Michael Weber, Managing Artistic Director
Presents the Chicago Premiere of
Book, Music and Lyrics by Bob Walton & Jim Walton Direction and Choreography by Matthew Crowle Music Direction by Linda Madonia Starring Adrian Aguilar and Alexander Aguilar Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design Properties Design Projection Design Wig Design Production Management Stage Management Technical Direction
Jeffrey D. Kmiec Alexia Rutherford William Kirkham Jack Hawkins Angela M. Campos Chris Gekas Kevin Barthel Aaron Shapiro Thom Van Ermen Andrew Glasenhardt
Double Trouble is presented through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals: www.rnh.com Originally produced for The Goodspeed Opera House by Michael P. Pine, Executive Producer
Double Trouble is presented through the generous support of
Each year, The Hopie Award recognizes and supports two performing arts organizations, located in Chicago, that embody the spirit of innovation and creativity that Hope Abelson promoted for decades. Porchlight Music Theatre recognizes the contributions of all its donors listed in this program for making this production of Double Trouble possible. Double Trouble
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c a s t o f c h a r ac t e r s ( i n o r d e r o f a p p e a r a n c e ) Jimmy..................................................................................................................................... ADRIAN AGUILAR* Bobby.............................................................................................................................ALEXANDER AGUILAR*
understudies Jimmy...............................................................................................................................CHAD MICHAEL INNIS Bobby........................................................................................................................................... ANDREW LUND Swing.............................................................................................................................. JORDAN GRZYBOWSKI Understudy performance will occur only with an announcement to the audience prior to the show.
musicians Conductor/Keyboards......................................................................................................... LINDA MADONIA Bass.................................................................................................................................................... DAN KRISTAN Drums.............................................................................................................................................. SCOTT SIMON The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited.
t i m e a n d p l ac e 1941, Hollywood
musical synopsis ACT I OVERTURE.............................................................................................................................................. Orchestra JUST THE TWO OF US..............................................................................................................Jimmy & Bobby FIRST CLASS LOVE....................................................................................................................Bobby & Jimmy YOU CAN DO ANYTHING...................................................................................................Rebecca & Bobby SWIFTY’S SONG........................................................................................................................................... Swifty HARLEM NIGHTS.........................................................................................................................Millie & Jimmy YOU CAN DO ANYTHING (Reprise).................................................................................Rebecca & Jimmy BETTER OFF WITHOUT YOU..................................................................................................Bobby & Jimmy ACT II ENTR’ACTE.............................................................................................................................................. Orchestra COLD SESAME NOODLES.........................................................................................................Millie & Swifty LET’S TAKE IT SLOW..................................................................................................Bobby & Preston Creest A VERY GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION (Part I) ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Seymour A VERY GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION (Part II).................................................................. Seymour & Swifty GOTCHA!.............................................................................................................................Seymour & Rebecca JUST THE TWO OF US (Reprise)...........................................................................................Bobby & Jimmy BACK TO OLD BROADWAY.....................................................................................................Jimmy & Bobby Double Trouble is presented with one 15 minute intermission. 2
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d i r e c to r ’ s n o t e I grew up arranging my schedule around the air-times of Merry Melodies. What began for me as a simple source of entertainment soon became my fascination and early education in the fundamental structuring of comedy. I still refer to my extensive (albeit nerdy) collection of Looney Tunes shorts for professional reference. It may sound simple, it may sound elementary, but each goofy vignette is a textbook example of how to construct a very clearcut, streamlined, and profoundly effective comedic arc. Of course, I eventually realized it was an art form derived from Chaplin, Keaton, Lloyd and a dozen other silent screen pioneers, but they weren’t in my Saturday morning lineup in those formative, pajama-clad years. When I first read Double Trouble, the images leapt off the page at me as an opportunity to assemble my very own homage to the great Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and all the other Warner Brothers’ legends who taught me everything I know about funny. I’ve never had so much fun as I have preparing this show, in the studio, breaking down every scene, song and dance, to find the heart of each hilarious beat. Jim and Bob Walton have provided such a gift of a script that lends itself to endless comedic opportunity and discovery. I’ve been so blessed to get this chance to build a vehicle for what I find to be one of the most basic human needs: communal laughter. We aren’t redefining the human condition, we aren’t pointing out enormous cultural flaws or solutions, but what we have for you this evening is fundamentally important. We live in a time of great cynicism and seriousness, and it’s difficult to not get buried in it. Laughter can elevate us, and we need it only slightly less than we need water. This is my belief. What I most hope to do, along with my tremendously talented cast and artistic team, is to give you, the audience, a window to a world for a couple of hours that excites you, tickles you and lifts your spirits. I view it as our unique responsibility as artists to remind you of how essential and relevant those Saturday mornings were, spent with your technicolored pals. Matthew Crowle Director - Double Trouble
who’s who in the cast
Adrian Aguilar
Andrew Lund
Alexander Aguilar
Chad Michael Innis
Jordan Grzybowski Double Trouble
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Biogr aphies ADRIAN AGUILAR* (Jimmy) is absolutely miserable. In the last 26 years, Adrian has done countless shows and performances with Alexander Aguilar and swore he’d never do it again. Alex has proven to be difficult to work with, ill prepared for basically anything and everything and, above all, a diva of the highest caliber. You’d think that a guy like that would at least have a little talent but you’d be wrong. Adrian deeply regrets losing the bet with Michael Weber that led to his having to endure the showbiz insolence that is known as “Alexander Aguilar.” In recent years you may have seen Adrian in Porchlight’s productions of Pal Joey and tick, tick, ...BOOM! for which he was nominated for the Jeff Award as Best Lead Actor in a Musical. Other roles include: “Berger” in Hair and “Kenickie” in Grease at The Paramount Theater, “Young Ben Stone” in Follies at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, “Artie Green” in Sunset Boulevard at Drury Lane Oakbrook, and various roles in The Drowsy Chaperone, A Chorus Line, Music Man, and Guys and Dolls at Marriott Theatre. Just six months ago Adrian and his amazing wife, Brianna Borger, welcomed their first baby to the world, and they love him more than they ever knew possible. In December, all three of them and their beloved dog, Richie, are moving to New York so that Adrian can begin rehearsals for a musical version of the movie Rocky, opening at the Winter Garden Theater on Broadway in February of 2014. Thanks to friends and family for their constant support and companionship. Love to B, Richie, the baby boy Ian. Also to Adrian’s little brother, Alex, who is a constant inspiration. ALEXANDER AGUILAR* (Bobby) Every show business family has their weak link. Frank Stallone, Don Swayze, Kevin Dillon, and any Baldwin that isn’t Alec. Alex Aguilar is proud to join this list of dead weight as he makes his Porchlight debut with his brother. On Broadway, he originated the role of “’Uardo Cortez” in Douglas Carter Beane’s Lysistrata Jones and can also be heard on the original Broadway cast recording. For the past year he toured the nation with the Tony Awardwinning musical Memphis. Other Chicago credits include A Chorus Line and The Light in 4
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the Piazza at Marriott Theatre and Annie Get Your Gun starring Patti Lupone and George Hearn at Ravinia. Alex is a proud graduate of The Chicago Academy for the Arts and The University of Cincinnati’s prestigious College-Conservatory of Music. His favorite role is playing Uncle to his new nephew Ian. Love and thanks to all friends and family, Stump, Matt Crowle, Michael Weber, The Walton brothers, and his big brother, Adrian, who made everything possible. ANDREW LUND (Bobby Understudy) is thrilled to make his debut with Porchlight, and can next be seen in their upcoming concert performance of Anyone Can Whistle! Recent credits include GODSPELL (Brown Paper Box Co.), Shakespeare’s R & J (Idle Muse Theatre, Jeff Nominated), and Chicken Little (Chicago Kids Company). Andrew performs with Storytown at Stage 773 and is a company member of the sketch/theatre ensemble Pretty/Windy Theatre Co. Other favorites include Our Town, Eurydice, and The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told. CHAD MICHAEL INNIS (Jimmy Understudy) is delighted to be performing with Porchlight Music Theatre for the first time! Recent Chicago roles include “Curt” in Again, Again (Coriolis Theatre), “Riff Raff” in The Rocky Horror Show (Underscore Theatre) and “Toad” in The Wind in the Willows (Theatre-Hikes). So much love and thanks for family, friends, and educators. www.chadmichaelinnis.com JORDAN GRZYBOWSKI (Swing) is excited to be a part of this wonderful production! Recent credits include Legally Blonde: The Musical (”Warner”) at The Lake Country Playhouse and Victor/Victoria (”Jazz Singer”) at Columbia College Chicago. Jordan has been interning at Porchlight since May of this year and is grateful for all the experience he’s gained. Other Credits include RENT (”Ensemble/Swing”), Assassins (”Charlie Guiteau”), and The Sound of Music (”Rolf”). Enjoy the show!
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JIM WALTON (Book, Music and Lyrics) has written with his brother, Bob, since 1991 when they wrote and performed in My Brother’s Keeper, originally a Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS benefit. This show later played the Pasadena Playhouse and several other regional theaters. Jim and Bob went on to collaborate on a two-actor musical, Double Trouble, in which they performed at Goodspeed-at-Chester and Stage One in Wichita, Kansas. This led to their creation of Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical, which was part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2004 before premiering at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre in 2006. Presently, they are working on their latest creation, A Day in Gloucester. Jim also appeared with Bob in The Ziegfeld Follies 1936 for Encores. His Broadway credits as an actor include: The Music Man (2000 revival), Sweeney Todd (1989 revival), 42nd Street and Merrily We Roll Along, among others. Off-Broadway credits are And the World Goes Round, Closer Than Ever and Scrambled Feet. Jim also starred as “Bobby Child” in Crazy for You, “Young Buddy” in Follies: In Concert and appeared in Sondheim! The Birthday Concert, all taped by PBS. Jim was born in Tachikawa, Japan, raised in Marion, Indiana and graduated from the University of Cincinnati’s CollegeConservatory of Music. He is a proud father of his daughter, Tyler. BOB WALTON (Book, Music and Lyrics) Aside from Double Trouble, Bob has co-written Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical with, his brother, Jim, as well as My Brother‘s Keeper. They are currently developing a new musical A Day in Gloucester. Bob is co-author of the OffBroadway play Game Show, and has directed it in Atlantic City and Toronto. You can learn more about Bob’s other show A High School Musical - 1973 at AHighSchoolMusical1973.com. As an actor in New York, Bob has appeared in The Drowsy Chaperone, as “Bert Berry” in the revival of 42nd Street, The Ziegfeld Follies 1936, Once Upon a Mattress, Show Boat, City of Angels, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Forbidden Broadway Strikes Back and Preppies. Bob was seen on the TV shows Law and Order: SVU, Hope and Faith, Newhart, Eisenhower and Lutz, Pros and
Cons and Picket Fences. Married to Laurie Walton, they have two actor children: Emily and Alex. MATTHEW CROWLE (Director/Choreographer) could focus on what an exhausting three weeks of babysitting the Aguilar brothers has been. He could go on and on about what it’s like trying to drag a stageworthy performance out of the two laziest men in show business. He could pontificate for hours about being in a rehearsal process for the better part of a month and not once witnessing an original spark of inspiration from these two nitwits. But, instead, he’s taking the high road. Because, aside from those two hacks, Matt couldn’t have asked for a better cast! This marks his Chicago directorial debut. Matt’s choreography was most recently seen in Drury Lane Oakbrook’s production of Singin’ In The Rain, in which he also played the role of “Cosmo Brown.” Other favorite Chicago performing credits include “Hunter” in [title of show] at Northlight Theatre, “Patsy” (Jeff nomination) in Spamalot and “Tulsa“ in Gypsy at Drury Lane Oakbrook. Other regional credits include Marriott Lincolnshire, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Gateway Playhouse, The Muny, and the Arkansas Rep. In New York, Matt performed in the Broadway company of Monty Python’s Spamalot, under the direction of Mike Nichols, and was in The York Theatre Company’s Off-Broadway revival of Take Me Along, working closely with the late, great Joseph Stein. He had the honor of tap dancing across the country, for a year, alongside Tommy Tune, in the national tour of Doctor Dolittle. Matt is also an accomplished tap instructor, serving on the theatre conservatory’s dance faculty at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, and teaching theatre tap at the American Rhythm Center with the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. Enormous thanks to Michael Weber for rolling the dice and taking a chance with a new director/choreographer. This production couldn’t have been possible without the influence and training from his mentors Bruce Kirle, David Sly, Ray Hesselink and Judy Heidenreich. Thank you to Ma, Pa Double Trouble
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and Katie for a lifetime of love, support and encouragement. For my brother, Danny, who still makes me laugh every day.
Bergerac, Gypsy, Henry V (Chicago Shakespeare); Camelot (Glimmerglass Opera); and New Stages Amplified (Goodman Theatre).
LINDA MADONIA (Music Director) has been musical directing in the Chicago area for the past 25 years, many of those with in collaboration with Michael Weber. After losing a game of poker, Linda finds herself here, having to work with the two most difficult actors in the business, the Aguilar brothers. Recent credits include Leo on Ice for Leo Burnett at the Chicago Theater, Cabaret and Man of LaMancha for Light Opera Works, and Forbidden Broadway: SVU at the Royal George Theater. Other credits include Grand Hotel and Nunsensations at Drury Lane Water Tower Place, and A Chorus LIne, She Loves Me and Me and My Girl at Theater at the Center. For the past six years, Linda has been the musical director for Chicago’s Equity, and non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards. During the day Linda owns American Eagle Productions, a touring theater that takes shows directly into schools, presenting 300 shows a year to Chicago area schools. Linda would like to thank the Walton brothers, whose work has employed her on Mid-Life: The Crisis Musical and now this new and exciting production. And, thanks to her constant support system, Andie and Mike, who make all things possible.
ALEXIA RUTHERFORD (Costume Designer) is delighted to return to Porchlight Music Theatre having designed costumes for Lady Day at Emerson‘s Bar & Grill. She is a graduate of Northern Michigan University and has spent the last five years building costumes for Court Theatre, The Goodman, Steppenwolf and Writers’ Theatre. Recently she designed Showgirls: The Musical for A Touch Too Much Productions at Stage 773. The last two summers she has been the Costume Shop Manager for the Cherubs program at Northwestern.
JEFFREY D. KMIEC (Scenic Designer) is thrilled to be a part of Double Trouble. Jeffrey has designed with various companies regionally including The Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte North Carolina, and The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival. Recent and upcoming designs include Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Ain’t Misbehavin (Porchlight); Tom Jones (Northlight); The Red Badge of Courage (CTC Charlotte); and 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
JACK HAWKINS (Sound Designer) is a third year sound designer attending The Theatre School at DePaul University. Hailing from Kansas City, Jack works as a freelance Sound Designer. Theatre School design credits include: Kitchen Sink, The Royal Hunt of the Sun, Spring Awakening, Synergy and a co-design credit for I Am Bradley Manning. Professional design credits include: Jack’s Precious Moments, Little Shop of Horrors and The Altruists.
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WILLIAM KIRKHAM (Lighting Designer) is happy to be working with Porchlight again after last season’s The Gifts of the Magi. Recent designs include: Spoon River Anthology (Provision Theater), Bud, Not Buddy (Chicago Children’s Theatre), Annie (Arizona Broadway Theatre), the world premieres of Gidion’s Knot and From Prague (Contemporary American Theater Festival), Upcoming projects include work with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Children’s Theatre and Lookingglass Theatre Company. William received his MFA in Stage Design from Northwestern University. www.wckirkham.com
ANGELA M. CAMPOS (Properties Designer) is excited to be working with Porchlight Music Theatre after recently designing props for Pal Joey. Recent credits include: Devour and The Rover (20% Theatre Company); A Woman in Mind; Long Day’s Journey Into
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Night; and Beyond the Horizon (Eclipse Theatre Company); The Magnificents, Iron Stag King: Part One, Death and Harry Houdini, and The Nutcracker (The House Theatre of Chicago), A Number, Three Days of Rain and Memory (BackStage Theatre Company). She is a company member at Collaboraction Theater Company and would like to thank her friends and family for all their unwavering support. Chris Gekas (Projection Designer) is very excited to be designing video for Double Trouble. Most recently, Chris had been producing the behind the scenes videos for many of Porchlight’s productions over the past year. Chris is a graduate of Illinois State University, majoring in Media Production and minoring in theatre. When he is not working, you can find Chris performing improv at various theaters around the city. AARON SHAPIRO (Production Manager) is excited to be working with Porchlight Music Theater! He is currently the Executive Director and co-founder of Studio BE in Lakeview. After college, Aaron founded Oracle Productions and opened their 40-seat black box theatre in Wrigleyville where he served for four 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. ANDREW GLASENHARDT (Technical Director) would like the thank Aaron and Michael for the opportunity to work with Porchlight Music Theatre. Other credits include Theater Wit’s Completeness and Mythical Proportions, Mercury Theater’s A Grand Night for Singing and The Christmas Schooner. He works regularly for various theaters in the Chicagoland area in various roles including, but not limited to Stage Management, Technical Direction and Master Electrician. Andrew would like to thank his lovely wife, Dana, for all her love and support. THOM VAN ERMEN*+ (Stage Manager) was most recently the Stage Manager for Porchlight’s Pal Joey and The Gifts of the Magi, and Sound Board Engineer for A Class Act. Thom also serves as a Porchlight Artistic Associate. Thom served as Director of Operations for the Theatre Building Chicago until 2010. During that time he also served as Technical Director, Building Manager, and Business Manager. Thom also spent time being a freelance Technical Director for other performing arts groups throughout Chicago and serves on the Advisory Board for Premiere Theatre and Performance. Thom would like to thank his beautiful wife Christa, and their own “double trouble,” Charlotte and Max.
spotlight on a donor Jean Klingenstein grew up in New York City, developing a life-long passion for the Broadway stage at a very early age. She moved to Chicago in 1964 after college to pursue a career in medical social work and happily discovered very quickly that this “Second City” in truth is no “runner-up” when it comes to theatre and the arts. Now retired, she greatly appreciates having the time to attend theatrical productions of all
sorts, but still dearest to her heart and especially beloved are the Broadway musicals. “My introduction to Porchlight Music Theatre came with my first viewing of its superb production of Ragtime, a play I’d seen previously on larger stages and never really cared for. I totally fell in love with this version: the caliber of the singing and acting; the crispness of the direction; and most importantly the intimacy of the size and scale of this heart-felt presentation which encouraged the audience to establish an emotional connection with Double Trouble
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the performers which just isn’t possible in mammoth productions. So I returned many times and became an avid supporter of this gem of a theatre company, most enthusiastically looking forward to its upcoming endeavors!” “Porchlight dares to be innovative, to take chances on less familiar works that deserve to be appreciated and bring them
to Chicago viewers in an intimate setting that allows for that rewarding connection between cast and members of the audience. They also produce the classics that I still so dearly love. I gladly contribute to Porchlight because of Managing Artistic Director Michael Weber’s very creative vision of what’s possible for the future and I want to enjoy these productions for many years to come.”
a r t i s t i c s ta f f Managing Artistic Director.................................................................................................Michael Weber Director/Choreographer................................................................................................MATTHEW CROWLE Music Director........................................................................................................................LINDA MADONIA Scenic Designer....................................................................................................................JEFFREY D. KMIEC Costume Designer....................................................................................................... ALEXIA RUTHERFORD Lighting Designer...............................................................................................................WILLIAM KIRKHAM Sound Designer.........................................................................................................................JACK HAWKINS Properties Designer ......................................................................................................ANGELA M. CAMPOS Projection Designer......................................................................................................................CHRIS GEKAS Wig Design..................................................................................................................................KEVIN BARTHEL
p r o d u c t i o n s ta f f Production Manager............................................................................................................ AARON SHAPIRO Stage Manager...............................................................................................................THOM VAN ERMEN*+ Technical Director................................................................................................. ANDREW GLASENHARDT Carpenters.............................................................................................Andrew Hildner, Matt Drake, Gordon Granger, Michael Wax, Mike Goebel Scenic Artist .................................................................................................................................. ELLIE TERRELL Assistant Scenic Artist.................................................................................................. JACQUELINE VALDEZ Wardrobe Supervisor ........................................................................................................LINDSAY PREROST Sound Board Engineer............................................................................................................JENNA MORAN Assistant Stage Manager............................................................................................... MEGAN KOWALSKY
au d i e n c e s e r v i c e s House Manager.......................................................................... Peggy Clune, JORDAN GRZYBOWSKI
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................................................................................... The Stage Channel Behind the Scenes Video Producer.......................................................................................... JOE FRAAZA Website Design ........................................................................ JON RUNNFELDT+, LAB OF LIFE DESIGN Logo Design.......................................................................................................................................JEFF MEYER Graphic Design .......................................................................................................................... JOHN ALLMAN 8
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a d m i n i s t r at i v e s ta f f Business Manager....................................................................................................... NATE C. GROONWALD Development Director......................................................................................................... CYNTHIA FRAHM Administrative & Marketing Associate.....................................................................................JEFF MEYER Grant Coordinator............................................................................................................. DONALD SPRAGUE Bookkeeper................................................................................................................................... JON HEURING Facilities Manager..............................................................................................................THOM VAN ERMEN Administrative/Production Interns...............................Jordan Grzybowski, Evelyn Jacoby, John Lisi, Rachael Wagenpfeil *Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in America ^Denotes member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society ~Denotes member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 +Denotes Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Associate
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 Cheryl Coons, Bill Crowther, James Jensen, Bil Ingraham, Rhoda Reeling, Greg Viti, Tamara Sims, Sara Siegall, 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, Jonny Runfeldt, 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, Maury Yeston
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Michael Weber Managing Artistic Director Jean Klingenstein Executive Producer
Presents
Book by Arthur Laurents Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Direction by Christopher Pazdernik+ Music Direction by Aaron Benham Stage Management by Chris Tisone* Starring Rebecca Finnegan, Jenny Lamb and Jason Richards c a s t o f c h a r ac t e r s ( i n o r d e r o f a p p e a r a n c e ) Cora Hoover Hooper.............................................................................................. REBECCA FINNEGAN* Treasurer Cooley..........................................................................................................................JEFF MEYER Chief Magruder........................................................................................................ RUSSELL ALAN ROWE Comptroller Schub................................................................................................................JASON GRIMM Fay Apple..................................................................................................................................... JENNY LAMB J. Bowden Hapgood.......................................................................................................JASON RICHARDS Baby Joan/Ensemble..........................................................................................BRITTANY BOOKBINDER Mrs. Schroeder/Ensemble..................................................................................................CARON BUINIS June/Osgood/Ensemble................................................................................................... SARAH HAYES+ Dr. Detmold/One of Cora’s Boys/Ensemble...........................................................JEFF BOUTHIETTE George/One of Cora’s Boys/Ensemble......................................................................... ANDREW LUND John/One of Cora’s Boys/Ensemble.................................................................................. ELI BRANSON Martin/One of Cora’s Boys/Ensemble......................................................... GERALD RICHARDSON+ musicians Conductor/Keyboards.................................................................................................... AARON BENHAM The use of any recording devise, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Anyone Can Whistle is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI): www.mtishows.com 10
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Biogr aphies BRITTANY BOOKBINDER (Baby Joan/ Ensemble) returns to Porchlight Music Theatre after appearing in A Catered Affair (u/s Janey). Chicago credits include Spring Awakening (Griffin Theatre), Selections from Carousel (Theater Wit), Superman 2050 (Theater Unspeakable), and recently a reading of Signs of Life (Victory Gardens). Brittany is a graduate of the School at Steppenwolf and Northwestern University. JEFF BOUTHIETTE (Dr. Detmold/One of Cora’s Boys/Ensemble) is a actor, improviser and songwriter. Favorite roles include “Montel/Jesus” in Jerry Springer: The Opera (Bailiwick Rep) and Babyface in Happy End (Brown Couch). He is also a founding ensemble member of The Improvised Sondheim Project. ELI BRANSON (John/One of Cora’s Boys/ Ensemble) is ecstatic to help usher in the inaugural Porchlight Revisits series! This is his 3rd project with Porchlight Music Theatre and he so grateful to be a part of the Whistle team! Love to family, friends and Seanbug. CARON BUINIS (Mrs. Schroeder/Ensemble) Theatrical credits include Kiss of the Spider Woman, BoHo Theatre, The Music Man, Paramount Arts Center, My Kind of Town, TimeLine Theatre, and A Catered Affair, Porchlight Music Theatre. Caron also performs with Acts of Kindness Cabaret, a cabaret group that provides entertainment for fundtraising entities throughout the Chicagoland area. Rebecca Finnegan* (Cora Hoover Hooper) is proud to have been involved with Porchlight for many years. She is a multiple Jeff Award nominee and recipient. Her work with Porchlight includes A Catered Affair, Sweeney Todd, Closer Than Ever, Cabaret and Company. She has been seen throughout the Chicago area at The
Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, Court Theatre, Drury Lane, The Marriott and Timeline Theatre and has appeared in regional theaters across the country. JASON GRIMM (Comptroller Schub) Recent credits: Improbable Frequency, Strawdog Theatre (“John Betjemen/O’Dromedary”), Reefer Madness the Musical, Circle Theatre (“The Lecturer,” 2013 N.E. Jeff Nomination: Best Actor in a Musical), The Mystery of Irma Vep, Theatre Squared (“Edgar, Jane, Irma”). You can also find Jason playing the piano in a variety of ill-mannered places around town. SARAH HAYES+ (June/Osgood/Ensemble) is an Artistic Associate with Porchlight, where she has appeared in a number of shows including Ragtime, Candide and Sweeney Todd. She’s also had the pleasure of working with Chicago Shakespeare, Ravinia, ATC, City Lit, Noble Fool and Light Opera Works, among others. Sarah received a Non-Equity Jeff nomination for Lead Actress in a Musical for her work as “Aldonza” in Theo Ubique’s Man of La Mancha. JENNY LAMB (Fay Apple) is ecstatic to be working with Porchlight Music Theatre for the first time. Recent credits include Cabaret (“Sally Bowles”) with Light Opera Works, Speaking in Tongues (“Jane/ Valerie”) with Interrobang Theatre Project and the world premiere of Trainspotting USA (“Alison, et all”) with Book and Lyric Theatricals. Jenny is co- founder and co-Artistic Director of Li’l Buds Theatre Company and a Teaching Artist at The Second City. ANDREW LUND (George/Cora’s Boys) is also currently working on Porchlight’s Double Trouble (“Bobby Martin U/S”)! Chicago: Pretty/Windy Theatre (Company Member), The Brown Paper Box Co., Idle Double Trouble
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Muse Theatre (Jeff Nominated), Chicago Kids Company, and Fury Theatre. Favorites: Jesus in GODSPELL, Juliet in Shakespeare’s R & J, and Lord of the Underworld in Eurydice. JEFF MEYER (Treasurer Cooley) graduated in 2012 from Northwestern University with a BA in Theatre and History and a certificate in Music Theatre. Favorite roles include: “the Emcee” in Cabaret, “Jack” in Into the Woods, and himself in Waa-Mu and The Romance of Richard Rodgers. He has worked with The Music Theatre Company, Alphabet Soup Productions, and Prop Thtr. In October, he will appear in Haven Theatre’s The Wedding Singer directed by Jess McLoed. JASON RICHARDS (J. Bowden Hapgood) is thrilled to be back at Porchlight where he was last seen as “Jim Dillingham” in The Gifts of the Magi. Other Chicago credits include “Nicky/Trekkie Monster” in Avenue Q (Jeff Award, NightBlue Performing Arts Company) Shrek: The Musical (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), “Hines” in The Pajama Game (The Music Theatre Company) and children’s theatre work with TheatreBAM and GreatWorks. This October marks Jason’s next project: his wedding. GERALD RICHARDSON+ (Martin/One of Cora’s Boys/Ensemble) is proud to be a part of another Porchlight production. Previous Porchlight productions include The Gifts of the Magi, Once On This Island, Ragtime, Phantom and Candide. Gerald is also a proud Porchlight Artistic Associate.
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RUSSELL ALAN ROWE (Chief Magruder) is honored to be making his Porchlight debut with Anyone Can Whistle. Most recently Russell was seen as “Robert Danvers” in There’s A Girl In My Soup at Metropolis Center for the Arts, Floyd Collins and The Rainmaker with Bohemian Theatre Ensemble. Also an accomplished pianist, Russell plays with his jazz trio at many Chicago jazz clubs, restaurants and retailers. CHRISTOPHER PAZDERNIK+ (Director) is proud Artistic Associate of PMT, Christopher’s other directing/ choreography credits across Chicago include work with Bailiwick Chicago, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Theo Ubique, Village Players, Elmhurst College and Bailiwick Repertory, as well as a series of musical theater revues at Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret. He is also the Artistic Producer for Bailiwick Chicago and the Annual Fund Coordinator at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. AARON BENHAM (Music Director/Conductor) is a local music director, conductor, arranger and composer. He has appeared with Porchlight in Putting it Together, as well as with Writers‘ Theatre, Theo-Ubique, Second City, Bailiwick Chicago, and NightBlue. BFA, Emerson College. Christopher N. Tisone* (Stage Manager) is a freelance Stage Manager, designer and actor. Past Porchlight efforts include, Company, Nine, Candide, The Fantastics, and last years’ Chicago premiere of A Class Act at Theater Wit.
special thanks To Stage 773, and to our donors, subscribers and audience members who maintain a continuing commitment to our work. The company of Double Trouble would like to extend special thanks to Tiffany Topol.
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 if you dine there and stay for our show, you can use their parking lot for free. We are grateful to Coopers for their food donation for the opening reception of each show. Please patronize them! 1232 West Belmont / Chicago, IL 60657 / 773.929.COOP (2667)
ANNUAL SUPPORT Porchlight Music Theatre gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following individuals, businesses, foundations and corporations. We apologize for any omissions. If you would like your name to appear differently or prefer to remain anonymous please contact us at cynthia@porchlightmusictheatre.org or 773.777.9884. Step into the spotlight and be a part of Porchlight Music Theatre - Chicago’s music theatre - a community of artists and theatre lovers who create American Musicals...Chicago Style. Foundations/ Corporate Sponsors A.R.T. League Arts Work Fund Baxter Bespoke Cuisine Chapman & Spingola Chase Bank City Arts Grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation Gaylord and Dorothy Donnellley Foundation The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Illinois Arts Council The Lester and Hope Abelson Fund for the Performing Arts National Association of Realtors Peoples Gas Porchlight Annual Giving Society The Saints
PRODUCER $5000+ Bill Crowther* Brenda Didier* James Jensen* Jean Klingenstein* Kathryn Michael* Rhoda Reeling* L. Walter Stearns & Eugene Dizon* PRINCIPAL $2500-$4999 David & Ilise Goldberg William Ingraham & Brad McCormick* Jean Klingenstein* Keith Olenik* Ron & Judie Zoromski* PLAYER $1000 - $2499 Jennifer Aguilar Mary Kay Conley* Devin Depinet & Amy Jackson* Leonora Dickson* Judith Friedman* Patrick & Laura Lederer* Jeannie Lukow* Willa Taylor & Mary Morten*
Jerry McCann & Patricia Elwood* Kim Shambrook* Jay & Tamara Sims Carl Tisone* Mary Alice Wheeler* Greg & Susan Viti* ASSOCIATE $500-$999 Eric & Kristi Bramlett Cheri Coons* Maureen B. Daw, Ph.D.* Frank & Susan DiCostanzo Larry Dooley* David Dorton & Christin Boulette Nancy Flaster* Freda Friedman Diane Graham Henry & Tom Hall* Tom Hartman* Yvette Ingraham Bill Morey & Chris Tisone* William O’Malley* William Reulback & Lisa Bierly Reulback John & Suzanne Shambrook*
Sara Siegall* & Taron Tackman Donald E. Sprague* Lauren Taslitz Jan L. & Bruce S. Tranen Rebekah & Frank Zhao Seymour Zitomersky & Barbara LaSpesa PATRON $250-$499 Lisa Bierly Michael Camp Carla Dawley Sylvia Friedman Scott Goldstein Barbara Goodman David Marker & Georgann Joseph Steve & Karen Multer Charles Peng Marc Robin Cassie Brooks & Sumit Sengupta Christopher Tisone Thom & Christa Van Ermen Dennis & Tina Vaughn Sandra Barnett White Susan Wishnick & Allen Steinberg Double Trouble
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a n n ua l s u p p o r t SUPPORTER $100-$249 Jennifer Aguilar Larry Baker James Barrett Frances & Mona Barth Steven Bashwiner Mary Blomquist Michael Buenger & Cynthia Czech Thomas Chiola & Drew Jemilo Richard Boyum & Louie Chua Richard Brannegan Brigid Brown Noreen Burke Leslie Cason Caryn Coons Michelle & Steven Cucchiaro Matt DeCaro Elizabeth Derrico Mary Anne Doran Fred Drucker & Rhoda Davis Sweeney Deanna Dunagan Gerald & Eileen Eisenstein Michael Elkow Jr. Malcom Ewen Patricia Fort Rhona & Julian Frazin Larry & Eileen Frederick Barbara Gaines Tony Gibson Mierka Girten Jack Goes Jeffrey Glenn Jason Groh Thomas Guerra Paul Guse Joan & Guy Gunzberg Susan & Harlan Haimes Lynn Hamilton Jon & Darcy Heuring William & Winfred Heuring Marty Higginbotham Kevin & Jan Holland Dolores Ingemunson David Jablonowski Louis Kersten Wayne Koepke Steve Kolinski Karen Kozlow
c o n t.
Linda Kraft John Langfeld Victoria Fosse Larson & Michael Gehrisch Caroline Lee Thomas & Kathy Lengacher Charles Licht Marielle Lifshitz Krystan Lordahl Colin Lyons Henry & Florine Marks Bill Marovitz Bob Mason Sonia Mauseth Corinne McArdle John & Linda Michael Anne Michka Arlene Mikol Steve Montner Paul Motondo Karen Muth Richard Murphy Drs. Shelly & Maris Nasatir Charlotte Newfeld Jean Novick Edward & Rebecca O’Connell Jeffrey Parker Marcel Pasciak Sheldon Patinkin Abe & Suzanne Peck Angela & Charlie Platt Anthony Riviello Michael Rola Katherine Ruff Tamara Schiller & Charles Hoffman Mary Shilling-Martin Rosemary Schnell Randy Smith Neil Simmons Gardenar Stevens Brad Thien Suzy Thomas Lolly Trauscht Keeley Vasquez Mark Weston Roberta Zabel Kristi Zimmerman FRIEND $50-$99 Jim Anderson Heather Behanna David Belew
Alice Brandee David Chinitz Diane Claussen Magdalyn Cohn Diane Dorsey Brigid Duffy Lori Dunn Peter Eldridge Cardi Fleck Ann Followill Eric & Marilyn Fors Patricia Fort Charles Giglio Cindy Gold David Gould Joseph & Linda Grear Michael Hamilton Chris Hodak Lavella Jones Marian Kanderbek Alexa Karkazis Brad Kemp Jenn Kincaid William Larkin Makena Levine Susan Lieberman Krystan Lordahl Paula Lyons Frances Maggio Henry & Florine Marks Diana Martinez Sonia Mauseth Megon McDonough Johanna McKenzie Miller Beckie Menzie David Michael Scott Mikita Arlene Mikol Madeline Moon Tom Mullen Richard Murphy Julia Neary Nancy Nickel Charles O’Connor Susan & Pat Pastin Jeff Perry Jane Purdy Jeff Richey Sherrie Robért Laura Sachs Mark Satter Mary Sebahar Linda Shore Jack Short Scott Silberstein
Martha Spaulding Gerald Sherman Dariel Stack Sara Stern Mary Pat Studdert Richard Terrett Sean Thomas Denise Tracy Jaret Williams Larry Wyatt FRIEND $25-$49 Robert Austin Nan Birmingham Lili-Anne Brown Marcy Carrington Donna & Jerry Cody Maureen & Kevin Cogan Major George F. & Mary Dempsey Louise Dieterle David Fink Jack Hakman Deanna Haverty Bobbie and Bob Heiman Thomas Moore Caroline Overman Barbara Plona Leigh Ann Reichenbach Jan Wellspeak Caroline West Gifts were made in honor of Cheryl Coons Cynthia Frahm Stephen B. Lewis Jeannie Lukow The Memory of Newtown, CT Rhoda Reeling Tamara Sims Ryan Tisone Michael Weber Kristi Zimmerman In Memory of Theresa Zoromski *denotes inaugural member of the PMT Annual Giving Society
Porchlight’s Annual Giving Society 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. 14
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s tag e 77 3 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 tag e 77 3 s ta f f Brian Posen.........................................................................................................................Creative Director Kristin Larsen................................................................................................................... Executive Director Jill Valentine.............................................................................................................Director of Operations Brian Peterlin................................................................................................................ Director of Facilities Jack Short........................................................................................................ Director of Tenant Services Liren Shi.............................................................................................................................Business Manager Education Coordinator....................................................................................................... Hilary Williams Administrative Assistant..............................................................................................................Zach Abel Box Office...............................................................Nancy Farnand, Joey Gilmore, Kevin McDonald, Michelle Maurer, Laura Wilson House Managers................................................................................ Chante Keller, Mandy Whitenack Bar Staff .............................................................................Amy Alfultis, Vance Brinkerhoff, Katie Faris, Chante Keller, Jacob Welch Tech Staff.......................................................................... John Craig, Junella Gabriel, Byron Roussin Ushering services are provided by The Saints.
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w e l c o m e to s tag e 77 3 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, you can see over 30 different types of performances on any one of our four stages! Coming soon we will be presenting performances from Cowardly Scarecrow, About Face, TimeLine Theatre and a host of cabaret, stand up and improv groups. 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. Stage 773 is a not-for-profit Company which both offers subsidized theater rentals for artistic companies and produces its own work. We are dedicated to creating a peerless vibe presenting quality transformative theatrical experience at the best state of the art off-loop theatre facility in Chicago. We retain and promote our identity as a grassroots organization empathetic to the needs of artists. We continue to go above-andbeyond for the artists and patrons in order to populate a building with quality renters. Additionally, Stage 773 produces quality productions ranging in all different mediums, from Festivals to musicals and dramatic theater. We also offer classes for artists and the community. For more information on performances, space rental and special events visits us at www.stage773.com
Support Stage 773! Sunday, September 29, 2013
Come One! Come All! The Fun House. Featuring a dazzling display of fun, talent and interactive entertainment to astonish, arouse and amaze you.
Visit www.stage773.com or call 773.327.5252 16
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