ONAG - Christmas Carol

Opening Night Arts Group presents theatrical, musical, dance, social and visual arts events throughout the year as a vehicle for fundraising on behalf of various causes.

Book by CHARLES DICKENS

Adapted by ISRAEL HOROWITZ

Executive Producer JENNIFER MILLER

Director/Choreographer CASSIE DAWE

Music Director KATHY MILLER

Assistant Director JENNIFER LENIHAN

Stage Manager JENNIFER JONGSMA

Lighting Design BRIDGET EARNSHAW

Sound Technicians FRANN SIDLOW LARRY SIDLOW

Master Carpenter/Crew Chief/ Special Effects MIKE DICKSEN

Costumes CAROL DICKSEN JENNIFER MILLER

“A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York

ONAG YOUNG ACTOR’S STUDIO PRESENTS:

It’s a Wonderful Life Young Actor’s Studio Artistic Director: Cassie Dawe Directed and Adapted by: Catherine Smitko Studio Coordinator: Jennifer Lenihan Studio Intern: John Murawski Opening Night Arts Group 1

The Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade Organization is the largest and oldest Charity Motorcycle Parade in the Nation. For 33 years and counting, over 100,000 people have participated in the yearly Parade on the first Sunday in December to raise toys for needy children in the greater Chicago area. We are a non-profit, registered 501c3, whose sole income is from donations and the sale of limited edition apparel and collectibles. Toys collected on the day of the Parade are given to the USMCR Toys For Tots in Chicago. Our own Toy Committee distributes toys donated during the rest of the year to needy children, special-needs schools and hospitals throughout Chicago and the surrounding Suburbs distributes toys collected during the rest of the year.

Donations can be made on-line at www.chicagolandtft.org, by mail or in person at any of our meetings and events.

New toys in their original packaging can be donated at any of our events, general meetings or at local businesses around the Chicago-area where toy collection boxes are displayed. A listing of toy collection boxes is being updated on our website, www.chicagolandtft.org.

We depend on the generosity of volunteers to staff and run the Parade, from selling product to help securing Western Avenue for the seventeen mile Parade route, at the beginning at the Dan Ryan Woods and the end at DeVry University. We also have volunteer opportunities at events year round. Volunteers or anyone looking for information can contact us by email at info@chicagolandtft.org or by calling (708) 598-4909.

ABOUT OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP

Opening Night Arts Group presents theatrical, musical, dance, social and visual arts events throughout the year as a vehicle for fundraising on behalf of various causes.

Opening Night Arts Group is an organization dedicated to promoting general education as well as education in the arts. The group also works to further the promotion of the fine and performing arts as a whole.

Opening Night Arts Group provides a stage for adults and children to showcase and develop their talents while providing the highest level of artistic productions for the public.

Opening Night Arts Group’s other projects include classes and workshops for children and adults. Areas of focus include auditioning, singing, acting, dancing, and art classes. Beginning in Fall 2010, ONAG is pleased to welcome Artistic Director Cassie Dawe in the creation of a Young Actor’s Studio which will include various classes and shows throughout the year for younger performers from Kindergarten through Senior Year High school.

All of Opening Night Arts Group’s productions are presented as fundraisers in connection with various charities. It is part of Opening Night Arts Group’s mission to give to the community with each event. Charities may present their information to the Opening Night Arts Group Board who votes on which charity to associate with each event. Opening Night Arts Group has also established a College Scholarship Fund and provides scholarships to high school students each year.

O P E N I N G N I G H T A R T S G R O U P B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S

Samantha Chapleau, Recording Secretary Dennis Dawe, President Barb Lenihan, Charity/Corporate Liaison Jennifer Miller, Vice President/Executive Producer Kathy Miller, Assistant Executive Producer Stephen Miller, Treasurer Ann Ross, Communications Secretary

COM MIT TEE CHAIRS

Pat Hasier, Scholarship Committee Chair Jennifer Lenihan, Database Manager and Marketing Chair Opening Night Arts Group 3

I T ’ S A WO N D E R F U L L I F E C A S T ( i n

or der of appe ar ance)

JOSEPH....................................................................................................................Alyssa Flanagan CLARENCE.....................................................................................................Lauren Frankenbach YOUNG GEORGE BAILEY.....................................................................................Aiden Edwards YOUNG MARY........................................................................................................ Malia Pellegrini MR. GOWER................................................................................................................. Brian Gutrich GEORGE BAILEY...................................................................................................Kieran O’Connor POP BAILEY.......................................................................................................................Ray Curtin HARRY BAILEY............................................................................................................ Brian Gutrich MARY HATCH-BAILEY...........................................................................................Kaleigh O’Hara OLD CROTCHETY MAN...................................................................................... Katie Van Dame UNCLE BILLY.......................................................................................................................Max Lach MR. POTTER.........................................................................................................Johnny DeFranco MRS. BAILEY............................................................................................................Mariah Dicksen MRS. HATCH.............................................................................................................. Casey Murphy ERNIE BISHOP........................................................................................................ Katie Van Dame COUSIN TILLY..........................................................................................................Mariah Dicksen HORACE, THE BANK TELLER........................................................................................Ray Curtin JANIE BAILEY........................................................................................................... Haylee Gutrich PETER BAILEY.............................................................................................................Luke O’Grady TOMMY BAILEY........................................................................................................Noah O’Grady ZUZU BAILEY.................................................................................................. Siobhan Herrebout MARTINI.................................................................................................................. Katie Van Dame MR. WELCH................................................................................................................ George Curtin NICK.......................................................................................................................................Max Lach BANK EXAMINER.............................................................................................................Ray Curtin

Just a minute, Just a minute!

Now hold on, Mr. Potter.

I need to tell MAX LACH “Break A Leg” Love, Mom, Dad, Sydney & Taylor Good Luck LUKE and NOAH! We love you.

Break A Leg to our Shining Star AIDEN EDWARDS We are so proud of you Love, Dad, Mom and Calli

Break A Leg to our grandson AIDEN EDWARDS We are so proud of you and love seeing you shine!

Mom, Dad, Johnathon, Zach, Eli & Ella

Love, Grandma & Papa Dineen Opening Night Arts Group 5

S C R O O G E & M A R L E Y : A C H R I S TM A S C A R O L C A S T JACOB MARLEY..........................................................................................................Jeff Peterson EBENEEZER SCROOGE..............................................................................................Robert Reidy THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST.............................................................Kiersten Bergquist THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT............................................................ Jerry Haseman THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME........................................................ Carl Gramza BOB CRATCHIT................................................................................................................. Brian Rigg MRS. CRATCHIT............................................................................................................Eileen Casey MARTHA CRATCHIT............................................................................................. Katie Van Dame BELINDA CRATCHIT....................................................................................Lauren Frankenbach PETER CRATCHIT...............................................................................................................Max Lach TINY TIM CRATCHIT.................................................................................................. Brian Gutrich DICK WATKINS....................................................................................................Johnny DeFranco FRED, SCROOGE’S NEPHEW................................................................................. Scott Podraza FRED’S WIFE................................................................................................................. Stacey Mallo MR. FEZZIWIG/DO GOODER/BUSINESSMAN/OLD JOE..................................... Tim Casey MRS. FEZZIWIG........................................................................................................Julie Zebleckis ELIZABETH FEZZIWIG.................................................................................... Elizabeth Brennan MARY FEZZIWIG.....................................................................................................Kaleigh O’Hara YOUNG ADULT SCROOGE..................................................................................... Drew Dicksen ADOLESCENT SCROOGE..................................................................................Kieran O’Connor BELLE.......................................................................................................................Alexandra Dawe ADOLESCENT BELLE...........................................................................................Alyssa Flanagan FAN, SCROOGE’S YOUNGER SISTER................................................................. Hayley Gutrich MRS. DILBER........................................................................................................................Jan Hood DO GOODER/SCHOOL MASTER/ BUSINESSMAN............................................ Jim Kearney YOUNG PETER CRATCHIT/YOUNG SCROOGE.................................................... Joey Martin CHARWOMAN............................................................................................................Christy Cross CAROLER/BUSINESSMAN...............................................................................Robert Bergquist CAROLER........................................................................................................ Samantha Chapleau CAROLER..........................................................................................................................Sara Martin CAROLER.........................................................................................................................Kathy Miller CAROLER/BUSINESSMAN ........................................................................................ Steve Miller YOUNG CAROLER.................................................................................................Mariah Dicksen THE BUTCHER..........................................................................................................John Murawski THE FIDDLER, EDWARD/BOY SCROOGE.................................................................Ray Curtin ADAM........................................................................................................................Aiden Edwards CLASSMATE, HAROLD............................................................................................Noah O’Grady HELEN, SISTER OF HAROLD................................................................................. Casey Murphy IGNORANCE/CLASSMATE WILLIAM...................................................................Luke O’Grady WANT/ANNE, SISTER OF WILLIAM........................................................... Siobhan Herrebout CLASSMATE CHARLES........................................................................................... George Curtin CATHERINE, SISTER OF CHARLES..................................................................... Malia Pellegrini

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P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Executive Producer................................................................................................ Jennifer Miller Director, “A Christmas Carol”/ Young Actor’s Studio Artistic Director..........................................................Casandra Dawe Director, “It’s a Wonderful Life”..................................................................... Catherine Smitko Assistant Director/Studio Coordinator.......................................................Jennifer Lenihan Music Director/Assistant Executive Producer...................................................Kathy Miller Lighting Design............................................................................................... Bridget Earnshaw Stage Manager..................................................................................................Jennifer Jongsma Master Carpenter/ Crew Chief/ Special Effects Coordinator................................................................................... Mike Dicksen Costumers.......................................................... Carol Dicksen, Carl Gramza, Jennifer Miller Props............................................................................................................................... Carl Gramza Sound Technicians..................................................... Frann Carnivele-Sidlow, Larry Sidlow Set Design/Fly System............................................................................................ Dennis Dawe Ad Book Coordinator............................................................................................ Jennifer Miller House Manager......................................................................................................... Barb Lenihan Ticket Sales.............................................................................................................. Stephen Miller Thank you to Joe and Toula Spencer of the Remodeling Station for their beautiful photography.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE WHO LENDED THEIR ASSISTANCE AFTER THIS BOOK WENT TO PRESS.

CAST BIOS Robert Bergquist (Caroler): is excited to be in his second production with ONAG. He was a hearty pirate in the summer production of The Pirates of Penzance. He roared his way to fame as the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, and was the contemptible Junior Dover, Jr. in The All-American Musical Disaster. He has also graced the stage in The Sound of Music and Love Rides the Rails. Robert sings in a variety of chorale groups throughout the Chicago area.

He sang with the Peoria Civic Opera in its production of Un Bello in Maschera and was a soloist and member of the Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir. Robert is proud to share the stage with his daughter, Kiersten, and thanks his wife, Trish, for encouraging him to become involved with ONAG. He also wishes to thank Cassie for her efforts to make him a better performer.

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Eileen Casey (Mrs. Cratchit): Eileen is happy to be reprising her role in ONAG’s A Christmas Carol. Recent roles: Mrs. MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie for Beverly Hills University Club and Rose in Dancing at Lughnasa for Beverly Theatre Guild. Eileen received her Bachelor’s from Roosevelt University in Theatre, Music and English and has performed in professional theatre all over the Midwest as well as Europe.

Tim Casey (Fezziwig/ Caroler/ First Business Man): Tim is always excited to be working with a new group! Christmas “ PAST “ roles (hee hee) include... Mr MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie with the Beverly Hills University Club in Beverly, Austin Powers in the original script The Spy that Shagged Me with the Playhouse Players, and over the years numerous roles with other Southside groups. Tim is hoping in the

C A S T B I O S ( c o n t .)

“PRESENT“ to get in involved with a new group or role, whichever presents itself…and looking to the “FUTURE“ always for other projects. “Thanks to the production staff for letting me be part of this. Enjoy the show!”

Samantha Chapleau (Caroler): A Christmas Carol is Samantha’s fifth show with ONAG. Previously, she appeared in An Evening of Variety I and II, she sang with the pit chorus for Joseph…, and appearing in last year’s Christmas Carol. Other favorite roles include the mezzo-soprano soloist in Handel’s Messiah with St. Xavier University, Danielle St. Cyr in The Scarlet Pimpernel (Oak Lawn), and the narrator in Joseph.

Stobhan Herrebout “Look Daddy, Teacher says everytime a bell rings an angel gets his wings.

Jerry Haseman (The Ghost of Christmas Present): Recently seen in this area in productions of Chicago, Cabaret, and Peter Pan, Jerry is glad to be back to celebrate a second season with this production. Jerry has been seen on stage with the Chicago Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Evanston Light Opera Works, the Studs Terkel Program (radio), and has sung with the Chicago Symphony. Jerry has performed in, or directed over 60 productions in the Chicagoland suburbs. “Happy Holidays!”

Jan Hood (Mrs. Dilber): Jan is enjoying her second opportunity to perform with Opening Night Arts Group, having appeared in Pirates of Penzance this past summer. Her most enjoyable and vivid stage memories are prior roles such as The Narrator in

Lauren Frankenbach “Break A Leg” We are so very proud of you!

Love, Mom, Dad and Justin

You are our angel.

Love, Mom, Dad, Liam, Granpa and Grandma

Opening Night Arts Group 9

C A S T B I O S ( c o n t .)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors and Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Jan is most thankful to her family and friends for their continued support of her little hobby! “Come on kids, we’re doin’ a show!”

Jim Kearney (Do-Gooder/ Schoolmast/2nd Man/ Third Business Man): Involved in theatre for over 50 years as actor, director, playwright, stage manager, producer and general dogsbody, Jim now concentrates on the most important facet of theatre, learning his lines. As actor or director he has participated in over 20 productions of Irish theatre with 11 Chicago-area groups. He studied playwriting in Ireland under such noted Irish authors as Jimmy Murphy and Neil Donnelly, and has had the pleasure of seeing his original work Eilis produced.

His devotion to Cassie knows no bounds. Devoirs, lovely lady.

Stacey Mallo (Fred’s wife): Stacey is very excited to be back with Opening Night Arts Group. Stacey was last seen in Pirates of Penzance (Isabel). Some favorite credits include West Side Story (Maria), Grease (Patty Simcox), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ruth).

Stacey recently finished her MA in sociology at Roosevelt University.

“Big thank you’s to Cassie and the production team! Thank you also to her wonderful family and friends for their support. And, I’m so excited to work with my future husband, Scott, who’s also playing my husband on stage. Enjoy the show and please donate as generously as you can to our amazing charity partner, Toys for Tots.”

Sara Martin (Caroler): Sara is excited to be back for A Christmas Carol! She was last seen as Tessie Tura in Gypsy at OLPD. She has performed all over the Southside. Her favorite roles include; Mary in JC Superstar (OLPD, MVCC, CCCT), The Narrator in Joseph (OLPD, BHUC), Maggie and Morales in A Chorus Line (OLPD, BHUC); Wicked Witches in 10 Opening Night Arts Groupa

Wizard of Oz and Into the Woods (99th Street, BTG): and Hedy LaRue in How to Succeed (99th street). This show is even more special because she gets to share the stage with her son Joey (7), who plays young Scrooge and Peter Cratchit. “You are doing awesome! I am so proud of you! Thank you to Cassie and the staff for having them back in the show. To her Honey and Johnny (4)- love you both! Now, sit back, relax and enjoy the show –Merry Christmas!”

Steve Miller (Caroler): Steve is a member of the ONAG board of directors and was last seen as MajorGeneral in our production of Pirates of Penzance…. He has appeared with a number of area theatre groups in Guys and Dolls, Phantom, Crazy for You, Arsenic and Old Lace, Hello, Dolly, Barnum, The Music Man, Will Rogers Follies, Godspell, Fiddler on the Roof, Into the Woods, Victor/Victoria, Anything Goes, A Chorus Line, The 1940’s Radio Hour, Cats, Big, Pirates of Penzance, My Fair Lady, Chicago, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and others. Since he has recently retired from teaching, Steve will have the time to REALLY get into theatre. “Thank you to Cassie, Jen, Jen and Kathy for all your hard work in putting together this unique take on an old classic, and for assembling such and extraordinary cast and crew.”

Robert Emmett Reidy (Ebenezer Scrooge): Robert has appeared in professional and community theater productions in the Chicago area, and has given readings from James Joyce’s Ulysses at the Bloomsday celebrations from 1999 to 2008 at the Cliff Dwellers Club in Chicago, and from Finley Peter Dunne’s Mr. Dooley series at the Chicago Public Library and senior centers under grants form the Illinois Humanities Council. He is an active member of the Theatre of Western Springs and the Gaelic Park Players. He previously played Ebenezer Scrooge for four years in A Christmas Carol at the Beverly Art Center, last year at ONAG, and appeared in Death of a Salesman for

C A S T B I O S ( c o n t .) which he received the Beverly Theatre Guild’s award for best performance by an actor in the 2001-02 season.

Jeff Peterson (Jacob Marley): Jeff is pleased to be reprising the role of Marley this year with ONAG. He last appeared on stage as American arms negotiator John Honeyman in Genesius Guild’s A Walk in the Woods. In the south suburbs, Jeff has numerous credits with The Drama Group, Beverly Theatre Guild, CCCT, and Illinois Theater Center, as well as dozens of credits in the north suburbs and Rockford, his home town. His favorite roles include Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man; Che in Evita; Albert in The Secret Garden; Edward Rutledge in 1776; Riff in West Side Story; Cervantes/ Quixote in Man of LaMancha; Paul in Barefoot in the Park; Ali Hakim in Oklahoma!; Kenickie in Grease; and Mike Talman in Wait Until Dark. “Hope you enjoy this holiday classic…. and, Merry Christmas, to everyone!”

Scott Podraza (Fred): is thrilled to finally work with Opening Night Arts Group! Scott was most recently seen in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? at OLPD (Mike Depki).

Some favorite credits include Evil Dead: The Musical at MVCC (Scott), The Lithium Waltz with Barleycorn Theatre (Tommy Tango) Miss Saigon at OLPD (John), and She Stoops to Conquer at EIU (Marlow). Scott holds a BA in theatre arts from Eastern Illinois University. He is also a playwright and a director and works at Goodman Theatre in Chicago. Thank you to Cassie and the production staff for this wonderful opportunity. “I’m so excited to finally share scenes with the beautiful Stacey Mallo, who plays my wife in this show and my future bride in real life. I would be remiss if I didn’t plug our wonderful charity partner Toys for Tots. Please give as generously as you can so that all children can have the wonderful holiday memories they deserve!”

Brian Rigg (Bob Cratchit): Brian was 14 Opening Night Arts Groupa

seen on the ONAG stage in An Evening of Variety I and II, Pirates of Penzance and last year’s A Christmas Carol. He has been performing on the southwest side for over 20 years. Favorite roles include: Fagin (Oliver); Pirate King (Pirates of Penzance); Stine (City Of Angels); and Dr. Craven (The Secret Garden). When not on stage, Brian plays the role of proud father to four beautiful children, and videotapes numerous events for groups all over Chicagoland. During the day, he works as a Training Video Producer for Exelon/ComEd. “Enjoy the show as much as we did!”

Julie L. Zebleckis (Mrs. Fezziwig/ Ensemble): Julie has been working in theatre for over 25 years both onstage & off. This is her second time performing with ONAG, last appearing in Pirates of Penzance over the summer.

Some favorite roles include Mae Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie with BHUC, Claire in Rumors with S.T.A.R., Joy in Cinderella with BTG & Truvy with BTG/ Ouiser with OPTT in Steel Magnolias.

Julie has been involved with many other theatre groups, over the years: BTG, BHUC, PVP, Grove Players, OPTT, S.T.A.R., Wildflower & Stray Dog. Julie is an original member of Wildflower, a theatre group that performs at Gaelic Park Irish Fest every Memorial Day Weekend. Julie will be Executive Producer, along with her friend Kim M, for Evita, to be presented by BHUC, in March 2011. “Thanks to Cassie, Jen Len, the production staff, cast & crew for a great time! Happy Holidays!!!”

Ticket SPECIALS Visit Footlights.com to check out the latest event discounts.

JOHN DeFRANCO

You are our bright star!

Love you, Mom, Dad, Joey, Nick & Lucy DeFranco

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• Comprehensive Calendar of Events

Photo: Milwaukee Rep

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• Feature Articles • Timely Arts News • Celebrity Video Blogs • Dining Guide • And more!

GREAT PERFORMANCES YOUR ONLINE GUIDE TO THE PERFORMING ARTS

DONORS The following individuals and companies have made monetary and/or in-kind donations to further the ONAG cause of “The Arts with a Heart”.

Thank you to those who continually support us !

TOP HAT LEVEL The Avalos Family Marika Bonaguidi Café La Cave Family Escapes Vacations – Laurel Boures Jon and Tricia Brouwers Gene and Vicki Esposito Fifth Third Bank Steve and Norma Fister Rick and Karen Grant Dan and Renee Gresla John and Connie Jaeger Dave and Jane Johnson Demetrius Karos Joe and Nicole Kedziora The Kretzer Family Jennifer Miller

Kathy and Steve Miller Palos Country Club Joe and Toula Spencer Mike and Colleen Tarantino Traverso’s Restaurant John Traverso Al and Pat Vallejo John and Kim Voss Nezar and Aziza Ziad SPOTLIGHT LEVEL Dr. Barry Booth Norma Fister Patricia and James Hasier The Krop Family Pro Carpet Karen Ribbon

ENCORE LEVEL Caribbean Pools Cheryl Curtis Huntington Learning Center Kristie Traverso OVERTURE LEVEL College Drive Dental Joe Daniel’s Mary Ann McKevitt Debbie Tabisz

Help us to help others through our programs. Become a donor!

The Donor Table is located in the main lobby. Opening Night Arts Group is a 501 (c)(3) charity. Donations are tax deductible.

PRODUCTION BIOS CASSIE DAWE (Director/Choreographer): Cassie Dawe, veteran Chicago director & choreographer, has been teaching students of all ages the fine art of theatre. She was raised in the Chicagoland area where she studied in the many famous studios of Chicago such as; Lou Conte and Gus Giordano Dance Studios, then went on to New York City where she studied acting at the world renowned American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Upon her return Cassie performed professionally in musical theatre and film for many years before settling down to start a family. She began teaching children’s theatre over 20 years ago and shortly

thereafter she started directing and choreographing full time in the various theatre groups located in and around Chicago . She has worked in both professional and amateur venues. At Light Opera Works she won an award for her choreography of Fiddler on the Roof. At the Cahn Auditorium she choreographed with Lara Teeter a salute to the choreographer, Ernie Flatt, in Flatt Out, produced by Dominic Missimi. Presently Cassie teaches at The Beverly Arts Center, Chicago, and has begun to bring her classes to the surrounding areas of Chicago.

Her latest ONAG endeavor was as director and choreographer of Pirates of Penzance this past summer 2010.

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OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP PRESENTS

YOUNG ACTOR’S STUDIO Cassie Dawe, Artistic Director

Thousands of students have “grown up” through the years in our experienced and talented staff’s programs to be phenomenal performers, presenters, teachers, public speakers, actors and actresses. We hope you can join us as we assemble this amazing and unique expanded program.

PRESENTING IN 2011 The Magic and Music of Alan Menken- May 2011 A tribute to the composer of “Beauty and the Beast”, “Aladdin” and “Lion King”!

Grease – August 2011 Grease is the Word!!!

A Christmas Carol – December 2011 An ONAG and Palos Heights tradition

REGISTRATION FOR OUR SPRING PRODUCTION WILL BE OPENING SOON! PLEASE WATCH WWW.ONAG.ORG FOR MORE DETAILS AND SIGN UPS

P R O D U C T I O N B I O S ( c o n t .)

JENNIFER LENIHAN (Assistant Director/Studio Coordinator): A Christmas Carol is Jen’s second production with ONAG. She was last seen in this summer’s production of Pirates of Penance where she was a dancing Police Officer and was also the Assistant Director/ Assistant Choreographer. She has performed in community theatre since she was 11, and in the 15 years since she has worked with several groups (OLPDT, BHUCSF, BTG, and CCCT).

Jen has also performed with Donny Osmond in Joseph and has directed/ choreographed musicals at St. Bede and St. Linus Grammar Schools. It is a joy working with such a selfless and charitable group as ONAG, and it has been a pleasure working with so many talented people, especially our young actors. In addition to performing, Jen loves fundraising with her mom. Thank you to Cassie for another wonderful experience & learning opportunity and last but not least, to our audience: “Thank you for supporting ONAG and for helping raise money for Toys For Tots!” Enjoy the show!

JENNIFER MILLER (ONAG Executive Producer): Jennifer is pleased to be producing another ONAG production. She has produced, directed, music directed and/or choreographed countless music and theatre productions throughout the Chicago area. Ms. Miller also serves as vice president and is a founding member of Opening Night Arts Group. Past ONAG projects have included producing, directing or choreographing An Evening of Variety I and II , Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Pirates of Penzance, Willy Wonka jr and Annie jr.

A performer at heart, Ms. Miller studied production, voice, piano, and dance at Illinois State and St. Xavier Universities and is completing her master’s degree at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Past favorite onstage roles include Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes and Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof. She is looking

forward to getting back onstage during An Evening of Variety III this coming January. Jennifer is happy to be part of a fantastic holiday production, raising money and helping provide resources for yet another worthy cause.

KATHY MILLER (Music Director): Kathy Miller is a veteran of the stage and the classroom. In addition to a successful 25 year career teaching music, Ms. Miller performs in local musical theatre productions and performs in several vocal musical ensembles. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Illinois State University and has taught all ages both in classroom and production setting.

CATHERINE SMITKO (Young Actor’s Studio): Catherine has taught Children’s Theatre on and off for 15 years and is pleased to be back.

A professional actor, she was most recently seen as Mrs. Brice in Funny Girl at Drury Lane Oakbrook, the Wicked Step-Mother in Cinderella at Marriott Theatre and the Wife in a delightful staged-reading of Sheldon Harnick’s new work, The Doctor In Spite of Himself for The American Music Theatre Project.

Those productions were on the tail of a very fun year spent playing Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables (Jeff Award) at the Marriott Theatre and then at Arkansas Repertory Theatre.

Before that, it was a world-premier roller coaster for two years with starring roles in: Andrew Lippa’s, Asphalt Beach for the American Music Theatre Project, Tony-award winning pair Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s, Nero: Another Golden Rome, and Chantal Bilodeau’s, Pleasure and Pain, both at The Magic Theatre in San Francisco. Other credits include: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Marriot Theatre; Heartbreak House, The Rose Tattoo, and A Christmas Carol, all at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare’s NEA tour of Romeo and Juliet, and her onewoman show, Black and Blue, at the Royal George Theatre.

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When: Adults: January 18, 2011 @ 7:30pm January 20, 2011 @ 7:30pm Callbacks (if Necessary): January 23, 2011 @ 2:00pm Children: Please go to website for further information.

Where: Trinity United Methodist Church 9848 S. Winchester, Chicago, IL th

(NW corner of 99 & Winchester. Enter bldg through door @ North end.)

Please bring sheet music for singing audition.   (Songs from the show are welcome, but not mandatory.) Piano accompanist will be at auditions.Â

If interested in a role that dances, please wear appropriate clothing & shoes. Â

For further information please go to our website: www.bhuc-sf.org Show Dates: March 25, 2011 @ 8:00pm March 26, 2011 @ 2:00pm & 8:00pm March 27, 2011 @ 3:00pm

Director:  Cassie Dawe Musical Director:  Peg Mooney Executive Producers: Kim Murawski & Julie Zebleckis

O N AG PA S T A N D F U T U R E P R O D U C T I O N S 2009 SEASON - Jennifer Miller, President/Executive Producer An Evening of Variety - January 2009 Producer: Karen Grant Director/Choreographer: Jennifer Miller Writers:Karen & Rick Grant; Jennifer, Kathy & Stephen Miller; Annivar Salgado Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - July 2009 Producer/Director: Jennifer Miller Assistant Director: Lisa Weinstein Choreographer: Cassie Dawe Music Director: BJ Quigley Annie jr. - August 2009 Co-Producer/Director: Dee Hamilton Choreographer: Laura Martino Co-Producer/Music Director: Jennifer Miller Scrooge and Marley: A Christmas Carol - December 2009 Producer: Jennifer Miller Director: Cassie Dawe Music Director: Kathy Miller 2010 SEASON – Dennis Dawe, President; Jennifer Miller, Executive Producer An Evening of Variety II - January 2010 Producers: ONAG Board of Directors Artistic Director/Choreographer: Jennifer Miller Segment Director: Dave Chapleau Segment Choreographers: Desiree Chapleau, Cassie Dawe Writing staff: Dave, Desiree & Samantha Chapleau; Karen & Rick Grant; Jennifer, Kathy & Stephen Miller; Jay Traverso Pirates of Penzance - July 2010 Producer: Felicia Ontiveros Director/Choreographer: Cassie Dawe Assistant Director: Jennifer Lenihan Music Director: Peg Mooney Willy Wonka jr. - July 2010 Producer: Lisa Weinstein Director: Dee Hamilton Choreographer: Jennifer Miller Scrooge and Marley: A Christmas Carol Young Actor’s Studio presents “It’s A Wonderful Life” December 2010 Producer: Jennifer Miller Director: Cassie Dawe Music Director: Kathy Miller Studio Coordinator: Jennifer Lenihan Young Actor’s Studio Artistic Director: Cassie Dawe It’s a Wonderful Life Director: Catherine Smitko

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Supports Opening Night Arts Group

“BREAK A LEG” To the Cast and Crew of It’s a Wonderful Life and

Scrooge and Marley: A Christmas Carol

BRIAN GUTRICH 2812 W. 98th Street Evergreen Park, IL 60805 708‐257‐0482 (office) 708‐425‐9945 (fax)

O U R U P C O M I N G 2 011 S E A S O N An Evening of Variety III – January 2011 Back by popular demand!

ONAG Young Actor’s Studio presents: The Magic and Music of Alan Menken- May 2011 A tribute to the composer of “Beauty and the Beast”,“Aladdin” and “Lion King”!

Summer Production – July 2011 Due to contractual restrictions, our summer show cannot be announced at this time.

Young Actor’s Studio presents: Grease – August 2011 Grease is the Word!!!

A Christmas Carol – December 2011 An ONAG and Palos Heights tradition

OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Opening Night Arts Group scholarship fund is designated to assist worthy college students to further their educations. This is one of the primary goals of the annual mainstage production, established during the creation of ONAG. Information concerning eligibility and applications for these scholarships are available at www.openingnightartsgroup.org.

Scholarship recipients will be announced annually at the ONAG Annual Ball in early March.

If you would like to donate directly towards a scholarship fund, or to support our cause by becoming a member of Opening Night Arts Group, please visit our table in the lobby.

Opening Night Arts Group 23

OPENING NIGHT ARTS GROUP Est. 2008 Since its inception, Opening Night Arts Group has assisted the following charitable organizations through the donation of goods, services, performances and/or monetary donations totaling more than $18,500.

American Cancer Society American Red Cross – Haiti Relief Fund Autism Speaks Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Local Nursing Homes Meals on Wheels Moraine Valley Foundation-SW Business Association Muscular Dystrophy Association North Shore Anti-Cruelty Society Opening Night Arts Group College Scholarship Fund Operation Support Our Troops Sertoma St. Jude’s Hospital Susan G. Komen for the Cure Together We Cope Toys for Tots

ART - DANCE – DRAMA – MUSIC – COMMUNITY SERVICE Join us in using our time and talent to benefit others.

It takes every kind of talent to run our group…on stage, behind the scenes, creative skills, business skills, social and event planning.

MEET US IN THE LOBBY TO BECOME A MEMBER!