C. Michael Wright Producing Artistic Director
Kirsten Mulvey Managing Director
presents
by Gwendolyn Rice February 16 - March 11, 2012 Jennifer Uphoff Gray Director Judy Martel* Production Stage Manager Nate Stuber Scenic Designer
Hyewon Park Costume Designer
Jason Fassl** Lighting Designer
Charles J. Trieloff II Properties Designer
Brandy Kline Production Manager/ Company Manager
Paul Hurley Sound Designer
*Performers appear courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
**Member of United Scenic Artists, local 829.
A collaboration with Forward Theater Company A THOUSAND WORDS was workshopped by the Wisconsin Wrights New Play Development Project and a staged reading was presented as part of MCT’s Montgomery Davis Play Development Series in 2008-2009.
CO-SPONSORED BY: Sheldon & Marianne Lubar Charitable Fund
The Dental Offices of Dr. David Paris
Michael & Shirley Mosesson
John & Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation, Inc. A Thousand Words 1
Illustration: Andrew Bernier
William Inge’s classic romantic comedy
April 12-29, 2012 A collaboration with UW-Parkside
Directed by Lisa Kornetsky Featuring Jamie Cheatham, Ethan Hall, Doug Jarecki, Dan Katula, Brenna Kempf, Patrick Lawlor, Jacque Troy & Annie Walaszek Sponsored by Donald A. Cress BROADWAY THEATRE CENTER 158 N. Broadway Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward
414.291.7800
milwaukeechambertheatre.com 2 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
C A S T ( i n o r d e r o f a p p e a ra n c e ) Brian Walters.............................................................................................................. T. Stacy Hicks Sally Quinn.......................................................................................................................Sarah Day* Roy Stryker.................................................................................................................. T. Stacy Hicks Walker Evans............................................................................................... Josh Aaron McCabe* Shirley Hughes........................................................................................................ Molly Rhode* Andrea Munroe...................................................................................................Georgina McKee Jessica Shoemacher................................................................................................. Libby Amato Abbie Lehman............................................................................................................ Libby Amato John Connors............................................................................................................. T. Stacy Hicks *Performers appear courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
PLEASE NOTE There will be one 15-minute intermission. Video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited. The audience is asked to silence mobile phones and refrain from text messaging during the performance. This world premiere production of A THOUSAND WORDS is a collaboration with
Forward Theater Company was founded in 2009 to provide exceptional, professional theater experiences to our audiences and showcase the talents of actors, directors, designers, and playwrights in southern Wisconsin. Our mission is to create a home base for local theater professionals that expands the cultural and economic life of the greater Madison area. For more information, please visit forwardtheater.com.
SPECIAL THANKS Timothy Abler, Arts@Large, Nick Berard, Layna Davis, Peter Gray, Ellie Gettinger at Jewish Museum Milwaukee, Chris Lynn Kirsch, Mary Jo McDonald, Steve Daily and Michael Reuter at Milwaukee County Historical Society, Nikki Kulas and her grandfather, Ernest Giesegh, at The New Berlin Auction and Sales Barn, Joe Rice, Jacqueline Singleton, The Terry Family Foundation, David Wells, The Wisconsin Historical Museum, Wisconsin Wrights New Play Project
A Thousand Words 3
FROM THE PL AY WRIGHT When I read this newspaper article, I was intrigued by the words. But I was captivated by the pictures. Long-hidden prints reveal the friendship between Walker Evans and Ernest Hemingway KEY WEST - In the spring of 1933, Ernest Hemingway had escaped the Great Depression on a borrowed boat to Cuba, where he fished, drank and gathered material for his next novel, To Have and Have Not. With him for three weeks in the bars and bistros was a young Walker Evans, who would soon become known as one of the great American photographers of the 20th century. But for decades, the tale of their friendship and influence on each other’s work remained hidden in a storage room of a Key West bar. In boxes and crates, Benjamin “Dink” Bruce discovered 46 original photographs taken by Evans in Havana in 1933. I remember this moment very clearly: I was eating lunch at my desk at work, with the newspaper spread over my keyboard. I set my sandwich down and typed Evans’s name into a search engine. And the photos I found took my breath away. Like a lot of people, I had seen these photos before, but I hadn’t associated a name with them. Along with Dorothea Lange, and other artists working with the Farm Security Administration and later the Works Progress Administration, Evans created stark, arresting, beautiful pictures of Dust Bowl families that awakened the country to the plight of the rural poor. I clicked on one webpage after another, looking for more images and more information about this incredible artist. I learned that he was credited with pioneering a naturalistic photographic style, documenting the world around him instead of manipulating it for his photos. He was considered a master of black and white, and was the first photographer to have a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. More intriguing details emerged as I read through online biographies and art history commentaries on his work. In Evans’s photos, there is a clear fascination with billboards and marketing messages turned on their heads. He also loved urban scenes, and manmade landscapes. Trying to catch people in unguarded moments – oblivious to the fact that they were being photographed -- he hid a camera in his coat and took pictures of people riding the subway in New York. Looking at the people in these frames, I was enthralled. Intrigued. Embarrassed to be staring so long at dirty faces marked with poverty, or simply caught unaware. It became clear the longer I looked that Evans saw the world in a way that no other photographer had before him. And he captured that world on film. I wanted to talk to him. To know him. To get inside his head. After finishing my lunch I announced to my coworkers that I would write a play about Walker Evans someday. Playwriting is a solitary process. Sitting alone at a computer, typing late into the night, it is an exercise in introspection – the transcription of conversations between characters who live and speak only in your mind. But art is meant to be shared with readers, with audiences, with other artists, and the play A THOUSAND WORDS has benefitted from many, many other collaborators. They include the Wisconsin Wrights New Play Project; the University of Wisconsin, Madison; The Terry Family Foundation/Edenfred Artists Residence; Milwaukee Chamber Theatre; Forward Theater Company; Montgomery Davis Play Development Series; Jacque Troy; Martine Kei Green-Rodgers; Trevin Gay; Michael Wright; Jennifer Uphoff Gray; and all the actors who have participated in 4 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
F R O M T H E P L A Y W R I G H T ( c o n t .) readings of the play over the last four years. A sincere thank you to everyone – including today’s audience – who has contributed to the development of this work. This has been an amazing journey. I hope that the play will encourage artists and audiences alike to think about the nature of authenticity, the process of art creation, and the power of words and images to change the world. I know the pictures of Walker Evans certainly changed mine. ~Gwendolyn Rice D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E S We are so happy you could join us today for the world premiere production of A THOUSAND WORDS. I had the pleasure of working with the playwright, Gwendolyn Rice, on a reading of this play back in March 2009 as part of Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s Montgomery Davis Play Development Series. (In fact, the reading took place just a few days before Forward Theater was founded!) It’s been wonderful to follow the play’s evolution over the past four years and help shape it into the production you’ll see today. I think the reason A THOUSAND WORDS resonated so deeply with me -- and one of the things I like most about the script -- is that it brings up some really interesting and relevant questions about how art and artists can be part of the solution in times of national crisis. As you’ll see, a portion of the play takes place in 1937 -- focusing on the work of the Farm Security Administration, which commissioned artists to record the living conditions of the rural poor in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. This effort not only employed Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, and other famous black-and-whitephotographers of the time period, it also used art to publicize, document, and ultimately address the devastating economic and social conditions across the country. When we first established Forward Theater Company, I was often asked why a group of Madison artists would risk starting a new theater during a recession. The answer was remarkably similar to something Walker Evans’s boss at the Farm Security Administration might have said: “In times of transition, the arts become even more essential in our communities.” We are so pleased to have had this chance to collaborate with Milwaukee Chamber Theatre to bring this exciting new play to both of our communities. Enjoy the show! ~Jennifer Uphoff Gray
The Montgomery Davis Play Development Series presents A staged reading of a new musical
The Tavern Keeper’s Daughter Book, Music & Lyrics by Brett Ryback
Monday, February 27 - 7:30 p.m. Broadway Theatre Center | Cabot Theatre | 158 N. Broadway Readings are free with donations kindly accepted. For information, call 414.276.8842
An exciting collaboration with Milwaukee Chamber Theatre & Skylight Music Theatre A Thousand Words 5
BIOGR APHIES GWENDOLYN RICE (Playwright) Gwen holds a bachelor’s degree in English and theater from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in literature, history and criticism of the theater from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Gwen has won awards for short fiction as well as playwriting, and has had plays produced in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. She is also the author of the book, The Coronado Theatre: Rockford’s Crown Jewel. Professionally, Gwen has worked in marketing and fundraising for a variety of performing arts organizations, including First Stage Children’s Theater, the Friends of the Coronado Theatre and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. She currently works as the communications director for Forward Theater Company in Madison. Gwen would like to extend special thanks to
Jen Gray, Kimberly Yarnall, Jacque Troy, Michael Wright, and the entire Forward Theater advisory company for giving her this tremendous opportunity. She also sends her love to Joe, Charlie, and Ethan for inspiring her and making her laugh every day. LIBBY AMATO (Jessica Shoemaker/Abbie Lehman) Libby is delighted to be making her MCT mainstage debut after appearing in the Young Playwrights Festival for four years. In addition to A THOUSAND WORDS, she appeared in Forward Theater’s inaugural production of ALL ABOUT EVE. Other credits include productions at First Stage Children’s Theater, In Tandem Theatre, Alchemist Theatre, Windfall Theatre, Bunny Gumbo and New Court Theatre. Libby is a graduate of Carroll University with a BFA in
April 12-29, 2012 Overture Center
It’s an evening dedicated to love — stories of courtship, marriage, and the inevitable evolution of relationships over time.
TICKETS: 608-258-4141 overturecenter.com
SponSored by
American Family Insurance Group Health Cooperative 6 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
forwardtheater.com
ShOw
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) theater performance. Special thanks to Joe and Beth Amato for their unfailing encouragement. SARAH DAY (Sally Quinn) Sarah returns to Milwaukee Chamber Theatre where appearances include THE DESERT QUEEN (staged reading) and MADAME DE SADE. She is a founding member of Forward Theater Company, and serves on its advisory company. In addition to A THOUSAND WORDS, she has appeared in Forward’s productions of ALL ABOUT EVE and WHY TORTURE IS WRONG AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM. She has been a member of the acting company at American Players Theatre in Spring Green since 1986. T. STACY HICKS (Roy Stryker/Brian Walters/John Connors) Stacy makes his MCT mainstage debut after appearing in the Young Playwrights Festival in 2009. Milwaukee credits include Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Shakespeare, Renaissance Theaterworks, In Tandem Theatre, Uprooted Theatre, Youngblood Theatre and Optimist Theatre. Regional credits include Chicago Shakespeare and Southwest Shakespeare Company. Stacy teaches movement at UW-Whitewater where he recently coached the world premiere of THE EDWIN BOOTH COMPANY PRESENTS. Upcoming projects include SOUTH BRIDGE with Uprooted Theatre and VERONICA’S POSITION with In Tandem Theatre. JOSH AARON MCCABE (Walker Evans) Josh returns to MCT after playing Adam in THE MOONLIGHT ROOM and Johnny
in MISALLIANCE. He is a company member with Shakespeare & Company in the Berkshires where he has performed many roles, including the title role in a New England tour of MACBETH, A WINTER’S TALE (Camillo), AS YOU LIKE IT (Oliver), RICHARD III (Catesby), THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (Host), DANGEROUS LIAISONS (Valmont), THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP (Nicodemus/Enid/ Irma), THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND (Birdboot) and WAR OF THE WORLDS (Pierson). Josh was proud to perform in the critically acclaimed American premiere of THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES (Sherlock Holmes plus six other characters!). He has performed Off Broadway in PEEP SHOW (Mike) at Actor’s Playhouse. Regional theatres include Madison Repertory Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks and Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati. He has played principal roles in national commercials, as well as appearing in various daytime serials and on Saturday Night Live. Josh is honored to work in Shakespeare & Company’s education department directing and teaching Shakespeare in many schools as well as working with Shakespeare in the Courts - a collaboration with the Berkshire Juvenile Court system. He received his MFA in acting from UW-Madison and is a proud member of AEA, AFTRA and SAG. GEORGINA MCKEE (Andrea Munroe) Georgina returns to MCT after appearing as Meg in CRIMES OF THE HEART. Recent Milwaukee credits include the title roles in SYLVIA and MARY’S WEDDING with Next Act Theatre, Viola in TWELFTH NIGHT with Optimist Theatre, Carly in REASONS TO BE PRETTY with Renaissance Theaterworks, Eve/Barbara/Ella in THE APPLE TREE and Lori in ROMANTIC FOOLS with In Tandem Theatre and A CHRISTMAS CAROL with Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Regional work includes productions with American Players Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare A Thousand Words 7
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Festival and Fireside Dinner Theatre. She holds a BFA in acting from Southern Oregon University. MOLLY RHODE (Shirley Hughes) Molly returns to MCT after directing last season’s MAIN-TRAVELLED ROADS and appearing as Sarah Schorr in TRYING with Richard Halverson. Molly is extremely proud to make her entire artistic living right here in Wisconsin, so she is thrilled to be a part of this collaboration between MCT and Forward Theater Company. Previously at Forward, Molly appeared in the title role of ALL ABOUT EVE. Molly has also worked with American Players Theatre, Door Shakespeare, Children’s Theater of Madison, as well as all of Milwaukee’s professional theaters, and she will soon spend her fifth summer with American Folklore Theatre up in Door County.
Molly also spends time singing with the Rhode Sisters, a feisty folk trio. Most importantly, Molly is recently a new mother and is so much in love. Welcome to this grand wide world sweet Silvia Louise! JENNIFER UPHOFF GRAY (Director) Jen returns to MCT after directing a staged reading of A THOUSAND WORDS as part of our Montgomery Davis Play Development Series in 2008-2009. She serves as artistic director of Forward Theater Company where her directing credits include THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION, MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS, IN THE NEXT ROOM, ALL ABOUT EVE and WHY TORTURE IS WRONG AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM. Before helping to found Forward Theater, she directed LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST for Milwaukee Shakespeare and THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK for Madison Repertory Theatre. She also produced and directed for Madison Rep’s 2007 New Play Festival. Other directing credits include the national tour of COPENHAGEN; CABARET, THE BLUE ROOM (starring Nicole Kidman) and THE LIFE on Broadway; and the world premiere of SUBURB Off Broadway. JUDY MARTEL (Production Stage Manager) MCT highlights include: 17 Shaw Festivals, HEROES, THE DALY NEWS, TALKING HEADS, ANGELS IN AMERICA, 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD, MASTER CLASS, THREE DAYS OF RAIN, THE IMMIGRANT, RAT IN THE SKULL, MAN AND SUPERMAN, and BEYOND THE FRINGE. Forays to other theatres include: GORGONS at Renaissance Theaterworks; BAD DATES, CHAPS!, 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS, and GUYS ON ICE at Milwaukee Repertory Theater; EARS ON A BEATLE, ROUGH CROSSING
8 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) JASON FASSL (Lighting Designer) This is Jason’s tenth production with MCT and second with Forward Theater. Favorites include MCT’s TAKE ME OUT, DICKENS IN AMERICA, MAIN-TRAVELLED ROADS and Forward’s GOING TO ST. IVES. For the last ten seasons, Jason has designed NATE STUBER lighting for over three hundred theatrical (Scenic Designer) productions across the state of WisconNate is an artist, carpenter, and introvert sin. He is an artistic associate for First who resides and works in Spring Green, Stage Children’s Theater and the resident Wisconsin. His previous designs for designer for The Fireside Dinner Theatre. Milwaukee Chamber Theatre include Jason’s designs have been seen on the DICKENS IN AMERICA, A LESSON FROM stages of Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee ALOES and THE SWEETEST SWING Repertory Theater, Skylight Music Theatre, IN BASEBALL. P ast designs at other American Players Theatre, Peninsula Playtheatres that he acknowledges include ers, Renaissance Theaterworks, Next Act BURN THIS, TIMON OF ATHENS, WAITTheatre, Madison Repertory Theatre and ING FOR GODOT, THE SYRINGA TREE, Youngblood Theatre Company, among WE WON’T PAY! WE WON’T PAY!, THE many others. Jason is a proud BFA graduJAMMER and NEVER THE SINNER. ate of UW-Stevens Point and a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. HYEWON PARK www.AntiShadows.com (Costume Designer) Originally from South Korea, Hyewon CHARLES J. TRIELOFF II started her career with the network (Properties Designer) television drama Ilwol in Seoul. She Charles received his MFA in set design just opened the world premiere for the from UW-Madison. For Forward Theater, internet opera WIRED FOR LOVE by Charles previously designed THE Jerry Hui with sponsorship from Hilton FARNSWORTH INVENTION and GOING Hollis. Her film credit, Barefoot to JeruTO ST. IVES. For University Theatre, he salem for the late filmmaker, Nietzchka has designed ANTIGONE, THE PASSION Keene went to Mumbai Film Festival OF DRACULA, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, in 2008. As a designer/guest artist, she MAN OF LA MANCHA, THE WATER STAhas worked with Seattle Opera, Miller TION, SMASH, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, TRUE Brewing Company, De Maurier (AusWEST and STOP KISS. For Children’s tralia), Lucky Duck Productions (New Theater of Madison, he designed the York), Wild Hawk Entertainment (Texas), recent productions of LITTLE WOMEN, Forward Theater Company, Strollers NARNIA, GOODNIGHT MOON and A Theatre, UW-Madison Department WONDERFUL LIFE. Charles is also the of Theatre and Drama, University of designer for Madison Opera’s Opera Arizona - Tucson, Marquette University, in the Park events. As a visiting artist Clarke University and Regent Drama at UW-Whitewater, he designed A LIE Club. She holds a MFA in costume deOF THE MIND, HAY FEVER, GUYS AND sign from UW-Madison and is currently DOLLS and ANTIGONE. In Madison, the resident designer for the UW-Madhe was the prop master at Madison ison Opera Department, where she has Repertory Theatre for nine years, and is recently designed LA BOHÈME, DON currently the prop master at American GIOVANNI, MARIA STUARDA and THAÏS. Players Theatre. He has also designed props for Madison Ballet and Madison Opera. Outside of the theater world, Charles designed the themed reception areas for the Old Sauk location of Children’s Dental Health. and THE REAL THING at Next Act Theatre; and various shows at the Yale Rep, Manhattan Punch Line, The Station, The Hangar, and the Lake George Opera Festival. Judy is also a freelance editor and writer. She is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.
A Thousand Words 9
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) PAUL HURLEY (Sound Designer) An actor and sound designer, Paul returns to Milwaukee Chamber Theatre after designing the sound for PICNIC. Previously he designed sound for Renaissance Theaterworks (GORGONS, REASONS TO BE PRETTY, THE SMELL OF THE KILL and THE SHAPE OF THINGS) and American Players Theatre (THE SYRINGA TREE).
KIRSTEN MULVEY (MCT Managing Director) Kirsten Mulvey is in her third season as managing director of Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. She worked previously at MCT as wardrobe crew for the Shaw Festival (early 1990s), and interim development director (2005). Since her last appearance at C. MICHAEL MCT, Kirsten served as a major gifts WRIGHT officer for Milwaukee Public Television (MCT Producing Friends and ran her own development Artistic Director) consulting firm, KM Creative. Kirsten Since joining the holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree staff here in 2005, in theatre and communications from Michael has directed Marquette University and is a CertiHEROES, DRIVING fied Fundraising Executive (CFRE). She MISS DAISY, THE LION IN WINTER, THE has been managing director of Wild SUBJECT WAS ROSES, THE SWEETEST Space Dance Company (where she curSWING IN BASEBALL, PICNIC, BROOKrently is on the board of directors) and LYN BOY, RABBIT HOLE, TALLEY’S FOLLY, development director of the Florentine TRYING, TALKING HEADS, A WALK IN THE Opera and the AIDS Resource Center of WOODS and JOE EGG, as well as two Wisconsin. original works, DICKENS IN AMERICA and THE DALY NEWS. Before MCT, he served as associate artistic director of !!!!! Next Act Theatre, where a long list of directing credits includes THE RETREAT FROM MOSCOW, “MASTER HAROLD”… and the boys, STONES IN HIS POCKETS, FALLEN ANGELS and HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE. Since moving to Wisconsin in 1988, Michael has directed over 60 Tired of not getting productions. Other favorites have been the message? THE SYRINGA TREE for American Players Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks and Connect with Delaware Theatre Company, LOBBY Footlights on HERO for Madison Repertory Theatre, Facebook and 110 IN THE SHADE for Skylight Music Theatre and three incarnations of A Twitter! NIGHT IN NOVEMBER for Next Act, Madison Rep and Riverside Theatre in Vero facebook.com/ Beach, Florida. Michael has been acting footlights professionally for 35 years and has ap@FOOTLIGHTScom peared in regional theatres all across the country. His most recent performances have been as Philip in MAURITIUS and ??? Dr. Alfred Feldmann in DUET FOR ONE both here at MCT and as Sancho Panza in MAN OF LA MANCHA at Skylight Music Theatre. In 2009, Michael was honored with an “Artist of the Year” award by the City of Milwaukee Arts Board. 10 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
Let your soul take flight. Official Airline of the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre.
A Thousand Words 11
VIEWPOINTS Please join us Wednesday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. for an informative pre-show talk by A THOUSAND WORDS Playwright Gwendolyn Rice. The ViewPoints presentation is free and open to the public and will take place in the Skylight Bar & Bistro.
A T H O U S A N D WO R D S P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Director......................................................................................................... Jennifer Uphoff Gray Production Stage Manager.................................................................................... Judy Martel* Scenic Designer/Scenic Charge.............................................................................Nate Stuber Costume Designer................................................................................................... Hyewon Park Lighting Designer.....................................................................................................Jason Fassl** Properties Designer....................................................................................... Charles J. Trieloff II Sound Designer............................................................................................................Paul Hurley Assistant Director........................................................................................................Frank Honts Dramaturg.............................................................................................. Kimberly Megna Yarnall Assistant Stage Manager..............................................................................................Kim Patch Forward Theater Production Manager................................................................Sarah Marty MAPC Technical Direction Services.............................................................................Ric Lantz Technical Liaison............................................................................Anthony Lyons, Edge Grain Carpenter...................................................................................................................Kevin Zimmer Wardrobe Supervisor/Dresser........................................................................ Dana Brzezinski Master Electrician..................................................................................................Ryan Bertelson Light Board Operator................................................................................................Justin Peters AV Supervisor......................................................................................................................Gary Ellis *Performers appear courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. **Member of United Scenic Artists, local 829.
M I LWAU K E E C H A M B E R T H E AT R E S TA F F Producing Artistic Director...........................................................................C. Michael Wright Managing Director................................................................................................ Kirsten Mulvey Marketing Director................................................................................................Cara McMullin Development Director...............................................................................................Amy Geyser Education Director/Literary Manager.................................................................. Jacque Troy Production Manager/Company Manager.........................................................Brandy Kline Marketing Intern..........................................................................................................Layna Davis B R OA DWA Y T H E AT R E C E N T E R S TA F F The Skylight Bar & Bistro..................................................operated by Indulge Wine Room Box Office Manager....................................................................................................... Kelley Arlt Box Office Supervisor........................................................................................ Jen Stanislowski Weekend Supervisor...................................................................................................Julian Salas Box Office Assistants.......................................................................... Jess Jante, Gwen Zupan House Managers...................................................................Michelle Lynn Brien, Lee Caracci, Cara McMullin, Patrick Schley Custodian.................................................................................................................... Paul Kaishian 12 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
MILWAUKEE CHA MBER THEATRE 2011-2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President .....................................................................................................................David A. Paris President-Elect/Governance Chair.................................................................Keith Anderson Secretary........................................................................................................Konrad Kuchenbach Treasurer................................................................................................................ Patrick Fennelly Special Events Chair .........................................................................................Cathy Costantini Development Chair.............................................................................................Donald A. Cress Barbara Blutstein Diane Carlin-Bartel Lyn Hamilton John E. Holland Frank Lococo Christopher Meadows
Daniel Mooney Michael Mosesson George Mosher Deborah Patel Debbie Pavletich Mickey B. Ripp
Kevin Schuele Marsha Ruth Sehler Robert S. Smith Robert A. Squires Kalai E. TaiHook Katya Zelenovskiy
M I LWAU K E E C H A M B E R T H E AT R E A DV I S O R Y C O U N C I L Colin Cabot Pat Crump Phil Crump James Dallman Marianne Epstein
Mary Ann Gerlach Michael M. Grebe David Keen Michelle Lopez-Rios
Pat Rieselbach Bob Taylor Debby Tomczyk Patti Van Kampen
C O M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION FOUNDATION, INC.
The Official Airline of Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
This production was supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
A B O U T M I LWAU K E E C H A M B E R T H E AT R E Founded in 1975, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre produces intimate, high-quality, professional theatrical works of literary merit that engage and challenge the audience, while employing and nurturing principally local theatre artists. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director C. Michael Wright and Managing Director Kirsten Mulvey, MCT performs at the Broadway Theatre Center in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. For more information, visit milwaukeechambertheatre.com
A Thousand Words 13
Champions of Chamber
A gift of $1,000 or more to MCT’s annual campaign qualifies donors to enjoy a host of benefits as members of the Champions of Chamber major donors’ circle:
silver Tier ($1,000-$2,499)
•100% tax-deductibility •Name recognition in playbills for one year •A subscription to WORDPlay, MCT’s semi-annual newsletter/audience guide (print edition) •Two (2) vouchers for a beer, wine or soft drink in The Skylight Bar •Two (2) complimentary tickets to bring guests to MCT •Opportunities to meet MCT artists and invitations to all first rehearsals •An invitation to MCT’s annual Season Announcement/ Holiday Party •An invitation to MCT’s annual meeting •Unique sponsorship opportunities with name recognition in a pre-show announcement and on lobby signage
Gold Tier ($2,500-$4,999)
All of the benefits listed above, plus: •Two (2) complimentary tickets to a Renaissance Theaterworks production •Ten (10) complimentary tickets to bring guests to MCT (performance date subject to availability) •Unique sponsorship opportunities with name recognition in pre-show announcements, newsletter, on lobby signage and production postcards
plaTinum Tier ($5,000 and above)
All of the benefits listed above, plus: •Twenty (20) complimentary tickets to bring guests to MCT (performance date subject to availability) •Complimentary parking in the lot adjacent to the Broadway Theatre Center when attending an MCT production (must be arranged with MCT staff ten days in advance) •An invitation to our annual Platinum event, featuring an intimate dinner with MCT artists and an exclusive performance •Unique sponsorship opportunities with name recognition in playbill, pre-show announcements, season brochure, newsletter, on lobby signage and production postcards
For more information, contact Development Director Amy Geyser at 414.276.8842. 14 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
M I LWAU K E E C H A M B E R T H E AT R E D O N O R S Milwaukee Chamber Theatre gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and organizations for their generous support of our work. Donations listed are gifts to our annual campaign received between January 24, 2011 and January 24, 2012. Gifts with an asterisk (*) indicate an increased gift or first time donor. Platinum Tier Champions of Chamber $5,000 and above The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Briggs & Stratton Corporation Foundation, Inc. CAMPAC Donald A. Cress* Mary Ann and Lloyd Gerlach Greater Milwaukee Foundation Cottrell Balding Fund Sempercor Foundation William and Alicia Schoeneich Arts and Culture Fund Bill & Gwen Werner Michael and Lyn Hamilton* Tinsley Helton Charitable Trust The Herzfeld Foundation John E. Holland* George and Angela Jacobi* Johnson Controls Foundation (matching) Konrad K. Kuchenbach* Arthur and Nancy Laskin* Sheldon and Marianne Lubar Charitable Fund* Maihaugen Foundation Michael and Shirley Mosesson* George and Julie Mosher Family Foundation* The Dental Offices of Dr. David Paris Deborah and Jamshed Patel* John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation, Inc.* Mickey and Casey Ripp* Carol and Kevin Schuele* United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF)
Gold Tier Champions of Chamber $2,500-$4,999 Anonymous Keith and Paula Anderson Isabel L. Bader Cathy and Mario Costantini Pat and Phil Crump* Gardner Foundation Johnson Controls Foundation (matching) Robert and Theresa Muselman Nonprofit Management Fund* David and Julia Uihlein Charitable Foundation Wilfred W. Wollner, Jr. * Wisconsin Arts Board Silver Tier Champions of Chamber $1,000-$2,499 Anonymous (2) Nancy Balcer Dennis and Linda Bonner* Patty and Larry Compton Michael and Kelly Grebe Patty and Mike Grebe Evan and Marion Helfaer Foundation Lisa Kornetsky and Julie Anding* Pam Kriger Phoebe R. and John D. Lewis Foundation Sally and Robb Marks The Faye McBeath Foundation Guy and Mary Jo McDonald* Douglas and Annette Mickelson Morgan Stanley Foundation* Northwestern Mutual Foundation Elaine Peterson* Jim and Gwen Plunkett
Ildy and Skip Poliner* Jack and Lucy Rosenberg Charitable Fund Marsha Ruth Sehler* John Shannon and Jan Serr* Michael Wright and Ray Jivoff Bettie Zillman $500-$999 Anonymous Clair and Mary Baum* Carolee C. Beutler Diane and Jeff CarlinBartel Greg Chrisafis Roger and Regina Dirksen* Patrick and Julia Fennelly* Inez and Gene Gilbert* GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program GMAR Youth Foundation Joe and Gwenn Graboyes Nona Hill and Clark Johnson* Frank Lococo* Ken and Maggie Lukow* John Mahony and Evelyn Burdick John McGivern* Sara and Christopher Meadows* Donna and Tony Meyer* Dan Mooney and Maxine Wishner Morgan Stanley Community Affairs (matching) Paul Nausieda and Evonne Winston Park Bank Foundation* Debbie and Jim Pavletich Gordana and Milan Racic* Kathy and Craig Rotta Fred and Anne Stratton Kalai TaiHook* Kevin and Patti Van Kampen A Thousand Words 15
M I LWAU K E E C H A M B E R T H E AT R E D O N O R S ( c o n t .) We Energies (matching) Dick and Diane Wright $250-$499 Actors’ Equity Foundation, Inc. Jim and Terri Alioto Richard and Sara Aster* Marilyn M. Auer Alan and Rose Marie Baron* Richard P. and Diana Barthel* Donna and Don Baumgartner* Peter and Sally Blommer* Barb and Mort Blutstein* Anne Marie and Michael Bula Belle and Tom Chatton Cream City Foundation Joseph R. Pabst LGBT Infrastructure Fund Polly and Giles Daeger Don Ellingsen John and Mary Emory Jim and Lynne Farrell Robert Ferriday and Barbara McMath in honor of C. Michael Wright Jeff and Suzan Fete Jane M. Foster* Drs. James and Margo Frey* Kathleen Golden* Bett C. Jacquart Jacqueline and Jeffrey Jahnke Herbert H. Kohl Charities, Inc. Judy and William Laste* Randall E. Lindert Lee Marquardt* Raul and Pamela Mateo* Howard and Sara Miller* Kirsten L. Mulvey* Herbert and Karen Oechler* Margot Peters* Bruce and Candy Pindyck* Greg and Bibi Rosner* Roger and Margery Senn Gina Spang* Robert Spencer 16 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
Tom and Linda Streifender Kathleen Sullo Weyco Group Charitable Trust Joan C. Wiegand Beth Witte-Cleary* $100-$249 Helen S. Adelt Zita and Tom Allen* Janice Antal Anonymous Richard and Kay Bibler Bob Blitzke and Jane Grogan James J. Boerner* Dr. and Mrs. Glendon Bogdon John and Audree Bouvier* Jill and Frits Broekhuizen Jess Brownell and Shirley Conlon Mary Buerger* Mary and James Connelly Mary Daly and Michael Baniak Margaret Dethloff Sue Dinsmoor* Edward Doemland* Carol Z. Dolphin Steven R. Duback* Sandy Duffy* Ann Marie and Len Fabos Brian A. Faracy Barbara and William Fernholz Bill Finn* Tim and Sue Frautschi* David Gaura and Candace Hoffmann* Peter and Betsy Goldberg Laura Gordon and Jonathan Smoots* Marilyn Gordon-Ross* Laurence and Stephanie Govin-Matzat* Barbara and Donald Grande in honor of George Mosher Ferris Greeney Family Foundation* Ann M. Greenseth* Norm and Daryl Grier* Katherine Grogan Richard Halverson*
Ronald Halvorsen and Janet Petrik Margarete and David Harvey* Bob and Gail Helfferich* John and Jan Hess* Hugh and Robin Hoffman* Dotty and Nate Holman* Paula and Andy Holman* Peter and Jane Holzhauer Brian and Betty Hunt* Clara Ihlenfeldt* Charles Kakuk Mary and Charles Kamps Maureen E. Kania* Jacquelyn C. Kendall and Julie A. Morris* Miriam Kerndt Judith Kesser A. Klug/H. Farchman Tricia and Pat Knight* Ruth DeYoung Kohler Diane Lane* Rosemary and Bruce Larkin* James Larson* Charles and Mary Lenz* Justine Leonard Elinor Lichtman* David and Mary Ann Lillich* Lori Lins Ltd. Helen and David MacGregor Sam Macklem Lois Malawsky and Dr. Jay Lorkey* Ray and Dawne Manista Lee Marquardt Jan and Vince Martin Jeff Martinka Jerry and Donna Martynski* Rev. Erwin H. Matt Mary E. McAndrews James W. McCann* Dana McMullin* Robert and Sandra Mendelsohn Debra L. Miller* Bob Mischka Jequitta Molot* Terry and Jan Mooney* Morgan Stanley Community Affairs (matching)
April 5 – 29, 2012 255 S. Water St. www.nextact.org Box Office 414-278-0765 Sponsored by Skip and Ildy Poliner A Thousand Words 17
M I LWAU K E E C H A M B E R T H E AT R E D O N O R S ( c o n t .) John Moulder and Joan Dimow* Lucia and Jack Murtaugh Ann Navin* Donna J. Neal* Gerard Nottoli* John F. Oberwetter* Karen and Herbert Oechler William and Toni Owens* Claire Pfleger Diana and Richard Pine* Roberta Piper and Ray Rossi* Susan Ploetz* Jill Anna Ponasik and Dr. William Bradley Herbert Quigley and Christine Radiske* Steve and Jan Rhode Tom and Renee Rieboldt Peggy and David Rosenzweig* Jo and Al Salzstein Michael and Susan Schall* Micki and Bob Seinfeld Cary and Susan Silverstein* Patsy Steinbach Julie and Mark Steinhafel* Edwin and Jean Stone* Michaela and Daryl Stuermer Susan Sweeney Stuart C. Tentoni* L. William and Nicole Teweles Philanthropic Fund Fred and Harriet Thomson David and Pamela Van Doren* Chris Vanseth* Robert and Louise VerWert* Jim and Kathie Vint Roe WiersGalla Thomas B. Wilson* $1-$99 Karen Aaron Margaret Aboagye* George Affeldt* Anonymous (3) Patricia Bakula 18 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
F. Tessa and Richard Bartels* Barbara J. Becker and Slack Ulrich Mary Birdsall-Jay and Stanley Jay Holly Blomquist Tessa Blumberg* Dr. Mary Catherine Bodden* Dolores Bomrad* William and Julie Bonnell* J. Branson* Edith Brin Kurt McGinnis Brown* William and Ginger Browne Karen Brubakken* Judy Bultman* Ardenne Bunde Christine Burgener Susan Burns* Janet Burroway* David and Mary Carlson* Barbara and Edward Cessna* Milt and Sue Cleary Koch Elyse and B.J. Cohn Linda S. Devitt* Ann K. Downey* Gary Drescher Janet and David Dunn* Carolyn Elmer* David and Ulla Evans* Kathy Falk and Dan Goyette Jordan and Phyllis Fink Frances Fontanazza* Mary Fontanazza* Sarah Ford and Randall Klumb Pamela Frautschi and Richard Ippolito Margaret Freshwaters Linda Gaalaas and George Gurria Virginia Georgieff Robert and Susan Gibson John and Sue Gieschen Randy Giles Diane Goryl* Irv and Reesa Gottschalk Jeanne and Christopher Grenda Mary Anne Gross*
Rachel and Dennis Hafemann Edward and Dianne Halpern* Anita Harder* Katie and Tom Heinen Cliff Heise* Dennis Hennessey and Linda Roethlisberger* Adrienne Hirsch* Cynthia Hiteman Burt and Lynn Hoffman Hugh and Robin Hoffman Honeyager’s Mudjack Service, Inc. Dr. Lawrence and Joyzele Howards Joanne L. Jacobson and Stuart Richter* Ursula M. Jewett Carol and David Jones* Lee Ann Kingston Mary S. Knudten Ralph and Caroline Kobb Ron and Joy Krautkramer Irene Kubis* James and Carolyn Landwehr Dale and Barbara Lenz George and Anne Leunig* Karen and Dennis Leyer* Holly and Robert Ligocki* David and Mary Ann Lillich Eva and Eliot Lipchik Theodore J. Londo* Julie Leudtke* Chester Loeffler-Bell* Mr. and Mrs. John Marek Tamara Martinsek* Rita McDonald Raeleen McMillion Paul Milakovich* Jay Miller and Donna Faw* Cindy Molloy Deena Naretta* Jane O’Connell Warren and Dorothy Ann Phinney* Ellie Pollock Sylvia K. Pratt* Christine Prevetti* Michelle Puzin Mooney Sharon and John Quinn* Claudette Robinson
M I LWAU K E E C H A M B E R T H E AT R E D O N O R S ( c o n t .) Tom Reed and ML Cogar Richard Sauer Carolyn Schaefer* Donald Siegel Stanislaus L. Spence John E. Srok* Ronald Stifter* Eileen and George Stone* Judith E. Swanson Roberta Tacke John and Gina Taucher Valerie Tenut Stephen and Jane Turner Miles Vilski* Donna Vincent* Michelle Waide* Necia Wallace Jerry and Donna Walsh Jim Ward* Bob and Kathy Warner* Mary M. Wegener*
Bill Weida and Jane Davis Weida Marian M. Weinberg John and Lynn Wellinghoff Michael A. West* The Windhover Foundation Bruce Murphy* Kenneth Berg* In-kind donors Karen Aaron Marilyn M. Auer Cindy Cooper Cathy and Mario Costantini/La Lune Collection Sonia Danuser Finn Digital
Pam Frautschi and Richard Ippolito Amy Geyser Inez and Gene Gilbert George and Angela Jacobi Kathy and Brandy Kline John E. Holland and Konrad Kuchenbach Michelle Lopez-Rios Management Cornerstones Robb and Sally Marks Mary Jo and Guy McDonald MP Design, LLC Theresa and Robert Muselman Sandra M. Seymour Max and Tybie Taglin
2 011- 2 012 M C T F R I E N D S As of January 24, 2012 “Friend for Life” ($500 Lifetime membership) Marilyn M. Auer Nancy Balcer Cecile Cheng Donald A. Cress Sally Ferguson John E. Holland Konrad K. Kuchenbach Robb and Sally Marks Guy and Mary Jo McDonald David A. Paris Deborah Patel Judy Perkins Mickey Ripp Ruth Schudson (honorary) Kevin Schuele C. Michael Wright Angel ($100-499) Ralph H. Bielenberg Sonia Danuser Pamela Frautschi and Richard Ippolito Inez and Gene Gilbert
Pat and Jerry Groth Dale Hagan George and Angela Jacobi Sandy Laedtke Ken and Maggie Lukow George and Julie Mosher Theresa and Robert Muselman Richard Stefanik Benefactor ($50-99) Pat and Tony Busalacchi Gladys Chmiel Pat and Phil Crump Linda Gaalaas and George Gurria Janet and Thomas Garcia Bett Jacquart Kathleen Ryan Johnston Donna Jordahl Janet and Marlowe Nortrom Jane O’Connell Max and Tybie Taglin
Member ($25-49) Karen Aaron George Affeldt Barbie Blutstein Jill and Frits Broekhuizen Cathy Costantini Carol Z. Dolphin and Mary S. Kundten Kathleen Golden Mary Anne Gross Sally A. Lemke Marianna Markowetz Martine D. Meyer Michael and Shirley Mosesson Debbie and Jim Pavletich Elaine Peterson Ellie Pollock Pat and Allen Rieselbach Ronald and Sandy Roller Sandra M. Seymour Dee A. Sitzberger Tim and Kathy Tiefenthaler Mary M. Wegener Joan C. Wiegand Howard and Jane Zeft
A Thousand Words 19
March 2 - 25, 2012
Tenth Street Theatre • 628 N. 10th Street $22 & $26 with student, senior, military and group discounts available Tickets: 414-271-1371 • www.intandemtheatre.org The uplifting story of two Jewish boys whose lives are preordained and their courageous choice to travel their own paths. “Richly textured and gently paced...theatre of heartwarming import.” — San Francisco Chronicle
20 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
INFO Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Broadway Theatre Center 158 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202 Administrative Office: 414.276.8842 Box Office: 414.291.7800 E-mail: mail@chamber-theatre.com milwaukeechambertheatre.com Box Office: Broadway Theatre Center Box Office 158 N. Broadway 414.291.7800 Hours: Monday thru Saturday, noon to 6:00 p.m. Order tickets online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – visit milwaukeechambertheatre.com Exchanges: Season subscription tickets may be exchanged free of charge for another performance of the same production up to 48 hours in advance. Single tickets may be exchanged for another performance of the same production up to 48 hours in advance for a $2 per ticket fee. Contact the box office at 414.291.7800 to exchange. Lost Tickets: Seat locations are on file and duplicate tickets may be reprinted by contacting the box office. Ticket Donations: Season and single tickets are non-refundable. Ticket holders who are unable to use their tickets may donate them for resale and receive a receipt for a tax-deductible contribuC. Michael Wright tion. Contact the box office Producing to Artisticdonate Director your tickets.
Discounts: Students and seniors receive $5.00 off the regular ticket price. Half-price rush tickets are available 30 minutes prior to curtain. Group Discounts: Groups of 10 or more can receive tickets at a group rate. Contact Cara McMullin at 414.276.8842 x114 or cara@chamber-theatre.com Concessions: The Skylight Bar & Bistro, operated by Indulge Wine Room. CABOT THEATRE PERFORMANCES: The Skylight Bar & Bistro on the second floor is open two hours before performances and during intermission. Patrons can enjoy full bar service and pre-performance dinners and lunches. Reservations for full table service are welcomed at least 24 hours in advance by emailing skylight@getindulge.com or calling 414.291.3773. No reservations, no problem: Enjoy full menu by ordering counter service. STUDIO THEATRE PERFORMANCES: The Studio Lobby Bar on the first floor is open 60 minutes before all performances and during intermission. Patrons can enjoy light snacks and drinks. Parking: Free and low-cost parking is available throughout the Historic Third Ward. METERED STREET PARKING - throughout the Historic Third Ward, meters are free after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends. ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER LOT - Jackson St. at Menomonee St. (three blocks east of the Broadway Theatre Center), parking for a small Kirsten Mulvey fee. Managing HISTORIC THIRD WARD PARKING Director STRUCTURES - Water St. at Chicago Ave.
presents
by Gwendolyn Rice February 16 - March 11, 2012 March 18 Gray Valid until Sunday, Jennifer Uphoff
Director
Judy Martel* Production Stage Manager Nate Stuber Scenic Designer
Hyewon Park Costume Designer
Jason Fassl** Lighting Designer
Charles J. Trieloff II Properties Designer
Brandy Kline Production Manager/ Company Manager
Paul Hurley Sound Designer
A Thousand Words 21
I N F O ( c o n t .) (2 blocks west) and Milwaukee St. at Chicago Ave. (2 blocks east), parking for a small fee. VARIOUS SURFACE PARKING LOTS - these lots are only available when an attendant is present and a fee is charged. Electronic Devices: Please silence cellular phones, pagers and alarm watches. Photography and recording are strictly prohibited during the performance. Please refrain from using electronic devices or text messaging during the performance. Latecomer Policy: Latecomers will be seated at a suitable break in the performance. Inclement Weather: MCT does not offer refunds or cancel or reschedule performances due to inclement weather.
audience. ViewPoints takes place at 6:30 p.m. prior to a Wednesday evening performance. Talk Theatre: Prior to select Wednesday matinees is Talk Theatre, an opportunity for patrons to participate in an informal discussion with the producing artistic director and other artists involved in a production. The Talk Theatre discussion begins at 12 noon. The Skylight Bar & Bistro is open for lunch service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Talkbacks: Fun and informative discussions with cast members are regularly scheduled following Thursday evening performances. Ushers: Volunteers interested in ushering should contact the house manager at 414.291.7811 x250 or housemgr@ skylightmusictheatre.org
Special Patron Services: Contact the box office, 414.291.7800, to arrange for seating in wheelchair accessible locations. Infrared hearing devices are available for Cabot Theatre productions; see house manager to use a hearing device.
Support MCT: To become a donor contact Milwaukee Chamber Theatre at 414.276.8842 or amy@chambertheatre.com or visit milwaukeechambertheatre.com
Food & Beverages: Eating and drinking is not permitted in the Cabot Theatre.
MCT Friends: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Friends gain recognition and support for MCT in a variety of activities. To get involved, call 414.276.8842 or visit milwaukeechambertheatre.com
ViewPoints: ViewPoints is a free series in which knowledgeable presenters share their insights about a particular MCT production, followed by an interactive discussion with the
Subscribe to our e-newsletter Keep updated on featured shows and ticket giveaways in the Milwaukee, Chicago, and Madison areas. Sign up @ www.footlights.com/newsletter 22 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
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A Thousand Words 23
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24 Milwaukee Chamber Theatre