The Importance of Being Earnest

MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY’S J. WILLIAM AND MARY DIEDERICH COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION

DIGITAL MEDIA AND PERFORMING ARTS MARQUETTE THEATRE

JAMIE CHEATHAM, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

PRESENTS

by Oscar Wilde

February 17 – 26, 2023

Director – Jamie Cheatham

Scenic Design – Madelyn Yee

Costume Design – Debra Krajec

Lighting Design – Dave Krajec

Properties Head – Natalie Murray

Sound Design – Erin Cavender

Stage Management – Naomi Kriege

CAST (in order of appearance):

Lane, a servant

Algernon Moncrieff

John (“Jack”/”Ernest”) Worthing

Lady Bracknell

Gwendolyn Fairfax

Michael Mingus

Matthew Read

Matthew Torkilsen

Martilia Marechal

Miranda Hunt

Cecily Cardew Michelle Cecchin

Miss Prism

Rev. Chasuble

Patricia Leon de la Barra Gomez

William Lee Bush

Merriman, a country servant Ethan Jacoby-Henrickson

UNDERSTUDIES:

Erin Fricker Gwendolyn & Cecily

Cassidy O'Neil Lady Bracknell & Miss Prism

Nate Rodriguez Lane, Merriman & Chasuble

Josh Soape Jack & Algernon

SETTING

Act I - Algy’s sitting room, London. -Intermission -

Act II – outside Jack’s country home, Hertfordshire.

Act III –inside, immediately following.

There is one 10-minute intermission between Acts I and II. The show runs approximately 2 hours.

In early discussions of this play, I was asked the same question by several colleagues, “was I going to do ‘a concept’ (or, in other words, something strange) with it?” I was asked because, no doubt, I am known for this sort of thing. And while, of course, I did consider a few strange options, I kept coming back to the same answer – Nope.

This sprung from two reasons. One, because the play is pretty perfect as it is and two, Oscar Wilde already created his own unique concept in writing it. It is a wonderful comedy of manners, spoofing conservative and high-minded views of the Victorian era, and it is also a bizarre farce loaded at every turn with Wilde’s wit. The subtitle of the play is “a trivial play for serious people.” About this play Wilde wrote essentially that all the characters treat trivial things with outsized importance - and visa versa!

The only real “fun” exceptions we made creatively developed as a sort of tribute to Mr. Wilde in our musical selections. I hope Mr. Wilde would approve of our “trivial” choices. In all other ways, we’ve enjoyed exploring the complexities of Oscar Wilde’s high-styled farce, placed firmly in Victorian England.

Still, I find that this comedy does have something to say to us today about romance. The truth is funnily an unpleasant topic any time it appears in the script (until the end). Still, it ultimately is the key to our characters reaching their happy ending and true romance. Being earnest (having a sincere conviction) and embracing the truth does, in fact, pay off. I earnestly hope you smile, laugh, and find joy in this hardly trivial piece of theatre! (We can all be a bit too serious at times, after all.)

A NOTE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Welcome to our 2022-23 season that we’ve entitled EXPECTATIONS. As you will see in this performance, characters expect quite a lot from each other – whether its cucumber sandwiches or having a certain given name. We hope we have lived up to your expectations so far this season and will continue to do so with this production

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. Thank you as always for sharing your time with us and for contributing to our program by purchasing your ticket.

Without you as an audience, our work as a theatre is not complete. Your presence is a necessary part of what we do. By purchasing your ticket, you are helping to support our highquality productions here at Marquette Theatre. You also help to provide a professional quality experience from which our students can continue to learn. Any additional donations you might care to give are truly appreciated and will go to our Marquette Theatre Support Fund. This fund will help us sustain the high-quality and entertaining performances that you have come to expect!

-Jamie Cheatham, Artistic Director

CAST BIOGRAPHIES (in alphabetical order)

William Lee Bush (Dr. Chasuble)

William is a senior in Theatre Arts at Marquette University. Will has played a multitude of characters in his years on stage. Some of his favorite roles include Brinsley in Black Comedy, Ed Carmichael in You Can’t Take It With You, and Roderigo in Othello He recently played Bill North in the MUPS production of The Amish Project. You have also likely seen William in our lobby, serving as our house manager. He is excited to be a part of this production as it is his favorite show.

Michelle Cecchin (Cecily Cardew)

Michelle is a junior double majoring in Marketing and Information Systems with a minor in Theater Arts. She is ecstatic to be playing Cecily in her second main stage production! Some of her previous credits include The Wolves (#2) and Captain Anxiety (Understudy Anxiety in the Senior Capstone 2021) at Marquette, as well as Pride and Prejudice (Elizabeth Bennet) and The Sound of Music (Liesl Von Trapp) back home in Chicago, IL. Michelle would like to thank all her family and friends for always supporting her, as well as everyone who has taken the time to come see our show and support the arts!

Erin Fricker (Understudy – Gwendoline and Cecily)

Erin is a freshman Journalism, Theatre Arts major and Dance minor from Brookfield, Wisconsin. She was most recently seen on the Marquette stage as #25 in The Wolves, and over the summer, on stages across the state as a Singer/Dancer for the Kids From Wisconsin Big Bang Boom tour. Other favorite theatrical credits include Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney) and Godspell (Jesus). Erin thanks her family and friends for their continuous support in her artistic endeavors. Enjoy the show!

Miranda Hunt (Gwendoline Fairfax)

Miranda is from Colorado and a senior majoring in Theatre Arts and History with a dance minor. Past credits include #00 in The Wolves, Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Charlotte Corday in The Revolutionists at MU, and Sheila Birling in An Inspector Calls at Sunset Playhouse. Along with performing she is actively involved in the technical work here and is a lighting designer. She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support, especially Nat, the world’s best little sister! Enjoy the show and make sure to check out the costumes!

Ethan Jacoby-Henrickson (Merriman)

Ethan is a Junior from Combined Locks, WI and is excited to be participating in his second main stage production at Marquette. He is a Theatre Arts Major and Digital media minor. Previous experiences at Marquette include the role of Hortensio in Taming of the Shrew, Spotlight Operator for Mamma Mia! and Eddie in The Amish Project. Outside of theatre, he is a member of the MU Log-rolling Club, and the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Patricia León de la Barra Gómez (Miss Prism)

Coming from Caracas, Venezuela, Patricia is currently majoring in Psychology. She has recently had the opportunity to understudy for the roles of #2 & #46 in Marquette's production of The Wolves. Some of her favorite roles also include Jim in Chatroom, Mr. Tumnus in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as well as Reverend Hale in The Crucible. Patricia would like to thank her family, friends and lovely Marquette Theatre community for their support. She also hopes you enjoy the show!

Martilia Marechal (Lady Bracknell)

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 thrilled to be portraying the powerful matriarch that is Lady Bracknell! Previously, Martilia was seen as Genesis in The Light, Ali in Mamma Mia!, and appeared in Black Nativity at Black Arts MKE in 2021. She 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!

Michael R. Mingus (Lane)

Michael hails from New Albany, Indiana. He is a freshman theatre arts major and a dance minor. He is very excited to be a part of this amazingly talented cast! Some of his previous roles include Gaston in Beauty and the Beast and Harold Hill in The Music Man. Michael would like to thank his momma, grandma, family, friends, and High School director Amy Miller for helping him along this journey. He wishes for all of this wonderful cast, crew, and team to BREAK ALL THE LEGS!!

Cassidy O'Neil (Understudy - Lady Bracknell and Miss Prism)

Cassidy is a freshman from Wales, Wisconsin majoring in Theatre Arts and minoring in Advertising. She is no stranger to the stage, having recently completed her 50th production! Her favorite roles include Babette in Beauty in the Beast, Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet, Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, and The Nachtkrapp in Old World Wisconsin’s Legends and Lore. Outside of acting, Cassidy is also passionate about writing and directing, including two of her multi-award-winning shows, Eclipse and The

World Doesn’t Revolve Around You. Cassidy is a member of the E-board for the Marquette University Players Society, and also acts as the Stage Manager for the Comet Project. (https://cassidyoneil03.wixsite.com/cassidy)

Matthew Read (Algernon Moncrieff)

Matthew Read is a junior majoring in theatre and history. He has previously appeared in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Barfee, California Suite as Mort/Marvin, Melancholy Play as Lorenzo, and Mamma Mia! as Harry Bright. He cannot wait to make audiences swoon for this debonair character. He wants to thank the Boston Celtics for always being there for him to support him through all his artistic endeavors.

Nate Rodriguez (Understudy Lane, Merriman, Chasuble)

Nate is a freshman majoring in Theatre Arts from Bartlett, IL, and he is excited to be performing in his first Main Stage Production 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!

Josh Soape (Understudy – Jack and Algy)

Josh is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas studying Psychology and Theatre Arts. He was previously on the Helfaer stage as Lucentio in The Taming Of The Shrew and backstage as light designer for The Wolves. He has been having a great time working with this hilarious cast on this hilarious show. He hopes you have a night filled with laughter.

Matthew Torkilsen (Jack Worthing)

Matthew Torkilsen is a current Junior studying Theatre Arts and Digital Media. You may recognize Matthew from previous roles at Marquette such as Bill in Mamma Mia!, Frank in Melancholy Play, Panch in Spelling Bee, and Billy/Sidney/Stu in California Suite Matthew would like to thank his family for all of their support!

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES (in alphabetical order)

Shannon Burke (Asst. Stage Manager)

Shannon (she/they) is a first year student with an Anthropology major and Theater Arts minor. She has been in plenty of shows in her life, on and off stage, this being her 19th show total! Most recently, they have been a part of MUPS’s production of The Amish Project as Anna, and student-directed a production of And Then There Were None. Shannon is also very proud of their work as Prop Master and Audio Assistant in multiple shows. Their favorite roles on the stage include Beth March in Little Women and R. Barry in Radium Girls. Shannon is most importantly grateful for all the friends she’s made here at Marquette, as their mentorship does not go unseen, and their jokes do go un-giggled.

Erin Cavender (Sound Designer)

Erin (she/her) is a freshman Theatre Arts major from Prospect Heights, IL. She is a member of Marquette University Players Society as well as A Moment of Magic, and she also serves as the Administrative Assistant at the Helfaer Theatre. In the fall, she was cast as Velda in The Amish Project and served on deck crew for both The Wolves and From White Plains. Erin is excited to take on the role of sound designer for The Importance of Being Earnest, and she would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support.

Jamie Cheatham (Director, Artistic Director)

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 NY (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 to my wonderful cast and production team!

Lilliana Gonzalez (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. Along with this she will be scenic designer for Detroit `67 our VIP show coming this April. She thanks you for supporting local theatre and hopes you enjoy the show.

David Krajec (Lighting Designer)

David is pleased to return to the Marquette stage. It is an opportunity that is welcome and he hopes serves the Marquette students. David was the scenic and lighting designer for Cardinal Stritch University for nearly 20 years. After which, he became a system sales specialist and later project manager for MainStage Theatrical Supply, Inc. He has been the scenic and lighting designer for a number of professional productions over the years (In Tandem Theatre and

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre to name but two). David would like to thank his wife (who is a breast cancer survivor) for her love and support through these difficult times.

Debra Krajec (Costume Designer)

Earnest was the first production Deb designed at Marquette, way back in 1984! She is pleased to be able to work on it again with this group of lovely young theatre artists. Deb serves as a faculty member, a Stage Director, and a Costume Designer at Marquette. She received her MFA from Texas Christian University, and has worked professionally as a costume designer, a director, and an actor. In Milwaukee, Deb has designed costumes for Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, First Stage, Renaissance Theaterworks, and Next Act Theatre. She is very active in the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, where she is on the Board of Directors, is a Fellow of the Institute, and is a member of Actor's Equity Association. She lives happily in Menomonee Falls with her patient husband David, 2 Shetland Sheepdogs and 2 calico cats. Special love to the graduating seniors in the cast - Martilia, Miranda, and Will!

Naomi Kriege (Stage Manager)

Naomi is so excited to be the Stage Manager for The Importance of Being Earnest. She is a Freshman from Kansas City, MO who is majoring in Theater Arts and minoring in Dance and Graphic Design. She previously served as Assistant Stage Manager for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and she is thrilled to be onstage in the upcoming production of Detroit '67. Naomi would like to thank the whole team that brought Earnest to life and her family for encouraging and supporting her, always.

Natalie Murray (Props Head)

Natalie Murray is a junior from St. Louis, MO, majoring in Writing Intensive English and Theatre Arts with minors in French and Digital Media. Her most recent MU production credit was as props master of Mamma Mia!, and she was also seen onstage as #13 in The Wolves as well as Leaf Coneybear in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee She is also currently working as Assistant Director under Isabelle Andress for John Proctor is the Villain. Additionally, she is Artistic Director of Marquette University Players Society and Dramaturg for the Comet Project. She is thrilled to have challenged herself with this role, and she hopes you are jealous of the yummy sandwiches the actors get to eat on stage. She'll be happy to cater your next event. But foremost, enjoy the show!

Connie L. Petersen (Costume Shop Manager)

Connie begins 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.

Madelyn Yee (Scenic Designer)

Madelyn is a Milwaukee-based freelance scenic and props designer, and is excited to be back at her alma mater. Recent scenic credits include The How and the Why (Renaissance Theaterworks); Birds of North America (Third Avenue PlayWorks); Black Nativity (Black Arts Milwaukee); Zarzuela: Luisa Fernanda (Florentine Opera); The Gift of the Magi (American Players Theatre); and scenic and projections for Indecent (Milwaukee Chamber). Recent prop designs include Where Did We Sit on the Bus? and Misery (Milwaukee Chamber Theater). During the summers she acts as APT’s Associate Scenic Designer. Love and thanks to Joe and Poesy.

Sami Woldt (Asst. Stage Manager)

Sami is a senior from Cross Plains, Wisconsin, who is majoring in Criminology & Law Studies and Digital Media, and minoring in Psychology and Theatre Arts. This is her third main stage production at Marquette, as she was ASM for From White Plains and on crew for Theory of Relativity. She has created and acted in several of her own short films and documentaries in her free time and classes. Sami has also starred in multiple short films throughout her time at Marquette that you may have seen. She would like to thank her amazing cast and crew for their hard work and immense talent. She hopes you enjoy the show.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

• Milwaukee Repertory Theatre Costume and Props Departments

• American Player Theatre Costume Department

• Dana Rochester for wig design

PRODUCTION STAFF

Technical Director

/Shop Supervisor Lilliana Gonzalez

Costume Shop Manager Connie Petersen

Asst. Costume Shop

Supervisor/Cutter/Draper Amelia Strahan

Stage Manager Naomi Kriege

Assistant Stage Managers Shannon Burke, Sami Woldt

Props Head Natalie Murray

Wig Designer Dana Rochester

Master Electrician Maaz Ahmed

Light Board Operator Kynkade McLachlan

Sound Board Operator Charlie Hobert

Deck Crew Nathan Berry, Ellie Burger, Caleb Kwasigroch, Jake Somijla

Wardrobe Supervisor Jay Roche

Wardrobe Crew Eva Hesse, Lauryn Middleton

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

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 Erin Cavender, Eva Hesse, Charlie Hobert, Naomi Kriege, Cassidy O’Neil, Jay Roche, Jackson Sheerin

Administrative Assistants Erin Cavender, Cassidy O’Neil

Box Office Staff Cara Strauss, House Manager Jackson Sheerin

PLEASE, MAKE SURE TO SEE OUR NEXT PRODUCTION, BROUGHT TO YOU BY VIP THEATRE

Detroit `67

By Dominique Morriseau

{Our next VIP Theatre production}

Apr 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 @ 7:30 pm

Apr 16, 23 @ 2:30 pm

TICKETS

marquettetheatre.showclix.com

In 1967 Detroit, Motown music is getting the party started, and Chelle and her brother Lank are making ends meet by turning their basement into an afterhours joint. But when a mysterious woman finds her way into their lives, the siblings clash over much more than the family business. As their pent-up feelings erupt, so does their city, and they find themselves caught in the middle of the '67 riots.