Chesapeake by Lee Blessing
February 21 - March 16, 2014 Tenth Street Theatre 628 N. 10th Street, Milwaukee
A funny one-man “tail� about coming together for the greater good. Featuring Matt Daniels
414-271-1371 for tickets | www.intandemtheatre.org M at t D a n i e l s
Understudy
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Presents
THE UNDERSTUDY By Theresa Rebeck Directed by Mallory Metoxen Stage Manager......................................................................................................................... Brandy Kline* Light Design.................................................................................................................................. Jan Kellogg Sound Design............................................................................................................................ Sarah Ramos Props Design.................................................................................................................................. Nikki Kulas Costume Design.....................................................................................................................Jason Orlenko Scenic Design......................................................................................................................... Nathan Stuber Assistant Scenic Design..................................................................................................... Anthony Lyons
Sponsors
January 17 – February 09, 2014
The Studio Theatre | 158 N. Broadway | Milwaukee, WI CAST Roxanne............................................................................................................................. Cassandra Bissell* Jake..........................................................................................................................................Philip Sletteland Harry........................................................................................................................................Ken T. Williams* *Member of Actors’ Equity Association
SET TING Place: A Theater on Broadway Time: Present Day (Rehearsing for a play that takes place in 1920s Prague) The World Premier of The Understudy was produced by the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Nicholas Martin, Artistic Director, July 23, 2008. The Understudy was commissioned by Playwrights Horizons with funds provided by The Leading National Theatres Program, a joint initiative of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. THE UNDERSTUDY is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever are strictly prohibited.
N O T E S F R O M T H E D I R E C TO R | M A L L O R Y M E TO X E N At the start of a career you are an unknown. It is a continuous struggle to maintain a foothold as you pursue your chosen profession. You put yourself out there time and time again, hoping that someone notices you and takes a chance on you. I have been incredibly fortunate in the past three years. The ladies at Renaissance took a chance on me and have given me countless opportunities within the company. They have shared their wisdom and encouraged me in all of my theatrical endeavors. I was blown away when they not only asked me to become a staff member, but in the same sentence, asked me to direct THE UNDERSTUDY by Theresa Rebeck. THE UNDERSTUDY, on the surface, is a comedic peek into a rehearsal for a Broadway show, but at its heart it is so much more. Enter the three main characters: a “Movie Star”, a “Stage Manager” and an “Understudy”, all three are struggling, but share an undeniable passion. The play tells the tale of the theatre artist and the joy of supporting yourself through the work you love, while also showing the frailty of the business and the yearning for artistic legitimacy. Sometimes, you take what jobs you can get to survive, but your real desire is to be a part of something meaningful. In the end, it’s not “work” if it’s worth doing. Thank you for joining me at the beginning of my journey. I have been so fortunate to collaborate with an incredible team of artists on THE UNDERSTUDY. And to the ladies of Renaissance, thanks for noticing me and allowing me to be part of the team. “Yay us!”
BE A VITAL PART OF THE PERFORMANCE. The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is essential to the vitality of Southeastern Wisconsin. More than 30 local performing arts groups rely on UPAF funding to deliver their amazing performances and educational programs, entertaining and engaging our residents and visitors, driving our local economy and helping our children reach their full potential.
Learn more and donate at www.UPAF.org.
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N O T E S F R O M T H E D R A M AT U R G | D E A N I E VA L L O N E Franz Kafka’s undiscovered masterpiece? I think not! “Kafka’s lost play” as detailed in Theresa Rebeck’s THE UNDERSTUDY is not a real work. Though Kafka did not write any plays, we are fortunate enough to have many of his writings, from novels and stories to letters and diaries. Despite the fictionality of the playwithin-a-play, Rebeck’s work pays homage to the famous German writer in many ways. THE UNDERSTUDY is rife with allusions and references to Kafka’s life and literary career. Kafka was born in Prague in 1883 to a middle-class Jewish family. At university he became life-long friends with classmate and fellow writer Max Brod who would later be responsible for editing, completing, and posthumously publishing some of Kafka’s most famous novels, The Trial and The Castle. During his lifetime, Kafka published seven books, gave numerous literary talks, and was jointly awarded the Fontane Prize. His personal life has become nearly as well-known as his literary life. He often visited brothels and engaged in multiple complicated affairs. The most notable was his five-year relationship with Felice Bauer (conducted almost entirely by letter) that he finally broke off after two engagements. Kafka died in 1924 from tuberculosis. The real work (and the real fun) comes in dissecting the script, hunting down the Kafka references, and analyzing their significance to the play. Throughout THE UNDERSTUDY, Rebeck uses Kafka as a device to critique her contemporary setting: Broadway. Kangaroo courts. Dirt-scrubbed taverns. Ominous, looming castles. Invisible, all-powerful authorities. What does any of this have to do with Broadway? More than we, and the characters, initially realize. Kafka studied law at university and went on post-graduation to work for various insurance companies and to open an asbestos factory. He constantly felt forced to sacrifice devotion to his art for his business. The conflict between art and commerce is a central element to many of Kafka’s works, most notably his famous short stories, “Josephine the Singer” and “The Hunger Artist”. Kafka may not have written any plays, and certainly had no concept of Broadway, but his life and writings serve as a great backdrop for considering the state of contemporary theatre.
YOUR
THE UNDERSTUDY TICKET STUB IS WORTH
One per check. Food only. Valid until February 16, 2014 Not combined with any other offer.
20 off
% 101 W. Mitchell St. Milwaukee, WI www.transfermke.com 414.763.0438 Understudy
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BIOGR APHIES Theresa Rebeck (Playwright) Theresa Rebeck is a widely produced playwright both in the United States and abroad. Past New York productions of her work include MAURITIUS at the Biltmore Theatre in a Manhattan Theater Club Production; THE SCENE, THE WATER’S EDGE, LOOSE KNIT, THE FAMILY OF MANN, and SPIKE HEELS at Second Stage; BAD DATES, THE BUTTERFLY COLLECTION, and OUR HOUSE at Playwrights Horizons; VIEW OF THE DOME at New York Theatre Workshop; and THE UNDERSTUDY at the Roundabout. OMNIUM GATHERUM (co-written, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2003) was featured at the Humana Festival, and had a commercial run at the Variety Arts Theatre. She has won the National Theatre Conference Award, The William Inge New Voices Playwriting Award, an IRNE Award for Best New Play, and the Elliot Norton Award for various works. She has published two novels through Shaye Areheart/Random House and has taught writing at Brandeis University and Columbia University. Mallory Metoxen (Director) Mallory came to Renaissance Theaterworks shortly after graduating from Cardinal Stritch University with a degree in Theater and Business. She has directed LUCKY CHARMS at The Milwaukee Artist Resource Network, IN LOVE, YET AGAIN! for The Alchemist and OLD GARDE with InHerOwnRight Productions. Mallory has assistant directed A DAY IN HOLLYWOOD, A NIGHT IN UKRAINE for Skylight Music Theatre and UNDER THE LINTEL and JEEVES IN BLOOM for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. Mallory served as the Assistant Director for the RTW productions of NEAT, HONOUR and their collaborative piece with Cardinal Stritch University called IRENA’S VOW. 6
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Mallory is thrilled to make her professional directorial debut with THE UNDERSTUDY. She would like to thank this incredible group of ladies for their unwavering support. Cassandra Bissell* (Roxanne) Cassandra couldn’t be happier to return to Renaissance Theaterworks having appeared previously in CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY. Chicago credits: DETROIT ’67 (Northlight Theatre); THE TEMPEST, RICHARD II, KING JOHN AND SHORT SHAKESPEARE productions of ROMEO & JULIET and MACBETH (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); ARCADIA, HAMLET (Court Theatre); MEMORY HOUSE (Victory Gardens), MARY’S WEDDING (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble – Jeff nomination, Best Actress); IN THE BLOOD, MEASURE FOR MEASURE (Next Theatre); OTHELLO (Shakespeare on the Green); THE QUIET MAN TALES (Chicago Theatre Downstairs); TWELFTH NIGHT, A WOMAN KILLED WITH KINDNESS, and OTHELLO (The Shakespeare Project of Chicago.) Regional credits: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Great Lakes Theater/Idaho Shakespeare Festival); MY NAME IS ASHER LEV, IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY (Milwaukee Rep); MEMORY HOUSE, IN THE NEXT ROOM (Actors’ Theatre of Louisville); PRIDE & PREJUDICE, NOISES OFF (Cleveland Play House); and six seasons at Peninsula Players of Door County, WI including PROOF, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, DOUBT, THE LADY’S NOT FOR BURNING, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, OPUS. Cassandra is a proud member of Actors’ Equity and holds a degree in Gender Studies from the University of Chicago.
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Philip Sletteland (Jake) This marks Phil’s debut performance at Renaissance Theaterworks, and he couldn’t be more thrilled. Phil had the pleasure of working with the brilliant Renaissance ladies last year when he played Rokita in IRENA’S VOW at Cardinal Stritch University. Phil has worked with The Berkshire Theater Festival, Actors Theater of Louisville, Theater for the New City (NYC), NJ Repertory Theater, and Chamber Theater (Boston), among others, and holds an MFA in Acting from Mason Gross School of the Arts (Rutgers). He would like to thank the entire Renaissance team, specifically Mallory Metoxen, Suzan Fete, Jennifer Rupp, and the entire cast and crew. Happy New Year! Ken T. Williams* (Harry) Ken is excited to be making his Renaissance Theaterworks debut and work with this fabulous company on THE UNDERSTUDY. Some favorite roles include Jamie in LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT with Cornerstone, Andrei in THE THREE SISTERS WITH WINDFALL, Kip in WONDER OF THE WORLD with In Tandem, and Epilogue in FLU SEASON with Youngblood. Ken has also been seen working with great companies like Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, First Stage, Bunny Gumbo Productions, Milwaukee Irish Arts, and Optimist Theatre. Next, you can see him as Houston in Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s production of OCTOBER, BEFORE I WAS BORN in February. Ken is a proud resident of Milwaukee where he lives with his beautiful wife Rachel and three gorgeous children Calder, Mara, and Elliette.
Brandy Kline (Stage Manager) Brandy is glad to join Renaissance Theaterworks for her seventh season as Stage Manager, while also working as Production Manager/Company Manager for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. Brandy has worked in various capacities of stage management, props and stage crew for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Bialystock & Bloom, Renaissance Theaterworks, Next Act Theatre, Skylight Opera Theatre, Milwaukee Shakespeare, Alverno College, Peck School of the Arts Dance Department and Wild Space Dance Company. After receiving a B.A. in Theatre from Lawrence University, she studied at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and the Spoleto Festival USA. Most recently she was lucky enough to go StoryTraveling- sharing RTW’s production of NEAT at the PE Opera House in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Anthony Lyons (Assistant Scenic Design & Technical Director) This season marks Anthony’s seventh full year as Technical Director for Renaissance Theaterworks. In all, he has worked in various capacities on twenty-six Renaissance productions over the last eighteen years. Past credits include: light board operator for IMAGINING BRAD and TALKING WITH; Master electrician for SYRINGA TREE (remount), SYNCOPATION, and FULL GALLOP (second mounting). Anthony is also technical director for Wild Space Dance Company and recently worked on THE PENELOPIAD with director Leda Hoffmann and Luminous Theatre. Anthony has worked for Alverno Presents, Skylight Opera Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and Bialystock & Bloom (R.I.P.). In a parallel universe, Anthony is a partner in a small custom carpentry firm.
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Nathan Stuber (Scenic Designer) Previous designs for RTW include BLACKBIRD, TOP DOG/UNDERDOG and BURN THIS. Nathan lives and works in Spring Green where he is a resident designer for American Players Theatre. Thank you for spending your money on the Arts and your time with us. Jan Kellogg (Light Design) Jan Kellogg is delighted to be back working with Renaissance Theaterworks where she designed TOP DOG/UNDERDOG, FAT PIG and all three helpings of RED PEPPER JELLY. She currently resides in Los Angeles where she has designed at A Noise Within, UCLA, UC-Riverside, and Westridge School. Milwaukee credits include Wild Space Dance Company, Danceworks Performance Company, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, In Tandem Theatre, Theater X, and Bialystock and Bloom. She is a graduate of Marquette University.
Lookingglass Theatre, About Face Theatre, Congo Square Theatre, Bailiwick Chicago, Teatro Luna, Prop Thtr, and Livewire Chicago. Nationally, she has worked with And How Theater Company (NY), Gateway Playhouse (NY), Piedmont Opera (NC), and IATSE Local 635 (NC). She is an alumnus of the North Carolina School of the Arts. Nikki Kulas (Props Design) Nikki is proud to be working with Renaissance Theaterworks for another season. Past shows she designed are THE BELLE OF AMHERST, ENFRASCADA, EDUCATING RITA and co-designed THE ROAD TO MECCA. She is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and a Wisconsin native from New Berlin. Recent local designs include IRMA VEP, GRACE, CLOCKMAKER, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, MICROCRISIS, ONE TIME, VIGIL, SYLVIA, EXONERATED and A SLEEPING COUNTRY at Next Act Theatre and THINGS BEING WHAT THEY ARE, JEEVES IN BLOOM, UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL, COLLECTED STORIES, DRIVING MISS DAISY, HEROES and THE SUBJECT WAS ROSES at the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. This summer she also had the pleasure of prop designing for PENELOPIAD under the Holton St. Bridge. She has worked as a Props Artist for the Skylight Music Theatre for the last 3 seasons and apprenticed in the Prop Shop for a season prior. For the last 6 summers she calls Winona, Minnesota, her summer home where she is the Properties Director at the Great River Shakespeare Festival.
Jason Orlenko (Costume Designer) Jason is thrilled to be working on his first show with Renaissance. A Milwaukee based designer, Jason’s work has been seen at the Milwaukee Rep, The Repertory of St. Louis, In Tandem Theatre, Marquette University, The Jenny Wiley Amphitheatre, and Indiana Festival Theatre. Other professional credits include the Florentine Opera, the Hangar Theatre, First Stage Children’s Theatre, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. Jason holds an MFA in Costume Design from Indiana University. Upcoming work includes HYDROGEN JUKEBOX for Skylight Corin Davidson (Assistant Stage Music Theatre and1959 PINK THUNDERBIRD Manager) Corin is a third year BFA Stage for In Tandem. www.jasonorlenko.com Management student at UWM. This is her first time working at Renaissance Sarah Ramos (Sound Design) Theaterworks. Previously she has worked Sarah returns to Renaissance Theaterworks with such companies as The World’s Stage after designing ENFRASCADA last fall. She Theatre Company and Milwaukee Chamber is the Resident Audio Engineer at Court Theatre. Corin is thrilled to be working on Theatre. Back in her home of Chicago, she this amazing production. has also worked with Goodman Theatre, 8
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Laura Murphy (Choreographer) Laura Murphy is a choreographer, improviser, collaborator and performer whose recent credits include creator/ director of the structured improvisation AN INHERENT PRESENCE, part of Dancework’s ‘Intersect! and choreographer for THE PENELOPIAD with director Leda Hoffman and Luminous Theater Company. Other independent credits include choreographer/performer for composer Amanda Schoof’s ACEDIA, part of Present Music’s ‘Around 30’, and Assistant Choreographer for Lawrence University Theater Dept.’s SHOW YOUR FACE: A MASQUE, directed by Kathy Privatt. Laura’s work has been produced locally by Dancework’s Performance Company, Madison’s Intercontinental Dance Festival, the MKE Follies, and internationally by Mazowiecki Centrum Kultury i Sztuki and the Warszawski Teatr Tanca (Warsaw, PL). She is now in her 7th season with Wild Space Dance Company, having danced with the Warszawski Teatre Tanca for 2 seasons. She is a graduate of UWM’s Dance Department and is an Artist in Residence at Lawrence University, teaching Movement Fundamentals and Ballet within their Theater Department. Christopher Elst (Violence Design) An Advanced Actor/Combatant with Recommended status in all eight weapon disciplines taught by the Society of American Fight Directors and an Apprentice Instructor with Dueling Arts International, Christopher’s violence design has been featured in many Milwaukee productions in 2013, including KING LEAR (Alchemist Theatre); THE PENELOPIAD (Luminous Theatre); A THOUSAND TIMES GOODNIGHT (Theater RED); and LES MISÉRABLES (Skylight Music Theatre). You can learn more about Christopher at his website: www.christopherelst.com
Deanie Vallone (Dramaturg) Deanie is pleased to be returning to Milwaukee after having previously written for the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s Young Playwright’s Festival and Bunny Gumbo’s Combat Theatre. She received a BA in English literature and creative writing from Cardinal Stritch University, and most recently completed an Affiliated BA in English literature from the University of Cambridge in England. While abroad she did production, publicity, and stage management work on LOOK BACK IN ANGER, THE ROSE TATTOO, and BLACKBIRD through the Corpus Playroom and Pembroke New Cellars in Cambridge. Her true interest, however, is dramaturgy, and she is thrilled to be working on this show as her first dramaturgical endeavor. Many thanks to Renaissance Theaterworks and Mallory for this opportunity. Suzan Fete (Co-Artistic Director) Suzan Co-Founded Renaissance Theaterworks in 1993. She is a past President of the Board and currently serves as Co-Artistic Director. Suzan has over 20 years of experience as an actor, director, and producer in professional theater. Past directing projects for Renaissance Theaterworks include TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, THE SHAPE OF THINGS, BLACKBIRD, NEAT, THE ROAD TO MECCA and THE BELLE OF AMHERST. Suzan lives in Wauwatosa with her husband Jeff and son Matthew. Jennifer Rupp (Co-Artistic Director) Jennifer is a Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Renaissance Theaterworks. As an actress, her credits include productions with Renaissance Understudy
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Theaterworks, Next Act Theatre, First Stage, Bialystock & Bloom, Boulevard Ensemble, Theatre Gigante, Madison Repertory Theatre and Children’s Theater of Madison. Jennifer is a co-creator of the RED PEPPER JELLY musicals, original shows written and performed by local Milwaukee artists and produced by Renaissance Theaterworks. Jennifer also works with her husband Dick Chudnow and her son Nick Chudnow as the Business Manager for ComedySportz Milwaukee. Julie Swenson (Producing Director) Julie became Renaissance’s Producing Director in 2001 having served on the Board of Directors since 1997. She received a BA in theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL. She became a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association in 1986 while working in New York City. Julie has been on the board of the Village of Nashotah since 1998 and she is also the host of New Home Building Today. Last fall, Julie played Irena Gut Opdyke in IRENA’S VOW, an artistic collaboration between Cardinal Stritch University and Renaissance Theaterworks.
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Lisa Rasmussen (Development Director) Lisa started as Renaissance Theaterworks’ Development Director with excitement in the summer of 2008. Recent experience includes stage management for ComedySportz-Milwaukee and more than five years in marketing. Lisa received her BA in Theater and Psychology from Cardinal Stritch University in 2003. Lisa is a member of The Association of Fundraising Professionals. She loves living in Bay View with husband Jake and daughter Anna. Alison Carlucci (Director of Marketing and PR) As the Director of Marketing and PR Alison aims to extend RTW’s mission to more people through fostering and strengthening interdisciplinary relationships within the Milwaukee arts community and surrounding areas. Alison comes to RTW with a Masters degree in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and professional experience in office management, marketing, PR and design. She is a mixed-media artist and an avid supporter of the arts in Milwaukee.
GREEN ROOM GROUP Our Green Room Group is a collection of our major individual donors. When these generous souls contribute $1,000 or more annually, they become members of this fun, exclusive group. Yes, it takes some “green stuff” to join, but the Green Room is the place to be. Historically, the Green Room was where the actors waited before going on to perform, the insider’s lounge, if you will - simply a room painted green. The RTW Green Room is a metaphorical rather than a literal place, made “green” by its members’ pledges of support, but still very much the insider’s place to be. As a Green Room Group member you can make a huge difference in the success of RTW. You enable RTW to hire the finest actors and directors who bring us extraordinary, sold-out performances. There are more benefits to Green Room Group membership including special invitations to exclusive events. If you appreciate the work we do and want to become a part of it, now is the time to contribute.
Levels of membership: Turquoise $1,000
• Invitations to 1–2 unique, exclusive events per season (Green Room Group members only) where you will enjoy rare insight into the plays we produce and access to playwrights, directors, artistic directors, actors or other luminaries • A voucher for 2 complimentary drinks (wine, beer or soda) at the lobby bar or upstairs in the Skylight Bar and Bistro Current Turquoise Donors: ANONYMOUS Dr. Kathleen Hickey & John P. Paula Penebaker Elisabeth Townsend Bridge & Hickey, Jr. Judy Perkins & Dave Keen Flint Bridge Mary & Mark Hollister Gwen & Jim Plunkett Diane & David Buck Marie Kohler & Brian Mani Jennifer Rupp & Dick Chudnow F. Colin & Paula Cabot Pam Kriger Kim & Tom Schubert Gabrielle Davidson & Rob Lyon Nancy & Arthur Laskin Nicole & L. William Teweles Jean & John DiMotto Joan Lubar Angela Topetzes & Tom Strelka George & Sandy Dionisopoulos Anne & Ormond MacDougald Lynde Uihlein Suzan & Jeff Fete Barbara Manger & Bill Lynch Bettie Zillman Marie Christine & Stephen Fox Theresa & Robert Muselman Judy Zwirlein Sue & Tim Frautschi Kate & Ken Muth
Peridot $1,500
• The Turquoise level benefits (above) • 3 free parking passes (based on availability) for the closest lots, for your use throughout the season Current Peridot Donors: Ruth De Young Kohler Jane Barclay Mandel & Mary Jo & Guy McDonald Paul Mandel
Jade $2,000
• The Turquoise level benefits (above) • The Peridot level benefits (above) • 2 complimentary tickets to see a show by Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, our friends and neighbors Current Jade Donors: Laura & Mike Arnow Marianne & Sheldon Lubar Lois Smith Doris Hersh Chortek Mickey B. Ripp Julia & David Uihlein Laura Lindner
Emerald $4,000
• The Turquoise level benefits (above) • The Peridot level benefits (above) • The Jade level benefits (above) • New this year! A 1-night sponsorship dedicated to you, a loved one or a business of your choice (think of a special birthday, anniversary or other milestone that you could acknowledge in a special way!) Current Emerald Donors: Jill Heavenrich Sally & Robb Marks Rodney Wram Understudy
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DONORS Renaissance Theaterworks gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and organizations for their generous support. Donations listed were received between July 1, 2012 and December 10, 2013. Those who are bolded chose to BE BOLD by giving a new gift of $100 or increasing their past gift by at least 10%. If you’d like to BE BOLD, please contribute boldly online at www.r-t-w.com or via mail. Thank you! $5,000- $9,999 Brico Fund, LLC BMO Harris Bank CAMPAC City of Milwaukee Arts Board (MAB) Forest County Potawatomi Foundation Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation Sempercor Foundation Wisconsin Arts Board Wisconsin Humanities Council $1,000 - $4,999 ANONYMOUS Laura & Mike Arnow Associated Bank Robert W. Baird & Co. Foundation Elisabeth Townsend Bridge & Flint Bridge Diane & David Buck Doris Hersh Chortek Gabrielle Davidson & Rob Lyon Jean & John DiMotto George & Sandy Dionisopoulos Suzan & Jeff Fete Sue & Tim Frautschi Dr. Kathleen Hickey & John P. Hickey, Jr. Mary & Mark Hollister Marie Kohler & Brian Mani Ruth De Young Kohler Pam Kriger Nancy & Arthur Laskin Laura Lindner Joan Lubar Marianne & Sheldon Lubar Jane Barclay Mandel & Paul Mandel Barbara Manger & Bill Lynch Marine Bank Mary Jo & Guy McDonald Theresa & Robert Muselman Kate & Ken Muth Paula Penebaker Judy Perkins & Dave Keen Gwen & Jim Plunkett Mickey B. Ripp & Casey Ripp Jennifer Rupp & Dick Chudnow Tom & Kim Schubert Lois Smith L. William & Nicole Teweles 12
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Sophia Angela Topetzes Strelka & Tom Strelka David & Julia Uihlein Charitable Foundation Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation Rodney Wram Bettie Zillman Judy Zwirlein $500 - $999 Kathleen & Thomas Alpren Isabel & Alfred Bader Donna & Donald Baumgartner Lisa Berman & Larry Dalton Judy & Fred Bessette Anne Booth & Charles Trainer Nancy & Jon Christiansen Polly Daeger Shel & Danni Gendelman Inez & Gene Gilbert David Glenn Sandra Hays & Walt Kelly Johnson Controls Foundation Patti Keating Kahn & Chuck Kahn Mary Kamps Julilly Kohler Lynne & Neal Miller David Paris Lucille Rosenberg Betty & Larry Rupp Jan Serr & John Shannon Barbara L. Ulichny $200 - $499 ANONYMOUS Marilyn M. Auer Fran Bauer Natalie Beckwith Jean Bernstein Bonnie Birk & Dave Helling Andrée & John Bouvier Jacqueline Boynton Jill & Frits Broekhuizen Doris Carroll Tracey Carson & Bill Zaferos Joan Christopherson Schmidt Christina & John Clancy Gordon & Barbara Davidson Kathleen Donius & Paul Kosidowski Chip Duncan
Robert Ferriday, III Jay Findling Mary & Matthew Flynn Pamela Frautschi & Richard Ippolito Kathleen & Stewart Friend Mary Ann & Lloyd Gerlach Lois & Richard Goldberg Patricia & Jerry Groth Jean & Charles Hausmann Sarah & Milt Hwang Angela & George Jacobi Ruth & Richard F. Joachim Joan Lubar Charitable Fund Judy Kesser Senator Herbert H. Kohl Mr. & Ms. J. M. Kohler, Jr. Maureen & Daniel Konkol Ingrid La Malfa Melissa Legg & Rick Reeves Rita & Dennis Lindner Sherry & Rick Lundell Martin Family Foundation Lee Marquardt Chris McAuliffe Sarah McEneany Barbara McMath Sally Merrell & Ely Leichtling in honor of Jill Heavenrich Sara & Howard Miller Lucia & Jack Murtaugh Suzanne Osetek Kathryn Plumb & Boris Gendelev Mary S. Pollock Christine Radiske & Herbert Quigley Pat & Allen Rieselbach Lynn & Paul Rix Karyn & David Roelke Bibi & Greg Rosner Joyce Rubenstein Susan & Michael Schall Janine & Bruce Smith Katherine M. Smith Barbara & Louis Stippich Caroline & Michael Weil Gwen & Bill Werner Joan C. Wiegand Family Fund Kim Wynn Kristine & Todd Zinkgraf
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$100 - $199 ANONYMOUS (4) George Affeldt Sandra & Hank Albert Sheila Aldrich Cathie & Tom Anderson Scott Anger Nancy Balcer Deborah Beck Paula & Mark Bell Estate of Fred Berman Joanne & Geoff Blaesing Felicia Bogdanski Joyce Broan in honor of Lois Smith Betty Bostrom Anne & Arthur Brooks Jan & Dan Brophey Lisa Bruce & Dan Lanzdorf Gretchen & Bill Burns Jane & Stephen Chernof Jeanne Cohen Shirley Conlon & Jess Brownell Mary & James Connelly Deborah & Dennis Conta Darla Coulson Donald A. Cress Michal Dawson Eileen & Larry Dean Mary Jo & Tom Dempsey Brenda & James DeVita Carol Z. Dolphin Barbara Drake Sandy Duffy Penny Egan Claire & Ken Fabric Katie Falk Leslie Fillingham Nancy Filsinger David Flores Barbara & Tom Forbes Liz Furse in honor of Judy Zwirlein Pat Gahl & Gregory Polak Glorioso Brothers Co. Peter D. Goldberg Idy & Bill Goodman Regina & Bruce Goodman Stephanie & Laurence Govin Matzat Jami & Joe Hanreddy Anita Harder Lisa & Mick Hatch Elaine & Ken Herro Ann & Michael Hillman Cynthia Hiteman Candace Hoffmann & David Gaura
Paula & Andrew Holman Dolores & Nate Holman Bett Jacquart Charles Kakuk Diane & Steve Kavalauskas Suzanne Kelley in honor of Judy Zwirlein Harrison D. Kern Jennifer Kern Sally & Chip Kubly Konrad Kuchenbach & John Holland Jeanne Kuhn in honor of Judy Zwirlein Diane Lane & Jamie Johns Marlene & Marv Lauwasser Justine Leonard Paul Leukaufe Bonnie Lewis Sara & Brian Lipman LaDon Love Lynn Lucius & Richard Taylor Margaret & Ken Lukow Susie & Rick Mandel Audrey Mann Susan & Joseph Mazza Mary McCann Elaine McDermott Joni L. & Joseph McDevitt Rita McDonald Jere McGaffey Laura Meddaugh Jequitta & Mark Molot Antonia Naughton Ann Navin Susan & John Nicholson Gigi & Patrick Noble Christine & James O’Brien Jane O’Connell Kathy & Alan Olsen Deborah & Jamshed Patel Maria & Andrew Patterson in honor of S. Angela T. Strelka Lois & Richard Pauls Jeanette & Bruce Peckerman Sally R. Peltz Claire Pfleger Gloria Ramos Jaci & William Rehm Ann & John Reutz Janis Scherr Carol & Kevin Schuele Ruth Schudson Nancy & Tim Selby Sandra M. Seymour Donna Siegmund Robert Spencer Anne & Randy Sprecher
Susan Sweeney Donna & Paul Tanzer Lisa Teel Sally Tolan Dr. Marlene Trachsel Gail & Fred Tyszka Sheryl Van Haren Susan Vetrovsky & Michael Goldstone, MD Anne Wal Mary M. Wegener Betty J. White Carol White Carolyn White-Travanti & Leon Travanti Susan Winecki Wisconsin Energy Foundation Dawn & John Wittak Michael Wright & Ray Jivoff $50 - $99 ANONYMOUS (5) Joyce & Steven Appel Kenneth Berg Holly Blomquist Julie & William Bonnell Theresa Brunson Mary Frances Bullamore Ali Carlucci Susan Chevalier Valerie Clarke Connie Cohan Pat & Phil Crump Debra Dembowski Barbara Dittl Bill Drewek Melissa & James Ebert Margaret Eggener Mary & John Emory Carol & Milt Flieller Jane M. Foster Cheri & Jim Frankwick in honor of Judy Zwirlein Drs. Margo & James Frey Julie Glynn Julie Goggins Bettijean Goldberg Barbara & Don Goldberg David Ira Goldstein Jim Gramling Kathy Grogan Mary Anne Gross Mary Hager Susan & Dan Haislmaier Richard D. Halverson Mary & Stan Harrison Ilze Heider Angela & George Jacobi Understudy
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Juli Kaufmann Shelby Keefe Sarajane & Robert Kennedy Debra & Mark Koenig in honor of Judy Zwirlein Daniel & Susan Koenigsberger in honor of Judy Zwirlein Ericka Kreutz Karen & Fred Kreutz Marilyn Kupka Gertie Kuse Karen & Dennis Leyer Laura Livermore Mary Ellen Lukaszewicz Mark Lutwak Lois Malawsky & Dr. Jay Larkey Kate Marrs kathryn e. martin Carol & Graeme McKinnon in honor of Judy Zwirlein Cynthia McLinn Sharon Nichols Jane Nicholson & Nancy Shea Beth & Dave Olsen Susan Otterson Elaine & Thomas Pagedas Jeanette Payne Jill Anna Ponasik & William Bradley Debbie Radke Marc Revenson Chris Robleski Linda Roethlisberger & Dennis Hennessey Amalia Schoone Judith & Bob Scott Nancy Simuel Diane Slomowitz Minna R. Smith Annot Spergel Gina & John Taucher Maggie Topitzes Michele & Tom Traband Amy & Gregory Urban in honor of Judy Zwirlein Madeline Wake Jean & Bob Walters Jenny Wanasek & Mark Weinberg Alyce & Russell Weiss Bonnie Wiesmueller Roe Wiersgalla James Wilch Kim Wilson Lynita Wolf Connie & Howard Zemlicka  14
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$25 - $49 ANONYMOUS (5) F. Tessa & Richard Bartels Virginia Brennan Elyse & BJ Cohn Patricia Defrain Lynette DeVeau Ann & John Dowden in honor of Judy Zwirlein Gary Dreshcer Nina Edelman Karen Estrada Barbara Felix & James Vyvyan Phyllis & Jordan Fink Catherine Flaherty & Charles Guadaguino Alison Forbes Reesa & Irv Gottschalk Susan & Richard Hackl Alice Hanson-Drew & Michael Drew Sharon & Joseph Hausch Adrienne Hirsch Chris & Larry Hodak Robin & Hugh Hoffman Maureen E. Kania Richard Kilker, Jr. Maureen Kilmurry Mary S. Knudten Michelle Lopez-Rios & Alvaro Rios Eva & Elliot Lipchik Margaret MacLeod Brahm & John W. Brahm Jacqueline Margis Julie S. McHale Mallory Metoxen Bruce Murphy Chris O’Byrne Tom Pappas Janet & Randy Peterson Lisa & Jake Rasmussen Terri & John Ridley Alvaro Rios & Michelle Lopez-Rios Sarah Sandin Susan & Howard Schoenfeld Susan Scot Fry Dana Sherer Stan Spence Dawn Swartz Kara Vandre Hebar Donna & Norm Vincent Yvonne & Mark Wagner Laura Wendt Ann & Gerald Wesolowski Kim Whitmore Sharon Williams Sara Wong
Under $25 ANONYMOUS (5) Mike Brenner Jane Brite Arlene Brodsky Roberta Corrigan & John Surber Jonathan Daly Margadette Demet Leah Dutchin Linda Even & Scott Kania Jim Farris Goodsearch Penny Gutekunst Rita Hale T. Stacy Hicks Shelly Jones Donna Jordahl Jeanette Jossi Raeleen McMillion Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Jessie Moffat Margaret Mulroy Cynthia Musickant Elaine Nelles Jason Peterson Gloria Rath Mary Relles Jacqueline Rice Darlene Roberts & Catherine G. Miller Mary Lou & Rick Santovec Patrick Schley Pamela Seccombe Donald Siegel Linda & Tom Southworth Karin Sundelius Lisa Van Ert & David Cook In-Kind Donor List 2-Story Creative American Folklore Theatre Arcadia Bookstore Bear Creek Massage Therapy Beechwood Sales & Service Jean & Jeff Bernstein Birch Creek Music Performance Center Theresa Brunson Care-a-Lotta Tracey Carson Charles Allis Art Museum Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Specialists Cynthia Musickant Design Daeger Design Polly & Giles Daeger Gabrielle Davidson
DONORS
c o n t.
Dan McDonough Home Improvements & Remodeling Danceworks Debra Dembowski Dermond Peterson Design DigiCOPY Discount Liquors Discovery World Door Shakespeare Peggy Dunigan Elkhart Lake’s Road America Embelezar Karen Estrada Exacta Graphics First Stage Children’s Theatre Sue & Tim Frautschi Troy Freund Friends of the Domes Danni & Shel Gendelman The General Store German Fest Marti Gobel Laura Gordon Mark David Gray Green Bay Packers Mary Hager Harley-Davidson Museum Sandra Hays Jill Heavenrich Ilze Heider John & Kathleen Hickey
Indulge Wine Room - A Bianchini Experience Erik Jacobson Patti Keating Kahn Marie Kohler & Brian Mani Laura Livermore Jane & Paul Mandel Nikki Manzeck Sally & Robb Marks Marine Bank Patty & Michael McCauley John McGivern Laura Meddaugh Milwaukee Art Museum Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Milwaukee County Parks Milwaukee Film Milwaukee Public Museum Molloy’s Brendan Moore Neroli Salon Next Act Theatre Susan Otterson Jeanette Payne Paula Penebaker Peninsula Players Theatre Polish Center of Wisconsin Deneine Powell Present Music Trish Raczkiewicz Debbie Radke
Renaissance Theaterworks Board Members Chris Robleski Rana Roman Rootstock Wine Co. Rubin’s Furniture Jennifer Rupp & Dick Chudnow Diane Sims & Matt Kopca Skylight Music Theatre Lois Smith SpinGroup Sprecher Brewing Co. Inc. Judy & Dan Steininger Krista Streuly Ten Chimneys Time Warner Cable Sophia Angela Topetzes Strelka & Tom Strelka Elisabeth Townsend Bridge Trio Restaurant David & Julia Uihlein Uihlein/Wilson Architects Vintage Art Creations Vita Fitness and Physical Therapy Ken Williams Kim Wilson Lynita Wolf Zoological Society of Milwaukee Judy Zwirlein
R E N A I S S A N C E T H E AT E R WO R K S 2 013 / 14 S P E C I A L E V E N T S Jan. 24, 2014: 10 pm “Word Play” Spoken Word poetry performance in the Skylight Bar & Bistro, Pyramid Rising Enterprises, FREE Jan. 25, 2014: 10 pm “Word Play” Spoken Word poetry performance in the Skylight Bar & Bistro, Still Waters Collective, FREE Jan. 30, 2014: Talkback post show, FREE Feb. 1, 2014: 5 pm “Play With Your Food” Hinterland 4 course dinner with beer pairings and a ticket to THE UNDERSTUDY at 8 pm, $75 Feb 20, 2014: 7 pm “Word Play Workshop” make word art with Dasha Kelly of Still Waters Collective, FREE Visit www.r-t-w.com for special event details
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“the world exploded at my baby shower!”
by Wisconsin playwright
Lori Matthews
MIDWEST PREMIERE! Feb. 19 - March 9 Directed by C. Michael Wright Featuring Raeleen McMillion, April Paul & Ken Williams In 1960, after an explosion at Tennessee Eastman Company, three family members anxiously await word on the fate of their loved ones. Broadway Theatre Center | 158 N. Broadway | Milwaukee
414.291.7800 | milwaukeechambertheatre.com 16
Renaissance Theaterworks
R E N A I S S A N C E T H E AT E R WO R K S S TA F F Co-Founders and Co-Artistic Directors....................................................Suzan Fete, Jennifer Rupp Co-Founder, Dramaturg and Playwright-in-Residence...............................................Marie Kohler Producing Director................................................................................................................Julie Swenson Development Director....................................................................................................... Lisa Rasmussen Marketing and PR Director.................................................................................................Alison Carlucci Artistic Associate.............................................................................................................. Mallory Metoxen T H E B E L L E O F A M H E R S T S TA F F Director................................................................................................................................ Mallory Metoxen Stage Manager......................................................................................................................... Brandy Kline* Assistant Stage Manager...................................................................................................Corin Davidson Scenic Design......................................................................................................................... Nathan Stuber Assistant Scenic Designer & Technical Director......................................................... Anthony Lyons Costume Design.....................................................................................................................Jason Orlenko Lighting Design............................................................................................................................ Jan Kellogg Sound Design............................................................................................................................ Sarah Ramos Props Design.................................................................................................................................. Nikki Kulas Dramaturg............................................................................................................................... Deanie Vallone Scenery Construction..................................................................... Anthony Lyons, Paul Rynkiewicz, Emily Jacques, Katie Esser Scenic Painting............................................................................ Amanda Marsala, Madeline Schultz, Simone Tegge Deck Chief.....................................................................................................................................Tanya Dhein Backstage/Wardrobe..............................................................................................................Darcy Devens Backstage....................................................................................................................................... Kat Wodtke Choreographer........................................................................................................................ Laura Murphy Violence Design.................................................................................................................. Christopher Elst Master Electrician.......................................................................................................... Phil Cruise-Warren House Managers............................................................................Libby Amato and Mallory Metoxen B R OA DWA Y T H E AT R E C E N T E R S TA F F Skylight Bar & Bistro......................................................................... operated by Indulge Wine Room Box Office Manager......................................................................................................................... Kelly Arlt Box Office Supervisor....................................................................................................................Jen Tirado Weekend Supervisor.................................................................................................................. Julian Salas Box Office Assistants........................................................... Jessica Jante, Megan Lang, Jade Taylor, Indy Valentin, Rachael Zientek and Gwen Zupan Custodian....................................................................................................................................Paul Kaishian SPECIAL THANKS Timothy Linn and Joel Penegor. Word Play artists: De’Shawn Ewing and Pyramid Rising Enterprises, Dasha Kelly and Still Waters Collective and Anja Notanja Sieger. Community partners: Cardinal Stritch University, Colectivo, Newaukee and WGIRLS Milwaukee. Understudy
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G E N E R A L I N F O R M AT I O N The mission of Renaissance Theaterworks is to create moving theatre that awakens our recognition of what it is to be human – from classics to world premieres – with attention to roles for women onstage and off. Renaissance Theaterworks was founded in 1993 by Suzan Fete, Marie Kohler, Raeleen McMillion, Jennifer Rupp and Michelle Traband. RENAISSANCE THEATERWORKS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-14 Executive Committee President: Gabrielle Davidson Vice President: Tracey Carson Treasurer: Laura Arnow Secretary: Joyce Rubenstein Directors Elisabeth Townsend Bridge George Dionisopoulos Sue Frautschi Sandra Hays Jill Heavenrich Patti Keating Kahn Laura Lindner Jane Barclay Mandel Paula Penebaker Judy Perkins Lois Smith Gretchen Titus Sophia Angela Topetzes Strelka Judy Zwirlein A F F I L I AT I O N S Renaissance Theaterworks is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the national service organization of non-profit professional theaters, and of Theatre Wisconsin, UPAF, The Historic Third Ward Association and Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee
ABOUT UPAF Each year, more than 30,000 individuals, corporations and foundations in greater Milwaukee annually support the UPAF annual campaign, making it one of the nation’s largest united arts funds. In addition to raising and allocation operating funds, UPAF is enhancing its value to the community, donors and performing arts by serving as a community wide resource for developing the excellence, reputation and impact of our performing arts. 18
Renaissance Theaterworks
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Renaissance Theaterworks