Marquette University - Boys Next Door

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MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY’S J. WILLIAM AND MARY DIEDERICH COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION DIGITAL MEDIA AND PERFORMING ARTS MARQUETTE THEATRE DEBRA KRAJEC, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PRESENTS

By Tom Griffin November 7 – 17, 2013

Directed by Bill Watson Scenic Design by Stephen Hudson-Mairet Costume Design by Bridget Rzymski, ‘14 Lighting Design by Nic Trapani, ‘14 Sound Design by Rory Higgins, ‘14 The Theatre Arts Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York

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CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEAR ANCE) Arnold Wiggins.......................................................................................................................................Kyle Conner Lucien P. Smith................................................................................................................................ Oumi Abdulahi Jack........................................................................................................................................................ Larry Lajewski Norman Bulansky..................................................................................................................... Armando Ronconi Barry Klemper...........................................................................................................................................Oliver Wolf Mr. Hedges, Mr. Corbin, Senator Clarke.............................................................. Michael Cienfuegos-Baca Mrs. Fremus, Mrs. Warren, Clara...............................................................................................Shannon Twohy Sheila......................................................................................................................................................... Amy Burzak Mr. Klemper.......................................................................................................................................... Dan Callahan The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E S One of the great privileges of making theatre is to enter a culture and community we are not a part of and to experience and share that community’s stories. Through the imaginatively transformational nature of the theatre that allows a stage to be the market square of a 19th century Russian Shtetl, the plains of Agincourt, or the civil war ravaged rain forest of the Congo, actor and audience alike can enter the exotic world of the other, if just for a moment and through the strange alchemical magic of our imaginations, find understanding and compassion born of an empathic experience of our common humanity That privilege also holds its greatest responsibility. We must make that journey into the heart and soul of the other with a deep respect and integrity if we are to find insight and understanding. In our work as able minded actors entering into the stories of these characters whose daily mental struggle we can only imagine, we have been humbled by that responsibility and awed by the beauty of the humanity we find in these people. It is a community that lives in our midst, mostly unseen, unnoticed or actively ignored by the many of us and as Lucien says of himself in his theatrically imagined moment of eloquent self-expression, he “…will not go away…he is here to remind the species of the species”.

We have found this a beautiful, moving, funny journey and hope our work does some measure of justice to these brothers and sisters of ours among us. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Bill Watson

CAST BIOGR APHIES Oumi Abdulahi (Lucien P. Smith) Oumi is a freshman, and this is his first production for the Marquette Theatre. He would like to thank Bill Watson for giving him the opportunity to participate in The Boys Next Door. He also wants to thank the Marquette Theatre faculty and staff for believing in him, as well as Stephen HudsonMairet for coaching him and just helping him out through his struggles.

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Amy Burzak (Sheila) Amy is a senior Theatre major at Marquette University and has previously appeared on the Helfaer stage as Maddie Livingston in Women of Lockerbie and in the ensemble of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. She has previously studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Amy would like to dedicate her performance in this show to her mother and uncle for teaching her compassion through their wonderful relationship.

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Dan Callahan (Mr. Klemper) Daniel is a junior and a Theatre major at Marquette University. He is excited to be in his fourth mainstage show and is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to perform again at the Helfaer Theatre. He would like to thank his director, Bill Watson, the stage managers, the crew and all of the cast for their hard work and great teamwork during this process.

Michael Cienfuegos-Baca (Mr. Hedges, Mr. Corbin, Senator Clarke) This is Michael’s sixth production here at Marquette, and he is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this production. The experience with Bill Watson is one that will excel his acting abilities, and has added so many tools to his repertoire. He couldn’t be happier to have had such an amazing opportunity his sophomore year, and it’s only looking better from here. Michael had a lot of fun with this cast and crew, and has made new friends and made some old friends even better ones.

He can’t wait for you to see the fabulous production that is The Boys Next Door; hope you enjoy.

Kyle Conner (Arnold Wiggins) Kyle is beyond excited to be back on the Helfaer mainstage. A junior Theatre Arts major, Kyle was last seen as Andre in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Other shows at Marquette include A Dollhouse, Urinetown, and Comedy of Errors. Outside of the theatre, Kyle finds immense pleasure in the little things in life, such as ramen, sleep, and sweaters from Goodwill. He would like to thank Bill for this opportunity to work with this wonderful cast and crew on this magnificent show and his family and friends for all of their support.

Larry Lajewski (Jack) Larry is a junior Theatre and Broadcasting major. He has previously been seen as Nils Krogstad (A Dollhouse), Townsperson (The Foreigner), and Gant (Holy Days). He is very excited to be part of such a wonderful production and would like to thank all those involved for bringing this great story to life. He would especially like to thank his family and friends for their undying love and support. Enjoy the show!

Armando Ronconi (Norman Bulansky) Armando is a junior Theatre Arts Major and Dance Minor. Armando has last been seen on the Marquette stage as Orin (Little Shop of Horrors), Owen Musser (The Foreigner), ensemble roles (Comedy of Errors), Caldwell B. Cladwell (Urinetown), and most recently as Lawrence Jameson (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). He wishes to thank the Marquette Theatre faculty for the training, support, and opportunities he’s received; his fellow cast and crew for making this creative experience so special; and last, but not least, his friends and family who come to see him perform and continue to provide their love and unconditional support from afar. Thank you!

Shannon Twohy (Mrs. Fremus, Mrs. Warren, Clara) Shannon is a senior Theatre Arts major, Film minor from Minneapolis, MN. Her previous Marquette credits include Senator Fipp (Urinetown), Anne Marie (A Dollhouse), and Teacher/Mother Mouse (If You Take a Mouse to School). She recently had her directorial debut with MUPS’s production of The Pillowman. Shannon would like to thank her fabulous friends and family for their constant support, Bill for his amazing direction and this wonderful opportunity, her wonderful cast and crew of this amazing show, and Interact for being a source of inspiration and joy which gave her real insight into this play. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Oliver Wolf (Barry Klemper) Oliver is thrilled to be part of The Boys Next Door! He is a junior from New York, and he majors in Theatre and minors in History.

Past productions include The Pillowman, Urinetown, a re-imagining of Antigone, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, and The Foreigner. Oliver would like to thank everybody for coming tonight, and hopes that you all enjoy this wonderful production. To my fellow cast members, break all of your legs!

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COSTUME DESIGN CONCEPT For these unique characters, I wanted to combine actual images of those with mental disabilities as well as create an aesthetic representation of the disabilities that affect each of the characters: Arnold hides his anxiety in layers and patterns; Lucien lacks the mental capacity to express himself, and this is shown in his plain ensemble. All the while, I kept in mind the fact that the boys, reflective of those in group homes in real life, have all of their clothes either donated to them, sent by their parents, and/or bought in resale shops, so the clothing is often ill-fitting and worn out.

NOTE FROM THE CHAIR Marquette Theatre Patrons have helped establish The Phylis Ravel Theatre and Social Justice fund in honor of our friend and colleague Phylis, who lost her battle with cancer one year ago this week. This fund will be used to support social awareness activities and the pursuit of justice through theatre. Once fully endowed, the fund will sustain a variety of programs such as student and faculty projects and research, departmental programming and initiatives, educational forums, speakers, faculty and student development, and community outreach programs. Tonight’s show, and the programming surrounding this event, are an example of the type of programming we will offer from this fund. The Ravel fund has almost reached the endowment goal, but we can use additional help to reach the $50,000 threshold. If you would like to donate, gifts can be made to support the Phylis Ravel Theatre and Social Justice Fund by mailing them to University Advancement, Marquette University, 1250 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin; 53233. Please indicate Phylis Ravel Theatre and Social Justice Fund on the check. If you have any questions, I encourage you to call me directly at 414-288-3391. I thank you for your ongoing support of Marquette Theatre.

Stephen Hudson-Mairet, Department Chair P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Jacob Daggett (Properties Master) Jake is a junior in the College of Education.

He would like to thank Chester and Connie for this opportunity, and he is thrilled to have worked as the props master. He would also like to thank Stephen and Deb for their guidance and positive energy. Some previous credits include The Foreigner and Urinetown, and he will return to the stage in Hamlet this April. Enjoy the show!

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Dylan Elhai (Stage Manager) Dylan is a junior majoring in Theatre Arts and minoring in Graphic Design. She is honored to have the opportunity to stage manage The Boys Next Door. Dylan would like to thank her Mom, Krista Carson Elhai, for flying all the way from California to see this show (Love you Mom!!). Dylan will be the Stage Management Intern for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s Lend Me A Tenor in the Spring. Dylan has most recently worked as an Assistant Stage Manager for Urinetown. Her other Marquette credits include: Asst. Stage Manager (Women

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of Lockerbie), Asst. Light Designer (The Foreigner, Dancing Through the Decades: A Dance Show), and Master Electrician (Holy Days). Dylan’s professional credits include: Light Designer (Clybourne Park; Time Stands Still; Sweet Mama String Bean), Stage Manager (Godspeed, Deathtroupe).

Stephen Hudson-Mairet (Scenic Designer/ Chair) 2013-14 marks Stephen’s fourteenth season at Marquette. As chair of the Department of Digital Media and Performing Arts, Stephen is blessed to be working with a great faculty, staff, and student body, and he is happy to share their great work with you.

Stephen has completed numerous scenic or lighting designs on the Helfaer stage. This season Stephen will complete the scenic designs for The Boys Next Door and Almost, Maine. Stephen lives quite happily in a very old house in Wauwatosa with his wife Heidi, and daughters Emma and Grace.

Debra Krajec (Artistic Director) Deb is very proud that Marquette Theatre is presenting The Boys Next Door and very excited to have Bill Watson as the perfect guest Director for this important Theatre and Social Justice play. Bringing in guest artists of Bill’s caliber to work with our students on theatre productions that will make a personal impact on our students and our audiences is a vital part of what we strive to do to serve our mission to do theatre for social change at Marquette Theatre. Thank you Bill, for working with our talented students. This season marks Deb’s thirtieth on the faculty at Marquette, serving as a Director as well as a Costume Designer on MU’s mainstage.

She received her MFA from Texas Christian University, and has worked professionally as a costume designer, a director, and an actress.

In Milwaukee, Deb has designed costumes for Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and Next Act Theatre and directed for In Tandem Productions and Playwrights’ Studio of Milwaukee. She is very active in the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, where she is a Fellow of the Institute. Deb is a member of Actors Equity Association.

Chester Loeffler-Bell (Technical Director) Chester is pleased to work again with the Marquette faculty, staff, and students on another exciting season of fine work.

Other experience include three seasons as Production Manager for the Chamber Theatre, two years as a faculty member at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, one year as a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Deputy, and four seasons as Lighting Supervisor with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. He holds a BA in Theatre from Carroll College and a MFA in Lighting Design from the University of South Carolina. Chester lives in Mukwonago, Wisconsin with his wife Susan and sons Harry, Sam and Joe. Kaitlyn Martin (Assistant Scenic Designer) Kaitlyn, a junior with a major in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Stage Management, is grateful to have expanded her role in the theatre by assistant set designing The Boys Next Door! She would to thank the cast and production team for their diligent work to make this show such a success. In addition, she would like to thank Stephen for dealing with her antics all summer as he mentored her through this process. She would also like to thank Chester for letting her fly by the seat of Hannah’s pants in the shop. Most importantly, Kaitlyn wants to thank her friends and family for their support. Enjoy the show!

Connie Petersen (Costume Shop Manager) Connie is so proud of this artistic staff for such an endearing project. She is so proud to have been a mentor for Bridget over the last 4 years. She received her B.S. degree in theatre from Northwest Missouri State University and M.F.A. degree in Costume and Scenic Design from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. She has worked professionally for Central City Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Denver Center Theatre Company, and Playmakers Repertory Company at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Her recent designs at Marquette include Urinetown.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Laramie Project, A Year with Frog and Toad, and Putnam County Spelling Bee. Connie is enjoying whatever free time possible with her husband, Heath and Emma & Olivia.

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Bridget Rzymski (Costume Designer) Bridget is a senior Theatre Arts major with a minor in Theology, and she is proud to present her second costume design for the Marquette mainstage! Most recently, Bridget interned at the Des Moines Metro Opera for hair and makeup, working on Romeo and Juliette, Peter Grimes, and Elektra.

Soon, she will be costume designing Carousel at Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin, as well as the Marquette mainstage production of Hamlet in the spring. Special thanks to her parents and friends for their undying love and support, Bill for his wonderful direction, both Connie and Deb for always guiding her in the ways of costumes, and the enormously talented cast and crew. She hopes you enjoy this delightful, heart-warming piece!

Nic Trapani (Lighting Designer) Nic is a senior Theatre Arts major with an emphasis in Lighting Design. Recently he has light designed Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, A Dollhouse, and Holy Days, sound designed Urinetown, and projection designed Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Also, his Holy Days light design was taken to the American College Theatre Festival and went to the final round in the region. He would like to thank the Three Little Pigs as well as friends, family, and Carissa for their support with his endeavors.

Bill Watson (Director) Bill is a professional director and actor making his home in Milwaukee for ten years now and has appeared on Milwaukee stages in Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s production of Picnic, Equus for In Tandem Theatre, Esperanza Rising for First Stage, and most recently as Rebbi Saunders in In Tandem’s acclaimed production of Chaim Potok’s The Chosen. He has acted and directed nationally for, among others, Shakespeare and Company in Lenox Massachusetts, Seattle’s Seattle Repertory Theatre, Intiman Theatre, The Empty Space, and A Contemporary Theatre; The State Theatre and Live Oak Theatre of Austin Texas, Axis Theatre Ireland, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Montana Shakespeare Festival, and Montana Repertory Theatre. An acting and movement teacher currently on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he has taught on faculties of the University of Texas, the University of Montana, and the University of Idaho before coming to Milwaukee in 2004 to initiate a new undergraduate BFA acting program at UWM. He has since directed many productions across town at that “other campus” including Hair, As You Like It, 7 Guitars and the Milwaukee premiere of Lynn Nottage’s Ruined in May. He is thrilled to be joining the wonderful Marquette team for this production of The Boys Next Door.

P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Technical Director................................................................................................................ Chester Loeffler-Bell Choreographer..............................................................................................................Amy Brinkman-Sustache Stage Manager........................................................................................................................................ Dylan Elhai Assistant Stage Managers........................................................................... Hayley Bassett, Jessica Trznadel Lighting Designer....................................................................................................................................Nic Trapani Light Board Operators.............................................................................. Mark Gotthelf, Aja Luckett-Smiles Scenic Designer.............................................................................................................Stephen Hudson-Mairet Assistant Scenic Designer..............................................................................................................Kaitlyn Martin Scene Shop Assistants........................................................ Kyle Conner, Dylan Elhai, Patrick Hasselbeck, Rory Higgins, Larry Lajewski, Aja Luckett-Smiles, Kaitlyn Martin, Katie Shanahan, Nic Trapani, Madelyn Yee Scenic Shop Build.................................................................Tyler Berard, Adam Brown, Alex Coddington, Mark Gotthelf, Armando Ronconi, Oliver Wolf, Terry Lee Watkins Deck Crew...................................................................................................................Liz Formella, Hannah Risse Props Master......................................................................................................................................Jacob Daggett Costume Designer........................................................................................................................Bridget Rzymski Costume Shop Manager............................................................................................................Connie Petersen 8

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Costume Shop Assistants........................................................ Hayley Bassett, Michael Cienfuegos-Baca, Jacob Daggett, Tyler Frost, Alexis Hamburg, Bridget Rzymski, Peter Sisto, Jessica Trznadel, Shannon Twohy, Susan Wirtz Costume Shop Build..................................................................................... Catherine Audette, Amy Burzak, Valerie Jandl, Anna Otto, Gil Vaquero Wardrobe Supervisor........................................................................................................................... Kate O’Neill Wardrobe Crew..............................................................Ben Braun, Madeleine Farley, Alessandria Rhines Sound Designer................................................................................................................................... Rory Higgins Sound Board Operator.........................................................................................................................Kristi Keiser Assistant to the Chair............................................................................................................................ Kelly Dillon Assistant to the Artistic Director.................................................................................................. Ava Thomann Box Office Assistant......................................................................................Hannah Henkel, Mallory Lukasik House Manager.................................................................................................................................Molly Edwards Ushers.......................................................................................................................... Theatre Appreciation Class

SPECIAL THANKS Jim Guy – Milwaukee Repertory Theatre Props Department

M ARQUET TE UNIVERSIT Y College of Communication Lori Bergen, Dean Joyce Wolburg, Associate Dean Steve Goldzwig, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies & Research Full - Time Faculty Chester Loeffler-Bell Connie Petersen Box Office Coordinator Kevin Wleklinski Digital Media and Performing Arts Stephen Hudson-Mairet, Chairperson

Marquette Theatre Debra Krajec, Artistic Director Part - Time Faculty Amy Brinkman-Sustache Deborah Cecsarini Todd Denning Fr. Grant Garinger, S.J. Roxanne Kess Maureen Kilmurry John Schneider Catey Ott Thompson Mark Weinberg Matthew Wickey

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DONORS Digital Media and Performing Arts wishes to thank the following Donors for their 2013 – 2014 contributions: Theatre Contribution Fund Anonymous Margaret Blodgett & Ken Miller Terry & Diane Duffey Grace Goodwin Jim & Joan Hagner Matthew D. Jaeger Ronald & Patricia Jodat W. Andrew Kienzle Gary & Sarah Krenz Matthew Mitchell Northwestern Mutual Foundation Norma A. Schmidt Gernon John & Suzanne McArdle James & JoAnne McGillis Paul Milakovich John & Mary Ricci James & Jean Richie Ronald & Patricia Santilli David & Sandy Schrock Rosemary Selep Timothy & Julie Simmons Kathleen Smith

Ling Tang Donald & Mary Pat Utech Paul & Mary Utschig Craig C. Wiroll Brian & Sue Yee Cecelia Zettel Theatre & Social Justice Fund Helen Boomsma John & Lindsey Pauly Brian & Sue Yee Phylis Ravel Theatre & Social Justice Fund Kyle & Jenny Burman Carole Burns Dan & Margaret Callahan Susan Clinton David Denomie Patrick & Julia Fennelly Alexis C. Genya Stephen & Heidi HudsonMairet Matthew D. Jaeger

David & Debra Krajec Chester & Susan LoefflerBell Gary & Anne Meyer April Newton Northwestern Mutual Foundation John & Lindsey Pauly Daniel & Bridget Pudi Steven & Emily Schultz Karen Slattery Mathew & Sarah Van Hoven Megan J. Walker William & Janice Welburn Wisconsin Presenters Network Kevin & Ashlea Wleklinski WME Foundation Joyce Wolburg Endowed Drama Fund Stephen & Heidi HudsonMairet

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