Chancellor: Richard Telfer Provost: Beverly Kopper College of Arts & Communication Dean: Mark McPhail Associate Dean: Robert Mertens
Director: Ken Kohberger Technical Director/Assistant Director: David Nees Office Manager: Malinda Hunter Audience Services Manager: Michael Morrissey Marketing Director: Leslie LaMuro Development Director: Ben Strand Coordinator of Education & Outreach: Shannon Dozoryst A Note To Our Patrons: • Latecomers will be seated at the first convenient interval at the discretion of the audience services staff. • Patrons are requested to turn off pagers, cellular telephones, and hourly signaling watches during the performances. • Photography or video/audio recording of the performance is strictly prohibited. • No smoking, food, or beverages are allowed in the theater. • Infrared personal hearing enhancement devices are available at the gift shop. • No state tax revenue supported the printing of this program. • Young Auditorium is a non-profit organization under Section 115 of the Internal Revenue Code Mission Statement Young Auditorium serves as a presenting organization for the performing arts and as an educational and cultural center enriching the lives of the campus and regional communities. Vision Statement Young Auditorium: Artstanding in Creativity, Artstanding in Collaboration, Artstanding in Education, Artstanding in its Field. For Your Information The Young Auditorium is an auxiliary of the University and serves as home for Cultural Affairs, YA Presents, the Horizons Series, and all units of the College of Arts & Communication. Ordering Tickets UW-Whitewater Ticket Services Voice & TTY: 262-472-2222 Fax: 262-472-1329 Purchase tickets in person at two locations Greenhill Center of the Arts Box Office M-F 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (Short term, metered parking at this location) University Center- Information Services Desk UC 159 on the main floor lobby of the University Center. M-F 9:30 am – 8:30 pm Sat 8:00 am – 8:30 pm Sun Noon – 8:30 pm Young Auditorium Lobby at 5:00 pm prior to performances. Group Ticket Sales Groups of 10-24 = 10% discount Groups of 25+ = 20% discount For more information call 262-472-5705.
Contact Us Young Auditorium 930 West Main Street Whitewater, WI 53190-1790 Phone: 262-472-4444 www.uww.edu/youngauditorium E-mail: youngaud@uww.edu Facility Rental Young Auditorium facilities are available for banquets, receptions, concerts, meetings and dances. For information call 262-472-4444. Facilities include the Auditorium, Kachel Center and the Fern Young Terrace. Accessibility Features Patrons with special seating needs please inform ticket services personnel at 262-472-2222 three weeks prior to the performance when ordering tickets for: wheelchair seating or for visual impaired seating. Patrons with special visual or hearing needs please inform Michael Morrissey, audience services manager, by e-mailing at morrissm@uww.edu or call at 262-472-1487 three weeks prior to the performance for large print or Braille programs, or signed interpretation for the hearing impaired. and tickets must be purchased at least one week prior to event. Hearing enhancement devices are available at the gift shop. Young Auditorium 1
S AT U R DAY, A P R I L 16 , 2 011 • 2 : 0 0 P M & 7 : 3 0 P M
Troupe America Inc., Curt Wollan, Executive Producer and
Present
CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES 2: A SECOND HELPING
Written by GRETA GROSCH Music and lyrics by DENNIS CURLEY & DREW JANSEN Inspired by the books of Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson including the best-seller, “Growing Up Lutheran”
Troupe America Inc. and Young Auditorium Present: A celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there! The operating of cameras or recording devices is strictly prohibited by copyright law. Please turn off anything that will make noise or that lights up including cellular phones. This program was supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
2 Young Auditorium
CAST (in
or der of appe ar ance)
DALE W. GIVEN......................................................................................................................... Pastor JANET BRUCKEN...............................................................................Mrs. Lars Snustad (Vivian) AUTUMN O’RYAN..................................................................... Mrs. Gilmer Gilmerson (Mavis) BECKY BARRETT-JONES................................................................Mrs. Elroy Engelson (Karin) LISA BARK.......................................................... Mrs. Harold Hauge (nee Beverly Engelson)
PRODUCTION CREW Company Manager................................................................................................EMILY WALTER Stage Manager.............................................................................................................PATTI LAIRD Technical Director/ Production Manager...........................................MICHAEL R. MIKULA Master Electrician................................................................................................DANA KLEIMAN Sound Engineer............................................................................................ JOHN McQUIGGAN Tour Transportation..................................................................MILES COOPER LEASING, INC. Set Design............................................................................................................SCOTT R. HERBST Costume Design........................................................................................... KATRINA BENEDICT Light Design........................................................................................................SCOTT R. HERBST Sound Design..........................................................................................................MARK BRODIN Musical Staging & Choreography....................................................... WENDY SHORT-HAYS Music Direction................................................................................................... DENNIS CURLEY Directed by..............................................................................................................CURT WOLLAN
SPECIAL THANKS Pastor Gary Olson and Lakeview Lutheran Church, ARCA Minnesota, Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN, Jacki Bedworth for making the quilt, Joyce Johnson for sharing her photos of “Lutheran” clothing from 1969-70, Thrivent Financial Community Services and Janet Martin and Suzann Nelson. MUSICAL NUMBERS *Music & Lyrics by Drew Jansen **Music & Lyrics by Dennis Curley ACT I Scene One May 1969, Sunday evening; The Luther League Banquet Everyone Knows A Church Basement Lady* ................... Pastor, Vivian, Karin, Mavis God’s Way of Sayin’ *...............................................................Mavis with Karin and Vivian God’s Way of Sayin’ * (reprise)............................................ Mavis with Karin and Pastor Scene Two Fall 1969, Saturday evening; The Mission Festival Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger and Clove*............................................................Beverly You Never Know*............................................................ Karin with Vivian, Mavis, Beverly Mary/Martha**............................................................................................................ Company Intermission
Young Auditorium 3
M U S I C A L N U M B E R S ( c o n t .) ACT II Scene Three January 11, 1970, Sunday afternoon; The Congregational Meeting Old Dog, New Tricks* . .................................................. Pastor with Beverly, Karin, Mavis Get Back In The Game*........................................................................... Karin, Mavis, Vivian Scene Four May 1970, Saturday afternoon ; Spring Cleaning Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger and Clove* (reprise) .............................Karin, Beverly Vivian’s Bad Trip**............................................. Vivian with Karin, Mavis, Beverly, Pastor The Tales of Your Heart**......................................................................................... Company WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST LISA BARK (Beverly) is no stranger to the basement after being a part of Church Basement Ladies at the Plymouth Playhouse in Minnesota, Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis, and all three versions of the show on tour. Other national tours include Babes in Toyland and A Christmas Carol with Troupe America, 123 Imagine with Sesame Street Live, and Encore! with Chamber Theatre, produced by Tony Award winner, Spring Sirkin. Lisa’s career has taken her to Dubai, Italy, Barbados, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, as well as New York City’s Madison Square Garden and on NBC’s Today Show. Most recent regional credits include the world premiere musical, French Twist, with the Flying Foot Forum at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Fiddler on the Roof at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre in Florida, and Disney World. Lisa earned a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Minnesota Duluth. BECKY BARRETT-JONES (Karin) is excited to reprise her role of Karin after recently performing in Church Basement Ladies at LaComedia Dinner Theatre and on the national tour of Away In The Basement, A Church Basement Ladies Christmas. Recent stage credits include Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Mama Noah in Children of Eden, Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, Gertrude in Seussical, and Tammy Faye in The Gospel According to Tammy Faye, as well as multiple roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Show Boat. She has coached numerous 4 Young Auditorium
voice and piano students through her private studio, and has music directed many shows, including Phantom, Cinderella, Aladdin, Jr., Beauty and the Beast, High School Musical, Willie Wonka and Once on this Island. Becky thanks God for the gift of music, her amazing actor/director husband, Alan Bomar Jones, and her supportive family and friends. This is most certainly true! JANET BRUCKEN (Vivian) is a native of Dayton, Ohio and is pleased to be performing again as a Church Basement Lady, having played the part of Mavis at the LaComedia Dinner Theatre last spring and the role of Vivian in the national tour of Away In The Basement, Achurch Basement Ladies Christmas. Janet’s other favorite roles include Miss Hannigan in Annie, Jeanette in The Full Monty, Mrs. Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Aunt Eller in Oklahoma, MeeMaw in Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story, Clairee in Steel Magnolias, Parthy in Showboat, and Eulalie in The Music Man, Mrs. Medlock in Secret Garden, Mary in Long Day’s Journey Into Night, and Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods. As always, Janet wants to say, “I couldn’t do it without you,” to her loving and supportive family. AUTUMN O’RYAN (Mavis) is very proud to be part of the National Tour of CBL2. She originally hails from Ann Arbor, Michigan and has a B. F. A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!) Autumn has lived, worked
W H O ’ S W H O I N T H E C A S T ( c o n t .) and traveled extensively throughout the US including Alaska. She now calls Rock Island, Illinois her home. Some of her favorite roles over the past 20 years of professional theatre include Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, Aunt Eller in Oklahoma!, Jeanette in The Full Monty, Martha Watson in White Christmas, Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man and originated the role of Liddy Allen in the World Premiere of Whodunit, The Musical. Autumn has also been a good and/or an evil witch, a fairy godmother and a variety of characters in over 100 children’s plays and musicals. Autumn would like to dedicate her performance to Kevin and Dick W. Many, many thanks to Curt and Troupe America for this wonderful opportunity.
DALE W. GIVEN (Pastor) – Dale is thrilled to be touring with Troupe America once again. He has spent the past five summers in Medora, ND as “Host – Buffalo Dale” of the legendary Medora Musical. Also, he has spent four of the past five Christmas seasons entertaining families at Dollywood in Tenn. He appeared as Lloyd in Troupe America’s successful tour of Guys on Icefishing Musical. Recent regional credits include Sir Edward Ramsey in The King & I, Senator Wingoah/Mayor Rufus in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Buffalo Bill in Annie Get Your Gun, and Mayor Shinn in The Music Man. Many thanks to Quack-Quack for paving the way! Thanks buddy!
WHO ARE THE ORIGINAL LUTHER AN L ADIES JANET LETNES MARTIN (Co-author of Growing Up Lutheran) Janet Letnes Martin grew up in Hillsboro, ND where the words “Norwegian and Lutheran” were synonymous. It was no surprise she graduated from Augsburg College, in Minneapolis, MN and married Neil Martin, a 100 percent ScandinavianLutheran man from Newfolden, MN. Janet started writing books in 1983. She wrote three books, co-authored three books with Allen Todnem, and one with her sister, Ilene Lorenz, before she teamed up to write and perform with a college friend, Suzann Nelson. Janet and Suzann have written nine books relating to their NorwegianLutheran rural background. Their book Growing Up Lutheran, What Does This Mean? won the Minnesota Book Award for Humor, and is the inspiration for all three Church Basement Ladies musical comedies. Janet and Suzann have performed as a comedy duo “Those Lutheran Ladies” from the state of Washington to Washington, DC as well as in the Medora Musical. Recently Janet switched gears and teamed up with author/artist, David W. Cook II to write a fabulous new humorous book Lemonade for the Lawnboy: The Executives’ Wives’ Cookbook Committee. Her most recent project is the just released, hilarious “Fun
with Fitness DVD - Jiggle Your Jell-O” with Suzann Nelson, David Cook and Greta Grosch. Janet lives in Hastings, MN and feels blessed that her family is all involved in their Scandinavian Lutheran heritage. She is co-owner of Scandinavian Marketplace and the online store scandinavianmarket.com with her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Steve Green. Her daughter Sarah is a national representative for the Norwegian Fjord Flatware Company. She is thrilled her daughter, Katrina Benedict is the costumer of this musical, and that Trina’s husband, Andy knows how to make egg coffee. Her granddaughters Sophia, Ariana and Myana Green and Nora Benedict are the love of her life. She dedicates her contribution to this play, to her late husband, Neil, whom she misses dearly. SUZANN NELSON (Co-author of Growing Up Lutheran) As half of the knowledgeable, funny, 100 percent Norwegian-Lutheran duo, “Those Lutheran Ladies,” Suzann Nelson could just list her name under Janet Martin’s bio and type “ditto.” Names and a few places might differ, but their histories are similar and often identical — from the month and year they were baptized and confirmed Lutheran to the day in 1968 when they graduated Young Auditorium 5
W H O A R E T H E O R I G I N A L L U T H E R A N L A D I E S ( c o n t .) from the same Norwegian-Lutheran College. One of Suzann’s daughters said that Janet and Suzann share a brain — something they considered a compliment until they realized she probably meant each had only half a brain. They haven’t had time to consider the real meaning yet because they are too busy writing and publishing books about rural life in the fifties, developing new book and product ideas, speaking and performing. Lately they have been working with theatre folks who, Suzann says, “are kinda different from the farm families I grew up with.” Nelson began life as a Johnson on a “Noah’s Ark” farm — two cows, two pigs, two chickens and two brothers —close to where the Kensington Runestone was found. After graduating from high school in Evansville, MN, Suzann boarded a train for the nearest Sin City, Minneapolis. She graduated with a Scandinavian Studies major from Augsburg College
where she also met her 100 percent Norwegian-Lutheran husband, Ron, and someone named Janet Letnes — both decent, wholesome folks who had grown up in North Dakota eating cream on bread. After further study at the Universities of MN and Oslo, Suzann directed Concordia College’s Language Village, Skogfjorden, and in off-seasons had three-piece suit jobs where she dabbled in government, public policy work, and putting on pantyhose. Eventually, Suzann and Ron moved to Grand Rapids, MN where they raised their two 100 percent Norwegian-Lutheran daughters, Senja and Siri. Now a mother-in- law, widow, and owner of an online bookstore ruralroutebookstore.com, Suzann spends her days and nights pondering ways to pay off her mortgage, looking for misplaced things, being fascinated by creative ideas her four grandchildren develop, and ironing used wrapping paper.
WHO’S WHO IN PRODUCTION GRETA GROSCH (Playwright) Since 1989, Greta has worked as a freelance writer and performer across the country and has a wealth of experience in both commercial and business theatre. An original cast member of Church Basement Ladies, Greta originated the role of Mavis and wrote the script for Church Basement Ladies 2, a Second Helping. A graduate of Mankato State, she bought her first guitar in the 90’s and began writing comic songs. This led to a season at Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop and a love of sketch comedy. She continues to write and perform original material with a variety of groups, and her company, Girl With Guitar, provides educational and entertaining programming, ranging from training seminars to company parties for organizations across the country. For more information visit gretagrosch.com. In addition, Greta is the head writer for the Medora Musical in Medora, ND, is a voice over 6 Young Auditorium
and commercial artist, travels the country as a motivational speaker, and is a founding member of the “Silly Sisters” and the “Looney Lutherans” (thelooneylutherans.com). She wishes to extend a huge thank you to her coworkers for their contributions and support, to Curt for this opportunity, and to Janet and Suzann, what a trip. Greta dedicates this show to her sister, who married a real live Norwegian bachelor farmer and now lives in Norway on a Christmas tree farm. Seriously. DENNIS CURLEY (Co-Composer, Co-Lyricist) is a native of Syracuse, NY, and a graduate of Northwestern University (Evanston, IL). He composed music for Vampires! Horror!; Love After Hours; Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping; U Betcha: The Making of a Minnesota Boy Band; Pride and Plot of Pointlessness; and Whistling Past the Graveyard. Dennis is the arranger of Schoolhouse Rock Live! and Schoolhouse
W H O ’ S W H O I N P R O D U C T I O N ( c o n t .) Rock Live Too! (both published by MTI). In the Twin Cities he recently performed in Power Balladz (Lab Theatre), Hot ‘n’ Cole (Ordway Center), My Way (Ordway Center), Mrs. Man of God, Orphan Train (History Theatre), Christmas Carole Petersen (Loring Playhouse), and Warm Beer Cold Women (Guthrie), as well as appearing as a Holiday Singer in the lobby of Ordway Center during The Sound of Music and White Christmas. Dennis sings with the Twin Cities’ rock band Pizazz, and is a co-founder and executive producer of Table Salt Productions http:// TableSaltProductions.com. WENDY SHORT HAYS (Choreographer) has been connected with Troupe America for over twenty-five years. She created the choreography for the original production of Church Basement Ladies as well as subsequent tours and productions. She is thrilled to have “another helping” with this brilliant creative team. In that time she has choreographed such favorites as A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine, Nunsense, Do BlackPatent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Pump Boys and Dinettes, 1940’s Radio Hour and Diamond Studs for which she earned the Twin Cities Drama Critic Award for Best Choreography. She was on the writing team for The Lovely Liebowitz Sisters and her original choreography of Pump Boys and Dinettes has been produced over 24 times locally, on national tour, and for an extended run at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. She is the Artistic Director of VISTA Productions which was chosen from over 400 applicants to represent Minnesota at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her work has also been seen on the stage of The Medora Musical, Hey City Stage, Great American History Theatre and numerous national tours. Some of her directing credits include West Side Story, Wings, Children of Eden, Lost In Yonkers, Into The Woods, A Christmas Carol and Beehive.
SCOTT R. HERBST (Scenic & Lighting Designer) has designed many national tours including Hank Williams-Lost Highway, The 1940’s Radio Hour, Cotton Patch Gospel and Stephen King’s Ghost Stories for Troupe America. In addition to his work with the Plymouth Playhouse, he also designs lighting for The Old Log Theatre in Excelsior, Minnesota. His past tour work includes the National Tours of The Odd Couple starring Jamie Farr and William Christopher of M*A*S*H and Moon Over Buffalo starring Gavin MacLeod from The Love Boat and the Mary Tyler Moore Show. Scott now happily stays off the tour bus, and at home with his lovely wife Mary and family. KATRINA BENEDICT (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be a part of Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping and Away in the Basement based on the writings of Suzann Nelson and her mother Janet Letnes Martin. She works as a freelance costume designer and draper at various theaters in the Twin Cities area. Her most recent designs include Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping, Away In The Basement, A Church Basement Ladies Christmas Kirby! for the History Theater, Sherlock’s Last Case for Minnesota Centennial Showboat and various productions at Normandale Community College. MARK BRODIN (Sound Designer) Mark designs and mixes sound for live theater, churches, recording artists and corporate events. With 15 years experience, you may have heard his work at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Minneapolis, The Medora Musical or on TV and radio. Mark won an Emmy for his documentary Delafield. TROUPE AMERICA, INC. (Producer) has been touring theatrical productions from coast to coast and in Canada since 1987 under Executive Director/ Producer Curt Wollan. Past Troupe America tours include six seasons of Mr. Pickwick’s Christmas, two seasons of Dylan Thomas’ A Childs’ Christmas In Wales, five tours of Pump Boys and Young Auditorium 7
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Dinettes, two tours of Stephen King’s Ghost Stories, three tours of the stage version of the Emmy Award-winning TV series “Schoolhouse Rock, Live!,” a co-production of The Gifts of the Magi with the Lamb’s Theater Company of New York and tours of On Golden Pond, Driving Miss Daisy, Steel Magnolias and Forbidden Broadway with Big League Theatricals of New York. Troupe America also operates the popular Plymouth Playhouse in the Twin Cities area, having produced a four-year run of Nunsense, a four-year run of Pump Boys and Dinettes, and critically acclaimed productions of Diamond Studs, A Day In Hollywood A Night In The Ukraine, Little Shop of Horrors, The Lovely Liebowitz Sisters, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, An Evening with Groucho starring Frank Ferrante, and an eight-year run of a new musical based on Howard Mohr’s best-selling book How To Talk Minnesotan titled How To Talk Minnesotan The Musical, the off-Broadway success I Love You,
You’re Perfect, Now Change, and the new musicals based on the best-selling book Growing Up Lutheran titled Church Basement Ladies and its sequel Church Basement Ladies 2: A Second Helping!. In 1997, Troupe America produced a highly acclaimed national tour of The Odd Couple starring M*A*S*H’s Jamie Farr and William Christopher and in 1998-99, the national tour of Moon Over Buffalo starring Gavin MacLeod. In 1999/2000, Troupe America produced Hank Williams, Lost Highway starring Jason Petty, and in 2001/2002 produced and toured the national tours of The Sunshine Boys starring Dick Van Patten and Frank Gorshin and Same time, Next Year starring Mackenzie Phillips and Adrian Zmed. Troupe America produced the third incarnation of Church Basement Ladies entitled Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas at the Plymouth Playhouse in Minneapolis this past holiday season. www.troupeamerica.com.
If you have not yet joined our E-mail list to receive ArtsENews ~ please do! In our ongoing quest to become greener and to curb expenses, the last thing we want to do is lose touch with YOU!
Sign-up on our homepage www.uww.edu/youngauditorium Arts E-News sign up for the e-mail list: 8 Young Auditorium
T H A N K YO U
Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters for the 2010-11 Season! SEASON SPONSORS
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Michael Ross Alumni
MEDIA SPONSORS
GRANTS UW System Institute on Race & Ethnicity
PREFERRED CATERING
PREFERRED LODGING
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTERS
Young Auditorium 9
W E D N E S DAY, A P R I L 27, 2 011 • 7 : 3 0 P M
Contemporary Issues & Cultural Affairs Present
The Dancing Wheels Company
Mary Verdi-Fletcher, President/Founding Artistic Director Company Members: Nicole Deegan, Ryan Dick, DezarĂŠ Foster, Samantha Fox, Isaah Henderson, Sara Lawrence-Sucato, Emma Parker, Franklin Polk, Jen Sikora, Mary Verdi-Fletcher Sponsored by:
Dancing Wheels thanks its generous 2010/11 sponsors: Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, The Cleveland Foundation, The Kulas Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, The Metlife Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, The Kuhn Family Foundation, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, The Bruening Foundation, and Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council This program was supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
10 Young Auditorium
PROGR A M Walking on Clouds [excerpts] (2005) Choreography: David Rousseve Music: Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, The Kinks, and Rap Costume Design: Janet Bolick Dancers: Nicole Deegan, Ryan Dick, Dezaré Foster, Samantha Fox, Isaah Henderson, Sara Lawrence-Sucato, Emma Parker, Franklin Polk, Jen Sikora, Mary Verdi-Fletcher Performance Note: Walking on Clouds was choreographed by David Rousseve in 2005 to bring to the stage a work that would reflect the similarities and challenges encountered throughout history by people with disabilities and people of color. “Mixing words and movement into a powerful cauldron, this new work celebrates a common humanity that survives the boundaries of difference. With equal parts humor and grit, the work blends fact, fiction, and possibility to find the connections- both emotional and historical- between people with disabilities and people of color. Commissioned by both Dancing Wheels and Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre, this work represents the first time the two companies have culled forces to share, create, and comment.” ~David Rousseve -----20 minute intermission----Sweet Radio Radicals (2008) Choreography: Dianne McIntyre Music: The Carter Sisters, Mahalia Jackson, Etta James & The Peaches, Buffy SainteMarie, Janis Joplin, Dolly Parton, and Gladys Knight & The Pips Costume Design: Janet Bolick Dancers: Dezaré Foster, Samantha Fox, Sara Lawrence-Sucato, Jen Sikora, Mary Verdi-Fletcher Performance Note: Choreographed by dance icon Dianne McIntyre in 2008, Sweet Radio Radicals is a musical travelogue where turns of a radio dial set into motion five female dancers who embody the emotions reflected in music from female artists of the last century. Episode – 1928 Dezaré Foster Samantha Fox Sara Lawrence-Sucato Jen Sikora Mary Verdi-Fletcher
Episode – 1964 Ensemble
Episode – 1947 Mary Verdi-Fletcher and Dezaré Foster
Episode – 1974 Jen Sikora
Episode – 1955 Sara Lawrence-Sucato with Ensemble
Episode – 1974 Ensemble
Episode – 1970 Samantha Fox with Dezaré Foster and Sara Lawrence-Sucato
Missing You (2009) Choreography: Peter Kalivis Music: “Besame Mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez; Arranged by Karl Bohm Costume Design: Janet Bolick Dancers: Nicole Deegan with Frank Polk and Emma Parker with Ryan Dick Performance Note: “Figuratively and literally, no matter the efforts – playful, athletic, romantic – the couples connect (although temporarily) within their differences. I am most interested in these differences and how they have the potential to bring us together.” ~Peter Kalivis Young Auditorium 11
P R O G R A M ( c o n t .) Arts & Access Far East of the Blues (2010) Choreography: Professor Donald McKayle Music: Excerpts from Far East Suite by Duke Ellington: Bluebird of Delhi (Mynah), Depk, Isfahan, Blue Pepper (Far East of the Blues) Costume Design: Janet Bolick Dancers: Nicole Deegan, Ryan Dick, Dezaré Foster, Samantha Fox, Isaah Henderson, Sara Lawrence-Sucato, Emma Parker, Franklin Polk, Jen Sikora, Mary Verdi-Fletcher Performance Note: Legendary choreographer Donald McKayle’s “Far East of the Blues” is a dance work set to four movements from Duke Ellington’s 1966 “Far East Suite”, an album inspired by a world tour the composer embarked on with his orchestra in 1963. McKayle sought to capture the mood and imagery evoked in Ellington’s score by incorporating elements of Indian and Balinese culture into the work’s movement which he observed while touring Asia with the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1956 and ’57. The piece premiered in Cleveland in May of 2010. C O M PA N Y OV E R V I E W If dance is an expression of the human spirit, then it is best expressed by people of all abilities. That is the fundamental belief behind the Dancing Wheels Company & School. Considered one of the premier arts and disabilities organizations in the U.S., Dancing Wheels is a professional, physically integrated dance company uniting the talents of dancers both with and without disabilities. Mary Verdi-Fletcher, the first professional wheelchair dancer in the U.S., founded the Dancing Wheels Company in Cleveland in 1980. Born with spina bifida, Mary wanted to offer others with disabilities full and equal access into the world of dance. An almost unimaginable concept at the time, Mary’s vision and passion have since helped to revolutionize our very notion of dance – as well as what defines a dancer. Furthering the mission of inclusive arts and recreating opportunities for all, the School of Dancing Wheels proudly opened its doors in 1990. Its state-of-theart studios were soon regarded as a world-class training center for dancers, choreographers and educators. That same year, a partnership with the Cleveland Ballet created the ground-breaking Cleveland Ballet Dancing Wheels which went on to delight audiences for nearly a decade. To date, the Dancing Wheels Company’s inspirational mission has touched over 4.5 million people through performances, school assemblies, residencies and workshops. Millions more have enjoyed their artistry via appearances on CNN, Good Morning America, and the TV special “Christopher Reeve: A Celebration of Hope.” Now part of Professional Flair, Inc., a 501(c) arts and disabilities organization, Dancing Wheels continues to travel the globe advocating disability awareness and entertaining over 70,000 people each year. With a repertory of over 40 works from nationally-esteemed choreographers and a message of inclusion and accessibility, the Company continually expands the reach of artistic possibilities while celebrating the universal spirit of dance.
12 Young Auditorium
C O M PA N Y B I O G R A P H I E S Mary Verdi-Fletcher, President/ Founding Artistic Director, has been a pioneering force in the development and success of physically integrated dance for over 30 years. One of the world’s first and foremost professional wheelchair dancers, she has worked and studied with such esteemed artists as Donald McKayle, David Rousseve, Dianne McIntyre, Dennis Nahat, Keith Young, Ben Vereen, Christopher Reeve and many others. Seeing the need for training and career opportunities for dancers of all ability levels, Ms. VerdiFletcher created the multi-arts Dancing Wheels School in 1990. Attracting students from around the globe, the school is becoming the worldwide center for physically integrated dance. As an educator, Mary has conducted master classes and lectures and has consulted with notable arts institutions across several continents. Also a tireless arts administrator and advocate, Mary has helped develop state and national programs for arts and disability service organizations and has worked to help to pass significant pieces of legislation. Her efforts have paved the way for others in their quest for full and equal access. Mary’s recent professional affiliations include Executive Committee Member for the Careers in Arts Summit, Program Committee Member for The Association of Performing Arts Presenters Annual Conference, Advisory Board Member for The Arc of Greater Cleveland and Board Member for Ohio Arts Presenters. Nicole Deegan Originally from Mankato, Minnesota, Nicole graduated from Loyola Catholic School in June 2008 and moved to Cleveland to begin her professional career with The Dancing Wheels Company & School. Nicole began dancing at the age of five and continued to compete in various pageants and dance competitions through high school. She is in her third season with the company and enjoys swimming, skiing, and biking. Ryan Dick received his formal training from Ohio University’s School of Dance, where he received numerous scholarships for both dance and
academic achievements. He has performed in many original pieces choreographed by students, facility, and visiting artists such as Gladys Bailin-Stern, Mariah Maloney, Adriana Durant, Sean Curran and Lisa K. Lock. Ryan recently received personal trainer certification and is working to combine dance and fitness training into an exercise philosophy that can improve a person’s physical well being as well as their self-perception. This is his second season with The Dancing Wheels Company. Samantha Fox grew up in Canton, Ohio and started her dance training with Susan Lloyd at the age of 3. She worked with Jackie Blaydes through Pleasant View School of the Arts and Glen Oak High School. To further her dance education, she attended The University of Akron to concentrate on ballet and modern dance. During her time at The University of Akron, she was able to perform in many faculty pieces and was given the opportunity to perform choreography by guest artists Doug Varone of Doug Varone and Dancers, and Amy Miller of Groundworks Dance Theatre. Samantha proudly graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts in Spring 2010. While at the University, she studied under Cydney Spohn, Christina Foise, Andrew Carrol, Tom Smith, Robin Prichard, and others. This is Samantha’s first season with Dancing Wheels. Dezaré Foster was born and raised in Cleveland and is in her fourth season with Dancing Wheels. She has studied with Michael Medcalf, Lisa Lock and Terrence Greene and has performed choreography by Christopher Huggins, Dianne McIntyre, Young Park, Paul Gurgol, Stuart Pimsler, Keith Young and Peter Kalivas. Dezaré was a Cleveland School of the Arts dance major before graduating from Virtual Schoolhouse as the 2008 Valedictorian. Her professional experience includes work with Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre under Michael Medcalf. She has choreographed musical theatre at several venues, including Heights Youth Theatre and Community Learning Young Auditorium 13
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Center in Orange, Ohio. Dezaré is also a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers “Scream Team.” Daniel ‘”Isaah” Henderson has over 25 years of experience in performing and teaching ballet, modern, jazz, and tap, as well as various other disciplines of dance. Isaah started his professional career as a scholarship student at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, New York City. Isaah has danced professionally on cruise ships such as Celebrity Cruise Lines and in shows nationwide, such as in the Great Smokey Mountains and Branson, Missouri. Isaah’s most recent professional experience was a full-time company member of Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theatre under the direction of Michael Medcalf. Isaah was with Dancing Wheels for the 2007/2008 season and has returned for the 2010/2011season. Sara Lawrence-Sucato began her dance training at age five in her hometown Columbus, Ohio. She graduated with Honors from Mercyhurst College (Erie, PA) with a degree in Dance Teaching and Choreography. She has studied with noted teachers Madame Natalie Krassovska, Laura Alonso, Cynthia Harvey, Vivi Flindt, Finis Jhung, Christopher Huggins, and Milton Myers. Her performance credits include roles in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Coppélia, La Sylphide, Pas de Quatre, Paquita Variations, Bolero. She has performed with the Mercyhurst Dancers, The Dance Cure, Columbus Dance Theatre, Shen and Bones Performance Group, and Anteaus Dance. Sara teaches dance and Pilates in several schools and studios in Cleveland. She has choreographed for Cleveland Public Theatre’s Big [Box] Series in 2009 with BACKspace and in 2010 with Extra! Extra!. This is Sara’s fifth season with The Dancing Wheels Company. Emma Parker has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and psychology from Ball State University in Indiana. Her 18 years of background in dance includes teaching ballet, jazz, contemporary, and modern. She 14 Young Auditorium
performed and studied with artists such as Adele Myers, Jennifer Medina, Kristopher Estes-Brown, and Nic Papillo. She worked with Hilcroft, an affiliate of VSA, serving special needs populations in the northeast region of Indiana, as a dance movement leader. Recently Emma was the choreography consultant on a made-for-PBS documentary about “Vibrations”, a performing arts group from the Indiana School for the Deaf. In August of 2010 Emma’s piece Exteroception, a dance depicting the life of a man without sight, was chosen as the Editors Choice Award by Dance Magazine. She has traveled throughout the country as a freelance chorographer for Balance Point Dance Solutions and as a Universal Dance Association Instructor. Passionate about integrated dance, Emma wants to be part of the movement to mainstream performance and artistic works and bring them to a wider audience. This is Emma’s first season with Dancing Wheels. Franklin Polk teaches hip hop for the School of Dancing Wheels, has danced with the Cleveland Cavaliers “Scream Team” for two seasons and is also a competitive Capoeira practitioner and choreographer. Frank has trained with the Gemini Twins of Cirque du Soleil doing aerial, fabric and trapeze work and has also trained with Capoeira Gerais, Capoeira Narahari, Cordao De Ouro and Groupo Unidade. Frank currently works with the Motivation Through Excellence Program, teaching children break dance and drug prevention. This is Franks third season with the Dancing Wheels Company. Jen Sikora started dancing with Dancing Wheels when she was four years old. She has danced a principal role in The Sorcerer’s Apprentices, performed in The Snowman and toured nationally with both productions. Jenny graduated from the Administrative Assistant Program at Lorain County Joint Vocational School and is in her fifth season with Dancing Wheels.
M E M B E R S 2 010 - 2 011 Director’s Council James R. Connor Lolita Kachel Francine L. Pease
Ambassador Richard & Kathy Haven Dawn & Lyle Hunter Ken & Susie Kidd Rudy & Patti Korsmo Mark McPhail Kenneth & Dorothy Otting Earl & Susan Paddock Dennis & Margaret Rohrs Carole Scharinger William & Marlyne Seymour Richard & Judy Triebold Elmer Werhane
Arthur Kolb & Dorothy Kopp Dr. Beverly Kopper Orville & Carol Larson Everett & Ellen Long Nels & Gloria Madsen Rowland & Audrey McClellan Michael & Jean Morrissey Margaret Mueller Mark & Germaine Olm Terry & Arlene Ostermeier Jerry & Jan Palzkill Gordon & Helen Parks Anthony & Lenore Pavlick Lyn & Mary Kay Piatt Mary Hill-Roth & Ted Roth Rod & Sue Scherer Jim & Sue Schlough Jerry & Bunny Schoen Betty Schoonover Lewis & Kathleen Scott Cynthia Smith Ben Strand & Kari Borne Dean & Shirley Taylor Donald & Marjorie Triebold Pamela & David Van Doren David Veith Robert Wright & Elizabeth Asher Karl & Doris Zahn
Patron Craig & Bonnie Anderson Forrest Bright Robert & Marion Burrows Winona Campbell James Carlson Rollin & Nancy Cooper Jo Coulthart Jack & Betty Frawley Thomas Grotelueschen Ginny Hall Glenn & Christine Hayes Jean J. Hermsen John & Nancy Hoffmann Geraldine & Robert Jennings Doris Jones Mary Kenne
Supporter Curtis & Diane Abendroth Helmut & Martha Ajango Stanley & Ann Alger Rod Anderson Steve & Pam Barnes Bob & Cindy Barry Patricia & Thomas Bauhs Thomas & Christine E. Beckman Dale Benson Frank & Steph Beran Bruce Bertelsen James & Ginger Best Lynn & Cheryl Binnie Ron & Marilyn Binning Bryan Bishop
Director’s Circle Ron & Ann Abele James & Julie Caldwell Robert & Yvonne Fiskum David & Kathy Granum H. Gaylon & Hannah Greenhill John & Sandra Heyer Mitzi Joseph Ken Kohberger Craig Matzinger Julian & Anne Stinson Chuck & Barb Taylor Richard & Veronica Telfer Joyce Vande Bunt
Elizabeth Blumberg Bill & Karen Bohn Jean Bourenske Paul & Nancy Breitsprecher Myra Brien Merrilyn Britzke James Bronson & Peggy Kuchen Kevin Brunner & Nancy Blake Brunner Susan Burkhardt Patricia Caldwell Gerald & Lois Caslavka Peter & Ann Chester Marilyn & Richard Coogan Lou Ann Covi Antionette Czebotar Dean & Bonnie Dahnert Jacqueline Dailey Corey Davis Joan Dedolph Donna G. Fox Audrey & Christian Gatz Nancy & Leo Geidel Mary Godfrey Kathy & Jim Gross Skip & Carna Grover Robert Gruber Carol Guequierre Mark Gustafson & Su Ash Gustafson Elizabeth Haenisch Hans & Carla Hahn Margaret Hancock Diane Hanson Marian A. Hanson John & Jean Henderson Susan Hiscox Gene & Charlotte Huntley Helene Hurdis Martha Johnson Richard & Susan Kaja Debra & Ken Kirkeby Sybil Klug Bob & Gloria Knipschild Paul & Sue Kremer Irene Labonne Leota & Steve Larson Laura Lester Luann Livingston Connie & Alan Marshall Tom & Donna Marshall Young Auditorium 15
M E M B E R S 2 010 - 2 011 ( c o n t .) Edwin Mathews Sandra Matson Jeffrey McKinney Rosemary Metzdorff Jim & Carol Miller Bob Mischka Charles & Carolyn Mowbray Barry Mullen John & Arlene Newhouse Marie Northey Lois O’Brien Kim & Denise O’Keefe Michael Olson Richard & Judy Owens Larry & Mary Peiffer Astrid Peterson Kirke & Elaine Plank Donna Rice Dale & Colleen Riggs John & Julie Ripley James Rogers Dick & Julie Ruhe Daniel Sable Dennis & Mary Salverson Kathleen Salzwedel Doug & Karen Saubert Alice Scherer Ervin Schlepp Jean Schollmeier Dennis & Evelyn Schulz Robert & Sharon Schweitzer Roger & Helen Shimon Tom & Sue Short Larry & Edie Simons Patrick & Frances Snyder
Thomas Spiegelhof Barbara Stallman Dave & Bonnie Stanley Dennis & Eva Stanton David & Cheryl Stedman Ann & Howie Stiff Richard & Arlene Trewyn Angel & Chris Tullar Marc & Nancy Turner Ron & Sandra Van Able Carleen & Arthur VanderKoy John & Darlene Varnes John & Lila Waldman Vivian & Fred Welch Donald Werdin & Carol Christ Oneida L. Wheeler Eda Wilson Rod & LaVonne Wittwer Jack & Ella Woodbury James & Mary Jo Wooldridge Mark & Peggy Wuenstel June Yantis Contributor Jackie Amundson & Dean Zweifel Julia Armstrong Michael & Karen Atwood Susan & George Bauer Donald & Constance Brick George & Harriet Christopherson Mr. & Mrs. Cohen
John Finney Margaret & Dale Fose Barry & Margo Goldberg Edward Groshan Donna J. Heid Kristin Koeffler Steven Landfried Nancy Leinius Dr. Steven & Larissa Lyon Marie Martin Tom & Mary Oehler Thelma Robbins James & Cheral Sadler Merle & Mary Lou Schinke Steve & Linda Steinhoff Miles A. & Nancy Stejskal David & Merri Stoneman Patricia Townsend Yvonne Treiterer Karolyn & Hugo Tscharnack Mary Ulrich Elsie Van Tassell Mary Lynn Vogel Daniel Yeazel Student Owen Kirkeby Matthew Knudtson Gerald Roche Lisa Tessene-Martin Matching Gift USG Foundation, Inc. Wisconsin Energy Corporation
A N N I A L A P P E A L D O N O R S 2 010 -11 Anonymous Jackie Amundson & Dean Zweifel David & Janice Barkei Lisa Barnes John Bauer & Sally VoglBauer Lynn & Cheryl Binnie Bill & Karen Bohn Tom & Tammy Bong Dawn & Michael Cagney Peter & Ann Chester Mario & Jean Cima Pamela Clinkenbeard Peter & Katherine Conover 16 Young Auditorium
Rollin & Nancy Cooper Tom & Colletta Cornelius Ed & Kay Drexler Timothy Dunn Ken & Robin Earle Len & Ann Marie Fabos Jackie & Dean Fischer Norm & Polly Godfrey H. Gaylon & Hannah Greenhill Mark Gustafson & Su Ash Gustafson Margaret Hancock Diane Hanson Jean & Wayne Hartwig
Robert & Patricia Hawes Eleonora Jedrysek Geraldine & Robert Jennings Kurt Kadow Louise & Alan Keating Dalee Water Conditioning James E Killian & Roberta Rohdin Killian Philip & Sharon Knobel Ken Kohberger Jerome & Virginia Laurent Mary Lawrence