L. WALTER STEARNS Artistic Director
JONATHAN HEURING Managing Director
A play from the novel by VALENTINE DAVIES Adapted by PATRICIA DI BENEDETTO SNYDER, WILL SEVERIN and JOHN VREEKE Holiday Music Opening by JON STEINHAGEN Director CHRISTOPHER PAZDERNIK
Musical Director EUGENE DIZON
Choreographer JAMES BEAUDRY
Scenic Design IAN ZYWICA
Costume Design JANA ANDERSON
Lighting Design MAC VAUGHEY
Video Projection Design LIVIU PASARE
Sound Design RICK SIMS
Stage Manager RACHEL ROBINSON, AEA
Miracle on 34th Street is presented through special arrangement with, and all licensed materials are available through, Samuel French Inc, 45 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10010-2751
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CAST
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F
Kris Kringle................................................................................................................. JIM SHERMAN Mr. Shellhammer........................................................................................... MATTHEW W. MILES Doris Walker............................................................................................................. CHRISTA BUCK Fred Gailey............................................................................................................DAVID HEIMANN Susan Walker......................................................................................................NICOLE KARKAZIS Alfred.....................................................................................................................CHASE McCURDY Jake............................................................................................................................... ALEX RADTKE Sally’s Mother......................................................................................................... KELLY HACKETT Sally.................................................................................................................LINDSEY PEARLMAN Jake’s Father............................................................................................................STEVE TOMLITZ Maryke............................................................................................................HANNAH WHITLOCK Maryke’s Mother..........................................................................................KATHARINE CIKANEK Mr. Macy...........................................................................................................MICK WEBER, AEA* Mr. Sawyer..............................................................................................................MICHAEL PACAS Dr. Pierce.................................................................................................................. KELLY HACKETT Reporter....................................................................................................................JIM HEATHERLY Hospital Orderly..........................................................................................KATHARINE CIKANEK Attorney Thomas Mara........................................................................................STEVE TOMLITZ Bailiff.....................................................................................................................CHASE McCURDY Judge Harper...........................................................................................................JIM HEATHERLY Thomas Mara Jr......................................................................................................... ALEX RADTKE Mrs. Mara.......................................................................................................KATHARINE CIKANEK MUSICIANS Conductor/Pianist............................................................................................. TOM KING CLEAR Trumpet................................................................................................................... GERALD BAILEY Flute, Piccolo...........................................................................................................VANESSA JAYNE Oboe, Trombone................................................................................................DEREK WEIHOFEN Percussion................................................................................................................MATTHEW SITZ Clarinet...........................................................................................................ANTHONY PARSONS *Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association. PLEASE NOTE: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET IS PERFORMED WITHOUT AN INTERMISSION
M A N AG E M E N T S TA F F Artistic Director...............................................................................................L. WALTER STEARNS Managing Director.................................................................................... JONATHAN HEURING Marketing & Development Associate............................................................. RICHARD RUBIO Development Coordinator & Grant Officer............................................. DONALD SPRAGUE
Director............................................................................................. CHRISTOPHER PAZDERNIK Musical Director................................................................................................... EUGENE DIZON Scenic Design................................................................................................................IAN ZYWICA Lighting Design..................................................................................................... MAC VAUGHEY Costume Design.................................................................................................JANA ANDERSON Sound Design..................................................................................................................RICK SIMS Projection Design.................................................................................................... LIVIU PASARE Stage Manager...................................................................................RACHEL ROBINSON, AEA* Choreographer...................................................................................................JAMES BEAUDRY Technical Director................................................................................................ BERNARD CHIN Sound Engineer....................................................................................................KATHY MOUNTZ House Manager......................................................................................................LAURA WILSON Press Representative................................................... NOREEN HERON & ASSOCIATES, INC: NOREEN HERON ZAUTCKE, KATE HUGHES, LIANNE WIKER, BRENNA O’LEARY, HOLLY GUSTAVSON Promotional Photographers........................................... JOHNNY KNIGHT, TRACIE RADTKE Promotional Video Producer............................................JASON GROH, LEXORIA STUDIOS Website Design...........................................................................................................JOHN YESKO Graphic Designer..................................................... JON RUNNFELDT, LAB OF LIFE DESIGN
SPECIAL THANKS Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago would like to thank Joseph Fosco, Steppenwolf Theatre and the staff of Stage 773. We would also like to acknowledge and thank all donors and our subscribers for their faith in the quality of our work. We would like to give special thanks to The Saints, for all of the volunteer services they provide the Chicago theatre community, and particularly for their grant to Porchlight to purchase projection equipment being used in this production. Porchlight Music Theatre is a proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres, Theatre Communications Group, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, Producing Area Chicago Theatres and the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce. Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org Our special dining partner is Coopers—A Neighborhood Eatery, critically acclaimed for their good food, extensive beer list, and good value. Located across the street from the theatre, Coopers offers 10% off the food bill to Porchlight patrons who present their tickets/stubs or a copy of the menu distributed at the performance. We are grateful to Coopers for their donation of hors d’oeuvres for the opening reception of each show. Please patronize them! 1232 West Belmont Chicago, IL 60657 / 773.929.COOP (2667)
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D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E
PROFILES
There are certain movies and musicals that whether I’m watching for the first time or the 101st time, I always well up with tears at the emotional climax. Usually, these are the stories we consider ‘heartwarming classics’ -- the ones that hit on an element of the human condition with such exactness that audiences never tire of reliving the characters’ journey time after time. Miracle on 34th Street is one of those stories. From its debut in 1947, not a year has gone by without scores of families enjoying this beloved classic during the holidays. At its core, Miracle is a parable about what happens when we lose our faith. Not just faith in a kind old man who travels the world over delivering presents, but faith in kindness and joy and love and what our hero Fred Gailey calls “all the other intangibles.” This is the appeal of our story -- witnessing a skeptical woman rediscover the warmth of believing in something she might not necessarily be able to prove. So this holiday season, I invite everyone to find faith in something intangible -- even when common sense tells you not to! On behalf of everyone at Porchlight, thank you for supporting live theater, and Happy Holidays! - Christopher Pazdernik C O M I N G I N 2 011 TO P O R C H L I G H T Meet John Doe / March 4-April 17 Music by Andrew Gerle, lyrics by Eddie Sugarman Book by Andrew Gerle and Eddie Sugarman Directed by James Beaudry Additional story by Matt August A Midwest Premiere! In a last ditch effort to save her job, a newspaper columnist fabricates a letter from an anonymous reader threatening suicide over the state of the nation. Capitalizing on the public’s reaction to the letter, she convinces the paper to not only keep her employed, but to hire an out-of-work baseball player to be her “John Doe.” But can a social movement born from a media ruse succeed as a catalyst for change? The King and I / April 22–June 5 By Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II Based on the book “Anna and the King of Siam” by Margaret Landon Directed by Walter Stearns As America fights its civil war, Anna, an English widow, sails to Bangkok with her young son to tutor the wives and children of the King of Siam. The King wishes Siam to have a larger role on the world stage while simultaneously maintaining its traditions and he increasingly turns to Anna for assistance. Featuring such classics as “Shall We Dance?” and “Getting to Know You”, The King and I is the story of a man and a woman with matching intelligence and strength, but clashing personalities, prejudices and politics.
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CHRISTA BUCK (Doris Walker) is very happy to return to Miracle on 34th Street. Favorite Porchlight roles (besides this one) include April (Company) and Tessie Tura (Gypsy). She recently played Widow Douglas and Aunt Sally in Bohemian Theatre Ensemble’s acclaimed production of Big River. Christa has appeared at Theatre at the Center (The Sound of Music-Sr. Margaretta), Court Theatre (James Joyce’s The Dead-Lily), TimeLine Theatre (The Cradle Will Rock-Sadie/Sister Mister), as well as several other local and regional theatres. KELLY HACKETT (Dr. Pierce/Sally’s Mother) happily returns to Porchlight where she appeared as Frieda/ Betty in Sunday in the Park with George. A native of Wisconsin, Kelly holds a degree in music and theatre from Lawrence University. She spent many years performing in theatres across the country, recently at The Fireside playing Sister Margaretta and Frau Schmidt in The Sound of Music. Some of her favorite roles include Anna in The King and I, Nancy in Oliver, Ginger in The 1940’s Radio Hour, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors and The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. She portrayed Alma in The Christmas Schooner, Miss Flannery in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly and Sister in Damn Yankees. Kelly also enjoyed South Pacific; she played Nellie opposite Tom Wopat’s Emile! Love to family and friends, old and new! KATHARINE CIKANEK (Maryke’s Mother, Mrs. Mara) is thrilled to be making her Porchlight debut and would like to thank her dear friend Christopher, as well as Walter and Eugene for thiswonderful opportunity. She will be appearing in Boeing Boeing (Illinois Theatre Center) in the spring. Katharine’s stage credits include Tour Guide in Light in the Piazza (Illinois Theatre Center), Yvonne/ Naomi in Sunday in the Park with George (Village Players), Louis in Mountain Days: The John Muir Story (Theatre-Hikes), and
Narrator in Blue Nativity (Quest Theatre Ensemble). A native Chicagoan, she holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Rockford College where she performed in productions such as Phantom, Ruthless, An Ideal Husband, Angels in America, Cole, Spitfire Grill, Gianni Schicchi, Anton in Show Business and Into the Woods. Katharine would like to thank her incredible parents for dragging her to the Christmas tree farm every year, for White Christmas & Holiday Inn and for anxious Christmas mornings spent waiting for them to awake. She also sends endless love to her unwaveringly supportive friends. Merry Christmas! JIM HEATHERLY (Judge Henry X. Harper) is excited to be returning to Porchlight Music Theatre to reprise his role as Judge Harper in the heartwarming story Miracle on 34th Street. Jim has spent a good deal of time in front of and behind the footlights in the past ten years, working in more than fifty productions around the Chicagoland area. This year, he portrayed Herr Schultz in Hypocrites’ production of Cabaret and was most recently seen as Judge Alexander in Straw Dog Theatre’s production of State of the Union. Thank you to Walter, Eugene and the rest of the Porchlight team for this wonderful opportunity. Annamae, I found the muse! DAVID HEIMANN (Fred Gailey) is please to be returning to Porchlight Music Theatre. He was last seen in Porchlight’s production of A Wonderful Life playing the role of George Bailey. David’s acting credits include receipt of the 2003 Jeff Citation for Supporting Actor in a Musical for his role in A Kurt Weill Review at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre Company. He has performed with several Chicago theatre companies including Chicago Kids Company, Stage Left, and Pegasus Players. David also directs and choreographs having recently choreographed Sweet and Hot: The Songs of Harold Arlen and directed The Man of La Mancha, both at Theo Ubique. AMDG.
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P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .) NICOLE KARKAZIS (Susan Walker) is making her Porchlight Music Theatre debut, and is honored and thankful to be playing the part of Susan. Nicole was recently seen in the HPP production of Annie (Annie) and the ATC production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Nicole is a member of the ATC Repertory Company where she can be seen this winter in the TYA productions of Into the Woods (Little Red) and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Linus). Many thanks to family and friends for their continual love and support (and chauffeuring), and to Janet Louer for her invaluable guidance. Enjoy the show and remember: Life is much sweeter when you BELIEVE! CHASE McCURDY (Alfred, Bailiff) originally from Houston, TX, made his way to Chicago after achieving his BFA in Theater from The University of Oklahoma. Recent roles include: Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Big Noise and Ouroboros Theater Cos.; Chase in The Bible…Abridged, Ouroboros Theater Co.; Lennie in Of Mice and Men, Great Plains Theater Co.; Franz Liebkind in The Producers, McLeod Summer Playhouse; Camillo in The Winter’s Tale, Chase Park Theater; Bully/Oscar in Johnny Ten Bones, Brain Surgeon Theater. Chase would like to thank his friends and family for their tremendous support, encouragement, and inspiration. MATTHEW WILSON MILES (Mr. Shelhammer) is overjoyed to return to Porchlight Theatre’s Miracle on 34th Street for another holiday season. Regional: Assassins (Balladeer), Meet Me In St. Louis (Warren), Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding (Father Mark) and Mancow’s Morning Madhouse (David Cross), TV/Film: Prison Break, Budweiser and festival-bound “Fugue”. Thanks to Walter & Eugene for their guidance, Chris P in his trust, Tony, Allan Chambers, Karl, Mom/Dad and Ambassador Talent. Nothing is possible w/o you Agnes! 6 Porchlight Music Theatre
P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .) MICHAEL PACAS (Mr. Sawyer) recently appeared as the Boatman in Porchlight Music Theatre’s Sunday in the Park With George. A BackStage Theatre ensemble member, Michael appeared in their productions of The Play about the Baby; The Skin of our Teeth and Terra Nova.. He also directed their production of Medea, in which he incorporated American Sign Language. Other acting credits include Macbeth (City Lit); The Robber Bridegroom (Griffin); The Threepenny Opera and Equus (The Hypocrites) and Barrymore, which he also directed/produced. His is a graduate of the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University; LSU and the Theatre School, DePaul. Michael gives special thanks to Tim, and the rest of his extended family. Visit http://pacas.ws for info on his upcoming projects. Michael believes in Santa Claus! LINDSEY PEARLMAN (Sally) has been singing and dancing since the age of three but didn’t officially take the stage until she was six when she appeared as Lydia Snoop in The Great Ghost Chase. She loved it so much she hasn’t left the stage since! She has played principle roles in School House Rock, Fee Fi Fo Fum, Shoemaker and the Elves and also two commercial print ads. In 2009 Lindsey served as National American Miss National Cover Girl and in 2010 won the Miss Vernon Hills crown for the Jr. Pre-teen Pageant. Lindsey loves to be in any production where she can meet new people and make new friends. She thanks her coaches from Wishing Star Theatre, Linda Klepac and Jim Shedd for their wonderful inspiration and her family for their loving support. ALEX RADTKE (Jake, Thomas Mara Jr.) is thrilled to be back at Porchlight after being a part of the cast of Miracle on 34th Street last year. Since then, he has appeared on stage in two productions at Lyric Opera, and has recently been invited to be a part of Lookingglass Theatre’s Young Ensemble. As a home-schooled
fifth grade student, Alex is active in numerous activities including participation in three triathalons! Special thanks to mom and dad for their love and support. JIM SHERMAN (Kris Kringle) is delighted to be back for a second year with Porchlight Music Theatre’s warm and wonderful production of Miracle on 34th Street. Jim was last seen as Everett Baker in Crazy for You at TATC. Regional credits include Phantom, Secret Garden and the Jeff Award winning Ragtime with Porchlight Music Theatre and five seasons in The Christmas Schooner (Jeff nomination) at Bailiwick Repertory. He also appeared as Cardinal Law in Bailiwick’s Sin: A Cardinal Deposed which won Boston’s IRNE Award for Best Visiting Production and for which he received a Jeff Citation. He has appeared in numerous productions with the Stages Festival at Theatre Building Chicago and in The One Eyed Man is King at Pegasus. As a regular company member, he appeared in more than 25 productions with Theatre II and Prairie Dog Theater Company. Jim has also done radio and industrial film work. He thanks his wife, Barbara, for her loving patience and support. STEVE TOMLITZ (Thomas Mara, Sally’s Father) is honored to return to Porchlight to reprise his role in Miracle on 34th Street. He also had the blessing of understudying the roles of Father and Henry Ford in Ragtime. He performed both roles several times. Other favorite Chicago credits include Claude in Hair with Tonkawa Theatre Tribe, Cable in South Pacific at Metropolis, and The Balladeer in Assassins at Boxer Rebellion. Steve would like to thank Walter and Eugene for the opportunity, his family, friends, and of course his wife Rebecca for their undying love and support. MICK WEBER, AEA (Mr. Macy) is thrilled to be back at Porchlight, where he was last seen in the Jeff-nominated Gypsy as Herbie. Other Chicago theatre credits
include: Goodman Theatre (The Good Negro); Court Theatre (Thyestes); Chicago Shakespeare (Short Shakes Romeo & Juliet); Writers Theatre (Bus Stop); Victory Gardens (Hanging Fire); Chicago Dramatists (The Invasion of Skokie). New York Theatre: Circle Rep (Balm in Gilead); Players Theatre (Another Paradise); Soho Rep (Dream of Wealth); Urban Stages (Pieces of the Sky); Currican (Bliss). Regional Theatre: Fulton Opera House (Driving Miss Daisy); Actors Theatre of Louisville (Raisin in the Sun); Merrimack Rep (Awake and Sing); Milwaukee Shakespeare (Macbeth); American Stage (A Winter’s Tale); TheatreVirginia (Art); Stamford Theater Works (Side Man). Film/ Television: Happy Accidents (Brad Anderson); Polio Water (NY Film Festival); Warzonz (Silver Medal, Houston Film Festival); Law and Order (NBC); TV Funhouse (Comedy Central). Mr. Weber holds an MFA in Acting from NYU and has been an Actors Equity member for 26 years. HANNAH WHITLOCK (Maryke) is thrilled to be making her Porchlight Music Theatre debut. Theatre credits include: Carousel (Light Opera Works) and Annie (Highland Park Players). Hannah is in fifth grade at Westmoor Elementary School; her hobbies and interests include: tennis, dance, piano, violin, soccer, choir, and hanging out with friends. Much love and thanks to family and friends for all their continued support. “Vrolijke Kertsmis” to all! VALENTINE DAVIES (Author) was an American film and television writer, producer, and director. His credits included Miracle on 34th Street, Chicken Every Sunday, The Bridges at Toko-Ri, and The Benny Goodman Story. He was nominated for the 1954 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for The Glenn Miller Story. He was president of the Screen Writers Guild and general chairman of the Academy Awards program. CHRISTOPHER PAZDERNIK (Director) is honored to be directing his first Porchlight production after assisting on Candide and helming numerous benefit concerts. Favorite Chicago credits include The Full Monty (Choreographer, Village Players), Bombs Away and Show Us Your Love (Choreographer, Bailiwick Chicago), Far From Freud Porchlight Music Theatre 7
P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .) (Director, Village Players--World Premiere), F**king Men (Assistant Director, Bailiwick Chicago), and director/producer for two cabaret shows at Davenport’s: The Distance You Have Come: The Songs of Scott Alan and It’s an Art: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz. Christopher is a graduate of Elmhurst College, where he will return in January to direct Songs for a New World. When not directing, he can also be found working as the Advancement Associate at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Christopher is an especially proud artistic associate of both Bailiwick Chicago and Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago. (Clearly, he’s not allowed to work anywhere without ‘Chicago’ in the title.) Many thanks to Walter for this opportunity, to friends and family for their support, and to the audience for supporting live theater. L. WALTER STEARNS (Artistic Director) is the Artistic Director of Porchlight Music Theatre and has directed the Porchlight productions of Sunday in the Park With George, Miracle on 34th Street,Pacific Overtures, Candide, Nine, Phantom, Ragtime, A Wonderful Life, The Secret Garden, Gypsy, Elegies: A Song Cycle, Sweeney Todd, Amadeus, Cabaret, Company, Promises, Promises, A New Brain, A Little Night Music, Passion, Into The Woods, Merrily We Roll Along, Falsettos and Ruthless! Walter has also directed several Gilbert and Sullivan operettas for the Savoy Aires of Evanston including, Ruddigore, The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance and Patience. Other Chicago directing credits include The Student Prince (Light Opera Works), Once Upon a Mattress, Cinderella (Emerald City Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Effective Theatre), Weird Romance – The Girl Who Was Plugged In (Effective Theatre), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Up and Coming Theatre), and dWhat the Butler Saw (Effective Theatre in 1996 and Amusing Productions in 1991). Walter’s favorite theatrical experiences include touring Eastern Europe performing in The Dragon and The Birds as well as across North America in The Wizard of Oz. Walter received the 2007 Jeff Award as outstanding director of a musical as well as five Jeff nominations, and three After Dark Awards including Outstanding Season for 2006-2007. His alma mater, the University of Illinois Chicago honored Walter as an outstanding alumnus with UIC’s Franny Award from the Department of Theater. 8 Porchlight Music Theatre
P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .) EUGENE DIZON (Musical Director) is proud to collaborate on his 32nd show with Porchlight Music Theatre where he is an Artistic Associate. Eugene has received 6 Jeff Awards (Ragtime, Sweeney Todd, Amadeus, Company, Into the Woods, and Merrily We Roll Along) working at Porchlight. He is also the recipient of 12 Jeff nominations and 4 After Dark Awards (Ragtime, Sweeney Todd, A New Brain, and Merrily). Other favorite Porchlight Music Theatre credits include Once on this Island, Pacific Overtures, Candide Nine, Phantom, A Wonderful Life (2006), The Secret Garden, Gypsy, Elegies: A Song Cycle, Falsettos, Closer Than Ever, Promises, Promises, A New Brain, A Little Night Music, Passion, Colette Collage and The Vanishing Point. Other musical directing credits include A Wonderful Life at Family Stage Arena in St. Louis, MO, Thrill Me at TimeLine Theatre Company, The Pajama Game at Columbia College, Once Upon a Mattress and Cinderella with Emerald City, Hands and It’s So Quiet Here at the Stages Festival at Theatre Building Chicago, Nunsense and Annie at Centerlight Sign and Voice Theatre. He is honored to have been inducted into the Chicago Filipino Hall of Fame. RACHEL ROBINSON, AEA (Stage Manager) is excited to be returning to Porchlight Music Theatre, having stage managed Miracle on 34th Street last year. Most recently, she stage managed Aiming for Sainthood at Victory Gardens Theatre. Some of her crew credits at Victory Gardens include Year Zero (Stage Manager), Blackbird, Love Person, Snow Queen, Eurydice, and Court-Martial at Fort Devens. Other Chicago credits include: Our Enemies: Lively Scenes... (Silk Road Theatre Project), and The People’s Temple (American Theatre Company). Rachel spent three summers at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA, where she was assistant stage manager for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Martha Mitchell Calling, Enchanted April, and King John; she served as stage manager for Shakespeare and the Language that Shaped a World. Other favorite projects include Rounding Third, The Winter’s Tale, Winterdances, and Getting Out. Up next: Circle Mirror Transformation at Victory Gardens. JAMES BEAUDRY (Choreographer) serves as Artistic Director at Timber Lake Playhouse. Directing and choreography credits include the world premieres of Jason &Ben (NYMF) and Mark Twain’s Blues (Off-Broadway), as well as Chicago, Cats,
West Side Story, Into The Woods, Pippin, The Wiz, The Bridge to Terabithia, Hair, Urinetown, Oklahoma!, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, White Christmas, Godspell, Fame, Footloose, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and 42nd Street. Original dance works: Rite of Spring-- Left of Center, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Xenophobia! and Eleanor Rigby Died in a Church. Upcoming: Sunset Boulevard and Children of Eden (Timber Lake Playhouse) and Meet John Doe here at Porchlight. MFA, Mills College. Thanks to Walter and Chris. IAN ZYWICA (Scenic Designer) returns to Porchlight Music Theatre for the second time designing Miracle on 34th Street, where he also designed Once on this Island, The Fantasticks and Into the Woods. He works as a freelance Scenic Designer and Technical Director, most recently for The Robber Bridegroom (Griffin Theatre), Godspell (Triton Theatre) and The Last Barbecue (16th Street Theatre). MAC VAUGHEY (Lighting Design) is a Chicago-based lighting designer and electrician. Mac is the resident lighting designer atthe 16th Street Theatre in Berwyn, and and artistic associate with Teatro Luna, Walkabout Theatre and Premiere Theatre and Performance. Recent credits include work with Collaboraction, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The American Theatre Company, The Next Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Teatro Luna, Sinnerman Ensemble and Walkabout Theatre. Mac is also the master electrician for Timeline Theatre, The Next Theatre, the American Theatre Company and Light Opera Works. In his spare time, Mac works as the Executive Vice President for Studio BE, a not-profit performing arts training and development center and performance venue in Lakeview. JANA ANDERSON (Costume Designer) Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss has described Jana Anderson’s meticulously crafted costumes as “period perfect pieces.” Prior to coming to the United States Jana made elaborate costumes for classical opera productions at the National Theater in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. She attended the Fine Arts University in Bratislava, where her interest in working on period pieces originated. For last decade she has been designing throughout Chicago area and collaborated with numerous
theatre groups such as Redmoon Theater, Light Opera Works, Irish Repertory Theatre, Rivendell Theatre at the Center and Lifeline to name a few. She supervises costume construction crew of students at Theatre conservatory at Roosevelt University. When she wants to have fun, however, she designs crazy fashions for photo shoots, advertising and Collaboraction’s unforgettable events. She also has loyal clientele in United States and Europe for whom she makes unique haute-couture garments. LIVIU PASARE (Projection Designer) is a multimedia artist who sees art as a historical event. His interest is in new media and technology and interactive installations and has been collaborating with various artists, theaters and improv comedy groups. He is a skilled video designer, cinematographer, editor, animator and has produced, directed and performed for live multimedia experiences. Among his collaborators are Collaboraction, Redmoon, DePaul Theatre School, Theatre Seven, The Gift Theatre, Improvkitchen, Maria Marshall, Takao Kawaguchi, Otto, Tiesto, ATB, Carl Cox. Current involvements include Blue Man Group, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The G.I.F.T. He can be contacted by visiting www.stoptime341.com. JONATHAN HEURING (Managing Director) is in his 2nd season as Porchlight’s Managing Director. He has been an active member of the Chicago theatre community, having worked in all aspects of theatrical production in the Chicago area for the past 16 years. The majority of that time was 9 years on staff at Victory Gardens Theater, where he helped produce over 60 world or regional premiere productions. He was also an integral part of the multi-year renovation of the historic Biograph Theater into the 299 seat Zacek-McVay mainstage and 120 seat Richard Christiansen Theatre. He has worked with countless other companies in the Midwest, including Indiana Repertory, Emerald City, TimeLine, Famous Door, Lifeline, Center Theatre Ensemble, Jam Theatricals and Oak Park Festival, and has worked as a consultant for non-profit software development and theatrical facility renovation. He is a proud graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, is an artistic advisor to Premiere Theatre and Performance, and is an original member of the Joseph Jefferson Awards Arts & Technical Committee.
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P O R C H L I G H T M U S I C T H E AT R E – A B R I E F H I S TO R Y Listed below is a brief timeline of the 16 year history of Porchlight Music Theatre. 1994 Founder Jill Moore fulfills a lifelong dream to establish a theater company which recalls those days of play when the porchlight shined on the imagination of creative children. September 1995 William Eric Bramlett directs Porchlight Theatre Ensemble’s first production—the world premiere of Women Who Love Science Too Much. October 1995 Porchlight stages the Chicago premiere of Hartmann and Keys’ Macabaret. A favorite with Porchlight audiences, the show with regular revisions delights audiences in 1996, 1997, and 2006 and an updated version in October 2009. 1996 Recognizing enthusiastic response to its musical productions and the Chicago theater community’s needs, Porchlight becomes Chicago’s only theater company committed exclusively to music theater.
A B O U T P O R C H L I G H T M U S I C T H E AT R E “A solid evening of musical theatre . . . Porchlight clearly now has made the transition to a midsize professional company capable of producing complex works of musical theatre in an intimate and competent fashion.” —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune “Artistic Director L. Walter Stearns consistently manages to outclass the competition both non-union and often union, in finding gifted singing actors.” —Jonathan Abarbanel, Windy City Times Mission Statement Porchlight is Chicago’s music theatre. By uniting the arts of music, drama dance, and design we transform stories into passionate and relevant events, which affect the lives of artists and audiences alike. As professionals and leaders in this field, we nurture and develop new artists and works, expanding and redefining the music theatre genre while matching artistic vision with fiscal responsibility.
June 1998 Beloved music talent Eugene Dizon music directs the world premiere of The Vanishing Point, the first of 28 Porchlight shows he’ll direct.
PMT Staff L. Walter Stearns • Artistic Director Jonathan Heuring • Managing Director Richard Rubio • Marketing and Development Associate Donald Sprague • Development Coordinator & Grant Officer
November 1998 Artistic Director L. Walter Stearns makes his Porchlight debut as he directs Ruthless! in a co-production with his Effective Theater Company.
PMT Board of Directors Jeannie Lukow/President • Mary Kay Conley/Vice President/Secretary • Ron Zoromski/Treasurer • Jonathan Fiala • Katy Hall • Kathryn Michael • Rhoda Reeling
April 1999 The City of Chicago premiere of Falsetto marks Porchlight’s special affinity for the musicals of William Finn. 2000 To reflect better its mission and vision, Porchlight Theatre Ensemble officially becomes Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago.
PMT Artistic Associates Charissa Armon • Danny Bernardo • Brianna Borger • Eric Bramlett • Christa Buck • Carrie Beth Dean • Eugene Dizon • Kristen Freilich • Lara Filip • Sarah Hayes • Bil Ingraham • Sean Kelly • Jenn Kincaid • Rob Lindley • Sarah Morello • Chris Pazdernik• Doug Peck • Gerald Richardson • Jon Steinhagen • Jennifer Tjepkema • Heather Townsend • Abigail Trabue • Thom Van Ermen • Ian Zywica
March 2000 Walter Stearns and Eugene Dizon collaborate on the first of ten Stephen Sondheim productions—Merrily We Roll Along
PMT Advisory Board Brenda Didier • William Finn • Kevin Holland • Pat and Laura Lederer • Jill Moore Rob Oberwise • Benjamin Rooks • Maury Yeston • Kristi Zimmermann
2004–2005 Porchlight Music Theatre celebrates its tenth anniversary and its first season as an Equity theater which results in ten Jeff Award nominations and five awards.
PMT Benefit Committee Danny Bernardo • Christin Boulette • Chris Boyd • Eugene Dizon • David Dorton • Katy Hall • Jon Heuring • Jenn Kincaid • Elizabeth McKevitt Knollman • Kathryn Michael*
Spring 2005 Porchlight produces the first-in-the-nation William Finn Festival which receives national attention. The dynamic duo of Porchlight artistic associates Rob Lindley and Doug Peck direct their first celebrated annual cabaret review—afFINNity: Chicago Sings William Finn.
PMT Finance Committee Jonathan Fiala • Jon Heuring • Jeannie Lukow • Rhoda Reeling • L. Walter Stearns • Ron Zoromski*
January 2007 Porchlight stages The Teapot Scandals, the world premiere of artistic associate Jon Steinhagen’s show incubated and developed through Porchlight’s Off the Porch program for new works. The Teapot Scandals merits a Jeopardy question.
PMT Marketing Committee Danny Bernardo • Eric Bramlett • Brianna Borger • Jonathan Fiala* • Kristen Freilich • Katy Hall • Jon Heuring • Bil Ingraham • Jeannie Lukow • Kathryn Michael * denotes chair
September 2007 Porchlight marks a milestone as Rhoda Reeling completes a remarkable ten year term as board president. Reeling’s business acumen ensured the company’s growth and development. The annual benefit auction and gala’s success is testament to Reeling’s vision. 10 Porchlight Music Theatre
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P O R C H L I G H T H I S TO R Y Sunday in the Park With George • by Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • September – October 2010 Chicago Sings Sondheim • directed by Rob Lindley • musical direction by Doug Peck • June 7, 2010 Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • April – May 2010 Miracle on 34th Street by Patricia DiBenedetto Snyder, Will Severin and John Vreeke • directed by L. Walter Stearns • November 2009-January 2010 Macabaret by Rob Hartmann and Scott Keys • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • October 2009 The Fantasticks by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt • directed by Sean Kelly • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • September–November 2009 Once on this Island by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Aherns • directed by Mark Lococo • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • May–June 2009 A Place For Us: Chicago Sings Bernstein Review • directed by Rob Lindley • musical direction by Doug Peck • June 15, 2009 Pacific Overtures by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • March–May 2009 Candide by Leonard Bernstein and Hugh Wheeler • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • September– November 2008 Nine the Musical by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • April–May 2008 Unusual Way—Chicago Sings Yetson • directed by Rob Lindley • musical direction by Doug Peck • February 11, 2008
P O R C H L I G H T H I S TO R Y ( c o n t .) Closer Than Ever by Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire • directed by Nick Bowling • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • January–March 2005 (at Theatre Building Chicago), August 2005 (at Theatre on the Lake) Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • September–November 2004 Amadeus by Peter Shaffer and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • March–May 2004 Cabaret by Joe Masteroff, John Kander, and Fred Ebb • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • October–December 2003 Company by George Furth and Stephen Sondheim • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • March–May 2002 (at Theatre Building Chicago), June 2002 (at Theatre on the Lake) Promises, Promises by Neil Simon, Burt Bacharach and Hal David • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • July 2002 (at Theatre on the Lake), August–November 2002 (at Theatre Building Chicago), November–December 2002 (at Metropolis Performing Arts Center) A New Brain (Chicago Premiere) by William Finn and James Lapine • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • May–June 2002 Children of Eden (Chicago Premiere) by Stephen Schwartz and John Caird • directed by Wm. Eric Bramlett • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • March–May 2002 A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • October–December 2001 Passion by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine • directed by L.Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • March–May 2001
A Wonderful Life by Sheldon Harnick and Joe Raposo • directed by Rob Lindley • musical direction by Benjamin Bentler • November–December 2007
Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • November 2000–January 2001(at the Athenaeum Theatre), August 2001 (at Theatre on the Lake)
Phantom by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit • directed by L Walter Stearns • musical directed by Eugene Dizon • September–November 2007
Merrily We Roll Along by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • March–June 2000
Ragtime by Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens, and Terrence McNally • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical directed by Eugene Dizon • April–May 2007 (at Theatre Building Chicago) • May–August 2007 (at the Apollo Theater Chicago)
Colette Collage (Chicago Premiere) by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt • directed by Ann Filmer • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • October–November 1999
The Teapot Scandals (World Premiere) by Jon Steinhagen • directed by Steve Scott • musical directed by Nick Sula • January–March 2007
Falsettos (City of Chicago Premiere) by William Finn and James Lapine • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • April–October 1999 (co-produced with the Athenaeum Theatre), June 2000 (at Theatre on the Lake)
Assassins by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman • directed by Michael Weber • musical direction by Doug Peck • January–March 2007
Ruthless! by Joel Paley and Marvin Laird • directed by L.Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • November 1998–January 1999 (co-produced with Effective Theatre)
A Wonderful Life by Sheldon Harnick and Joe Raposo • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • November–December 2006
The Vanishing Point (World Premiere) by Robert Hartmann and Scott Keys • directed by Wm. Eric Bramlett • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • June–August 1998
The Secret Garden by Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • March–June 2006 (at Theatre Building Chicago), August 2006 (at Theatre on the Lake)
Macabaret (revised version) by Robert Hartmann and Scott Keys • directed by Tesha Buss and Jeff Stephens • musical direction by Christopher Staton • September–October 1997
After Sondheim Revue • directed by Rob Lindley • musical direction by Doug Peck • March 13, 2006
Hereafter (World Premiere) by Robert Hartmann and Scott Keys • directed by Richard Israel • musical direction by Cyndi Stevens • November–December 1996
Gypsy by Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • September–November 2005 Macabaret (revised version) by Robert Hartmann and Scott Keys • directed by Matthew Gunnels • musical direction by Steven Sivak • September–November 2005 Elegies: A Song Cycle (Chicago Premiere) by William Finn • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by Eugene Dizon April–May 2005 A New Brain by William Finn and James Lapine • directed by L. Walter Stearns • musical direction by James Collins • April–May 2005 aFINNity: Chicago Sings William Finn Review • directed by Rob Lindley • musical direction by Doug Peck • April 25, 2005 Falsettos by William Finn and James Lapine • directed by Steve Scott • musical direction by Eugene Dizon • March–April 2005
Macabaret by Robert Hartmann and Scott Keys • directed by Jeannette LeGault • musical direction by Steven Sivak • October 1996 The Still Time (World Premiere) by K.R. Cahill • directed by Wm. Eric Bramlett • August–September 1996 Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov • directed by Wm. Eric Bramlett • May–June 1996 Family Album (Chicago Premiere) by Jenny Noa • directed by Christopher Gurr • January 1996 Macabaret (Chicago Premiere) by Robert Hartmann and Scott Keys • directed by Robert Hartmann • musical direction by Steven Sivak • October 1995 Women Who Love Science Too Much (World Premiere) by K.R. Cahill • directed by Wm. Eric Bramlett • September 1995
In Trousers by William Finn • directed by Matthew Gunnels • musical direction by Jon Steinhagen • March–April 2005 12 Porchlight Music Theatre
Porchlight Music Theatre 13
A N N UA L S U P P O R T
A N N UA L S U P P O R T ( c o n t .)
Porchlight Music Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following individuals, businesses, foundations, and corporations. This list includes individual donor gifts received August 21, 2009 through October 29, 2010. We apologize to donors whose commitment is secured after the printing of this program and we regret any errors in the listing of contributors’ names. If you would like your name to appear differently or prefer to remain anonymous, please contact us at info@porchlighttheatre.com or phone 773.325.9884. Porchlight is most grateful to those individuals who not only subscribe to the season but who honor us with donations, so necessary for us to succeed. Donorsubscribers are designated below with # following their names. Individuals can support Porchlight with gifts to the annual fund and with ticket purchases to the benefit concerts and the annual auction gala. 72% of all donations in America come from individuals. Please consider making a gift to Chicago’s leader in music theatre, the company acclaimed for nurturing young talent and talent new to Chicagoland. Porchlight appreciates the grants from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Porchlight encourages its audience members to thank their alderman, state representative, and state senator for supporting such vital government funding for the arts. Porchlight Music Theatre is grateful to the A.R.T. League for grant monies to help underwrite our community outreach program which provides complimentary and subsidized tickets for individuals and groups, especially youth, from underserved communities. For these audience members, Porchlight is often their first experience of live, professional theater. Porchlight Music Theatre gives special thanks to those who participated in our “15 at 15” Campaign, celebrating our 15th Anniversary Season.
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Foundation/Corporate Sponsors A.R.T. League Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development Bespoke Cuisine CityArts Program 2 Grant/City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation Illinois Arts Council—a state agency The MacArthur Fund for Art & Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Association of Realtors Peoples Energy The Saints Season Major In-Kind Donors & Sponsors Bespoke Cuisine Cooper’s—A Neighborhood Eatery Jason Groh—Lexoria Studios JDM Consulting Johnny Knight Photography Next Day Toner Peet’s Coffee & Tea Chuck Sisson Design John Yesko—Website Design & Maintenance Producer - $2,500 and higher Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development Mary Kay Conley+# Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation Illinois Arts Council— A State Agency The MacArthur Fund for Art & Culture
at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Peoples Energy Avy & Marcie Stein# Director - $1,000 -$2,499 Chicago City Arts 2 Grant Brenda Didier Jonathan Fiala# Harvey & Freddi Friedman+# Kristen L. Freilich Patrick & Laura Lederer+ Jeannie Lukow#+ Eileen Meyer Kathryn Michael+# National Association of Realtors Rhoda Reeling+# Tom & Margi Rice# The Saints Ron & Judie Zoromski+ Choreographer - $500 $999 Eric & Kristi Bramlett Richard Brannegan David Crabbe# Leonora Dickson# Katy Hall# James L. Helsel Jr.+ David Marker & Georgann Joseph Jerry McCann# Rob & Vi Oberwise Charles Peng Joseph & Jeanne Scoby Charles & Rebecca Sisson+ Donald E Sprague+# Christa Buck & Thom Van Ermen Kristi Zimmermann# Stage Manager - $250 $499 Robert J. Andrews & Eric Decator Richard Boyum & Louie Chua# Inara Bundza+# Jason & Renee Carver Kent & Liz Dauten Ray & Patt Fiala#
Jack Hakman Karl Hamilton Katherine Hart Bill Ingraham & Brad McCormick+ Jean Klingenstein Pepsico* William Raffeld+ Angela & John Robinson Benjamin & Barbara Rooks# Catherine Ross & Christopher Liguori Kim Shambrook Susan Sultan Tina & Dennis Vaughn+ Susan Wishnick# Sarah Morello Zematis+ Artist - $100-$249 Jayne Adams Ruth Ann Andrew# Frank & Mona Barth# Lisa Bierly Sandra Blau & Norton Kay Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Bollman Richard Brannegan# Michael Brooks & Susan Grace Magdalyn Cohn+# Marcela & Edmund Dizon+ Julie Echt Sharon & Peter Flangan-Hyde Larry & Eileen Frederick Julie Captain Fredrickson Trudy Giesel & Jim Westerman Mierka Girten Jeffrey Glenn Darl & Marilyn Hall+ Jonathan & Darcy Heuring+ William & Winifred Heuring Charles Hoffman & Tamara Schiller Kevin & Jan Holland# Robert & Diane Hughes Isabel R Juan Jim & Laurie Keenan Brendan Kelly Walter & Adena Kincaid Porchlight Music Theatre 15
A N N UA L S U P P O R T ( c o n t .) Tom & Stacey Kosloskus James & Margaret Lalley Patrick Landers Thomas Lengacher John & Clara Littau Miriam Lowe+ Robert Lyons Jeff & Kim Maciulewicz Winifred Martin Gregory Matz David Michael John & Linda Michael Gus & Karen Nicolopoulos+ Edward J O`Connell+ Dante A. Odoni, Ltd Sheldon Patinkin Kristia Patsavas Christopher Patsavas Peter Patsavas Robert & Barbara Perkaus Irene Petruniak & David Mekemson Jane Purdy Jeffrey & Tracie Radtke Robert Raffeld+ Ramon & Maribel Ramillosa John Rank June Rosner Rosemary Schnell John & Suzanne Shambrook Glenn Shoda John & Susan Simonetti Jay & Tamara Sims+ Larry & Margaret Sondler Wendy & Bill Spatz L. Walter Stearns David Tjepkema Robert Tucker Carl Ulaszek+ Michele Utyro Karen & Ed Weil+ Cynthia Zichal+ Patron $50-$99+ Robert Austin# James Barrett Terrence Baum Jeanne Berkowitz# Frank & Janet Bonnike Fred Broitman# Kyle Burke 16 Porchlight Music Theatre
Steve Carlson Lesli Cason David Chinitz# Carlos Costa# Jim & Jane Cronin# Sandra Daulton Allen Doederlein & Jeff Bouthiette David Dorton Juan & Ruth Engel Julie Fenton Betty Fiala Joseph Finley Loyola & Patricia Fitzmaurice Nanci Gentile Suzanne Genz Charles Giglio Carrie & Jay Gleason Rachel Greenhoe+ Judith Griffin Michael & Judith Griffiths Jennifer Grubb Joan Gunzberg Gayle & Richard Guzik Sarah Hayes+ Robert Heiman IBM Corporation Matching Grants Program Jaime Juan Reverend Chris Kerhuls Ashley & Michael Kincaid Wayne Koepke# Karen Kozlow# Joanne Kraft & Pat Ziegenfuss# Barbara Larson Mary Lynch Henry & Florine Marks# Corrine McArdle Nancy McCarty Mike McNeil Marcelle S. McVay Walter & Arlene Mikol Mark & Leslie Mills Douglas & Ardis Monroe Jim & Kay Moody Madeline Moon# Thomas Murray Kate Oczkowski Ann & Frank O’Hara Walter & Joyce Ovaert Alex Patsavas Charles Platt
A N N UA L S U P P O R T ( c o n t .) Elliot Popowitz Ronald & Kathy Primeau# Mark & Susan Prosperi Joseph Radican Janice Rose Kathy Ruff Cara Schillinger D. J. Shinkle Marilyn Smith Joan Solari Joseph Teelucksingh Kay & Peter Thiels Heather Townsend Robert Tury William Tyre Vivek Venugopal Brandon Vejseli Carol Weinrich Caroline West Claudia Winkler# Laura Wurz Susan Zangora Friend $25-$49 Kathleen Andrade Bank of America Matching Gift Program Lori Barber Janet A. Bernardo, Phd Steve & Kelly Best Carrie & Elic Bramlett Andrew Burton Art & Fern Callistein# Fred Carmean Maggie Chambers Steve Childs Kevin & Maureen Cogan Cathleen Conforti Cara Crosby Jeanne Crouch Christopher Deger Major George F Dempsey# Eugene Dizon Mary Ann Dooley# Miriam Ex Gerald & Ann Fohrman Arthur & Lorraine Geberin Penny Hubbard Brooke Sherrod Jaeky Elizabeth McKevitt Knollman
Kristin Kumpf Aaron Le Hew Susan Littau Jason Lord Dick McNeil Michelle Meredith Judi Miller Jill Moore Thomas Moore# Katherine Morrow Michael & Drina Nadler Leila Nelson Lori Nelson Charlotte Newfeld# Robert Ollis Maureen O’Meara Doug Pawlik Lee Peters Clare Rice Grant Robin Christopher Royal Ronald Sarbieski & Stephen Blackwell# Jim Sherman Jill Shoda Jack Short Elaine Simpson Tom Sinkovic Stanley & Sandra Sklar# Elaine Sowa Karl Stanhibel Sara Stern Helen Stopek Robert Szymanski Jennifer Tjepkema Nina Trader Bill Trude Keith Uchima Anuj Wadhwa Cody Wass Janet Weir Noreen Heron Zautcke
Others Patrizia Acerra James Arimond Jim & Mary Asnis Elizabeth Auman Kim Bell Allan Bolchazy Lou & Marie Bolchazy Bernard Bouillette Jayson Brooks Hillary Brown Brittany Brumbaugh Andrea Burns Geoffrey Calhoun Katharine Cikanek Gerald & Donna Cody Joel Crabtree Luke Daigle Trena Depel Christin Boulette Dorton Robin Fabricatore Christopher Farias Nathan Fiala Harmony France Maureen Geoghegan Abraham Harte Chelsea Dolinar-Hikawa Angela Johnson Gary Julian Erik Kaiko Gerald Kelel Parris Kent Jenn Kincaid Cornelia King (RIP) Sarah Levi Justin Loughry Ruth Mandel Tami Manton Georgia Markos Jean Paul Maund Mathew McNeil Bill Morey & Chris Tisone Sarah Nelson Nancy Newman
Diane Nieker Lisa Nigro Amy Olsen Barbara J. Plona Daniel Rashin Kellie Rizzuto Erin Sammis Darren Schell Christopher Seidel Robert Shoda Karen Skalitzky Joseph Sodini Noreen & Guy Stack-Leroy Stephen & Colleen Takagishi Abigail Trabue Andrea Usenik Steven Vargas Kelli Walker Nissan Wasfie Sheronda Washington Jeny Wasilewski Rose Williams Christian Wipper William & Dorothy Woods *Corporate Matching Gifts +Donors to Benefit 2009 Fund-an-Item. These donations will underwrite the cost of projection and multimedia equipment for the 2010-11 season and beyond. #Subscriber Donors
Porchlight Music Theatre 17
SUPPORT
A B O U T S TAG E 77 3
The Porchlight Music Theatre Gift Recognition Program affords donors the opportunity to remember their beloved deceased with a memorial gift or to honor a friend on a special or not so special occasion with a gift in their name. Acknowledgements are sent to those memorialized or honored. Memorials Gifts in Honor of: Rosario M. Alfaro (2) Lt. Col. Otto Hunt Brown, Jr. Margaret W. Cushing Pat Flanagan Jo Flasch Jack Kent Connie King Josef Leptich Lisa Palmer Stephanie Wawzyczuk Gifts to Honor the following Individuals: Charissa Armon Christin Boulette Eugene Dizon Jonathan Fiala Suzanne Genz Jonathan & Darcy Heuring
Jennifer Kincaid Jeannie Lukow Kathryn Michael William Daniel Seetch III Nick Shoda Donald Sprague Francis & Mona Barth on their 50th Annviersary Gifts in Honor of Donald Sprague on his eight years of board service: Mary Kay Conley Jonathan Fiala Katy Hall Jonathan Heuring Jeannie Lukow Kathryn Michael Rhoda Reeling L. Walter Stearns Ron Zoromski
Mission Stage 773 acts to embody the vibrant spirit of Chicago off-loop theatre: • We celebrate the creative process, supporting the work of actors, directors, writers, composers and designers. • We nurture the artist, offering technical, organizational and emotional support. • We honor our audience, presenting accessible, affordable, exceptional entertainment. Vision Stage 773 operates a multi-theatre performing arts venue that serves our community through the arts – both Chicago artists and the public who visit us. We strive to offer support to artists as they develop their voices and talents. We provide rehearsal and performance space, our knowledge and experience, and a nurturing environment to help actors, directors, designers, writers and other artists reach their potential. We will remain true to our storefront roots, offering our audiences the best possible theatre experience at low ticket prices. Our patrons will be an extension of our family, receiving the same warm welcome and respect we offer our artists. We will remember every day that art is transformative – whether we make someone laugh hysterically or consider the world in a new way, whether our work brings people to tears of empathy or joy – and that the artists and audiences who entrust themselves to us, for an evening or for years, create that shared experience. S TAG E 77 3 B OA R D A N D S TA F F BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Donations are the lifeblood of a theater organization. Porchlight welcomes donations to the Annual Fund which supports the operating budget and to the Endowment Fund. We are happy to complete paperwork for matching gift programs. Please contact: Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago Business Office, 2814 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago IL 60657-4202, 773.325.9884 or info@porchlighttheatre.com As a 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization, all gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Porchlight acknowledges gifts with a letter recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as an appropriate record for donations.
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Laura Michaud (Chair) Christine Carsen Michael Gellman Charles H. Jesser
Alex Meyer Steve Miller Marlene Rubenstein (Advisory Member) Brian Walter
STAFF Brian Posen............................................................................................................ Artistic Director Megan Flanagan............................................................................................. Executive Director Jill Valentine..............................................................................................Director of Operations Brian Peterlin................................................................................................. Director of Facilities Jack Short.......................................................................................... Customer Service Director Jesse Aukeman, Nancy Farnard, Billy Sullivan............................................ Box Office Staff Cassandra Rose........................................................................................................................Intern Porchlight Music Theatre 19
INVEST IN STAGE 773! Your support is critical to our future – and to the future of the many local artists who partner with us. The financial support of individuals, corporations and foundations allows us to: •
offer subsidized theatre rental to our fellow Chicago performing arts groups, along with marketing, audience development, ticketing and technical assistance.
• present high-quality programming at low ticket prices. • maintain and improve our facility, a highly-beloved venue for Chicago artists and audiences.
Please consider a gift to our Annual Fund, or ask us about specific projects and funds that need support. Call us at 773.929.7367 x 223 or email megan@stage773.com with questions or to make a donation. Stage 773 is partially supported by a CityArts Program 1 grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.