THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com The production of The Drowsy Chaperone is a collaboration between the Cardinal Stritch University Departments of Theater and Music. The videotaping of this production is a violation of United States Copyright Law and an actionable Federal Offense. Cardinal Stritch University is a smoke-free campus. In an attempt to conserve our natural resources, we are asking patrons to return programs in the boxes provided outside of the entrances to the theater.
D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E S During the summer of 2006, a friend took me to see The Drowsy Chaperone in New York. He gave me no clues as to the show’s content, but he said I would want to direct it as soon as it was available. I couldn’t imagine what I was going to see, but I never expected to have a grin on my face from the first sentence. The Drowsy Chaperone is a show-within-a-show about a die-hard musical fan who plays his favorite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called The Drowsy Chaperone, for the audience. You need to know little else. It started in 1997 as a spoof of old musicals written by friends for the rehearsal dinner of Bob Martin and his wife, Janet (check out the names of the characters to be married). Martin, who was a major contributor to the Canadian hit television show, Slings & Arrows, took the script, reworked it into a full length show, created the Man in Chair to serve as the narrator, and then was the first actor to fill that role. It took its time to get to Broadway but was an immediate smash hit. Why? Because as a delightful send-up of a fictitious musical as seen through the discerning yet nostalgic eyes of a middle-aged, slightly depressed, theater devotee, it’s an evening that’s incredibly charming, sweet and oh so funny! We have had a great time creating this production and I want to thank our mega-talented musical team, design team, cast and crew for making my work so very easy. And a special and heartfelt thank you to the stage management team without whom, we wouldn’t be able to work at all. Enjoy!! Pam Kriger
CAST MAN IN CHAIR................................................................................................................................. Trevor Rees* MRS. TOTTENDALE.................................................................................................................Olivia Ludwiczak UNDERLING..................................................................................................................................... Andrew Lex* ROBERT MARTIN........................................................................................................................... Marcus Beyer GEORGE................................................................................................................................................ Jake Zappa FELDZIEG.............................................................................................................................................Sam Shircel KITTY.................................................................................................................................... Shaina Summerville GANGSTER #1................................................................................................................................ Sean Jackson GANGSTER #2...............................................................................................................................Austin Gomez ALDOLPHO..................................................................................................................................Joshua Krause* JANET VAN DE GRAAFF........................................................................................................... Rebecca Crane THE DROWSY CHAPERONE..................................................................................................Brittany Bonnell TRIX THE AVIATRIX....................................................................................................................Jeannine Rivers SUPERINTENDANT...................................................................................................................Ryan Treviranus ENSEMBLE.........................................................................................................Séssie Agbley, Rachel Babiak, Hugh Blewett, Shannon Bowling 2 Cardinal Stritch University
MUSICAL NUMBER ACT ONE
ACT TWO
Overture Fancy Dress Cold Feets Wedding Bells #1 Show Off As We Stumble Along Aldolpho Accident Waiting To Happen Toledo Surprise Act 1 Finale
Message From A Nightingale Bride’s Lament Love Is Always Lovely I Do, I Do In The Sky Finale Ultimo
ARTISTIC CREDITS Director/Choreographer................................................................................................................. Pam Kriger Musical Director/Vocal Coach....................................................................................... Carol Greif Schuele Conductor..........................................................................................................................................Dennis King Scenic Designer..................................................................................................................... Aaron Dyszelski* Costume Designer........................................................................................................Robert J. Liebhauser* Lighting Designer............................................................................................................................... Iain Court Reeds...............................................................................................................Curt Hanrahan, Tom Newburg, Audrey Nowakowski, Marcie Weiss Trumpets...................................................................................................Matt Antoniewicz, Allen Johnson Trombone........................................................................................................................................David Carlton Percussion........................................................................................................................................ Scott Wenzel Keyboard.......................................................................................................................................Michelle Kwon Bass....................................................................................................................................................... Jonah Felda Dance Captain.................................................................................................................. Shaina Summerville Stage Manager............................................................................................................................Jen Anderson* Assistant Stage Managers.....................................................................Steven Thomas, Ryan Treviranus Scenic Construction Crew.............................................................................Marcus Beyer, Zachary Frick, Austin Gomez, Cassie Goulais, Sean Jackson, Joshua Krause*, Andrew Lex*, Hallie Morris, Amanda Paretti*, Ashley Pearine, Trevor Rees*, Steven Thomas, Jessica Werner, Josh Wohlleben Costume Construction.........................................................................Hugh Blewett, Shannon Bowling, Rebecca Hubert, Olivia Ludwiczak Program Layout...................................................................................................................Karen Mihopulos* Photographs................................................................................................ Rachel Babiak, Ryan Treviranus Promotional Material................................................................................................................. Rachel Babiak
PRODUCTION CREDITS Technical Director................................................................................................................. Aaron Dyszelski* Light Board Operator...................................................................................................................Zachary Frick Sound Board Operator.........................................................................................................Amanda Paretti* Follow Spot Operators............................................................................ Ashley Pearine, Josh Wohlleben Props Masters..................................................................................................Hallie Morris, Steven Thomas Run Crew Chief..........................................................................................................................Chrissy Murphy Wardrobe.......................................................................Savanna Kraemer, Mark Quistorf, Alyssa Stuiber Projection Designer...................................................................................................................... Andrew Lex* House Manager............................................................................................................... Theresa Schoemann *indicates member of Alpha Psi Omega Theater Honorary Society
AC K N OW L E D G E M E N T S Special thanks to: Marriott Lincolnshire, Skylight Opera Theatre Cardinal Stritch University 3
BIOGR APHIES Séssie Agbley – (Freshman Theater major) is an international student with many travel experiences and the first in more than a decade to have his major as Theater. He has been in shows back in Africa, ranging from Shakespeare’s Macbeth to Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. The Drowsy Chaperone is Agbley’s second play. He looks forward to participating in future performances. Jen Anderson – (Senior Theater major) is stage managing her eighth and final show at Stritch. Throughout her college career, she has also stage managed with Skylight Opera Theater, Milwaukee Chamber Theater, Second Stage Theater Company, and Pannell Productions. Jen sends her love to her fellow theatrical artists, especially Josh, Rachel, Trevor, Ryan, and Christen. They have all become a huge family and she will cherish all of the memories created. She would like to thank her family for being incredibly supportive of her and her dream. Without them she would not be where she is today. Jen also sends her immense gratitude and love to the faculty of the Cardinal Stritch Theater Department: Aaron, Robert, Pam, Karen, and most of all, David. Thank you all so much for the support and guidance through the last four years. Jen is looking forward to continuing to pursue a career in professional theater as a stage manager. Rachel Babiak – (Junior Graphic Design major) is appearing in her fifth Stritch production. She was last seen in Almost, Maine, The Comedy of Errors, The Magician’s Nephew, and Urinetown the Musical. She would like to thank her family, friends, and Josh for being so supportive. Enjoy the show! 4 Cardinal Stritch University
Marcus Beyer – (Senior Musical Theater major) will also be graduating with a degree in Visual Arts. He has appeared previously at Stritch as Taller the Trumpeter in Rumpelstiltskin, Gooper in A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Uncle Andrew in The Magician’s Nephew, Officer Lockstock in Urinetown, and as Major Malone in Zombies From the Beyond. He also performs regularly in the Sketch 22 comedy show at the Alchemist Theater. Hugh Blewett – (Freshman Theater major) has been in Almost, Maine, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, and Rumpelstiltskin. His favorite roles include Lady Bracknell and Rumpelstiltskin. Brittany Bonnell – (Junior Vocal Music major) recently starred as Zerlina in SEWPA’S 2010 production of Don Giovanni and was featured in the chorus of Carmen. A favorite past Stritch role is in the ensemble of Urinetown in 2009. Shannon Bowling – (Freshman Theater major) is very excited to finish off her freshman year as a member of the chorus! She is proud of all the hard work and growth from the entire company and is enthused for future productions. She would like to thank her support group for believing in her and encouraging her to do her best and hopes that you leave the theater entertained! Iain Court – (Lighting Designer) is currently the Lighting Designer and Production Manager for the Department of Dance at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Originally from Sydney,
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t. ) Australia, Iain has worked as a performer, director, designer and production manager/stage manager across all genres of performance and in theatres throughout Australia and touring across Europe. His principal interest is in Lighting Design and he has lit works in medieval churches, circus tents, on river banks and in haunted houses as well as many theatres. He also has an interest in new media performance and has collaborated on installations and touring productions. He has been involved in arts education for 20 years, teaching at the Australian National Institute of Dramatic Arts, as chair of drama at Wesley Institute, developing the technicians’ training programs for the Sydney Opera House and consulting on National Standards for the Entertainment Industry in Australia. He won the David Helfgot award for his contribution to Accessible Arts in Australia. Recent projects include projection design for The Lears – Theatre Gigante, lighting for Mirage in Toronto, Dreams Dammed in New York and Tulsa, Urinetown, Winterdances, Your Mother Dances and The Miser in Milwaukee.
and Entertainment Manager with Walt Disney in Orlando, Florida. While there, he also worked as a freelance designer for several non-profit and multi-cultural theater groups. He’d like to thank his wife, Dana, for her willingness to share him with his art. Austin Gomez – (Sophomore Theater major) has performed in Urinetown as Barrel, Coyote On a Fence as Sam, and The Comedy of Errors as Egeon. As of this year, he has played Phil/Lendall in Almost, Maine and the Miller in Rumpelstiltskin. Austin is also excited to be a gangster in this show! “Thank you to my family, my friends, my wonderful girlfriend, and everyone who came out tonight!”
Carol Greif Schuele – (Musical Director/ Vocal Coach) is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Music with a B.M.E. and The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music with a M.M. in vocal performance. She has been a featured artist with Rebecca Crane the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, – (Sophomore Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, and the Musical Theater Cathedral of St. John Fine Arts Series major) is very excited with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. As an to be in another educator, Carol has been on the voice production at Stritch. faculty at the Wisconsin Conservatory Past shows at Stritch of Music, Cardinal Stritch University, and include Rumpelhas music directed and taught classes at stiltskin, The Comedy of Errors (Courtesan), the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. and Urinetown (Hope). Other roles Carol has performed with the Milwaukee include Auntie Em/Glinda in The Wizard Chamber Theatre, MCT Shaw Festival, Skyof Oz at Theater on Main and Nellie in light Miller Cabaret, and is always happy South Pacific at Lake Country Players. to return to the Skylight Opera Theatre Rebecca sends her love to M, D, RJ, family, stage where she has appeared in many friends, and Kyle. Many thanks to the productions including Cosi Fan Tutte Stritch Theater Department. (Despina), The Mikado (Yum-Yum), A Little Night Music (Mrs. Nordstrom), The Turn of Aaron Dyszelski – (Designer/Technical the Screw (Miss Jessel), Patience (Lady Ella), Director), after graduating from Stritch in and most recently as Mrs. Pavlenko in A 2000 with a B.A. in Sculpture and a B.F.A. Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine. in Theater, is glad to be back home in the role of Assistant Professor and Technical Sean Jackson Director for the Nancy Kendall Theater. – (Sophomore In the intervening years, he worked as Musical Theater a freelance theater artist around the major) is extremely Midwest and attended the University of happy to be Kansas, where he earned his M.F.A. in Sceperforming in the nography. He then worked as a Costumer Milwaukee Premiere Cardinal Stritch University 5
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t. ) of The Drowsy Chaperone. He has played other roles on this stage and is ecstatic every time the curtain goes up. He thanks you for coming and can’t wait to entertain you. Dennis King – (Conductor), an associate professor and Chair of the Music Department at Stritch, received his Ph.D. and M.M. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. King has conducted other shows at Stritch Including Once Upon a Mattress, Two By Two, Oklahoma!, Love Rides the Rails, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum, and The Sound of Music. Joshua Krause – (Senior Theater major) has performed as Owen Musser in The Foreigner, Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Father Flynn in Doubt, Trenton Corbett in Zombies From the Beyond, Bobby Strong in Urinetown, John Brennan in Coyote on a Fence, Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Jimmy/ Chad/Dave in Almost, Maine. He is sad to be leaving the Stritch stage, but is excited to enter the real world. Josh would like to thank David, Pam, Robert, Aaron, and Karen for all of their help and support these four years. He would like to say hello to his friends, family, and his lovely girlfriend, Rachel. Peace and love to the Department. Pam Kriger – (Director/ Choreographer) is a member of the theater faculty at Stritch and has worked extensively as a director and choreographer for the past 40 years at a wide range of Milwaukee and regional theaters. At Stritch she has directed Zombies from the Beyond, Waiting for the Parade, Oklahoma!,The Laramie Project, and Urinetown, the Musical. Recent credits at other theaters include White Christmas and Dames at Sea for the Skylight, Red Pepper Jelly III for Renaissance Theatreworks, Curtains for Nicolet High School, and Cheeseheads, the Musical, and Muskie Love for American Folklore Theater. Her next project is Bing, the Cherry Musical for AFT and choreography for Music Man at Skylight. 6 Cardinal Stritch University
Andrew Lex – (Senior Theater major) has performed as Balthazar in The Comedy of Errors, Caldwell B. Caldwell in Urinetown, the Musical, Rick in Zombies From the Beyond, and Franz in The Sound of Music. He was a production intern last summer at Peninsula Players in Door County. Robert J. Liebhauser – (Costume Designer), an Assistant Professor of Theater, has been on the theater faculty of Stritch since 1992 and has served as department costume designer since 1989. He is also an accomplished actor and director and currently is Director of Theater for Young Audiences at Stritch. Prior to Stritch, he received his B.A. in Theater Arts from Marquette University and his M.F.A. from the Professional Theatre Training Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also taught at Marquette University and has worked extensively throughout the Milwaukee area as a costume designer and as a stage and commercial actor. Credits include work with Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Northern Stage Theatre, and the Bay View Players. Olivia Ludwiczak – (Freshman Musical Theater major) is excited to participate in this year’s musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. She has played many roles in the past including the Little Gingerbread Boy in The Little Gingerbread Boy, Sandrine, Marvalyn, and Marci in Almost, Maine, and most recently, Princess Gabrielle in Stritch’s production of Rumpelstiltskin. She hopes you enjoy the show tonight, and would like to thank her parents for all their love and support. Trevor Rees – (Senior Theater/ Communications major) is performing in his 15th show on the Stritch mainstage. A few of his previous roles have included
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t. ) Dromio of Syracuse in The Comedy of Errors, Gerry Evans in Dancing at Lughnasa, and Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, among many others. Trevor would like to thank both the Theater and Communications Departments for their support, his family and friends for their incredible love, and to all those involved with this production for all of their hard work, creativity, and dedication. He also thanks and wishes good luck to all of the graduating seniors, Josh, Jen, and Amanda for their years of friendship, laughter, hard work, and constant love! “Aren’t you excited? The curtain is going up! I can’t wait!” Jeannine Rivers – (Vocal Jazz Studies major) is an accomplished bandleader of “Jeannine Rivers Group” and has held court at many impressive jazz clubs and music venues throughout the Midwest. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel described Jeannine’s vocal sound as having the precision and diction like that of Dinah Washington with some comparisons to Ella Fitzgerald. http:// www.jeanninerivers.com Sam Shircel – (Junior Psychology/English major) has performed most recently at Stritch as the Grocer in Rumpelstiltskin and East/Randy/Steve in Almost, Maine. Other roles include Bun Foo in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Grandpa in You Can’t Take It With You. Sam is glad to be at Stritch again performing with wonderful friends and thanks them and his family. Shaina Summerville – (Sophomore Musical Theater major/ Communications minor) is very excited to perform in her second musical at Stritch and her sixth mainstage performance. She has appeared in Urinetown, the Musical as Little Becky, The Magician’s Nephew as Polly, The Comedy of
Errors as Emilia, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof as Sooky, and Rumpelstiltskin as Smaller. She would like to congratulate the entire Department on their hard work. Break a leg! Steven Thomas – (Sophomore Theater major) has held multiple technical roles, which include, but are not limited to master electrician, light board operator, and run crew. He very much enjoyed this show and would like to thank everyone involved for such a great time. Ryan Treviranus – (Junior Photography major) is excited to be returning for his seventh show being a part of the stage management team. Here at Stritch he has stage managed Almost, Maine and The Magician’s Nephew He has also assistant stage managed Cat On a Hot Tin Roof and The Comedy of Errors. Ryan would like to thank his mentor, Jen Anderson who will be graduating in May. He wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavors along with the rest of the seniors. You all have made my time here the most amazing experience ever! Jake Zappa – (Junior Theater/ Communications major) would like to welcome you to the Milwaukee Amateur Premiere of The Drowsy Chaperone. Previous Stritch credits include Urinetown (Fipp) and The Comedy of Errors (Angelo). Lots of love to his family and friends, especially his Ninny, parents, Alisha, and his best friend, Sean Jackson. 1-4-3. This one’s for Auntie Bev and Papa Molidor watching from above.
Cardinal Stritch University 7
S P R I N G 2 011 C A R D I N A L S T R I TC H U N I V E R S I T Y M U S I C E V E N T S WSMA State Music Festival Saturday, May 7, 2011; 8:00 am-4:00 pm Over 2,000 talented high school musicians, who have qualified at district festivals, will perform at several locations across the Stritch campus. The performances are free and open to the public. Spring Concert Sunday, May 8, 2011;2:00pm, Kendall Theater Featuring the Cardinal Stritch University Concert Choir, Michael Batcho, conductor. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors citizens, alumni and students. Current Stritch students, faculty and staff are admitted free with a valid University ID card. To order tickets, call (414) 410-4171. For information on all Stritch music events contact Dennis King, Music Department Chair, (414) 410-4349.
SPRING 2011 CARDINAL STRITCH NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL ART GALLERY EXHIBITS
BA Exhibition - An Interwoven Landscape April 8-20, 2011 Opening reception is Gallery Night, Friday, April 15, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy live music at the food and wine reception. Graduating Art majors display their thesis works. Vietnam Photographers Exhibition May 6-July 31, 2011 Opening reception Friday, May 6, 5-8 p.m. Enjoy live music at the food and wine reception. A closing reception will also be held on Friday, July 29, 5-8 p.m. Featuring photographs by renowned photographer Robert Ellison and Department of Army photographers.
D E D I C AT I O N It is with a deep and sincere pleasure that the students, faculty and staff of the Department of Theater Arts dedicate this production of The Drowsy Chaperone to our retiring Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Sr. Mary Ann Polasek. Sr. Mary Ann has given a lifetime of service to Cardinal Stritch University. She joined the full-time faculty of the Biology Department in 1967 and eventually assumed the role of Department Chair, stepping down from that position in 1996. She became the Dean of the College in 2002 and served admirably in that position for the past nine years. She has truly followed St. Francis of Assisi’s challenge to do “what is yours to do.” We in the Theater Arts Department are especially grateful for her support and advocacy over these many years; indeed, she has been one of our most loyal audience members. We deeply appreciate the fact that she always has taken the time to write a letter of thanks and appreciation to the students and staff after each production. As she moves on to new challenges--and we hope some rest and recreation--we wish her peace and all good. From the bottom of our hearts, we say “thank you.”
8 Cardinal Stritch University