proudly presents
THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY Book by Timothy Gregory Music & Lyrics by Michael Mahler Based on the book The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski Directed by Timothy Gregory
This theater is a proud member of the
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
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P R O D U C T I O N I N F O R M AT I O N
Director – Timothy Gregory*+ Scenic Designer – Inseung Park+ Lighting Designer – Michael Stanfill Costume Designer – Rossella Nitti Sound Designer – Daniel Carlyon Props Designer – Joe Dybdal Technical Director – Jason Clark Production Manager – Sarah Luse* Production Stage Manager – Matthew McMullen* * Denotes member of Actors Equity Association + Denotes Provision Theater Company Member
November 23 – December 23 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm Sundays at 3:00pm Wednesdays at 10:00am Additional performances on Wednesday December 21 and Thursday December 22 at 7:30pm
1001 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago IL www.provisiontheater.org The show will be performed without an intermission. Please turn off all cell phones, pagers, and other noise making devices. Please note that the use of cameras (with or without a flash) and the use of recording devices is strictly prohibited. CAST Jonathan Toomey...................................................................................................... James Rank* Sarah McDowell................................................................................................. Lia Mortensen*+ Thomas McDowell.............................................................................................. Michael Saguto Mary............................................................................................................................ Mary Redmon George............................................................................................................................Andy Clifton Pastor............................................................................................................................Kevin O’Brien Fred................................................................................................................ Jordan David Wallace Bert.......................................................................................................................... Kendall Gregory James...............................................................................................................................Nate Becker Janie......................................................................................................................... Megan Delaney Zachariah......................................................................................................................Jacob Becker Lou........................................................................................................................Eden Elyse Strong Ensemble............................................................Angela Alise, Andy Clifton, Christian David, Steven Lyons, Amanda Hartley, Kevin O’Brien, Monica Szaflik, Michelle McKenzie-Voigt Musicians......................................... Amanda Batterson (Violin), Zachary Draper (Guitar), Steve Martin (Banjo), Steven Manns (Bass) Understudies..................................................................Bethany Carvey, Caroline Heffernan, Michelle McKenzie-Voigt,Nathan Randall 2 Provision Theatre Company
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Playwright/Director.....................................................................................Timothy Gregory*+ Composer/Lyricist...........................................................................................Michael Mahler*+ Scenic Designer......................................................................................................Inseung Park+ Lighting Designer................................................................................................. MichaelStanfill Costume Designer....................................................................................................Rossella Nitti Technical Director/Master Carpenter.................................................................... Jason Clark Assistant Technical Director/Props Designer..................................................... Joe Dybdal Sound Designer..................................................................................................... Daniel Carlyon Master Electrician....................................................................................................... Daniel Lazar Scenic Painter...........................................................................................................Ashley Woods Production Stage Manager.....................................................................Matthew McMullen* Production Manager/Assistant Stage Manager............................................... Sarah Luse* Music Director........................................................................................................Nicholas Davio Assistant Director...............................................................................................Zachary Roberts Costume Supervisor/Stitcher...........................................................................Isaac B. Turner+ Fight Choreographer.....................................................................................Michael Goldberg Choreographers................................................................Timothy Gregory and Molly Curry Child Wranglers....................................................................Claudia Henao and Jose Nateras P R OV I S I O N S TA F F Founding Artistic Director........................................................................Timothy Gregory*+ Education Director/Office Manager/House Manager....................... Priscilla Hummel+ Casting Director/Literary Manager..............................................................Zachary Roberts Box Office Manager......................................................................................... Megan Gallagher Marketing Coordinator............................................................................................. Alysa Turner Resident Costume Designer............................................................................Isaac B. Turner + Resident Technical Director..........................................................................John Gedeon Jr.+ Resident Assistant Technical Director................................................................... Joe Dybdal Resident Stage Manager............................................................................Matthew McMullen Assistant Box Office Manager...................................................................................Jeff Sertich Box Office Associates............................. Cara Dickason, Martin Gonzalez, Kenneth Heft Web Designer..................................................................................................................Luke Renn Photographers..............................................................John Hockberger, John Gedeon Jr.+ * Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association + Denotes Provision Theater Company Member
P R OV I S I O N C O M PA N Y M E M B E R S Brad Armacost* Rod Armentrout* John Gedeon Jr. Timothy Gregory*
Priscilla Hummel Alaric Jans Michael Mahler* Susan Moniz*
Lia Mortensen* Inseung Park Isaac B. Turner
P R OV I S I O N B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S Bruce Leep, Chair Timothy Gregory John Hockberger
Steve Lavey Dennis Massaro Kevin Moore
Frances Ryan Catherine Simmons-Gill David Stalle
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CAST PROFILES Angela Alise (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Provision Theater debut! Angela hails originally from Kansas City, Missouri and holds a BA in Theatre and Sociology from Loyola University Chicago. Some of her favorite credits include: A Raisin in the Sun, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and A Crescent City Comedy of Errors (Loyola); Rent (Ouroboros and Big Noise Theatre); All Shook Up (Big Noise Theatre); The Wiz (Dominican University Performing Arts Center); Church (Red Tape Theatre Company); For Colored Girls… (InnateVolution Theatre); Ribbon Around a Bomb (Prologue Theatre Company); and Hairspray (Jedlicka Performing Arts Center). Angela thanks her family, friends, and God for all of the love and support they continue to give her. Amanda Batterson (Violinist) is a recent graduate of Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, and she is thrilled to be a part of this exciting show. Amanda is the cofounder of Times Three Theatre, a new Chicago theatre company. Times Three Theatre produced their first show over the summer, titled Vonnegut’s Shorts, which Amanda helped to adapt and direct. She has also worked with a variety of other companies around the city, including Redmoon, AstonRep, Dream Theatre, and Hootenanny Productions. Amanda can also be seen fiddling about town with The LakeShore Band. She would like to thank her parents, Hope and Lily, for all of their love and support.
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Jacob Becker (Zachariah) is an 11 year-old sixth grader at Clarendon Hills Middle School. He is practically an only child, since his sisters are 30 and 32. He is twice over a brother-in-law and recently was made an uncle—he is crocheting a blanket for his nephew, Will. Jacob has wanted to be a comedic actor since he has was six years old. A lover of music, he plays piano and violin. Jacob loves to dance to Wii’s “Just Dance”, has an insatiable interest in magic and juggling, and is a huge fan of Michael Jackson. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is his first professional acting job, and he is very excited to be a part of the cast. Nate Becker (James) is excited to be making his theatrical debut in The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. Nate has been doing print and commercial work since he was five years old. He has appeared in ads and commercials for Office Max, SitterCity, Radio Flyer, Graco, and others. He is also a two-time reigning oratory champion at his school. Now at the ripe old age of eight, he is giving theatre a shot. Thanks to his Mom for helping him learn his lines but especially to his sisters and brother for sacrificing a trip to Florida so he could be part of this show. Andy Clifton (George/Ensemble) is a native of Kentucky and has lived in the Chicago area for about nine years. He holds two degrees in music and has spent the last thirty years serving various churches as a Pastor of Music and Worship. Recently retired, he is excited about this first appearance in theatre since college,
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CAST PROFILES (c o n t.) where he was seen as Cockian in Philemon. Andy is happy to be working with Tim, Michael, and Zachary on this great project. He is most grateful to his wife, Susan, for her encouragement in this new pursuit. Christian David (Ensemble) made his singing and acting debut on the set of the NBC pilot, Save My Place. He continues to focus his passion for television and film as a music director, editor, and producer for TV and film. A graduate of both the University of IL Television Program and the Community Film Workshop, you’ll see him in Chicagoland and in Hollywood coordinating special events and feature films. In 2008, he started his own financial services company, Protect Your Growth America, and continues to perform throughout Chicagoland. You’ll remember him as the male ensemble singer in Provision’s hit, Cotton Patch Gospel. Megan Delaney (Janie) is delighted to be making her debut at Provision Theater as Janie in The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. Her previous professional roles include Fan and Belinda Cratchit in Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. As a Jr. Member of the ATC Rep Company in Wilmette, Megan has also appeared in several theatrical productions including Molly in Annie, Bielke in Fiddler on the Roof, and a Munchkin/Winkie in The Wizard of Oz. Megan is currently finishing her first short film entitled Seven and recently filmed her first commercial for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. Megan is a busy fifth grader at St. John of the Cross parish school in Western Springs. She enjoys tap dancing, ballet, acting, guitar, and singing.
Kendall Greogry (Bert) If comedy is calling, then “Kendall G” is answering. At the tender age of 13, Kendall G—a natural born entertainer— took the performance arena by storm, engulfing audiences of all ages, nationalities, and genders in amusement with his family-oriented routines. Although technically he’s still in the crying stage, this poor kid has no other choice but to become an illustrator of words, possessing no fear while performing, and considered a role model for many who are his age and beyond. When Kendall G. is not crashing adult open mic venues, showcasing his acting abilities on stage or on movie sets, or un-regrettably slapping bullies in their faces with his paychecks, he enjoys learning in his eighth grade class at the University of Chicago, playing with friends, competing in chess tournaments, making films, writing children stories, playing video games, and creating artwork.“Kendall Gregory is not your regular kid, he’s an entertainer.” – Kenya Renee Amanda Hartley (Ensemble) Chicago credits include The Three Sisters, Piven Theatre; My Fair Lady, Paramount Theatre; The News All the Time, Stage Left’s Leap Fest 9; The Yeoman of the Guard, Light Opera Works; Wild Nights With Emily, Caffeine Theatre; The Diary of Anne Frank, Metropolis Performing Arts Center; Texas Chainsaw Musical, New Millennium Theatre Company; Last of My Species, Redmoon Theatre; The Robber Bridegroom, Griffin Theatre (Joseph Jefferson Award Winner, Best Supporting Actress in a Musical or Review); A Jacques Brel Review, Songs of Love and War, Theo Ubique (Joseph Jefferson Award Nominee, Best Ensemble). Regional Provision Theatre Company 7
CAST PROFILES (c o n t.) credits include A Christmas Carol, Trinity Repertory Company; and Jesus Christ Superstar, New Bedford Festival Theatre. She has also performed the works of Gilbert and Sullivan extensively with Ocean State Lyric Opera of Rhode Island and has performed in a handful of delightful romps in the world of burlesque cabaret with The Flaming Dames. Hartley is delighted to make her Provision Theater debut and wishes you all a blessed holiday season. Steven Lyons (Ensemble) is elated to make his Provision Theater debut. Favorite roles: Frankie in Forever Plaid and Jeffrey in Godspell (James Downing Theatre Company), and Sebastian in Heidi (Theatre-Hikes). Other credits include: Ensemble in Dennis DeYoung’s Hunchback of Notre Dame (Bailiwick Repertory – Jeff Award: Best Musical, Midsize); Ragtime and H.M.S. Pinafore (Light Opera Works); and A Winter’s Feast (Ouroboros Theatre Company). Grateful for everyone involved in this production...grateful for 25 Christmases with Janet…grateful for the Miracle in the manger. Steve Martin (Banjo Player) is the band director, physical education teacher, and viceprincipal at North Shore Adventist Academy in Chicago, Illinois. An accomplished musician and an award-winning teacher, he received the Zapara Excellence In Teaching Award, is listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and is included in the National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers. Steve completed bachelor’s degrees in both physical education and music education at Southern Adventist University before coming to NSAA in 1983. In 1990, he received a master’s degree in music 8 Provision Theatre Company
education from VanderCook College of Music. Steve is also a recording artist who has performed on eighteen different instruments on six CD’s. He has played for a number of years in bands, orchestras, and smaller groups including everything from classical brass and string ensembles, to bluegrass, Dixieland, and Irish bands. He has been involved musically for stage shows, parades, wedding services and receptions, local and national festivals, and conventions. Michelle McKenzieVoigt (Mary Understudy/ Ensemble) is blessed to be making her Provision debut! With professional credits ranging from Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet) to camp (Poseidon: An Upside-Down Musical), recent favorites include Hannah in The Spitfire Grill and Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret (both at ITC), Donna Christian in Jesus Camp – the Musical (Cornservatory), Grandma Rosie in The Wedding Singer (SLATE), and the mother of them all, Rose in Gypsy. A professional singer and voice talent, she is a Northwestern University graduate, three-time Chicago Emmy Award-nominee, an undefeated champion on The $100,000 Pyramid, and a proud company member of both Glitterati Productions and Pride Films and Plays. Endless gratitude to Tim, Mike, and Zachary for letting her play with this wonderful cast/crew; Don and Chris for their love and support; and Michael and John for giving wings to her journey. Her family treasures the hand-carved creche her husband brought back from Bethlehem. Although she doubts she will be ready for Christmas, she nevertheless wishes you the happiest of holidays! Joyeux Noel!
CAST PROFILES (c o n t.) Lia Mortensen (Sarah McDowell) is delighted to be returning to Provision Theater where she last appeared in The Hiding Place (for which she received a Jeff Nomination). She most recently appeared in ATC’s Jeff-nominated world-premiere of The Big Meal. Other Chicago credits include the Pulitzer prize-winning Rabbit Hole at Goodman Theatre; Rivendell: Fighting Words; Northlight: Lady Windermere’s Fan, Sky Girls, and Talley’s Folly; Chicago Shakespeare Theatre: All’s Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure; Steppenwolf: Closer and Faith Healer (for which she received a Jeff Nomination and the Sarah SiddonsActress of the Year Award); Remy Bumppo: Night and Day (premiere production); Organic: Aristocrats; Classic American Theatre: Voice of the Turtle and Glass Menagerie (w/ Celeste Holm); Next: Well, A Doll’s House, Macbeth, and The Illusion; and several productions at Court Theatre. Lia adds her first codirecting credit (w/ Ryan Martin) with The Den Theater’s Bus Stop by William Inge. Film credits include the remake of Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) and Blink. Television credits include The Chicago Code, Family Practice, Early Edition and Missing Persons. She has numerous voiceover commercial credits. Lia is a company member of Provision Theater and an ensemble member of The Den Theatre. Kevin O’Brien (Pastor/Ensemble) is delighted to return to Provision where he was previously seen in The Wizard of Oz (Lion), Sanders Family Christmas (Mervin Oglethorpe), and Godspell (Ensemble/Judas). Kevin has also appeared in the ensemble of Merrily We Roll Along (The Music Theater
Company) and most recently as the swing in For the Boys (Marriott Theater Lincolnshire). Kevin would like to thank Tim for this opportunity, the cast and crew for their support on stage, and his family and friends for their love and support off stage. James Rank (Jonathan Toomey) has had an active career in musical theater, opera, and concert venues. He has appeared in: The Merry Widow (Kromow) at Lyric Opera of Chicago; A Minister’s Wife (Morell) and She Loves Me (Kodaly) at Writers’ Theatre of Glencoe; A Little Night Music (Fredric) at Peninsula Players; The American Dreams Songbook (Sam – Jeff Award Winner) at Next Theater; Grand Hotel (The Baron – Jeff Nomination) at Drury Lane Water Tower; A Little Night Music (Mr. Lindquist) and Passion (Lt. Torasso) at Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Carousel (Billy Begelow) and Phantom (The Phantom) at the Candlelight Theater; Curtains (Aaron), South Pacific (Joe Cable), and It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane… It’s Superman (Superman) at Drury Lane Oakbrook; Candide (Voltaire/Pangloss), The Fantastics (El Gallo) and 110 in the Shade (File) with Light Opera Works; Turn of the Century at Goodman Theatre (Ensemble)directed by Broadway legend Tommy Tune. Regionally, he has appeared in The Beggar’s Opera at Santa Fe Opera; The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado at Central City Opera; Carmen, L’Italiana in Algeri, Hansel and Gretl and La Traviata (Pamiro Opera). Jim has sung concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Ravinia Festival, The Elgin Symphony Orchestra, The Chicago Sinfonietta, and Northwestern University, where he received his Master’s degree.
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CAST PROFILES (c o n t.) Mary Redmon (Mary) is delighted to make her debut with Provision Theater in this original production. Regional credits include Another Night Before Christmas, (Vocals) A Wonderful Life (Ma Bailey) and Crazy For You (Mother) at Theatre At The Center; Mrs. Graves in Enchanted April (Joseph Jefferson Citation) and Virginia Powell (Jeff Nomination) in The Analytical Engine for Circle Theatre; Star Witness for House Theatre of Chicago; Angel Street for First Folio Theatre; Criminal Hearts for Apple Tree Theatre; Romeo and Juliet for Chicago Shakespeare Theater; and The Man Who Came to Dinner and The Sunshine Boys for Drury Lane Oakbrook. Other work includes stints at Northlight, TimeLine, and Lifeline Theatres. Mary wishes to thank Tim, Michael, and Zachary for the opportunity to work with them; her husband, Tim, for his unstinting support and encouragement; and you, the audience, for supporting live theatre. Michael Saguto (Thomas McDowell) is honored and thrilled to be making his Provision Theater debut in the world premier of The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey. Michael has performed on stage in lead roles at BAM Theater, CYT Chicago, Hadley Junior High, and Ben Franklin Elementary. He attends Hadley Junior High in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where he is currently in 8th grade. When not performing, Michael enjoys playing soccer with the Glen Ellyn Lakers; entertaining his family, friends and classmates with his comedic routines; long boarding; and being a regular 13 year-old. Like Thomas, he has a huge heart and is a very compassionate boy. Michael is grateful to Provision Theater for the opportunity to work with such an amazing script, cast and crew! He 10 Provision Theatre Company
would like to thank his parents and sister, Ellie, for their love and support. Michael hopes this Christmas season brings you the special gifts of love and friendship. Eden Elyse Strong (Lou) Nine year-old Eden is very excited to be making her Provision Theater debut in this production. Her most recent credits include Wait Until Dark and The Miracle Worker at Jedlicka Performing Arts Center. Some of her past credits The Iliad, Seussical the Musical, Annie, and the Chicago Landmark Project. When she is not on stage, Eden plays saxophone and sings in the choir at Lincoln Elementary School where she is in the 6th grade. Monica Szaflik (Sarah Understudy/ Ensemble) is excited to be making her debut with Provision Theater on this new musical! Chicago credits include: The Passion of Dracula (First Folio Theatre), Snapshots (u/s) (Northlight Theatre), Rent (Paramount / Halo Productions), Jekyll and Hyde (Bohemian Theatre Ensemble), Status – The 48 Hour Musicals (The Music Theatre Company), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Circle Theatre), After Dusk But Before Daylight (u/s) (Metropolis), and Sleeping Beauty (Chicago Kids Company). Monica can currently be seen as the Lead Puppeteer / Newt / Bambert in Alien Queen: The Concert at The Metro on December 10th. Other puppeteer and film credits include: The Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Walt Disney World),“Old Sock” in the upcoming film Melody and the Old Sock and “Victoria” in Roundabout American which is scheduled to premiere in 2012. Monica would like to thank God, Aaron, her family, and the cast and crew of Provision for this great opportunity.
CAST PROFILES (c o n t.) Jordan David Wallace (Fred) is a very personable, charismatic, and creative aspiring actor. Jordan is at his happiest when entertaining others. Jordan is very passionate about his acting career; he has been involved in acting and the theater since the age of three and is always finding ways to improve his craft. Jordan is often told that his “larger than life” personality should be in front of the camera. When Jordan is not acting or training at Second City and The Green Room, he enjoys script writing, photography, and reading. Bethany Carvey (Female Understudy) is grateful and excited to be working with Provision Theater for the first time. In May 2011, Bethany graduated from Wheaton College with a B.A. in Music and shortly thereafter moved to Chicago to pursue a career as a professional actor. Understudying for The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey marks her debut as a Chicagobased actor. Her previous work includes the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird, Ida in Honk, and various other roles throughout the DenverMetro area. Beyond the stage, Bethany is very interested in the development of community and the empowerment of those in need. She hopes to use theater to give life and hope to others.
Caroline Heffernan (Young Female Understudy) is delighted to return to Provision Theatre as the understudy for Janie/Lou, following her Provision debut as Leah in Wonders Never Cease last spring. Other theatre credits include the role of Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird (Steppenwolf ), The Girl in Astronomy for Beginners (Collaboraction), in which she won a judges’ acting award, Jenny in Rhymes with Evil (Infusion Theatre) and Emily Cratchit/Want in A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre) for two seasons. She has also appeared in commercials for Flintstones Vitamins, Best Bank/ Guaranty Bank and Kellogg’s Eggo Waffles. Caroline is an experienced gymnast, having won awards in various competitions since the age of five. She also enjoys piano and a variety of sports. She will be playing the role of Young Kim in Showboat (Chicago Lyric Opera) in 2012. Nathan Randall (Young Male Understudy) makes his Provision Theater debut. Other Chicago credits include Kid (Collaboraction Theater) and A Mid Summer’s Night Dream (The Lyric Opera Chicago). Film credits include Happily After, Following Chase and Here Died All Cardinals. He has also been seen in national and regional commercials. Nathan loves ice hockey, soccer, piano, sax, and art. He currently is a student at Anshe Emet Day School and sends his love to his sister, his Nana, Poobah, Juju, grandma Bebbie, and the dogs.
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P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F B I O S Timothy Gregory (Playwright/Director) is the Founding Artistic Director of Provision Theater. Recently at Provision, he has directed productions of Bonhoeffer’s Cost, Wonders Never Cease, Sanders Family Christmas and Godspell. Other Provision Theater directing credits include the Jefferson Award–Nominated productions of Shadowlands, The Hiding Place, C.S. Lesis On Stage, The Spitfire Grill, A Christmas Carol, Beast on the Moon and A Christmas Memory & The Thanksgiving Visitor. Other directing credits include The Comedy of Errors at Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Welcome, Yule! at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera; Treasure Island and Alice in Wonderland at Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre; The Twilight of the Golds, The Diary of Anne Frank and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry at the Apple Tree Theatre; Plaza Suite at the Lyric Theatre; and ’Dentity Crisis at the Studio Theatre. Tim’s acting credits include numerous roles at Provision Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, Apple Tree Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre, Next Theatre Company, as well as the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta and Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. His television credits include Cupid on ABC, DeClassified on WGN and Family Practice on LIFETIME. Tim can now be seen as the host of HGTV’s New Spaces. Michael Mahler (Composer/Lyricist) is a Chicago-based composer-lyricist whose works include How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back?, Knute Rockne: All-American, The Main Street Kids Club, The 9/11 Report, and Hero, which will receive its premiere at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theater in June. He is currently working on an original musical television series entitled Boyfred for Sony Pictures/Television. Michael’s songs have been performed in concerts and showcases around the country and abroad. He is a Jeff Citation and After Dark Award-winning actor who appeared in Provision’s Cotton Patch Gospel and A Christmas Carol; recent credits include 12 Provision Theatre Company
They’re Playing Our Song at Fox Valley Repertory and Working at the Broadway Playhouse. He can currently be seen in the American Blues Theater production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph. Michael is also a Jeff-nominated music director – you can hear his work in this season’s production of White Christmas at the Marriott. He is a proud Northwestern graduate, and member of Provision, ASCAP, Actor’s Equity, and Barrel of Monkeys. He writes songs, plays guitar, and sings in the band The Lincoln Squares. Visit www.michaelmahler.com. Inseung Park (Scenic Designer) designed the set for Provision Theater’s world premiere adaptation, The Hiding Place as his Chicago debut in 2010, which was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award in Scene design - midsize. His design credits for Provision include Godspell, Sanders Family Christmas, Shadowlands, Wonders Never Cease, and Bonhoeffer’s Cost. Other credits includes Overshadowed Theatrical Production’s Shadowlands. He has designed the set for numerous shows at Indiana University South Bend since 2006 including West Side Story, After Juliet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Paragon Spring, Animal Farm, James and Giant Peach, and Raisin in the Sun. He designed South Bend Civic Theatre’s Grease and Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, and Looking Glass Theatre’s Springs Awakening in New York City. One of his designs in film, Wake, was awarded a grand prize in the 2004 Kodak competition and screened internationally at Cannes International Film Festival, Cinema Texas International Film Festival, Arizona International Film Festival, and Seoul Net Festival in 2005. He holds an MFA in Scene Design at University of Texas Austin and a BFA in Scene Design at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Michael Stanfill (Lighting Designer) is excited to be making his debut at Provision Theater Company with The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. He holds a BFA in Lighting Design from Southern Oregon University and has completed the MFA Design Program at Northwestern University. Before moving to Chicago, Michael freelanced around the Pacific Northwest designing for theatre, dance, live music, and the occasional Roller Derby bout. In theatre
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F B I O S ( c o n t . ) and dance he served for several seasons as the Resident Lighting Designer for The Oregon Cabaret Theater, ArtAttack Theater Ensemble, and The Portland Ballet. Favorite Lighting Designs include The Glass Menagerie, Closer, Amadeus (ArtAttack), Forever Plaid, Tick, Tick, Boom!, and Five Guys Named Moe (Oregon Cabaret Theater). Favorite work around the region includes Becky Shaw, The Mandrake (A Red Orchid), State of the Union (Strawdog), Seven Days (Steep), Sunset Blvd, and Children of Eden (Timber Lake Playhouse). At Northwestern, both as a Graduate Student and Guest Artist: Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers, The American Pilot, The Handmaid’s Tale, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Godspell. Rosella Nitti (Costume Designer) grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. She is excited to be back at Provision where she designed Sander’s Family Christmas and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! She is a graduate from The Theatre School at DePaul University where she obtained her B.F.A. in Costume Design. Aside from designing, Rossella has a few other costuming interests, including a passion for masks. One summer, she participated in a month-long intensive mask making workshop in Padua, Italy. Rossella has worked as a mask maker for Black Nativity at the Goodman Theatre. She has also done a wig internship at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and has been a wig runner at the Lyric Opera for both Carmen and Macbeth. She has headed wardrobe for shows at CSO and Steppenwolf and has worked as a costume assistant at Northlight, Writer’s Theatre, Emerald City, Timeline Theatre, and Porchlight Music Theatre. She currently works as a milliner at Steppenwolf’s Costume Shop. Daniel Carlyon (Sound Designer) has been designing sound since he was fourteen— and doing it well since a few years after that. Credits include the upcoming Titanic (Cock & Bull Theatre), Seven Doors (Premiere Theatre and Performance), Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy (New Suit Theatre), and The Body Snatchers (City Lit Theater, also video design). He will probably have a website soon.
Joe Dybdal (Props Designer/Assistant Technical Director) is excited to be apart of yet another Provision Theater Company show; he also worked with Provision on Wonders Never Cease (Props/ATD), Shadowlands (Props/ATD) Sander’s Family Christmas (Props), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Production/Stage Manager/ Props), and Godspell and The Hiding Place (Sound Operator). He also served as a Carpenter for all of the above shows. Joe is the resident Technical Director for City Lit Theater, where he has worked on Alice Adventures Underground, The Sign of Four and Copperhead. He is currently working with Big City Sets and Fear City where he builds for commercials and an upcoming Haunted House. Joe has also worked on set construction crews with About Face Theater, Stage Left, WildClaw Theatre, North Central College, Judson College, Marriott Lincolnshire Theater, and Christian Youth Theater. In addition to his technical experience, Joe acts on stage from time to time and is a certified Stunt Performer from The International Stunt School in Seattle. Jason Clark (Technical Director/Master Carpenter) is very pleased to be back working with Provision Theater Company. He has built for shows all over the city as well as built a few TV pilots in Los Angeles. When not working behind the scenes or on stage, Jason works at Waukegan High School as a substitute teacher. Matthew McMullen (Production Stage Manager) is excited to be back at Provision Theater Company! Matthew has also served as Production Stage Manager on Provision’s productions of Wonders Never Cease, Shadowlands, Sanders Family Christmas and Godspell. In addition, he has just finished work as Stage Manager of Red at the Goodman Theatre. Additionally, he works as a freelance technician for various companies around Chicago, including PRG, Freeman A/V, and Harpo Studios. Matthew has also completed two tours of North America as an Assistant Electrician with Disney on Ice and worked backstage at the Marriott Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, as well as stage-managing at the Huron Playhouse— an Ohio summer theatre where he met his incredible wife, Missy. Matthew is a proud member of AEA. Provision Theatre Company 13
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F B I O S ( c o n t . ) Sarah Luse (Production Manager/Assistant Stage Manager) is very excited to be with Provision for another show! Other Provision credits include The Boys Next Door, The Spitfire Grill, Captain Marbles and His Acting Squad, and Bonhoeffer’s Cost. Some favorite stage management credits include W;t, The Ruby Sunrise, Lonesome West, and Night and Her Stars (The Gift), Keely and Du and Lady From Dubuque (Infamous Commonwealth), Twelfth Night (Piccolo), and Hey! Mr. Spaceman! (Strange Tree Group). Other production management credits include The Grapes of Wrath, The Crucible, Escape from Happiness and A Doll’s House (ICT), Ghost Box (InFusion), and The Spirit Play (Strange Tree Group). Nicholas Davio (Music Director) is a Chicago-based musician who holds a Bachelor’s of Music from Millikin University with an emphasis on vocal performance. Recent notable theater credits include: Big River with Bohemian Theatre Ensemble (Music Director-Jeff Nominated / Instrumentalist), Alien Queen with The Scooty and JoJo Show (Music Director / Vocalist / Instrumentalist), and Goodnight Moon and The Hundred Dresses with Chicago Children’s Theatre (Instrumentalist). Zachary Roberts (Casting Director/ Literary Manager/Assistant Director) is pleased to be working on his second show with Provision as an assistant director. He is also very happy to be serving as Casting Director and Artistic Associate for this wonderful company. A special thank you to Tim and the entire Provision staff for the opportunity to serve. Zachary is a graduate of the MFA Directing Program at Western Illinois University and is a proud father to the beautiful Lila and the very fortunate
husband of the always supportive and loving Shannon. He wishes everyone a heartwarming and special holiday season. Enjoy the show. Isaac B. Turner (Resident Costume Designer/Costume Supervisor/Stitcher) is in his second season with Provision, having designed Bonhoeffer’s Cost, Shadowlands, Cotton Patch Gospel, and The Hiding Place. A Cincinnati native, Isaac relocated to Chicago five years ago. In Cincinnati, Isaac served as Production Manager for The Children’s Theatre, Designer for Costume Gallery in Newport, and Producer for Monmouth Theatre. Having worked across the country in New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas and Alaska. Isaac’s local work includes the Lyric Opera, River North Dance Company, Joffrey Ballet, Northlight Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Writers’ Theater, and Chicago Symphony. Daniel Lazar (Master Electrician) is a recent graduate of Northwestern University where he majored in Theatre and worked on over 40 productions in many different capacities, including Pro Wrestling Choreographer. He is currently the resident Lighting, Sound, and Projections Designer for the Actors Training Center in Wilmette and is the Lighting Designer for the upcoming production of Christopher Durang’s Titanic (Cock & Bull Theatre). Favorite past productions include Ragtime (The Dolphin Show at Northwestern University), Sunday in the Park with George (Arts Alliance), Death and the Maiden (Wave Productions), and Wrestlepocalypse II, III, IV, and V (Vertigo Productions). His Tech Otter, Whoop-Dee, prefers Rock Operas.
OUR MISSION Provision Theater Company is devoted to producing works of hope, reconciliation, and redemption; works that challenge us to explore a life of meaning and purpose.
SPECIAL THANKS The Staff of Easter Seals, Saint Ignatius College Prep, the Provision Theater Board Members, our dedicated Financial Supporters, and our wonderful Volunteers and Interns. 14 Provision Theatre Company
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