A NOTE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTORS

Voices Included for People of Color (VIP) Theatre was co-founded during my senior year at Marquette University, to create a space for students of color to show up as their authentic selves and share their stories through art. Too often in theatre, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) voices go unheard and are misrepresented or unrepresented. As a Black theatre artist of twelve years, I have struggled to find opportunities both on and off the stage and rarely felt welcome in these creative spaces, as I often stood alone, being the only person who looked like me. Instead of allowing rejection and defeat to overcome me, I worked diligently to help create a space where artists of color felt a sense of belonging. Not only do people of color deserve a space where they belong, but they also deserve to be a part of a community where their voices, stories, and creativity can come to life and shine brightly through authentic depiction and representation. I am proud of the space we have created for the theatre arts community to navigate difficult conversations around race, identity, and belonging while promoting diversity on Marquette’s campus and strengthening the relationship between the campus and the greater Milwaukee community.

I would like to thank Marquette University and the Office of Research and Innovation's Explorer Challenge grant program for the financial support of this company. And I would like to thank YOU, for showing up and supporting BIPOC theatre. We could not do this without the support of the Marquette and the Milwaukee community.

-Shyla Kyser, co-founder/Arts Administrator – VIP Theatre

VIP (Voices Included for People of Color) Theatre is a wonderful addition to Marquette Theatre’s season. VIP presents opportunities for additional productions by artists of color by bringing together students, alumni, and professionals from our community. It’s indeed a treat to welcome back our successful alum, Nadja Simmonds, as our guest director! This season’s theme is Expectations, and the characters of Detroit `67 have big dreams and great expectations.

We hope to make VIP Theatre a regular part of our Marquette Theatre season. We were lucky to be able to begin this process through a generous grant from Marquette. In the future, ticket sales and fund-raising will determine VIP’s longevity.

We hope that if you enjoyed your time with us, you will pass along any good words to friends, families and acquaintances. Word of mouth is always the best form of advertising. We thank you too, for supporting live theatre by purchasing your ticket. If you’d like to contribute even more we will gladly accept donations after the show Your donations help to sustain the high-quality, thoughtful, and entertaining performances that you’ve come to expect!

-Jamie Cheatham, Artistic Director – Marquette Theatre

Joseph Brown, Jr. (Sly)

Joseph is a senior at Marquette University and thrilled to be closing his senior year as Sly and being a part of VIP Theatre’s admirable initiative. While at Marquette, Joseph made his professional debut at Next Act’s Kill Move Paradise as Tiny. He recently appeared in Black Arts MKE’s production of Harlem Renaissance: The Savoy Ballroom, as well. He is excited to demonstrate what his years of study have taught him, and tell a compelling story.

Naomi Kriege (Caroline)

Naomi is thrilled to have her first onstage role at Marquette as Caroline! She is a Freshman from Kansas City, MO who is majoring in Theater Arts and minoring in Dance and Graphic Design. Her previous work at Marquette has been behind the scenes as Assistant Stage Manager for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Stage Manager for The Importance of Being Earnest. Naomi would like to thank the whole team that brought Detroit '67 to life and her family for encouraging and supporting her, always.

Martilia Marechal (Chelle)

Martilia is excited to be in her senior year at Marquette and is double majoring in Theatre Arts and Psychology. She is from Milwaukee, WI and is beyond thrilled to be playing Chelle! This is her last Marquette production, and she is honored to be a part of this captivating story. Previously at Marquette, she was seen as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, Genesis in The Light, Ali in Mamma Mia!, and she was also in Black Nativity at Black Arts MKE in 2021. Martilia also performed in the Milwaukee Black Theatre Festival for the second summer in a row! She would like to thank you for being here, and hopes you enjoy the show (and the Motown music)!

Lauryn Middleton (Bunny)

Lauryn is a freshman Theater Arts and Advertising major. She appeared in her first theater production ever earlier this season as #8 in The Wolves. Lauryn wants to thank her parents for everything they have done for her. Lauryn is very excited for everyone to see this production. Enjoy the show!

Deshawn A. Thomas (Lank)

Deshawn (he/him/they/them) is a new Milwaukee-based actor. Some of his recent credits include: The Lisbon Traviata (Sunstone Studios), Twelfth Night (Shakespeare in the Park and Olde School Shakespeare Collective), and Sociable Companions (Sweet Tea Shakespeare). He has also had the superb opportunity to work as an Emerging Professional Resident in Acting with The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. When Deshawn isn’t onstage, he can be found either in front of the television binging anime or with his nose in a cookbook dreaming up new recipes.

Jamie Cheatham (Artistic Director, Marquette Theatre)

Jamie is a professional actor, director, fight director, and theatre educator. He spent 17 years working professionally in New York City and has been teaching for over 30 years. He is the Head of Acting at Marquette Theatre Arts and a nationally recognized fight director with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). Professional work includes such theatres as: Alley Theatre (TX), Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Arena Stage (DC), Shakespeare Theatre (DC), The Cort Theatre (Broadway), and the Georgia, Illinois, and NYC (Delacorte) Shakespeare Festivals. Locally, Jamie’s work has been seen at the Milwaukee Rep, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Fireside Theatre and Skylight Music Theatre. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity (AEA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). Thank you for supporting live art!

Sam Gutierrez (Stage Manager)

Sam is a senior from New Berlin, Wisconsin. He is double majoring in Theatre Arts and Public Relations. His performance roles at Marquette include 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip), Mamma Mia! (Pepper), Antigone(Nurse/Jonas), Songs of Note (ensemble) and Bob: A Life in Five Acts (Bob). He currently is a Hospitality Intern at Baird in Downtown Milwaukee! Sam wants to thank all of his family and friends for their constant support.

Lilliana Gonzalez (Scenic Designer/Technical Director)

Lilliana Gonzalez is a theatre technician and designer from Milwaukee WI. Graduating with her BFA from UWW in 2019. She started working at Marquette University in October 2020 as Scene Shop Supervisor moving her way up to Assistant Technical Director. With her boss on sabbatical, she stepped up as Technical Director for both Earnest and Detroit `67. While at Marquette, she has designed two shows for VIP Theatre: Detroit `67 and previously The Light. She thanks you for supporting local theatre and hopes you enjoy the show.

Shyla M. Kyser (VIP Theatre Co-Founder and Arts Administrator)

This is Shyla’s second year serving proudly as Arts Administrator for VIP Theatre. She recently graduated from Marquette University earning her BA in Theatre Arts. As a twelve-year veteran in Theatre Arts, Shyla’s talent extends on and off the stage. Her theatrical roles on-stage, outside her home state of Colorado, include Deadman’s Cell Phone and Image of an Unknown Young Woman in which she played Carlotta/Other Woman/Stranger and Leyla, respectfully. Both roles were performed at Marquette Theatre. Off-stage, Shyla has developed a wide range of skills by working as a Sound Operator, Sound Designer, Stage Manager, and Carpenter for a variety of companies including Marquette University, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and the world-renowned Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. Beyond her aspirations to continue her work with VIP Theatre, Shyla hopes to further her education and become an Art Therapist.

Connie L. Petersen (Costume Shop Manager)

Connie continues her 21st year with her family here at Marquette University. She received her B.S. degree in theatre from Northwest MO State University and M.F.A. degree in Costume and Scenic Design from SIU in Carbondale, IL. She has designed for Next Act Theatre, Des Moines Metro Opera, Denver Center Theatre Company, Door Shakespeare and Playmakers Repertory Company at UNC-Chapel Hill. Connie is enjoying her spare time in Elm Grove with her daughters, Emma and Olivia.

Jazmin Reyes (Sound Designer)

A Milwaukee native and Senior at Marquette, Jazmin is studying Human Resources and Supply Chain, and has a minor in Theatre Arts. She is happy to return to sound design for the VIP Show. She recently worked as the sound operator for Marquette’s production of Mamma Mia! in spring of 2022 as well as Putnam Spelling Bee in fall of 2022. She is excited for this production of Detroit 67 and wants to thank everyone for their support of Marquette’s talented artists!

Nate Rodriguez (Assistant Stage Manager)

Nate is a freshman majoring in Theatre Arts from Bartlett, IL, and he recently understudied three roles in The Importance of Being Earnest at Marquette University. He has performed in several shows throughout his life. Some recent roles include Buckley in Father of the Bride, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and Thénardier in Les Misérables. He would like to thank his mom, dad, sisters, stepdad, family, and friends for supporting him, and he hopes that you enjoy the show!

Nadja Simmonds (Director)

Nadja is excited to be back at her alma mater directing these amazing students. After graduating with degrees in both theater and digital media, Nadja worked her way across the Midwest acting, directing, and teaching. Directing credits include Barber of Seville and Hansel and Gretel (Florentine Opera Tour), Not Even Remotely (Northern Sky Theater), The Revolutionists (Marquette University Capstone), and Lucifer Jr. (Milwaukee Chamber Theater YPF). Regional acting and touring credits include Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, Forward Theater, First Stage Children’s Theater, CATCO, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Parks, Milwaukee Rep, Northern Sky Theater, Summit Players Theatre, and Children’s Theater of Madison. You can catch her next in Measure for Measure and Three Musketeers with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks this summer. Lots of love goes to her family and those continuously fighting for justice and equality. Black Lives Matter. www.nadjasimmonds.com

Trinae Williams-Henning (Costume Designer)

Trinae is grateful for this amazing opportunity to explore her passion for textile and apparel design, visual arts and storytelling through the production of Detroit '67 Trinae studied Textile and Apparel Design along with Art History for a year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, eventually earning her Bachelor's degree in Human Development and later her Master’s Degree in Urban Special Education. Trinae acknowledges that these may seem like very unrelated passions when compared to costume design. However, theatre is about telling stories that reflect life, and what we wear, how we move in what we adorn ourselves with, reflects the life those stories tell. Trinae's costume design credits include her work with the Milwaukee Black Theatre Festival and Lights! Camera! Soul! for the production of Pretty Fire, Next Act Theatre for Kill Move Paradise and Milwaukee Chamber Theatre for the production of Misery

We’d like to share a special THANK YOU! to all who donated to the Marquette Theatre Support Fund on behalf of our long-time patron and benefactor,

JOHN TERENCE “TERRY” DUFFEY.

The list includes:

Amita M. Antao

Ellin Palzewicz

Sarah Michalski

George & Mary Groppi

Jodi Wilson

Jan Rosera

Alex & Angela Doney

Jamie Farmer

Gregory and Sharon Smith

Sandra Fennema

Susan M. Kwass

Dennis & Carol Wojtecki

Colette A. Goldammer & Diana Duffey

Technical Director

Production Staff

/Shop Supervisor Lilliana Gonzalez

Costume Shop Manager Connie Petersen

Asst. Costume Shop

Supervisor/Cutter/Draper Amelia Strahan

Stage Manager Sam Gutierrez

Assistant Stage Manager Nate Rodriguez

Props Head Lilliana Gonzalez

Master Electrician Maaz Ahmed

Light Board Operator Michael Mingus

Sound Board Operator Erin Fricker

Deck Crew Sebastian Locke, Jackson Sheerin

Wardrobe Supervisor Matthew Torkilsen

Wardrobe Crew Joseph Brown, Jr.

Costume Shop Assistants Giorgia Cozzo, Eva Hesse, Alex Merkel, Michael Mingus, Lizzie Porter, Matthew Read, Jay Roche, Nate Rodriguez, Sophia Stockhausen

Scene Shop Assistants William Lee Bush, Miranda Hunt, Ethan JacobyHenrickson, Jimmy Jett, Kelsie Kasky, Naomi Kriege, Josh Mains, Jack McMahon, Jackson Sheerin, Josh Soape

Scenic Shop Build Crew Ellie Burger, Michelle Cecchin, Kynkade McLachlan, Lauryn Middleton, Michael Mingus, Nate Rodriguez

Costume Shop Build Crew Ellie Burger, Kynkade McLachlan, Lauryn Middleton, Michael Mingus, Nate Rodriguez, Sami Woldt

Administrative Assistants Erin Cavender, Cassidy O’Neil

Box Office Staff Trevor Holt, Cara Strauss

House Manager William Bush

PLEASE, JOIN US AGAIN NEXT YEAR FOR ANOTHER GREAT SEASON! …