DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE
2020-2021 Season
O T T E R B E I N T H E AT R E & D A N C E and
D E PA RT M E N T O F M U S I C present
Music & Lyrics by NEIL BARTRAM Book by BRIAN HILL Directed by MELISSA LUSHER Music Direction by LORI KAY HARVEY
Choreography by STELLA HIATT KANE
Scenic Design by ROB JOHNSON
Costume Design by REBECCA WHITE
Lighting Design by EMILY MADDOX ‘21
Sound Design by DOC DAVIS
Videography by STEPHEN ROSSMAN KATIE FRAME DELANY LOMBARDI
Video Editing by KAELIN HAGLER
Stage Managed by MAREN BILLY ‘20 Originally Produced by Goodspeed Musicals, East Haddam, CT. The Musical was presented at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Festival of New Musicals in 2015 The Theory of Relativity was developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project, Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Streaming Online October 8-11, 2020
Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall 30 S. Grove St., Westerville
Streaming of THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
COMPANY
AMY................................................................................................... Madeleine VanRiper ADAM........................................................................................................... Ryan Esparza CATHERINE................................................................................................... Grace Dillon ANTHONY...........................................................................................................Tru Stites MIKE........................................................................................................... Stephen Blauch MIRA................................................................................................................ Amelia Elias RYAN...........................................................................................William Anthony Porter OLIVER.............................................................................................................Noah Carlin CAROLINE..........................................................................................Emma Kate Lampe SARA.................................................................................................................... Ava Arkin PAUL.....................................................................................................................Evan Kret JENNY...........................................................................................................Logan Reeder JULIE................................................................................................ Brooke Pamela Nagel OFF-STAGE VOICES....... Sam Hoyer, Kate Maniuszko, Dale Saunders, Katie Wagner UNDERSTUDIES AMY, CAROLINE, JENNY, MIRA........................................................Kate Maniuszko CATHERINE, JULIE, SARA....................................................................... Katie Wagner ANTHONY, OLIVER, PAUL...........................................................................Sam Hoyer ADAM, MIKE, RYAN.................................................................................Dale Saunders
ORCHESTRA PIANO.................................................................................................... *Lori Kay Harvey .................................................................................... *denotes Department of Music Faculty
MUSICAL NUMBERS & MONOLOGUES “Person A”..............................................................................................................Company “Relativity”............................................................................................................Company “I’m Allergic to Cats”.................................................................................................... Paul “Cake” (Part 1) ......................................................................................................Catherine “Pi” (Part 1).................................................................................................................. Adam “The End of the Line”..................................................................................... Jenny & Sara “The End of the Line Playoff”.......................................................Julie, Paul, & Anthony “Great Expectations”.................................................. Catherine & Mike with Company “Relativity” (Reprise #1)......................................................................................Company “Footprint”..................................................................................................................... Ryan “Cake” (Part 2).......................................................................................................Catherine “Pi” (Part 2).................................................................................................................. Adam “Lipstick”................................................................................................. Anthony & Jenny “Transition to Apples & Oranges”.....................................................................Company “Apples & Oranges”.....................................................................................Oliver & Mike “Me & Ricky”.............................................................. Caroline with Sara, Jenny, & Amy “Promise Me This”.........................................................................................................Mira “Cake” (Part 3) ......................................................................................................Catherine “Pi” (Part 2 1/2)............................................................................................................ Adam “Julie’s Song”.................................................................................................................. Julie “Pi” (Part 3).................................................................................................................. Adam “Relativity” (Reprise #2)......................................................................................Company “Relative Pitch”.....................................................................................................Company “You Will Never Know”..................................Anthony, Amy, & Ryan with Company “Person A” (Reprise).............................................................................................Company “Manicure” .................................................................................................................... Amy “Nothing Without You”.......................................................................................Company
PRODUCTION STAFF
Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance.....................................................T. J. Gerckens Chair, Department of Music............................................................... Dennis Davenport Managing Director............................................................................. Elizabeth Saltzgiver Faculty Technical Director............................................................................Patrick Stone Production Manager......................................................................... Kristen Cooperkline Costume Shop Supervisor....................................................................... Haley Williams Lighting & Sound Supervisor...........................................................................Doc Davis Movement Coach/Voice Coach............................................................ Melinda Murphy Assistant Director......................................................................................... Michelle Silva Assistant Stage Manager..................................................................................Julia Kelley Dramaturg.................................................................................................. Lindsay Lisanti Technical Director.......................................................................................... Zach Hubler Master Carpenter.............................................................................................. Jacob Ronk Charge Scenic Artist...................................................................... Stephanie R. Gerckens Assistant Charge Artist........................................................................... Addy Chapman Paint Assistants................................................Matt Knerr, Kate Larson, & Olivia Rossi Wardrobe Master.......................................................................................... Cassie Perlatti Master Electrician..........................................................................................Ellie Iannucci Assistant Master Electrician......................................................................... Ethan Riehle Assistant Sound Designer/Sound A1........................................................... Kitty Mader Sound Operator..............................................................................................Jenna Davies
SCENERY/PROPS CREW Kandy Boakye Quincy Shaindlin Matt Knerr
SCENIC STUDIO ASSISTANTS Zach Hubler Reilly J. Ryan Ellie Iannucci Belle Smith Sophie Rodriguez
WARDROBE CREW Julian Friedman Ava Reid Gregory
Gabe Whitnack
COSTUME SHOP ASSISTANTS Addy Chapman Anna Kate Reynolds Valerie Frizzell Carly Salyer Morgan Joyner Erin Stumm Thomas Martin
ELECTRICS CREW Christian Arias *Jenna Davies *Nate Dirksen Benjamin Hoover Emma Johnson
*Aaron Mendoza Josh Monteleone *Julia Murphy *denotes run crew
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS Julia Kelley Mary Nonno Lindsay Lisanti Marley Runk Emily Maddox Michelle Silva Abby Messina
LIGHT & SOUND ASSISTANTS Zoya Bokhari Emily Maddox John Diver Kitty Mader Allison Gammons Kailey Miller Jacob Gooch
BIOGRAPHIES
T.J. Gerckens (Chair, Producing Artistic Director, Lighting Advisor) is the lighting design faculty member at Otterbein University, a USA829 Union Lighting Designer, and proud Otterbein alumnus. At Otterbein, he has designed the lighting for Chicago, Snoopy!!!, Oklahoma!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Diary of Anne Frank, Adding Machine: A Musical, Damn Yankees, Dance 2016: The Goddess, The Crucible, Fiddler on the Roof, Dance 2015: Famously Yours...Forever, Dance 2014: Tell-Tale Poe, and Into the Woods. As a freelance lighting designer, T.J. has been part of the design team for the Tony Award winner and MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Mary Zimmerman for the last 24 years. Most recently, he designed lighting for the world premiere of the opera Eurydice, by Sarah Ruhl and Matthew Aucoin at the L.A. Opera in co-production with the Metropolitan Opera, The Music Man at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Mary Zimmerman’s world premiere of The Steadfast Tin Soldier at Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre, last year’s revival of Metamorphoses at the Guthrie Theatre and Berkeley Rep, and Rusalka at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC. Other notable designs include The Odyssey at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Wonderful Town at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Guys & Dolls in L.A., and Treasure Island at the Lookingglass Theatre and Berkeley Rep. His lighting designs have been seen at regional theatres across the United States, on and off Broadway, and at the Metropolitan Opera. Internationally, he has designed in England, Australia, and at the LaScala Opera House in Milan, Italy. He has received numerous awards for his designs including New York’s Drama Desk Award and Lortel Awards for his lighting of Metamorphoses on and off Broadway, Jefferson Awards for The Odyssey and Metamorphoses in Chicago, and an award for “Exemplifying the Art of Collaboration” given to the Zimmerman design team by Entertainment Design Magazine. You can see his designs for Lucia di Lammermoor and La Sonnambula on DVDs released by the Metropolitan Opera. T.J. holds a BFA from Otterbein University and an MFA from Boston University. He is married to set designer, scenic artist, and Otterbein adjunct instructor Stephanie R. Gerckens. Melissa Lusher (Director) is a tenured Professor of acting, speech, and dialects in the Department of Theatre and Dance, where she also serves as the Associate Chair, the Director of the B.F.A. Acting Program, and the Resident Speech/Dialects Coach for all productions. She was deeply honored to receive Otterbein’s 2018 Teacher of the Year award. Melissa holds an M.F.A. in Acting from the combined program of Carnegie Mellon University and the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia, and a B.F.A. in Acting from Carnegie Mellon. She is also a certified teacher of the Michael Chekhov acting technique through the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium. Her directorial debut production of Spring Awakening at Otterbein in 2012 was named one of the Best 10 Shows of the Year by The Columbus Dispatch. Her recent production of Chicago, also at Otterbein, was awarded the same honor in 2019. Other favorite Otterbein directing credits include “Master Harold”... and the Boys, Rumors, The Crucible, RENT, The Greeks: The Murders, and No Exit. Favorite acting credits include Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Otterbein), Barbara in August: Osage County (Otterbein), Goneril in King Lear (Actors’ Theatre), Clytemnestra in The Greeks (Moscow Art Theatre), Marina in Volodya (LaMaMa E.T.C.), Margaret in Richard III (AST), and the title role in Miss Julie (CMU). Melissa is enormously grateful to the entire company of The Theory of Relativity for their dedication and ingenuity... especially under such challenging circumstances. Difficult times underscore how profoundly we need the arts. With this production, we celebrate the inextinguishable flame of the theatre!
BIOGRAPHIES
Lori Kay Harvey (Music Director) is in her 14th year as a member of the musical theatre faculty at Otterbein. She has music directed over 35 shows in central Ohio and throughout the US and has performed extensively as an actor/ singer/ dancer on both national and international tours and in numerous regional theatres. Recent Otterbein credits include Chicago, Singin’ in the Rain, Big Fish, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Adding Machine: A Musical, Damn Yankees and The Addams Family. Tour credits: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease. Regional: Next to Normal, Beauty and the Beast, Jekyll and Hyde, The Taffetas, Camelot, The Who’s Tommy, Damn Yankees, Brigadoon, Carousel, The Desert Song and The Good War. Concert credits: Soprano soloist - Bernstein’s West Side Story with Maestro Peter Stafford Wilson and the Springfield and Westerville Symphonies, Soprano soloist - Weathervane Playhouse New Year’s Eve Gala with Maestro Russ Mikkelson and the Newark-Granville Symphony, Soprano soloist - Excerpts from Claudel - CDT @ 20, Mozart “Requiem” with The National Chorale (Avery Fisher Hall), Puttin’ On the Ritz with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (Carnegie Hall and recorded on TELARC label), and The Magical Music of Disney (Cincinnati Music Hall and Circle Theatre, IN, recorded on TELARC label and GRAMMY- nominated). Television credits: Sex in the City, Guiding Light, Mel Torme’s Christmas Special, and various commercials and industrials. Education: BS in Voice Performance and Theatre from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Member of Actor’s Equity Association. Lori Kay and her husband, TJ, live in Galena with their 2 children, Macrae (8) and Clara (5). Thanks to the cast, crew and creative team for your flexibility and patience with lots of online rehearsals! Extra special thanks to Doc Davis and Kitty Mader for your sound expertise on this unique experiment! Time to UNMUTE! Stella Hiatt Kane (Choreographer) is the Director of Musical Theatre and Director of Dance at Otterbein University and the founding Artistic Director of JazzMet. Ms. Kane has been a member of the national companies of “Sugar” and Bob Fosses’ “Dancin’” and a member of the national and international companies of The American Dance Machine. She has made television appearances in productions such as PBS’ “Dance in America” and “The Ann Reinking Special” with Ann Reinking, Chita Rivera and Ben Vereen. Ms. Kane has taught for New York’s American Dance Machine/Harkness House and the Actors’ and Directors’ Lab. She has been a visiting guest artist/teacher at several universities including The Ohio State University and New York University and has been a master teacher in residence at the Northern Ballet Theatre in Leeds, England. She has also been a guest choreographer for BalletMet and Columbus Dance Theatre, including the world premiere of Women Leading. Her most current Otterbein collaborations have included Chicago, Singin’ In the Rain, Big Fish, Damn Yankees, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Oklahoma!. Additionally, she has directed and choreographed the recent Otterbein University productions of Move Me, Gloriously Grimm and Together Again. Rob Johnson (Scenic Designer) is a full professor with the Department of Theatre & Dance at Otterbein University. With Otterbein since 1987, Rob teaches scenic design, scenic rendering, model-making, computer-aided drafting and several specialty courses in computer graphics. Past design work at Otterbein includes the settings for Chicago, Singin’ In The Rain, Radium Girls, Macbeth, Big Fish, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and many others in the 30+ years he has designed for Otterbein Theatre & Dance. Rob has designed scenery and/or lighting for hundreds of productions throughout his
BIOGRAPHIES
career including musicals, drama, dance concerts, and opera. He has won numerous Ezekiel Awards for his design work. In addition to an undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University, he holds two graduate degrees: a Master of Arts from West Virginia University and a Master of Fine Arts from The Ohio State University. He would, as always, like to praise Jesus Christ for a life full of many personal blessings and a wonderful career. Rebecca White (Costume Designer) is the Director of Design & Technology and resident Costume Designer at Otterbein University. A native of Minnesota, Rebecca holds a Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design & Technology from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor’s degree in Design and Performance from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse. Some favorite past designs at Otterbein include Gloriously Grimm, The School for Scandal, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Importance of Being Earnest and Into the Woods. Her professional design and technical credits include The Santa Fe Opera, Park Square Theatre, Penumbra, The Milwaukee Rep, Theatre l’Homme Dieu, and Short North Stage. Emily Maddox (Lighting Designer) is a senior BFA Design/Technology major with an Arts Administration Minor from Dallas, TX. Previous credits include Dance 2019: Together Again (Co-Lighting Designer), Chicago (Master Electrician), and Singin’ in the Rain (Master Electrician). Emily would like to thank her family, friends, and professors for always pushing her to be her best! Doc Davis (Sound Designer/Lighting and Sound Supervisor) was born and raised in Pearl, MS. After receiving a BA in Theatre from Belhaven University, he continued his education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While completing his MFA in Sound Design, he worked as a sound engineer at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, assisting such acts as Mark Morris Dance Company, The National, Derek Trucks Band, Keb’ Mo’, Ralph Lemon Dance Company, and more. After receiving his MFA, he acted as a Mastering Engineer, Sound Designer, A1, Location Recordist, Video Designer, and Re-Recording Mixer for various theaters, companies, and films. Since moving to Columbus, OH, Davis has worked at Otterbein University as Lighting and Sound Supervisor and Events Coordinator. He continues to design and mix shows many times a year and especially loves sharing his approach to Audio Engineering and Sound Design to students of all ages! Maren Billy (Stage Manager) is a super-senior hailing from Middletown, DE majoring in Theatre (BFA) with a focus in stage management. Her prior credits include ASM on The School for Scandal and Chicago at Otterbein University. She has also worked for the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey on The Servant of Two Masters and as an ASM during their professional training program. Maren would like to thank Wellie and Emily for their love and support when she lays on the apartment floor. She would also like to extend a big thank you to the cast and crew of Theory for rolling with the punches during this process, we made it! She hopes you enjoy the stream! Kristen Cooperkline (Production Manager) joined the Otterbein family in 2013. She was raised in Columbus and earned her Bachelor of Arts in History/Theatre from the College of Wooster and her Masters of Arts in American Culture Studies at Bowling Green State University. She then received her MFA in Stage Management from the
BIOGRAPHIES
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her Illinois credits include Macbeth, La Calisto, Battle of Angels, February Dance, and Our Town. Following her time at Illinois, Kristen served as the Event Coordinator for the first-ever American College Dance Festival Association South Regional Conference as well as a stage manager for Bebe Miller Company. She returned to the University of Illinois in 2016 to guest stage manage February 2016, featuring the premiere of American choreographer/director Ping Chong’s piece Baldwin/NOW. Stephanie R. Gerckens (Charge Scenic Artist) is pleased to return to Otterbein to lead the painting of the set for this production. At Otterbein she has previously designed The Crucible, My Way, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Violet (Ohio Theatre Roundtable Award), Longevity Abbreviated, Steel Magnolias, and Antigravity. Her other design credits include Alice in Wonderland for BalletMet; Evie’s Waltz, Escanaba in Love, Drawer Boy (Critic’s Circle Award), Boston Marriage, and Taste of Sunrise for CATCO. She has also designed for The Phoenix Theatre for Children, Porthouse Theatre, Ohio Wesleyan University, Weathervane Playhouse, Miami Valley Dinner Theatre (La Comedia), Chicago’s Remains Theatre, and Circa-21 in Rock Island, Illinois. She spent two seasons at Actors Theatre of Louisville as Resident Assistant Scene Designer and Charge Scenic Artist. Stephanie has painted for theatre, television, and film with clients including Arena Stage, BalletMet, The Oprah Show, and the independent feature film Lawn Dogs (Lead Painter). She has worked with several theatrical production studios including Chicago Scenic Studio, MYSTIC Scenic Studio in Boston, Tamara Backdrops in Chicago, and Live Technologies in Columbus, Ohio. Stephanie is an adjunct professor at Capital and Otterbein Universities. Melinda Murphy (Movement Coach) teaches Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method® in the Otterbein Theatre and Dance Department, with application to movement, voice, characterization, singing, and dance. Melinda is one of the few teachers trained in both methods; she combines them in her private practice in Columbus, and in classes and seminars for performing artists at other Ohio colleges. Since coming to Otterbein, she also trained to teach Fitzmaurice Voice work for its specialized tools for improving the voice and breath. Melinda has coached Otterbein productions since the turn of the century. She has also coached equestrians, figure skaters, musicians, and competitive barbershop quartets and choruses including the two-time international gold medalist Southern Gateway Chorus. Elizabeth Saltzgiver (Managing Director) has been a member of the Department of Theatre & Dance since 2000. Her experience in Arts Administration includes work for dhc productions, the Westerville Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ohio Light Opera, Ashland University College of Arts and Sciences, the 2013 Westerville Year of the Arts celebration, and the Ashland Balloon Fest. Elizabeth holds a B.A. in Music and Business from Otterbein University and, in 2012, she was named a fellow for the Next Generation Leader of the Arts program here in central Ohio. She is currently Treasurer for the Columbus Arts Marketing Association. Patrick Stone (Technical Director Advisor) began his tenure as the Technical Director at Otterbein in the fall of 2014. He spent the previous seven years at the University of Arkansas as the Technical Director. He holds an MFA from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelors of Arts from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. He teaches
BIOGRAPHIES
classes in stagecraft, properties, metal working, technical direction, wood working, and motion scenery. Patrick also enjoys consulting with local and regional theatres ranging from professional through junior high school. Patrick Stone has committed to becoming a ray of sunshine in the face of his own inner nature. Haley Williams (Costume Shop Manager) is incredibly excited to be with the Otterbein Theatre and Dance family for a second year as Costume Shop Manager. Haley graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with an MFA in Costume Design and has worked with the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film as a designer and technician. Her previous credits include The Tender Land, Mother Courage, An Act of God, Avenue Q, The Serpent, Hamlet, Blythe Spirit, and the short film The Healing of Harmen. Ava Arkin (Sara) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major with a Dance minor from New York City. Previous Otterbein credits include Chicago (June), Dance 2019: Together Again (Dancer), and Singin’ in the Rain (Ensemble). Her off-campus credits include Express: A New Musical by McGuire and Simon (Jane). Ava is honored to be in The Theory of Relativity. She would like to thank her parents for their endless support; Melissa Lusher, Stella Kane, and Lori Kay Harvey, for believing in her and pushing her as an artist; and her castmates for being on this marble in space with her. Stephen Blauch (Mike) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre and Sociology double major from Chardon, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include Smoke on the Mountain (Dennis Sanders), The School for Scandal (Rowley), and Singin’ in the Rain (Roscoe Dexter). Stephen would like to thank his friends and family for their constant support of his dreams. He dedicates this performance to the many artists whose livelihoods have been negatively affected by the pandemic. Noah Carlin (Oliver) is a sophomore BFA Musical theatre major from Houston, TX. Recent Otterbein credits include The School for Scandal (Sir Harry Bumper). He would like to thank his family from home for all the constant support even though we’re many miles away. Addison Chapman (Assistant Charge Artist) is a sophomore BFA Design/Technology major from Mount Gilead, OH. Previous credits include Stitcher for the Otterbein productions of The School for Scandal, Chicago and Dance 2019: Together Again. She would like to thank Rebecca White for stealing her from OSU, and her parents for being the ever-present support throughout her education. Grace Dillon (Catherine) is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major from Ellicott City, MD. Previous Otterbein credits include Radium Girls (Kathryn), The School for Scandal (Mrs. Candour), and Smoke on the Mountain (Vera). Grace is so grateful to be finishing her time at Otterbein with such a beautiful piece. She would like to thank her parents for everything. Amelia Elias (Mira) is a BFA Musical Theatre major with a Dance minor from Culpeper, VA. Previous Otterbein credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (Phoebe D’Ysquith), Chicago (Liz), and Singin’ in The Rain (Kathy Selden u/s, Ensemble). Thank you to the department for giving all of us the opportunity to make art virtually this semester. Also, special thanks to Ava, Maddie, and Bradford for being some of the most supportive people out there.
BIOGRAPHIES
Ryan Esparza (Adam) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major from Houston, TX. Previous Otterbein credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (The D’ysquith Family), Chicago (Mary Sunshine u/s, Ensemble), and Singin’ in the Rain (Ensemble). Ryan would like to thank his twin brother, Aaron for his service in the armed forces. Sam Hoyer (Off-Stage Voice/Understudy) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major from Cincinnati, OH. Previous credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Inspector/Ensemble, cancelled due to COVID-19), and a studentdirected workshop project, Seminar (Martin). He is excited to continue his training and experience here at Otterbein and would like to thank all of his professors, classmates, and cast mates for supporting him and being the BEST ever. Enjoy the show! Zach Hubler (Technical Director) is a senior BFA Design/Technology major from Hilliard, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include Dance 2019: Together Again (Technical Director) and The School for Scandal (Assistant Technical Director). Other credits include The Marvelous Wonderettes (Technical Director) at New London Barn Playhouse in New London, New Hampshire. Zach wants to thank his parents for their continuous support and would also like to thank his technical director, Stone, for always pushing him to, not only enunciate, but to also strive to be the best he can be. Ellie Iannucci (Master Electrician) is a senior BFA Design/Technology major with a Psychology minor from Dublin, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include The School for Scandal (Master Electrician), Radium Girls (Technical Director), and Macbeth (Assistant Tech Director). Ellie is surprised, but grateful, to be doing theatre in such a crazy time. Because of the times, she’s not sure about what the future holds, but for now, she’d like to congratulate the department on all the hard work they do and thank specifically Emily and Ethan for being wonderful cohorts in this experience. Julia Kelley (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior BFA Design/Technology major with an Arts Administration minor from Hillard, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include The School for Scandal (Production Assistant), and Chicago (Props Master). Julia would like to thank Maren for being an awesome SM on this show, as well as her family and friends for their support, especially this semester. Enjoy the show! Evan Kret (Paul) is a senior BFA Acting major from Westerville, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include Smoke on the Mountain at Otterbein Summer Theatre (Burl Sanders), Radium Girls (CB Lee), and The School for Scandal (Sir Peter Teazle). Evan is very grateful for all of his time at Otterbein, and for all of the opportunity and support he has received. He hopes to pursue a career in film acting or music when he graduates in the spring. Emma Kate Lampe (Caroline) is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major from Cleveland, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include Title of Show (Heidi), Radium Girls (Mrs. Roeder/ Marie Curie), and Otterbein Summer Theatre’s production of Guys and Dolls (General Cartwright). Emma Kate is jazzed to be in the first social-distanced production at Otterbein. She will (hopefully) be moving to NYC in the spring to start her internship and begin her professional theater journey. Lindsay Lisanti (Dramaturg) is a senior BA Theatre major from Louisville, KY.
BIOGRAPHIES
Kitty Mader (Assistant Sound Designer) is a junior BFA Design/Technology major from Avon, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include The School for Scandal (Assistant Sound Designer), Chicago (Assistant Charge Artist), and Smoke on the Mountain (A1). Kate Maniuszko (Off-Stage Voice/Understudy) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major with a Dance minor from Scottsdale, AZ. This is her Otterbein debut! WE are energy and light! We hope this show brings some light into your life. Brooke Pamela Nagel (Julie) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major from Montville, NJ. Previous Otterbein credits include A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder (Ensemble, Sibella U/S), the Advanced Directing Project of Fun Home (Little Allison), and Singin’ in the Rain (Swing). Other credits include The Addams Family (Ancestor) at Plays in the Park in Edison, NJ. Thank you to Miss. Mew, Meowser, Cookie Puss, and Alexander, even though I am allergic to you, you taught me so much about love and this amazing character. Oh, and thank you to my human family and friends too! Cassie Perlatti (Wardrobe Master) is a sophomore BA Theatre major from Cleveland, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include The School for Scandal (Wig Supervisor), and Dance 2019: Together Again (Deck Electrician). She would like to thank her family, her Bigs (Lydia and Carly), her bubble, and her 5 cats for all of their love and support! TPWK William Porter (Ryan) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major from Columbus, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Monty U/S, Ensemble), and the Otterbein Summer Theatre production of Guys and Dolls (Ensemble). I’d like to thank my wonderful pod, Stephen, Aidan, Brooke, and Abby for keeping me sane during quarantine. Love to my family, the ones I was born with and the ones I’ve gained along the way. Logan Reeder (Jenny) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major with a Dance Minor from Pensacola, FL. Previous Otterbein credits include The School for Scandal (Maria), Radium Girls (Swing: Perf. Grace Fryer, Perf. Mrs. Roeder), and Singin’ in the Rain (Ensemble). Logan would like to thank her parents and the Otterbein Theatre & Dance Department for giving her the opportunity to perform safely this semester. She would also like to dedicate her performance to Ashton Lambert. “I am nothing without you.” Ethan Riehle (Assistant Master Electrician) is a sophomore BFA Design/Technology major with a minor in Philosophy from Westerville, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include Chicago (Light Board Op). Ethan loves the cold weather and skiing! He plans to do as much theatre as he can next year! Jacob Ronk (Master Carpenter) is a junior BA Theatre major with Arts Administration and Creative Writing minors from Andover, KS. Previous Otterbein credits include The School for Scandal (Assistant Director), and Radium Girls (Dramaturg, Carpenter). He’d like to thank all of his families for helping him get to where he is today. Dale Saunders (Off-Stage Voice/Understudy) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major from Vermilion, OH. Previous Otterbein credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Ensemble). Dale hopes to create a future working in the performing arts industry. He is endlessly grateful for the blessings and support from God, friends,
BIOGRAPHIES and family as he continues to move forward.
Michelle Silva (Assistant Director) is a junior BA Theatre major with minors in Psychology and Arts Administration from Tucson, AZ. Previous Otterbein credits include Festival 2020: Into Focus (Director), Radium Girls (Assistant Stage Manager), and The School for Scandal (Wardrobe Master). Michelle would like to thank her family and especially her sister, Jen, for encouraging and supporting her towards her dreams. She’d also like to thank her roommates, Kitty, Reilly, and Zoya, for making quarantine a little brighter. Tru Stites (Anthony) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major from Richland, WA. Previous credits include The School for Scandal (Ensemble), and the student workshop of Seminar (Leonard). I will follow the path of theatre wherever it may lead! Madeleine VanRiper (Amy) is a senior BFA Acting major from Skaneateles, NY. Previous Otterbein credits include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Sibella Hallward). Other credits include Carousel (Carrie Pipperidge) at Skaneateles Summer Theatre, and the virtual production of Sir John Oldcastle (The Summoner) at Actor’s Theatre of Columbus. Thank you to all of my friends and family for their constant love and support, and to the staff and students at Otterbein for cultivating a wonderful production against all odds. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such inspiring people. Katie Wagner (Off-Stage Voice/Understudy) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major from Lewis Center, OH. Thank you to the cast and crew! Love always to mom, dad and Syd.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Neil Bartram (Compose & Lyricist) is the composer and lyricist of Broadway’s The Story of My Life with book writer Brian Hill (four Drama Desk Award nominations). Other projects with Brian include The Adventures of Pinocchio (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), The Theory of Relativity (Canadian Music Theatre Project, Goodspeed Musicals, London OffWest End), Something Wicked This Way Comes (Delaware Theatre Company - 11 Barrymore Award nominations), and You Are Here (Goodspeed Musicals). Neil also wrote the score for Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s and Asolo Repertory Theatre’s productions of Shakespeare in Love. Upcoming projects include Les Belles (the stage adaptation of Michel Tremblay›s Les Belles Soeurs) and the stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved film Bedknobs & Broomsticks. Neil’s awards include the ASCAP Foundation’s Yellen Award, a Jonathan Larson Foundation Award, and a Dramatists Guild Fellowship. Brian Hill (Author), with composer/lyricist Neil Bartram, has written The Adventures of Pinocchio, The Theory of Relativity and The Story of My Life, which premiered on Broadway in 2009, earning four Drama Desk Award nominations (Outstanding Musical, Music, Lyrics, and Book). Current Bartram and Hill projects include Senza Luce (CMTP), Les Belles, You Are Here, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Something Wicked This Way Comes (Delaware Theatre Company - 11 Barrymore Award nominations). Brian wrote the new book for the Old Globe›s production of October Sky and the revised book for the Goodman Theatre›s acclaimed production of Brigadoon.
OTTERBEIN THEATRE & DANCE presents
By Henrik Ibsen
Translated by R. Farquharson Sharp
STREAMING ONLINE October 29 - 7:30pm October 31 - 8:00pm October 30 - 8:00pm November 1 - 2:00pm CALL OR CLICK FOR TICKETS www.otterbein.edu/drama 614.823.1109
When Otterbein University was forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic last March, we were devastated to have to cancel our spring production, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder just as we were beginning final tech and dress rehearsals. The actors had rehearsed for more than five weeks and we had already invested thousands of dollars in scenery, costumes, lights, licensing, advertising, and more. We weren’t sure how we could possibly pay our bills and prepare for a fall season given the loss of ticket revenue. Many ticket holders stepped up, donating their ticket fees and providing addditional financial support. It is because of all of the generosity of those you see here, our sponsors, and many more who prefer to remain anonymous, that we are able to fully produce this fall 2020 season. Thank you for your trust in us and for being a part of the Otterbein Theatre & Dance Family. We look forward to entertaining you in person again very soon. - Elizabeth Saltzgiver, Managing Director
2020 SPRING MUSICAL DONORS Philip & Gloria Absi Connie & Lawrence Ackert Lisa & Zahid Afzal John & Nancy Anderson Jay & Lynn Anderson The Andersons & Coughlins Anonymous Charles Ansley Jason & Jenny Archer David & Susan Arnold Gary Armbrust Marci Azbell Kay F. Ball Jim Bartholomew Fred & Pat Baum Dan Bear, in memory of Judy Gebhart (’67) Bear Ben & Kay Bennett Dr. & Mrs. Donald Bennion Mr. & Mrs. Joe Bevan Kathy Bielmeier The Big River Crew The Black Family The Boggs Family John & Susan Boylan John & Marie Brandt Donna L. Broadway Barb Brooks Joe & Dorena Brown Chip Bruchac Ann Buchfinck Brianna Burkett ‘03 Marjorie Burnham Doug & Kathy Burrows Len & Sharon Bussard William Cannode Anthony & Judith Carmona Kenneth & Margaret Carter Ted Chaney Judy Christian Barbara Clapham David Coffman John Cole Amy Collins Mike & Debra Collins Liz Condos Linda Cowgill
Linda Crawford Julie Cronk Leslie Dannaher Lynn & Tom Davison Barbara Demetro Brent DeVore & Nancy Nikiforow Shirley & Ned Dewire Pauline Dickey Mary Kay & Bill Dickinson Bernice & Bob Donaldson Barbara Donohue Richard & Margaret Doone Dorie, Jill, Linda, Michele Peg Duffy Barbara Durbin Anita Ebbert Janice Eddey The Endres Family Benedicta Enrile The Esparza Family David C. & Nancy E. Smith Evans Bill & Sonya Evans Toba Feldman Barb Fillmer Tim & Dia Foley Janis & Pat Ford Brian & Sandy Freer Lawrence Friedman Sue Frost Jim Gahman & Kay Mollman Rachel Gangestad Peggy Garrison & Ken Truman Mark Geary Barb Gentile & Jane Wiest Barbara George Janey George Jim Gieseke & Debby Fox Chris & Cynthia Gillespie Jeff & Gretchen Glasgow Donald & Judith Goldberg Ann Grabowsky Mark Granger Paul Greger Helen Hall Alan Goff & Coral Harris Patrick & Wallis Harsch Heidi, Linda, & Charlotte
Dan & Mary Helvoigt Carolyn Hendey Ann Henkener Frank & Jean Henson Tricia Herban Vince & Gayle Herried Mitch Walker & Sarah Hoban Kim & Bud Hoessly Judy Howard Hal & Janine Hoffman Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Hoffman Judy Hoffmann Debra Holman Mary Armstrong & Ron Hooker Doug & Joan Hoover Karen & Kevin Howard Verna Hubbard Lynda Huey Violy Hughes Karen Ickes Jack & Martin J. Thomas & Kathleen Jones Stephen & Jo Ann Judy Bob Kaplan & Heather Sowald Keator/Stallings The Keeling Family K.L.M. Mary Pat & Douglas Knight Connie & Walt Kobalka J.R. & Liz Kolmer Greg Koltun Donna & Nick Kosanovich Roger & Linda Krogwold Judy & Ed Krol Dan Kuhlman & Jess Ohler David & Barbara Lambert Otto Laster William LaTaille & Cheryl Trevethan Jerry & Jo Ellen Laub Amy Levine Martha Lichtensteiger Barbara Limbert Evon Lineburgh Carol Long Dick & Catherine Loveland Ron Lykins
Ray Lynd Tina Mader Carolyn Madison Cathy Manly Barbara Martin Mary’s Group Sandy & Tom Masterson Sondra Matter Kevin & Mary McCleery Anne McCord Anne McIntyre Evonne McNabb Larry & Millie McVey Everett & Carol Meidell Brian & Carol Mercer George Miller Mike & Nancy Miller William K. & M. Jane Miller Al & Louise Minor Alan & Linda Smith Jack & Peggy Moreland Jim, Maureen, & Daniel Motter Sam & Sharlee Murphy Skip & Sue Musheno Manuella & Dave Mylander Tracy Nagel Nevalyn Fritsceh Nevil Bob & Dana Nichols J. Noe Theater Gang Brian & Susan Nonno Dennis & Sue Ann Norton The Norton Family Kathy Olson Wilbur & Barbara Osborne Bill Ostrander & Jill Schultz Brad Ostroff Martha & Jim Owens Linda & Jim Pace Charles & Maruja Paule Peggy, Denise & Brendan Kay Penzone Andi Prince Rebecca Princehorn & Clay Cormany Mary Lou Rahde Jean Ralley Stan & Becky Regas Lisa Renken
Dr. Jeff & Veronica Reutter Tom & Sally Rice Charlotte & Quincy Robe Jeff Rone Jim & Sharon Roshon Emily Ross Carolyn S. Royer Tara & Brad Rozen Barbara M. Rupple J. E. Rusanowsky Sharon Rush Jim Russell Karen Russell & Doris Steppe Kim Russell Elizabeth A. Salt Judie Salyer Lynn B. Sankey Daryl, Theresa, & Dale Saunders Susan Saunders Diane Schneider Lisa Schneider & John Havener Gary & Beth Schwarzmueller Loysetta Sexton K.H. Shafer & Associates, LLC Paul & Alyce Sheridan Bill & Nancy Sheridan Don & Carol Shoemaker Judy Shoemaker & Lisa Cornelison Al & Louise Siegel Susan Silbermann Bernie Simpkins Ronald G. & Linda Simpson Douglas Smeltz Jim & Brenda Spadafore Dominican Sisters Jane Sprague Wayne & Linda Springer Jerry & Karen Squires Karen Stainbrook Beckey & Dave Stamm Anita Evans & Charlene Lanier Rob & April Steffy Glenna Stemen Jeff & Dianne Stevens Sandra Fabel Stewart Jon & Joyce Stonebraker Margaret Strosky Ellen Stukenberg
John & Betty Lou Stull Ellen Sullivan Mr. & Mrs. John Swartz Carol Sykes Jim Tarpoff Harold & Janice Thorley Kay Tibbles John & Luann Toth Janice Townsley Manel & Olli Tuovinen Don & Miriam Utter Fred & Susan Vierow Kay Wagner Rhonda Walkup Mr. & Mrs. Victor Wang David B. & Joyce Shannon Warner Frank Watkins James & Carol Waugh Jayne Wenner & Peter Costanza Rob & Denise Wesley Nancy Wharton Jan Whitlatch Leslie Williams & Marty Madden Rob & Kim Williams Rodger Williams Sara Willson Mrs. Anne Marie Wilson Laura Cean Wilson John Wirtz Carolyn & Joseph Wissenbach Kathy Wolken The Woodard Family Sudie Woodruff & Brad Mitchell The Word Nerd Norma Worley Susan Wright & Mary Sheskey Linda & Bostwick Wyman Mr. & Mrs. Earl Yeager Craig & Carol Young Bridget Yurecka Charles & Judy Zech Ann & David Ziegel Mike & Jaynee Ziegler
HONORARY CAST LIST
In addition to those who donated ticket fees during the spring 2020 closure, many of you have generously supported our call for help to keep our production program moving forward, despite the continued obstacles imposed by the ongoing pandemic. Members who give annually at the Director and Producer level are included in the Joanne Van Sant Society.
Thank you for contributing to the education of our students!
Producer ($5,000+)
Director ($1,000-$4,999)
Oakland Nurseries Overbrook Clinical Associates
Kent D. Stuckey
Designer ($500-$999) Brian Day Tom & Mary Alice Dillman David C. & Nancy E. Smith Evans John & Terry Geary Anne Kloos
Douglas R. & Mary Pat Knight Al & Louise Minor Carolyn Reeder Barbara M. Rupple
Diva ($250-$499) William & Sonya Evans Sandra Freer Brian Nonno Charles & Maruja Paule
Kathy Ryan Douglas R. Smeltz Sarah Whybrew Laura Cean Wilson
Star ($100-$249) Gloria & Philip Absi Connie & Lawrence Ackert Richard & Linda Beckner Linda L. Blicke Len & Sharon Bussard Barbara Clapham David Coffman John & Sharon Davis Margaret English Duffy James Farmer Peggy Garrison Don & Judy Goldberg Cyndy Kay Hoskey Lynda Huey
Donna & Thomas Kerr Janet Koscik Ron Lykins Terri Maselli Floyd & Carolyn McKinney Pearson McWane Bill Miller & Madelon Timmons Carl D. & Helen W. Miller Dennis & Sue Ann Norton Brad Ostroff James & Martha Owens Thomas & Barbara Perlatti Rebecca Princehorn & Clayton Cormany
Tom & Sally Rice Patricia Ryan Elizabeth A. Salt Amy Sanford Alan & Linda Smith David & Beckey Stamm Richard & Jeanette Thomas Luann Toth Janice Townsley David & Joyce Warner Richard & Mary Jo Weaver Craig & Carol Young
Supporting Actor ($50-$99) Anonymous Marilyn Burke Anthony & Judith Carmona Kenneth & Margaret Carter Ted Chaney Linda Crawford
Alyce Elbert Lisa Elias Cheryl Gooch Kathleen Jones Nancy Schweiger Jon & Joyce Stonebraker
Margaret Strosky Heather Thuermer James & Carol Waugh Roger L. Wilson Ann Ziegel
Extra ($10-$49) Beth Arnold Carolyn Baggarly Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Conard Marsha Crippen Beth Daugherty Joanne Figge Brian Hafer Kim & Bud Hoessly Ron & Mary Armstrong Hooker
John Jackson Walter & Connie Kobalka Barbara Limbert Barbara Glor Martin Tracy Nagel Jeff Pinson Kenneth Remaklus Carolyn Royer Marsha Scanlin
Al & Louise Siegel Jerry & Karen Squires Joann Sudduth Carol Ventresca Cynthia Vyszenski Kay Wagner James & Carol Waugh Matt Whitnack