VIGIL
by Morris Panych Directed by Mary MacDonald Kerr Scenic Design Rick Graham
Lighting Design Alan Piotrowicz
Costume Design Aria Thornton
Properties Design Nikki Kulas
Sound Design David Cecsarini
Stage Manager Jessica Connelly*
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association
February 2 – 26, 2012 Next Act Theatre 255 S. Water Street Milwaukee, WI 53204 The Arts Club Theatre, Vancouver, and Belfry Theatre, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, co-produced the premiere production of the Play. Original New York Production produced by Daryl Roth, Angelo Fraboni and The Watchful Group. VIGIL is staged by arrangement with Pam Winter, Gary Goddard Agency, #305 – 10 St. Mary St. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4Y 1P9, goddard@canadafilm.ca
VIGIL is sponsored by Larry and Patty Compton. Vigil 1
THE CAST Kemp........................................................................................................................ Mark Ulrich* Grace...................................................................................................................Ruth Schudson* *member of Actors’ Equity Association SETTING: a decrepit old house SPECIAL THANKS Avenue Fabricare, Marianne Burish, Allyson Nemec & Quorum Architects, Inc., Chris and Jane Flieller and In Tandem Theatre, Ernest Giesegh at the New Berlin Auction and Sales Barn, Jim Guy and the Milwaukee Rep, Rubin’s Furniture, Lisa Schlenker at Skylight Opera Theatre, Andrea Toussaint, Steve Marcus and Marcus Promotions, Mike and Diane Schulz, VJS Construction Services. Next Act Theatre is a member of UPAF and Theatre Wisconsin, a statewide association of professional non-profit theatres.
Lobby furniture provided by Rubin’s.
224 East Chicago Street • www.rubinsfurniture.com D I R E C TO R S N O T E S Morris Panych, our playwright, was visiting his partner’s mother in the hospital, who was very ill. In the other bed another woman lay, also quite ill. A volunteer came in and told the woman “I got a message from your nephew. He can’t make it. Sorry.” The woman was silent. The volunteer then said “Would you like me to wipe the tears from your eyes, dear?” This small but poignant event inspired Panych to create VIGIL - a brutally honest and darkly hilarious look at the last days of a dying woman and her caretaker. Panych uses this premise to discuss themes of isolation, obligation, responsibility, the meaning of life, and the meaning of family while also mocking the ritual and hypocrisy that abound when we humans are faced with serious events such as the death of a relative. Panych gives his characters, mostly Kemp, the freedom to behave in a completely honest fashion. Kemp says exactly what is in his head about his vigil with Grace - he feels no need to hide ugly truths. This honesty is the source of most of the humor, and this freedom is the jumping off place for events that grow increasingly absurd. Kemp’s freedom to speak also allows us, and Grace, to get to know him very well, and in the end to care deeply for him. Kemp’s act of obligation morphs into Grace’s bittersweet gift of love to him. Panych brilliantly brings us to a place of heartbreak and contemplation. Life is hard, loss is hard, love is painful. Would you rather be an amaryllis? Mary MacDonald Kerr 2 Next Act Theatre
BIOGR APHIES ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT— Morris Panych (Playwright) Morris Panych is an award-winning playwright, director and actor. Panych was born in 1952 in Calgary and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. He received a diploma in radio and television arts from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and then studied creative writing at the University of British Columbia (BFA, 1977), and theatre at East 15 acting school in London, England. He works primarily in Toronto and Vancouver. His plays include 7 STORIES, CHEAP SENTIMENT, CONTAGIOUS, REAL PEOPLE TALKING SHOW and LAST CALL. His three plays for young people – LIFE SCIENCE, 2B WUT UR and COST OF LIVING – have been collected in one volume, Other Schools of Thought available from Talonbooks. THE ENDS OF THE EARTH won the 1994 Governor General’s Award for Drama. MARK ULRICH (Kemp) Mark’s acting credits at Next Act include appearances in FOUR PLACES, BETWEEN EAST AND WEST, PRIVATE LIVES, LOMBARDI: THE ONLY THING, 7 STORIES, and THE PAVILION. In addition, he had the tremendous pleasure to direct SYLVIA at Next Act last fall. Recent area credits include MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS and IN THE NEXT ROOM (the vibrator play) at Forward Theatre of Madison. He is a proud company member of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble in Chicago where he directed the Joseph Jefferson Award winning production of MARY’S WEDDING.
RUTH SCHUDSON (Grace) Ruth is very pleased to return to Next Act Theatre where she appeared in what became one of her favorite productions, THREE VIEWINGS, as well as BEA’S NIECE and MURDERERS. She has also appeared at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre in 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD, GHOSTS, MEDEA, MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION, FAITH HEALER, TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL and most recently, DRIVING MISS DAISY. Other credits include OUR TOWN and DEATH OF A SALESMAN at the Milwaukee Rep, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and MY FAIR LADY at Skylight, AH WILDERNESS! and UNCLE VANYA at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, N.J. and the films The Hindenburg and Baraboo. Other favorites over the years include TROJAN WOMEN, LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, SKIN OF OUR TEETH, A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM, PYGMALION and THE LADY’S NOT FOR BURNING. MARY MACDONALD KERR (Director) Mary is very happy to be a part of Next Act’s first season in their new home. Mary has been a part of the Milwaukee theatre community since 1995. She has acted in productions at Next Act, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Rep, Milwaukee Shakespeare, and First Stage. Mary started directing in 2007. VIGIL is Mary’s sixth directing project at Next Act. Previous shows she directed here are MERCY OF A STORM, PURGATORIO, GREETINGS, BIG BOYS and the highly acclaimed GOING TO ST. IVES. Previous acting roles at Next Act include Terry in SIDE MAN, Li’l Bit in HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE, Sylvia in SYLVIA (1996), Frankie in VOICE OF THE PRAIRIE, and Maggie in RED Vigil 3
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) HERRING. Mary is thrilled to be directing long time friends Mark Ulrich and Ruth Schudson in this wonderful play. JESSICA CONNELLY (Resident Stage Manager) Jessica is an Arizona native and honors graduate of the University of WisconsinMilwaukee Theater Dept. This season is her fifth as Resident Stage Manager at Next Act Theatre. Prior to joining Next Act full time Jessica worked with Renaissance Theaterworks, The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Madison Repertory Theatre, Little Theatre on the Square, Door Shakespeare and with Actor/Performer John McGivern. A few of Jessica’s favorite projects include DEAR ESTHER, MASTER HAROLD…and the boys, LAST OF THE BOYS, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, FAITH HEALER, and GOING TO ST. IVES (Next Act Theatre); CHESAPEAKE, TROJAN WOMEN, THE SHAPE OF THINGS, and the US premier of SKIN TIGHT (Renaissance Theaterworks). Jessica is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. RICK GRAHAM (Scenic Designer) Mr. Graham was a Resident Scenic and Lighting Designer for the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre Company for five years during Nagel Jackson’s artistic leadership and Resident Lighting Designer for the Milwaukee Ballet Company for three years during Jean Paul Comelin’s artistic leadership. Mr. Graham has also been a Resident Designer at the Alley Theatre in Houston and the Mill Mountain Playhouse in Roanoke, Virginia. He has designed
for theatre, dance and opera across the country, including New York and Chicago and for virtually every theatre company in Milwaukee as well as the Milwaukee Art Museum and Discovery World. His international credits include productions in Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada, and China. His critically acclaimed scene design for Michael Pink’s PETER PAN for Milwaukee Ballet will be presented in Denver in March and again this May at the Marcus Center. Mr. Graham has been teaching and designing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee since the founding of the Professional Theatre Training Program by Sanford Robbins. ALAN PIOTROWICZ (Lighting Designer) Alan is excited to be back for his fourth show with Next Act, following 7 STORIES, FOUR PLACES, and A SLEEPING COUNTRY. He is proud to have designed for several other fine companies in Wisconsin, including Falls Patio Players, Four Seasons Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Sunset Playhouse (Volunteer’s Choice Award for Favorite Lighting, HAIR), T.I.M.: The Improvised Musical, Uprooted Theatre, and Youngblood Theatre, among others. Alan received his BA from UW-Madison and studied as an electrics apprentice with the Santa Fe Opera. Much love to Eric. www.alanpiotrowicz.com ARIA THORNTON (Costume Designer) Aria has been working in the Milwaukee theatre scene since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in
“We’ll give you peace of mind” ▪ Single One-Time Treatments set us apart from our competitors
Call us today for a free estimate
(262)679-4422
▪ Serving all of Southeastern Wisconsin ▪ Locally owned and operated since 1956
or e-mail us at Safeway@execpc.com
www.safewaypest.net Promp t Service ▪ Res ident ial ▪ Com m er c ial ▪ I n d u s t r i a l Institutio na l ▪ Cus t om - des igned Ser v ic e Pr o g r a m s 4 Next Act Theatre
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) 2006. Since then she has worked at Next Act Theatre as Wardrobe Manager on over 20 productions, and has designed PURGATORIO and BIG BOYS. Aria is also a frequent designer at Divine Savior Holy Angel’s High School. She has worked extensively at Milwaukee Shakespeare and the Utah Shakespearean Festival as wardrobe, stitcher, and first hand. Apart from costuming, Aria stage manages for the Milwaukee Comedy Festival and has worked in various positions on several films and commercials. NIKKI KULAS (Properties Designer) Nikki is a recent graduate of UW-Parkside and holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She returns to Next Act after propping this season’s THE EXONERATED and A SLEEPING COUNTRY last season. Recent Milwaukee credits include Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES and DRIVING MISS DAISY as Props Designer. For the summer season, she serves as the Properties Director for the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, MN. Recent credits there include HENRY IV, PART ONE, MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, THE FANTASTICKS, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, OTHELLO and THE DALY NEWS. She was also a Scene Shop Assistant for the Fireside Dinner Theatre for more than two years and has over 17 show credits there. You can also see her work as the Properties Artist at Skylight Opera Theatre, where she was an apprentice last season.
MIKE VAN DRESER (Resident Technical Director) This is Mike’s seventh season with Next Act Theatre and the first year as Technical Director. Mike was previously the resident Master Electrician and Light Board Operator for NAT. Over the last six seasons, Mike has worked as Lighting Designer for NEXT ACTORS SUMMER THEATRE FOR TEENS, PANIC EXPRESS, and THE ENCOUNTER, WHEN THE CURTAIN FALLS, KISS ME KATE at Greendale High School, Next Act summer production of FAITH HEALER, WINTER TALES, PAUL ROBESON IN CONCERT, VALUE OF NAMES, and BIG BOYS. Mike has had the good fortune of working with and learning from renowned Lighting Designers Jason Fassl and Andrew Meyers and knows their guidance and continuing education will help make him successful. Mike looks forward to many more productive years with Next Act Theatre and any new opportunities that may come his way. DAVID CECSARINI (Sound Design/ Producing Artistic Director) This year marks David’s thirty-third as a theatre professional. He has acted with most of Milwaukee’s professional companies and also has extensive credits as a nine-year veteran of American Players Theatre in Spring Green, WI. He has proudly served as Artistic Director and Producer for Milwaukee’s Next Act Theatre for
Valid until March 5, 2012
Vigil 5
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) nineteen seasons. His most memorable directing projects include THE PAVILION, THE REAL THING, SOMEONE WHO’LL WATCH OVER ME, THE DRESSER, ROOM SERVICE, SIDE MAN and BETWEEN EAST AND WEST. Behind the scenes, David has created sound effects and scores for over sixty professional productions. Favorites include THE BRIDGE AT MO DUC, THE VOICE OF THE PRAIRIE, BELOW THE BELT, LAST OF THE BOYS and MARY’S WEDDING. CHARLES KAKUK (Managing Director) This marks Charles’ 20th season with Next Act. After spending three years in the Marine Corps protecting Missouri from Kansas, Charles worked for Pizza
6 Next Act Theatre
Hut Corporation as a restaurant manager from 1979 to 1985 in Kansas City, and various cities in Wisconsin. Moving to Milwaukee in 1985, he has experienced the inner working of its arts and entertainment industries, from rock and pop music promotions at the Riverside Theater and Alpine Valley to marketing for the Milwaukee Ballet. Along the way he received a BSBA from Cardinal Stritch University. A special thank you to all who helped build our new home…from the many generous donors, the volunteers that trimmed the shrubs, dug out huge weeds and painted many, many walls... to Quorum Architects, VJS Construction Services and all the sub-contractors. Your efforts will live on for many years to come.
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) MATT KEMPLE (Marketing & PR Manager) Matt holds a BA in Theatre and Communications from St. Norbert College and has an extensive theatrical background including acting, directing, backstage and construction experience, as well as the creation of a dozen theatre groups, multiple programs and events with emphasis on new and emerging artists. In his spare time, he is the director and founder of the Milwaukee Comedy Festival and www.milwaukeecomedy. com, and Artistic Producer of Pink Banana Theatre Co.
HEIDI BOYD (Development Manager) Heidi is thrilled to join the Next Act staff as the company begins a new era in its beautiful new venue. Heidi graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota, and has since pursued a dual career as a performer and arts administrator, having worked in Marketing and Recruiting at the Milwaukee Children’s Choir and in Development at Skylight Opera Theatre and Florentine Opera before coming to Next Act. Heidi is currently a member of the Milwaukee Choral Artists. In March 2012 she will appear as a soloist in Milwaukee Opera Theatre’s annual winter concert, HOME. Heidi lives in Milwaukee with her husband Joel and their cat Isis.
N E X T AC T T H E AT R E 2 011- 2 012 S E A S O N S U P P O R T Season Supporters
Production Sponsors BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION FOUNDATION, INC.
Larry & Patty Compton • Polly & Giles Daeger Ildy & Skip Poliner • Gordana & Milan Racic
Thank you for your support! Vigil 7
N E X T AC T A N N UA L O P E R AT I O N S Next Act Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of the following: FOUNDATIONS AND CORPORATIONS: Anonymous Robert W Baird & Company Foundation, Inc. Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Briggs and Stratton Corporation Foundation, Inc. Brookbank Foundation Herbert H Kohl Charities, Inc. Dorothy Inbusch Foundation Milwaukee County for the Arts/CAMPAC Nonprofit Management Fund Quorum Architects Sempercor Foundation United Performing Arts Fund Wisconsin Arts Board Will Ross Memorial Fund Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS: PRODUCER’S CIRCLE ($5,000 and up) Anonymous Larry and Patty Compton Polly and Giles Daeger Art and Nancy Laskin Marianne and Sheldon Lubar Jan and Vince Martin Ildy and Skip Poliner Gordana and Milan Racic David and Julia Uihlein PRODUCER’S CIRCLE ($1,000 - $4,999) Harvey and Judith Alligood Charles and Mary Anderson Alfred and Isabel Bader John Mahony and Evelyn Burdick Michael and Ericka Burzynski Ervin and Beverly Colton Lisa Berman and Larry Dalton The Ellis Family, In memory of Dwight H. Ellis, III
Lupe Ugent-Ewert and Andrew Alan Ewert Rick and Jeanine Fassl Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Miles and Barbara Capron Fund Werner W. And Susan M. Krause Family Fund David and Mary Hertel John E. Holland Sharon Gray and Steven Kaplan Beth Kavelaris Pam Kriger Mary Ann and Charles P. LaBahn Jack and Phoebe Lewis Edward Inderrieden and Jean Maier Steve and Karin Marcus Sally and Robb Marks John McGivern Joyce Mielke Robert and Theresa Muselman Allyson Nemec
Energizing and Illuminating theater patrons. l contractor! a ic r t c le e ’s Next Act our power. y p u k c a b s Let u
Lights! Switches! Outlets! Action! www.CurrentElectricCo.com 12625 W. Burleigh Road, Brookfield
8 Next Act Theatre
N E X T AC T A N N UA L O P E R AT I O N S ( c o n t .) Kathleen McElroy and David Newby Kathy Nusslock Rhonda and Greg Oberland Paul and Lynn Rix, In memory of Dwight H. Ellis, III Alison Graf and Richard Schreiner Sandra M. Seymour SSSpeedy Mailing Service L. William and Nicole Teweles Wilfred W. Wollner, Jr. Bettie Zillman DIRECTOR ($500 - $999) Anonymous Jim and Teri Alioto Thomas and Kathleen Alpren Dr. and Mrs. Richard Barthel Edward Hammond and Marcia Brooks Greg Chrisafis Sandy Duffy Tim and Sue Frautschi Lloyd and Mary Ann Gerlach Marlene Gustafson
Clark Johnson and Nona Hill Jan and Mark Homan Jeffrey and Jacqueline Jahnke Dan and Joanne Kline Sandra and Robert Meldman Douglas and Annette Mickelson Marianne and Matthew Robbins Mary Buchel and Larry Salsbury Chris Bonin and Judith Schulz Fred and Ann Stratton Dick and Diane Wright LEADING ACTOR ($250 - $499) Anonymous Assurant Health Donna and Donald Baumgartner Thomas Mann and Katie Bayliss Kathy and Mark Bonady Brenda Andrews and James R. Cauley Penny and Jim Deshur Sue Dinsmoor
Barbara McMath and Robert Ferriday, III Richard Ippolito and Pam Frautschi Gary Cartwright and Elizabeth Gifford Andrew and Paula Holman BJ Ihlenfeldt Ginny and Mark Kannenberg Janet and Wilfred Kraegel Helen Kuzma Mary Ruffolo and Ben Litwin Ray and Dawn Manista Eric Key and Judy Martel Jerry and Donna Martynski John Menzel Kenn Miller and Wendy Walker Miller Dwight and Marlene Morgan Jessica Poliner Becky and Gus Ramirez Mike and Diane Schulz Laura Gordon and Jonathan Smoots Robert Spencer Tom and Linda Streifender Dave Wesley Penny Williams
March 2 - 25, 2012 Tenth Street Theatre 628 N. 10th Street Tickets: 414-271-1371 www.intandemtheatre.org
$22 & $26 with student, senior, military and group discounts available
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
Vigil 9
N E X T AC T A N N UA L O P E R AT I O N S ( c o n t .) SUPPORTING ACTOR ($100 - $249) Anonymous Zita and Tom Allen Joyce and Steve Appel Marilyn M. Auer John Bahr David and Yindo Becker Sally Blommer Glen and Susanne Bogdon Susan Brahm Edith Brin Jill and Frits Broekhuizen Don Burdick Claudia and Jerry Burg Alice Cecsarini Berry and Sheryl Centanni Ben and Frankie Chernov Dick and Karen Christenson Eric and Jeanne Christiansen Jess Brownell and Shirley Conlon Mario and Cathy Costantini Randall Daut Brian and Joanne Davidson Rod and Sharon De Pue John and Jean DiMotto Carol Dolphin Elaine Drydyk Gretchen Durkin John and Mary Emory Miriam and Rick Falk Barbara and William Fernholz Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Fishbach Larry D’Attilio and Pamela Foard Jane M. Foster Sam Garst and Meghan Gauger Candace Hoffman and David Gaura Bill and Suzy Frazier Drs. James and Margo Frey Tom Gauthier Inez and Gene Gilbert Judith Goetz Mary K. Goode Norman and Daryl Grier Pat Groth Jeanne Gruber Larry and Pat Hammond James and Mary Ann Hanson Robert and Jill Hartman Cynthia Hiteman Nathan and Dolores Holman Kathy and John Housiaux Sarah Kriger Hwang and Milton Hwang George and Angela Jacobi Sue Jacobson Joshua Jaszewski Dan Johanson 10 Next Act Theatre
Charles and Mary Kamps Dale and Susan Karpen Ellen A. Kellen Joan and John Kirkwood Judi Kistler Carolyn Korona Kathleen Knutsen Konrad Kuchenbach Dale and Barbara Lenz Karen E Loeb Ken and Maggie Lukow Helen and David Mac Gregor Sherry and Norm Malmon Jane Barclay Mandel and Paul Mandel Lee Marquardt Christine Martin Robin Martin Tom and Renee McCutcheon Chuck and Cindy Meyer David and Sharon Middleton Ms. Wendy Moeller Terence and Janet Mooney Charles and Barbara Murphy Donna Neal James and Christine O’Brien Joseph Pabst David Paris Jean and Lou Pascek Claire Pfleger David and Carol Raasch Dick Miller and Miriam Reading Nancy and John Reuter Phil and Terry Rozga Micky and Ron Sadoff Linda and Gary Sarner Mary Wehrle Schnell and Richard Schnell Barb Schulte Micki and Bob Seinfeld Dan and Doris Shneidman Bruce and Janine Smith Kathy and Wayne Sojkowski Dennis and Linda Spindler Betty Staples Bill and Judy Starr Becky Stibbe Susan Sweeney Bill Hable and Jane Tanner Paul and Donna Tanzer Harriet and Fred Thomson Jeffrey and Penny Timm Stu and Ann Tisdale Sally Tolan Andy and Sue Toth Carolyn White-Travanti and Leon Travanti Carol and Dennis Trinastic Sheryl Van Haren Monika and Chris Vanseth VJS Construction Services Sherry and Dave Wahlberg
Diana and John Walker David and Sally Weber Kristen and Steven Weisman Howard and Harriet Weiss Betty White Kathy and Dennis Wicht Barbara and Ted Willy Ray Jivoff and Michael Wright Martin and Kathy Yates Julia Collins and Ron Zdroik JOURNEYMAN (under $100) Anonymous George Affeldt David and Patricia Anderson Richard Antonacci Diane Barton Slack Ulrich and Barbara Becker Phil Bielefeld Julie and William Bonnell Karen and Russell Brooker Kathleen Brumder Ms. Nancy J Bush Dave and Mary Carlson Pat and Phil Crump Rhonda Cundy Kathleen Friedman and Randolph Dean Robert and Karen Dean Lois Ellen Debbink Rose Delaney Linda and Chuck Duhacek Joyce Ehrhardt Ranee and Brent Field Peg McCormick and James P. Fleury Carol and Milt Flieller David Flores Natalie Frankel Dr. Linda Gehring Susan Gibson David and Nancy Giffey Randy Giles Carol Goldstein Lisa and Jeff Gorelick Irv and Ressa Gottschalk Jeanne Grenda Mary Anne Gross Barbara Hahn Jami and Joe Hanreddy Leslie and Lee Hanrihar Paul and Philia Hayes Cliff Heise Bob Heller Linda Roethlisberger and Dennis Hennessey Alex and Barbara Hill Adrienne Hirsch Carol Hoernke
N E X T AC T A N N UA L O P E R AT I O N S ( c o n t .) Dr. Lawrence and Joyzell Howards Madeline Huston Dr. Mitchell and Linda Jacobson Mary Carla Jautz Richard Kalinowski Maureen Kania Maryann Katzor Matt and Dawn Kemple Judith Kesser Lee Ann Kingston Mary S Knudten Jonathan Russell and Deborah Kotlarek James and Diane Kuntzelman Marilyn Kupka Jane Fuller and Phyllis Lardinois Justine Leonard Karen and Dennis Leyer Elliot and Eve Lipchik Gordon and Alicia Lugauer Peter and Mary Ellen Lukaszewicz Kenneth J. Maciolek Mike Martin and Marie Madderom
Jay Larkey, M.D. and Lois Malansky Gretchen Mayo Muriel Mc Lemore Guy and Mary Jo McDonald Julie McHale Nancy and Al Meier Cindy H. Molloy Bill and Loretta O’Boyle Jane O’Connell David and Linda Okruhlica Judy and Rick Olson Lori Pattee Zorian and Alla Pinsky Jean Riebe Pat and Allen Rieselbach Darlene Roberts Claudette and Mark Robinson Lynne and Roy Robinson Tom and Judy Saeger Sarah Sandin Richard Sauer Ruth Schudson Rozanne Screven Christine Sentz Doris Sherman Lynn Shoemaker Evelyn Silverstein Jim Bendtsen and Brenda Skelton
Katherine Smith Russell Kesery and Mary Anne Smith Morton and Naomi Soifer Stan Spence Eileen and George Stone Roberta Tacke Joan Tarachow Valerie Tenut Tom and Marie Thornton Barbara Tokarczyk Joy Towell Phyllis Tubesing Robert and Marlene Urch Donna J. Vincent Janine Wagner Mark and Yvonne Wagner Julie and Jerome Wallace Donna and Jerry Walsh Bob and Kathy Warner Phyllis Wax Dr. Bill Weida and Jane Davis Weida Alyce and Russell Weiss Marianne Chisam Welytok Virginia and Paul Wilcox Allyn Ziegenhagen Art and Alice Zinky
These donors have contributed to Next Act since January 2011. We are grateful to ALL donors whose generous contributions are so important to this company. Please know how much we appreciate your support. Next Act Theatre apologizes for inadvertently leaving any donor off this published list. If an error has been made or if your name is listed incorrectly, please call Charles at 414-278-7780. Thank you!
N E X T AC T C H A I R C A M PA I G N Thank you to those who purchased a new theatre chair: George Affeldt James and Terri Alioto Harvey and Judith Alligood Marilyn Auer Dr. Richard and Diana Barthel Sue Bronson Nicholas and Lenore Burckle Michael and Ericka Burzynski Elizabeth Gifford and Gary Cartwright Alice Cecsarini Lois Cecsarini Greg Chrisafis Chris Christopher-Schmidt Roseann Fasi
Robert Ferriday, III Richard Ippolito and Pam Frautschi Lloyd and Mary Ann Gerlach Inez and Gene Gilbert Norman and Daryl Grier Norma and Bill Harrington George and Angela Jacobi Karen Jasniewski Mary Ann and Charles LaBahn Gordon and Alicia Lugauer Sherry and Norm Malmon Paul Mandel and Jane Barclay Mandel Sally and Robb Marks
Lee Marquardt Jan and Vince Martin David Newby and Kathleen McElroy George Michel Pete Stoddard and Sally Mrkvicka Mary Ruffolo Ruth Schudson Sharon and Gary Simon Andy and Sue Toth VJS Construction Services Mary and Willard Walker Barbara and Ted Wiley Ray Jivoff and Michael Wright Vigil 11
JOURNEY HOME CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTORS $50,000 and up Julia & David Uihlein Helen Bader Foundation Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation Larry & Patty Compton Einhorn Family Foundation, Inc. Greater Milwaukee Foundation Marianne & Sheldon Lubar Charitable Fund Jan & Vince Martin Ildy & Skip Poliner $15,000 - 49,999 Anonymous Briggs & Stratton Corporation Foundation, Inc. Bucyrus Foundation, Inc. Dorothy Inbusch Foundation, Inc. Susan & Werner Krause Pam Kriger Art & Nancy Laskin Peck Foundation, Milwaukee LTD Jack & Lucy Rosenberg Donor Advised Fund Bert L. & Patricia S. Steigleder Charitable Trust Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. $5,000 - $14,999 George Affeldt James & Terri Alioto Anonymous (2) Larry Dalton & Lisa Berman Brookbank Foundation Lois Cecsarini Ervin & Beverly Colton Dwight & Lin Ellis/ Crysdahl Foundation Tim & Sue Frautschi General Electric Matching Gift David Glenn Alison Graf & Richard Schreiner David & Mary Hertel Edward Inderrieden & Jean Maier Judith Keyes John E. & Nancy Larson 12 Next Act Theatre
Jack & Phoebe Lewis John Mahony & Evelyn Burdick Joyce Mielke Bob & Theresa Muselman Non-Profit Management Fund Gordana & Milan Racic Fred & Anne Stratton Linda & Thomas Streifender $1,000 - 4,999 Harvey & Judith Alligood Anonymous (2) Mark & Kathy Bonady Christopher Bonin Marcia Brooks & Edward Hammond Marianne Burish & Nicole Mantyh Mike & Ericka Burzynski Miles & Barbara Capron Pat & Phil Crump Susan Fete Four-Four Foundation Fred & Anne Geilfuss Norman & Daryl Grier John E Holland Andrew & Paula Holman Jan & Mark Homan Johnson Controls Matching Gift John Jansen & Annie Jurczyk Dan & Joanne Kline Kathy Donis & Paul Kosidowski Kurt & Andrea Kreznar Ken & Maggie Lukow Jane & Paul Mandel Steve & Karin Marcus Sally & Robb Marks Barbara McMath George & Colleen Michel Northern Trust Matching Gift Kathy Nusslock David Paris John Shannon & Jan Serr Jonathan Smoots & Laura Gordon Robert Spencer Mary & Bill Walker Wilfred Wollner Richard & Diane Wright Bettie Zillman
$500 - 999 James R. Cauley & Brenda Andrews Richard & Diana Barthel Dennis & Paula Berg Mary Buchel & Larry Salsbury Cary Cartwright & Elizabeth Gifford Greg Chrisafis Dick & Karen Christenson Julia Collins & Ron Zdroik D.W. Dean & Mary R. Dean Carol Dolphin Paul Tilleman & Sally Duffy Jason Fassl Robert Ferriday, III Pamela Frautschi & Richard Ippolto Judith Goetz Joel & Ruth Ann Guthmann Sue & Peter Hitler Bett Jacquart Steve & Jeannine Kemple Mary S. Knudten Sybil G. La Budde Ben Litwin Sherry & Norm Malmon Lee Marquardt John Menzel Doug & Annette Mickelson Dwight & Marleen Morgan Michael Necroto Tim & Deborah Nustad Paul & Lynn Rix Michael & Susan Schall Tom & Kathy Schrader Dennis Skelly SPX Foundation Matching Gift Dick Stefanik Gregory Strowig Marie & Thomas Thornton Stuart & Ann Tisdale Jim & Catherine Vint $250 - 499 Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Alpren Charles & Mary Anderson Steven & Joyce Appel Dr. John Bahr Donna Baumgartner Katherine Bayliss & Thomas Mann
JOURNEY HOME CAPITAL CA MPAIGN CONTRIBUTORS ( co nt.) Fred Berman Sally S. Blommer Pamela Booth Jill & Frits Broekhuizen Shirley Conlon & Jess Brownell Deborah Cecsarini Bob & Rosemary Connelly Randolph Dean & Kathleen Friedman Sue Dinsmoor Bob & Eve Eiseman John & Bonnie Emery Exxon Mobil Employee Matching Miriam & Rick Falk Al & Sally Ferguson Jane Foster Natalie Frankel Gene & Inez Gilbert Randy Giles Reesa & Irving Gottschalk Mary Anne Gross Patricia Groth Marlene & Allan Gustafson Norma & Bill Harrington Jill & Robert Hartmann Hilker & Associates Cynthia Hiteman Mary Beth Holloway George & Angela Jacobi Ronald E. Jacquart & Michael W. McCarthy Tom & Barb Johnson Mary & Charles Kamps Mark & Ginny Kannenberg Martha Karge Dale & Susan Karpen Maryann Katzor Robert Kealy Ellen Kellen Orv & Linda Kersten Kathleen Knutsen Konrad Kuchenbach James & Diane Kuntzelman Dane & Dana LaFontsee (Orthletek) Lighthouse Development Co. Gordon & Alicia Lugauer Judy Martel Christine Martin Donna & Jerry Martynski Rev. Erwin Matt Kathleen McElroy & David Newby
Tom & Renee McCutcheon Mary Jo & Guy McDonald Alan & Nancy Meier David & Sharon Middleton Kenn & Wendy Miller Dr. A. E. Moats, Jr. Charles & Barbara Murphy Rhoda Nathan Denice & Gary Warren Niebuhr Brian & Lea O’Day Linda & Dave Okruhlica Richard & Lois Pauls Max Samson & Nancy Pinter Christine Radiske & Herbert Quigley Claudette & Mark Robinson Kathleen Ryan Tom & Judy Saeger Sarah Sandin Billie Dawn & Chris Schoggen Ruth Schudson Mike & Diane Schulz Kathleen Scullin Pam Seccombe Sandra M. Seymour Sharon & Gary Simon Marilyn Smits Mark & Nancy Smuckler John & Mary Splude Ssspeedy Jerrel & Judith Stanley Bill & Judy Starr Jerry & Patricia Styberg Joan Tarachow Sally Tolan Leon Travanti & Carolyn White Travanti Robert & Marlene Urch US Bancorp Matching Gift Sheryl Van Haren Jerry & Donna Walsh Dennis & Susan Webb Vivian Weber David & Sally Weber Marian Weinberg Steven & Kristen Weisman Barbara & Ted Wiley Wisconsin Energy Foundation Matching Gift Michael Wright & Ray Jivoff Eve Joan Zucker
$100 - 249 David & Patricia Anderson Else Ankel Richard Antonacci Dorothy Aring Marilyn Auer Nancy Balcer Audrey & John Barrett Barbara Becker & Slack Ulrich David Becker Black Catz Design Glendon Bogdon Brenda Bohmann William & Julie Bonnell Susan Brahm Edith Brin Sue Bronson & Dan Frankel Nancy (Ginger) Browne William Browne Dan & Becky Burzynski Alice Cecsarini Deborah Clifton & John Kishline Thomas B. Comiskey Aarmando & Jo Covelli Patricia Ryan & Randall Dalt Robert & Karen Dean John & Jean Di Motto Donna & Rolan Doffing Ralph & Elaine Drydyk Ellen Eckman Penelope Egan Chris & Bonnie Ellerd Patricia Ellingson John Emanuel Linda Even & Scott Kania Brenton & Ranee Field Leslie Fillingham Milton & Carolanne Flieller Chuck Foulke James & Margo Frey Jeff & Ellen Fuller Sam Garst & Meghan Gauger David Gaura Tom Gauthier Susan Gibson Robert & Judy Gilroy Carol Goldstein Mary K. Goode Jeanne Gruber Jonnie Guernsey Richard Halverson Jamie & Joe Hanreddy Vigil 13
JOURNEY HOME CAPITAL CA MPAIGN CONTRIBUTORS ( co nt.) Lee & Leslie Hanrihar James & Mary Ann Hanson Linda Heintz Tom Heppe & Andrea Johnson Alexander & Barbara Hill Hugh Hoffman Nathan & Dolores Holman Tim & Tammy Hosch Kathy & John Housiaux Sarah & Milton Hwang Kenneth & Carmen Ilseman Billy & Judy Kay William & Emily Keelty Mary Anne Smith & Russell Kesery Laurie & Bruce Kestelman Lee Ann & William Kingston John & Joan Kirkwood Marilyn Kupka Helen Kuzma Sandy Laedtke Norm & Judy Lasca Mr. & Mrs. William Listwan Barbara MacKenzie Charles & Cindy Meyer Regina & Thomas Oberlin Christine & James O’Brien Jane S. O’Connell Sue Oskochil Nancy Otte Lorraine Pagel Alice Read & Drew Palin Katherine Paulsen Claire Pfleger James & Rose Pickering David & Carol Raasch Dorotheann Rauch Edward Reinke Pat & Allen Rieselbach Shirley Scharf Daniel Schley Mary & Richard Schnell Lawrence & Hollis Schuetz Judith Schulz Robert J. Scott Micki & Bob Seinfeld Amy Shapiro Dan & Doris Shneidman Bruce & Janine Smith Katherine Smith Lois Socol Kathy & Wayne Sojkowski 14 Next Act Theatre
Sally & John St. Peter Herb Stanelle Betty Staples Rebecca Stibbe Jane Boller Stroebel John & Carol Strom Julie Swenson Roberta H. Tacke Judy & Howard Tolkan Susan & Andy Toth Andrea Toussaint Jo & Herb Trask Jann & Sue Van Dreser Christopher & Monika Vanseth George Volkaitis Bill & Jane Weida Penny Williams Mary Ellen Winter Frank Wolkenheim Dawn & Tony Wolters Under $100 Anonymous (3) Sue Armstrong Scott & Mary Ann Best Mary & David Carlson Ralph Chicorel Janis Collins Jessica Connelly Joanne & Sheldon Cremer Brian & Joanne Davidson Richard G. & Cynthia A. Davito Charise Dawson Rose Delaney Richard & Nina Edelman Daniel Efner Barbara Federlin Jim & Peg Fluery Lorry Fontaine Janice Foulke Rosie Frydman Julie Gellendin Amy Geyser Emmely Gideon Howard Goldstein Jeffrey & Lisa Gorelick Alice Hanson-Drew Dennis E. Hennessey & Linda M. Roethlisberger Jeanne Hochstatter Suzy Clarkson Holstein Dr. Lawrence & Joyzele Howards Madeline Huston
Mitchell Jacobson Mary Carla Jautz Deb Johnson Susan A. Kane Matt & Dawn Kemple Judith A. Kesser Yelena Krayzman Clarence Kuligowski Lake View Consulting, LLC Barbara Lee Peter Lee Dale & Barbara Lenz Justine Leonard Anne & George Leunig Elliot & Eva Lipchik Chia & Gordon Lookatch Mary Ellen Lukaszewicz Lois Malawsky Patricia Mand Muriel Mc Lemore Kit O’Meara Lucille & Carl Pagel Esther V. Pastene Lori Pattee Shelia Payton Corliss Phillabaum Marsha Poulsen Kathryn Reinardy Jean Riebe Dan & Anna Robbins Laurie Rupert & Vernon Craig Vanslyke Wendy & Sheldon Saltzberg Harold & Diane Schlitz Charlie & Karen Schudson Kathleen Schultz Sharon Selz Lynn Shoemaker Jo Smirl Carol Spangler Cindy Sporleder Linda Stephens Jean & Steve Stern Susan Stewart Max & Tybie Taglin Jeffrey & Penny Timm Donna J. & Norman L. Vincent Janine Wagner Bob & Kathy Warner Phyllis Wax Russel & Alyce Weiss Barry Zuckerman
N E X T AC T T H E AT R E B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S
Officers: Steve Marcus.........................................................................President Harvey Alligood......................................................... Vice President Alison Graf ...........................................................................Secretary Michael Burzynski............................................................... Treasurer David Hertel............................................Immediate Past President Directors: John Menzel Joyce Mielke Allyson Nemec, AIA† Kathy L. Nusslock†
Terri Alioto Edward Inderrieden Beth Kavelaris Jan Martin John McGivern
†
Ildy Poliner Gordana Racic Michael Sheppard Lupe Ugent
Former Board President
N E X T AC T T H E AT R E S TA F F Producing Artistic Director.......................................................................................David Cecsarini Managing Director........................................................................................................Charles Kakuk Marketing & PR Manager...............................................................................................Matt Kemple Development Manager.......................................................................................................Heidi Boyd
2 011 / 2 012 S U B S C R I B E R D I S C O U N T C A R D PA R T I C I PA N T S We appreciate your support of the following merchants: Bella Caffe, 189 N. Milwaukee St. Florentine Opera, 700 N. Water St. Suite 950 INdustri Café, 524 S. 2nd St. In Tandem Theatre, 628 N. 10th St.
Milwaukee Ballet, 504 W. National Ave. La Merenda, 125 E. National Ave. MOCT, 240 E. Pittsburg Ave. Molloy’s, 333 E. Brown Deer Rd. Pink Banana Theatre
V I G I L P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Director.................................................................................................Mary MacDonald Kerr Stage Manager................................................................................................ Jessica Connelly* Scenic Design........................................................................................................Rick Graham Lighting Design...............................................................................................Alan Piotrowicz Costume Designer and Wardrobe Manager.................................................. Aria Thornton Properties Design................................................................................................... Nikki Kulas Charge Artist..................................................................................................Andrea Toussaint Sound Design................................................................................................... David Cecsarini Scenic Construction...............................................................................................Ron Weirick Technical Director/Light Board Operator.......................................... Michael Van Dreser Deck Chief ............................................................................................................Sarah Kerner House Management Coordinator ..................................................................... Libby Amato House Management Staff ................................................... Andrea Toussaint, Erica Wade, ................................................................................................... Alan Pietrowitz, Gwen Zupan Box Office Manager........................................................................................ Sandy Raduenz Box Office Staff .............................................................................Libby Amato, Sally Lewis, Barbara Maglio, Andrea Toussaint, Amanda Wallich, Michelle Usadel *
Member of Actors’ Equity Association Vigil 15
F O R YO U R I N F O R M AT I O N FOOD AND BEVERAGES...Eating and drinking are not permitted in the theatre. ENTERING AND EXITING THE THEATRE SPACE…Please use walkways to access the seating areas and refrain from crossing over the stage. CANCELLATION POLICY...Next Act does not cancel or reschedule performances due to inclement weather or sporting events, nor do we offer refunds. LATECOMER POLICY... Due to the intimate configuration of Next Act’s theatre, latecomers will not be seated until an appropriate time in the performance. This may be at the intermission. Seating may not be permitted ½ hour after the start of a performance. If you are running late, please call the Box Office at 414-278-0765. LISTENING AUGMENTATION DEVICES...Please ask box office personnel for assistance. LOST PROPERTY...Items left at the theatre are kept in Lost Property. Call 414-2780765 if you have lost an item. TICKET EXCHANGES... Subscribers may exchange their tickets, without fee, up to 48 hours prior to the performance (price adjustments may apply). Single ticket buyers may exchange their tickets for a fee of $5.00 per ticket up to 48 hours prior. Exchanges are based strictly on availability. Patrons are strongly urged to request exchanges well in advance. ELECTRONIC DEVICES...To avoid disturbing the performance, NO cameras or recording devices of any kind are allowed in the theatre. Please turn off all electronic equipment including pagers and cellular phones. EMERGENCY CALLS...In case of emergency, messages may be left with the house manager by calling 414-278-7780. If possible, please indicate the seat location of the person to be reached. SMOKING...The Next Act Theatre facility is a smoke-free environment. STUDENT AND SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNTS... Seniors and students receive a $5.00 discount per ticket on advance sales. Students may also purchase half-price rush tickets with a valid student I.D. one half-hour prior to curtain, based on availability. Discounts are not available on performance run extensions. GROUP DISCOUNTS...Groups of 10 or more receive a discount of 20%. To book groups, call the Next Act Box Office at 414-278-0765. Discounts are not available on performance run extensions.
16 Next Act Theatre