presents
The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris (adapted by Joe Mantello)
Cast Elf....................................................................Mitchell Fain*
Crew Director.......................................................Jeremy Wechsler Scenic Design....................................................... Joey Wade Lighting Design.....................................................Mike Durst Costume Design.......................................... Mara Blumenfeld Sound Design.................................................... Joseph Fosco Stage Manager........................................... Dana M. Nestrick* * Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional stage managers in the United States. Thanks to The Saints for providing ushers for the performances. Originally produced in New York by David Stone and Amy Nederlander-Case on November 7, 1996 The Santaland Diaries is presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. in New York
Mitchell Fain (Elf) is excited to be back in his stripey tights in THE SANTALAND DIARIES with Theater Wit . He was last seen at The Actors Theatre of Louisville in Lookingglass Theater’s production of LOOKINGGLASS ALICE and also on The NCL Star as part of another brilliant Second City touring company performing improv/sketch comedy. Other Credits: STILETTOS, CIRCUS AND SOUL, HAMLET; THE MUSICAL, HENRY VI, HAMLET, COMEDY OF ERRORS, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, AS BEES IN HONEY DROWN, BITCHES, HAYFEVER, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD and THE LYNCHING OF LEO FRANK. Television: WHAT ABOUT JOAN?, EARLY EDITION and most recently THE BEAST on A & E. Mr. Fain is an Artistic Associate of Chicago’s The Midnight Circus and About Face Theatre as well as a Co-host of THE WINDY CITY QUEERCAST. He received his degree in English at the University of Rhode Island.
HEART, THE SANTALAND DIARIES, LILLIAN, SNAKEBIT, THREE HOTELS, IMAGINING BRAD and FAT MEN IN SKIRTS. Mr. Mantello also directed the film LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!. As an actor he appeared in Angels in America (Tony nomination) and THE BALTIMORE WALTZ. He is the recipient of the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Helen Hayes, Clarence Derwent, Obie and Joe A. Callaway awards. He is a member of Naked Angels and an associate artist at the Roundabout. Jeremy Wechsler (Director) is the artistic director of Theater Wit where he has directed THE FOUR OF US (Itamar Moses), SPIN (Penny Penniston), FEYDEAU-SI-DEAU (Georges Feydeau), MEN OF STEEL (Qui Nguyen), THOM PAIN (BASED ON NOTHING) (Will Eno), TWO FOR THE SHOW (James Fitzpatrick and Will Clinger) and THE SANTALAND DIARIES (David Sedaris and Joe Mantello). He has directed over forty shows in the last fifteen years at various theaters, including: THE FLU SEASON (Will Eno), A TASTE OF HONEY (Shelagh Delaney – best show of 2007, The Wall Street Journal), THE PLAY ABOUT THE SQUIRREL (Mia McCullough), THE WHITE DEVIL (John Webster), THE REAL THING (Tom Stoppard), SZINHAZ (Itamar Moses), TITUS ANDRONICUS (Shakespeare), THE ROARING GIRL (Thomas Middleton), THIS IS THE RILL SPEAKING (Lanford Wilson), HAY FEVER (Noel Coward) NOW THEN AGAIN (Penny Penniston), A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY (Brian Friel), EUROPE (David Grieg), HENRY VI: BLOOD OF A NATION (Shakespeare), THE PROMISE (Jose Rivera), LIFE IS A DREAM (Calderon), THE PRISONER’S DILEMMA (David Edgar), CABARET (Masteroff/Kander/Ebb) and THE THREEPENNY OPERA (Brecht/Weill). He has taught at several universities, is an artistic associate at Collaboraction and currently serves on the board of the League of Chicago Theatres. His productions have been nominated for and won multiple awards for design, performance, adaptation and best new work.
David Sedaris (Author) is the author of “Barrel Fever” and “Holidays on Ice”, as well as collections of personal essays, “Naked”, “Me Talk Pretty One Day”, “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim”, and “When You Are Engulfed in Flames”, each of which became a bestseller. Sedaris’s pieces appear regularly in The New Yorker and have twice been included in “The Best American Essays.” His newest book, a collection of fables entitled Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary (with illustrations by Ian Falconer), was published in September 2010. He and his sister, Amy Sedaris, have collaborated under the name “The Talent Family” and have written half-a-dozen plays which have been produced at La Mama, Lincoln Center, and The Drama Department in New York City. Joe Mantello (Adapter) His directing credits include ASSASSINS (Tony Award), WICKED, TAKE ME OUT (TONY AWARD), FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE, A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, DESIGN FOR LIVING, Terrence McNally and Jake Heggie’s DEAD MAN WALKING for the San Francisco Opera, THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, BASH, ANOTHER AMERICAN: ASKING AND TELLING, LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!, PROPOSALS, THE MINEOLA TWINS, CORPUS CHRISTI, MIZLANSKY / ZILINSKY OR SCHMUCKS, BLUE WINDOW, GOD’S
Joey Wade (Scenic Design) is pleased to work with Theater Wit again. Some of his past work includes CHEKHOV IN YALTA and CALAMITY MEAT for Seanachai; THANATOS and THE POSSESSED at National Pastime; THE
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CAIRN STONES and A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY at Bailiwick; MARAT/ SADE for The Hypocrites; THE DUEL and WOYZECK for European Rep; UNCLE VANYA and THE DAZZLE at the Steppenwolf Studio; THE PRICE at Writers Theatre; LIQUID MOON and BLUE MOON at Chicago Dramatists; QUILLS at Trap Door; and THE GREY ZONE at A Red Orchid Theatre. He also has designed sets for the Tom Ramsey Theatre in North Carolina, Pistarckle Theatre in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Nottingham Playhouse in England, Scottish National Opera and Italy’s Teatre de l’Orange, as well as assisting a retrospective exhibition on legendary scenic designer Ralph Koltai at London’s Lethaby Galleries. He teaches stage craft, Architecture and design at Lincoln Park’s Francis W. Parker School.
suits, Easter bunnies, dancing chickens, and any or all Halloween costumes to someone else. Joseph Fosco (Sound Design) is a Chicago based composer and sound designer. His recent designs include LOUIS SLOTIN SONATA and MISTAKES WERE MADE at A Red Orchid Theatre, where he is a member of the Artistic Ensemble, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE with Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run, INTO THE WOODS with Porchlight Music Theatre, and SWEET CHARITY with Roosevelt University. Additionally, Joseph has composed music for film and video. Joseph was nominated for a New York Drama Desk Award, and has received a Joseph Jefferson Award, 2 Joseph Jefferson Citations and 2 After Dark Awards. Visit www.josephfosco.com for more information.
Mike Durst (Lighting Design) is the resident lighting designer for the Black Dahlia in Los Angeles including designs for premieres by Jonathin Tollins, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Austin Pendleton, and Stephen Belber. In Chicago he works for The Goodman Theatre. Other credits include BETTER ANGELS by Wayne Liebman (inaugural production at the Eli Broad Performing Arts Center, Santa Monica). Pete Townshend in concert at La Jolla Playhouse. X, Live in Los Angeles at The House of Blues. “IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA”, THE NIGHTMAN COMETH National Tour. NYC: New York premiere of Jamie Pachino’s SPLITTING INFINITY (Summer Play Festival), STOCK HOME for NYC Fringe. Off-Broadway: EXTINCTION at Cherry Lane (Red Dog Squadron), SECRETS OF THE TRADE (Primary Stages) at 59e59. Mike has received Chicago’s Jeff Award, Los Angeles’s Ovation Award, and San Diego’s Craig Noel Award.
Dana M. Nestrick (Stage Manager) Writers’ Theatre – THE OVERCOAT (workshop), A MINISTER’S WIFE (workshops & extension run), Teatro Vista – OUR LADY OF THE UNDERPASS, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble – SLEUTH, American Theatre Company – WELCOME TO ARROYOS’, SPEECH & DEBATE, I DO! I DO!, THE DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS, The Goodman Theatre – Assistant Stage Manager ROMANCE; Stage Manager BINKY RUDICH OR THE REVENGE OF THE SPACE PANDAS, Provincetown Repertory – Production Stage Manager THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, Hartford Stage –Assistant Stage Manager TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (’02-’05), METAMORPHOSES, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, TENNESSEE WILLIAM’S EIGHT BY TENN, TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, TAZWELL THOMPSON’S CONSTANT STAR, World Premier of TEA AT FIVE starring Kate Mulgrew, Arizona Repertory TheatreStage Manager STEEL MAGNOLIAS, A FLEA IN HER EAR, Music Theatre Arizona Production Stage Manager SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM. Dana is a proud member of AEA, and a Core Company Member at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin for past 10 years.
Mara Blumenfeld (Costume Designer) Chicago design credits include numerous productions at The Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theatre, and Lookingglass Theatre Company, where she is an ensemble member. Her work has been seen extensively at regional theatres around the country and internationally. As a general rule, she does not design holiday-themed costumes, but was happy to make an exception for this production. Please direct all future requests for Santa
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THEATER WIT’S 2010-11 SEASON In 2010-11, Theater Wit will present a collection of plays that highlight the stress of success in a culture defined by money and media power.
OCTOBER The Four of Us by Itamar Moses
This Chicago premiere about friendship, male bonding through competition and the price of success chronicles the long-time friendship of a novelist and a playwright caught in an unintended power play for the title of Most Successful. *** 1/2 stars “Hilarious” - Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
DECEMBER
The Santaland Diaries
by David Sedaris (adapted by Joe Montello)
Our holiday classic returns for it’s 7th straight year, once again starring Mitchell Fain who played to rave reviews and soldout houses in 2009. Don’t miss what Time Out Chicago calls “a martiniflavored antidote to Christmas cheer.” A celebration of the desperation of unemployment, the insanity of Christmas shopping and the ineffable “cheer” of the holiday spirit.
MARCH This by Melissa James Gibson
After an evening’s parlour game among friends goes horribly, hilariously wrong, the characters find themselves adrift in a morass of romance, adultery, and friendship. In it’s New York production last December, Ms. GIbson’s play was called a “beautifully conceived, confidently executed and wholly accessible work, which is not just her finest to date but also the best new play to open Off Broadway this fall.” by the New York Times. Theater Wit is happy to bring Ms Gibson’s acute, verbally dazzling comedy to a Chicago stage for the first time. 4
MISSION: SMART ART
Theater Wit dedicates itself to producing plays that address contemporary issues with humor and intelligence. With groundbreaking new plays and classic works, Theater Wit seeks to engage its audiences with wit and wisdom. Theater Wit recently finished a $1.3 million renovation on the old Bailiwick Arts Center. It will be home to Theater Wit, resident companies, and numerous visiting artists, creating a welcoming and professional home for the neighborhood to experience Chicago’s diversely talented theater scene.
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COMING UP THIS WINTER AT THEATER WIT Theater Wit The Four of Us October 22nd – December 4th
Bohemian Theatre Ensemble The Elephant Man January 7 – February 6
About Face Theatre Float November 11 – December 12
Stage Left Theatre Enemy of the People February 25 - April 3
New Millennium Theatre Company The Bowie Christmas Special 1977 November 12th – December 18th
Theater Wit This February 25 - April 23
Call the Theater Wit Box Office for tickets 773-975-8150 or visit us online at theaterwit.org With so much going on at Theater Wit, we recommend you get our e-newsletter to keep up. Get updated news on our resident companies, pre-production insights, interviews and photos. You can also be our bestest ever e-pals by visting us at facebook. com/theaterwit.
THEATER WIT STAFF Jeremy Wechsler.............Artistic Director David Wechsler..........Company Manager Mercedes Rohlfs................. Grant Director Nadia Garofalo, Mikey Laird Box Office Tamara Berkover.............Bar Operations Jay Kelly, L.C. Williams & Assocs Press Relations Michelle D. Miller and John D. Neumann, Jones Day......................... Legal Richard Kasemsarn........................Architect David Trent Zilmer General Contractor
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kathryn Stieber............................... President Paul Danao............................. Vice-President Charles Hornewer..........................Treasurer Steve Owen.......................................Secretary Todd Goldberg Ashley Nelson Neal Smyth Bruce Wechsler
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WitRESIDENCE PROVIDING A HOME TO CHICAGO’S THEATERS Each season, Theater WIt offers its space to one or more companies to produce in year round. The WitRESIDENCE program combines the principles of a cooperative and a traditional rental house to create a more cohesive, professional, and efficient nonprofit environment. In its facility, Theater Wit will play host to other Chicago theater companies on a minimum two-year basis. The resident companies will volunteer their time for space maintenance, share audience development initiatives, and gain a home under one roof. Meet our resident companies!
BOHEMIAN THEATRE ENSEMBLE BoHo Theatre’s mission is to create theatre that incorporates the arts as a whole — Art for art’s sake. BoHo’s vision is to challenge convention through literary originality and eclectic expression while fostering an ever-evolving artistic environment in which people are inspired to learn, think, dream, and feel. To teach others and ourselves how to expand, create, and present art through theatre while reveling not only in the process, but also in the journey. BoHo’s season is chosen to highlight and explore the four bohemian pillars of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. Four shows, four pillars (and maybe a holiday musical thrown in for good measure!)
STAGE LEFT THEATRE Stage Left Theatre’s mission is to develop and produce plays that inspire debate about political and social topics. We focus on presenting complicated issues in the context of an engaging story, without prescribing a single point of view. We attempt to spark respectful debate about the issues most relevant to our community, and activate audiences to continue those conversations beyond the walls of the theatre. Stage Left also works to inspire playwrights to address political and social themes through our Downstage Left new work development program.
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THEATER WIT DONORS Over $5000 Arts Work Fund Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation The Penniston Family Foundation The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation PAV John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Bruce Wechsler $1000-$5000 Paul Danao Alan, Hedy, Roger, Julie Daniel Tom Lally The Saints Kathryn Stieber Jeremy Wechsler
Eric
Leighann King • James Kinoshita • Todd Labinksy • John Lahti • Mimi & Warren Landsman • Mimi Lutwak & Steve Fitzgerald • Bridget A. Maile • Jacqui Marton • Kevin Metke • Tiffany Miller • Mark & Linda Nordenberg • Steve & Kelly Paczolt • Steve & Lizanne Phalen • Jeffrey & Penny Rappin • Steve & Bea Rashid • Gabe & Dorit Raviv • Lucius Reese • Margo & Luke Reese • Judith Roettig • Janet Schiff & Lynn Boutross • Carol Stanley-Robbins • Jessica Turner • Jill Webb & Neil Gustafson
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$99 and under Lisa Albrecht • Greg Bach • Laura Blegen Gayles Brizona • David Rakofsky & Jessica Brown • Claire Curley • Daisy Danao • Caitlin Denker • Matt Engle • Arnie Flank • Sam Franke • Janice Goldstein • Ann Gallucci • Jeffrey Gaule & Elena Carbajal-Gaule • Marla Gordon • Steve Hickson ICM Properties Inc. / Winik • Arnold Kasemsarn • Richard Kasemsarn • Peter King • Robyn l. Kretschy • Peter Litton • Greg Morelli • Paul Martinez • Gordon and Nancy Meyer • Allen & Marla Morgen • Lindsey Pearlman • Corey Perry • Terry Quinn • James Radke • Hugh Riley • Gay Roberts • Martin Ryan • Tammy Segovia • The Slabers • Aaron Smyth • Troy Smith • Vance Smith • Carla Tcruz • Kevin Theis • Bret Tuomi • Frank & Lina Vivo • Anthony Williams
$500-$999 Anne Larson & Josh Vincent Lysaught Consulting Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Morris Art Murphy Susie & Rick Rieser $250-$499 Joey’s Brickhouse Steve & Rose Owen Neal Smyth & Martha Christensen Trent Zilmer / Z-Build design $100-$249 Judith Block • Sherwin Brook • Debra Chesnin Nancy & Vito Coletto • Cooper’s • Monina Danao • Helmut & Elfie Freudenthaller • Steve & Ann Gilford • Molly Glynn • Todd & Brandy Goldberg • Joe Goodkin & Andrea Carr • The Hecht Family • Jean Hornewer • Anastasia Katinas • Peter &
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