Pride Arts - The Things I Could Never Tell Steven by Footlights.com

PrideArts

Jay Españo, Artistic Director Michael Starcher, Operations Manager

Presents

THE THINGS I COULD NEVER TELL STEVEN Created by Jye Bryant Production Manager Michael Starcher

Assistant Production Manager Victoria Andrus

Director Jay Españo

Music Director Robert Ollis

Assistant Director Jordan Ratliff

Scenic Design Foiles

Lighting Design Kentrell (Trey) Brazeal

Costume Design Isaac Jay Pineda

Props Design Foiles

Media Design Jordan Ratliff

Stage Management Hannah Morris Featuring: Nate Hall, Carl Herzog, Kyra Leigh and Elissa Newcorn

Opening August 23, 2021 The Broadway, Pride Arts Center | 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613 FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.pridearts.org The Things I Could Never Tell Steven

CAST LIST Mother...............................................................................................................................................Kyra Leigh Father.............................................................................................................................................. Carl Herzog Wife............................................................................................................................................Elissa Newcorn The Ex...................................................................................................................................................Nate Hall Special cameo appearance.............................................................................................Jordan Bisceglia UNDERSTUDIES Mother............................................................................................................................Michelle Paola Ortiz Father.......................................................................................................................James Edward Dauphin Wife.....................................................................................................................................Mary Laura Godby The Ex......................................................................................................................................... Croix Kelchen

SET TING Anywhere, USA Time: The present THE THINGS I COULD NEVER TELL STEVEN is performed without an intermission.

MUSICAL NUMBERS Then You’d Know.............................................................................................................................Company All Because I Do.......................................................................................................................................... Wife Now, The Bitch Is His Wife................................................................................................................. Mother Three Small Words.................................................................................................................................Father Sex With An Ex........................................................................................................................................ The Ex My Little Possum and I....................................................................................................................... Mother If I Never Knew You................................................................................................................................... Wife Memories of You.................................................................................................................................... The Ex Steven’s Birthday.............................................................................................................................Company He’s Not You................................................................................................................................................. Wife Secret on the Side................................................................................................................................. The Ex I Still Have Me............................................................................................................................................. Wife Middle Ground........................................................................................................................................Father Steven’s Box........................................................................................................................................... Mother Steven & Me............................................................................................................................................ The Ex I Never Told You.......................................................................................................................................Father I’ll Forever Keep A Part of You............................................................................................................... Wife I’ll Say Goodbye...................................................................................................................................... The Ex Steven Knows...................................................................................................................................Company Bows.............................................................................................................................................. Instrumental Exit Music.................................................................................................................................... Instrumental

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ABOUT THE PL AY WRIGHT

Jye Bryant is a Sydney-based, Australian Musical Theatre Composer, Lyricist, Producer and Author with a passion for Theatre, Education and Social Justice. Using a combination of witty lyrics and hummable melodies, his work aims to inspire positive social change through a unique blend of entertainment and education. Jye Bryant’s compositions are performed regularly on cabaret circuits all over the world, where he has gained popularity as the composer of choice for many high profile international artists. In 2018, Jye released his book, Writing & Staging A New Musical - A Handbook, aimed at supporting writers and producers to get their work out into the theatre world. Although Jye Bryant trained as a Secondary School Music Teacher, he has spent most of his adult life as a Youth Worker and Adult Educator using his diverse skill set to better the lives of children and young people. Some of his work to date includes: The Things I Could Never Tell Steven (2015, 2017, 2018,2019 & 2020), Captain Moonlite (2020), Sempre Libera (2019 & 2020) The Oldest Profession (2016), The Velveteen Rabbit (2013), In Bed With Jye (& Friends) (2012), Rainbow Tears (2007), Aladdin Goes To Africa (2007), Peter Pan (2006), Cinderella Meets Her Prince (2005), Sleeping Beautifully (2004) and many more. You can connect with Jye on: Facebook: www.facebook.com/jyebryantproductions Instagram: www.instagram.com/jye_bryant LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jyebryant YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheJyeBryant Twitter: www.twitter.com/jyebryant Website: www.jyebryant.com

Are you a Pathfinder? PrideArts is filming short videos with community members and friends who have remarkable stories. If you are an elder, and wish to be considered, please send an email with PATHFINDER in the subject line to prideartschicago@gmail.com and in a few sentences, let us know why ayou should be included in the Pride Pathfinder videos.

The Things I Could Never Tell Steven

D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E

Welcome back to the theater! As a result of the pandemic, I stepped in as PrideArts Artistic Director with a season’s theme of “the search for one’s identity”. I felt it was appropriate and in line with what most people are experiencing during these trying times. The never ending existential question of who am I? rings true for everyone. I wanted that to be reflected in our shows. So, when Robert Ollis presented The Things I Could Never Tell Steven, I was initially intrigued by the title and the concept. The audience gets to know Steven through the perspectives of four nameless characters. Four characters blinded by the idea of Steven. For them, Steven represents the perfect son, the suitable husband, and the quintessential lover. As I dig deeper into the play’s trope, it made me think about hero worship: how one gets sucked into cults, conspiracy theories and religious fanatics. It made me think of people who would turn their backs on the truth just to protect their so-called beliefs. But what happens when the person you look up to turns out to be nothing like you imagined them to be? Do you continue to worship them and turn a blind eye? Do you confront them or do you walk away? Such are the questions that I want to ask the audience as they journey with these four characters. Someone once said that “wisdom comes by disillusionment”. Maybe that’s true. Maybe disillusionment forces us to self-reflect, to understand that we don’t need a Steven in our lives. We just need to know who we truly are and that should be more than enough.

SEASON SPONSORS

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AC TO R B I O G R A P H I E S

James Edward Dauphin (Father Understudy) is pleased to make his PrideArts debut. Regional and stock credits include leads in such shows as Crazy For You, A Chorus Line, Angels in America, Little Shop of Horrors, Peter Pan, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Secret Garden, West Side Story, Next Fall as well as performances at Lyric Opera of Chicago. James Edward is a former designer and animator for The Walt Disney Company and Artistic Director for Underdog Theatre Company. Special thanks to Jay, Robert, fellow cast and crew and his mother for her never ending support throughout his career. Mary Laura Godby (Wife Understudy) is keen to be working with PrideArts again! She recently returned from a 15-month contract in Osaka, Japan, performing with Universal Studios. Mary loved working as an understudy for Pride’s 2019 Jeffnominated work: All That He Was. As a graduate of Northwestern University, she enjoys teaching, nannying, and performing as an ensemble member for Imagination Theater. She would like to thank the entire Steven team for this incredible opportunity to perform in Chicago again! Nate Hall (The Ex) is ecstatic to jump back into theater with PrideArts! Chicago credits include The Ballad of Lefty and Crabbe, Moby Dick: A Musical, Notes and Letters (Underscore

Theatre), and Bonnie and Clyde (Madkap Productions). “Tons of love to Hannah and Banjo and Scott.” Carl Herzog (Father) is excited to debut at PrideArts with this talented cast/crew. Chicago acting credits include My Way and Bridges of Madison County (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre) Chicago Med, and The Thing About Harry (TV). He also curates Live @ the Treehouse promoting local art. Love to PIMMS. carlherzog.com Croix Kelchen (The Ex Understudy) is excited to be performing with PrideArts in his debut Chicago stage show. Hailing from humble Iowa, his credits include The Shape of Things (RHCR Theatre), Noises Off (The Giving Tree Theater), and Grease (Theatre Cedar Rapids). “Love to Mom and Cody for believing in me!” Kyra Leigh (Mother) is thrilled to be at PrideArts again. Chicago acting credits include Love Serving Love (Valiant Theatre); Sundown, Yellow Moon (Raven Theatre); Southern Comfort (PrideArts); Music directing credits include Head Over Heels (Kokandy Productions); She’s also composed Transfigure, a full concept album. “Much love to Ryan and the cats!”

The Things I Could Never Tell Steven

AC TO R B I O G R A P H I E S

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Elissa Newcorn (Wife) is returning to PrideArts, last appearing in The Boy From Oz. Chicago credits include Hunchback of Notre Dame (Music Theater Works); Grace, or… (BPBCo); Fugitive Songs (BoHo); Disaster! (Chicago Theatre Workshop); First Date (Royal George); The Last Five Years (Metropolis); Reefer Madness (Circle Theatre). “Gratitude always to my family”. www.elissanewcorn.com.

Michelle Paola Ortiz (U/S Mother) is excited to make her debut in her first professional theatre production. Recent credits include Little Women, Ordinary Days, and Spring Awakening at North Central College where she has earned her bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Theatrical Design. To see more of her work visit: www.michellepaolaortiz.com

PRODUCTION TEA M BIOGR APHIES

Jay Españo (Director) Philippine-born, Jay is delighted to step in as Artistic Director of PrideArts. Spanning over the two decades, this actor, writer and director has comprehensively honed his skills in various capacities in theater, TV and film in Asia, Canada and the US. Notable roles include the King in The King and I, Rocky in Rocky Horror Picture Show, Felicia in Priscilla: Queen Of the Desert, Smudge in Forever Plaid and most recently Lysander in Midsummer Night’s Dream. He holds a BFA in Musical Theater from Lasalle College of the Arts Singapore. In 2015 he earned his MFA in Film Directing at Columbia College Chicago. His thesis film, Mahal was screened and garnered awards at several local and international film festivals. His love for film is always present in the ideas he brings to his direction of his stage work and inventive storytelling. Much love to his supportive husband, Doug. Robert Ollis (Music Director) served as Music Director for PrideArts’ productions of A Man Of No Importance, Southern Comfort, Yank! A WWII Love Story, The Nance, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, The Boy From Oz, Songs From An Unmade Bed, 8

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A History of Summer, The Book of Merman and Under A Rainbow Flag. He served as Music Director for Underscore Theatre’s hit show Haymarket: A New Folk Musical. Robert received a Jeff Award for musical direction of Kiss of the Spider Woman, in addition to his nominations for seven other shows. Robert has also served as Music Director for notable productions at Bailiwick Chicago and Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, including Flaherty and Ahrens’ My Favorite Year. Robert is the music director and co-creator of Judy and Liza: The London Palladium Concert - A Tribute and has accompanied performers Donna McKechnie, Capathia Jenkins, Andrea Marcovicci, Nancy Hays, Nick Adams and Alexandra Billings at cabaret and concert venues in New York City and Chicago. Hannah Morris (Stage Manager) is psyched to join the PrideArts team. They received their BFA in Stage Management from Salem State University in 2020. Credits include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Music Theater Works); White Witch, She Kills Monsters and Harvey (Salem State Theatre).

PRODUCTION TEA M BIOGR APHIES

Foiles (Prop and Set Design) is excited to make their Chicago design debut at PrideArts. Credits Include: No Exit (Ad Astra Theatre Co.), Constellations (Washburn University), One Man Two Guvnors (Michigan State University) and Julius Caesar (Michigan State University). Their design work can be found at gracefoiles.com Trey Brazeal (Lighting Design) is based in Chicago and is excited and thankful to PrideArts for giving him the opportunity to do shows within the city during these times. Some of Trey’s other shows include Little Shop of Horrors and My Way: A Frank Sinatra Tribute Concert (Metropolis) and Tally’s Folly (Oil Lamp Theatre).

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Isaac Jay Pineda (Costume Design) is thrilled to be making his PrideArts debut. Isaac is a theatre artist hailing from Southern California and a Columbia college alumni. Some favorite credits include Waiting for Godot (Victory Gardens), A Man of No Importance and Orlando, (Columbia College Chicago). Check out his work at www.isaacjaypineda.com Jordan Ratliff (Assistant Director / Media Design) is thrilled to be working with PrideArts right out of college. Directorial credits include: Gay Card (UIUC), Love Life (New Revels Players), Prospect High: Brooklyn (Armory Free Theater), and Songs For A New World (Allen Hall Theatre Bums). Writing credits include: Love Life (NRP) and Fugitives In America (KCPA).

SPECIAL THANKS Stefan Brun Colin Ross StageRight ComforTek Seating Foiles Indigo Coar Madeleine Switzer Tony Bozzuto Emily Steinbach Joan Ambo and the JASC (Japanese American Service Committee) Joe Loffing Magdiel Carmona John Blick Lakewood East Chamber of Commerce Buena Park Neighbors Bob Faust Shaw Industries Ruben Hanohano Eva Skye Pierre Desogne Raymond Nicholas

The Things I Could Never Tell Steven

DONOR LIST (This list reflects donations from January 1, 2020 to July 30, 2021.) Gold Circle ($5,000+) Anonymous Geoffrey Anderson Larry Blust Robert Ollis and Richard Gibbons Amy Robbins David Zak and Christopher Kirbabas Silver Circle ($2,500+) Leatrice Berman Sandler Stuart Burstein Tom Chiola Brian Woodworth Jay Deratany and Curt Smith Bronze Circle ($1,000+) Bob Cohn Brenda Didier John Dreixler James Gearen Paula Goedert Michael Horvich (in memory of Gregory Maire) Wendy Istvanick Harvey and Fran Kaluzna Gary E.A. Lawler Edward Mack James Mark Pellegrino Linda Quinde Rusty Rector Norman Sandfield Jo Ann Swienton Richard Sypniewski Myles Tobin Partner ($500+) John R Austin and Joseph Saur Michael Bland Larry Todd Cousineau Elliott Fredland Robert Friedman David Germaine Christine Hadley 10

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Maria Harrigan Daniel Hickey Stacy Jakobe Rick Kinnebrew Marcelline Klestil Jeanette Klingenstein Andrew Lambros Mike Liska Paul Lisnek Bliss McMahon Mermal-Goldman CPA Jeanette Murphy Jack Quigley Jill Renn Bob Schwartz Diane Studenroth Nancy Studenroth Margaret Wander Patron ($250+) Sue Bettman Adam Boltz and Mike Spears Spencer Brown and Ben Levinsky Robert Burger Harvey Burstein Lori Cannon Matthew Connelly Victor L Corder Donald Cortelyou Donna Fleming The Baird Foundation Donica Henderson-Tribue Kip Kelly Mark LeBeau and Scott Hildebrand Jim McDaniel Justin Nixon James Pilarski Anne Rossiter Stephen Roy Richard Schieler Robert Schnuckel Stephen Scott Michael Waltz Adam Zaucha

Friend ($100+) Amelia Amato Paulo Angelino Howard Aronson Patricia Aylward Martin Balogh David Bentlin Michael Bredenkamp Joseph Burke Mike Christ Michelle Cucchiaro Joan Curto John Dally and Todd Young Cory Daverman Daniel Dornbrook Kevin Dowdle Alan Eddington Sally Fletcher Gregory Franklin Lily Garza Garry Gryder Angela Haggie Roland C Hansen Christian Heller Ruth Johnston Tom Kiley Paul Klaeysen Stephen Kmetko Stephanie Krol Stacey Ladewski Bill Ladewski Ryan Lanning Waite Ron Lindenau Paul Lisnek Terese Lomasney Steven Lutz Fred Mahaffey Anne Mansfield Gerri Martin Ronald Mcclure Kathleen McMahon Andreas Melinat Scott Miller Margaret Miller Joey Molenda Mary Morten Jeanette Murphy

DONOR LIST

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John Myers Cassidy Neveux Michael Novick Margo Oberman Jim O’Donnell John Olson and Maurice Vallejo Sander Ottes Cynthia Patti Bob Pernini Brian Phelan Ellen Pulliam David Ranney Margie Rauen Mike Razim Michael Schoenig Asher and Tasha Seago-Ramaly Marc Straits Michelle Tanios Ross Weber Tilly Wilhoite Eustace Williams Susan Wishnick Nancy Woodruff Nancy Zak Patron ($25+) Patrizia Acerra Joe and Susan Adler Kurt Baer Fernando Banales-Mejia Russell Barefield Katarzyna Bernacki Erik Blanc Tim Bohlander Jenny Brandhorst Rebekah Brooks Anne Burnell David Byrne John Carlsen David Cerda Sandra Chipman Job Christenson Jennifer Clark Arnold Cohen John Coleman Erika Cornelisen Diana Cortez Kathy Cunningham

Heather Currie Philip Darling Jenny Davis Kingsley Day Andrew DeFuniak Larry Dieffenbach Jack Edgerton Quenya Evans Derrick Everett Jaelene Fayhee Jay Fishman Craig Foley Priscilla Fossum Kenneth Frank Kenneth Friedrich Paula Fusco Stacy Garrop Peter Gately Judy Germany Steven Glickman Lucia Glunz Susan Greenberg Thomas Grogan Scott Gryder Kimberly Hamm Zachary Harig Hannah Hayes Michael Hickey Blair Hoffman John Hogan Erica Husted James Huttenhower Garrett Johannsen Rylee Johnson Steven Jones Amanda Jones Philip Joseph James Juliano Kristine Jurczyk Joan Keleher Kim Klein Peter Knippel Ira Kohlman Elizabeth Kolb Matthew Kowieski Klaas Jan Kramer Elizabeth Kullman Aimee Lacy William Levitt Vincent J Liotta

Mike Mangan Robert Mason Bill Mathis Denise McGowan Tracy David Moore Jan Mulqueeny Kristina Nicolas David Niemeyer Gregory Nigosian Mary Oelerich Laura Patterson John Pawlikowski Luke Preczewski David Prottas Susie Renn David Robertson Sheldon Rosenfeld Stacey Roux Andrew Rowe Ashley Russell Stephen Sandler Phillip Shayne Gerald Sherwood Liz Stallone Mary Starn Simone Stevens Trenton Stewart Charles Swint Cheri Tatar and Amber Mandley Dan Thibeault Ailika Thomas Clarisa Vela Bruce Viner Gray Vogelmann Emily Wall Ross Weber Cathy Wilcox Jared Wile Lauretta Williams Ebony Williams Derek Wooten Yelena Yankovskaya M Young-Stephens

The Things I Could Never Tell Steven

P R I D E A R T S T H A N K S T H E F O L L OW I N G F O R T H E I R S U P P O R T O F THE THINGS I COULD NEVER TELL STEVEN Patricia Aylward Larry Blust Jim Condon and Jeff Kerr Jean Klingenstein Robert Ollis and Richard Gibbons Jim Nutter and Phil Burgess Anne Rossiter Stephen Winters and Don Curtis Cheri Tatar and Amber Mandley Braden Berkey Robert Bartlett Bob Cohn Roy Wesley and Mark Weber Jack Schwab and Dave Sandelin

A V E R Y S P E C I A L T H A N K YO U T O B O B FA U S T F O R C R E AT I N G O U R N E W W I N D O W D I S P L A Y Bob Faust With typography at its core, Bob Faust makes work to inform, empower and/or instigate in the service and celebration of human difference. Text, image, materiality and the contextual choices made for each work are driven by concept which makes him a challenge to categorize in any singular way. “My intent is to incite a physical or emotional reaction to manifest new memories — so whatever it takes and however is best to make that happen is how I am working right now.” says Faust. He is described as “part artist, part designer and part mediator” and is the principal and creative director for Faust, a Chicago-based art and design studio with a focus on cultural articulation. He is also the partner and design collaborator of artist Nick Cave. Together, the two recently opened a dynamic, multi-use creative space in Chicago called Facility. As an entity, it believes that art and design can create peace, build power, and change the world ... that by fostering an environment and community built from your dreams you will wake up daily within your destiny. NewCity magazine honored Faust as “Best Breakthrough Design Artist” in 2017 and followed up in 2020 naming him and partner Nick Cave “Designers of the Moment.” He has also been recognized as a design leader nationally and internationally by publications and institutions such as Communication Arts, NBC5 Chicago, the Society of Typographic Arts and Under Consideration. Faust also serves on the Cultural Advisory Council for the City of Chicago, Chicago as well as the Committee on Design for the city’s Department of Planning and Development. Other positions he currently holds are on the Chicago Dancemakers Forum Board of Directors and the School of the Art Institute’s Fashion Council.

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P R I D E A R T S T H A N K S O U R F O U N DAT I O N PA R T N E R S F O R 2 0 21- 2 2 Illinois Arts Council, a State Agency City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Alphawood Foundation MacArthur Foundation Arts Work Fund Pledgeling Foundation AmazonSmile Foundation Molson/Coors Beverage Company The Saints

In regards to COVID-19, PrideArts has adopted the following guidelines. We will comply with all local, state, and federal guidelines. Hand sanitizer will be available, as will masks. Current guidance does not allow for unvaccinated patrons to attend indoor performances without a mask and social distancing. Due to the small size of the Pride Arts Center, social distancing is nearly impossible. Therefore we will be requiring that all patrons be fully vaccinated. Patrons should be prepared to present proof of vaccination when they check in to the box office. All PrideArts staff, cast, crew and ushers will be fully vaccinated.

PrideArts is a member of Buena Park Neighborhood Association, Uptown United, Northalsted Merchants Association, League of Chicago Theaters, LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Lakeview East Merchants Association.

The Things I Could Never Tell Steven

S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O R M AT I O N Buy a Pride Flex Package for $144! Scheduled productions include THE THINGS I COULD NEVER TELL STEVEN, 4000 DAYS, CHRISTMAS KAROL, and WHEN THERE ARE NINE. Tickets can be used any way you like. Use one, bring a friend, or use all six at once. Purchase your Pride Flex Package here. PrideArts Film Fest now includes both short film festivals and feature films running year-round. Upcoming film events include HAMMER FEST, celebrating the work of lesbian film maker Barbara Hammer, along with the award-winning documentary DYKES CAMERA ACTION! and a program of new lesbian shorts. September 19 - 29, 2021. This will be followed by PrideArts Winter Film Fest of short films and features Nov 1 to Dec 10. Do you want the flexibility of seeing both plays and films? If so, buy a gift certificate which can be used for both here.

U P C O M I N G S H OW S 4000 DAYS by Peter Quilter CHICAGO PREMIERE Directed by Jay Españo September 30 – October 31, 2021 CHRISTMAS KAROL: AN UPTOWN HOLIDAY CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY Devised By Jay Españo WORLD PREMIERE December 13 - January 2, 2022 WHEN THERE ARE NINE By Sally Deering WORLD PREMIERE February 10 - March 13, 2022 ADAM By Frances Poet CHICAGO PREMIERE June 2 - July 3, 2022

P R I D E A R T S A D M I N I S T R AT I V E T E A M Jay Españo, Artistic Director Michael Starcher, Operations Manager Robert Ollis, Artistic Associate David Zak, Founder

John Olson, Public Relations Joshua Fraenkel, Marketing Madeleine Switzer, Box Office Magdiel Carmona, Videographer

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Cheri Tater, President John Olson Gary Lawler PrideArts

Joshua Fraenkel Elayne LeTraunik David Zak

Jay Españo Michael Starcher

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The Things I Could Never Tell Steven

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