My Fair Lady-WI Lutheran HS

Wisconsin Lutheran High School Presents

Books and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner.

Music by Frederick Loewe.

“Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s Play and Gabriel Pascal’s motion picture “PYGMALION.” My Fair Lady is presented through special arrangement with TAMSWITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC. 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022, 212-688-2525, 800-221-7196, Fax 212-688-3232.

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

My Fair Lady 1

SYNOPSIS The production opens at the portals of Covent Garden, where Henry Higgins is taking notes on British dialects (Why Can’t the English?), notably that of Eliza Doolittle. He tells her that he and his friend, Col. Pickering, can teach her to speak like a lady, so that she no longer needs to be a flower-seller, but can open her own shop, and she flirts lightly with the idea (Wouldn’t It Be Loverly).

Later, her father is seen celebrating with his friends (With a Little Bit of Luck).

Next day, Eliza appears at Higgins’ home to ask him to teach her proper diction, and he agrees. However, her Cockney mannerisms and moralities become so exasperating to him that he nearly gives up (I’m an Ordinary Man). She, in turn, is driven to distraction by his thoughtless treatment and incessant instruction (Just You Wait). At length, however, she triumphantly learns correct pronunciation (The Rain in Spain) and they celebrate with a little dance. It is late at night, and the housekeeper urges her to go to bed, but she is too exhilarated (I Could Have Danced All Night). Soon after, at the Ascot Races, Higgins introduces her to society for the first time, and she at once attracts the attentions of Freddy Eynsford-Hill, who follows her home, hoping to see her again (On the Street Where You Live). Finally, after months of hard work, she is ready for the big experiment, and is taken to a splendid ball, where she succeeds brilliantly.

After the ball, Higgins and Pickering are congratulating each other on their technical work, completely forgetting Eliza (You Did It). Hurt and angry, she rushes out of the house, running into Freddy. He professes his love, but she demands that he stop talking about it (Show Me). In the meantime, her father, now become famous through his philosophies, decides that it is time he married the woman with whom he has been living for years, and spends one last night on the town (Get Me to the Church on Time). The professor, awakening in the morning, discovers his guinea pig gone, and snappishly muses on the frailties of women (A Hymn to Him). He finds Eliza at last at his mother’s home, where she has gone for warmth and sympathy, but she refuses his tentative offerings of truce (Without You). On his way back to his own house, Higgins reminisces about the way she has affected his life (I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face) and is sitting at home listening to recordings of her voice when she quietly enters as the curtain falls.

2 Wisconsin Lutheran High School

C A S T O F C H A R AC T E R S Eliza Doolittle........................................................................................................Emma Kolander Eliza Doolittle Understudy.............................................................................Abby Rasmussen Henry Higgins........................................................................................................... Michael Jeske Henry Higgins Understudy................................................................................Joshua McNeill Mrs. Higgins.............................................................................................................. Marissa Krohn Colonel Pickering................................................................................................... Joshua Grutza Colonel Pickering Understudy...............................................................................Jacob Besler Mrs. Pearce............................................................................................................... Liza Lehninger Freddy Eynsford-Hill.............................................................................................Joshua McNeill Freddy Eynsford-Hill Understudy............................................................................Ethan Tellir Alfred P. Doolittle.........................................................................................................Josiah Ricke Alfred P. Doolittle Understudy...................................................................... J. Kitzman-Kelley Jamie............................................................................................................................... Ethan Tellier Harry.................................................................................................................................Eli Midthun Zoltan Karpathy/Chorus........................................................................Justin Kitzman-Kelley Mrs. Eynsford-Hill/Chorus.................................................................................Bonnie Winslow Mrs. Hopkins/Chorus...............................................................................................Alison Eggers Male Cockney Trio/Chorus.................................Alex Vanissaveth (also Lord Boxington);

Sam Unnasch(also Dr. Themistocles Stephanos);

Seth Schroeder(also Sir Reginald) Maid Servant1/Chorus.....................................................................................Abby Rasmussen Maid Servant 2/Chorus.......................................................................................Robyn Nygaard Maid Servant 3/Chorus...............................................Lydia Buske (also Mrs.Higgins Maid) Maid Servant 4/Chours............................................................................................ Emily Eggers Butler/Servant’s Chorus...........................................................................................Jacob Besler Servant’s Chorus/Selsey Man...............................................................Justin Kitzmann-Kelly Queen of Transylvannia/Chorus..........................................................................Jasmine Buck Lady Boxington/Flower Girl/Chorus......................................................... Megan Leverence S I N G I N G & DA N C I N G E N S E M B L E Rachel Sebald Runa Yu Nicole Gawel Haley Wachs

Jessica Kreuser Laura Kramp Leah Gawel

Paul Unnasch John Plaski Nick Prier

P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Producer/Director........................................................................................Gretchen A Schram Director/Dialect Coach............................................................................................Mary Schmal Music Director........................................................................................ Sarah Fischer-Plamann Choreographers.....................................................................Dorothy Kulke and Toree Kahle Orchestra Director............................................................................................. Jordan Beckman Technical Directors........................................................... Sean Floeter and Ben Hillesheim Set Design & Painting........................................................................................... Katie Neuman Set Construction......................................................................Bruce Schram and Ray Stamm Prop Research & Gathering..................................................................... Katie Lynne Krueger Student Assistant Director & Stage Manager............................................ Bethany Kneser Student Cast Production Manager............................................................. Alex Vanissaveth Costume Design & Wardrobe Mistress................................................................. April Tellier Logo & T-Shirts.....................................................................................................Gail Wittenburg Ticket Sales.......................................................................................Sharon Kneser, Karen Filter

My Fair Lady 3

PIT ORCHESTR A Katie Walther.............................................................................................. Reed 1 -Flute/Piccolo Philip Berger........................................................................................................Reed 2 – Clarinet Erin Malsack..............................................................................Reed 3 – Clarinet/Bass Clarinet John Miller............................................................................................................................Trumpet Andrew Fink.........................................................................................................................Trumpet Alex Wranovsky...............................................................................................................Trombone Sam Hanson.....................................................................................................................Trombone Mrs. Jessi Kolberg.................................................................................................................... Violin Elizabeth Bergemann............................................................................................................. Violin Sara Kieselhorst........................................................................................................................ Violin Abby Peterson.......................................................................................................................... Violin Forest Wu.................................................................................................................................... Violin Will Wang.................................................................................................................................... Violin Elisha Bonack..............................................................................................................................Cello Lukas Powers................................................................................................................................Bass Matt Lindemann............................................................................................................ Percussion Ben Kannenberg............................................................................................................ Percussion Alyssa Mariscal......................................................................................................................... Piano CREWS Tech Crew..............................................................................................Ashley Kreuser, Alex Kassulke,

Ryan George, Leah Raade, and A.J. Krueger Painting Crew..................................................... Ame Gnat, Aubrey Koepke, Megan Leverence Set Construction Crew................................................................ Sam Hanson, Elizabeth Johnson,

Joel Sonntag, Jon Stamm, Alex Vanissaveth Stage Crew.................................................................................................Shawna Abbott, Amy Gnat,

Kelsey Weber, Elizabeth Johnson,

Aubrey Koepke, and Victoria Bonack Make-up Crew................................................................................Heather Hellyer, Rachel Bascom,

Hanna Blanchard, Katie Gnat, Kelie Krause,

Alex Scheibe, Sam Griffin,

Rachel Phillips, and Rachel Matuzak Sewing Crew................................................................................................Ame Rosner, Kelie Krause,

Runa Yu, Marah Nitz, Mrs. Val Sonntag,

Mrs. June Fredrich, and Fashion Tech 3 students

SCENES Act One Overture and Opening Scene - Orchestra Scene 1: Outside Covent Garden. A cold March night.

Why Can’t the English?........................................................................................................ Higgins Wouldn’t It Be Loverly............................................................................. Eliza and Cockney Trio With A Little Bit of Luck....................................................... Doolittle, Harry, Jamie, Ensemble Change of Scene - Orchestra Scene 2: Higgins’ Study. The next day.

I’m An Ordinary Man........................................................................................................... Higgins Change of Scene - Orchestra Scene 3: Tottenham Court Road. Mid-day, several weeks later.

4 Wisconsin Lutheran High School

S C E N E S ( c o n t .)

Scene 4: Higgins’ Study. Later that afternoon.

Just You Wait.................................................................................................................................Eliza The Servants’ Chorus....................................................................................................Six Servants The Rain in Spain............................................................................... Higgins, Eliza, & Pickering I Could Have Danced All Night.................................Eliza with Mrs. Pearce and two maids Change of Scene - Orchestra Scene 5: Outside Ascot. A July afternoon.

Scene 6: Ascot. Immediately following.

Ascot Gavotte.............................................................................................................Full Ensemble End of Gavotte and Blackout Music........................................Full Ensemble and Orchestra Scene 7: Outside Higgins’ House, Wimpole Street. Later that day.

On the Street Where You Live...............................................................................................Freddy Scene 8: Higgins’ Study. Evening six weeks later.

Eliza’s Entrance.................................................................................................................. Orchestra Change of Scene - Orchestra Scene 9: The Ballroom of the Embassy. Immediately following.

The Embassy Waltz................................................................................ Orchestra with Higgins,

Eliza, Pickering, Karpathy, & Full Ensemble Act Two Entr’acte - Orchestra Scene 1: Higgins’ Study. 3:00 the following morning.

You Did It............................................................................................................ Higgins, Pickering,

Mrs. Pearce, & The Servant’s Chorus Reprise: Just You Wait..................................................................................................................Eliza Scene 2: Outside Higgins’ House. Immediately Following.

Reprise: On the Street Where You Live...............................................................................Freddy Show Me......................................................................................................................Eliza & Freddy Scene 3: Outside of Covent Garden. 5:00 in the morning.

Reprise: Wouldn’t It Be Loverly................................................................... Eliza & Cockney Trio Get Me to the Church On Time..................................... Doolittle, Harry, Jamie, & Ensemble Change of Scene - Orchestra Scene 4: Higgins’ Study. 11:00 that same morning.

Hymn to Him.......................................................................................................................... Higgins Change of Scene - Orchestra Scene 5: The Garden of Mrs. Higgins’ House. Later that day.

Without You.............................................................................................................. Eliza & Higgins Scene 6: Higgins’ Study. Early evening that same day.

I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face................................................................................ Higgins Music for Curtain Calls - Orchestra My Fair Lady 5

SPECIAL THANKS Special Thanks to Jessi Kolberg for vocally working with Michael Jeske and a number of the orchestra string players, Helen Cici for vocally working with Emma Kolander, Joan Krueger for building our phonograph, Debra Bye for supplying us with props from her home, Deb Uecker for her assistance, Lee Westphal for building hat stands, WLC for miscellaneous costumes, and all those people who helped but we were unaware of at the printing of this program.

A very special thank you to Gail Christiansen of GC Millinery for bringing her experiences in Hollywood movie sets and floral designing to the making of these hats into historically correct works of art. Thank you for educating our students and volunteers in the fine art of millinery and for your dedication to high quality and fine details. These hats showcase the extraordinary talents of our students.

BIOGR APHIES Emma Kolander (Eliza) is a senior and is no stranger to the stage. She was “Belle” in “Beauty and the Beast” and a chorus member in “Crazy For You,” both WLHS musical productions. She was also featured in grade school productions including “The Music Man.” Emma just loved to open her mouth in this musical and say, “Aaoowwwwww!” Emma would like to thank Mrs. Schram and Mrs. Schmal – two wonderful, supportive directors; Toree and Dorothy for the lovely choreography; Mrs. Plamann for the the vocal help; Mrs. Tellier for the hours of meticulous work with the gorgeous costumes; and all of my friends and family for their love and support!!!!

Michael Jeske (Henry Higgins) is a senior and feels at home on the stage.

He has appeared in numerous WLHS productions including “Pride and Prejudice,”“Hello Dolly,”“The Mouse that Roared,”“Crazy For You,”“You Can’t Take It With You,”“Beauty and the Beast,” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Michael would like to thank all his family, his cousin Josiah for some of the best acting he’s ever worked with, and finally to Josh.

Michael feels it has been a very good year.

Joshua Grutza (Colonel Hugh Pickering) is a senior and is enjoying being part of his second production at WLHS. He was Lefou in the 2011 WLHS production “Beauty and the Beast.”

Josh’s favorite line in this production was “Oh, have you tried the pline caike?” Josh would like to thank God 6 Wisconsin Lutheran High School

for blessing him with talent; his Mom, Dad, and rest of his family; and finally Marissa Krohn.

Joshua McNeill (Freddy Eynsford-Hill) is a senior and if one can judge from the number of productions he has been a part of, enjoys acting. He has been seen in the WLHS productions of “Pride and Prejudice,”“Crazy for You,”“Beauty and the Beast,” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

His favorite line in this production was, “….and the angels will weep for you.”

Josh would like to thank his parents, Jay, and Nana for all the laughs.

Marissa Krohn (Mrs. Higgins/Chorus) is a senior and gained valuable stage experience in grade school productions as well as the WLHS production of “Beauty and the Beast.” She has enjoyed her role in this production and loved Eliza’s line, “Garn…” the best. Marissa would like to thank the directors, the crews, and Josh Grutza.

Alex Vanissaveth (First Cockney Man; Lord Boxington) is a senior and enjoys playing a number of roles this year. He has been a member of the chorus in previous WLHS productions including “Crazy For You” and “Beauty and the Beast.” He likes whenever Eliza says “Aaoowwwww!” Alex is thankful to Mrs. Schram, Mrs. Schmal, Mrs. Plamann, Mrs. Kahle, Mrs. Kulke, and the entire cast and crew.

Jasmine Buck (Queen of Transylvania/ Chorus) is a senior and enjoys acting when given the chance. She has graced

B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) the stage in the WLHS productions of “The Mouse that Roared,” and “Crazy For You.” A smile always crossed Jasmine’s face whenever Higgins said, “Take her away and clean her up Mrs. Pearce and scrub her with sandpaper if it won’t come off any other way.”

Jasmine would like to thank Mrs. Schram and Mrs. Schmal for appointing her as their queen; Mrs. Tellier for making a gorgeous queenly gown for her; and her mom for allowing her to stay at school so late for rehearsals.

Lydia Buske (Mrs. Higgins’ maid/ Servant’s Chorus) is a senior whose participation in various shows has enhanced the productions. She was in “The Mouse that Roared,”“You Can’t Take It With You,”“Beauty and the Beast,” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

Lydia thanks the entire cast and crew; and her family for being so supportive.

Haley Wachs (Chorus) is a senior and has previously acted in a number of grade school productions, as well as the WLHS production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Haley truly likes the song “I Could Have Danced all Night!” She would like to thank everyone who made this musical possible.☺ Josiah Ricke (Alfie Doolittle) is a senior who feels right at home on the musical stage. He has appeared in the WLHS musical productions “Hello Dolly,” “Crazy For You,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”“Higgins, I salute you!” was one of his favorite lines. Josiah would like to thank his Momma, Papa, Jesus……and

all the usual people you thank.

Sam Unnasch (Third Cockney Man; Bystander; Dr. Themosticles Stephanos) is a senior and has always been part of dramatic productions while a student here. You can find Sam either on the stage or as a valuable member of the tech and stage crews. He was also active in theatre while in grade school. Sam would like to thank God for the gifts he has given him to be a part of this, the cast and crews for making it so special and working so hard, all his friends that are supporting him, WLHS for making this possible, and Chris Hosbach.

Abby Rasmussen (Maid/Servant’s Chorus/Lead Dancer/ Opera Patron) is a senior and appearing in her second musical at WLHS. She delighted audiences as Babette in the WLHS production of “Beauty and the Beast.”

Abby would like to thank her family, her Mom, Liza Lehninger, mi novio, and her Lord for giving the cast such wonderful talents to put on this great production.

Rachel Sebald (Lady Tarrington/ Chorus) is a senior and after gaining stage experience in elementary school is gracing our stage once more after appearing in the WLHS production of “Beauty and the Beast.” She, like so many other enjoys when Eliza yells for Dover “….to move his bloomin’ arse!” Rachel would like to thank all the directors and choreographers for helping the cast get into the musical.

One more thanks to the cast members who made it so much fun.

My Fair Lady 7

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

Lukas Powers (Pit orchestra – String Bass) is a senior and is playing in his second pit orchestra. He would like to thank orchestra director Mr. Beckman, his parents for supporting his musical endeavors, the Big Guy upstairs, and You Tube for teaching me how to play bass.

John Miller (Pit orchestra – Trumpet) is a senior and is playing in his fourth pit orchestra. He especially likes the song “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” John would like to thank Emma Kolander.

Philip Berger (Pit orchestra – Clarinet) is a senior whose talents have not only made him a valuable member of WLHS pit orchestras but also Concordia University pit orchestra’s as well. He has also played in the WSMA High School Honors Orchestra. Philip would like to thank his parents and give God the glory.

Matt Lindemann (Pit orchestra – Percussion) is a senior and is playing in his first pit orchestra. He appeared as Iago the parrot in an elementary school musical. He likes the song “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” Matt would like to thank Mr. J. D. Beckman for convincing him that pit was better than work. He was right.

Liza Lehninger (Mrs. Pearce) is a junior and brings a fair amount of theatre experience to the WLHS stage. She has appeared in the WLHS productions “Crazy For You” and “Beauty and the Beast” while a student here. Her favorite line this year is “Yes, sir.” Liza would like to thank her family, Abby Rasmussen, and her Savior for blessing us with an amazing show!

Justin Kitzman-Kelley(Zoltan Karpathy/Selsey Man/Servant’s Chorus) is a junior and has been in a number of WLHS productions. They include “Beauty and the Beast” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.” He loves the line in one of the songs, “the Lord above gave man and arm of iron.” Justin would like to thank Josiah for being awesome.

8 Wisconsin Lutheran High School

Runa Yu (Chorus) is a junior and was not only in the WLHS production of “Beauty and the Beast” but also gained experience on the stage in a play back home in China. The line she finds the most interesting in this year’s production is “…but she says never mind about sending any clothes.” Runa would like to thank all the people who work for this musical.

Nicole Gawel (Chorus) is a junior and has been featured previously in the WLHS drama’s “You Can’t Take It With You” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.” This is Nicole’s first experience in a musical and she loves the whole show. She would like to thank her mom for being supportive and running her to practices.

Megan Leverence (Lady Boxington/ Flower Girl/Chorus) is a junior and is very excited to be in her first musical at WLHS. It is extremely difficult for Megan not to laugh when Eliza yells, “Come on Dover! Move your blooming arse!” Megan would like to thank all of the directors, who did a great job coaching the cast and made every practice, even the late ones, really fun!

Alison Eggers (Mrs. Hopkins/Chorus) is a junior and brings her delightful and fun personality to her characterization of Mrs. Hopkins. Her favorite line in the show is “…she bit the bowl off the spoon!” She was a cast member in both “The Mouse that Roared” and “Crazy For You.” Alison would like to thank her friends and sisters, Aubry, Erin, and Emi, not to mention her parents for all the support and rides to rehearsals.

Emily Eggers (Chorus/Servant’s Chours) is a junior and is thrilled to be in her first musical at WLHS. She laughs each time Mrs. Hopkins states “….. but don’t bother sending any clothes.”

Emily would like to thank Alison.

Jacob Besler(Chorus/Bartender/ Servant’s Chorus) is a junior and is appearing in his first musical. He has been a cast member in WLHS drama productions and a member of the pit orchestra previously.

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

Bonnie Winslow (Mrs. Eynsford-Hill/ Chorus) is a sophomore and enjoying being part of her second musical production at WLHS. She previously was part of the “Beauty and the Beast” cast. She loves it when Eliza Doolittle tells her character, “Then she came to so sudden that she bit the bowl off the spoon.” Bonnie would like to thank Mrs. Schram, Mrs. Schmal, and others for allowing her to still be part of the cast when she was sick for an extended period. She gives special thanks to those who helped fill her in on what she missed.

Jessica Kreuser (Chorus) is a sophomore and appearing in her first musical at WLHS. She enjoys being part of the show and likes when Higgins exclaims to Karpathy, “No, who the devil are you?” Jessica would like to thank God for her voice, her family for their support, and WLHS for the opportunity.

Robyn Nygaard (Chorus/Servant’s Chorus) is a sophomore and was also part of the WLHS production “Beauty and the Beast.” There were many wonderful lines in this show but she really enjoyed when Higgins told Eliza that “…….the angels will weep for you.”

Robyn would like to thank her mom and dad for driving her everywhere and the Pit Orchestra for practicing as much as the cast does.

Eli Midthun (Harry/Steward) is a sophomore and has previous stage experience in numerous elementary school musicals and dramas as well as being a cast member in the WLHS production “Beauty and the Beast.” Eli would like to give special thanks to his parents and Alex Vanissaveth.

Ethan Tellier (Jamie) is a sophomore and is happy to be a cast member in this show. He appeared as Wickersham in a grade school production of “Seussical Jr.” and was the Young Prince in the WLHS production of “Beauty and the Beast.” The line from “My Fair Lady” that sticks in his mind is “what tub of butter?” Ethan would like to thank his

mom, who made the costumes. He would also like to take this opportunity to say, “I love you, Mom.” Leah Gawel (Chorus) is a Freshman and is thrilled to be part this musical. She especially enjoys when Alfred Doolittle exclaims,“Send the bill to Buckingham Palace.” Leah would like to thank her mom for taking her to the many rehearsals.

John Plaski (Chorus/chauffer/ policeman) is a Freshman and was seen this past fall as Mr. Gibbs in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” He is most happy to be gaining more stage experience in this production. John would like to thank his mom and dad for keeping up.

Paul Unnasch (Chorus) is a member of the class of 2015. He was last seen on stage when he was in 6th grade and was in the St. Lucas production of William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”

Paul would like to thank his mom and dad, the WLHS Tech Team, and everyone that dealt with his antics.

Nick Prier (Chours/Ballroom Footman) is a Freshman and has gained valuable stage skills from his work in elementary school productions of “Willy Wonka Jr.,”“The Pied Piper,” and “Lemonade.”

He was also in the WLHS production “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Nick found it entertaining when Alfred Doolittle tells the bartender to “send the bill to Buckingham Palace.” Nick sends his gratitude to his family and friends.

Laura Kramp (Chorus) is a freshman and is elated at being part of the chorus. She especially enjoys the song “With a Little Bit of Luck.” Laura is no stranger to the stage as she played Cinderella in “Twinderella.” Laura would like to extend special thanks to God, who gave her all her abilities; her family who has supported her from the beginning; and her friends who are always there for her.

My Fair Lady 9

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

Bethany Kneser (Student assistant director/stage manager) is a member of the class of 2013. She has experience both on the stage and behind the scenes. She appeared as Fran in “The Mouse that Roared,” and was part of the crews in “You Can’t Take it With You,”“Beauty and the Beast,” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.” She feels the best line in the show is when Eliza bellows “Aaoowwww!” Bethany would like to extend a debt of gratitude to God, her parents, and Mrs. Schram.

Awards (1955-1956) The New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical The Outer Critics Circle Award for Musical Awards (1956 – 1957) 6 Tony Awards for Musical, Director, Conductor and Musical Director, Costume Designer, Scenic Designer and Actor The Outer Critics Circle Award for Musical Awards (1975 – 1976) The Tony Award for Actor 2 Drama Desk Awards for Actor and Featured Actor

B R I E F H I S TO R Y MY FAIR LADY played for 2,717 performances on Broadway at the Mark Hellinger, Broadhurst and Broadway Theatres starring Rex Harrison, Julie Andrews, Stanley Holloway and Robert Coote. It was the longest running musical at the time. It played for 2,281 performances in London at the Drury Lane Theatre. It was revived on Broadway in 1976 for 377 performances, in 1981 for 181 performances, and most recently in 1993 for 165 performances at the Virginia Theatre starring Richard Chamberlain as Professor Henry Higgins.

THE 1972 CAST OF THE WISCONSIN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION “MY FAIR LADY” WELL WISHES AND MEMORIES 1972 memories from Mary (Lawrenz) Schmal who played Eliza Doolittle— As Eliza I remember the intense excitement behind the curtain as the Overture began—getting into character warming my hands with other Cockneys in the opening scene. I remember the blackouts of Scene 5 when three people would rush onto a dark stage, whip off parts of my costume and replace it with something else to show the passage of time; in some scenes I wore vintage clothing from my great grandmother. For the Sunday show we turned hundreds of people away because of a sell-out crowd, then secured rights for a Monday night performance so they, too, could see it! To top that off, we portrayed Cockneys, Ladies, and Gents all year long because the City of Milwaukee chose WLHS to stage My Fair Lady in June at Humboldt Park. My greatest memory, however, is simply having had the opportunity to play Eliza, surrounded by friends and family and great directors. I spent much time thanking God—and still do! To be a part of the 2012 WLHS production simply ices the cake. I have loved every minute of this fantastic cast and crew—then and now. What a show!

1972 memories from John Kristopeit who played Prof. Henry Higgins— ...then there was a silly little old crushed hat that I found somewhere, my “Higgins” hat. Probably not the sort of thing that Higgins or any other self-respecting Englishman of that or any other period would have been caught dead in. But it helped me to believe I was Higgins, and that was what counted. I remember how proud I felt for all of us at being recognized with the performances in Humboldt Park. Everybody had worked really hard, and now we had a chance to represent our school to a much wider community than just our parents and friends. Ultimately, I think if today’s 10 Wisconsin Lutheran High School

B R I E F H I S TO R Y ( c o n t .) cast can learn anything from our cast, it would be—“to work hard, to do your best, and to have fun with it. Forty years from now, you’ll remember things you wouldn’t have expected to, and you’ll have forgotten things you never would have expected to. So take your singing and acting seriously, don’t take yourself too seriously, and enjoy the fantastic opportunity to create something wonderful with your friends and teachers. Some bits of it at least will be with you for the rest of your life!” I would love to be there on Opening Night, but working as a school librarian out of the country limits me to school vacations. I won’t be there in person, but you can bet I’ll be there in spirit. One last thought--kudos to the musicians--what would “Lady” have been without our fabulous pit orchestra?

1972 memories from Bruce Witt who played Colonel Pickering— Whenever I think about high school, it’s always singing and wrestling first and then the memories of my classmates start flowing in. Choir and the plays have always been my fondest memories. My Fair Lady was so much fun to be a part of! It may seem weird, but the best times were during practices. We did so many crazy things together, I still tell stories about them. I could probably write a page about it, but to keep it short I will give you two quotes. My Wonderful Wife Wendy Witt of 31 years said, “I would like to go see the play with you--you talk about it all the time!” My daughter said, “Dad, you don’t talk about high school-- you just start singing!” If after 40 years the people closest to me make those statements, I can’t think of any better way to express what a wonderful time I experienced being part of My Fair Lady.

1972 memories from Dan Fenske who played Alfred P. Doolittle— I can remember the hours and hours of rehearsals after school, learning all the music and lines, and singing “Get Me to the Church on Time,” where the Cockney guys had to pick me up onto their shoulders and walk me around the stage. When we did the show in the summer at Humboldt Park, the guys again put me on their shoulders during that song. However, they forgot that there was a wire across the stage holding up the microphones (no wireless headsets back then!). They guys walked right toward the almost invisible wire and I had to duck my head for fear of being decapitated. Who knows what would have happened to me or the show! The song “A Little Bit of Luck” featured a memorable short solo verse from our foreign exchange student from Japan. (Now a physician, Mitchi also has appeared in operas!) Another memory is how I forgot my lines during my big speech when I first visit the house of Prof. Higgins to see my daughter, Eliza. I kept fumbling the words, trying to figure out what my lines were. Finally, I stopped and just said, “You’re beautiful” which was the whole Idea of the long speech anyhow. Mostly I remember the great times with all the people in the play. When Mary and I meet now and then she still calls me “Dad” and I still call her “daughter.”

1972 memories from Ruth (Kitzerow) Breiling who played in the Pit Orchestra— My husband and I both played in the pit orchestra for My Fair Lady 1972, Roy on trumpet and I on flute. My memories of the show are merely being in awe of what was going on above us on stage and listening to the accents. I never got tired of it. The show was as professional as a professional show could be and the songs lingered in our minds long after it was over. Just to prove this, I’ll share what my husband told me on our 34th wedding anniversary this past Jan. 28th. Our wedding service was to start at 11:30 a.m. but a huge blizzard only a few days prior made getting there especially tricky. Guess what Roy was singing in the shower that morning!?”

1972 memories from Dr. Janet (Kanter) Lindemann who played in the Pit Orchestra— Forty years ago as a WLHS senior, I played oboe and English horn in the pit orchestra for My Fair Lady. I still get excited when I hear the opening lines of “I Could Have Danced All Night,”remembering how hard we worked to get it right. The pit was the best seat in the house. Kudos to Wisco for reprising Broadway’s best musical!

My Fair Lady 11

GETAWAY in Historic Florence, WI

715.528.3000 or visit www.maxsells.biz

Up North

Maxsells Restaurant & Suites

1-800-242-1255

Commercial Industrial Residential Remodeling Repair MP# 7063

262-373-1822