PIUS XI HIGH SCHOOL PROUDLY PRESENTS
April 19-22, 2012 Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart. Additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Originally directed on Broadway by Harold Prince. Original Broadway production by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group. Based on the novel “Le Fantome de ‘I’ Opera” by Gaston Leroux. Orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. The Phantom of the Opera is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals and The Really Useful Group, Ltd. www.rnh.com. Flying effects provided by ZFX, Inc.
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PRODUCTION NOTES The Phantom of the Opera is the longest running show on Broadway and a crowning achievement for Pius XI Performing Arts and its six year history with the beautiful Pabst Theater. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s tragic story of love and loss set in 1880s Paris, has the perfect setting in the turn-of-the-century elegance of the historic Pabst Theater; the third oldest opera house in the United States, complete with its own theater organ. “Phantom” is not only a tragic love story, but also a glimpse “behind the mask” into the sometimes mysterious backstage world of the performer. Graceful ballet dancers, opera divas, theater managers, stage hands, young ingénues and leading men are seen from both sides of the stage; as flawed human beings and divine artists. Ultimately, behind the make-up, fancy costumes, wigs and even the Phantom’s mask are the simplest of human needs - the need to love and be loved. Pius XI Performing Arts has its own love affair with the Pabst Theater. It has been an honor and privilege to present our students with the opportunity to share the stage not only with the famous opera, ballet and theater ghosts that have performed here such as Anna Pavlova, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Lawrence Olivier, but also present day artists like Tony Bennett, Diana Krall and James Taylor. Our students have richly benefitted from working with the professional staff and learned what life is like in a “real theater.” Soon, Pius XI High School will have its own “real theater.” Construction is nearly complete, and a brand new season is being planned. We invite you to be a part of our own theater history by purchasing a seat in our new Wendy Lindsay Theater inside the Robert V. Carney Performing Arts Center. Like the Phantom, you too, can have your personal “Box 5” and enjoy Pius’“music of the night” for years to come. MUSICAL SYNOPSIS ACT 1 The Stage of the Paris Opera, 1905 Prologue..................................................................................... Auctioneer, Raoul & Company Overture............................................................................................................................. Orchestra The Stage of the Paris Opera, 1881 Dress Rehearsal of Hannibal................................................................................The Company Think of Me............................................................................................................................Carlotta Think of Me..........................................................................................................................Christine Angel of Music..................................................................................Meg, Christine & Phantom Little Lotte........................................................................................................... Christine & Raoul The Mirror (Angel of Music)........................................................... Christine & The Phantom The Labyrinth Underground The Phantom of the Opera............................................................ Christine & The Phantom The Phantom’s Lair The Music of the Night...........................................................................................The Phantom I Remember.........................................................................................................................Christine Stranger Than You Dreamt It................................................................................The Phantom The Stage Magical Lasso......................................................................................... Buquet & Madame Giry
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M U S I C A L S Y N O P S I S ( c o n t .) The Manager’s Office Notes..............................................................................................Firmin, Andre, Raoul, Carlotta, Piangi, Giry, Meg, The Phantom Prima Donna.............................................................. Firmin, Andre, Raoul, Piangi, Giry, Meg Performance of Il Muto Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh............................................................. Carlotta & Company The Roof of the Opera House Why Have You Brought Us Here.................................................................. Raoul & Christine Raoul I’ve Been There...................................................................................... Raoul & Christine All I Ask Of You................................................................................................... Raoul & Christine All I Ask Of You (Reprise)........................................................................................The Phantom There will be one fifteen minute intermission between the Acts. ACT II Entr’Acte............................................................................................................................. Orchestra New Year’s Eve, 1881 Masquerade....................................................................................................................... Company Why So Silent.................................................................................... The Phantom & Company Backstage...................................................................................................................... Raoul & Giry The Manager’s Office Notes............................................................................................ Andre, Firmin, Carlotta, Piangi, Raoul, Christine, Giry & The Phantom Twisted Every Way.............................................................................................................Christine The Stage Don Juan Triumphant.......................................................................... Christine, Piangi, Reyer, Carlotta, Giry & Company The Phantom of the Opera/Little Lotte.....................................................................Christine A Graveyard Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.................................................................Christine Christine Wandering Child/Bravo, Bravo......................... Christine, The Phantom, Raoul The Stage Before the Premiere of Don Juan Triumphant................................................Raoul, Andre, Firmin, Firemen & The Phantom Don Juan Triumphant........................................... Carlotta, Piangi, Passarino & Company The Point of No Return.................................................................... Christine & The Phantom The Labyrinth Underground Down Once More/ Track Down This Murderer................................................. The Phantom, Giry & Company The Phantom’s Lair Scene 8................................................................Christine, The Phantom, Raoul & Company
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CAST LIST PHANTOM............................................................................. Alexander Spors (4/19-21 at 7:00 PM) Joey Chelius (4/20 @10:30 AM & 4/22 @ 2:00 PM) CHRISTINE........................................................................ Alexandra Sobczak (4/19-21 at 7:00 PM) Sara Backstrom (4/20 @10:30 AM & 4/22 @ 2:00 PM) RAOUL....................................................................................................................................James Lieven CARLOTTA............................................................................Samantha Lieven (4/19-21 at 7:00 PM) Estée O’Connor (4/20 @10:30 AM & 4/22 @ 2:00 PM) ANDRE..................................................................................................................................... Francis Klein FIRMIN...................................................................................................................................Sam Mullooly PIANGI.....................................................................................................................................Joseph Gallo MADAME GIRY....................................................................................................................Erin Oberdorf MEG GIRY................................................................................................................................. Angi Smolik PASSARINO/ MONSIEUR REYER.............................................................................Peter de Guzman CONFIDANTE/RAOUL’S NURSE/ WARDROBE MISTRESS/CHORUS..................................................................................... Erin Malone FOP #1/CHORUS............................................................................................Romond Buggs-Barnett FOP #2/SLAVE MASTER/CHORUS.................................................................................. Noah Zouine HANNIBAL PRINCESS/CHORUS..................................................................................... Matisen Ardis JOSEPH BUQUET/CHORUS............................................................................................ Austin Howell AUCTIONEER/CHORUS/FIRE CHIEF...................................................................................Nick Derus MADAME FIRMIN/CHORUS........................................................................................ Jacquie Haertel MONSIEUR LEFEVRE......................................................................................................Gregory Dobbs BALLET CORPS:.................................................................................Sarah Zolandz, Melissa Theisen Marisa Lindeen, Gina Herriges BALLET CORPS/CHORUS............................................................................Haley Haupt, Chloe Stirn Cassi Stecker Janssen, Gabriella Klotz BIDDER/CHORUS.................................................................................................................Lauren Smrz, PORTER/CHORUS.............................................................................................................. Kristof Fischer FIRE MARSHALL #1/ FLUNKY /STAGE HAND/CHORUS.........................................................................Jason Skowronski FIRE MARSHALL #2.................................................................................................................. Simon Lee MARKSMAN/BIDDER/CHORUS.....................................................................................Jack Klingbeil DANCER............................................................................................................................. Marina Matson CHORUS........................................................................................................ Mary Nink, Rachel Soliday HARLEQUIN CREW...............................................................................Viviana Herrera, Gabby Seidl Yasmine Sahid, Lauren Spors, Anthony Rodriguez Van Johnson III, Niko Gavran, Alec Hryciuk STUDENT DIRECTORS.....................................................................................................Elizabeth Seidl Joe Graf, Erin Poulos
S TAG E C R E W
From left to right, starting at bottom left Row 1: Danielle Sulk, James Taticek, Alexia Kiram, Hannah Brown Row 2: Alexander Hazen, Rebecca Sottile, Abigail Griffin, Amber Schalk, Emily Watters Row 3: Colin Kubiaczyk, Erin Poulos, Collin Stoltz Not Pictured: Angela Cunnington, Adrianna Gilganbach, Damaris Guzman, Eamonn Higgins, Nora Kubiaczyk, Dylan Ljujic, Thomas J Pipines 4 Pius XI High School
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Director..............................................................................................................................Kevin Schwartz Musical Director................................................................................................................Bonnie Scholz Set Design...................................................................................................................Rick A. Rasmussen Lighting Design.............................................................................................................Andrew Meyers Costume/Make-up Design............................................................................... Judith Tucker-Snider Choreographer....................................................................................................................Debbie Berry Wig Designer...................................................................................................................Erica Cartledge Costume Supervisors........................................................... Angela Maynard and Bobby Sharon Prop Coordinator........................................................................................................Andrea Toussaint Student Directors.................................................................. Erin Poulus, Joe Graf, Elizabeth Seidl Assistant Musical Director............................................................................................. Michelle Klotz Sound Engineer..................................................................................................................... Matt Wobst Sound Design..........................................................................................Professional Audio Designs Technical Director............................................................................................................... Terry Harvey Stage Crew Coordinator..........................................................................................Jeanne Lindstadt Set Construction..........................................................................................Terry Harvey/Stage Crew Flying Effects.................................................................................................................................. ZFX, Inc. Program Contents/Design..............................................................................................Donna Bailey Photography........................................................................................................... Terry Clark Bauman Lobby Boards/Lobby Concepts............................................. Alan Burczyk, Terry Clark Bauman Publicity............................................................................Brian Meehan, Meghan Boyle, Celtic, Inc. Pius XI House Manager..........................................................................................................Betty Hunt
SPECIAL THANKS University of Wisconsin Theatre Arts Department – Darice Damata-Geiger Milwaukee Repertory Theatre – Jade Jablonski, Broadway Costumes – Amanda Lifvendahl
COSTUME / M AKE-UP CREW Nora Kubiaczyk Mary Lucey Max Reeves
Lainie Sanders Jessie Schampers Rachel Schulteis
Ré Sottile Samara Wisley Aliya Zouine
P I U S X I PA R E N T P R O D U C E R S Rita Clark Linda Saafir Amy Sobczak Mary Jane Gallo Jennifer Haupt Dawn Haertel John Hyland Melissa Tannel Carol Klingbeil Isabel Smolik Diane Govern
Angela Mullooly Molly Schissler Kelty Chelius Sue Lieven Mary Stirn Lynn Skogstad Constance Palmer Katie Heinen Darlene Tilton David Tilton
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PIT ORCHESTR A
From left to right Row 1 Mary Caroline Tilton, Katie Nguyen, Janie Williamson, Isabel Pauc, Marlena Sturtzen Row 2 Justin Sykes, Madelyn Girard, Will Komas, Sarah Bubik, Matt Castelaz Pit Orchestra Ensemble WOODWIND I (Flute/Piccolo)................................................................Ms. Marie Sander, Katie Nguyen WOODWIND II (Flute/Clarinet)......................................................Marlena Sturtzen, Janie Williamson WOODWIND III (Oboe)....................................................................................................................Isabel Pauc WOODWIND IV (Bb Clarinet/Eb Clarinet/Bass Clarinet)...................................Ms. Marissa Beckman WOODWIND V (Bassoon)...................................................................................................Mr. Steve Whitney HORN I................................................................................................................................... Mr. Rich Tremorello HORN II................................................................................................................................................... Sara Bubik TRUMPET I...................................................................................................................................Mr. Dale Elenich TRUMPET II..............................................................................................Mr. Kevan Oberdorf, Matt Castelaz TROMBONE....................................................................................................................... Mr. Jake Brumbaugh KEYBOARD I............................................................................................................................Ms. Michelle Klotz KEYBOARD II......................................................................................................................Mr. David Bonofiglio PERCUSSION...................................................................................... Mr. Gary Huber, Mary Caroline Tilton HARP............................................................................................................................................. Madelyn Girard VIOLIN I..................................................................................................................................Mr. Jordan Waraksa VIOLIN II.............................................................................................................Ms. Erin Hoffman, Will Komas VIOLA............................................................................................... Ms. Maria Gesiorek, Ms. Olga Tuzhilkov CELLO................................................................................................................Ms. Sacia Jerome, Justin Sykes BASS..................................................................................................................................................Mr. Bill Drimel
BIOGR APHIES Matisen Ardis – Freshman (Hannibal Princess/Chorus) Last seen in Madrigal Dinner, Matisen is also a member of the JV volleyball team, Key Club, Pius XI Student Ambassadors, and Mixed Choir. “I love the story and the mystery in it. I know that Pius will put on an amazing show and cannot wait to be a part of it! I also cannot wait to be on the stage of the Pabst! Performing is so much fun!”
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Sara Backstrom – Sophomore (Christine – Friday and Sunday Matinees) Previously seen on the Pius XI stage in The Secret Garden and Fame, Sara was also on the hair and make-up crew for Hairspray. She is active in Performing Arts Society, Advanced Treble Choir, Ladies In Waiting, Women’s Vocal Jazz and Pius XI Student Ambassadors. Sara says,“I am very psyched to be able to be doing what I love alongside such wonderful people. Although The Phantom of the Opera has been a great challenge for everyone, I think that this is going to be an amazing last production at the Pabst.”
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Romond BuggsBarnett – Junior (Fop #1/Chorus) A member of Multicultural Club, “Dudes of Earl”, Concert Choir, and Pius Student Ambassadors, Romond previously appeared in Fame and Hairspray. “I enjoy working with the Performing Arts in a whole. This play offers me excitement and allows me to try new things I’ve never done before. Theater allows me to express my inner self!” Joey Chelius – Sophomore (Phantom – Friday and Sunday Matinees) “I’m a guy who hates having one set character. I like to experiment. I’ve been a rapper, a cripple, but never ever someone with such mental and emotional intensity as the Phantom. I love theater because of the idea that I can be someone who isn’t myself. This show is great. The music is haunting, the costumes are colorful, and I hope audiences like it!” A member of the varsity Cross Country team, Tri-M Music Honors Society, “Dudes of Earl”, Concert Choir, Madrigals, Pius XI Student Ambassadors and Performing Arts Society, Joey previously performed in Bomb-itty of Errors, Hairspray, The Secret Garden and Madrigal Dinner. Nick Derus – Junior (Auctioneer/Chorus/ Fire Chief ) Nick’s acting credits include “Collaboration”, Student Play Festival, Titanic, Fame, Hairspray, The Secret Garden, and Madrigal Dinner. He is active in Concert Choir, Performing Arts Society and “Dudes of Earl”. When asked about the play, Nick notes, “it’s a good show; it’s one of my favorites. I like participating in theater because it allows me to entertain people.”
Gregory Dobbs – Senior (Monsieur Lefevre) Gregory made his acting debut last year in The Importance of Being Earnest. He comments, “I like learning about singing and I love performing.” He is an avid juggler and magician and plans to attend Marquette University majoring in Communications next year. Kristof Fischer – Sophomore (Porter/ Chorus) Kristof will be making his theatrical debut with this performance of The Phantom of the Opera. When asked what he liked best about performing, Kristof responded, “I like theater because of the different people you get to be.” Joseph Gallo – Junior (Piangi) Joe’s acting credits include Titanic, Hairspray and The Crucible. Joe is a member of Symphonic Band, Madrigals, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Concert Choir and the Baseball team. He notes, “I am excited to participate in one of my favorite shows. I also enjoy the power that this music holds over the cast - not to mention playing an operatic Italian tenor such as myself. Piacere!” Niko Gavran – Sophomore (Harlequin Crew) A member of the Swim Team, Tennis Team, Student Forum, Pius XI Student Ambassadors, Yearbook/Newspaper staff, and Table Tennis Club, Niko appeared in both The Secret Garden and Fame. He is excited about this play because “I love acting, and the show is great. Many of my friends are in it.”
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Joe Graf – Junior (Student Director) Joe’s theater credits have been primarily behind-the-scenes, as student director of Bomb-itty of Errors, costume crew of Hairspray and involved in Student Play Festival. He states, “I’m excited to get back to the Pabst Theater and work back stage again. I’m pumped to work with Kevin and the rest of the cast.” Peter de Guzman – Freshman (Passarino/Monsieur Reyer) Active in the Performing Arts Society, Mixed Choir and Main Street Song and Dance Studio, you may have seen Peter in Madrigal Dinner. He says, “The Phantom of the Opera is a classic musical - and being able to participate in it is just amazing. I like to participate in theater because when I was young, what got me through every day was musical theater.” Jacquie Haertel – Senior (Madame Firmin/Chorus) Jacquie’s extensive theater credits include Fame, Hairspray, The Crucible, Titanic, Honk! Jr., two Madrigal Dinners and two Dance Shows. She is active in Concert Choir, Madrigals, Women’s Vocal Jazz, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society, Hands Against Hate, and an officer of the Performing Arts Society. “The music in The Phantom of the Opera is very unique and moving and I couldn’t be happier to be able to sing it.” She plans to attend UW – La Crosse next year and double major in Music Education and Actuarial Sciences. Haley Haupt – Senior (Ballet Corps/Chorus) Haley is a member of Student Activities Council, National Honor Society, Madrigals and Concert Choir. She has 8 Pius XI High School
appeared in Pius XI productions including Titanic, Hairspray, Fame, and two Madrigal Dinners. Haley says she is excited about “dancing in Masquerade - because of the pretentious style and the costumes!” She plans to attend college next year where she will major in Musical Theater. Viviana Herrera – Freshman (Harlequin Crew) This will be Viviana’s debut performance on the Pius XI stage. She is excited by “all of the awesome costumes. And I’m really excited because it’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!! What I like about participating in theater is all of the acting and singing. Also because everyone is so awesome!” Gina Herriges – Freshman (Ballet Corps) While this is Gina’s first theatrical debut, she was previously seen in the Pius XI fall Dance Show: Ground Breaking. She is a member of the Pius XI Pom Pon Squad and active in the Art and Dance programs at Pius XI. “I am very excited to be in this play because I get to do what I love every day during rehearsals, and meet lots of new people that become my family. I love the challenge of the play and the music and just being with all of these amazing people.” Austin Howell – Sophomore (Joseph Buquet/Chorus) Austin made his debut performance in a Pius XI production last year in The Secret Garden. He is a member of the Football team and Mixed Choir. He is excited to do this play because “The Phantom of the Opera is a good performance and a challenging one.”
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Alec Hryciuk – Sophomore (Harlequin Crew) A member of the Volleyball and Baseball teams, his will be Alec’s first appearance in a Pius XI production. He notes “I enjoy the singing in The Phantom of the Opera because it requires big voices. I like theater because it allows me to play a person I’m not and entertain the audience.” Cassi Stecker Janssen – Sophomore (Ballet Corps/Chorus) Cassi says “I am really excited to perform in this musical. I love the challenge of the show, in all aspects. The people in this show have become like a family to me. I am also really excited to be a dancer in this show because I love to dance.” Her acting credits include: Beauty and the Beast as a member of the Performing Arts Academy, The Secret Garden, Fame and Madrigal Dinner. She is also active in Advanced Treble Choir, Ladies in Waiting, Student Activities Council, Pius XI Student Ambassadors and Performing Arts Society. Van Johnson III – Freshman (Harlequin Crew) A member of the Pius XI Performing Arts Society, Van made his stage debut in Fame earlier this year. He is excited because “The Phantom of the Opera is my favorite play. Performing in Fame opened up many new opportunities for me and I hope to participate in further Pius XI productions.” Francis Klein – Senior (Andre) A veteran on the Pius XI stage, Francis has appeared in many productions including Enemy of the People, Beauty and the Beast, Collaboration, Titanic, Hairspray, The Crucible, and Bomb-itty of Errors. He is active in Concert Choir, Madrigals, National 10 Pius XI High School
Honor Society, Performing Arts Society, Hands Against Hate, Model UN, and Mock Trial. “I like this play because of the complex relationships between the characters. It is exciting to be a part of such a great, enjoyable, acting opportunity.” He plans to study Astrophysics as an undergrad and do graduate work in Astrobiology. Jack Klingbeil – Sophomore (Marksman/Bidder/ Chorus) “What excites me about this play is that it’s our last chance to give it all we’ve got at the Pabst. I also am so excited to be with the cast we have. There are so many insanely good voices.” You may remember Jack earlier this year in Fame. Gabriella Klotz – Freshman (Ballet Corps/Chorus) Gabriella began performing at Pius XI through the Performing Arts Academy in Beauty and the Beast. Her credits as a Pius XI student include Fame and Madrigal Dinner. She is a member of the Junior Varsity Golf team, Student Activities Council, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Performing Arts Society, Symphonic Band, Mixed Choir, and Pius XI Student Ambassadors. “I am excited to be dancing in a show that is very profound and glamorous. I am thrilled to be able to perform on the Pabst stage with such a talented cast. I love to participate in theater because it is very gratifying and joybringing to those who appreciate it.” Simon Lee – Sophomore (Fire Marshall #2) Active in Mixed Choir, Table Tennis Club and the Gaming Club, Simon was last seen in The Secret Garden and Fame. He is excited that he is going to perform at the Pabst for the first and last time. “I like to participate in theater because you can be a totally different person than you are in life and have people watch you be different when on stage.”
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) James Lieven – Junior (Raoul) Previously seen in Titanic, Hairspray and Fame, James is a member of the Tennis team, Pius XI Student Ambassadors, Table Tennis Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Student Activities Council, Concert Choir, Madrigals, Rube Goldberg team, and the String Quartet. “I think the thing that excites me most about this production is the music. I grew up with the soundtrack and it has been one of my favorite shows.” Samantha Lieven – Senior (Carlotta – Thursday, Friday and Saturday Evenings) Active in Concert Choir and National Honor Society, Samantha is also President of both Pius XI Student Ambassadors and Tri-M Music Honor Society. She has performed in Titanic, Hairspray, Fame and Madrigal Dinner. She says, “I can’t wait for the costumes!” Next year she will attend UWLa Crosse in the Pre-Physician’s Assistant or Pre-Med program. Marisa Lindeen – Junior (Ballet Corps) “The Phantom of the Opera is a great opportunity to show my love for dance in a different way. I love performing and being on stage!” Marissa has performed in Fame and the After Image, New Beginnings and Groundbreaking dance shows. She is a member of the Varsity Pom Pon Squad, Campus Ministry and Performing Arts Society. Erin Malone – Junior (Confidante/Raoul’s Nurse/Wardrobe Mistress/Chorus) Erin began performing at Pius XI through the Performing Arts Academy as a participant in the Summer Musical Theater workshop. She was last
seen in The Secret Garden and Madrigal Dinner and was on the stage crew for Hairspray. She is also in Vocal Jazz, Ladies in Waiting, Concert Choir, Model UN, Tri-M music Honor Society, Performing Arts Society, Hands Against Hate, and on the Swim team. “The Phantom of the Opera has always been one of my favorite shows. The music is one thing that makes me very excited about this show. Getting to perform on the historic Pabst stage will be exhilarating. Also, this cast is great. I will miss my seniors next year!” Marina Matson – Junior (Dancer) Marina says she is excited about the Victorian era and cool costumes of this play, and she’s “excited to work with friends in a great production…and an older classic.” While involved in wrestling, track and Irish Dance, she has previously performed in Fame and the dance shows. Sam Mullooly – Senior (Firmin) Sam’s extensive theater credits include: Working, Sons For Leaving, Beauty and the Beast, Titanic, Student Play Festival, Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, Songs For a New World, The Crucible, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Bomb-itty of Errors. He is also the conductor for the Madrigal Ensemble and in Concert Choir. He notes “Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers of all time. The musical motifs, or themes, from this show are brilliant. It goes along perfectly with such a gorgeous and spinetingling story. It is a huge honor to be a part of this talented cast and telling this wonderful story.” Sam plans to study Music Composition in college next fall. Mary Nink – Freshman (Chorus) Last seen in Bombitty of Errors and Madrigal Dinner, Mary is a member of the Performing Arts Society, Pius XI The Phantom of the Opera 11
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Student Ambassadors, Student Activities Council, SCOPE (newspaper) staff and Cross Country team. “The thing I love about theater is that it lets you experience other roles in life. This play is so exciting because it brings you into the past and it has such an exciting plot.” Erin Oberdorf – Junior (Madame Giry) “Since I was about 5 years old, I have always loved this musical. I would listen to the tapes my mom had from the original production and sing along, even if I didn’t know all of the words. I like participating in theater because I love sharing the gifts God has given me with others.” A veteran on the Pius XI stage, Erin has appeared in The Secret Garden, Hairspray, Student Play Festival, JOLT, Fame Madrigal Dinner, and After Image dance show. She is a member of Concert Choir, Ladies in Waiting, Women’s Vocal Jazz, Performing Arts Society and Hands Against Hate. Estée O’Connor – Senior (Carlotta – Friday and Sunday Matinees) A veteran on the Pius XI stage, Estée has appeared in The Importance of Being Earnest, The Crucible, Titanic, numerous dance shows, Student Play Festival and Madrigal Dinner. She is a member of Women’s Vocal Jazz, Madrigals, Concert Choir, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Hands Against Hate, and is the President of the Performing Arts Society. She says, “as a torch singer for the past two years, it’s been a fun challenge to sing opera again!” Estée plans to attend college in New York and study Musical Theater with a minor in Art History next year. Erin Poulos – Senior (Student Director) Erin has been involved in almost every Pius XI production since her freshman year. A veteran student 12 Pius XI High School
director, her credits include Hairspray, The Crucible, FAME, One the Verge, and The Importance of Being Earnest (where she also was the set designer!). She is an active member of Stage Crew, Symphonic Band, Tri-M Society, Hands Against Hate, Performing Arts Society and Art Club. When asked what excites her most about this production, Erin responded, “Everything! This play is fantastic and working with your close friends makes great high school memories. My favorite time is tech week— when it all comes together.” Erin plans on attending UW-Parkside next fall where she will major in Lighting and Design and/or Stage Management. Anthony Rodriguez – Sophomore (Harlequin Crew) Anthony made his debut on the Pius XI stage earlier this year in Fame. He is excited about “playing at a highly renowned local theater at my home city! Theater helps explore all the emotions a lot of us hide so well. It also helps us express these emotions safely around friends.” Yasmine Sahid – Freshman (Harlequin Crew) Last seen in Fame and Madrigal Dinner, Yasmine is a member of the Cross Country and Track teams, the SCOPE (newspaper) staff, the Performing Arts Society and a Pius XI Student Ambassador. She says of this play “I get to broaden my acting and singing skills to a whole new and different level. It’s pretty challenging but I like to take a chance.” Elizabeth Seidl – Sophomore (Student Director) “What excites me about this play is that it is the very first one I get to student direct! I’m very honored to be able to direct with Kevin Schwartz, Erin Poulos and Joe Graf. The cast is very promising and absolutely phenomenal! I love participating in theater because you
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) are offered so many opportunities and you have a better understanding of people who are nothing like you. Once you see The Phantom of the Opera, you will be forever changed. This is definitely something you would want to cross off your bucket list!” Last seen in The Importance of Being Earnest, Elizabeth is also a Pius XI Student Ambassador.
Concert Choir, Madrigals, National Honor Society, Performing Arts Society, Hands Against Hate, and the Secretary of Tri-M Music Honor Society. “I’ve only seen the movie The Phantom of the Opera once, but I’ve always heard great things about it. I’m really excited, now that I know what a fascinating show it is, especially because my character sings, dances and acts.”
Gabby Seidl – Senior (Harlequin Crew) A Pius XI Student Ambassador, The Phantom of the Opera will be Gabby’s first appearance on the Pius XI stage. Her comments about this play and being in theater include: “I felt like I needed to get out there, and be more involved in school. I love playing off of other people’s energy… and love acting, taking roles and being someone I’m totally not and stepping out of my comfort zone.” She plans to attend WCTC next year and major in Culinary Arts.
Lauren Smrz – Sophomore (Bidder/ Chorus) While active in Advanced Treble Choir, Ladies in Waiting, Performing Arts Society, and Student Activities Council, Lauren has appeared in Bomb-itty of Errors, Madrigal Dinner and this year’s dance show – Groundbreaking. “I like participating in theater because it always amazes me to see the end product after all of our work comes together.”
Jason Skowronski – Senior (Fire Marshall #1/Flunky/Stage Hand/Chorus) Although this is Jason’s first appearance on stage, he was the lead guitar in the Pit Orchestra for both Hairspray and Fame. He is active in Tri-M Music Honor Society, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Pius XI House Band and the Rocket Club. “This is my first experience being on stage so the whole thing excites me! I also really love the music. Being able to dance and sing and act at the same time is pretty cool.” Next year he plans to attend UWMilwaukee and major in Architecture and Guitar Performance. Angi Smolik – Junior (Meg Giry) Angi’s many stage credits include: Collaboration, Titanic, Hairspray, Fame, The Crucible, The Secret Garden, three dance shows, and High School Musical as part of the Pius Performing Arts Academy Summer Musical Theater workshop. She is active in
Alexandra Sobczak – Senior (Christine – Thursday, Friday and Saturday Evenings) A veteran on the Pius XI stage, Alex’s credits include Titanic, Honk! Jr., Hairspray, The Crucible and After Image, Groundbreaking and Collaborations dance shows. She is the Vice President of Tri-M Music Honor Society, and a member of Concert Choir, Madrigals and Women’s Vocal Jazz.“It’s so amazing to be doing The Phantom of the Opera my senior year. I love the entire cast and the energy and dedication we work with.” She plans to study Musical Theater in college next year. Rachel Soliday – Freshman (Chorus) Last seen in Fame and the fall dance show, Groundbreaking, Rachel is a member of Tri-M Music Honor Society, Performing Arts Society, Mixed Choir, and Pius XI Student Ambassadors.“I’m really excited to be in the last performance at the Pabst. I love that we get to do such a recognized show at such a recognized place. I love the music and the meaning behind the show.” The Phantom of the Opera 13
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Alexander Spors – Senior (Phantom – Thursday, Friday and Saturday Evenings) Alex has previously performed in Pius XI productions in the Pit Orchestra for Beauty and the Beast and Fame, and on stage in Titanic, Hairspray and Student Play Festival. He is the 1st Violinist in the Pius String Quartet, the Concertmaster of the String Orchestra, and a member of Madrigals, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Model UN and Academic Decathlon. “I was so excited to hear that we were doing this show. It’s such an honor to be part of an amazingly talented cast.” He plans to major in Accounting at the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities next year. Lauren Spors – Freshman (Harlequin Crew) A member of the Soccer team, The Phantom of the Opera will be Lauren’s debut performance on the Pius XI stage. “What excites me about The Phantom of the Opera is that when you watch it, you feel like you’re in a dream world.” Chloe Stirn – Senior (Ballet Corps/Chorus) No stranger to the stage, Chloe has appeared in numerous Pius XI productions including: Beauty and the Beast, Titanic, Hairspray, Fame, seven dance shows and many Student Play Festivals. She is a member of Women’s Vocal Jazz, Concert Choir, Performing Arts Society and National Honor Society. “I love participating in theater and shows because being on stage is such an amazing feeling. I’m excited for The Phantom of the Opera because it’s an opera and I’m looking forward to the technical and traditional ballet dancing.” Chloe plans to study Dance in college next year.
14 Pius XI High School
Melissa Theisen – Senior (Ballet Corps) Last seen on the big stage in Hairspray, Melissa has also performed in three dance shows: Bodies in Motion, New Beginnings and Groundbreaking. She is active in Key Club and Campus Ministry. “The Phantom of the Opera is a very memorable and well-known play and it is exciting to be part of such intricate piece of work. I really like getting on stage and performing for an audience and show my love for dance.” Next year she plans to attend Winona State University to study Nursing. Sarah Zolandz – Senior (Ballet Corps) Previously seen earlier this year in FAME, Sarah has performed in dance shows for the past four years including: Bodies in Motion, After Image, New Beginnings and Groundbreaking. She says of this play, “it’s a very dramatic and iconic piece; everyone at least knows about it even if they don’t know the exact plot.” She plans to study Culinary Arts and/or International Business Management in college next year. Noah Zouine – (Fop #2/Slave Master/ Chorus) A member of Mixed Choir and the Track team, The Phantom of the Opera will be Noah’s first appearance on the Pius XI stage. “What excites me about this play is that it’s different from the more exciting/jazzy sort of plays; it’s something that focuses on opera and theater. I participate in theater because it gives you a chance to do something you don’t do every day - get out of your comfort zone.”
PIUS XI HIGH SCHOOL
Performing Arts Donor Spotlight We proudly welcome the members of the Pius XI High School Performing Arts Donor Spotlight (Gifts received March 1, 2011–March 30, 2012)
Show Sponsors ($1,000 and up) Dan Martin & TAC 422
John Haertel '76 and Dawn Haertel
Norm & Susan Balthasar
John Makowski & Audrey Makowski
Lake and Country Graphics
Producer ($500–$999) Cast and Crew of Titanic
Cecilia, Kelsey, Rita & Brian Clark
Mary Murphy
Michael Coffey & Maggie Broeren
Paul and Karylmary Lucey
Director ($250–$499) The Mikna Family
Bill & Tricia Drimel
Kathleen D. Ryan
in memory of Jane Skogstad
Michelle Skierka ’92 &
in memory of Atty. Thomas A Fritz-Klaus
Richard Mannisto
Stage Manager ($100–$249) Bob & Jo Schrimpf Katie & Tom Heinen
in honor of Haley Haupt The Koeppel Family
Judy Sporka
Eric & Sally McAttee
Crew
(Up to $99)
Jan & Leon Gutierrez
Erica Motz
Necessary Arts
Larry & Cindy Wavrunek
Musical Theater and Dance Summer Course Offerings 2012
The Performing Arts Academy The goal of the Performing Arts Academy is to provide quality performing arts education to elementary and middle school students in the metro-Milwaukee area who otherwise would not have access to such programs. The academy is comprised of a small group of dedicated Performing Arts educators who feel beholden to our founding patronesses, the School Sisters of St. Francis. The School Sisters have nurtured and shaped the musical and cultural scene of southeastern Wisconsin for over 100 years. In the spirit of our founders, it is our dream to keep their doctrine alive and ourishing in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
The Performing Arts Academy is sponsored in part by
and by
For more information about the Performing Arts Academy, contact Bonnie Scholz, Performing Arts Academy Director, at 414-290-8122 or bscholz@piusxi.org. To view the complete Pius XI High School Summer Series Camps and Workshop oerings, or to download a registration form, visit www.piusxi.org and click on the Summer Camp button, or contact Donna Bailey, Summer Camp Director, at 414-290-8151 or dbailey@piusxi.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
STUDIO VOICE RECITALS April 25 (6:00 PM & 8:00 PM) Pius XI Chapel
STUDENT PLAY FESTIVAL May 11–12 (7:00 PM) Pius XI Black Box Theater
BAND AND PERCUSSION CONCERT May 9 (7:00 PM) Wisconsin Lutheran High School Auditorium
SPRING CHORAL AND ORCHESTRA CONCERT May 16 (7:00 PM) St.Vincent Pallotti Church
SPRING DANCE SHOW May 19 (7:00 PM) Humphrey Scottish Rite Center
DRAMA CLASS PROJECTS May 21–22 (Time TBA) Black Box Theater
JAZZ CAFE NIGHT May 23 (7:30 PM) War Memorial
For more information visit www.piusxi.org/performing arts
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Dance This workshop is open to students entering grades 5–9. Beginners and experienced dancers are equally welcome! Dancers registering for this week-long workshop will be placed in the appropriate level according to ability. Please list any previous studio dance training on the registration form. Students are required to dress in proper dance attire and footwear for this workshop. In this workshop, all levels will study the following: • Ballet Technique at barre and center work • Body placement and alignment • Pilates • Jazz Technique • Introduction to basic Hip Hop
Instructors for this workshop include Debbie Berry, Director of Dance-Pius XI, Artistic Director-Dance Repertoire Dance Studio; Kristin Herlache, Instructor-Pius XI Dance Department and Dance Repertoire Dance Studio and Noelle Berry, Instructor,-Pius XI Dance Department and Choreographer-Dance Repertoire Dance Studio.
Sessions Session 1
June 25 –29 (Mon–Fri*) 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
(*Workshop will conclude with a performance on Friday!)
Workshop Fee: $300 All sessions held at Pius XI High School in the Dance Studio (Room 433) Enrollment Deadline: June 1, 2012 For a registration form, visit www.piusxi.org and click on Summer Camps!
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Musical Theater This workshop is open to all girls and boys entering 5th–9th grades. This week-long workshop allows students to work on a segment from a popular musical theater play and present their performance to an invited audience at the conclusion of the workshop on Friday. There will be both singing and non-singing roles, so everyone should feel welcome. In this workshop participants will: • Experience all aspects of Musical Theater • Become aware of the relationship between the individual actor/singer and the group • Be introduced to choreography • Perform for a live audience at conclusion of workshop
The Performing Arts cademy Musical Theater Workshop is co-taught by members of the award-winning Pius XI High School Theater, Choral Music and Dance Departments.
Sessions June 11–15 9:00 AM–1:00 PM (students should bring a lunch and/or snack) All sessions, including the Friday performance at 12:00 PM, will take place in the Pius XI High School Black Box Theater. Workshop Fee: $110 Enrollment Deadline: May 25, 2012 For a registration form, visit www.piusxi.org and click on Summer Camps!