The Last Game-Wight Rabiit Productions

Proudly present the World Premiere of

Written by Richard James Zieman Directed by Pawel Grajnert Assistant Director Kate Miller Lyrics by SamIam The-MC Brian Sauer - Scenic Designer Sharlet Webb - Costume Designer and Props Aaron Cannon - Lighting Designer Andrew Iverson - Associate Lighting Designer Francine L. Brown - Production Stage Manager CAST Clip................................................................................................................ Christopher McMorris Placido.......................................................................................................................... Gio Gonzalez Miguel....................................................................................................................William Martinez The Pharaoh....................................................................................................................Eric Walker El Grito......................................................................................................................... Luis Espinosa Aurora.............................................................................................................................Adira Hanna Sal............................................................................................................................................ Frank Isa Larry............................................................................................................................ Dustin Sharpe Credo.............................................................................................................................Joseph Shaw There will be one 15 minute intermission.

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ABOUT WIGHT R ABBIT PRODUCTIONS Wight Rabbit Productions 5528 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60625 Wight Rabbit strives to develop exciting talent by developing a co-op style community of actors, directors, and writers. Wight Rabbit invests in talented artists simply by providing artists an opportunity to be paid commensurate with the success of their work.

PROFILES Luis Espinosa (El Grito) Luis Espinosa has studied at Act One Studios; taking an improve class and Fundamentals One and Two. He is excited to be working with such professionals and learning from this experience.

Gio Gonzalez (Placido) Gio, was created

by Jaime Gonzalez and Teresa Sandoval in one night of love and passion with a little influence of alcohol. Nine months after this enchanted evening Gio emerged fresh from the womb knowing he was going to be a star. Not really, Gio never considered acting until one day when he happened upon Free Street Theater in 2006. Over the last 4 years with Free Street Ensemble he has performed in numerous plays. His most memorable works include: Sub-Primed Youth (Benito) and To Kill A Teenager: 7 Sins of the Juvenile Mind (Derrion, John, Me-me). At 21 he made his directorial debut co-directing alongside Coya Paz, co-founder of Proyecto Latina and the director in residence for the Poetry Performance Incubator at the Guild Complex, with Free Street’s LOL OMG WTFAY #distracted. He has quite an impressive journey for one without any college training. Currently Gio is very thankful and thrilled to be playing the role Placido in this Wight 2 The Last Game

Rabbit Production of The Last Game.

Gio would like to give a special thanks to his family for all the support they have given him over the years. He also enjoys long walks on the beach if anyone wanted to know.

Adira Hanna (Aurora) The Last Game is Adira’s theatrical debut. While she was born and raised in Chicago, she is a fresh face to the theater circuit. Her credits are slim but she has been able to work with multiple instructors from Chicago Opera Theater, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the Goodman Theatre and the Second City. She currently works downtown as a Segway tour guide and is obtaining a BFA in theater performance at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Adira would like to thank Wight Rabbit Productions and every one of you for coming to see the show.

Frank Isa (Sal) Frank Isa is a lifelong resident of Chicago. He is a retired Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant. He is a recent graduate of the Second City Conservatory Program and of the I.O. Program. He recently was cast for a Television Pilot called Delusions of Grandeur. He is honored to be a part of the “Last Game” and thanks everyone

P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .) involved for the opportunity He would like to thank his Family and friends for all of their support.

William Martinez (Miguel) William is a 25 year old actor of Cuban and Venezuelan decent from Chicago, Il. He graduated in 2008 from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fl with a bachelor degree in Communications with a Specialization in drama. He then returned to his hometown of Chicago to continue his pursuit of acting and standup comedy.

He attended Second City where he took improvisation and stand up courses.

He has played roles in commercials for companies such as D.H.L, Motorola, and Empire Carpet. He has also worked as an extra for many shows such as The Dilemma, Burn Notice, CSI Miami, Contagion, and The Cleaner. Another one of his passions is performing at many open mic nights around the city. He just recently placed second in a comedy competition in Peoria, Il. William would like to thank his family and friends for all the support that they provide.

Christopher McMorris (Clip) Chris is honored to be performing in The Last Game.

Performing since the age of sixteen, Chris has been fortunate to have worked with many companies in Chicago; St. Martin Rep., MPPACT, National Pastime Theatre Co., Urban Theatre Company to name a few. His favorite shows are No Child (St. Martin Rep) Runaways (Urban Theatre Company) and Piece Meal Clan MPAACT. Christopher also doubles as a writer. He has had the honor of one of his full length plays, IN THE BALANCE of RECKLESSNESS being accepted to the National Black Theater Festival and DC Black Theatre Festival. Chris has been fortunate for a new film project in which he wrote and performed in and has been accepted to the Vegas Cinefest. Chris would like to give thanks to the Lord for these artistic gifts and his family and friends for their support.

Dustin Sharpe (Larry) Dustin Sharpe spent most of his years in sunny south Florida. He moved to Chicago three years ago. Mr. Sharpe never heard the term thunder snow before the big blizzard; he likes that word Thunder snow. Perhaps you’ve seen

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P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .)

Dustin perform improv or sketch around the city, maybe you’ve seen him singing some live band karaoke, but you haven’t seen Mr. Sharpe in a play because this is his first one in Chicago.

He wishes thanks to everyone who makes him smile and freezer burn to those that don’t. Please re-read bio imagining your oldest relative’s voice reading aloud, thank you.

Joseph Shaw (Credo) Joseph Shaw is funny, entertaining, easy to get along with. He has peace of mind and loves telling his story as well as others. A voice.

Eric Walker (The Pharaoh) Eric Walker grew up as some would say a “Military brat.” He was born in Panama City, Panama, and

received his training at Shelton State College and through the St. Louis Black Repertory Company.

He has performed extensively in St. Louis, New York, and now Chicago where he is a teaching artist with The Arts Infusion Initiative through the Chicago Community Trust and proud company member of MPAACT theatre. He was last seen in Blotch at Dominican University, other Chicago credits include: Birthright (ETA) Deep Azure (Congo Square) Romeo and Juliet ( Arts Lane Theatre) and Zulu Fits (MPAACT). Regional credits include: Before Basketball (Playwright’s Theatre NY) Stage Black (Ensemble Studio Theatre) The River Niger (STL Black Rep) Taming of the Shrew (Tent Theatre). Television and Film: Detroit 187 (ABC) It Soothes My Soul and For Your Safety (Circa1978.net).

PRODUCTION TEA M PROFILES Pawel Grajnert (Director) Pawel is a Chicagoan with an MFA in film from Columbia University in New York, he has worked on and behind the stage/set for most of his life.

He’s very proud to be a member of the team that has put together this staging of The Last Game.

Kate Miller (Assistant Director) Kate is pleased to be working with Pawel again on such an exciting venture. When not working in the theatre, Kate is a 4th grade teacher at The Children’s School and receives much of her creative inspiration from her amazing students! She has worked in and around the Chicago theatre community in various capacities (stage 4 The Last Game

managing, directing, dramaturge, and costume designing) for the past 8 years.

SamIam The-MC (Lyrics) The Southeast Side of Chicago native has a long track record of producing top notch Hip-Hop talent, and Samuel Simmons II (aka SamIAm) is the next burgeoning MC to arise from Stony’s rich musical heritage.

In his short career to date, SamIAm has garnered more ‘stripes’ than most MC’s earn in a lifetime. Beginning with a win at the 2007 Rhymespitters 4 Chicago All City Freestyle Battle (which had nearly 200 Chicago contestants), and after countless battles at the legendary 606 Open mics and sessions at The

P R O D U C T I O N T E A M P R O F I L E S ( c o n t .)

Note, SamIAm’s talents were finally recognized by the National media & industry. It was only a matter of time before he became the 5-time champ of BET’s 106th & Park Freestyle Friday. And after being retired to Freestyle Friday’s Hall of Fame, he was a finalist on MTV2’s World Rap Championships for 1 Million Dollars.

But despite his formidable skills in the battle rap arena, SamIAm is more a true Hip-Hop artist who’s deft at freestyles.

His real passions can be found on record. SamIam has 2 full lengths under his belt (Refreshing & The Taste), & one mixtape “I WANNA MC 4 U!”.... And on the local scene, his high profile battles haven’t changed that fact that he’s Chicago to the core.

Fully committed to furthering the city’s ‘true freestyle’ scene, SamIAm has hosted numerous parties all over Chicago in Wicker Park, Wrigleyville, Uptown, and more.

Francine L. Brown (Production Stage Manager) Francine just moved to Chicago last July and had been on hiatus from theater since 2004 were she had stage managed in Atlanta for 7 years. She was excited to be asked to be a part of the production team for The Last Game. “Coming back to the theater after so many years reminded me of how much I love being a part of the creative process.”

Richard James Zieman (Playwright) This is Richard James Zieman first play.

He was born and resides in Chicago, IL Steve Ruggiero (Producer) Steve Ruggiero is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and has served two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Steve has also served as the campaign manager of a statewide candidate in Illinois. As a

graduate of The Second City, iO and The Annoyance, Steve has performed live theatre in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and has produced or directed a handful of shows in Chicago.

David Elliot (Producer) David Elliott is a graduate of The Second City, The Annoyance, and The Royal Shakespeare Company (UK).

David has produced, directed, or written for over forty theatrical productions, television series, and radio stations on two continents including over twenty in the Chicago area. David’s projects are known for their well-matched ensembles, guerilla sensibilities, and tight, almost non-existent budgets.

Sharlet Webb (Costume Design/ Props) Ms Webb is delighted to work with this production of “The Last Game” in the newly renovated Stage 773. Her most recent work includes “MacArthur Park” Naperville Boys and Girls Club benefit, “Smokey Joe’s Café” @ Oak Park Repertory. Other costume credits include: MPAACT’ @ Victory Gardens Greenhouse: “Last Saint on Sugar Hill”,” Zulu Fits”,“Ghosts of Atwood”, “Tad in Fifth City”,“Stage Black”,“MiLK”, Blaxploitation II you know how we deux”, Panther Burn”, and “Kosi Dasa”. Eta creative arts Foundation: “Stoops” (winner of African American Arts Alliance for best costume design 2007) “Heat”, Bedtime Story”,“Kingdom”, “Good Black”,“Get Ready”,“Checkmates” and “Home the musical” and many others. Raven Theater productions of “Twelve Angry men” and “Radio Golf”.

Chicago Dramatists “Voyeur’s De Venus”.

Fleetwood Jourdain Theater “Once on this Island”. Theatre Building Chicago, “Black White and Gray”.

Ms Webb is an Artistic Associate with MPAACT (Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theater) and has received nine nominations for best costume from Black Theater Alliance The Last Game 5

BIOGR APHIES and African American Arts Alliance collectively. Founder designer and consultant for Ancestral Attic Costume Collective, a NFP formed in 2003.

Ms Webb is a consummate theater professional she wishes to thank her family for their support. Ms Webb is a proud graduate of Columbia College with a B.A. in Technical Theater.

SPECIAL THANKS Wight Rabbit Productions and Inglis Hall Productions would like to give special thanks to the following: Anne Jacques and Steve Merle of Act One Studios for Casting Assistance.

Daniel K. O’Connell Chicago’s Finest Tours Inc. Barbara Van Driel, Patron of the Arts.

Floyd Tyrone Rutues for his Creative Consultant.

Jack Short of Stage 773 for Marketing Support.

Jill Valentine of Stage 773 for Production Support.

Stage 773 staffs for ensuring our needs were met.

SERVICES, A MENITIES, & COURTESY BOX OFFICE HOURS Call our concierge box office at 773.327.5252 . Our hours are: Monday & Tuesday - Closed. Wednesday thru Sunday from 1 PM until Showtime. Stage 773 is closed on the following holidays so our peeps can enjoy their families: 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and day, New Year’s day.

GROUP SALES Groups of 10 or more can save up to $9 a ticket based on group size and performance dates.

PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY Stage773 is accessible to wheelchairs, those who cannot walk stairs and patrons who are hearing impaired. Please notify the box office in advance of your visit so that we can best accommodate your needs. Box Office: 773.327.5252 LOST AND FOUND Lost and found information can be exchanged at the box office; please call Stage 773 Box Office at 773.327.5252 CAMERAS AND RECORDING DEVICES The use of cameras-with or without flashrecorders, or other electronic devices is strictly prohibited.

PAGERS, PHONES, and WATCH ALARMS Patrons are asked to silence pagers, cellular phones, and watch alarms before entering the theatre.

LATECOMERS Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of management and may have to wait until a suitable break in the action of the play.

Smoking is prohibited.

Wight Rabbit Productions and Inglis Hall Productions are not responsible for personal property.

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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.

Vision Stage 773 operates a multi-theatre performing arts venue that serves our community through the arts – both Chicago artists and the public who visit us.

We strive to offer support to artists as they develop their voices and talents.

We provide rehearsal and performance space, our knowledge and experience, and a nurturing environment to help actors, directors, designers, writers and other artists reach their potential.

We will remain true to our storefront roots, offering our audiences the best possible theatre experience at low ticket prices. Our patrons will be an extension of our family, receiving the same warm welcome and respect we offer our artists.

We will remember every day that art is transformative – whether we make someone laugh hysterically or consider the world in a new way, whether our work brings people to tears of empathy or joy – and that the artists and audiences who entrust themselves to us, for an evening or for years, create that shared experience.

S TAG E 77 3 B OA R D A N D S TA F F BOARD OF DIRECTORS Laura Michaud (Chair) Christine Carsen Michael Gellman Charles H. Jesser

Alex Meyer Steve Miller Marlene Rubenstein (Advisory Member) Brian Walter

STAFF Brian Posen............................................................................................................ Artistic Director Megan Flanagan............................................................................................. Executive Director Jill Valentine..............................................................................................Director of Operations Brian Peterlin................................................................................................. Director of Facilities Jack Short.......................................................................................... Customer Service Director Jesse Aukeman, Nancy Farnard, Billy Sullivan............................................ Box Office Staff Cassandra Rose........................................................................................................................Intern The Last Game 7

INVEST IN STAGE 773!

Your support is critical to our future – and to the future of the many local artists who partner with us. The financial support of individuals, corporations and foundations allows us to:

•

offer subsidized theatre rental to our fellow Chicago performing arts groups, along with marketing, audience development, ticketing and technical assistance.

• present high-quality programming at low ticket prices.

• maintain and improve our facility, a highly-beloved venue for Chicago artists and audiences.

Please consider a gift to our Annual Fund, or ask us about specific projects and funds that need support.

Call us at 773.929.7367 x 223 or email megan@stage773.com with questions or to make a donation.

Stage 773 is partially supported by a CityArts Program 1 grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.

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