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The La Ronde Project Featuring:

La Ronde The Blue Room F**king Men and An Improvised La Ronde Project Artistic Director.............................................................................................Brian Posen Production Manager............................................................. Katie Johnston-Smith Technical Director............................................................................Emily Clarbourne Marketing Director....................................................................................... Jack Short Public Relations......................................SHOUT Marketing and Media Relations Jill Evans La Penna James Juliano Stage Managers........................................................................................Winter Davis Bridget Thomas Abby Amey Lighting Designer....................................................................................Claire Chrzan Costume Designer....................................................................................Laura Wilson Scenic Designer.................................................................................... Dave Ferguson Set Builder................................................................................................... Ian Blinstrup Set Painter...........................................................................................Coco Ree Lemery Sound Designer.......................................................................................Nicholas Kelm Props Master............................................................................................Danni Parpan House Manager............................................................................................... Zach Abel The La Ronde Project

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L A R O N D E P R OJ E C T D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E S No man is an island, Entire of itself.

Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main.

These words were written by John Donne and, though he was talking about man’s connection to his homeland, we also believe it says something about the everyday existence of men and women.

It is the rare person who likes to be alone. We revel in our family, whether it is the one we were born in to or the one we create ourselves. As Mary Tyler Moore said in the final episode of her acclaimed series, “What is a family, anyway?’ They’re just people who make you feel less alone...and really loved.” And that drive, to not be alone and to be loved, is something that impels us to make connections with others, whether it be for a lifetime or just for an evening.

The plays in the La Ronde Project are about men and women who are driven to seek out that connection and break the loneliness in their lives. Some find happiness and some find heartbreak and some find themselves, for just a moment, a little less alone.

Tonight as you watch our characters move in their ever-changing roundelay of connections, whether you be moved to laughter or moved to tears, we hope you all find yourselves for this moment in your lives, a little less alone.

Tim Curtis, Brian Posen, Cody Spellman, Scott Olsen

L A R O N D E P R OJ E C T P R O D U C E R N O T E S In 1897, Arthur Schnitzler wrote the play “Le Ronde”. The play was not publicly performed until 1920 and was received with violent critical and popular reactions about its content.

The play was too sexually explicit for its time. Schnitzler uses characters ranging in age and social class engaging in sexual encounters as a vehicle for social commentary.

The play was shut down, and Schnitzler was prosecuted for obscenity.

What also stood out was the structure of the piece. 10 scenes with 2 characters in each scene, and each character having back to back scenes. The audience gets to experience two sides each character in different scenarios as they all strive to fill a void of intimacy in their lives.

The format of the piece became quite popular and has been frequently adapted.

1994, John La Chiusa’s musical adaptation ‘Hello Again” ran off broadway.

In 1998, David Hare adapted the play where two actors performed all the roles. Nicole Kidman was featured.

There has been 4 gay versions of the play, including Joe Di Pietro’s version of ‘F**king Men’.

There have been countless film and tv adaptations of the form, and the improvisation community frequently uses the form.

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We ambitious artist-types dreamed of putting up every adaptation known to mankind in rep, and, well, you know the ole theater scene...budgets!

So we selected our 4 favorites for you to choose from.

The journey has been incredible. We have all been collaborating as we dig into each piece. We are sharing directors and actors and dramaturgs and designers. And we All share our discoveries together.

I invite you to see all the shows and geek out with me over a cup of something at Cooper’s after the show.

And, thanks again for supporting live theater Brian Posen Artistic Director- Stage 773 LA RONDE Written by Arthur Schnitzler Directed by Tim Curtis OPENING NIGHT: Wednesday, March 13 at 8 p.m.

Regular Run: March 13 – April 14 • Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m.

Soldier.................................................................................................................Dan Planz Whore..........................................................................................................Lauren Bourke Maid.......................................................................................................... Megan Keathley Young Gentelman..................................................................................... Brandon Galatz Young Wife...................................................................................................... Stacie Barra Husband..............................................................................................................Chris Lysy Young Miss................................................................................................... Elise Spoelein Poet................................................................................................................Carl Lindberg Actress.............................................................................................................Laura Sturm Count.......................................................................................................Vincent P. Mahler LA RONDE BIOGR APHIES DAN PLANZ – Soldier.

Daniel is very happy to be a part of The La Ronde Project. He is a graduate from The Conservatory at Act One, and is also appearing in F**king Men.

LAUREN BOURKE – Whore. Lauren’s recent credits include Our Last Night on Earth with Collaboraction, Red Tape Theatre’s Fresh Eyes Project, Johnny Theatre at Chemically Imbalanced Theater, and ‘Rebecca’ in the webseries Not Suitable for Children. BA in Theater from Indiana University.

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LA RONDE BIOGR APHIES

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MEGAN KEATHLEY – Maid. Recent shows include Steel Magnolias, Lend Me a Tenor, Barefoot in the Park and Twelve Angry Jurors. Act One Studios; BS Journalism/ Theatre, Missouri State 2009; Missouri Fine Arts Academy, 2004.

BRANDON GALATZ – The Young Gentleman.

A local Chicago actor and graduate of The Conservatory at Act One Studios.

West Stage.

STACIE BARRA – The Young Wife. Recent credits: Raven, Griffin, Factory. This summer Stacie appears in the remount of the hit Black and Blue at the Raven

and recently performing in HELLCAB. Elise graduated from Ball State.

CARL LINDBERG – Poet.

Recent credits include work with Lookingglass, Remy Bumppo, Provision, and InFusion, among others. Carl’s trained with ensemble members from Steppenwolf and The Second City. A proud client of Paonessa Talent.

LAURA STURM – Actress. Laura teaches acting and movement, and has worked with such theatres as Mary-Arrchie, RemyBumppo, Boho, Stage Left, Northlight, Provision and the Texas Shakespeare Festival. Laura received her MFA from N.I.U. and also directs and coaches privately.

CHRIS LYSY – Husband.

VINCENT P. MAHLER – Chicago performances Count. Still Alive: Circle, include Klingon Christmas Eclipse, Lifeline, Pegasus, Carol (Commedia Rasaka, Remy Bumppo, Beauregard), The Invaders Rendition, Seanachai, (Halcyon), and Tom Jones Signal Ensemble, Silk (Polarity). Graduated Act Road Rising, TimeLine.

One’s Conservatory( 2009) and Virginia Long gone: Bailiwick, Caffeine, Chicago Tech (2007).

Jewish, Frump Tucker, Interplay, Irish Repertory, New Tuners.

ELISE SPOELEIN - Young Miss. is delighted to be WINTER DAVIS – Stage Manager. When working on this project. not at Stage 773, Winter can be found She has worked closely writing, directing, performing, and alongside Profiles answering phones at Second City.

Theatre, assistant directing three shows

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THE BLUE ROOM Written by David Hare Directed by Brian Posen and Cody Spellman OPENING NIGHT: Thursday, March 14 at 8 p.m.

Regular Run: March 13 – April 14 • Thursdays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m.

The Girl.....................................................................................................................................Kaitlin Fleharty The Cab Driver...................................................................................................................Nathan Borowski The Au Pair....................................................................................................................................... Carly Geer The Student............................................................................................................................Ryan Jendrycki The Married Woman...............................................................................................................Loretta Rezos The Politician...................................................................................................................... Brendan Buckley The Model................................................................................................................................ Arielle Kresich The Playwright..................................................................................................................................Matt Gall The Actress................................................................................................................................. Amy Roeder* The Aristocrat...................................................................................................................................Tim Curtis *Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Porfessional Actors and Stage Managers in America.

THE BLUE ROOM BIOGR APHIES KAITLIN FLEHARTY – The Girl. Kaitlin returns to Street Tempo after recently performing in their holiday production “It’s A Wonderful Santaland…”

NATHAN BOROWSKI – The Cab Driver.

Graduating Columbia College Chicago this Spring. Some of his favorite roles include Wykowski from Biloxi Blues and Comet from The Eight: Reindeer Monologues. Ecstatic to work with Street Tempo Theatre!

CARLY GEER - The Au Pair. The Blue Room marks Carly’s Stage 773 debut. She was most recently seen in Profiles Theatre’s Hellcab. She will be graduating from

Columbia College with an acting degree in May. RYAN JENDRYCKI - The Student. Ryan is thrilled to be working at Stage 773 for a second time.

He is working towards his acting degree at Columbia College Chicago. Some of his favorite roles include, Cloud 9 (Joshua), July 7 1994 (Mr. Caridi), and The Shadow Box (Steve).

LORETTA REZO – The Married Woman.

Loretta has worked at Northlight, Chicago Shakespeare, Timeline, Strawdog, Lifeline and other theatres in the Chicagoland area. Regional: Lakeside Shakespeare, MI, Colorado Shakespeare, and Ft. Worth Shakespeare. TV: Lipstick Jungle.

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THE BLUE ROOM BIOGR APHIES BRENDAN BUCKLEY – The Politician. Brendan is extremely excited to be working with Street Tempo Theatre. He is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, the Second City Conservatory, and iO Training Center.

ARIELLE KRESICH – The Model. That Other Person (Ginge), Solo Performance at Stage 773, Moon Over Buffalo (Eileen), Pinocchio (Columbine), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, Love, Sex, and the IRS (Connie).

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Chicago theatres.

TIM CURTIS – The Aristocrat. Tim is thrilled to work with Street Tempo Theatre and Stage 773. Tim’s Chicago credits include work with a variety of

BRIDGET THOMAS – Stage Manager.

Bridget is excited to be working on her second Street Tempo Theater show.

BRIAN POSEN – Director. PerformInk has called Brian Posen one of the most influential people in the Chicago theater scene & New City named Brian as one of MATT GALL – The the top 30 Players who really perform in Playwright. Matthew Chicago. Brian is: Artistic Director: Stage Gall is a New Hampshire 773 & Street Tempo Theatre. Program Headnative, and has worked in Second City Training Center. Founder/Exec town with Rare Terra Producer: The Chicago Sketch Comedy Theatre, Chicago Festival & The Cupid Players. Instructor: Dramatists, Fury Theatre, Columbia College. Performed & Directed in and State Theatre, among other wonderful a whole lotta shows. SAG. AFTRA. Ordained Chicago artists.

Minister.

AMY ROEDER – The Actress. Amy is an actor, improviser, teacher and writer based in Chicago and is making her Street Tempo Theatre debut.

Amy’s website is amyroeder.weebly.com.

J. CODY SPELMAN – Director. J. Cody Spellman’s Chicago includes 27 Wagons Full of Cotton, The Glory of Living, Waiting For Grimace, and The Pillowman. He is currently assistant directing Jonathan Berry on The Knowledge at Steep Theatre, opening April 15th.

F ** K I N G M E N Written by Joe DiPietro Directed by Scott Olsen OPENING NIGHT: Friday, March 15 at 8 p.m.

Regular Run: March 15 – April 14 • Fridays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 9 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

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F ** K I N G M E N

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John..............................................................................................................................Jayme Wojciechowski Steve............................................................................................................................................. Tyler Vaughn Marco......................................................................................................................................Luke Van Marter Kyle.................................................................................................................................................Will Johnson Leo.................................................................................................................................................Marcus Farne Jack...................................................................................................................................................... Dan Planz Ryan...................................................................................................................................................Rob Ibanez Sammy...................................................................................................................................... Jack Bourgeois Brandon..................................................................................................................................Patrick Hurlburt Donald............................................................................................................................................. Scott Olson F ** K I N G M E N B I O G R A P H I E S JAYME WOJCIECHOWSKI – John. Off The Spectrum (Red Tape), Hamlet (The Globe), Diaspora (National Theatre Scotland), Richard III (BITB Scotland), liberty equality fraternity (PS Scotland); TV/Film: Underemployed (MTV), Dhoom 3 (Bollywood), BAU BRUT. MFA Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, BFA Columbia College. www.JaymeWoj.com.

TYLER VAUGHN – Steve.

Tyler is a Senior in his last semester at Columbia College Chicago. You may have seen him previously as Piney Woods in Raven Theaters production of Bang The Drum Slowly.

LUKE VAN MARTER – Marco.

WILL JOHNSON – Kyle.

William Johnson is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago where he studied film. Fucking Men is his stage debut.

MARCUS FARNE – Leo. Marcus couldn’t be more “FUCKING” thrilled to be part of FUCKING MEN. While enrolled at Act One Studios, he studied Viewpoints under director, Scott Olson.

DAN PLANZ – Jack.

Daniel is very happy to be a part of The La Ronde Project. He is a graduate from The Conservatory at Act One, and is also appearing in La Ronde.

ROB IBANEZ – Ryan.

Chicago credits include Waiting for Lefty (Joe), Scenes from an Italian Notebook (Various) and most recently The Shadow Box (Stephen).

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F ** K I N G M E N B I O G R A P H I E S

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JACK BOURGEOIS – Sammy. During an accidental two-year acting hiatus, Jack graduated from the training centers at iO and The Second City while writing and directing several new plays with Cold Basement Dramatics.

PATRICK HURLBURT – Brandon.

SCOTT OLSON – Director/Donald. Scott is an actor/director who has called Chicago home for the last 22 years. He is happy to be back working with Street Tempo after appearing as Mr. Mushnik in last year’s production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Scott’s most recent directing credits include THIRST and MIKE IN THE WOODS with Cold Basement Dramatics and various sketch shows written by Joe

Janes including THE 365 PROJECT. As an actor, Scott was most recently seen in Cold Basement Dramatics THE DATE , as Creon in their production of ANTIGONE, and as the Pastor in Rendition Theatre’s production of THE FATHER. He has taught the last 15 years on the faculty at Columbia College in the Theater Department and was also a teacher at the late, lamented Act One Studios.

ABBY AMEY – Stage Manager. Abby Amey has been stage managing for over 11 years. She has worked on shows in New York, Chicago and various other cities in the nation. Stage managing credits include stage shows for Tj and Dave, Teenager of the Year, Mike Birgbiglia, Jeff Garlin, Whitney Cummings, JB Smoove, The Chicago Fringe Festival, multiple reviews and New Line Cinema’s motion picture “Semi-Pro” (production).

This is Abby’s 2nd show with Stage 773 and the Street Tempo Theatre.

T H E L A R O N D E P R OJ E C T P R O D U C T I O N T E A M LAURA WILSON – Costume Design. Laura is thrilled to be designing for Street Tempo Theater where she recently designed the make up for their production of Little Shop of Horrors. When she’s not designing or costuming for local theaters, Laura does hair and makeup for Windy City Pinup.

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KATIE JOHNSTON SMITH – Production Manager. Katie graduated from Belmont University (Nashville) with a degree in Musical Theatre. Her favorite roles include DJ Tanner in Attend The Tale Of Danny Tanner: A Full House Musical (which she also co-wrote), Ensemble Member with The Cupid Players, Ensemble Member with Song Co/ Infinite Sundaes, and Waitress/ Pingirl in The Dude Abides.

Street Tempo Theatre & Stage 773

EMILY CLAIBOURNE – Technical Director. has been a stage manager for the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival for the past 7 years and counting and performed for four. You can see her around the city folkin’ it up with her comedy partner in crime in Gretchen and Regina: A Novelty Folk Band.

And at 25 she can proudly say thanks to Stage 773, ‘I found my dream job!

CLAIRE CHZAN – Lighting Designer.

Claire Chrzan is a Chicago native. She received her bachelor’s degree in lighting design from Columbia College Chicago.

Her most recent credits include, In The Heart of America with Theatre Seven of Chicago, Speaking In Tongues and Hot ‘N’ Throbbing with Interrobang Theatre Project, Boy Gets Girl with The Raven, and Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me with Oak Park Festival Theatre. She is happy to be

T H E L A R O N D E P R OJ E C T P R O D U C T I O N T E A M back with Street Tempo Theatre where she previously designed the lighting for Little Shop of Horrors. Claire is also excited for her upcoming projects which include Orange Flower Water with Interrobang Theatre Project opening this spring at The Raven and assistant lighting design for Albany Park Theatre Project’s remount of Homeland opening at The Goodman this summer.

NICHOLAS KELM – Sound designer: This is Nick’s first show at Stage 773. He is currently finishing his Bachelors degree at Columbia College Chicago in Audio Design and Production.

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IAN BLINSTRUP – Set Builder DANNI PARPAN: Props Master: Danni is thrilled to be designing props For “The La Ronde Project”! She has been with Street Tempo Theatre since day one where she was a part of the ensemble of “Let My People Come” She is now their resident props master and designed the last two shows; “It’s a Wonderful Santa Land Miracle Nut-Cracking Christmas Story...

Jews Welcome” and “Little Shop of Horrors”.

When she is not using a hot glue gun she can be found performing around town with her band, “The Fruit Flies” (www.fruitfliesmusic.com).

COCO REE LEMERY – Set Painter

I M P R OV I S E D L A R O N D E Director: John Hildreth Music Director: Amanda Murphy And be sure to catch the Improvised La Ronde on Saturdays at 10:30pm Made-up Musical. Drama. Sexy time.

Featuring: Ryan Bennett: Ryan is delighted beyond recognition to be a part of this show. He can also be seen performing with the groups Apocalypse Meow and Shanna’s Mom. He has a dog named Mango.

Matt Fahey: Matthew Fahey is excited to play with this fine bunch of swells. He has acted professionally on local and regional stages and is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association.

Nancy Fast: Nancy performed with the Second City Training Center Musical House Ensemble.

Carly Jo Geer: See the Blue Room bio Andy Herren: Recently, he was featured in an NBC 5 news story about teens who use Snapchat to sext each other.

Seriously.

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I M P R OV I S E D L A R O N D E

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Greg Iwinski: is a graduate of the Second City Writing and Conservatory programs.

He also hosts “That Just Happened.”

Katie Johnston-Smith: see Production Manager bio Virginia Muller: is very excited to be part of the Musical LaRonde. She also performs with Apocalypse Meow.

Yvette Rebik: has been improvising and performing sketch comedy since 2005.

Credits: iO Training Center, The Second City Conservatory, BattleProv (ComedySportz), SketchFest 2013, Donny’s Skybox and de Maat Studio Theatre revues.

Jenna Steege: Jenna Steege is a founding member and producer for STACKED: All-female Musical Improv. Jenna is a graduate of the Second City Musical Improv Conservatory, iO, and The Annoyance.

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Adam Ston: Adam is happy to be performing at Stage 773.

John Hildreth – Director. John is an alumnus of Second City whose recent improv directing credits include: The Improvised Sondheim Project at Stage 773, and Coached Ensembles and Jam Sandwich at Donny’s Skybox.

Amanda Murphy – Music Director has worked in musical theater and comedy in Chicago, New York, and Toronto. Most recently, she was the original MD for The Improvised Sondheim Project (Stage773), composer and music director for the long running “Oprah! A Comedy! Live Your Best Laugh!” (The Annoyance, Chicago), composer/co-lyricist/co-writer of the award winning “four play” (Best New Work, BroadwayWorld.com), along with several other musicals and sketch reviews. She is a music faculty member of The Second City Training Center, ensemble member at pH Productions, and a classically trained singer.

S T R E E T T E M P O P E R F O R M A N C E H I S TO R Y Fall 2011.......................................................................................................................... Let My People Come Spring 2012................................................................................................................. Little Shop of Horrors Fall 2012...................................................................It’s A Wonderful Santa Land Miracle Nut Cracking Christmas Story... Jews Welcome SPECIAL THANKS Kristin Larson, Brian Peterlin, Stage 773 Board of Directors, Luther Goins – Actors’ Equity Association, Andrea Soule, Justin Smith, Chris Gorton and Whole Foods.

A B O U T S TAG E 77 3 Mission: Stage 773 acts to embody the vibrant spirit of Chicago off-loop theatre: • We celebrate the creative process, supporting the work of actors, directors, writers, composers and designers.

• We nurture the artist, offering technical, organizational and emotional support.

• We honor our audience, presenting accessible, affordable, exceptional entertainment.

Staff: Brian Posen........................................................................................................................... Artistic Director Kristin Larsen................................................................................................................... Executive Director Jill Valentine.............................................................................................................Director of Operations Brian Peterlin................................................................................................................ Director of Facilities Jack Short....................................................... Director of Tenant Services and Grant Management Emily Claibourne................................................................ Resident Stage Manager/ Tech Assistant Administrative Assistant..............................................................................................................Zach Abel Box Office and Front of House..............................Chante Keller, Nancy Farnand , Joey Gilmore, Michelle Maurer Mandy Whitenack, Laura Wilson Bar Staff.............................................................................................................Amy Alfultis, Chante Keller Vance Brinkerhoff, Jacob Welch Stage 773 ushers provided by The Saints.

For more information on performances, space rental and special events visit www.stage773.com Board of Directors

Laura Michaud, Chair Brian Posen, Secretary Alex Meyer, Treasurer Charles H. Jesser, Steve Miller, Quinton Snodgrass, Jill Valentine, Brian Walter

Stage 773 Advisory Board Dale Calandra, Marcie McVay, Marlene Rubenstein, Cheryl Sloane Please consider a gift to Stage 773 programming, or “Buy a Seat” in our new “Pro Theater” . Please contact jack@stage773.com for information on donations and sponsorships. Your support is critical to our future – and to the future of the many local artists who partner with us.

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