Holly Way, Jay Strommen, Jimmy Mack Deborah Taylor/Chris Bensinger, Tom Leonardis and Whoopi Goldberg Present
WHITE NOISE Music and Lyrics by
Robert Morris, Steven Morris and Joe Shane Book by
Matte O’Brien
with Ashley Adamek, Michael Buchanan, Joseph Anthony Byrd, Hannah Ford, John Arthur Greene, Rodney Hicks, Matt Hinkley, Kelli Eileen LaValle, Ben Mason, Luba Mason, MacKenzie Mauzy, Erin McGrath, Eric Morris, Patrick Murney, Michael O’Meara, Emily Padgett, Constantine Rousouli, Douglas Sills, Wallace Smith, Tess Soltau, Jesse Vargas
Set Design Robert Brill
Costume Design Paul Tazewell
Multi-Media Design Raj Kapoor
Orchestrations Robert & Steven Morris Jesse Vargas
Lighting Design Sound Design Jason Lyons Garth Helm Hair Design Charles G. LaPointe Electronic Music Production Keith Harrison
Stage Manager Casting Additional Casting Original Casting Lucia Lombardi Telsey + Company Claire Simon Casting Michael Cassara, CSA
General Management Karen Berry
Production Management Matt Marsden
Company Manager Jill Swartzmiller
Associate Producers Jessica Lewis Ben Feldman Kevin Spirtas Antonio R. Marion Laurie Friedman Music Direction, Vocal & Music Arrangements by Jesse Vargas Direction and Choreography by
Sergio Trujillo Originally conceived by Ryan J. Davis with a story and characters by Joe Drymala
White Noise 1
CAST LIST Max.................................................................................................................................. Douglas Sills Eva ......................................................................................................................... Mackenzie Mauzy Eden ............................................................................................................................ Emily Padgett Jake ...................................................................................................................... Eric William Morris Dion ............................................................................................................................. Wallace Smith Tyler ............................................................................................................................... Rodney Hicks Duke ...........................................................................................................................Patrick Murney Laurel ............................................................................................................................. Luba Mason Teal Waters, Ensemble, u/s Jake .................................................................Michael Buchanan Ensemble, Dance Captain .................................................................................. Ashley Adamek Ensemble, u/s Dion, u/s Tyler ................................................................. Joseph Anthony Byrd Ensemble, u/s Duke, u/s Jake, u/s Max, Fight Captain....................... John Arthur Greene Ensemble, u/s Eva ............................................................................................Kelli Eileen LaValle Ensemble, Partial Swing, u/s Eden ...................................................................... Erin McGrath Ensemble, Partial Swing, u/s Jake, u/s Duke, u/s Teal Waters........Constantine Rousouli Ensemble, u/s Eden, u/s Eva .......................................................................................Tess Soltau Wilhelm Rohm, Keyboard.........................................................................................Jesse Vargas Booth Gordon, Keyboard......................................................................................... Matt Hinkley Double-D Ray, Guitar.........................................................................................Michael O’Meara L.A. Colter, Drums....................................................................................................... Hannah Ford Aaron Russell Phelps, Bass.......................................................................................... Ben Mason The Actors and Stage Managers are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States Time: Present Place: America White Noise will be performed without an intermission Understudies u/s Laurel ...............................................................................................................Anna Hammond u/s Max..........................................................................................................................Kevin Spirtas Understudies never substitute for players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.
MUSICAL NUMBERS 1. 2. 3. 4.
Welcome to Eden............................................................................................... Eva, Ensemble Life, Liberty & Happiness........................................................................................ Dion, Tyler Big Bang.......................................................................................................... Eva, Eden, Duke Mexican Vacation.......................................................................................... Eva, Eden, Duke 4a. Welcome to Eden Reprise...................................................Eva, Eden, Duke, Ensemble 5. N.G.S........................................................................................................................... Dion, Tyler 6. Live for the Kill........................................................................................................... Max, Jake 7. W.T.F. ...................................................................................Eden, Eva, Duke, Jake, Ensemble 8. Love Stories............................................................................................. Eva, Eden, Ensemble 9. Mondays Suck...................................................................Eva, Eden, Duke, Jake, Ensemble 10. Not Your Enemy............................................................................................Laurel, Eva, Eden 11. Showtime...............................................................................................Dion, Tyler, Ensemble 12. Hip-Hop Country..................................................................................Dion, Tyler, Ensemble 13. City on a Hill............................................................Eva, Eden, Dion, Tyler, Duke, Ensemble 14. Life Around................................................................................................................ Jake, Eden 14a. Mondays Suck Reprise.......................................................Eva, Eden, Duke, Ensemble 15. Master Race............................................................................................................. Duke, Dion 16. Fine..................................................................................... Tyler, Laurel, Jake, Eva, Ensemble 17. I am America......................................................................................................Eva, Company 2 White Noise
PROFILES ASHLEY ADAMEK (Ensemble) is excited to be a part of this project. National Tours: Chicago (Hunyak/u/s Roxie). Regional: Paper Mill; Casa Manana; Alabama Shakespeare Festival; NCT. TV: “SNL”-dancer for guest performers Kanye West and Florence + the Machine. Love and thanks to friends & family for their continuous support! MICHAEL BUCHANAN (Ensemble, Teal Waters, u/s Jake) Broadway: The Addams Family; Cry-Baby. Other credits: The Addams Family (Chicago); Hair-Woof (Arizona Theatre Co.); Cry-Baby (La Jolla Playhouse); Urinetown - Bobby (2006 Joseph Jefferson Award Winner-Best Actor in a Musical); Mame (Kennedy Center); Pirates of Penzance (Guthrie); A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Goodspeed); and The Cure (NYMF). www.MichaelBuchananOnline.com
Love & Drums Multi Media Clinic Presentation. hannahforddrums.com JOHN ARTHUR GREENE (Ensemble, u/s Jake, Duke, Max) JAG is reppin Raleigh, NC! Most recently off the Broadway stage as Riff in the Revival of West Side Story, JAG is so honored to be part of this journey. Thanks to God, Sergio, Nancy, Michael, Matt F, Mom, Papa, NCT, Chris, and Thomas this is for you! ANNA HAMMOND (u/s Laurel) is thrilled to be a part of the White Noise company! Chicago credits: Noises Off, Theatre at the Center; Big River, Boho Ensemble; Wonderful Life, Fox Valley Rep. Also Marriot Theatre, Emerald City, JPAC. Boho company member. Many thanks to Becca Knights and Michael McCracken!
JOSEPH ANTHONY BYRD (Ensemble, u/s Dion/Tyler) Excited to be returning to Chicago, Joseph was last seen as Emmett Till in The Ballad of Emmett Till at the Goodman. He has also been seen as Eddie in Mamma Mia and Simba in The Lion King. Thanks to Him, Parents, and JV.
RODNEY HICKS (Tyler) Rodney is thrilled to be in Chicago with White Noise. His credits include four Broadway shows, three original cast recordings, numerous off-Broadway & regional productions from musicals and plays to Shakespeare, and various guest and leading roles on TV. He thanks God for this blessed journey!
HANNAH FORD (L.A. Colter) attended The Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University. She is a member of the Percussive Arts Society & facilitator for the Percussion Marketing Council’s, Percussion in Schools Assembly Program. Current performance projects include, Bellevue Suite and her Peace
MATT HINKLEY (Booth Gordon, Associate Music Director) Music direction/associate conductor credits: ROOMS (and cast recording); Bridges of Madison County; The Burnt Part Boys (and cast recording); Natalie Weiss’s solo debut, Bloodsong of Love; Things to Ruin (and cast recording); Lizzie Borden. Instrumentalist: White Noise 3
PROFILES Glory Days (Broadway cast recording); Everyday Rapture; numerous recordings, workshops and shows.
Upcoming Fishers of Men. Endless thanks to this wonderful cast and creative team, my family, Susan and Nancy.
KELLI EILEEN LAVALLE (Ensemble, u/s Eva) is thrilled to join White Noise. Chicago credits include productions with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Metropolis PAC, Circle Theatre, American Girl Place, Porchlight Theatre. Thanks to the production team, crew, cast, Nancy and Sergio. Much love to friends, wonderful family and amazing Jimmy. Love you!
ERIN MCGRATH (Ensemble, u/s Eden) is elated to be back home in Chicago! National Tours: Hairspray. Regional/ International: Shout!; Smokey Joe’s Café; And the World Goes Round. TV: “Boardwalk Empire”. Huge thank you to Marianne Wells, Mom, Dad, and my incredibly inspiring and supportive friends and family. GO BLUE!
BEN MASON (Aaron Russell Phelps) bass player and Chicago Native has appeared in Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story; Pump Boys and Dinettes; Hedwig and the Angry Inch; and Yeast Nation. Played and recorded with Pistol Pete and Walking on Water. Ben would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support.
ERIC WILLIAM MORRIS (Jake) Broadway: Coram Boy; Mamma Mia! Off Broadway/Regional: Bloodsong of Love (Ars Nova); Things to Ruin: The Songs of Joe Iconis (Second Stage); Notes to MariAnne (New York Stage &Film). TV: “Royal Pains”; “New Amsterdam” (Pilot Episode); “Law & Order”; “As the World Turns”. Thanks to the White Noise team for this incredible experience.
LUBA MASON (Laurel) Broadway: Chicago; Jekyll & Hyde; The Capeman; How to Succeed in Business; Sunset Blvd; Will Rogers Follies. TV: “Raines”; “NYPD Blue”; “Law & Order”; “One Life to Live”; “All My Children”. Solo Albums: Krazy Love; Collage. Guest vocalist on Ruben Blades 2003 Grammy Award-winning album Mundo. lubamason.com
PATRICK MURNEY (Duke) is proud to be in Chicago with White Noise. NY Theater: Letter from Algeria. Guest Star roles on “Law & Order” (NBC); “Blue Bloods” (CBS); “The Onion News Network” (IFC); “A Legal Mind” (Pilot for USA). He thanks God, friends and family for their love and support.
MACKENZIE MAUZY (Eva) Broadway: Next to Normal (Natalie); A Tale of Two Cities (Seamstress). TV: “Drop Dead Diva”; “CSI: Las Vegas”; “Cold Case: CSI: NY”; “The Bold and the Beautiful” (Phoebe Forrester). Film:
MICHAEL O’MEARA (Double-D Ray) is a young guitarist hailing from Orland Park, IL. He is currently finishing up a music degree from Columbia College Chicago. When he’s not busy
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PROFILES with school Mike enjoys working on his own music and going to concerts. EMILY PADGETT (Eden) is honored to be a part of this exciting journey. She was recently seen on Broadway as Sherrie Christian in Rock of Ages. Her other Broadway credits include Grease and Legally Blonde. Love to her family and Brian. Gendece.com DOUGLAS SILLS (Max) Broadway/NY: The Scarlet Pimpernel (Tony, Drama Desk nominations); Little Shop of Horrors; Music in the Air & Carnival (Encores); On the 20th Century; Moonlight & Magnolias (MTC). National Tours: The Scarlet Pimpernel (Ovation Award); Secret Garden; Into the Woods. Regional: Kennedy Center, South Coast Rep, Reprise, Cal Shakes and more. TV/Film: “CSI”; “The Closer”; “Numb3rs”; “Will & Grace”; Deuce Bigelow: European Gigolo. WALLACE SMITH (Dion) Broadway: American Idiot (Favorite Son); The Lion King (Simba); HAIR (Hud); Ragtime (Revival). Tours: The Lion King 1st and 2nd Nat’l (Simba); Miss Saigon (John); TV: NBC’s “American Dreams”; Showtime’s “Soul Food.” Thanks to Managers, Talentworks, DOC & Mom. God, you did it again! TESS SOLTAU (Ensemble, u/s Eden, Eva) Regional: West Side Story; Urban Cowboy. CMU: How to Succeed; Tick, Tick… BOOM!; Into the Woods; Radiant Baby. T.V./Film: Love and Other Drugs; “Law and Order SVU”; “Guiding Light”. BFA Acting/
Musical Theatre Carnegie Mellon. Thanks to Mom, Grammy, Andrew, Steve, Telsey and the White Noise creative team! tesssoltau.com KEVIN SPIRTAS (u/s Max) 25-year veteran Broadway, film and television actor, Kevin is most recognized as Dr. Craig Wesley, Days Of Our Lives. Broadway: A Chorus Line; The Boy From Oz. CONSTANTINE ROUSOULI (Ensemble, Partial Swing, u/s Jake, u/s Duke, u/s Teal Waters) is ecstatic to be working on White Noise! Broadway: Hairspray (Link Larkin). National Tours: Hairspray; Legally Blonde (Padamadan/Nikos). He was recently seen on PBS performing at the White House for the President and First Lady. Much love to his parents, sister, family and friends. JESSE VARGAS (Wilhelm Rohm , Music Director, Vocal & Music Arrangements, Orchestrations) Broadway: Glory Days (Supervisor, Arrangements, Orchestrations); The Ritz (Orchestrations). OffBroadway: Rooms (Supervisor, Arrangements, Orchestrations); Saved; bare-A Pop Opera. Orchestrations: Peep Show; Asphalt Beach; Bright Lights, Big City; Seth Rudetsky’s Broadway 101; Hair 2004; Junie B. Jones; Chess; Pippin (Dance Arr). MD for Clay Aiken 2004-2008. Recordings: Clay Aiken-Tried and True (Decca); Hair 2004; Rooms; Glory Days. shouthollermusic.com ROBERT MORRIS (Music, Lyrics, Orchestrations) Music and lyrics to Once Around The Sun (Off Broadway), Rock Star (Off-Off Broadway) and What You Will (Regional). Morris Brothers releases include Stand Out, Pop The Trunk and One White Noise 5
PROFILES Less Dream. As a musician he has played with many artists and in the orchestras of Broadway shows. A proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America. To Colleen and my girls. morrisbrothers.biz. STEVEN MORRIS (Music, Lyrics, Orchestrations) has contributed music and lyrics to Once Around The Sun, Rock Star, and What You Will. His most recent artist release, as one half of the Morris Brothers, is One Less Dream. As a musician he has recorded and performed extensively. He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America. For Dayna, Steven Jr., Elizabeth and Alysse. morrisbrothers.biz JOE SHANE (Music and Lyrics) Off-Broadway: Once Around the Sun (Zipper Theatre); other NY Theatre: Rock Star (Trilogy Theatre); regional: White Noise (New Orleans Le Petit Theatre), all in collaboration with Robert Morris and Steven Morris. Born and raised in New York City. A proud member of the Dramatists Guild of America. For my brother. MATTE O’BRIEN (Book) is a playwright based out of New York City. Other projects include: Becoming David; Morning Has Broken; THE MEANING OF LIFE...and other useless pieces of information; Peter and I. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild. Endless thanks to his family and friends for all the love and support. SERGIO TRUJILLO (Director, Choreographer) Broadway: Choreographed the 2010 Tony Award winning Best Musical Memphis (OCC Award, Astaire and Drama Desk Award Noms.); 2006 Tony and Olivier Award winning Best Musical Jersey Boys (Olivier, Drama Desk, Dora, OCC Award Noms.); The Addams Family; 2010 Pulitzer Prize winning Next to Normal; All Shook Up and Guys and Dolls (Astaire Award nom.). Off Broadway: Saved (Playwrights Horizon, Lucille Lortel Nom.); The Capeman, Romeo & Juliet (Public); A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Kismet (Encores!); Salome (NYC Opera). Regional: The Wiz, Zhivago (La Jolla); Mambo Kings; The Marriage of Figaro (L.A. Opera); Chita and All That Jazz. International: Disney’s Tarzan (World 6 White Noise
Theatre Award Nom); West Side Story, The Sound of Music (Stratford); Peggy Sue Got Married (West End); Kiss Me, Kate (Japan). TV: Judging and choreographing on “So You Think You Can Dance: Canada” (CTV), “Broadway: The American Musical” (PBS), “The 14th American Comedy Awards” (ABC), “Triple Sensation” (CBC). Empire: A New American Musical (Ovation Award, 4 Dora Award noms). Upcoming: Director/Choreographer: Flashdance, Havana Choreographer: Leap of Faith. 1st National Tours: Memphis, Next to Normal, The Addams Family. ROBERT BRILL (Scenic Designer) Broadway: Guys and Dolls (Tony nom); The Story of My Life; Assassins (Tony nom); Cabaret; A Streetcar Named Desire; Laugh Whore; The Good Body; Anna in the Tropics; Design for Living; One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; Buried Child and The Rehearsal. He has designed numerous productions for Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatres, and was recipient of the 2004 Michael Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration. PAUL TAZEWELL (Costume Designer) Broadway: Lombardi; The Miracle Worker; Memphis; In the Heights; The Color Purple; A Raisin in the Sun; Caroline, or Change; Def Poetry Jam; Elaine Strich at Liberty; On the Town; Gershwin’s Fascinatin’ Rhythm; Bring in ‘Da Noise. Four times nominated for the Tony Award. Winner of Lucille Lortel Award, multiple Helen Hayes Awards, and recipient of the Princess Grace Statue Award. JASON LYONS (Lighting Designer) Broadway: Rock of Ages; The Threepenny Opera; Barefoot in the Park; Good Vibrations. Recent: Bring It On The Musical; Rock of Ages (National Tour & Australia); Uncle Vanya (CSC); Broke-ology (LCT); Clay (LCT); Scarcity (Atlantic); Vigils (Goodman); Evil Dead the Musical (NYC and Toronto); Once Around the Sun; Kiki & Herb: Coup de Theatre. Faculty: Purchase College. GARTH HELM (Sound Designer) has worked extensively throughout the USA and Canada. Recent projects: Priscilla Queen of the Desert; Phantom Las Vegas;
PROFILES The Pirate Queen; Ragtime; Fosse; Seussical; Showboat; Sunset Blvd. Chicago sound design credits include: Ragtime; Blues Brothers; Barry Manilow’s Could It Be Magic; Evita; and The Buddy Holly Story. RAJ KAPOOR (Multi-Media Designer) has directed tours for Carrie Underwood, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Disney’s Camp Rock, “American Idol”, and “Dancing with the Stars”. He specializes in creating dynamic and imaginative visuals for concert tours, special events and live award show television performances including the Grammy’s, CMA’s, and AMA’s. CHARLES G. LAPOINTE (Wig, Hair Design) Broadway: Henry IV; The Rivals; Cymbeline; Lombardi; Fences; Life in the Theater; Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown; Merchant of Venice; Looped; Miracle Worker; Superior Donuts; Memphis; 33 Variations; Guys and Dolls; In the Heights; Jersey Boys; The Color Purple; Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me; among others. Love to James. KEITH HARRISON (Electronic Music Production) Keith Harrison has worked nationally as a versatile music performer and producer. His Chicago credits have garnered five Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and one citation, and his original compositions are frequently heard in national television commercials. Keith is also a prolific singer/songwriter whose songs can be heard at keithmakesmusic.com. TELSEY + COMPANY (Casting) Broadway/Tours: Baby It’s You!; Sister Act; Catch Me; Priscilla; SPIDER-MAN; Million Dollar Quartet; Addams Family; Memphis; Rock of Ages; Wicked; Next to Normal; 9 to 5; In the Heights; South Pacific. Film: Margin Call; Howl; Sex and the City; Love and Other Impossible Pursuits; I Love You Phillip Morris; Rachel Getting Married; Dan in Real Life; Then She Found Me; Across the Universe; Ira & Abby; Rent; Pieces of April; Camp. MARCOS SANTANA (Associate Choreographer) Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Marcos has had the privilege of working with distinguished
choreographers and directors such as Dianne Paulus, Franco Dragone, Sergio Trujillo, Andy Blanckenbuehler, Des McAnuf, and Hal Prince, among others. Credits: Fortress Of Solitude; My Fair Lady; Paul Simon’s The Capeman; Guys and Dolls; The Wiz; Carmen; Tarzan. DAVID ALPERT (Assistant Director) Credits: Assistant Director, Tony Kushner’s The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide… (world premiere, Guthrie Theater); Guys & Dolls (Broadway); and Knickerbocker Holiday (Lincoln Center). Proudly presents the annual ‘Living for Today’ Broadway concert series to benefit the Gilana Shira Alpert fund. BA, Directing: Western Michigan University. SDC Associate. Always for my family. david-alpert.com MATT MARSDEN (Production Manager) was Production Manager at The Royal George Theatre for HATS! The Musical; Forbidden Broadway; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Bleacher Bums; Graham Norton: Red Handed; and Million Dollar Quartet at the Apollo. As President of Resolution Productions with EightyEight Entertainment on Monsieur Chopin; Beethoven, As I Knew Him; and Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein. Thanks to all who make show biz fun, but especially my fantastic wife Nettie. LUCIA LOMBARDI (Stage Manager) has worked at The Goodman, Northlight, Victory Gardens, Body Politic, NJT & Remains. Commercial Chicago Productions: Don’t Dress for Dinner; Bleacher Bums; The Cocktail Hour; Zoo Plate Special; Comfortable Shoes; Love Janis; ART; Could it be Magic (the Barry Manilow Songbook); The Last Night of Ballyhoo; Uncle Broadway. National Tours: Scrooge; Disney’s The Lion King. CATHRYN “BULA” BULICEK (Assistant Stage Manager) has stage managed in Chicago for 30 years, for Goodman Theatre, Chicago Opera Theatre, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Chicago, among others. She is also a hairstylist for stage and film, taught anthropology at Northeastern IL University for 11 years, and plays bassoon semi-professionally. White Noise 7
PROFILES JILL SWARTZMILLER (Company Manager) Chicago: American Blues Theater, Victory Gardens Theater, Don’t Dress for Dinner. National Tours: August: Osage County; Movin’ Out; Jesus Christ Superstar; Little Shop of Horrors; Music Man; Titanic. Thanks to Karen for the opportunities and to family, KA & MH. KAREN BERRY (General Manager) Selected Chicago: Million Dollar Quartet; Don’t Dress for Dinner; Bleacher Bums; Comfortable Shoes; Last Night of Ballyhoo; The Irish...and How They Got That Way; Jackie Mason; Driving Miss Daisy; Shirley Valentine; Steel Magnolias; Pump Boys and Dinettes. Broadway: RSC’s Carrie; Quilters; Asinamali; Beethoven’s 10th; Show Boat. RYAN J. DAVIS conceived and originally directed White Noise at NYMF 2006 and was featured on “Good Morning America”. Other directing favorites include: Annual Broadway Beauty Pageant; Veritas; Street Lights; Hedwig and The Angry Inch. NBC recognized Ryan one of NYC’s most influential social media voices. Ryan is Social Media Director at Blue State Digital and lectures for various audiences, including sessions at Yale and Harvard. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanNewYork JOE DRYMALA was a composer and original bookwriter for White Noise in its initial production (NYMF 2006); received Summer Theater Award for Outstanding Score for that year. Composer, lyricist, bookwriter for the pop musical Street Lights (NYMF 2009). Primary speechwriter on Gov. Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential campaign including article in Vanity Fair on poverty in America and an acclaimed speech on race relations. Upcoming: a new original work, Mercy Street, billed as “an opera in hip hop”. WHOOPI GOLDBERG (Producer) is one of an elite group of artists who have won the Academy Award, Grammy, Emmy and a Tony. She got her start on stage and was last seen on Broadway in Xanadu. She earned a Tony nomination for her return to the Lyceum Theatre, commemorating the 20th anniversary of her original one-woman show. She 8 White Noise
starred in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and produced and starred in the revival of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. She won the Tony for producing Thoroughly Modern Millie, prior to producing the hit West End production of Sister Act: The Musical, which is currently running on Broadway. She has appeared in over 50 films and is currently the moderator of ABC’s “The View.” In addition to her successful film and television career, she is also a best-selling author. HOLLY WAY (Producer) As a marketing & business strategist, Holly will be the first to share that she has no business setting foot on stage, but she is in awe of those who do and honored to produce and promote the magic. She feels exceedingly fortunate to work alongside the unmatchable White Noise creative team and is grateful to this group of amazing actors who are willing to take the risk on something that matters. Endless thanks go to the Godfather of White Noise, Jay Strommen, for being the fearless and committed partner necessary to make this a reality. “On the shoulders of giants we both stand!” JAY STROMMEN (Producer) is Vice President and principal of PDinstore, a leading provider of visual merchandising and storytelling for the world’s leading brands and retailers. Having overseen countless national groundbreaking rollouts & initiatives, Jay says,“White Noise is the greatest show I have ever produced.” As a father of four, committed to sharing success with causes that have the power to make lasting contributions, Jay was drawn to White Noise early on and is proud to work with such an amazing team. He will not confirm or deny the use of his head in the artwork. JIMMY MACK (Producer) Born and raised in New York, Jim Mack has led a diverse life both in and out of the arts. As President of JD Mack & Company, he has been involved in commercial real estate for 28 years as a mortgage broker, developer and investor. White Noise is his first theatrical production.
PROFILES DEBORAH TAYLOR (Producer) Broadway: Tony Award winning American Idiot and La Cage aux Folles; Elling. Off Broadway: Abe Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party; Street Lights (NYMF); The Goodbody; Shockheaded Peter; The Last Schwartz; Slasher; Killer Joe (Magic Theatre). Regional: Producing Director, New Works / Marin Theatre Company; The Globe Age Project (New Works / Aurora Theatre, Berkeley). Producing Consultant, Playwrights Foundation. Upcoming: Dance of the Holy Ghost directed by Kenny Leon; Vesturports; Metamorphoses. CHRIS BENSINGER (Producer) Broadway: 2010 Tony Award winning La Cage aux Folles; American Idiot (2010 Tony Nom.). Off Broadway: Street Lights (NYMF). Regional: The Princess and the Black Eyed Pea (San Diego Rep). Upcoming: Real Women Have Curves musical adaptation; Song of Paradise, co-conceiving with Marcus Gardley and Andrew Chukerman. TOM LEONARDIS (Producer) As President of Whoopi Goldberg’s company, Whoop, Inc., Leonardis is Goldberg’s producing partner and oversees development. Goldberg and Leonardis are responsible for numerous projects currently in various stages of development and production in virtually every entertainment medium. Leonardis is a Tony-nominated producer for Goldberg’s Whoopi…The 20th Anniversary commemorating the anniversary of her one-woman show on Broadway. Leonardis and Goldberg also produced the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Thoroughly Modern Millie as well as the hit West End production of Sister Act: The Musical currently on Broadway.
JESSICA LEWIS (Associate Producer) Now Managing Editor of BroadwayWorld.com, Jessica discovered White Noise at NYFM in 2006. Still here, she thanks “The Family” for making it all she knew it would be. BEN FELDMAN (Associate Producer) NYC entertainment lawyer, represents Memphis (Broadway), talent, producers, TV creators and actors, films (Kissing Jessica Stein to Rabbit Hole), 3DRevolution. com (also fund-raiser) & other start-ups, galleries, non-profits, agents, venues (including Ars Nova). Published in CTI’s Producing guide….Producer: Understudy (upcoming film).Yale grad. KEVIN SPIRTAS (Associate Producer) A 25-year Broadway, film & television actor, Kevin moved into producing with critically acclaimed Finian’s Rainbow followed by Priscilla Queen Of The Desert and White Noise. ANTONIO R. MARION (Associate Producer) Broadway: How to Succeed in Business...Producing Partner: Chip Arndt. Producing Associates: Jeff Berg & Marya Meyer. Thanks to Holly, Jay & Ben! For Mom & Dad. mariontheatricalproductions.com LAURIE FRIEDMAN (Associate Producer) Theatre: A Steady Rain. TV, Film & Video: Emmy award winning series “Orion” for South African television; Crazy Legs. Owner of Jungle Media, Ltd. production company.
Telsey + Company: Bernie Telsey CSA, Will Cantler CSA, David Vaccari CSA, Bethany Knox CSA, Craig Burns CSA, Tiffany Little Canfield CSA, Rachel Hoffman CSA, Justin Huff CSA, Patrick Goodwin CSA, Abbie Brady-Dalton CSA, David Morris, Cesar A. Rocha
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P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Opening Night: April 9, 2011 General Management.................................................................................................... Karen Berry Company Manager................................................................................................. Jill Swartzmiller Production Manager................................................................................................. Matt Marsden Stage Manager..........................................................................................................Lucia Lombardi Assistant Stage Manager......................................................................................Cathryn Bulicek Associate Production Manager..................................................................................Geoff Miller Music Contractor.................................................................................................... Carey Deadman Music Copyist..................................................................................................................Jesse Wiener Dramaturg....................................................................................................................... David Dower Associate Choreographer.....................................................................................Marcos Santana Fight Director................................................................................................................. Rick Sordelet Make-up & Tattoo Designer....................................................................................Cookie Jordan Associate Set Designer..............................................................................................Dustin O’Neill Assistant Set Designers................................................. Andrew Boyce, Angrette McCloskey Assistant Costume Designer.................................................................................... Kara Harmon Assistant Lighting Designer...................................................................................... Travis Shupe Assistant Sound Designer.............................................................................................Brian Hsieh Directing Intern........................................................................................................Shana Solomon Video Programmer..................................................................................................... Chris Herman Props Master................................................................................................................ Kathy Parsons Deck......................................................................Brian Clagett, Laurence Hickey, David Fantis Wardrobe..................................................................... Leah Munsey-Konops, Karen Bowmann Master Electrician............................................................................................Margaret Hartmann Light Board Operator.....................................................................................................Sam Begich Sound Board Operator.............................................................................................. April McDane Deck Sound..........................................................................................................................Dan Solan Spot Light Operator................................................................ Tamar Daskin, Jessica Harpenau National Press Representative.............................................. Peter Cromarty, Cromarty & Co Public Relations.......................................................................Cathy Taylor Public Relations, Inc .......................................................................................................... Cathy Taylor, Schoenly Hixson Advertising and Promotions................................................................................. Allied Live, LLC ........................................ Laura Matalon, Suzanne Santos, Cindy Raymond, Vanessa Jones Group Sales............................................................................................................Group Theater Tix ........................................................................................................ Tami Manton and Miguel Perez Interactive & Social Media........................................................................................................87AM Graphic Design...........................................................................................................Carter Perrilliat Casting...................................................................................................................Telsey + Company Production Photographer..........................................................................................Carol Rosseg Additional Casting.............................................................................................. Claire Simon, CSA Original Casting.............................................................................................Michael Cassara, CSA Production Counsel............................................................. Beigelman, Feiner & Feldman, P.C. .................................................................................. Jordan Beckerman, Esq., Ben Feldman, Esq. Accounting.............................................................................................Steve Remy, RVG Partners Insurance..........................................................................................................................DeWitt Stern Scenic Construction........................................................................ Chicago Scenic Studios, Inc Musical Instruments provided by Jonas Productions, Inc Lighting equipment provided by Christie Lites, Inc Audio and video equipment provided by Sound Associates, Inc
SPECIAL THANKS Ballet Hispanico, Bob Doepel (Chicago Scenic), Larry Thomas (Christie Lites), Ted Jones (Jonas Productions), Peter Fitzgerald (Sound Associates). REvolución Latina’s educational programs and 2011 Choreographers Festival Dancers revolucionlatina.org. Peter James Zielinski, PJZ Studios for White Noise and BloodBrothas promotional photography pjstudios.com PDinstore for building and printing much of the cool stuff for White Noise 10 White Noise
Developed with the assistance of Louisiana Economic Development’s Office of Entertainment Industry Development.
T H E R O YA L G E O R G E T H E AT R E C E N T E R Theatre Owner......................................................................................................Liberty Theatres, Inc. President.......................................................................................................................... Margaret Cotter Business Manager............................................................................................................ Shaun Garrett Box Office Manager...........................................................................................................Jessica Hardy House Manager................................................................................................................. Octavia Taylor Assistant House Manager........................................................................................... Wendell Brooks Maintenance.......................................................................................................................... Willie Birkes
R O YA L G E O R G E T H E AT R E S E RV I C E S A N D FA C I L I T I E S Box Office Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 12pm to 8pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Call 312-988-9000. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the house manager. Smoking is not permitted in the theatres, washrooms or lobbies. Theatre Rental: The Mainstage, Cabaret, Great Room and Gallery theatres are available during the day or on “dark” nights for business meetings, lectures, classes, seminars and other events. For further information, contact Shaun Garrett, Business Manager, 312-988-9105. Gift Certificates for theatre tickets at the Royal George make the perfect gift for any occasion and are available at the box office Children under the age of five will not be admitted to the theatre. For more information visit www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com
A B O U T T H E R O YA L G E O R G E T H E AT R E C E N T E R The mainstage at the Royal George Theatre in recent years has featured such acclaimed attractions as George Gershwin Alone, starring Hershey Felder; the world premier of Monsieur Chopin, starring Hershey Felder; Art; The Gin Game, starring Julie Harris and Charles Durning; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Forever Tango; Love Letters starring Robert Wagner and Jill St. John; I Hate Hamlet; the premiere of the first national touring production of Angels in America; Lost in Yonkers; Lend Me a Tenor; Other People’s Money; and The Cocktail Hour. Other major productions on the mainstage have included the world premiere of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s The Grapes of Wrath; Papa starring George Peppard; the world premieres of Burn This starring John Malkovich and Joan Allen; and Little Shop of Horrors. The theatre was the broadcast site for the hit television series Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher during the Democratic National Convention in 1996. The Royal George Cabaret Theatre has been the home for many long running hits like I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; which played for over three and a half years and Forever Plaid which played for six and a half years and is the longest running musical ever produced in Chicago. Previous productions in the Cabaret Theatre have included Whoop Dee-Doo!; Vampire Lesbians of Sodom; Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris; and The Bomb-itty of Errors.
T H I S M O N T H AT T H E R O YA L G E O R G E T H E AT R E C E N T E R THE GREAT ROOM Late Nite Catechism, Put the Nuns in Charge, Saints & Sinners, and Sunday School Cinema CABARET THEATRE Dixie’s Tupperware Party White Noise 11
WHY WHITE NOISE? Messages of hate aren’t confined to the radical fringes of our society. They can be encoded in popular music. They can be threaded into political rhetoric. They can be heard on talk radio – or in the schoolyard. We cannot outlaw hate speech – it’s protected by the First Amendment. But we can be aware of it. We can understand its implications and context, and recognize where it’s coming from. And, we can speak out against it. This groundbreaking production raises important issues about the power of hate speech in our culture and should inspire people of conscience to call out others who engage in it. As a leading voice in the fight against hate, bigotry and discrimination, the Southern Poverty Law Center believes this production is an important step toward the goal. Working with the producers of WHITE NOISE, the SPLC’s renowned Teaching Tolerance project has produced an educational guide to help students, from high school to college, reflect upon and discuss these issues as responsible consumers of pop culture. We applaud the producers and the entire WHITE NOISE company for their great work.
Maureen Costello
Director of SPLC’s Teaching Tolerance
12 White Noise