................ Elizabeth Boros-Kazai, Andrew Glasenhardt,

Sarah Lackner, Megan Snowder Press/PR: Chicago Park District...........................................................................Marta Juaniza Special thanks to Fullerton Beach Grill and Rub BBQ Company for partnering with Theater on the Lake. Thanks also to our sponsors Pequod’s Pizza and IZZE Sparking Fruit Juice for providing delicious and refreshing food and beverages for our Theater Thursdays.

Theater on the Lake would like to pay special tribute to the memory of cherished, longtime subscriber, Lucy E. Redmon, who will be dearly missed.

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