Michael Weber, Managing Artistic Director
Presents
Conceived by Murry Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr. Music and Lyrics by Thomas “Fats” Waller and various others Direction & Choreography by Brenda Didier Music Direction by Jaret Landon Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design Wig Design Production Management Stage Management Technical Direction Assistant Choreographer Assistant to the Director
Jeffrey D. Kmiec Bill Morey Nick Belley Jenna Moran Kevin Barthel Aaron Shapiro Jill Yetsky Mati Johnson Craig V. Miller Bil Ingraham
Ain’t Misbehavin’ is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI): www.mtishows.com Ain’t Misbehavin’ is presented through the generous support of
Porchlight Music Theatre recognizes the contributions of all its donors listed in this program for making this production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ possible. Ain’t Misbehavin’
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CAST ROBIN DA SILVA; SHARRIESE HAMILTON; DONTERRIO JOHNSON; LORENZO RUSH, JR.; LINA WASS UNDERSTUDIES NICOLE MICHELLE HASKINS; MARJIE SOUTHERLAND; CHRISTOPHER JACKSON Understudy performance will occur only with an announcement to the audience prior to the show. MUSICIANS Conductor/Keyboards..................................................................................................CHARLES T. HAYES Bass........................................................................................................................................... CHRIS THIGPEN Drums............................................................................................................... MICHAEL WEATHERSPOON Trumpet............................................................................................................................. SHAUN JOHNSON Saxophone...................................................................................................................................RAJIV HALIM MUSICAL SYNOPSIS Act I Act II AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ SPREADIN’ RHYTHM AROUND LOOKIN’ GOOD BUT FEELIN’ BAD LOUNGING AT THE WALDORF ‘T AIN’T NOBODY’S BIZ-NESS IF I DO THE VIPER’S DRAG HONEYSUCKLE ROSE MEAN TO ME SQUEEZE ME YOUR FEET’S TOO BIG HANDFUL OF KEYS THAT AIN’T RIGHT I’VE GOT A FEELING I’M FALLING KEEPIN’ OUT OF MISCHIEF NOW HOW YA BABY FIND OUT WHAT THEY LIKE THE LADIES WHO SING WITH THE BAND FAT AND GREASY YACHT CLUB SWING BLACK AND BLUE WHEN THE NYLONS BLOOM AGAIN I’M GONNA SIT RIGHT DOWN CASH FOR YOUR TRASH AND WRITE MYSELF A LETTER OFF-TIME TWO SLEEPY PEOPLE THE JOINT IS JUMPIN’ I’VE GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED I CAN’T GIVE YOU ANYTHING BUT LOVE IT’S A SIN TO TELL A LIE HONEYSUCKLE ROSE (Reprise) Ain’t Misbehavin’ is presented with one 15 minute intermission. The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. 2
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T I M E A N D P L AC E Winter 1944, A Harlem Basement After-Hours Party
D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller (May 21, 1904-December 15, 1943) was simply larger than life. During his 39 short years on this earth, Fats composed more than 400 original songs, was an influential jazz pianist, organist, singer and comedic entertainer whose innovations to the Harlem stride style laid the groundwork for the modern jazz piano. Ain’t Misbehavin’ burst onto the national spotlight in 1978, showcasing Fats Waller’s biggest hits and was a smash on Broadway for more than 1500 performances. Nell Carter earned a Tony Award for her iconic performance. This musical revue is a tribute to the black musicians of the 1920’s and 30’s and the Harlem Renaissance, an era of growing creativity, cultural awareness and ethnic pride. It was a time when Manhattan nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom were the playgrounds of high society and Lenox Avenue dives were filled with piano players banging out the new beat known as swing. Fats Waller’s international career spanned all of these locales, from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley, from after-hours parties in basement clubs to concert stages in the US, Canada and Europe. In spite of his international reach, it was still a time of racial segregation in America. Fats was very much aware of this segregation around him but he chose to revel in his music, often playing gig after gig from 10am to 7am the next morning. He believed that life was meant for pleasure and for play. This is what most attracted me to this piece. This dichotomy; the celebratory nature of the material, juxtaposed, ever so slightly, with the poignant realities faced by these black musicians ‘when the sun came up’. “The fact remained that in much of the country, segregation kept whites and blacks apart. But after dark, when the music began to play, the whole world seemed to cross the color line at 110th Street. The white elite found a place they thought was exotic, colorful and sensuous, a place of laughing, singing and dancing, a place where life wakes up at night. For a few hours in the moonlight, black performers have held white society in their spell. But in the light of day, as black Harlem awakened and trudged off to church or work, the world still fell far short of an interracial paradise.” – Harlem Renaissance – After Midnight by Tod Olson Thank you for joining us as we celebrate the jovial and cheerful life of Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller at our very own ‘after hours’ party. Brenda Didier Director – Ain’t Misbehavin’
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WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Robin Da Silva
Sharriese Hamilton
Donterrio Johnson
Lorenzo Rush, Jr.
Lina Wass
Nicole Michelle Haskins
Christopher Jackson
Marjie Southerland
BIOGR APHIES ROBIN DA SILVA is beyond excited to join the Porchlight Music Theatre family! Chicago born and raised, she holds a Bachelor of Music Business Management from Berklee College of Music in Boston and a Masters degree from Saint Xavier University in Secondary Education – Music. Her theater and television credits include: Ragtime (Sarah’s Friend), The Color Purple (Sofia/Church Soloist U/S), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (BJ), Hair, A. My Name is Alice, and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Martha) and T-Mobile’s Home for the Holidays Surprise (Diva/Closing Soloist). SHARRIESE HAMILTON is so happy to be joining the lovely folks at Porchlight Music Theatre once again. Porchlight credits include Pal Joey (Gladys Bumps), A Class Act (Felicia). Recent Chicago credits include, See What I Wanna See (Kesa,Medium,Actress) Bailiwick 4
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Chicago, We Three Lizas (Donna) About Face Theatre, Passing Strange (Mariana,Sudabey) Bailiwick Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors, (Crystal) Street Tempo Theatre. Other credits include Monty Python’s Spamalot (Lady of the Lake) Timber Lake Playhouse, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona) Timber Lake Playhouse and various roles with the Chicago-based children’s theater company, Great Works Theatre. Thank you to the entire Porchlight family, and to her supportive family and friends. DONTERRIO JOHNSON is thrilled to make his Porchlight Music Theatre debut. Recent credits include: The Color Purple (Young Man) Rent (Xmas Caroler/Ens), Under A Rainbow Flag (Pvt. Owens – Jeff Award Recipient), Hairspray (Seaweed - ITL Award-Best Actor), Urinetown (Bobby Strong), Aladdin The
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Musical, Into The Woods, Kennedy The MusicalBroadway Workshop. Donterrio is also a proud ensemble member of Pride Films and Plays. “I dedicate these performances to my family and BD for all the support.” PASSION•FAME. LORENZO RUSH, JR. is excited to be making his debut at Porchlight Music Theatre. Lorenzo Rush was previously seen in Dreamgirls at Marriott Theatre (Tiny Joe Dixon). Regional credits included Shrek: The Musical (Shrek), Big River (Jim), Ragtime (Booker T. Washington) Grandstreet Theater, Songs of Freedom (Jabari) BrightStar Theatre TYA, and performed on tour with Broadway’s Jeri Sager. Lorenzo received his degree in musical theater at Western Illinois University and thanks God and Family for their support. Proverbs 18:16. LINA WASS* is honored to be a part of the Porchlight Music Theatre family. Her Porchlight credits include “Marta” in Company, a “Kit Kat Girl” in Cabaret, “Asaka” in Once On This Island and “Sarah’s Friend” in Ragtime. One of her favorite experiences was playing the same role in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Goodman Theater. Regional credits include “Brenda” in Smokey Joe’s Café, “Joanne” in Rent, and “June” in Chicago. She has a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the CCPA at Roosevelt University. All glory to God, thanks to Brenda Didier and Jaret Landon for your belief in me, and all my love to my husband Cody for his friendship and care for our family so Mama can perform. NICOLE MICHELLE HASKINS (Understudy) is thrilled to be a part of such a fantastic team of artists. Nicole is a Detroit native as well as a proud Chicago local. Her most recent Chicago credit was the role of “MayDee” in Jar the Floor at Eta Creative Arts Foundation (Jeff Award-Nomination). Some of her favorite Michigan Theatre credits include Taking Care of Mimi and Burying the Bones at Detroit Repertory Theatre along with Group and Aqua to Rose at Park Bar Theatre apart of RAW Festival Detroit. She offers an unending gratitude to her Theatre Family for their abundant love and support. CHRISTOPHER JACKSON (Understudy) is delighted to join the Porchlight Music Theatre family. Hailing for Chicago, he is
currently completing his final year in the B.F.A. Musical Theatre program at Columbia College Chicago. He has previously worked with Diane Paulus at Chicago Opera Theatre and Sheldon Patinkin at Columbia College. Most recently, Christopher performed in a production of From Every Mountainside at Halycon Theatre. He would like to thank Kyle, his family and friends for their endless support. MARJIE SOUTHERLAND (Understudy) is an actor, singer, mover, shaker, born and built in New Jersey is now planting roots in the Midwest. She was recently seen as “Harriet ‘Harry’ Tubman” in the Pavement Group production of Harry and The Thief. If you reside in Wisconsin, keep an eye out for her in this years Wisconsin Lottery commercial! To keep up with her please check out her website www.marjiesoutherland.com or like her on Facebook! MURRY HORWITZ (Conception) began his career working with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus as a clown later becoming the assistant director of OperaMusical Theater at the National Endowment for the Arts in 1987. In 1989, he began his career at NPR, where he created several series, including Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me, Wynton Marsalis: Making the Music, and The NPR Basic Jazz Record Library. Horwitz received three Peabody awards for his work at NPR. In 2002, Horwitz became the founding director of the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, in Silver Spring, Maryland. He later served in fundraising positions at Washington National Opera and the Washington Performing Arts Society. Horwitz was the director and chief executive officer of the AFI Silver Theatre and Culture Center from 2002 until 2009. RICHARD MALTBY, JR. (Conception) a graduate of Yale University is also a theatrical director of note. Productions in which he has participated include Starting Here, Starting Now (1977, provided lyrics and directed), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1978, provided additional lyrics, conceived and directed - Drama Critics Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, Obie Award for Best Musical, Tony Awards for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Musical), Baby (1983, directed also - nominated for seven Tony Awards), Song and Dance (1985, co-lyricist Ain’t Misbehavin’
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and director), Miss Saigon (1989, co-lyricist - London Evening Standard Award for Best Musical), Closer Than Ever (1989, directed also - Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Score and Best Musical), Nick & Nora (1991) and Big (1996 - nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Score). He has also contributed crossword puzzles to Harper’s magazine. THOMAS “FATS” WALLER (Music and Lyrics) was a jazz pianist, organist, composer, and comedic entertainer, born Thomas Wright Waller in New York City. His nickname came about because he weighed nearly 300 pounds. He studied classical piano and organ before apprenticing himself to legendary Harlem stride pianist James P. Johnson. He played with many performers, from Erskine Tate to Bessie Smith, but his greatest success came with his own five or six-piece combo, “Fats Waller and His Rythm.” He collaborated with the Tin Pan Alley lyricist Andy Razaf and had a commercially successful career, which according to some music critics eclipsed his great musical talent. He appeared in several feature films and short subject films, most notably Stormy Weather in 1943. The same year, at age 39, he died aboard an eastbound train in the vicinity of Kansas City, Missouri, following a west coast engagement. BRENDA DIDIER+ (Director/Choreographer) is thrilled to collaborate with Porchlight Music Theatre again with this incredible cast and design team! Previous Porchlight credits include Putting It Together (Director/ Choreographer), Macabaret, The Secret Garden, The Teapot Scandals, Ragtime, Nine, Once On This Island, The King and I, and last season’s hit Pal Joey (Choreographer). Ms. Didier is a multiple Jeff Award recipient in both direction and choreography and Owner/ Director of the Lincolnshire Academy of Dance- now in its 16th successful season. Much gratitude to Michael Weber, everyone at Porchlight Music Theatre and love to Mom and Mike! JARET LANDON (Music Director) is a composer/arranger, vocalist, and educator. Regional credits include Nativity and Sanctified - BTAA Award (Congo Square Theatre), Eye of the Storm and Clara - BTAA Award (Open Door Theatre), Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill - JEFF Award Nomination 6
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(Porchlight Music Theatre), Crowns (Goodman Theatre). Jaret is currently the MD/Composer for the world premier’s of Marcus Gardley’s Black Odyssey (Denver Center Theatre Company). JEFFERY D. KMIEC (Scenic Designer) Recent credits include: Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Double Trouble (Porchlight Music Theatre); Tom Jones (Northlight); The Red Badge of Courage, The Reluctant Dragon (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte); the 2013 Kentucky Shakespeare Festival Season. Jeffrey’s designs have received awards from the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival and The Southeastern Theatre Conference. Jeffrey is also the associate set designer for Kevin Depinet on recent and upcoming productions including Cyrano de Bergerac, Gypsy, Henry V (Chicago Shakespeare); Camelot (Glimmerglass Opera); and Smokefall (Goodman Theatre). BILL MOREY+ (Costume Designer) has designed the costumes for Porchlight Music Theatre’s Pal Joey (Jeff Nomination), A Class Act (Jeff Award, Best Musical Midsize), The Gifts of the Magi, A Catered Affair, The King and I (Jeff Award, BroadwayWorld Chicago Award), Into the Woods (Jeff Nomination), Candide (Jeff Nomination), Nine (Jeff Award), Ragtime (Jeff Award, Best Musical) Gypsy (After Dark Award), Company, Macabaret, Elegies and A New Brain (After Dark Award). Other recent work includes Pride and Prejudice (Non-Equity Jeff Award Nomination) at Lifeline, Master Class and the upcoming Passion at Theo Ubique. Off Broadway: Tomorrow Morning at the York. www.billmorey.com NICK BELLEY (Lighting Designer) is elated to return to Porchlight Music Theatre where he has previously designed Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill and Pal Joey. Selected Chicago design credits include: The Color Purple (Mercury Theater); Hank Williams: Lost Highway (American Blues Theater); Good Boys and True, Brighton Beach Memoirs (Raven Theater); Pleasant Dreams, The Altruists (Two Lights); Or, The Oxford Roof Climber’s Rebellion (Caffeine Theatre). Nick has worked as an assistant/associate at various theaters such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Goodman, Paramount Theater, The Court, Writers
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Theatre, Fireside Dinner Theatre, Northlight, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and American Blues. JENNA MORAN (Sound Designer) Past Porchlight Music Theatre credits include Assistant Sound Designer for Pal Joey, and A Class Act, Sound Engineer for Double Trouble, Pal Joey, Tick,Tick...Boom!, and A Class Act. Jenna will also be designing and engineering Porchlight’s upcoming How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University with her BFA in Sound Design and also studied at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Jenna is an exhibit sound designer for the Prague Quadrennial in The Czech Republic summer of 2015. Select professional credits include sound design for Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Haven Theatre), Parade (Harper Theatre), Avenue Q (NightBlue Theatre), and sound engineer for Death and Harry Houdini (The House Theatre), Emerald City Theatre, and Rent (American Theatre Company). For more information please visit her website at jennamoransounddesign.com . AARON SHAPIRO (Production Manager) is excited to be working with Porchlight Music Theatre! He is currently the Executive Director and co-founder of Studio BE in Lakeview. After college, Aaron founded Oracle Productions and opened their 40seat black box theatre in Wrigleyville, where he served for 4 years as Artistic Director. He has worked professionally in Chicago as a director, stage manager, producer, actor, production manager, electrician, carpenter, sound technician, run crew, technical director, scenic designer and lighting designer for over 40 different Chicago theatre companies. JILL YETSKY* (Stage Manager) is thrilled to return to Porchlight Music Theatre after stage managing Tick, Tick...Boom! Other Chicago credits include: Reduced Shakespeare: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Singapore and Hong Kong); and The Bible: The Complete Works of God (Abridged) and Completely Hollywood (Abridged) Chicago and Tour: Stage Manager I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Chicago and San Francisco); and Assistant Stage
Manager for Broadway in Chicago’s Working and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Chicagoland area: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble’s Trumbo: Red, White and Blacklisted and Fox Valley Rep’s Why Do Fools Fall in Love? CRAIG V. MILLER (Assistant Choreographer) holds a B.A. in Dance Performance from Oakland University and was an apprentice for Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. A member of Michigan Dance Project and Inaside Chicago Dance, his choreography credits include The Mercury Theater’s production of The Color Purple (assoc. choreographer) and Vox 3’s production of Carl Nielson’s Maskerade (Choreographer). His work has been presented at Chicago Freelance Dance, Dance Chance, and Dance Chicago. It is an honor to be a part of this production! BIL INGRAHAM+ (Assistant to the Director) is excited to reunite with Brenda Didier and his Porchlight family for this smokin’ hot production of Ain’t Misbehavin’. He most recently worked as Assistant Director on Porchlight’s Jeff Award-winning Chicago Premiere of A Class Act. Prior Porchlight projects include Putting It Together, Sunday in the Park..., Ragtime, Teapot Scandals, Wonderful Life, Macabaret, A New Brain, Sweeney Todd, Amadeus, and Passion. Additionally, he has appeared onstage in over 25 productions throughout Chicagoland, but it is his role as a long time Artistic Associate and Board Member here at Porchlight that he cherishes the most. He currently resides in Philadelphia. ‘One never knows...do one?’ MICHAEL WEBER (Managing Artistic Director) The recipient of two Jeff Awards, Weber’s productions of Pal Joey and Assassins (Porchlight), Grand Hotel (Drury Lane Water Tower) and She Loves Me (Theatre at the Center) were each nominated for the Jeff Award for Best Production-Musical. His numerous directing credits include Fifth of July at Oak Park Festival, Beauty and the Beast at Marriott, Over the River and Through the Woods at The Mercury Theater, and Cirque du Symphony at Sears Center Arena. Michael is a Central Regional Board Member of Actors’ Equity Association, author of the new play, WAR of the WELLeS and a proud subscription drive host for Chicago’s PBS station, WTTW. Ain’t Misbehavin’
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A R T I S T I C S TA F F Managing Artistic Director.................................................................................................MICHAEL WEBER Director/Choreographer.....................................................................................................BRENDA DIDIER+ Musical Director ....................................................................................................................... JARET LANDON Scenic Designer ...................................................................................................................JEFFREY D. KMIEC Costume Designer....................................................................................................................... BILL MOREY+ Lighting Designer........................................................................................................................... NICK BELLEY Sound Designer.........................................................................................................................JENNA MORAN Wig Design..................................................................................................................................KEVIN BARTHEL Assistant Choreographer.......................................................................................................... CRAIG MILLER Assistant to the Director...................................................................................................... BIL INGRAHAM+
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Production Manager............................................................................................................ AARON SHAPIRO Stage Manager................................................................................................................................ JILL YETSKY* Technical Director.................................................................................................................... MATI JOHNSON Scenic Artist ......................................................................................................................................ERIN MILLER Wardrobe Supervisor.........................................................................................................LINDSAY PREROST Sound Board Engineer...........................................................................................................JENNA MORAN Assistant Stage Manager........................................................................................................LARISA BOCKA
AU D I E N C E S E R V I C E S House Manager....................................................................................................................LINDSAY PREROST
M A R K E T I N G S TA F F Marketing & Press Representative .................................SHOUT MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS: JAMES JULIANO & JILL EVANS Promotional Photographer........................................... BRANDON DAHLQUIST+, KELSEY JORRISEN Promotional Video Producer.....................................................................................................CHRIS GEKAS Website Design ........................................................................ JON RUNNFELDT+, LAB OF LIFE DESIGN Logo Design.......................................................................................................................................JEFF MEYER Graphic Design........................................................DOC WHEELER, NICK GERTONSON, & JEFF MEYER
A D M I N I S T R AT I V E S TA F F Business Manager....................................................................................................... NATE C. GROONWALD Development Manager....................................................................................................... CYNTHIA FRAHM Marketing & Administrative Associate.....................................................................................JEFF MEYER Grant Coordinator............................................................................................................. DONALD SPRAGUE Bookkeeper................................................................................................................................... JON HEURING Facilities Manager..............................................................................................................THOM VAN ERMEN Administrative/Production Interns..................................................................JOHN LISI, JEROME RILEY *Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in America +Denotes Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Associate
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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 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. PMT Board of Directors Jeannie Lukow – President Mary Kay Conley – Vice President / Secretary Ron Zoromski – Treasurer Jacqueline Shim Bryant, Cheryl Coons, Bill Crowther, Tony Gibson, Bil Ingraham, James Jensen, Rhoda Reeling, George K. Sargent, Tamara Sims, Sara Siegall, Greg Viti, Rebekah Zhao, Michael Weber – ex officio PMT Artistic Associates Christin Boulette, Brandon Dahlquist, Brenda Didier, Eugene Dizon, Patrick Fries, Sarah Hayes, Bil Ingraham, Jenn Kincaid, Rob Lindley, Bill Morey, Doug Peck, Christopher Pazdernik, Gerald Richardson, Jon Runnfeldt, Heather Townsend, Thom Van Ermen PMT Advisory Board Eric Bramlett, John Bucchino, Kevin Depinet, Brenda Didier, William Finn, Linda Kline, Jesse Klug, Sean Allan Krill, Jill Moore, Lonny Price, Hollis Resnik, L. Walter Stearns, Bob Walton, Jim Walton, Maury Yeston SPECIAL THANKS To Stage 773 and to our donors, subscribers and audience members who maintain a continuing commitment to our work. Our special dining partner is Cooper’s—A Neighborhood Eatery, 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, and complimentary parking for those who dine and stay for the show. Cooper’s is the generous sponsor for Porchlight’s opening night receptions. Please patronize them! 1232 West Belmont / Chicago, IL 60657 / 773.929.COOP (2667)
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A N N UA L S U P P O R T Step into the spotlight and be part of Porchlight Music Theatre – a community of artists, donors and theatre lovers who create Amerian Musicals. Chicago Style! Porchlight Music Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous annual gifts of the following individuals, foundations and corporations. For information about supporting Porchlight, please contact cynthia@porchlightmusictheatre.org or call 773.777.9884 FOUNDATON/ CORPORATE SUPPORT Actors’ Equity Foundation A.R.T. League Arts Work Fund Baxter Bespoke Cuisine Chapman & Spingola, LLP Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation Chicago Community Trust Abe and Ida Cooper Foundation Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Illinois Arts Council, a State Agency National Association of Realtors Peoples Gas The Saints The Viti Group PRODUCER $5,000+ Anonymous Bill Crowther* Brenda Didier* James Jensen* Jean Klingenstein* Rhoda Reeling* Tara & Rick Ronvick George K. Sargent, III PRINCIPAL $2,500-$5,000 Jeannie Lukow* Kathryn Michael* Keith Olenik & Jonathan Van Der Kuyl Ron & Judie Zoromski*
PLAYER $1,000-$2,499 Anonymous Jacqueline Shim Bryant & Timothy Bryant Art & Fern Callistein Mary Kay Conley* Mary Lou Coons Keith & Barbara Clayton Evan Finke Bil Ingraham & Brad McCormick* Patrick & Laura Lederer* Sara Siegall & Taron Tachman* Tamara & Jay Sims* L. Walter Stearns & Eugene Dizon* Lauren Taslitz Willa Taylor & Mary Morten Carl Tisone* Greg & Susan Viti*
PATRON $250-$499 Eric & Kristi Bramlett John Breslin Michael Camp Michelle & Steven Cucchiaro Michael Elkow, Jr. Neel French Barbara Gaines Joseph Glaser Martin Hauselman Michael & Mona Heath Kevin & Jan Holland Edward T. Jeske & John Hern Robert Moeller Gene Morey Claire Prussian Martha Spaulding
SUPPORTER $100-$249 Jennifer Aguilar ASSOCIATE Ira Antelis $500-$1,999 Sandra Barnett-White Lisa Bierly & William James Barrett Reulback Mary Blomquist Cheryl Coons* Richard Brannegan Tom Hall & Diane Janet Burroway Graham Henry* David Crabbe Tom Hartman William & Kay Depel Susan Klingenstein Elizabeth Derrico Leslie & Walter Schmid Brian Due Donald Sprague* Deanna Dunagan Bill Morey & Chris Tisone* Gerald Eisenstein Carl Tisone Malcome Ewen Heather & Jake Townsend Patrice Fletcher Ed Tracy & Denise Rhona & Julian Frazin McGowan Tracy Freddi Friedman Jan L. & Bruce S. Tranen Judith Friedman Rebekah & Frank Zhao Michael Gehrisch Tony Gibson Charles Giglio Mierka Girten Jim Heatherly
Brent Hoffman Delores Ingelmuson Wayne Koepke Jim Konold & Tim Hackett Cynthia Koppelman William Larkin Caroline Lee Thomas & Kathy Lengacher David Marker and Georgann Joseph Bill Marovitz Henry & Florine Marks Barry & Mary Ellen Masek Bob Mason Meredith Manni Meserow Arlene & Walter Mikol Steve Montner Tom Mula Steve & Karen Multer Charlotte Newfeld Jean Novick Judy Knudson Kathleen Oswald Sheldon Patinkin Abe & Suzanne Peck Angela & Charlie Platt Jane Purdy Greg Raub Henry Rosenorn Katherine Ruff Mary Sebahar FRIEND $25-$99 Anonymous Jill Adamczyk Robert Austin Barbara Baer James Barrett Nicholas Bowling Kathleen & Kenneth Burch Marcy Carrington Ebony Chambers David Chinitz
Porchlight Annual Giving Society Porchlight’s Annual Giving Society is a special giving club for annual donors at the $500+ level. The “AGS” brings donors closer to the artists whose work they make possible. We would love to welcome you to the Club! For more information, please contact cynthia@porchlightmusictheatre.org
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A N N UA L S U P P O R T Steve Clark Gerald & Donna Cody Magdalyn Cohn George F. & Mary Demsey Bridged Duffy Robin Fabricatore Jonathan Fiala Sharon & Peter FlanaganHyde Marilyn & Eric Fors Judith Friedman Tom & Mary Gibbons David Goldberg Jerry & Ann Gorman Kathleen Hayden Sarah Hayes Bobbie & Bob Heinman Krystan Lordahl
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Colin Lyons Greg Marino Christina Mavroudis Beckie Menzie Thomas Moore Alan & Denise Morris Duane Nelsen Sarah Oaks Kathleen Oswald Marcel Pasciak Doug Pawlik Francesca Peppiatt Diane Percival Merril Prager Matt Raftery Judy & Bernie Rice Suzanne Rich Laura Sachs
Mariane Schenker Dennis & Patricia Smith Helen Stopek Janice Temple Jan Tynan Thom & Christa Van Erman Theodore Waltmire Ann & Bill Whitney Jaret Williams MATCHING GIFTS Baxter Grainger IBM Pepsico The Washington Post
GIFTS WERE MADE IN HONOR OF Cheryl Coons Cynthia Frahm Stephen B. Lewis Jeannie Lukow Rhoda Reeling Tamara Sims Ryan Tisone Michael Weber Kristi Zimmerman In Memory of Theresa Zoromski
* Denotes inaugural members of Porchlight’s Annual Giving Society
W E L C O M E TO S TAG E 77 3 Stage 773, formed by Creative Director Brian Posen, is a multi-complex theater that is welcoming, nurturing and collaborative to Chicago’s art community. Stage773 conducts two primary activities: to provide subsidized space rental to Chicago’s many off-Loop companies and to produce its own work. In addition to space to perform, tenants receive full box office, front of house and customer services, marketing support and 24 hour technical assistance. Fundamental to Stage 773’s business philosophy and demonstrated success is the fact that each staff member is also an art-maker. Stage 773’s organizing principle is to support the Artists so they can focus on art-making We invite you to return to Stage 773 any day of the week and experience what the Huffington Post describes as ”an eccentric space with a fresh approach to presenting dance, theatre, sketch comedy -- even cabaret.” In the course of a month, over 30 different performances will be presented on the stages of Stage 773 including our very own Cupid Players are now in their 11th year, joining SMUSH!, a weekly open mic featuring the funniest people in Chicago performing sketch-comedy, improvisation, stand-up and smushing them together on one stage. In addition to these groups, Stage 773 produces the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival and now the Chicago Nerd Comedy Festival. Stage 773 also offers advanced education programs including master classes for adults as well as training programs for recent graduates. For more information on performances, space rental and special events visits us at www.stage773.com Come play with Us!
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B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S Laura Michaud, President Alex Meyer, Treasurer Brian Posen, Secretary Gary Hirschberg, Charles H. Jesser, Kristin Larsen, Steve Miller, Quinton Snodgrass, Jill Valentine, Brian Walter Stage 773 is looking for individuals who first and foremost love Chicago theatre. Additionally, we are seeking individuals who have experience in the fields of finance/ accounting, fundraising, and legal: not for profit and real estate. Ideal candidates have diverse networks and/or ties to art-supporting companies in the Chicago area. Is this you? Volunteers contribute, on average, about 4-6 hours a month attending board and committee meetings as well as board-related events. In exchange for your service, you have the opportunity to interact with a truly dynamic group of people and play a vital role in Chicago’s cultural community. From the members on our Board to our patrons, Stage 773 attracts an exciting and extraordinary group of creative and diverse personalities. Contact Executive Director, Kristin Larsen at kristin@stage773.com for more information.
S TA F F Creative Director.................................................................................................................................... Brian Posen Executive Director ............................................................................................................................ Kristin Larsen Director of Facilities...........................................................................................................................Brian Peterlin Director of Operations........................................................................................................................Jill Valentine Director of Tenant Services and Grant Management.................................................................. Jack Short Business Manager........................................................................................................................................Liren Shi Education Coordinator.................................................................................................................. Hilary Williams Administrative Assistant.........................................................................................................................Zach Abel Marketing Assistant............................................................................................................ Katie Johnson-Smith House Manager..........................................................................................................................Mandy Whitenack Bar Manager................................................................................................................................ Vance Brinkerhoff Box Office.................................................................................Chante Keller, Nancy Farnand, Joey Gilmore, Lexy Leuszler, Kevin McDonald, Matthew Preston, Laura Willson Bar Staff..................................................................... Amy Alfultis, Katie, Faris, Chante Keller, Jacob Welch Technical Staff............................................................................. John Craig, Junella Gabriel, Byron Roussin Intern.............................................................................................................................................. Matthew Preston Ushering services are provided by The Saints. Stage773 is a member of the Chicago League of Theaters
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