Little Women
1
Au t h o r - l o u i s a m a y a l c o t t (18 3 2 -18 8 8 ) Louisa May Alcott was raised with her three sisters by transcendentalist parents in New England where she grew up among many well-known intellectuals such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau. Her family was wealthy at one time but suffered severe financial difficulties during the Civil War and Alcott worked to help support the family from an early age. The novel, Little Women, is loosely based on Alcott’s childhood experiences with her sisters and parents in New England during the war. Similarities abound! Alcott was an abolitionist and a feminist. She lost a younger sister and she wrote and published melodramas under the name, A.M. Barnard. The character of Jo has usually been assumed to be based on Alcott, herself.
d i r e c to r ’ s n o t e s I remember reading Little Women as a young girl and I remember crying about Beth and cheering for Jo and just becoming completely absorbed in the stories of the March family. It never occurred to me then to see Jo as one of the first feminists in American Literature. Of course, I didn’t even know that word back in the day. But when I started working on this show, I was pleasantly surprised to find this beautiful array of sisters, one who traveled a different path. And as we uncovered the characters and themes of this show, I was heartened to see the unconditional acceptance by the parents of the huge differences and goals of their children. It seems that these qualities were inherent in the author’s life. So why make it a musical? A great story often screams to be musicalized because the music heightens the emotional intensity of the characters and the relationships. And the authors of the show have created a beautiful, charming, and funny musical score that delivers that in spades. I want to thank Carol Greif, Jayne Latva, Rick Rasmussen, Scott Wirtz-Olsen, and Robert Liebhauser, a great production and design team; and a huge thank you to cast and crew for their commitment to this project. We are proud to bring this delightful show to Milwaukee and we hope you are as charmed as we were when we first discovered it. Enjoy!
artistic credits Director/Choreographer.....................................................................................................................Pam Kriger Musical Director/Vocal Coach......................................................................................... Carol Greif Schuele Accompanist/Pit Orchestra..............................................................................................................Jayne Latva Set Designer................................................................................................................................. Rick Rasmussen Lighting Designer....................................................................................................................Scott Wirtz-Olsen Costume Designer............................................................................................................. Robert Liebhauser* Musical Staging......................................................................................................................................Pam Kriger Stage Manager............................................................................................................................ Roxanne Dobbs Technical Director...................................................................................................................Scott Wirtz-Olsen Properties Designer.......................................................................................................................... Erin Schilder Wig Mistress..................................................................................................................................Dana Rochester Costume Construction.............................................................................Hugh Blewett, Roxanne Dobbs, Tiffany Garza, Izetta Voss Program Layout...................................................................................................................... Karen Mihopulos* Promotional Material.................................................................................................................... Rachel Babiak Photographs.................................................................................................... Cassie Goulais, Melissa Webb Produced by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. 2
Cardinal Stritch University
cast Beth.....................................................................................................................................................Rebecca Crane Jo..................................................................................................................................................................Izetta Voss Amy.......................................................................................................................................................Natasha Laws Meg.........................................................................................................................................Shaina Summerville Marmee.........................................................................................................................................Olivia Ludwiczak Aunt March...................................................................................................................................... Alex Bouchard Laurie.................................................................................................................................................... Sean Jackson John......................................................................................................................................................Austin Gomez Mr. Laurence.............................................................................................................................Joshua Wohlleben Father....................................................................................................................................................Hugh Blewett Professor Bhaer.....................................................................................................................................Sam Shircel Mrs. Kirke........................................................................................................................................ Kristen Landaal Sally Harper...................................................................................................................................... Cassie Goulais Mrs. Hawthorne................................................................................................................................. Hallie Morris Ensemble.............................................................................Kevin Bissett, Hugh Blewett, Cassie Goulais, Emily Grunwaldt, Kristin Landaal, Hallie Morris, Phillip J. Roeder, Erin Schilder, Sam Shircel, Joshua Wohlleben
set ting The Place – The attic and parlor of the March house in Concord, Massachusetts, as well as New York City, and Paris. 1864. There will be one interval of 15 minutes.
musical numbers Act One Worst Christmas I Will Try You’re a Lady It’s a Ball One Beautiful Evening That’s Riches I Do Not Need a Man The Music of Our Home For Father Fly At Me Full of Love
Act Two There’s a World Out There Doors Are Opening The Mazurka How’s That For a Story? Hold On To Me I Have a Garden I’m Not Perfect Finale
The production of Little Women is a collaboration between the Cardinal Stritch University Departments of Theater and Music.
orchestr a Keyboard.................................................................................................................................................Jayne Latva Bass........................................................................................................................................................... Jonah Felda Percussion............................................................................................................................................ Scott Wenzel
Little Women
3
production credits Set Construction Crew........................................... Alex Bouchard, Cassie Goulais, Seth Hallet, Natasha Laws, Phillip J. Roeder, Shaina Summerville, Joshua Wohlleben Property Assistants........................................................................................................Scene Shop Staff Sound Board Operator.................................................................................................... Steven Thomas Light Board Operator..............................................................................................Rachel Zembrowski *indicates member of Alpha Psi Omega Theater Honorary Society Biogr aphies Kevin Bissett – Ensemble. This is Kevin’s first ever show at Stritch. He is also not even a student at Stritch. Kevin has had theatrical roles in high school but this is his first university role. He would like to say that it has been a blast working with everyone on the show including his fiancé, Hallie Morris. Lastly, he would like to thank his family and friends for coming to see the show. Enjoy the performance!
Rebecca Crane – Senior Musical Theater major: Beth. Rebecca is very happy to be a part of Little Women. Previous roles include Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web, Cinderella in Into the Woods, Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Hope in Urinetown, the Musical. Rebecca is very grateful to the Stritch Theater Department and to her family and friends for their support. “Love to Kyle and my son Colton.”
Hugh Blewett - Junior Theater/Writing major: Father/Ensemble. Hugh has performed in community/semiprofessional theater in Milwaukee, and has worked on many films in the Milwaukee area including the feature horror film The Homecoming Queen. This is Hugh’s 12th performance on the Stritch stage. Favorite roles include Professor Moriarty and Rumpelstiltskin.
Roxanne Dobbs – Freshman Theater major: Stage Manager. This is Roxanne’s first time as a stage manager at Cardinal Stritch and she is thrilled to be doing this job. She had been in three productions this year, but wanted to try her hand at stage managing. Roxanne would like to thank the Cardinal Stritch Theater Department for giving her this incredible opportunity and being supportive through the whole journey. She would also like to thank her parents and brother, Joe, for the constant love and support. And lastly, but not least, she would like to thank Austin and Natasha for being the best. Enjoy the show!
Alex Bouchard – Sophomore Theater major: Aunt March. Alex was most recently seen as Mrs. Rockett in An Evening with Noel Coward and Granny in The Little Mermaid, and is excited to be Aunt March in her fifth show at Cardinal Stritch. Her other roles include Cinderella’s Stepmother in Into the Woods and Martha Arable in Charlotte’s Web. She thanks her family for their support and hopes you enjoy this production of Little Women.
4
Cardinal Stritch University
Austin Gomez – Junior Theater major: John. Austin has been lucky enough to be in several shows, including An Evening with Noel Coward as Hubert Charteris and Henry Gow, The Little Mermaid as King Neptune, Irena’s Vow as Schultz, Sherlock Holmes; The Final Adventure, as Watson, Charlotte’s Web as Wilbur, Quiet in the Land as Christy, Into the Woods as
Biogr aphies
c o n t.
Cinderella’s Father, The Drowsy Chaperone as Gangster 2, Rumpelstiltskin as Father, Almost, Maine as Phil and Lendall, among others. A special thanks to his family and friends who have been amazing throughout, and Roxanne for being an amazing girlfriend! Enjoy the show and keep tissues handy! Cassie Goulais – Senior Photography major/Art History & Writing minor: Sally Harper/Ensemble. This is Cassie’s first time ‘working it’ on stage for a Stritch production, yet for the last four years, you have seen her magnificent set work in all of Aaron and Scott’s set designs. She would like to ‘thank’ Hallie and Izzy for roping her into taking this part. Cassie would also like to thank her family and friends for all of their love, support, and gusto. Carol Greif Schuele – Music Director/Vocal Coach: Carol is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Music (BME) and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (MM). She has been a featured artist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra, and the Cathedral of St. John Fine Arts Series. As an educator, Carol has been on the voice faculty at Cardinal Stritch University and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. She has also been an adjunct music director/teacher at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Carol has performed with the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, MCT Shaw Festival, Skylight Miller Cabaret and is always happy to return to the Skylight Music Theatre stage where she has appeared in many productions to include Cosi Fan Tutte (Despina), The Marriage of Figaro (Susanna), The Mikado (Yum-Yum), A Little Night Music (Mrs. Nordstrom), The Turn of the Screw (Miss Jessel), Patience (Lady Ella), A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine (Mrs. Pavlenko), The Music Man (Maud Dunlop), and most recently as Sister Sophia in The Sound of Music. Emily Grunwaldt – Senior Elementary & Special Education/Music major. This is Emily’s first production at Stritch and she is really excited about it. Her whole time here she has wanted to be in a show and this was her last chance. In the past, Emily has been in shows
such as The Wizard of Oz, Guys & Dolls, and Les Miserables. She’d like to thank her parents, Ann and Dave, for supporting her through her entire college career and always being proud of her. Also, thanks to her friends for being so supportive in experiencing something new at Stritch and especially her boyfriend, Noah, for encouraging her to be in the show. She hopes you all enjoy the show and thanks you for coming! Sean Jackson – Senior Musical Theater major: Laurie. Sean Anthony Jackson has played many roles on the Stritch stage, from the Wolf in Into the Woods, to the Gangster in The Drowsy Chaperone. One of his favorite shows was his first show on the main stage, Urinetown. Sean is excited to be on the main stage once again. Hope you enjoy the show. Pam Kriger – Director: Pam 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 CSU she has directed Waiting for the Parade, The Laramie Project, Oklahoma!, Zombies from the Beyond, Urinetown, the Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Into the Woods. Recent credits at other theaters include A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, Dames at Sea, and White Christmas for the Skylight; Cheeseheads, the Musical, and Bing, the Cherry Musical at American Folklore Theatre; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Nicolet High School. Upcoming projects include Muskie Love and Loose Lips Sink Ships for American Folklore Theatre and Groucho: A Life in Revue at Next Act Theatre. A huge thank you to Roxanne Dobbs who made it possible for me to do my work. Kristen Landaal – Sophomore Psychology major/Religious Studies minor: Mrs. Kirke/ Ensemble. Kristen performed as Teacher One in The Little Mermaid. It feels amazing to be back on the stage! She is very involved in many areas of campus including Residence Hall Association President, Psychology Club, Campus Ministry/RSVP, tour guide, and many others. Kristen thanks the Little Women
5
Biogr aphies
c o n t.
Theater Department, cast and crew, as well as Pam and Carol for all the hard work and talent put in over the last couple of months to make the show a success. And of course, much appreciation for her wonderful friends and family for their unconditional love and support. “I don’t know what I’d do without you all. Enjoy the show!!” Natasha Laws – Freshman Musical Theater major: Amy. This is Natasha’s third production at Cardinal Stritch, having played Lily Pepper in An Evening with Noel Coward and Minnowmaid in The Little Mermaid. Previous shows include Seussical as Cat in the Hat, Hairspray as Penny Pingleton, Thoroughly Modern Millie as Miss Dorothy Brown, and Curious Savage as Mrs. Ethel P. Savage. She would like to thank the Theater Department for giving her this wonderful opportunity, her parents for their support, the cast for being amazing people, and her friends for dealing with her busy schedule. Natasha hopes you think the performance is C’est Magnifique! Robert J. Liebhauser – Costume Designer: Robert is 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 - Junior Musical Theater major: Marmee. Olivia is excited to participate in this year’s spring musical, Little Women. She has played many roles in the past including the Little Gingerbread Boy in The Little Gingerbread Boy, Princess Gabrielle in Rumpelstiltskin, and most recently, she 6
Cardinal Stritch University
participated in Stritch’s An Evening with Noel Coward. Olivia hopes you enjoy the show tonight, and would like to thank her parents and fiancé for all their love and support. Hallie Morris – Junior Art Education major: Mrs. Hawthorne/Ensemble. Little Women is Hallie’s third show here at Stritch. Her past roles include Snow White/Cinderella’s Mother in Into the Woods and Nancy in Quiet in the Land. Hallie is so very glad to be working on this lovely show with everyone including her fiancé, Kevin. She would also like to thank her friends and family (including Kevin) for being supportive and coming to the show. Lastly, she would like to say “you’re welcome” to her roommate, Cassie Goulais for talking her into being in the show. Phillip J. Roeder – Junior Computer Science major: Ensemble. Phillip loves to help out in the theater. He works in the shop and has helped out with tech for Sherlock Holmes, Irena’s Vow, and The Little Mermaid. He also worked tech and acted in small roles in both An Evening with Noel Coward and Little Women. He is looking forward to being a part of the theater for as long as he is at Stritch. Erin Schilder – Junior Writing major/Theater minor: Ensemble. This is Erin’s first time ever acting, and she is excited to be part of the ensemble for Little Women. Sam Shircel – Senior English/Psychology major: Professor Bhaer/Ensemble. This is Sam’s final show at Stritch. In addition to acting in five students’ directing scenes and the debut of Flash Theater at Stritch, he has been Mr. Edwards/Major Blake in An Evening with Noel Coward, Turt in The Little Mermaid, John Arable in Charlotte’s Web, Mysterious Man in Into the
Biogr aphies
c o n t.
Woods, Feldzeig in The Drowsy Chaperone, Grocer in Rumpelstiltskin, East/Randy/Steve in Almost, Maine, Guard in King Arthur’s Calamity, George Dandin/Gros-Rene/Gorgibus in Moliere in Short, Max in The Sound of Music, and Jess Winfield in a student-directed production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Sam thanks all of the theater faculty for the great experiences he’s been able to share with them. He also thanks his family and fiancé for their amazing love and support. Shaina Summerville – Senior Musical Theater/ Communications major: Meg. Shaina is very excited to end her college career on a musical! This is her 12th role in a Stritch production. You may have seen her most recently as Doris Gow in Fumed Oak or Tort in The Little Mermaid. She has also been in Into the Woods (Little Red Riding Hood), The Drowsy Chaperone (Kitty/Dance Captain), Urinetown (Little Becky/ Dance Captain), Quiet in the Land (Hannah Bauman), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Sookie), Comedy of Errors (Emilia), Charlotte’s Web (Fern Arable), Rumpelstiltskin (Smaller), and The Magician’s Nephew (Polly). Shaina would like to thank everyone for a great experience at Stritch. Thank you David, Pam, and Robert for your guidance and opportunities to learn across my college career. Thank you Theater Department, past and present, for all the fun times. And a very special thank you to my parents for their love and support, and for being there for almost every performance. Break a leg everyone! Izetta Voss – Sophomore Musical Theater/ Communications major: Jo. Previous roles include Lucinda in Into the Woods, Edith Zuckerman in Charlotte’s Web, Martha in Quiet in the Land, Ida Hallar in Irena’s Vow, The Little Mermaid in The Little Mermaid, and Louise in An Evening with Noel Coward. Izetta is excited to be wrapping up her sophomore year with the role
of Jo March! “I am very blessed for all the exciting experiences that the past two years at Stritch have given me. I can’t wait to see what the next two years hold for me! I am so appreciative of all the love and support I receive constantly from my professors, friends, and fellow actors, but specifically from my family and of course, Trevor. I love y’all and thank you for cheering me on and encouraging my growth and love for the arts.” Scott Wirtz-Olsen – Designer/Technical Director: Scott joined the faculty at Cardinal Stritch University as Designer and Technical Director in 2011. He has spent the last 15 years working professionally in the Milwaukee Theater community as a free-lance designer and production manager. Past design work includes The Rakes Progress at The Music Academy of the West, Barber of Seville and King and I for Ash Lawn Opera in VA, West Side Story for Opera Illinois, Werther for Bowen Park Opera, Spinning Into Butter for Renaissance Theaterworks, Apt 3A, The Good Doctor, What the Night is For and Ha! for In Tandem Theatre, and no fewer than 20 productions for First Stage Children’s Theatre and the First Stage Theater Academy. He would like to extend a big thank you to everyone at Cardinal Stritch University, as well as to his wife Peg, daughter Maddie, and son Garrett for their love and continued support as he ventures down another path in this long theatrical journey. Joshua Wohlleben – Mr. Laurence/Ensemble. Joshua is happy that this show is his last at Stritch – not because he wants to leave, but because this is such a touching story. He feels it is a good, heartfelt way to go out. Other shows Joshua has appeared in include Coyote on a Fence, Urinetown, A Comedy of Errors, and others. In his time here, he’s also worked on tech for many shows, some of which were The Drowsy Chaperone, Into the Woods, Irena’s Vow, and others. Joshua is very grateful to the faculty and staff here at Stritch for fostering his theater education.
Little Women
7
2 013 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 *Spring Choral Concert Sunday, May 5, 2013 2:00 pm Piano Showcase Wednesday, May 8, 2013 7:00 pm New Music Concert Friday, May 10, 2013 7:00 pm *Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, 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. n o r t h w e s t e r n m u t ua l a r t g a l l e r y e x h i b i t s “SANITARY LANDFILLS aka dumps” Photographs by Minnesota Photographer Gina Dabrowski. April 5-28. Opening reception, Gallery Night, Friday, April 19, 5-8 pm with live music and food. Gina Dabrowski was awarded the 2010 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Photographers to continue an examination of the big business of trash and the evolution of landfills from the open pit dumps of the 1970s. Gina’s portfolio of large-format (Type C prints) is an exceptional example of current “landscape photography’ in an environmentally sensitive time and place. The taking of photographs or electronic recording during any performance is strictly prohibited. Please be sure cell phones, beepers, and pagers are turned off. Please enjoy your snacks outside the theater. Only bottled water is permitted inside. In an attempt to conserve our natural resources, we are asking patrons to return programs in the boxes provided outside of the entrance to the theater.
8
Cardinal Stritch University