Program - "Sirens of Song" by Milwaukee Rep

1Sirens of Song -

1 - Sirens of Song Mark Clements Chad Bauman Artistic Director Managing Director Scenic Designer Scott Davis Lighting Designer Nick Belley Sound Designer Megan B. Henninger Dramaturg Brent Hazelton Costume Designer Scott A. Rött Vocal Arrangements Raimundo Santos/ Abdul Hamid Royal Casting Director JC Clementz Stage Manager Richelle Harrington Calin * World Premiere Event Conceived by Kevin Ramsey Text by Pearl Ramsey & Kevin Ramsey Musical Direction by Abdul Hamid Royal Directed & Choreographed by Kevin Ramsey March 25-May 29, 2016 Stackner Cabaret Presented by: A member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union * Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

2Sirens of SongBertilla Baker* Amelia Cormack* Maiesha McQueen * Assistant Director ................................................................................................................ Ryan Holihan Stage Management Resident............................................................................................... Rivka Kelly Sirens of Song will be performed with one intermission. The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. * Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. THE CAST Production Manager ............................................................................................................ Jared Clarkin Technical Director ..................................................................................................................... Tyler Smith Properties Director..................................................................................................................... James Guy Charge Scenic Artist ............................................................................................................... Jim Medved Costume Director .....................................................................................................................Sara Seavey Lighting & Video Director ..................................................................................................... Sean Nicholl Sound Director Erin Paige Interim Production Stage Manager ........................................................................Kimberly Carolus University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Prop Department Y Not II Travern Milwaukee Repertory Theater operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE and our stagehands and carpenters are members of Milwaukee Theatrical Stage Employees’ Union IATSE Local 18. The Rep is an equal opportunity employer. The Rep is proud to be a member of The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), which provides major annual financial support. PRODUCTION STAFF SPECIAL THANKS

“Reserved.BACKINYOUR OWN BACKYARD” by Al Jolson, Billy Rose, Dave Dreyer. Used through courtesy and permission of Bourne Co. Music Publishers & Larry Spier Music LLC.

“MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF” by Pearl Ramsey/Kevin Ramsey Used through courtesy and permission of Sacred Song Music.

“NOWHERE TO RUN” by Holland Brian/Hollad Eddie/Dozier L. Herbert Used by Permission of Stone Agate Music.

“ST. LOUIS BLUES” by W.C. Handy Arranged and Used through and permission of Sacred Song Music.

“I’M A WOMAN” by Koko Taylor/Ellis McDaniel Used by Permission of BMG Chrysalis USA. “I’M EVERY WOMAN” by Nick Ashford/Valerie Simpson. Used through courtesy and permission of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

MUSIC PUBLISHERS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“MY BOYFRIEND’S BACK” by Jerry Goldstein/Bob Feldman, Richard Gottehrer Used through permission and courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

“I AM WOMAN” by Helen Reddy/Ray Burton Used through permission and courtesy of Buggerlugs Music/Irving Music Inc.

“Reserved.HOTSTUFF”

“ THAT THING CALLED LOVE” by Branford Perry Arranged & Used through courtesy and permission of Sacred Song Music.

“IT’S MY PARTY” by John Gluck Used through courtesy and permission of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. “JAILS & BOMBS” by Massaro Ryan Anthony. Used through courtesy and permission of Soma Eel Songs, LLC. (BMI) All Rights

“SHAKE A HAND” by Joseph L. Morris. Used through permission and courtesy of Regent Music Corporation/T M I B Music.

“SIRENS OF SONG” by Pearl Ramsey/Kevin Ramsey/Ellis Hall Jr. Used through courtesy and permission of Sacred Song Music/My Lala Babe Music (SESAC). “SOLDIER BOY” by Luther Dixon/Florence Green Used through permission and courtesy of Sony/ATV Music Publishing/Abkco Music Inc.

“AT LAST” by Mack Gordon & Harry Warren. Used through permission and courtesy of EMI Feist Catalog Inc. (ASCAP)

“SHOUT” by Isley Brothers Used through courtesy and permission of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

“LIKE A VIRGIN” by Tom Kelly/Billy Steinberg. Used through courtesy and permission of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

3 - Sirens of Song

“ALL OF ME” by Gerald Marks/Seymour Simons Used through courtesy and permission of Sony/ATV Music Publishing/Marlong Music Corp/Round Hill Music LLC.

“RESPECT” by Otis Redding Used through courtesy and permission of Irving Music/Universal Music Publishing.

“ WHAT’S GOING ON” by Gaye Marvin/Cleveland Al/Benson Renaldo Used through courtesy and permission of Sony/ATV Music Publishing/Stone Agate Music.

“CHAPEL OF LOVE” by Barry Jeff/Greenwich Ellie/Spector Phillip Used by Permission and courtesy of Abkco Music Inc/Sony/ ATV Music Publishing/Universal Music Publishing Group/BMG Chrysalis USA “DANCING IN THE STREET” by Marvin Gaye, Ivy Hunter, & William Stevenson. Used through courtesy and permission of Jobete Music Co. Inc, Stone Agate Music. (ASCAP)

“SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW” by Harold Arlen/E.Y. Harburg Used through courtesy and permission of EMI Feist Catalog Inc./ Sony/ATV Music Publishing

“Reserved.LIFEBEGINS

“DAUGHTER OF FREEDOM” by C. Gilman/Pearl Ramsey/Kevin Ramsey Used through courtesy and permission Sacred Song “Music.FOUR WOMEN” by Nina Simone Used through courtesy and permission of EMI Waterford Music Inc.(ASCAP)

“GREATEST LOVE OF ALL” by Masser Michael/Creed Linda Used through courtesy and permission of EMI Gold Horizon Music Corp. (ASCAP) & EMI Golden Touch Music Co. (BMI) All Rights by Bellotte Peter/Faltermeier Harold/Forsey Keith Used through courtesy and permission of Rick S Music Inc.

“MY MAN ROCKS ME” by Trixie Smith Arranged & Used through courtesy and permission of Sacred Song Music.

“BALLIN’ THE JACK” by Henderson Luther Jr. Used through courtesy and permission of Universal – MGB SONGS o/b/o Universal Music Publ. & Canadian Brass Publ.

“AT SEVENTEEN” by Janis Ian. Used through courtesy and permission of EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI) All Rights

“YES WE CAN CAN” by Toussaint Allen Used through courtesy and permission of Screen Gems/EMI Music Inc. (BMI) All Rights “Reserved.YOUDON’T OWN ME” by John Madara/Ernest David Used through courtesy and permission of Merjoda Music/Unichappell/ Warner Chappell

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM BIOGRAPHIES

Maiesha McQueen Maiesha McQueen is thrilled to be making Sirens of Song her Milwaukee Rep debut! After graduating from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Musical Theatre, Maiesha traveled the globe for over a decade as original composer and lead ensemble member in the touring company, Progress Theatre, whose work has been presented at spaces such as The Public Theater, 14th Street Playhouse, The Kennedy Center, The Apollo Theatre and World Music Festival in Amsterdam. Regional credits include: Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Portland Center Stage), Chasin’ Dem Blues (True Colors Theatre, GA), Black Nativity (Dominion Productions, GA); In the Red and Brown Water (PG Entertainment, GA); Little Shop of Horrors, Show Boat, Man of La mancha, Guys and Dolls (Forestburg Playhouse, NY). Film credits include: DayBlack (ArtistDirector Media), and Down to Earth (Paramount Pictures). Maiesha would like to thank her family and her “tribe” for their unconditional love and support! www.maieshamcqueen.com

Kevin Ramsey, Creator, Co-Writer, Director and Choreographer Kevin is thrilled to return back to the Rep. He is a multi-disciplinary artist whose talents continues to cross-over various artistic mediums, whether serving as the Co-Producer/Director/Writer on the award-winning short film Tap Rap, starring Savion Glover, to starring on Broadway in the awardwinning Cy Coleman musical The Life, which garnered him an Outer Critics Circle nomination. He has served as a guest director/writer/ choreographer at the Milwaukee Repertory since 1992, with additional engagements at The Guthrie Theater, The Pasadena Playhouse, Arizona Theater Company, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, and the Delaware Theater Company. Kevin directed/ co-choreographed the critically acclaimed OffBroadway R&B musical From My Hometown. Other recent directorial and choreographic assignments were represented in national commercial spots for GM Pontiac’s “It’s in the Blood,” for Black History Month, and Prilosec’s “The Purple Pill.” His writing commissions include: Chasin’ Dem Blues: Untold Story of Paramount Records, Fire On The Bayou, Sam Cooke: Forever Mr. Soul, A Cappella Humana, Soultime and If These Shoes Could Talk: A Tap Dance Tale. Kevin has a host of theater, film, TV projects

4Sirens of SongBertilla Baker Bertilla has sung with some of the top artists in Jazz and Pop including: Bill Evans, John Hicks, Walter Booker, Jimmy Hart, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, Stephanie Mills, and Evelyn Champagne King. She has lead bands throughout the Northeast, in the Caribbean, on the Cruise Ship S.S. Veendam, and in Morocco at the Royal Palace in Rabat. Her CD, “Movin’On” was recently released and is available on CD Baby, iTunes, and Amazon, and is also being sold in the lobby of the theater. Bertilla has appeared on Broadway and in the national tour of many shows, including Titanic, Les Miserables, Jekyll & Hyde, Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Black Patent Leather Shoes. She has been a soloist with the Broadway Inspirational Voices both in concert and on BIV’s numerous CDs. for the past 15 years. BIV is comprised of singers from Broadway shows as well as recording artists. She was the Director of Voices of Recovery, a Gospel Choir from Liberation Programs, a comprehensive residential treatment program for people recovering from addiction. Bertilla also teaches singing. Amelia Cormack Amelia is one of the original Divas from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert The Musical, a role she performed in Australia, New Zealand and on London’s West End A Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Music Theatre graduate, most recently Amelia performed the role of Trish in the US 1st National Tour of Kinky Boots. Theatre credits include Next Thing You Know (The Landor, UK), Radio Times (The Watermill, UK), The Convict’s Opera (STC/Out of Joint). Film and TV appearances include All Saints (Seven Network), Gone (Working Title), and The Silence (Jan Chapman Films). She has performed her onewoman show Love For Sale to sold out houses in Sydney, Melbourne and London, and has been a regular featured artist in many concerts including Yuletide (Alpine Theatre Project), Rockers on Broadway (PATH Fund), and Broadway Future Songbook Series (Lincoln Center). She is also a recording artist, featuring on the original cast recordings of Priscilla and LoveBites, and released her self-titled album of original songs in 2010. Other recordings include Amelia Cormack - Live @ The Supper Club, Showqueen Sessions Vol. 1, and Testament: Archangels’ Banquet/Shepherds’ Delight with The Renaissance Players. For more information, please visit ameliacormack.com.

Pearl Ramsey, Co-Writer Pearl is an international performing artist, vocalist, activist, and playwright from Chicago. She just returned stateside after a successful residency in the Middle East with Dominick Farinacci, the Lincoln Center of New York, the Arab world’s legendary Jazz composer, Ziad Ribani & Orchestra, at Lebanon’s Zouk Festival. She is Founder and creator of “Beauty Is As Beauty Does” day camp for young girls ages 9-15, designed to re-shape the idea of beauty and instill a greater awareness of self-worth beyond cosmetic appeal. Pearl served as writer, director and associate producer for the University of Chicago (Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture) sponsored BIG (Blacks In Green) “8 Principles of Green Village Building” capstone project, “The Great Migration: Calling My Children Home”, at the DuSable Museum of African American History and collaborated with BIG’s Founder, Naomi Davis, JD, “How Chicago Became A City” and “The Ole Time Mississippi Fish Fry - HipHop Storytelling Revival and Radio Show.” With Over 20 plus years of community outreach working extensively with prominent community leaders, Pearl continues to mentor youth from across the nation through performance art initiatives and educational outreach. Also, she co-wrote “ A Cappella Humana,” a modern-day reimagining of the Nativity story with her uncle Kevin Ramsey. Presently, she is developing her one-woman show “Becoming.”

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM BIOGRAPHIES

@urbanmusictours

Film/TV appearances include: Cold Case,24, Saving Grace, The Hughley, and The District.

Original Broadway cast include: Black and Blue, Five Guys Named Moe, Oh, Kay and 1st national tour of The Lion King (LA). He is a recipient of many awards and citations, and is a distinguished graduate of New York University. Presently, he is pursuing his Masters degree in Media Management at The New School. Many thanks to the our sponsor(s), Mark, Chad, an exceptional cast and design team, and everyone at the Rep. A very special thanks to Brent Hazelton for his supportive feedback and to Pearl for begin my muse. I dedicate this show to the loving memory of Cecilia M. Ramsey (1917-2012), an extraordinary mother, wife, and woman of the 20th Century. Please visit www. urbanmusicaltours.com

Abdul Hamid is excited to return to Milwaukee and be working with Kevin Ramsey and Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Scott Davis, Scenic Designer Milwaukee Repertory Theater credits: How the World Began, Venus in Fur, Whipping man, Liberace! Regional credits include productions with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theater, Paramount Theater, Drury Lane Theater, Northlight Theater,

5 - Sirens of Song in development. Currently, he is co-writing and will direct well-known Film/TV actor Malik Yoba in his one-man show Harlem to Hollywood, slated to tour late-Fall 2016.

Abdul Hamid Royal, Music Director Abdul Hamid was recently awarded the Ovation, Sage, and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards for Best Music Direction for his work on The Gospel At Colonus. Born in Milwaukee, Abdul Hamid began piano at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music with Toba Kramer at 4. He performed with the Florentine Opera Company, and by age 8 had written and publicly performed his first compositions. He later studied with acclaimed Polish pianist, Andrzej Wasowski, and completed a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance/Jazz Studies at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Abdul Hamid was honored to become the first African American to receive a Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from the prestigious Northwestern University. He earned a Master of Theological Studies degree with an emphasis in Comparative Religion and Philosophy from Claremont School of Theology in 2008 and is currently working on a PHD in Berkeley, CA. Mr. Royal has worked as Musical Director/Conductor, with the Broadway and National/International tours of Five Guys Named Moe, Twist, Sophisticated Ladies, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Jelly’s Last Jam, The Wiz, Truly Blessed, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Betsy Brown, Concerts for the Earth, Colors of Christmas, Smokey Joe’s Café, and The Life to name a few. As a Composer/ Arranger his credits include: Five Guys Named Moe, Truly Blessed, Body and Soul, Twist, Cole Porter Festival, Colors of Christmas and several recordings and educational publications. Abdul Hamid has worked with many musical artists including: Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Peabo Bryson, Melissa Manchester, Cy Coleman, Al Jarreau, The Weather Girls, The Pointer Sisters, Liza Minelli, Ashford & Simpson, Martha Wash, Jennifer Holliday, Jeffrey Osborne, Maurice Hines, Melba Moore, Patti Austin, Brian Littrell (Backstreet Boys), Grover Washington Jr., Masashi Sada, Patti LaBelle, Christina Aguilera, David Hazeltine, Jason Mraz, Arnold McCuller, Stevie Wonder, David Foster, Patrice Rushen, Doc Powell, Michelle Shocked, Lori Perry, LA Philharmonic, Reijiro Koroku, Ty Herndon, Freddie Waites, Brenda Russell, and Phil Collins.

Scott A. Rött, Costume Designer Scott is very happy to be back at Milwaukee Rep having designed From My Hometown, Hula Hoop Shaboop, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill and Blue Rose among others. He has also designed for Next Act, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theatre, both UW Milwaukee and Madison and Forward Theater. Scott is currently the Costume Director for American Players Theatre. Nick Belley, Lighting Designer Nick is elated to make his Milwaukee Rep debut. Selected design credits include: The Mojo and the Sayso (Theatre LILA); The Snow, Holes, Stargirl, Spookley The Square Pumpkin (First Stage); Cinderella: After the Ball (Marriott Theatre); RENT (Paramount Theatre); Qgents (Tour); Sondheim on Sondheim, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grille and Pal Joey (Porchlight Music Theatre); Addams Family, Avenue Q and The Color Purple (Mercury Theater); Hank Williams: Lost Highway (American Blues Theater); Good Boys and True, Brighton Beach Memoirs (Raven Theater) Nick is the designer for Illumination Sensation for the State Fair of Texas as well as having designed over a dozen shows for the Cedar Fair amusement parks across the country. www.nickbelley.com

Brent Hazelton, Dramaturg Brent Hazelton (Associate Artistic Director and Director of New Play Development / Dramaturg) A Whitewater, Wisconsin, native and former Rep Acting Intern (1999/2000), the 2015/16 season is Brent’s seventeenth overall at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, fifteenth as a member of the Artistic Staff, and fifth as Associate Artistic Director. Administratively at Milwaukee Rep, Brent oversees the New Play Development Program, spearheads the season planning process, collaborates on internal strategic planning and initiative development, and works with the rest of the Artistic Staff to program and support Milwaukee Rep productions. From 2003 to 2010, Brent also served as Director of Milwaukee Rep’s Artistic Internship Program (now Emerging Professional Residency), and strengthened and expanded the program into one of the premier internships for emerging professional artists in American regional theater. Artistically at Milwaukee Rep, Brent wrote and directed the 2010/11 Stackner Cabaret hit, Liberace! (published and licensed through Steele Spring Theatrical Licensing, and the 2014/15 remount of which was the best-selling production in the history of the Stackner Cabaret), conceived the premiere installment of Rep Lab, and directed Song Man Dance Man (Stackner Cabaret, 2011/12), How the World Began (Stiemke Studio, 2012/13), The Whipping Man (2013/14, the best-selling drama in Stiemke Studio history), The Beautiful Music All Around Us (Stackner Cabaret, 2014/15), and A Christmas Carol. Last season, he served as Dramaturg for the world premiere of Five Presidents. Brent is also a former member of the adjunct faculties of Carthage College and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and has taught developmental workshops at colleges, conservatories, and universities both locally and across the country. Brent is currently developing a theater event focusing on the life and music of Wisconsin native Les Paul.

Megan B. Henninger, Sound Designer Megan is excited to return to Milwaukee Rep! She is a Milwaukee based designer who has contributed to shows large and small. Recent designs include: Back Home Again, Crowns (Skylight Music Theatre), These Shining Lives (Umbrella Group) A Real Lulu (Peninsula Players),A Streetcar Named Desire, Hands on a Hardbody (Williams Street Rep), Assistant Designs include: You’re Welcome America, Ghetto Klown, Stick Fly, and Blithe Spirit (Broadway), Company (Lincoln Center), My Fair Lady, Camelot (Lincoln Center), The Wiz (LaJolla).

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM BIOGRAPHIES

6Sirens of SongSteppenwolf Theater, Victory Gardens, Mercury Theater, Windy City Playhouse, American Theater Company, Griffin Theater Company, Steep Theater Company, Profiles Theater, and Mary-Arrchie Theater Company. Regional Credits include productions with , Asolo Rep, Children’s Theater Company, Signature Theater, and Walnut Street Theater. Internationally he designed Costumes and Scenery for Othello: The Remix, which has played at Shakespeare’s Globe, Unicorn Theater (London). The Neuss (Germany), Gdansk Shakespeare Theater (Poland), The Cultch (Vancouver), DUCTAC Theater (Dubai), Bruce Mason Center (New Zealand), and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. He also designed Costumes and Scenery for Cadre, which played at the Market Theater (Johannesburg, South Africa) and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Mr. Davis serves as adjunct faculty at Columbia College having received his MFA from Northwestern University. www.scottadamdavis.com

BIOGRAPHIES *A PORTION OF ONEHOPE CHARDONNAY IS DONATED TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER Enjoy LO DUCA MAMERTINO & ONEHOPE CHARDONNAY* DURING YOUR NEXT INTERMISSION. A FAMILY TRADITION OF MUSIC AND FINE WINE

7 - Sirens of Song Ryan Holihan, Assistant Director Ryan received his BA in Theater from California State University, Fullerton and his MFA from The Professional Directors Training Program at Ohio University. Hailing from Southern California he attended a performing arts high school for musical theater and started his professional career as a young actor on local stages and in film and television. Favorite Directing credits include; Noises Off, Cloud 9, Dog Sees God, Brighton Beach Memoirs, An Ideal Husband, The Secret Garden and Bus Stop. Film credits (acting) include roles in The Addams Family,Addams Family Values, Ed Wood, Apollo 13, and Airheads. Television credits (acting) include roles on Saved By the Bell, The Wonder Years, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Ellen, Doogie Howser M.D., and Unhappily Ever After as well as many local and national commercials. For more information visit; www. ryanholihan.com

Richelle Harrington Calin, Stage Manager Richelle has been with Milwaukee Rep since 2004. Milwaukee Rep credits include: Bach at Leipzig, The Clean House, Intimate Apparel, Gem of the Ocean, A Christmas Carol, The Voysey Inheritance, Life Could Be a Dream, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Night is a Child, I Am My Own Wife, Greater Tuna, Pride and Prejudice, Shear Madness, The Lady with All the Answers, Yankee Tavern, Route 66, Cabaret, Bombshells, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Yellowman, Othello, The Mountaintop, How the World Began, Venus in Fur, End of the Rainbow, Ain’t Misbehavin’, after all the terrible things I do, The Beautiful Music All Around Us, Five Presidents, Back Home Again and Of Mice and Men. Rivka Kelly, Stage Management Resident Rivka, from the San Francisco Bay Area, is excited to join the stage management team at Milwaukee Rep for the 15-16 season. Her previous work in the bay includes Sweeney Todd and Peter and the Starcatcher with Theatreworks, This Golden State with Magic Theatre, and The Magic Flute with San Francisco Opera Summer Conservatory. Other experience includes Time Stands Still with Vermont Stage Company, The Arabian Nights,The Mousetrap, and others with Royall Tyler Theatre. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a BA in theatre and business administration. She’s thankful for the opportunities and the many friends and mentors she’s finding at The Rep.