Leader of the Pack-Big Noise

Proudly presents

Book by ANNE BEATTS

Music and Lyrics by ELLIE GREENWICH & FRIENDS

Based on the original play by MELANIE MINTZ

Additional Material by JACK HEIFNER

Producer Daiva Paulis

Director/Choreographer Nancy Flaster

Music Director Robert Deason Stage Manager Daiva Paulis

Associate Music Director Michael Goldman

Co- Choreographer Ann Fink

Production Assistant Amanda Nianick

Costume Design Patty Halajian

Set Construction Jason Clark

Lighting Design Matt Kooi

Set Design Rick Paul

Set Decoration Sharon Damisch

Sound Design Richard Neumann

Big Noise Theatre Company is a division of Winnetka Theatre and a proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres.

The use of recording devices, as well as the taking of flash photographs, is strictly prohibited Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc..

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Samuel French, Inc. 847.604.0275 * www.bignoise.org * info@bignoisetheatre.org Leader of the Pack 1

D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E Today, as I walked through a shopping mall, the song piped in overhead was “Be My Baby.” Wow, I thought, I wonder how many shoppers know that song was released in 1963 and was written by a relative unknown: Ellie Greenwich.

Who was this woman whose songs include Chapel of Love, Hanky Panky, Not Too Young to Get Married, Da Doo Ron Ron, River Deep Mountain High and many more?

“Leader of the Pack” is her story--the story of an extraordinary girl from Levittown, New York. This “juke-box” musical, which Ellie herself created, opened on Broadway in 1985 and garnished Grammy and Tony nominations.

Ellie Greenwich died in 2009 at the age of 68. At the time of her death, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys said, “She was the greatest melody writer of all time.”

Songwriter Diane Warren quoted, “Those songs are part of the fabric forever.”

It is with great joy that we bring you Ellie’s story.

Nancy Flaster, Director

SPECIAL THANKS Shelli Sarg and the Prairie Lakes Community Center staff Gina Di Sandro and the Winnetka Community House Staff Jim and Nancy Moran

Dan Primozic and Oce North America The Saints Abracadabra Productions WR Imaging

BIG NOISE THE ATR E / WIN NETK A THE ATR E BOAR D OF DIR ECTORS Jon Cunningham, President Michelle Cunningham, Vice-President Marsha Rutenberg, Treasurer Rob Smith, Secretary Nancy Flaster, Artistic Director Linda Andrews Joyce Bishop Marian Kaderbek

Steve Malone Evie Murphy Daiva Paulis Scott J. Sumerak Tom Walker Melissa Young

places to wine & dine before or after the show For advertising opportunities, call 888.376.3700.

WWW.FOOTLIGHTS.COM

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C A S T O F C H A R AC T E R S ( i n

or der of appe ar ance)

Darlene Love...................................................................................................Pascale M. Trouillot Annie Golden................................................................................................................Danae Ervin Ellie Greenwich.....................................................................................................Christie Burgess Rosie, Ellie’s Mother...............................................................................................Linda Andrews Shelley....................................................................................................................... Penny S. Shack Mickey......................................................................................................................Kelly Maryanski Jeff Barry...............................................................................................................Tommy Thurston Gus Sharkey.............................................................................................................David Whitlock Waitress...................................................................................................................... Danielle Davis Dancing Couple................................................................ Kelly Maryanski & Mark Komiskey Featured Singer......................................................................................................Linda Andrews Guys and Girls.......................................................................... Linda Andrews, Danielle Davis,

Mark Komiskey, Kyle Kuhlman Kelly Maryanski,

Peter Rasey, Penny S. Shack, Brent Walker, Krysten Williams The action takes place in the here and now – and in the days of beehives and 45’s There will be one 15 minute intermission.

MUSICIANS Keyboard/Conductor....................................................................................Michael Goldman Bass.............................................................................................................................John Summers Drums........................................................................................................................ Nick Anderson Guitar................................................................................................................. Brandon Schreiner

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MUSICAL NUMBERS Act I If You were Around in 1963.....................................................................................Darlene Love Be My Baby.............................................................................................Annie, Danielle, Krysten Jivette...............................................................................................................Ellie, Shelly, Mickey Writer’s Cross...................................................................................Brent, Kyle, Mark, Peter, Jeff Why Do Lovers........................................................................................ Darlene and Ensemble Today I Met.............................................................................................. Darlene and Ensemble I Wanna Love Him, Do Wah Diddy.................................................... Ellie, Jeff and Ensemble And Then He Kissed Me................................................................................Ellie, Danielle, Kelly,

Krysten, Linda, Penny Hanky Panky.........................................................................Jeff, Danae, Kelly, Krysten, Penny,

Brent, Kyle, Mark, Peter Not Too Young............................................................................Darlene, Kelly, Krysten, Penny Chapel of Love................................................................................................................. Ensemble Baby I Love You......................................................................................Annie, Danielle, Krysten Leader of the Pack.....................................................Featuring Annie and Jeff(The Leader)

With Danielle, Kelly, Krysten, Penny

Brent, Kyle, Mark, Peter Act II Look of Love..............................................................................................................Linda Andrews

Featured Dancers – Kelly and Mark Christmas Baby Please Come Home............................................. Darlene, Danielle, Krysten I Can Hear Music............................................................. Jeff, Ellie, Gus, Annie, Darlene, Linda Rock of Rages.................................................................................................................................Ellie Da Do Ron Ron, What A Guy, River Deep We’re Gonna Make It........................................................................................................Ensemble MUSIC CREDITS “I Want To Love Him So Bad,” “Do Wah Diddy,” “Maybe I Know,” “Look of Love” used by permission of Trio Music Co., Inc; “Be My Baby,” “Wait `Till My Bobby Gets Home,” “And Then He Kissed Me,” “Not Too Young (To Get Married),” “Chapel of Love,” “I Can Hear Music,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” “Baby I Love You,” “Christmas - Baby Please Come Home,” “Da Doo Ron Ron” used by permission of Trio Music Co. Inc./ Mother Bertha Music. “Hanky Panky,” “What A Guy” used by permission of Alley Music Corp./Trio Music Co. All rights administered by Hudson Bay Music, Inc. (BMI) “Leader of the Pack” “Why Do Lovers Break Each Others’ Hearts” and “Today I Met The Boy I’m Gonna Marry” used by permission of Unichappell Music. Inc. “Leader of the Pack” used by permission of Screen Gems (BMI), Alley Music Corp./ Trio Music Co. Inc. (BMI).

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P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Producer.........................................................................................................................Daiva Paulis Director/Choreographer........................................................................................Nancy Flaster Music Director........................................................................................................Robert Deason Co-Choreographer............................................................................................................ Ann Fink Associate Music Director.............................................................................. Michael Goldman Stage Manager.............................................................................................................Daiva Paulis Production Assistant.........................................................................................Amanda Nianick Scenic Design ....................................................................................................................Rick Paul Costumer.................................................................................................................... Patty Halajian Lighting Design............................................................................................................... Matt Kooi Light Execution.....................................................................................................Aaron Andrews Sound Design...................................................................................................Richard Neumann Sound Execution....................................................................................................... Blake Bortnik Set Construction........................................................................................................... Jason Clark Set Decoration.....................................................................................................Sharon Damisch Stage Crew........................................................................................................... Mildred Schmalz Dance Captain.....................................................................................................Amanda Nianick Tickets.................................................................................................................Marsha Rutenberg Auditions.....................................................................................Daiva Paulis, Mildred Schmalz Program.............................................................................................................Marsha Rutenberg BIOGR APHIES LINDA ANDREWS (Linda, Rosie Greenwich) Linda is beyond thrilled to be a part of this fabulous production! Other Big Noise productions include Beehive the 60’s Musical and Urinetown. Most recently you may have seen Linda as the Narrator in Joseph… with North Shore Theatre and Rusty in Footloose with UAC. Some other favorite roles include Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Little Red in Into the Woods, Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Gertrude McFuzz and the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical and Ursula in Bye Bye Birdie. Love to my darling husband, snaps to 507, and a great big okerrrrrr to the Heathers!

very talented cast and crew of Leader of the Pack! Previous credits include: Marriott Theatre’s Shout! (Swing), The Andrews Brothers (u/s Peggy Jones) Metropolis Theatre, Urinetown (Hope Cladwell), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Christine Colgate), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Miss Peretti). A BFA Acting graduate from UW-Stevens Point, she’d like to thank the artistic team of Leader of the Pack for this fulfilling and highly entertaining opportunity! All of her love to Dan for his support and every late-night dinner.

DANIELLE DAVIS (Danielle/Backup singer) is thrilled to be working with Big Noise Theatre!

She received a B.F.A. in Acting CHRISTIE BURGESS from the Theatre Conservatory at the (Ellie Greenwich) is Chicago College of Performing Arts at excited to be Roosevelt University. She was last making her debut seen as Wigmaker and Cobbler’s Wife with Big Noise in Rapunzel at Winnetka Theatre.

Theatre with the Other credits include: The Wiz and Leader of the Pack 5

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

Nunset Boulevard (Theatre at the Center); In Darfur (TimeLine Theatre); Scapino! (Roosevelt University); Quest Theatre Ensemble’s Drum Circle Pandora and Evolution/Creation (Jeff Award), Godspell (Maples Repertory Theatre in Macon, Missouri), and A Midnight Cry (Auditorium Theatre/ Tour). Enjoy the show!

DANAE ERVIN (Annie Golden) Danae Ervin is thrilled to be doing her second show with Big Noise Theatre. She was recently in Let My People Come with Street Tempo Theatre and spent all last summer performing over 400 performances at Darien Lake Theme Park. She is a graduate of Columbia College. She’d like to thank her own leader of the pack Scrabble!

MARK KOMISKEY (Mark, Featured Dancer) Mark is stoked to be a part of another Big Noise production.

Last seen as Mr. Bratt in How to Succeed..., his other Big Noise credit includes George in Drowsy Chaperone. Other favorite roles include Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz, Cosmo Brown in Singin’ in the Rain, and Billy Krutzik in Zombies from the Beyond.

When not on the stage, Mark works as an actuary with the “Good Hands” people. Thanks, RMPS. Enjoy the show!

KYLE KUHLMAN (Kyle) is very excited to be making his debut at Big Noise in Leader of the Pack. Kyle is graduating from Columbia College with a Bachelors in musical theatre. Kyle has most recently been seen in Barnum! As Tom 6 Big Noise Theatre Company

Thumb at Quest Theater Ensemble.

Other shows include Spring Awakening (Ernst), Bat Boy: The Musical (Pan), and Let My People Come. Kyle would like to thank his family, and friends for supporting everything he has always wanted to do.

KELLY MARYANSKI (Kelly/Featured Dancer) is thrilled to be back with Big Noise Theatre where she was recently seen in How to Succeed…! Kelly has danced and choreographed in the Chicagoland and Columbus areas and has performed at Dance Chicago’s Best of New Dances and Valentine Dances, the AAHPERD National Convention, The Wexner Center for the Arts, and Walt Disney World Resort. She has also appeared in Hairspray (Lou Ann/Dance Captain), Footloose (Featured Dancer), and recently in Oakton Studio One’s Urinetown (Little Becky Two Shoes/ Dance Captain). This fall, Kelly will be playing Charlotte in Light Opera Works’ production of Oliver! In her free time, she plays the role of a published illustrator and pianist. She is a graduate of Denison University where she received her BFA cum laude in studio art and dance.

PETER RASEY (Peter) is delighted to return to Big Noise; he has been involved in approximately 20 of their productions over the years. Most recently he produced BN’s productions of Butterflies Are Free and Beau Jest and appeared in All Shook Up and Sleeping Beauty (as a sassy dragon). Elsewhere, Peter recently directed Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory and choreographed Bye Bye Birdie, both for HPP. Favorite credits include Cabaret

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

(Cliff ), Beauty And The Beast (Lumiere), The Full Monty (Malcom), and Dial M For Murder (Tony). He has long loved the music of Ellie Greenwich and he is thrilled to perform it with so many talented friends. Peter likes vodka martinis, extra olives. Cheers!

PENNY S. SHACK (Penny, Shelley) After a 6 year hiatus from performing, Penny is thrilled to be back on stage where she belongs!

Before taking a break, Penny performed professionally around the states for two years. Now you can find her focusing on her organic, alternative style catering business, Penny’s Pastries.

Penny would like to thank her friends for positively pushing her to get back on stage, Adam for “Be[ing] My Baby”, and her parents for their everlasting support in whatever she does!

TOMMY THURSTON (Jeff Barry) is so stoked to be making his debut at Big Noise Theatre in this super fun 60’s show! Past credits include: Rapunzel (Prince Brian) with Winnetka TYA, The Andrews Brothers (Max U/S) with Metropolis Performing Arts, Carousel (Enoch Snow) at the Wallace Bowl, Hairspray (Link Larkin) with North Shore Theatre of Wilmette, The Wedding Singer (Ensemble) with Circle Theatre, Company (Robert) with Gallery Players, Honk! The Musical (Cat) with Huron Playhouse and Debbie Does Dallas (Rick) with Ms. Rose’s Dinner Theater. Tommy would like to thank his family and friends for all their love and support. Special thanks to Nancy Flaster for this opportunity and James for being his constant rock.

This performance is dedicated to the amazing co-residents of Birchwood

Ave who will soon be parting ways and without whom he would have never made it this far- Cory, Tiff, Hil, Poptart, Dean, Meownie & Rattle Ann. PASCALE M. TROUILLOT (Darlene Love) is excited to be back on the Big Noise stage where she last appeared as Sylvia in All Shook Up. Frequent Winnetka Theatre and Big Noise subscribers may remember Pascale from their 1995 production of Leader Of The Pack, where she also played Darlene Love. Other Winnetka/Big Noise credits include: Gina, Aretha, & Tina in BEEHIVE - THE 60’s MUSICAL, Mrs. Crosby in The Goodbye Girl, and Sr. Mary Hubert in Nunsense.

Pascale was last seen as Nettie Fowler in Starlight Theatre of Wilmette’s production of Carousel. Some of her favorite roles include: the Narrator in Joseph And The Technicolor Dream Coat, Armelia in Ain’t Misbehavin’ and being part of the Ensemble cast of Duke Ellington’s Jump For Joy. Pascale has also lent her voice to church events, fundraisers, weddings and receptions in the Chicagoland and Miami, Florida areas. Pascale thanks the talented staff, cast and crew for a GREAT show with a special thanks going to her friends and family for their continued encouragement, love and support. For more info on Pascale visit her website at PascaleSings.com. Pascale hopes you enjoy the show and thanks you for supporting live theatre!!

BRENT WALKER (Brent) is thrilled to be working with this awesome group again after having performed in Winnetka Theatre’s production of Rapunzel this winter.

Other previous credits: Thoroughly Modern Mille, Hortensio in Kiss Me, Kate, Leader of the Pack 7

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

Evil Eye Fleegle in Li’l Abner, Mortimer in Arsenic and Old Lace, Matthew in Jesus Christ Superstar, Tulsa in Gypsy, Frog in A Year with Frog and Toad, Snoopy in Snoopy!!!, Rooster in Annie, Aladdin in Disney’s Aladdin, Mikey in Hairspray, Hugo Peabody in Bye Bye Birdie, and most recently - Charlie in Willy Wonka with the Highland Park Players. Offstage, Brent is an artist at WMS Gaming and, as you can see, enjoys referring to himself in the third person. Schmee!

DAVID WHITLOCK (Gus Sharkey) Big Noise credits: How to Succeed… (J.B. Biggley), All Shook Up (Jim Haller), Sunday in the Park with George (Mr./Charles Redmond), On Golden Pond (Charlie Martin), and Over the Tavern (Chet Pazinski). Other credits include Hello Dolly with Light Opera Works and Annie with Highland Park

Players. David lives in Northbrook and is a proud member of the Whitlock family.

KRYSTEN WILLIAMS (Krysten, Backup Singer) is an actress, singer, and dancer. She has been performing since the young age of 4. She moved from Los Angeles to Chicago in 2004 to further her education at Columbia College, Chicago where she recently received her B.A. in TheatreActing. A few of her credits for acting, dance, and singing include works for AFC Theatre The Oz, Cinderella Sista, Royal Child, New Studio Theatre at Columbia College The Etymology of Bird, My Secret Language of Wishes which were both directed by Chuck Smith; Hairspray, The Wiz, and many more productions. Krysten is excited to be in Chicago and to be a part of the theatre experience in this city.

P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F B I O G R A P H I E S NANCY FLASTER (Director/ Co-choreographer) has directed Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up, Jane Eyre, the Musical, I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change, Beehive and All Shook Up for Big Noise Theatre, and Leader of the Pack (1995) and Joseph… for Winnetka Theatre. She has collaborated with her favorite side-kick/choreographer/director Ann Fink on all of these shows. As a choreographer for Big Noise, she has created dances for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Barnum, Big River, and The Drowsy Chaperone among others.

She is delighted to work this time with the amazing Robert Deason, her old friend and classmate, genius Rick Paul (we have a long history), and of course, Daiva. The added talents of Michael Goldman and Amanda Nianick have been 8 Big Noise Theatre Company

invaluable. Nancy is the very proud artistic director of Big Noise—and the even more proud “na” of Jackson, Melanie and Macy.

DAIVA PAULIS (Producer/Stage Manager) is shocked to realize that Leader of the Pack is her twenty-first Big Noise and Winnetka Theatre production! During this time, her contributions to Big Noise Theatre have been invaluable. In addition to helming the show as producer and serving as stage manager, Daiva is a one woman production staff, manning the desk at auditions, setting up for rehearsals, running sound and light boards, serving as projectionist, operating a spotlight, building, painting and always doing the unimaginable. We couldn’t put up a show without her! Most recently, she was the producer for The Drowsy Chaperone, and Stage Manager for How

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

AMANDA NIANICK (Production Assistant / Dance Captain) is thrilled to make her staff debut at Big Noise Theatre for Leader of the Pack!! Hailing from Long Grove, IL Amanda is a grad of Indiana University earning a BA in Theatre and Drama with a minor in Music. Amanda has taught Theatre and Music classes at the Long Grove Performing Arts Academy and The Lake ROBERT DEASON (Music Director) Forest Children’s Theatre Company, Robert is THRILLED to be returning her favorite class being a Glee-tastic to Big Noise, where he recently music Workshop! A performer first, Amanda directed their hit productions of How has made the transition to artistic staff to Succeed in Business….and The Drowsy with a new found love of the “behindChaperone and Winnetka Theatre’s the-scenes” work and looks forward to Rapunzel. Other music direction credits continue working with Big Noise on include Sunset Boulevard at Timber Lake many more productions! She would like Playhouse, The Wedding Singer with Big to thank Nancy Flaster for her guidance Deal Productions, and the premiere and for believing in the talents she had reading of Join The Club, a new musical, to offer. Also a huge “Thank You!” the as well as a variety of schools around rest of the cast and production staff the Chicagoland area. On stage, for all of their hard work put into this he has been seen at Theatre at the show! Lastly, many thanks to her family Center, Pheasant Run Resort, Circle and friends for their continued love and Theatre, and The Bailiwick Rep. and at support, which includes always trekking The Paramount Theatre in Aurora. In out to who-knows-where to make it addition, he can be seen around the to every show she’s ever worked on! city and suburbs as a dueling pianist.

Thanks a bunch, couldn’t do it without www.robertandsaraduel.com. Thanks you! www.wix.com/anianick/arn to Nancy for this fantastic opportunity, and the rest of the cast and crew for all RICK PAUL (Set Design) This is Rick their hard work and dedication to this Paul’s second Big Noise production project. Enjoy the show! following his inspirational set that brought The Drowsy Chaperone to life.

ANN FINK (Co-Choreographer) is Rick began his award winning career happy to be working again with Nancy at the Winnetka Community House Flaster to provide choreography with the first all student run high for another great Big Noise Theatre school theatre group in the country, production. Past collaborations have Summerset Players. Since then his included Beehive, Patent Leather designs have been seen in Europe, Shoes…, Barnum, Cinderella, (Winnetka Canada, Latin America, Asia and all fifty Theatre’s first production of ) Leader Of states. He is still working on Africa.

The Pack, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Rick was a pioneer of what came to Change, and All Shook Up among others. be called Chicago’s Off Loop Theatre She is also happy to be working again Movement, designing many of its with Robert Deason. Ann’s performance seminal world premiere hits, including: credits include Cha Cha in Grease Grease, Tennessee William’s Out Cry, (TOTL), the Mute in The Fantasticks, Status Quo Vadis, E/R Emergency Room, (WTC), and Val in A Chorus Line (ATC), and recently Hizzoner. He designed and numerous productions with BNT/ numerous films that inexplicably WTC, among others. gained cult status like: Henry:Portrait to Succeed in Business… and Winnetka Theatre’s “just for kids” production of Rapunzel. As if all that isn’t enough, Daiva is now a member the Board of Governors of Big Noise/Winnetka Theatre and she is spearheading our upcoming Theatre benefit, just another endeavor she was “dragged” into smiling and laughing all the way.

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

Of A Serial Killer, Normal Life, Butch Camp and most recently Hannah Free with Sharon Gless. He has designed for over a dozen international festivals including New World Miami, Spoleto, Filmex Los Angeles, Edinburgh Fringe, Singapore Movement Theatre, and Stars Of American Ballet. He currently teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. “It’s great to work with high school classmate Nancy Flaster again and all the riotously talented Big Noisers!”

PATTY HALAJIAN (Costume Designer) is very proud and happy to be asked back to costume for Big Noise Theatre for a 5th time, having previously costumed How to Succeed…, The Drowsy Chaperone, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and All Shook Up. Patty is a freelance costume designer working in the Chicago area for many years. She is currently the resident designer for Music On Stage in Palatine, proudly designing the midwest premieres of both Jekyll and Hyde and Dracula. Patty has sewn for ballet companies all over the country, including Charleston Ballet Theatre in South Carolina, Carolina Ballet Theatre in North Carolina, Provo Civic Ballet in Utah, Burklyn Ballet Theatre in Vermont, and the Festival Ballet Nutcracker in Florida. Her costumes have been worn by Burklyn Youth Ballet at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland 3 times.Patty also works wardrobe for Jam Productions and chicagostagehand.com at the Chicago Theatre, Akoo Theatre in Rosemont, and the Venue at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana. Patty lives in Kildeer with her 3 cats and 6 sewing machines. Patty would like to thank her friend and co designer, Jean Rebeka, for her tireless work and never-ending friendship.

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MICHAEL GOLDMAN (Associate Musical Director, Conductor, Keyboard) Big Noise Theatre is thrilled to welcome back Mike for his second Big Noise show following How To Succeed….. last fall. A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and recipient of the Caldwell Piano Scholarship, Mike Goldman is an active pianist, accompanist, arranger and music director in the Chicago area. He has an extensive background in musical theater and in addition to Big Noise, he has performed with Light Opera Works, ShawChicago, Up & Coming Theatre, and many other regional theater companies. Mike also has a strong background in arts administration. He served as an artistic coordinator for the Heifetz National Music Institute in New Hampshire and was a music librarian for the Broadway production of Wicked in New York City. An invaluable asset to our production staff, we are so fortunate that he has shared his talent and upbeat attitude with us throughout the rehearsal process. We hope to be fortunate to work with Mike on many future productions!

MATT KOOI (Lighting Design) works as a freelance designer in and around Chicago. Leader of the Pack is his eighth production with Big Noise Theater Company. Matt previously designed lights on this stage for Butterflies are Free, How to Succeed…., Beau Jest, Spelling Bee, Rent, I Hate Hamlet and All Shook Up. He is the resident light designer for Oakton Community College. Matt would like to thank: Nancy, the cast and crew, and his wife Kathryn.

RICHARD NEUMANN (Sound Design) this is the ninth Big Noise/Winnetka Theatre show for which Rich and his company Abracadabra Productions have provided sound design. Previous productions on this stage include Rent,

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

Sleeping Beauty, All Shook Up. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Little Red And Her Friends, The Drowsy Chaperone, How to Succeed…and Rapunzel Abracadabra Productions is a full service audio, video and production company located in Skokie, Illinois. www.abraprovideo.com JASON CLARK (Set Construction) Big Noise welcomes Jason back for his second production with us after Jason built our set for Butterflies are Free. It is a pleasure to work with Jason as he always seems agreeable to any task he is presented by our designers!

Jason has much experience in set construction and we hope to have him on our team for many shows ahead.

SHARON DAMISCH (Set Decorator) Leader of the Pack is Sharon’s second production with Big Noise after painting their production of Butterflies Are Free in January. As the proud owner of Only Faux You decorative painting company, Sharon has painted over thirty-five sets for various theatre companies since 2005, and numerous private homes using the latest specialty finish products. Thanks to Nancy, Daiva, Marsha, Rick and Jason. Love to my family, Rich, Bridie and Tim for their patience while I’ve indulged my creative cravings over the last decade.

(Onlyfauxyou.com) AARON ANDREWS (Light Execution) Aaron is pleased to continue his role with Big Noise Theatre as the company lighting technician. Past productions include Sunday in the Park with George, RENT, All Shook Up, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Beau Jest , The Drowsy Chaperone, How to Succeed…,and

Butterflies are Free. Whether in the booth or clambering the catwalks above he is always ready to light up the stage. While each production is special, Aaron is especially excited this time to light his lovely wife Linda as she graces the stage. He sends his love to Linda, and congratulations to the cast and crew for another great production.

Enjoy the show!

BLAKE BORTNIK (Sound Execution) Big Noise Theatre welcomes Blake on “board” for his first show with us!

Blake is currently training to be an elementary school teacher, and will be graduating from Aurora University with a degree in Elementary Education in May. While Blake has always hoped to be a teacher, he also has a lot of interest in the audio/visual area, and has consistently volunteered in tech departments of various Christian venues for over seven years.

MILDRED SCHMALZ (Stage Crew) “As a lifetime devotee of the theater, when circumstances placed me at a cross roads of life, I found time to indulge my passions to help in many ways and view the world from my favorite spot, “back stage”. Thanks to Big Noise for making me a part of each production.” From the time that Millie approached Big Noise and offered to volunteer, her involvement as a part of our production family has been all encompassing. We marvel at all Millie can do…whether painting sets, serving as stage crew, dressing our actors, handling ticket orders, or distributing publicity materials, Millie inspires us all with her wonderful stories, fabulous attitude, and generosity of spirit.

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B E C O M E A N A N G E L ...

Angels are the financial backers of theatre productions. Your financial support allows us to produce excellent shows at affordable prices. Send your check (payable to Winnetka Theatre, our corporate parent) along with your name as you wish it to appear in the program to Marsha Rutenberg, Treasurer, 1895 Clavey Road, Highland Park, IL, 60035. Winnetka Theatre is a 501(c)3 organization, so your contribution is tax deductible. Thank you!

Corporate Sponsor Robert W. Baird & Company

Angel $200 - $900 Marian & Stan Kaderbek Peter Rasey

Archangels $1000 – more Sandy & Nancy Flaster Bill and Marsha Rutenberg

Cherub $5 - $199 Marlon & Dennis Barden in memory ofDan Loftus Joyce Bishop in honor of Nancy Flaster and Marsha Rutenberg

Nancy Goodman in honor of husband Joan & James Leeney, Jr. Leonard & Rikki Levine in honor of Nancy Flaster Selwyn Goodman Nancy & Jim Moran Joe Schmitt Lorraine Tancredi

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