Whatever Happened to Karl Janko

A Note from the Author of Whatever Happened to Karl Janko?

The world is full of mysteries. Some mysteries have rational explanations; others are so far beyond the realm of our understanding that we could never hope to unravel them. But in either case, we cannot help but be intrigued by the unknown. The internet is full of YouTube videos, podcasts, and news stories about events that cannot be explained. And though many remain unsolved, we love experiencing them anyway and letting our imaginations fill in the blanks.

One of the world’s great mysteries is: where does inspiration come from? I’m always on the lookout for stories that inspire me, because you never know where they might pop up. As was the case with Doctor! Doctor!, the inspiration for Whatever Happened to Karl Janko? came to me while I was waiting for a table to open up at Al Johnson’s. I was reading one of the local papers when a story about a real-life unsolved Door County mystery caught my eye. I had no idea at the time that it would eventually lead me to write a musical during a once in a lifetime pandemic about a young man who vanishes without a trace right before the biggest day of his life. But then I’m sure nobody ever thought Bubble Boy would one day be turned into a musical, either.

All of this leads us to one essential question: what really did happen to Karl Janko? Maybe you can spot the missing clue that has eluded the citizens of Liddleton, Wisconsin, for a generation. Perhaps this Mystery is destined to remain Unsolved. Or perhaps the Truth is Out There. In either case, we hope you enjoy your evening watching live theater under the stars. We missed you.

– Matt Zembrowski

MATT ZEMBROWSKI

Playwright / Composer / Lyricist

Matt is thrilled to be back in Peninsula State Park! (He also wrote the show you’re about to see.) Previously, Matt supplied the book, lyrics and music for Doctor! Doctor! (premiered 2016) and Dad’s Season Tickets (premiered 2019) for Northern Sky. He also wrote music for and performed in Sunsets and S’mores in 2009. Matt spent the last year recording several “At Home” videos for Northern Sky, and co-headlined Nerd Night with the incomparable Katie Dahl in October. He is grateful beyond words for all those who have helped bring Karl Janko to life, especially Molly Rhode, and the fabulous artists on stage tonight. Matt is a lifelong Wisconsin resident, and currently resides in West Allis with his wife Lori, his daughter Kathryn, and their cat Tom Tom.

Whatever Happened to Karl Janko?

Music, Book & Lyrics by Matt Zembrowski

Director Molly Rhode

Music Director Alissa Rhode

Arrangements Alissa Rhode & Matt Zembrowski

Stage Managers Shawn Galligan*& Heather Sopel

Costume Coordinator Dan Klarer

Lighting Designer James Balistreri

Sound Designer Ben Werner

Liddleton, Wisconsin. Present Day.

Cast of Characters

Host: Jeff Herbst*

Maggie Sternberger/Gertie Gurkin: Karen Mal

Brenda Willems/Irma Herman: Lachrisa Grandberry*

Sam Kalkoff/Rick Zepnick: Doug Mancheski*

Lenny Chesniak/Norm Lugee: Doc Heide

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Musician: Alissa Rhode

Whatever Happened to Karl Janko? is sponsored by

Door County Medical Center, Parkwood Lodge