MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY’S J. WILLIAM AND MARY DIEDERICH COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION DIGITAL MEDIA AND PERFORMING ARTS MARQUETTE THEATRE JAMIE CHEATHAM, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PRESENTS
Book by Rachel Sheinkin Music and Lyrics by William Finn October 7 16, 2022
Directed by Karen Estrada Music Direction by Ryan Cappleman Scenic Design by Stephen Hudson-Mairet Costume Design by Lizzie Porter Lighting Design by Maaz Ahmed Choreography by Karen Estrada/Ryan Cappleman Sound by Jasmin Reyes/Martilia Marechal Stage Managed by Kelsie Paige Kasky
“THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING
is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
authorized
material is also supplied by MTI.
Video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Marquette University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).
The Adults
PRINCIPAL DOUGLAS
Torkilsen
Reames
Soape
SETTING
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
On the surface, the plot of this show is simple: some kids compete at a Spelling Bee. So how does it manage to be so charming, affecting and quietly insightful? Perhaps it’s the exploration of the profound grace that kids have in allowing themselves and others to change. It takes courage and a trust in the goodness of humanity that grown ups often struggle with. The kids in this show make choices, open their hearts, and let go of lies they've been told. They grow up before our eyes- and we delight in their discoveries. They help us remember that change and growth are integral to the human experience. That, to be human is to lovingly relate to each other even in the midst of competition!
Putting on a show is always full of unexpected challenges.. But as we faced them, we took a page from these spelling bee kids and supported each other with our hard work and our words. We risked immense amounts of vulnerability and silliness to tell the story to its fullest potential and, boy howdy, did we have fun. I just know you'll have fun, too!
Karen Estrada, DirectorA NOTE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Welcome to the Helfaer Theatre and this year’s season that we have entitled EXPECTATIONS! Throughout this season, characters have high expectations of victory, of accountability, or even to have cucumber sandwiches. We expect you’ll be delighted with our range of shows, including this fun filled musical, our Second Stage Series presenting two shows in rotation (one with an all-female cast and one that is all male), a classic comedy, as well as another great VIP Theatre (Voices Included for People of Color) production.
We hope that if you enjoy your time with us, you will pass along any good reviews to friends, families and acquaintances. Word of mouth is always the best form of advertising. We thank you for supporting live theatre by purchasing your ticket. However, if you’d like to contribute even more, please look for the plexiglass box near the exit to contribute to our Theatre Support Fund. This fund will help us sustain the high-quality and entertaining performances that you have come to X-PE C T!
Jamie Cheatham, Artistic DirectorCAST BIOGRAPHIES (in alphabetical order)
Lydia Burke (Olive Ostrovsky)
Lydia Burke is a sophomore majoring in Peace Studies with minors in Spanish and Corporate Communications. This is the first main stage production that she has been a part of at Marquette and she is thrilled to have been trusted with the role of Olive Ostrovsky. Lydia is also a member of the Comet Project ensemble at Marquette where she has written for, directed, and performed in five shows. She would like to thank Isabelle for encouraging her to take the chance and audition, Karen and Ryan for believing in her, the entire cast for making this incredible show what it is, her friends and family for supporting all her theater endeavors, and finally you for attending Marquette’s productions!
Giorgia Cozzo (Ensemble, Female Understudy)
Giorgia is a senior from Chicago studying Speech Pathology & Audiology and Theatre Arts. She was last seen on the Helfaer Stage in Taming Of The Shrew. She is so excited to welcome you back, and thanks you for supporting the arts and arts education. Love to family, friends, past and current educators, and the whole Spelling Bee team. I love you!
Sam Gutierrez (Chip Tolentino)
Sam is a senior from New Berlin, Wisconsin. He is double majoring in Theatre Arts and Public Relations. His previous roles include 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, and as usual, Will Knox and Charlie Hobert.
Miranda Hunt (Rona Lisa Perretti)
Miranda is from Colorado and a senior majoring in Theatre Arts and History with a dance minor. Her recent credits include Sheila Birling in An Inspector Calls at Sunset Playhouse, ensemble in Mamma Mia! at MU, and Charlotte Corday in The Revolutionists at MU (capstone project). This will also be her fourth show as Master Electrician at Marquette! She would like to thank her family and friends for all their support, especially Nat, the world’s best little sister! Enjoy the show!!
Alex Merkel (Marcy Park)
Alex is a Junior studying Theater Arts and Business Administration. She is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this wacky, hilarious, and beautiful show. She is especially excited to be doing it with her best friends. Alex was last seen as Lisa /Sophie understudy in Marquette Mainstage’s Mamma Mia! and some previous credits include the capstone production You’re Just Not my Type, the MUPS Cabaret, and Dead Man’s Cell Phone (Jean understudy). Alex would like to shoutout her family for supporting her through every major change and her roommates for supporting her while never seeing her this past month. Alex hopes everyone has a B L A S T seeing the show!!
Natalie Murray (Leaf Coneybear)
Natalie Murray is a junior from St. Louis, MO, majoring in Writing Intensive English and Theatre Arts with minors in French and Digital Media. She is Artistic Director of Marquette University Players Society, Dramaturg for the Comet Project, and a member of the Fugees comedy improv group as well as the MU Filmmakers Association. She is excited to continue working on shows and is SO glad you're here to support the department... and maybe even laugh a little!
Matthew Read (William Barfee)
Matthew Read is a junior majoring in theatre and history. He has previously appeared in California Suite as Mort/Marvin, Melancholy Play as Lorenzo, and Mamma Mia! as Harry Bright. He cannot wait for another year with Marquette Theatre. He wants to thank the Boston Celtics for always being there for him to support him through all his artistic endeavors.
Will Reames (Mitch Mahoney/Carl Dad)
Will is currently a sophomore majoring in Theatre Arts and Political Science. Last year, he made his main stage debut in Mamma Mia! and he is so excited to be returning. He is also involved in the Comet Project and Marquette University Student Government. He would like to thank God, his family, friends, Karen, and Ryan for their support. Enjoy the show.
Brooke Rodden (Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre)
Brooke is a senior who was born in Round Lake, IL but recently moved to Lake Alfred, FL, so she’s a little confused on which one to lead with. She is majoring in Advertising and Intensive Writing with a minor in Theatre. Brooke was recently in Marquette’s production of Mamma Mia! and is thrilled to be back on the mainstage. She would like to dedicate her performance to her wonderful parents who flew up from Florida to see this show she wouldn’t be who she was without them. She would also like to thank YOU for supporting the arts and allowing this story to be told (cause it’s really funny).
Josh Soape (Ensemble, Male Understudy)
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 assistant light designer for Mamma Mia! He is so very excited to be performing in his first musical at Marquette and hopes you have a lovely time watching this amazing cast!
Matthew Torkilsen (Vice Principle Panch/Olive Dad)
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! and Billy/Sidney/Stu in California Suite. Matthew would like to thank his family for all of their support! Matthew is so excited for you to see the show! E N J O Y!
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES (in alphabetical order)
Maaz Ahmed (Lighting Designer)
Maaz is a lighting designer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will be completing their education at Marquette University in December. They are also a member of the 2022 Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Cohort, created in community with the Broadway Advocacy Coalition to support emerging BIPOC technicians. Previous design credits include Mamma Mia! (Marquette Theatre), Ten Days in a Madhouse (Music Theatre of Madison) and Kill Move Paradise (Next Act Theatre). https://maazahmed345.wixsite.com/portfolio/. They hope you enjoy the show!
Ryan Cappleman (Music Director)
Ryan is a performer, choreographer, musician, and teaching artist based in Milwaukee. He is thrilled to be returning to Marquette after Music Directing Mamma Mia! last spring. Favorite credits as a performer: Woof (Hair), Pooh Bah (The Hot Mikado), Scarecrow (The Wizard of Oz) at Skylight Music Theater, Britton (La La Lucille), Company/Music Director (Tom Foolery), the Piano Player/Young Billy (Billy Bishop Goes to War) at Third Avenue Playworks, and Waiting...a Song Cycle Off Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theater in NYC. As a choreographer, he has earned 3 Footlights Awards for Outstanding Choreography in a Professional Musical, and numerous Jerry Awards, celebrating excellence in high school level musical theater. As a musician, Ryan is a former member of the Irish Band Tallymoore (he can be heard on their first album!), and is known for his cabaret work and as a music director for professional, collegiate, high school, youth, and community shows. Ryan is an associate lecturer at UW Parkside, teaching dance, voice, and musical theater appreciation. He has also taught at the Milwaukee Ballet, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, the Virginia State Thespian Conference, UW Milwaukee, Skylight, First Stage, Danceworks, Pink Umbrella, among many others. Ryan is the proud dog dad of Dolly, the black mouth cur. E N J O Y!
Jamie Cheatham (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 Ballet, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Fireside Theatre and recently Skylight Music Theatre. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity (AEA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG AFTRA)
Karen Estrada (Director)
Karen (she/her) is an actor, director and theater educator living in Milwaukee. She has had the pleasure of working with Chamber Theater, Next Act, Renaissance Theaterworks, Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre and is a three time alumna of the Disney on Classic tour of Japan and Taiwan. Karen is proud to have directed pieces for Renaissance's Brinks Briefs, Chamber Theater's Young Playwright Festival, Forward Theater's 2021 Monologue Festival, First
Stage Milwaukee’s World Premiere On the Wings of a Mariposa, and Songs of Note for Marquette Theater in the fall of 2020.
Stephen Hudson Mairet (Professor, Scenic Design, Properties coordinator)
This season marks Stephen’s 23rd at Marquette. Thank you so much for your support of Marquette Theatre and Marquette’s theatre arts students and your support of the arts across our community live performances help keep Milwaukee and Marquette amazing places to live and work. Stephen wants to especially thank Karen and Ryan for their joyful energy and support of our students. Thank you as well to student body for their artistry and energy in bringing the stories of these young spellers to life. Stephen lives quite happily in a very old house in Wauwatosa with his wife Heidi.
Kelsie Paige Kasky (Stage Manager, Dance Captain, Intimacy Coordinator) is a Junior from Shorewood, IL who is triple majoring in Secondary Education, English, and Theatre Arts and minoring in Dance. Her most recent Marquette credits include ensemble and co Dance Captain in Mamma Mia!, Stage Managing The Taming of the Shrew, and Sr. James in Doubt: A Parable Kelsie loves being a part of this silly lovely show! She would like to thank her family and friends for the endless support and Marquette Theatre for being another place to call home. To the entire team, thank you with her whole heart and thank you for being a family in the pandemonium of life. Never stop B E E I N G your beautiful selves!
Emma Kielgas (Assistant Scenic Design)
Emma is a Senior at MU from Shanghai, China. Emma is majoring in Theatre Arts and double minoring in Graphic Design and Advertising. Emma has performed in several previous productions at Marquette including the Leading Ladies Cabaret, California Suite, Evanescence or Shakespeare in the Alleyway, and The Tree Museum. Emma is also an RA at Mashuda Hall and the student manager of DSA Marketing. Emma is happy to be a part of Marquette Theatre’s performances this year and is excited to see what the rest of the season has to offer.
Naomi Kriege (Assistant Stage Manager)
Naomi is a freshman, and she could not be more thrilled that Putnam is her first production with Marquette. Naomi is originally from Kansas City, Missouri where she fell in love with theater through many nights at the local Shakespeare in the Park produced by Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Her recent productions include Welcome to the Moon (KCKCC), Parody of Romeo and Juliet (HASF/Team Shakespeare), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Midwest Trust Center), and William Shakespeare’s Christmas Carol (HASF).
Martilia Marechal (Co Sound Designer)
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 very excited to be sound designing alongside Jazmin! Previously, she was seen as Genesis in The Light, Ali in Mamma Mia!, and she was also in Black Nativity at Black Arts MKE last winter. She also performed in the Milwaukee Black Theatre Festival for the second summer in a row! She would like to thank you for supporting live theatre and hopes you 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.
Lizzie Porter (Costume Designer)
Lizzie is unbelievably excited to be costume designing this fabulous show! Lizzie is a senior at Marquette studying Psychology and minoring in Theatre. Having spent more than her fair share of time on various stages in Milwaukee as a performer, Lizzie is finally venturing behind the curtain into the design world and having an absolute blast doing so. She hopes you enjoy this fun and crazy show!
Jazmin Reyes (Co Sound Designer)
Jazmin is a senior at Marquette studying Human Resources and Supply Chain, and has a minor in Theatre Arts. She loves being a part of Marquette’s performances. She is from Milwaukee WI and is happy to return to co sound design a show for Marquette. Jazmin most recently worked as the sound operator for Marquette’s production of Mamma Mia! last spring. She is excited for this production and wants to thank everyone for their support for the Arts!
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Douglas Johnson and Dixon Elementary School
Janet Metz Unger, Michael Unger, and Cosmo
Liam O’Callaghan
Robby McGee
Erika Navin
Grace DeWolff
Erik Janners and Marquette Music
Don Hertz
Beth Lewinski
All of our audience participants
PRODUCTION STAFF
Technical Director
Stephen Hudson Mairet
Asst. TD/Shop Supervisor Lilliana Gonzalez
Assistant Scenic Designer Emma Kielgas
Costume Shop Manager Connie Petersen
Asst. Costume Shop
Supervisor/Cutter/Draper Amelia Strahan
Stage Manager Kelsie Paige Kasky
Assistant Stage Manager Naomi Kriege
Props Coordinator Stephen Hudson Mairet
Property Assistant Ethan Jacoby Henrickson
Master Electrician Maaz Ahmed
Light Board Operator Erin Fricker
Sound Board Operator Martilia Marechal, Jazmin Reyes
Dance Captain Kelsie Paige Kasky
Deck Crew Charlie Hobert, Michael Mingus
Spotlight Operators Mia Figueroa, Nate Rodriguez
Wardrobe Supervisor Lauryn Middleton
Wardrobe Crew Eva Hesse, Cassidy O’Neil
Costume Shop Assistants
Giorgia Cozzo, Lily Haugen, Michael Mingus, Lizzie Porter, Matthew Read, Sophie Stockhausen
Scene Shop Assistants Maaz Ahmed, William Bush, Miranda Hunt, Ethan Jacoby Henrickson, Kelsie Kasky, Josh Mains, Jack McMahon, Will Reames, Joshua Soape
Scenic Shop Build Crew
Joseph Brown, Erin Cavender, Michelle Cecchin, Erin Fricker, Eva Hesse, James Jett, Naomi Kriege, Natalie Murray, Cassidy O’Neil, Nate Rodriguez, Jake Samojla, Jackson Sheerin
Costume Shop Build Crew Ellie Burger, Charlie Hobart, Caleb Kwasigroch, Kynkade McLachlan, Alex Merkel, Lauryn Middleton, Michael Mingus, Jay Roche
Administrative Assistants Carlos Alba, Cassidy O’Neil
Box Office Staff Cara Strauss, Cynthia Medina
House Manager William Bush
SECOND STAGE SERIES
THE WOLVES
By Sarah DeLappe
Nov. 18 Dec. 4
FROM WHITE PLAINS
By Michael PerlmanNov. 19 Dec. 3