Raven Theatre Company presents
Bus Stop by William Inge
Directed by JoAnn Montemurro Stage Managed by Cathy Bowren Set Design Ray Toler
Lighting Design Diane D. Fairchild
Sound Design Melissa Schlesinger
Properties Mary O’Dowd
Costume Design Joelle Beranek
Technical Director Andrei Onegin
Raven Theatre is happy to acknowledge the following sponsors for our 2011-2012 Season: Heather Steans, Illinois State Senator (7th) Kelly Cassidy, Illinois State Representative (14th) Patrick O’Connor, 40th Ward Alderman Harry Osterman, 48th Ward Alderman Gould & Ratner LLP Burke, Warren, MacKay and Serritella, P.C. Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, Polk Bros. Foundation, Yates-Feldman Foundation, The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Field Foundation, The Alphawood Foundation, The Arts Engagement Exchange through The Chicago Community Trust, The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, S & C Electric Company, The Department of Cultural Affairs, CityArtsII, a city agency, The Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development through The Chicago Community Trust, The Kinder Morgan Foundation, and The Saints.
A B O U T R AV E N T H E AT R E Raven Theatre is an ensemble of directors, actors, writers, and other theater artists dedicated to presenting American classics and other works that illuminate the American experience, while taking occasional forays into world theatre. Founded in 1983, Raven now enters its 28th season. Some highlights from past years include: Talley’s Folly (1985), A Texas Trilogy (1988), A Memory of Two Mondays (1991), The Crucible (1992), Cobb (1993), The Time of Your Life (1994), The Glass Menagerie (1996), You Can’t Take it With You (1997), Six Degrees of Separation (1998), Glengarry Glen Ross (1999), A View from the Bridge (2000), Marvin’s Room (2002), Golden Boy (2003), A Streetcar Named Desire (2004), Dancing at Lughnasa (2005), American Buffalo (2006), The Night of the Iguana (2007), columbinus (2008), Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train (2008), Hedda Gabler (2009), Death of a Salesman (2009), Twelve Angry Men (2010), The Odd Couple (2010), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2010), Radio Golf (2011) and The Cherry Orchard (2011). Along with its critically acclaimed program of great American theatre, Raven also produces a variety of other projects, including a Workshop Series of new and experimental works, and a Children’s Theatre Series. Starting in 2000, Raven initiated its public school partnership program with Hayt Elementary School across the street from our new theater. Since then we have expanded our partnership program to include Hayt Elementary, Stone Scholastic Academy, Peirce Elementary, Senn High School, and Sullivan High School. The education and outreach program consists of performing arts classes and presentations that are incorporated into the school’s regular educational offerings. Raven Theatre also offers a year-round program of classes at our facility to young students. If you are interested in finding out more about these classes visit our website at www.raventheatre.com or call us at 773.338.2177. Raven Theatre Company is committed to serving everyone in our community. The Raven Theatre Opportunity Program makes up to 5% of the seating capacity of all Raven Theatre productions available at reduced or free admission for participants who do not have the ability to pay. Please contact us at 773-338-2177 for information on this program. Visit our website at www.raventheatre.com for current information on Raven Theatre.
CAST Carl..............................................................................................................................Dean La Prairie Elma Duckworth............................................................................................Sophia Menendian Virgil Blessing............................................................................................................... Mark Pracht Cherie...................................................................................................................................Jen Short Bo Decker................................................................................................................ Michael Stegall Dr. Gerald Lyman..................................................................................................Jon Steinhagen Will Masters...........................................................................................Antoine Pierre Whitfield Grace........................................................................................................................Kristen Williams Setting: A street-corner restaurant in a small town about thirty miles west of Kansas City. Time: 1955
There will be one fifteen minute intermission. 2 Raven Theatre Co.
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Director........................................................................................................... JoAnn Montemurro Stage Manager.........................................................................................................Cathy Bowren Assistant Stage Manager............................................................................ Maria C. Caracciolo Set Design............................................................................................................................Ray Toler Costume Design.....................................................................................................Joelle Beranek Sound Design................................................................................................Melissa Schlesinger Lighting Design................................................................................................ Diane D. Fairchild Fight Choreographer............................................................................................ David Woolley Technical Director................................................................................................ Andrei Onegin Properties/Set Dressing........................................................................................ Mary O’Dowd Scenic Artist....................................................................................................Amanda Rozmiarek Master Electrician..............................................................................................Justin Castellano Hair Consultant.............................................................................................................Liz Fletcher Graphic Design/Videography................................................................................ Kelly Rickert Videographer................................................................................................................ Luke Millett Photographer.........................................................................................................Dean La Prairie Media Relations..................................................................................................Christa van Baale A D M I N I S T R AT I V E S TA F F Producing Artistic Director.......................................................................Michael Menendian Co-Artistic Director...................................................................................... JoAnn Montemurro Managing Director....................................................................................................Teri McCaskill Operations Manager................................................................................................. John Weagly Director of Education and Outreach............................................................... Kelli Strickland Literary Manager............................................................................................... Susan Lieberman House Managers......................................... Kerry Reed, Shane Abbott, Jennifer Reinhardt & Noelle L. Perkins Accounting.................................................................................Levinson Simon, Hein & Bilkey, P.C. & The A.C.T. Group Ltd. Computer Consultant..............................................................................................Mary T. Duros Interns/Volunteers.........................................................................................Sophia Menendian Ushering Services............................................................................................................ The Saints Legal Council................................................................................................................John O’Leary R AV E N T H E AT R E A R T I S T I C E N S E M B L E Cathy Bowren Greg Caldwell Christine Ferriter Liz Fletcher
Jason Huysman Teri McCaskill Esther McCormick (In Memoriam) Michael Menendian
JoAnn Montemurro Leif Olsen Chuck Spencer Mark Yates
B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S Stuart Gold Richard Jamerson, Vice President Michael Menendian Marilyn (Lynn) Pierce Allan Price, Treasurer
Carla Price Tim Rasmussen Susan Rozendaal, Secretary Richard Sanderson Carol Zsolnay, President
F R I E N D S O F R AV E N Ann Clements Stacie Doublin Jennifer Hunter
Jann Iaco Michael McCormick Danni Parpan
Hana Rickert Dan Schaefer Sue Wilsey Raven Theatre Co. 3
WHO’S WHO DEAN LA PRAIRIE (Carl) is thrilled to be back at Raven where he was last seen in LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR. Previous Raven productions include THE MAN WHO HAD ALL THE LUCK, A PAIR OF PINTERS, SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION and others. Love to Leslie and Sadie. SOPHIA MENENDIAN (Elma Duckworth) is very excited to be in another show at Raven Theatre in this production of BUS STOP. Her previous theatre experiences include THE CHERRY ORCHARD & voice-over work for THE LONG GOODBYE, HERE COMES THE SUN, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, DEATH OF A SALESMAN and CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF all here at Raven. Other favorite performances include OUR TOWN and TWELFTH NIGHT. Sophia also enjoys the musical aspect of the arts, and currently does vocal work and songwriting for a local band. MARK PRACHT (Virgil Blessing) was raised in the mountains near Colorado Springs, Colorado. He completed a degree in theatre from the University of Nebraska, Kearney, and was a company member of the Sheleterbelt Theatre in Omaha, Nebraska. During that time, he helped produce seven world premieres, including his own play, NEON. He has also toured nationally as the ghost of Jacob Marley in A CHRISTMAS CAROL for The Nebraska Theatre Caravan, and was pelted with popcorn at the Great American Melodrama in Oceano, CA. Since 2001, he has appeared in many Chicago productions, including shows with Trap Door, Lifeline, The Side Project, and Bohemian Theatre 4 Raven Theatre Co.
Ensemble. Also serving as the Artistic Director of Brown Couch Theatre Company, where he directed Diana Son’s STOP KISS. He is currently an ensemble member with Stage Left Theatre, where he appeared in David Alan Moore’s THE DAY OF KNOWLEDGE. Recently, he’s been seen in THE SOUND OF A YELLOW FLOWER for Strangeloop Theatre and SUN, STAND THOU STILL for Ka-Tet Theatre. Favorite roles include Milt Shanks in THE COPPERHEAD, detective Harry Teal in DASHIELL HAMLET, both for City Lit Theatre, and as McMurphy in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST with Open Eye Productions. JEN SHORT (Cherie) is thrilled to return to Raven, this time as an actor, after stage managing 12 ANGRY MEN, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, and RADIO GOLF. She had her Chicago debut with Janus Theatre’s all-female production of ROMEO & JULIET as Romeo. Previous credits include Brooke in NOISES OFF, Queenie in THE WILD PARTY (Kiedrowski), Orlando in AS YOU LIKE IT, and Hermia in A MIDSUMMER... Jen holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Catawba College. Many thanks to Mike, JoAnn, and the entire Raven community. MICHAEL STEGALL (Bo Decker/Fight Captain) graduated from Columbia College in 2010. Since then he has performed as Dennis in MAURITIUS and as Randolph in MOON OVER THE BREWERY. Both productions were with Artist’s Ensemble in Rockford, Illinois. His Columbia credits include Slim in OF MICE AND MEN, Richard in THE LION IN WINTER, Mitchell in THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED, and Young Man in THE SANDBOX.
W H O ’ S W H O ( c o n t .) JON STEINHAGEN (Dr. Gerald Lyman) previously appeared at Raven as Big Daddy in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, Felix in THE ODD COUPLE, and Judge Brack in HEDDA GABLER. Recently, he appeared in his own play, ACES (Signal Ensemble Theatre, where he is an ensemble member), and as Sheridan Whiteside in THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (Circle Theatre). A resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists, his plays BLIZZARD ‘67 will premiere at Chicago Dramatists in January and DATING WALTER DANTE on Raven’s West Stage in February. ANTOINE PIERRE WHITFIELD (Will Masters) This is Mr. Whitfield’s second production with Raven after appearing in RADIO GOLF last season. Antoine began his acting career at Chicago State University and held lead roles in numerous productions (FENCES, TAMBORINES TO GLORY, THE HERB KENT STORY, IF WE MUST DIE). Mr. Whitfield has also been on four tours to New York in Off-Broadway starring roles (RHAPSODEE, SHANNON, JUKIN & JIGGS). In 2004, he was in the world premier production of THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT at Congo Square Theater. Mr. Whitfield is a Veteran of ETA’s Mainstage productions: IT’S
SHOWDOWN TIME, RUN AWAY HOME, WILLY’S CUT AND SHINE, GET READY, HERBERT III and has been nominated for a Black Theater Alliance Award for his performance in ETA’s WHY BLACK MEN PLAY BASKETBALL. “Mom, thank you for your encouraging words of wisdom I’ll never let this go again, I promise!” KRISTEN WILLIAMS (Grace) is very excited to return to Raven. She is a graduate from the Chicago College of the Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, with an MFA in Theatre and is currently a theatre professor at Kennedy King College. Since moving from Maine ten years ago she has both directed and acted with several companies in and around the Chicagoland area, including; Lookingglass, Chicago Opera Theatre, Trap Door Theatre, and Appletree Theatre to name a few. Kristen played Hannah Jelkes in Raven’s production of NIGHT OF THE IGUANA and since then has been the company stand in actor for Raven, performing as The Woman in DEATH OF A SALESMAN, Mrs. Elvsted in HEDDA GABLER, Carol in LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR, and as Mae from CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF at last year’s Raven benefit. When she is not teaching, acting, directing or bartending, she is performing her favorite role as mom to Mickey!
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P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F WILLIAM INGE (Playwright, 1913 - 1973) is best known for his plays COME BACK LITTLE SHEBA, THE DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS, PICNIC, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1953, and BUS STOP, which opened in 1955 and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play. He was considered a master a chronicling the ins and outs of daily life in the Midwest. He committed suicide on June 10, 1973. His headstone simply says “Playwright.” “People who grow up in small towns get to know each other so much more closely than they do in cities.” JOANN MONTEMURRO (Director) is a co-founding member and CoArtistic Director of Raven Theatre where she has appeared as an actress in many roles. Some of her favorite roles include: Elizabeth Proctor in THE CRUCIBLE, Beatrice in A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, Bessie in MARVIN’S ROOM, Kate in DANCING AT LUGHNASA and Arkadina in THE SEA GULL. JoAnn
earned a Joseph Jefferson Award for Outstanding Performance for the title role in LUANN HAMPTON LAVERTY OBERLANDER. Along with Co-Artistic Director Michael Menendian, JoAnn received a special Jeff Award for Outstanding Contribution to Chicago Theatre in 2008. She has directed productions of THE LONG GOODBYE, LORD BYRON’S LOVE LETTER and GRACE & GLORIE. She has done costumes for several productions including GOLDEN BOY, A FEW GOOD MEN, THE MAN WHO HAD ALL THE LUCK, HEDDA GABLER and, most recently, THE ODD COUPLE. JoAnn is a graduate of the Goodman School of Drama. CATHY BOWREN (Stage Manager) is pleased to be joining Raven Theatre for her first season as an ensemble member. Previous Raven credits include THE CHERRY ORCHARD (Stage Manager), ODD COUPLE (Stage Manager), and DEATH OF A
Save the Date Upcoming Events at Raven Theatre
October 15 to November 13 Raven’s Saturday Series of Workshops for Kids October 21
Out at Raven with Bus Stop
October 29 Boo Ha Ha! – Raven’s Fall Family Festival January 2 to January 6
Raven’s Winter Camp
January 16 Subscriber Only invited rehearsal of Dating Walter Dante February 12 Opening Night of Dating Walter Dante February 17 Out at Raven with Dating Walter Dante For more information visit us on the web at www.raventheatre.com or call us at 773-338-2177 6 Raven Theatre Co.
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F ( c o n t .) SALESMAN (Stage Manager). Other Chicago-area credits include IN YOUR FACEBOOK (Stage Manager, Tellin’ Tales Theatre), ROUGH CROSSING (Lighting Design, Piccolo Theatre), and LUST, LIES, & MARRIAGE (Lighting Design, Piccolo Theatre). When she’s not wearing her stage-managing hat, Cathy can be found in the lighting department at Freeman Audio Visual. Cathy earned her BA in Theatre from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. RAY TOLER (Set Designer) has been designing sets for Raven Theatre since 1987 and was recently nominated for a Jeff Award for his design for last season’s CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. Other recent sets for the Raven stage include: BOOK OF DAYS, LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR, and THE ODD COUPLE. Also known as an actor and director, Ray has appeared in the movies HOME ALONE, U.S. MARSHALS, STRAIGHT TALK, A THOUSAND ACRES, A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN and most recently CHICAGO OVERCOAT. On TV he has been seen in ER, THE UNTOUCHABLES, and EARLY EDITION. Ray holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Stage Directing from Florida State University. DIANE D. FAIRCHILD (Lighting Designer), a long time admirer, is excited to be making her Raven Theatre debut. Past design credits include shows at Rivendell, Next, TimeLine, Northlight, Chicago Dramatists, The Side Project, Fleetwood-Jourdain, Sinnerman, Mortar Theatre, Infamous Commonwealth, Noble Fool, Redmoon, Court Theatre, Pegasus Players, and Wheaton College. Diane is a proud member of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, an Artistic Associate of Next Theatre, and adjunct faculty at The School of the Art Institute. Ms. Fairchild holds an MFA in theater design from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and she earned her BFA in design and technology for the theater from Wright State University in her hometown, Dayton, Ohio. Much thanks and love to F.L., X-Box and Q-Ball.
JOELLE BERANEK (Costume Designer) is delighted to design again for Raven, where she previously costumed THE CHERRY ORCHARD and DEATH OF A SALESMAN. A graduate of Northwestern University, Joelle has most recently designed A BEHANDING IN SPOKANE for Profiles Theatre, THE MIRACLE WORKER, MAN OF LA MANCHA, and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA for The Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, and MAN FROM NEBRASKA, SHINING CITY, and LOBBY HERO for Redtwist Theatre. Other design credits include work with Light Opera Works, Moraine Valley Community College, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, and a variety of work in educational/children’s theater. Joelle is on staff as resident costume designer at Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, and also works as an event/wedding planner. Her most favorite project of the year: building dresses for her baby girl, Antonia. MELISSA SCHLESINGER (Sound Design) has been making noise in the Chicago theatre scene. Most recently she has designed for Raven Theatre’s THE CHERRY ORCHARD, The Den Theatre’s SUMMER AND SMOKE, and Slingshot Productions’ LOW. Other Chicago companies Melissa has worked with include Congo Square, The Ruckus, Hanger 9, Vaudezilla, and Zombie Army Productions. MARY O’DOWD (Properties Designer) created props for THE CHERRY ORCHARD, RADIO GOLF, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, THE ODD COUPLE, DEATH OF A SALESMAN, HEDDA GABLER, MISAMERICA, and COLUMBINUS here at Raven. Other favorite prop/set dressing credits include ON GOLDEN POND and ENCHANTED APRIL (Theatre of Western Springs), BALLAD OF THE SAD CAFÉ and AFTERMATH (Signal Ensemble Theatre) and INSIDE STUDIO 180, a College of DuPage cable series about the arts. Mary is an Artistic Associate at Signal Ensemble Theatre.
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P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F ( c o n t .) ANDREI ONEGIN (Technical Director) has enjoyed designing the sets for Raven’s last two productions, THE CHERRY ORCHARD and RADIO GOLF, and two of Raven’s 2009 productions, DEATH OF A SALESMAN and HEDDA GABLER. He has also served as TD at the Raven for the last three seasons. His other work in Chicago has included designing sets for THE COLORED MUSEUM, BLACK NATIVITY and BROTHERS OF THE DUST (Congo Square, BTA Award nomination for Best Set Design), CAT’S CRADLE (Lifeline), PRINCESS CLUB, THE BALLOON MAN and THE GOLDEN TRUFFLE (Redmoon), THE DAY OF KNOWLEDGE (Stage Left), HAMLET (Yamaworks), FLOOD and ROSMERSHOLM (Alchimia). He designed objects and was technical director for Hanchback 07, Lunatique 07 and Loopthopia 07, Twilight Orchard, Sam Zell’s Birthday Party (for Redmoon), operas THE TALES OF HOFFMAN, COSI FAN TUTTE, THE CRUCIBLE and the legendary WAA-MU SHOWS in 1999 and 2000 (for Northwestern University). During the last 30 years of Andrei’s theater career he has participated in and accomplished more than 110 productions, and worked for such legendary companies as Moscow Art Theater, Kabuki and ComédieFrançaise. He received his MFA in 1992 from The Moscow Art Theater School. Andrei would like to thank all of his incredible Chicago colleagues and friends for their support and help. JUSTIN CASTELLANO (Master Electrician) received his BA in Theatre Arts from DePaul University’s Barat College Campus. He has worked as an Associate Producer for BLACK GOLD and an Assistant Camera Man for AMERICA’S TOUGHEST JOBS, both with TruTV. Justin has most recently worked with Northlight and Redtwist theatres in addition to being full-time with Grand Stage Co. MARIA C. CARACCIOLO (Assistant Stage Manager/Production Assistant) is a newcomer to Chicago theatre and is thrilled to join Raven Theatre on BUS 8 Raven Theatre Co.
STOP. As a student at The Ohio State University, Maria’s performance credits include O PIONEERS! (Annie), THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME (Puppeteer), and THE WINTER’S TALE (Clown). Backstage, Maria has enjoyed success as Assistant Director for the Black Student Theatre Network’s production of ROMEO & JULIET, as well as various children’s shows and workshops. Many thanks to the cast and crew of BUS STOP for being so welcoming. AMANDA ROZMIAREK (Scenic Artist) is pleased to be working with Raven Theatre again after painting THE CHERRY ORCHARD this spring. Most recently, Amanda was the technical director for Fine Print Theater Co.’s inaugural production of AT EASE and Shattered Globe’s EDUCATING RITA. She is looking forward to designing the set and puppets for a production of DUMBO this fall, and designing the set for Arthur Miller’s THE PRICE this February at Raven. DAVID WOOLLEY (Fight Choreography) is happy to be back playing at Raven. A veteran of Chicago Theater, he has staged over 500 fights over the past 30 years; from slaps to riots, sword fights to gun battles in big downtown theaters and small off- Loop storefronts. Previous Raven stagings include: GOLDEN BOY, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, COLUMBINUS, LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR, NIGHT OF THE IGUANA, and A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE. Recent work includes: staging the fights for THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY at the Geffen Theatre in Los Angeles, teaching at the National Stage Combat Workshop in North Carolina, and touring with THE SWORDSMEN! at the Bristol and Ohio Renaissance Faires. Woolley is: a Fight Master with the Society of American Fight Directors; Senior Lecturer at Columbia College Chicago (25 years overseeing the violence needs of a burgeoning department); and, performs as Guido Crescendo in DIRK AND GUIDO: THE SWORDSMEN! (22 years) He is the recipient of 2 Joseph
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F ( c o n t .) Jefferson Awards for Fight Direction (2010, CHAD DEITY, Teatro Vista/ Victory Gardens; 1989, Consistent Excellence in Combat Choreography). MICHAEL MENENDIAN (Producing Artistic Director) is a co-founding member of Raven Theatre, where he has directed and designed many of the productions. Some of his favorite shows include: A TEXAS TRILOGY, THE CRUCIBLE, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS (Jeff Nomination, Outstanding Production), TALKIN’ BASEBALL, GOLDEN BOY (Jeff Nomination, Outstanding Production), A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (JeffAward, Outstanding Production), A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE (Jeff-Award, Outstanding Production), DANCING AT LUGHNASA (Jeff Nomination, Outstanding Production), and most recently JESUS HOPPED THE ‘A’ TRAIN, DEATH OF A SALESMAN (Jeff Nomination, Outstanding Production), CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF and THE CHERRY ORCHARD. He has earned multiple Joseph Jefferson and After Dark awards for direction and design. TERI MCCASKILL (Managing Director) is thrilled to be on board as Raven’s Managing Director. Her involvement with Raven began in 1995 when she performed in Raven’s first production of DEATH OF A SALESMAN. She has been happily involved with Raven ever since, providing box office support, assisting with fundraising events, performing and directing. She is grateful for the opportunity to help Raven’s continuing efforts to establish itself as an important voice in regional theatre. JOHN WEAGLY (Operations Manager) has House Managed or worked box office for over seventy-five shows in the Chicagoland area over the last seventeen years. Besides being the former Operations Manager for Organic Theater, he’s also helped out at Mary-Arrchie, Bailiwick, Lifeline, Goodman and several small companies that have come and gone. As a playwright, he’s had plays produced
here at Raven as well as Strawdog Theatre, Second City, Circle Theater, Artistic Home, Bailiwick, Collaboraction and numerous other companies around the world. As a fiction writer he’s been published in multiple languages and won multiple awards. KERRY REED (House Manager) joined the Raven family in 2002 when they opened this fantastic space. She enjoys starting your Raven experience with a smile and warm welcome, as well as, addressing any of your needs. On occasion she manages to slip away from the box office and appear on stage as she did in AMERICAN BUFFALO (foot traffic) and in DINER TALES (customer). Kerry truly enjoys her time here at Raven finding it a good complement to her career as a children’s librarian where she performs a one-woman show (storytime) a few times a week for adoring preschool fans. Special thanks to Mike, JoAnn, and Amazing Liz. SHANE ABBOTT (House Manager) is excited to be working for Raven Theatre. He is a proud graduate of Barat College with a degree in acting and directing who has also been associated with Gorilla Tango Theatre and Steppenwolf. Huge thanks to Mike, JoAnn, Teri and John for being so patient, and a special thanks to his daughter Hannah. JENNIFER REINHARDT (House Manager) likes storytelling. She also produces the International Voices Project, an eight week concert reading series featuring works of international playwrights in collaboration with cultural institutions and foreign consulates throughout Chicago. Tell the story, change the world. NOELLE L. PERKINS (House Manager) has been enjoying the glamorous coming and goings of the theatre. With a background in art and music and fresh out of college, she enjoys meeting new people and making new experiences. Raven Theatre Co. 9
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F ( c o n t .) With its overflowing bucket of personalities, she is quite content at Raven. Stop by the concession stand for a chat and candy bar. CHRISTA VAN BAALE (Media Relations) is proud to return for her fourth season with Raven Theatre. She has handled media relations and marketing for theatre and dance organizations
in Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison and Green Bay markets. As a stage manager/tour manager, Christa has worked with companies including Triton College, The Gift Theatre, Defiant Theatre (RIP), Strawdog Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, The Artistic Home, Blindfaith Theatre, Open Eye Productions, Nebraska Theatre Caravan and the Irish dance show, Celticfusion.
SPECIAL THANKS Alla Bikchurina, Theatre of Western Springs, Sarah Geis, The Neon Shop, Josh Stoller, Kathryn Acosta, Sandra Barnett-White and Jim White Opening Night Sponsor: Alexander’s Extra Special Thanks to all of the individuals and businesses who made generous donations to Raven Theatre in the past year.
RAVEN THEATRE Sessions run Year round!
Youth Programs For information call: Kelli Strickland 773 571--3038 773--571 10 Raven Theatre Co.
“More choices on its menu than the „L‟ has passengers during rush hour...” —Stacy Warden, CenterStage Present Raven ticket/confirmation when ordering for 10% off your bill! (gratuity not included)
ly cial ed i f f d O men atre! m o Rec en The av by R
Alexander’s is proud to be the Exclusive Opening Night Sponsor of Bus Stop!
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