TROGG! A Musical - Program Hell in a Handbag Productions presents
Book and Lyrics by David Cerda Add’l book by Cheryl Snodgrass Music by David Cerda and Taylor E. Ross
Directed by Scott Ferguson Assistant Director - Derek Czaplewski Vocal Director - Kory Danielson Choreographer - Kristen Smiley Set Designer - John Holt Lighting Designer - Mark M. Nardulli Sound Designer - Harrison Adams Costume Designer - Kate Setzer Kamphausen Wig Designer - BC Kalz Violence Designer - Zev Steinberg Production Stage Manager - Ally Wetz Trogg Graphics - Michael S. Miller Evolution Revolution presentation - Peter Neville Publicity Photography - Rick Aguilar Box Office Manager - Danni Quider Ushers provided by The Saints Evolution Revolution illustrations by Frank Mares
TROGG! A Musical is parody loosely based on the film TROG (1970) written by Peter Bryan, John Gilling and Aben Kandel
Hell in a Handbag 1
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CAST (in
or der of appe ar ance)
PEANUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alex Grelle BARBARA CANNON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth Lesinski REX HUNTINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edward Fraim JUJU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Keach SQUIRT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chad TROGG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chad Ramsey POPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Grimm SHERIFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Besky CAROL ANN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ed Jones DR. JOAN CANNON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Cerda KATIE KING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harmony France JONAS HUNTINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael S. Miller FRANCINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allison Tolman ENSEMBLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Swan ENSEMBLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Burt-Nichols ENSEMBLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joshua A. Peterson ENSEMBLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alison Logan UNDERSTUDIES For Trogg and Rex - Joshua A. Peterson For Francine and Katie King - Julie Burt Nichols For Squirt - Andrew Swan For Barbara Cannon, Juju and Peanut - Alison Logan TROGG! A Musical is made possible in part by grants from The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and The Donnelley Foundation. SONGS Act 1 Big, Furry Monster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cast Exploring the Cave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonas, Joan, Carol Ann, Sheriff and Pops I Told You So . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan, Carol Ann and Ensemble Real Gone Gal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juju and Ensemble TV Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie King and Ensemble Evolution Revolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Ann and Ensemble Oh Trogg (What’s Supposed to Happen Now?) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan, Carol Ann, Peanut and Ensemble Act 2 Run, Run! (You Better Run) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie King and Ensemble TROGG City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie King and Cast When a Boy Meets a Girl/The Trouble with Girls . . . . . . . . . . . Peanut, Squirt and Kids Buck the Status Quo! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pops, Francine and Ensemble My Baby is a Caveman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juju, Trogg and Cast Do the Trogg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cast Special Thanks Randy Fleer, Aaron Smith, Brian McKnight, Russ and Sharon Dusek and Reed Rigging, About Face Theatre, Zygmunt Dyrkacz and Lela Headd at The Chopin Theatre, Chris Wych, Props Supervisor, Northwestern University, Douglas Bishop and Jennifer T. Grubb - University of Chicago, Kelvin Keach, Danni Smith, Steve Kimbrough, Libby Lane, Kristen Smiley, The Charnel House and Vicky Szilagyi and Billy Bermingham, Michael S. Miller, Taylor E. Ross, The Joans, Brian McKnight, The House Theatre and Jeremy Wilson, the spouses and partners of the entire cast and crew Hell in a Handbag 3
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A N O T E F R O M DAV I D C E R DA Welcome and thank you so much for coming to see TROGG! A Musical and supporting Hell in a Handbag Productions. Theater is many things to many people. Handbag’s mission is to entertain. It’s as simple as that. If we can make you laugh so hard you make an embarrassing noise, then we have done our job. I may be socially awkward and have trouble keeping my office tidy, but the one thing I know I can do is make people laugh, so that’s what I do. So, for the next two hours, forget about all the crap that stresses you out and step into our very silly world of camp and ridiculousness. We’ll be here for as long as you need us. Smooches, David M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music, and homage. A B O U T T H E C O M PA N Y Handbag Ensemble Members Patricia Austin, David Cerda, Christopher Carpenter, Chad, Derek Czaplewski, Brigitte Ditmars, Alex Grelle, Merrie Greenfield, Jason Grimm, Michael Hampton, Ed Jones, Megan Keach, Steve Kimbrough, Libby Lane, Lori Lee, Elizabeth Lesinski, Chris Maxwell, Terry McCarthy, Michael S. Miller, Danni Quider Handbag Associates Tim Howard, Annie Gloyn The Handbag Board Steve Abrams, David Cerda, Alissa Spera, Christopher Yourex H A N D B AG D O N O R S ( s e e
w e b s i t e f o r a n u p dat e d l i s t)
$500+ - Karla Svatos $100-$499 - Steve Abrams, Athene Carras & Thomas Applegate, Rick Aguilar, Peggy & Bruce Hayner, Gary L. Aistrup, Dawn Klingensmith, Ryan Mackey, Jim Schneider, Rachel Benoit, Rick Ingram, Elizabeth Lesinski and Danni Quider, Dawn and Kelvin Keach, Gloria and Dale Henderson $50-$99 - Danni Smith, Doug Becci, Richard Stanton, Keith Dumbleton, Bradley Balof, Biff Johnson, Jeffrey Glenn, Judi Ross, Rutger Thieller $1-$49 - Andi Allen, Dori Goldman, Bea Cerda It’s easy to donate to Hell in a Handbag Productions. We are a 501C3 not-for-profit corporation. Go to our website at www.handbagproductions.org or mail checks made out Hell in a Handbag Productions to: Hell in a Handbag Productions 2034 W. Farragut, #3 Chicago, IL 60625 Hell in a Handbag 5
CAST BIOS David Besky (Sheriff ) TROGG!…” marks his 5th production with Hell in a Handbag. He was previously in “Rudolph, The RedHosed Reindeer” as Coach Comet & King Moon Racer, “Lady X,” and “Poseidon, An Upside Down Musical” for HIAH. Before that, he appeared in “Enter the Guardsman,” “Babes in Arms” & “Urinetown” as Officer Lockstock, all at the Illinois Theatre Center. Also, at Stage 773, he played George Hay in “Moon over Buffalo” for Glitterati Prod. In the Chicago area, he has also appeared at Circle Theatre & Bailiwick Repertory. Julie Burt Nichols (Ensemble, u/s Katie King & Francine) is absolutely tickled to work with Handbag for the first time! Credits: Bailiwick Repertory (Dr. Sex, Parade, Anna Livia...), Griffin Theatre (The Robber Bridegroom), Metropolis PAC (I Love You,You’re Perfect..., A Christmas Carol), Northlight Theatre (u/s Pride & Prejudice), Chicago Jewish Theatre (The Golem), and regional tours with Nebraska Theatre Caravan and Climb Theatre. A graduate of Drake University Theatre, Julie is a founding Collective member of Bailiwick Chicago, serving as Social Media Manager. Thanks to David, Scott & the Handbag cast/crew, Mom & Dad, her besties, her wonderful husband Michael, and her “big furry monster,” Willa the dog. www.julieburtnichols.com David Cerda (Dr. Joan Cannon) is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions. He has written several shows produced by Handbag and around the country including POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical, Caged Dames, The Birds, Lady X 6 Hell in a Handbag
and a whole lotta other stuff. He was last seen as Gladys Dasher in Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer 2010. He is extremely grateful to his Handbag fans for their constant support and encouragement. Special spanks to Scott Ferguson, the TROGG! cast and crew, Miss Joan Crawford, and his very own Al Steele, Christopher. Learn more about him (and hire him!) at www.cerdacan.com Chad (Squirt) is thrilled to be working with his Handbag family once again. Trogg marks Chad’s 4th show with Handbag, having previously appeared in Rudolph ‘09 & ‘10 and last summer’s smash hit “Lady X”!!! Other recent credits include “Cousins Grimm” with Bailiwick Rep, and “Storefront Theater Musical’” with the Cornservatory. He can also be seen around town playing various children, animals and buffoon’s for Chicago Kids Company. Chad would like to thank David, Scott, Kristen, Kory, Ally, Derek and all the “gang” for making this process so fun! Thanks also to his family and friends-family for all the cheers and jeers! xo Edward Fraim (Rex Huntington) is “UGGcited” to be joining Hell in a Handbag again. He has previously been seen onstage with Handbag for Reefer Madness, Eating Raoul, and POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical. Other local credits include Altar Boyz with Noble Fool Theatricals, Mop Top Festival with Factory Theater, Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical with Bohemian Theatre Ensemble and shows with Bailiwick Chicago and Blue Moon Studio Theatre. Edward has been “song and dancing” it across the country for most of his life (except for New Jersey) and hopes you will be able to enjoy this and many more shows to follow. Many Thanks go to my friends, family, and all the Troglo-
C A S T B I O S ( c o n t .) Dudes and Troglo-Dettes who make theater possible by supporting the Arts.
since 1999. He toured with the Second City’s National Touring Company for two years and currently teaches Harmony France Musical Improv for their training center (Katie King) is having and designed the Annoyance Theatre’s a blast and so happy first musical improv class. Most recently, to be back at Hell in a he’s taken on the challenge of Handbag Productions improvising musicals in the style of where she was last Stephen Sondheim with “The Leotard seen in Reefer Madness. Foundation.” Jason also makes up half Along with Hell in a of “Smith and Grimm,” a raunchy Handbag, Harmony has worked with cabaret duo that performs weekly at Bailiwick Repertory, Bailiwick Chicago, Davenport’s. Jason would like to thank Blue Moon Studio Theater, Bohemian his Mom, Mr. Cerda, Mr. Ferguson, and Theatre Ensemble, City Lit Theatre, Handbag. Love to Scott (you’re Peninsula Players, Porchlight Music chawesome). Theatre, Quest Theatre Ensemble, Theatre at the Center, and Victory Gardens. Ed Jones (Carol Ann) Favorite roles include Mother in Ragtime, is thrilled to be a part Zandra in Jerry Springer: the Opera, Emma of this prehistoric in Tell me on a Sunday, Woman 2 in Songs musical world for a New World, and Lou Ellen in Oh Boy! premiere! Past Up next, she can be seen in Bailiwick Handbag shows Chicago’s fall production of Violet in the include: Sol Sussman title role. She would like to thank her family in the Jeff and her friends for always believing in her Recommended production of DIE and keeping her grounded. MOMMIE DIE!, Cathy Brenner in THE http://www.harmonyfrance.com BIRDS, Ruth Claus in RUDOLPH, Rip Nelson in THE RIP NELSON HALLOWEEN Alex Grelle (Peanut) SPOOKTACULAR, Nonnie in POSEIDON! is thrilled to be back AN UPSIDE DOWN MUSICAL (2009 with Handbag as Orgie Theatre Award Recipient - Acting) Peanut in TROGG! He and Estelle in LADY X (2010 Broadway was previously seen World Chicago Award Nominee - Best in Handbag’s Rudolph Actor in a Play - Non Equity). When not the Red-Hosed wiggin’ out with his fellow Handbaggers, Reindeer as Rudolph Ed stays busy performing as keyboardist and as Shelley Duvall in Rip Nelson’s in THE JOANS (Debut CD available on Halloween Spooktacular. Alex would like iTunes and Amazon.com). to thank David, Scott and the entire team at Handbag for such a great Megan Keach opportunity. Special thanks to the (Juju/Understudy for parental units and Adam Lewis for Barbara) is delighted always making my life feel complete. to be doing her super Thanks for coming and enjoy the show. ensemble member double duty as both Jason Grimm (Pops) the Props Designer Previous Handbag and the cavemanshows include loving Juju. She was last seen onstage POSEIDON! (Linarcos), in Handbag’s “Lady X” as Frank Graham Eating Raoul (Paul you may not recognize her without her Bland) and Santa suit and mustache. She was last seen Claus and Other Lies. offstage as the Props Designer for “The Jason has also been a Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular.” musical director and teacher in Chicago When nowhere near the stage, she Hell in a Handbag 7
C A S T B I O S ( c o n t .) enjoys scraping paint off of vintage plaster ceilings, and creating wearables for her Etsy shop (mkmillinery.etsy. com). She is also planning “The Wedding Show,” in which she will co-star with the very handsome Zach Bosteel, this September. Elizabeth Lesinski (Barbara Cannon) is a proud ensemble member with Hell in a Handbag and is so excited to be a part of this prehistoric world premiere. Some Handbag productions include Haywire!, POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical, Lady X, and most recently, Charo in The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular. Elizabeth has been seen around town working with Raven Theatre, Theo Ubique, and The Side Project, among others. Elizabeth is grateful to David Cerda, thankful for her family, and adoring of Danni and the puppies. Alison Logan (Ensemble, Understudy for Juju) is thrilled to be in TROGG! When Alison isn’t doing her best Sandra Dee impersonations (ha), she is doing cabaret, film, commercials, and voice-overs in Chicago and beyond. Along with being Chicago’s “Original Classy Broad” in her cabaret shows, she is one of The Pin-Ups (www. thepinupsshow.com) and in three other bands as well. Alison has studied with The Second City Conservatory and at Yale with The International Cabaret Conference. She is a BFA Acting graduate of Millikin University. Thanks to the cast, my friends, and love to my family. Michael S. Miller (Jonas Huntington) has appeared in Scooty & JoJo’s productions of “Carpenters Halloween” playing Dr.Loomis, & 8 Hell in a Handbag
“Mollywood.” He’s also appeared in a whole bunch of Handbag’s productions including “Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical” (Manny), “Caged Dames,” “Judy’s Scary Little Christmas” (Richard Nixon), “The Twilight Gallery” (Rod Serling), “How Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Happened” and “Lady X,” He also played Max in a recent production of “The Bloody Fabulous Curse of Dragula.” With a background in art direction/graphic design, he’s helped promote all of Handbag’s productions to date. He’s thrilled to be spending time in Sunset Cove C.A.! Peace, love, hi mom & dad! Joshua A. Peterson (Cameraman Ensemble; Understudy for Rex/ Trogg) Joshua received his Bachelors in Theatre Arts and Dance at Southern Utah University. He recently moved to Chicago from New Orleans, where he performed in and choreographed for several productions. Some of his favorite roles have been Chad (“All Shook Up”), Richard Loeb (“Thrill Me”), (Big Easy Award Best Lead in a Musical), Snow Boy (“West Side Story”), and Matthew (“Altar Boys”). Most recently, he was in “Kiss Me Kate” as Paul at Circle Theatre. He last performed for Hell in a Handbag in “The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular!” as Bradley. He’s very excited to be working again with such a talented and wacky bunch of actors and artists! Chad Ramsey (Trogg) During Rudolph The RedHosed Reindeer (2010), his first production with Hell in a Handbag, Chad made the mistake of commenting that his costumes “were about as revealing as they could be.” Oh how gravely he miscalculated! To be fair, I don’t think Chad ever imagined that he would be playing a rockin’ and rollin’ neanderthal! Originally from
C A S T B I O S ( c o n t .) Tucson Ariz., where he received a degree in Dramaturgy from the University of Arizona, Chad has worked here in the city - slightly more clothed and verbose than tonight - with National Pastime Theatre, Collaboraction, Eclipse Theatre, and Redmoon. As always, Chad is endlessly thankful for Mom and The Man with the Moustache. In the spirit of gratitude, a very sincere “Oog, Ug, Rog, Ruv” is due to David Cerda as well as the entire truculently gifted and gregarious Handbag ensemble.
Production Crew Bios
Andrew Swan (Ensemble, Squirt Understudy) is supah excited to be a part of TROGG! His other Handbag credits include POSEIDON! An Upside-down Musical and the Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular. Andrew is a Junior at Columbia College where he studies musical theatre. Thanks to the cast and crew and special thanks to his family for their support! Enjoy the show!
David Cerda (Executive Producer, Book, Lyrics, Music)- See cast bio.
Allison Tolman (Francine) is a recent Chicago transplant from the grand old state of Texas. She graduated from Baylor University with a BFA in theatrical performance before moving to Dallas to begin her career. A recent graduate of Second City’s Conservatory Program, Allison can also be seen about town with her sketch troupe - Second Day Party Hair. Her favorite roles include Lisa in Debbie Does Dallas, The Musical (Kitchen Dog Theatre); Lisa in Collected Stories (Second Thought Theatre); and a variety of roles in Almost, Maine, none of whom were named Lisa (Water Tower Theatre). Allison can also be seen in Sordid Lives; the Series on the LOGO network and a variety of television commercials. She is represented by Stewart Talent.
Harrison Adams (Sound Design) is graduating this spring with a BA in English from the University of Chicago. Recent sound designs around the city include The Alchemist (Nothing Special Productions), Romeo and Juliet (Babes with Blades), Sketchbook REVERB (Collaboraction), The Darkest Pit (Prop Thtr), and the multimedia installation Passenger. Thanks to Hell in a Handbag and Lela and Ziggy!
Derek Czaplewski (Assistant Director) is a boomerang. He just keeps coming back to Handbag! A company member with HIAH, previous directing credits include LADY X and the last two productions of RUDOLPH. Previous acting credits include work with Lifeline, Piven, Northlight, Circle, Timeline, Emerald City and Handbag (of course), among many others. By day, Derek is the Associate Artistic Director for Imagination Theater. Kory Danielson (Vocal Director/ Arrangements) is thrilled to be joining the Handbag team for TROGG! This is his third show with the company, the first two being POSEIDON! and Rudolph. Kory is a staff accompanist at Columbia College Chicago where he also music directs quite a few shows. He has also worked with Chicago Children’s Theatre, Countryside Theatre, National Pastime Theatre, and a few others in the Chicago area. Kory would like to thank the entire Trogg family, as well as his friends for their endless support! Scott Ferguson (Director) is pounding his chest with joy to be directing for Hell in a Handbag. He is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Theatrebam Chicago where he wrote and created the hit show, Schoolhouse Rock Live! and Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!. Scott has directed the three SRLive! National Tours (’99-’01) with Troupe American, Inc., the Off-Broadway productions Hell in a Handbag 9
C A S T B I O S ( c o n t .) at The Atlantic and the Lamb’s Little Theatre, as well as many productions across the country. As a proud Leading Artistic Associate of About Face Theatre, Scott has directed Xena Live! Episode One, the Jeff Nominated Xena Live! Episode Two, Xena Lives! The Musical and Say You Love Satan. For the former Bailiwick Rep, he directed the Jeff Nominated A Man of No Importance and recently, as a Founding Collective Member for the NEW Bailiwick Chicago, Scott directed Aida. Regionally: The Fulton Opera House in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, The Wohlfahrt Haus Theatre in Wytheville, Virginia, The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre, Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Tenn., and Rhodes College. Favorites include; The Rocky Horror Show, Return to the Forbidden Planet, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Evita, Bat Boy the Musical, Jekyll & Hyde, Floyd Collins, Disney’s Aida, Beauty and the Beast, Saucy Jack & the Space Vixens, A Year With Frog and Toad, Big River, Pippin and Altar Boyz. Much thanks to David Cerda for bringing him on board and love to his ‘Monkey’ Chris Walsh. www.scottfergusonlive.com John Holt (Scenic Design) This is John’s first time collaborating with Hell in a Handbag. He previously designed for director Scott Ferguson on Bailiwick’s production of Aida last spring. John serves as production designer and technical director for the Inconvenience, an artist’s syndicate he co-founded in the fall of 2008 upon graduating from DePaul University. With the Inconvenience, he recently presented a new production of Brett Neveu’s The Earl as a co-production with A Red Orchid Theatre. The production was directed by Duncan Riddell and starred original cast member Danny Goldring. Favorite Chicago designs include Passing Strange and Aida for the Bailiwick, Paloma Querida with Luna Negra Dance Theatre, That Sordid Little Story for the New Colony, Arrangements for Pavement Group and Paper Thin Walls for Abraham Werewolf. At University, John was privileged to design the 10 Hell in a Handbag
world premiere of Like a Cow or an Elephant by Kara Lee Corthron, winner of the Theodore Wardprize, as well as the world premiere workshop production of Robert O’Hara’s Antebellum, among other credits. B.C. Kalz (Wig Design) is excited to have bewigged this stellar cast! He can be found behind the styling chair at The Colour Room. Recent past credits include the wigs for The Rip Nelson Haloween Spooktacular, in which he also portrayed Brooke Shields, and styling a wig for Patty Duke’s appearance with Camp Midnight. Enjoy the show! Megan Keach (Props) See cast bios. Frank Mares (Evolution Revolution Graphics) is pleased as punch to be a part of Trogg! After attending DePaul, he has had the pleasure of working on various productions around the city, recently his work was seen in What Is Love, a Pearl Pistol Production. In his free time Frank enjoys drunk bike riding, painting, animating, and working at a local college. One of those things may be a lie. He loves his mom, dad, family, and country. Go Austria! Thanks for seeing the show and enjoy! Michael S. Miller (Graphics) See cast bios. Michael M. Nardulli (Lighting Designer) is excited to be doing his first show with Hell in a Handbag. Recent work in Chicago includes Some Enchanted Evening and Cats with Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater and The People’s Four Seasons with Quest Theatre Ensemble. Other work includes Darwin in Malibu with the Generic Theatre and Private Lives with Bristol Valley Theater. Last season, he worked with the Virginia Stage Company on Around the World in 80 Days and Billy Bishop Goes to War, among other shows. Peter Neville (Evolution Revolution video) created the video for the
C A S T B I O S ( c o n t .) Evolution Revolution song and the music video for “Do The Trog”. He has been involved with many aspects of theater on and off since 1985. As owner/director of his own graphics & video production company Image Control Unit, he has directed many music videos including 2 more videos for The Joans, “Mad At The Dirt” and “Joan Crawford Goes To Hell”. Taylor E. Ross (Music) is a composer and musician. He is best known and sought after for his work in theater, live performance, film, video and television. He has contributed to Hell in a Handbag Productions of Scarrie The Musical, Rudolph, The Red-Hosed Reindeer (2007 & 2010) and Eating Raoul. Taylor also shares the stage with Davy Joans and Ed Joans in the notorious band “The Joans.” www.thejoansband.com Kristen Smiley (Choreographer) Kristen is thrilled to be back working with Hell in a Handbag, having previously had the pleasure of capsizing nightly as Jennifer/Nurse in Poseidon, An Upside Down Musical! While this is her first time teaching a troglodyte to dance, she’s served as choreographer on various productions in the Chicagoland area since moving here two years ago. Credits include the Eileen Boevers P.A.W. Summer On Stage, Improv Playhouse’s Traveling Troupe, and Chad Morton’s TV Christmas Miracle (Village Players). Kristen sends a big “Oog! Ugg!” to the Trogg cast and crew, her family and all of her dance instructors, past and present, whose talent and expertise inspired the creation of the “Caveman-A-Go-Go” dancing you’ll see tonight. Keep an eye out for that puppy-dog shimmy! Cheryl Snodgrass (Add’l Book) is excited to be working with David Cerda as “Playwright Whisperer” once again. Previous writing work with David includes Poseidon! An Upside Down (Jeff Recommended) and Lady X. She’s directed a number of plays with Hell in a Handbag: Die, Mommie! Die!
(Jeff Recommended), Haywire! and Rip Nelson’s Halloween Spooktacular. She’s worked extensively with playwright Jeff Goode as a director, actor, and producer, directing the premiere productions of Poona the Fuckdog and other plays for children and The Eight: reindeer monologues among others. Most of 2010 was spent developing Big Top JoJo & His Towering Show of Wonders presents The Phenomenal Phantasmagoria as co-creator & director performed at Excalibur Nightclub. (bigtopjojo.com) She will be heading off to Studio Roanoke (Va.) in May to direct Frogger and will be teaching a workshop on directing new plays for Hollins University. Zev Steinberg (Violence Designer) is thrilled to be working with Handbag again, after appearing in and coordinating the stunts for Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical. Recently Zev has directed the fights and stunts for Hamlet at the University of Chicago, Reefer Madness! The Musical with the Brown Paper Box Co, and Zombie Truth Now, Zombies Attack Chicago! at the Spot. Zev is one of the scrappers that coordinate Fight Jam, Chicago’s stage combat community. Zev also loves chicken nuggets. Ally Wetz (Stage Manager) is an alumna of Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio, having graduated spring of ’09 with an AA in both theatre performance and technical. She currently resides in Chicago to pursue her BA in Acting at Columbia College. Ally is an original member of Encore Theater Company based out of Dayton. Last summer, she served as Stage Manager for both [title of show] and Next Thing You Know on ETC’s 2010 season, and will be returning to Dayton this summer to Stage Manage their 2011 Festival of New Musicals. TROGG is Ally’s first production with Hell in a Handbag and she hopes to be able to rock ‘n’ roll with them in the future!
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