Program for Exit Laughing

EXIT LAUGHING

RACHEL ANN .............................................................................. Emilie Sass

CONNIE HARLAND Jodi Deming

LEONA ........................................................................................ Kelli Jaecks

MILLIE ................................................................................. Patti Hasbrouck

POLICEMAN/BOBBY GRAYSON .................................................Brent Didde

BUTTER-BUTT, THE CAT ..................................................

FurReal Friend Lulu

TIME & PLACE

Warm summer night in Birmingham, Alabama.

The show runs approximately 90 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission.

Exit Laughing is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Company.

Written by Paul Elliott

PRODUCTION STAFF

DIRECTOR ..................................................................... Karen McCarty

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ........................................................ Tom Wrosch

CHOREOGRAPHY Dee Montgomery

LIGHTS & SOUND OPERATOR Laura Davis

SET DESIGN .....................................................................Chris Benham

LIGHTING DESIGN ....................................................... Loriann Schmidt

SOUND DESIGN ................................................................... Liz Rogers

SET DECORATING ............................ Anthony Barghini, Karen McCarty

SET CONSTRUCTION .................................. Quinn Connolly, Saul Coria, Jon Deming, Douglas Hermann, Chris McCarty, Antonio Schoaps, Rob Sim, The Cast and Crew

LIGHT HANG ......................Rain Holland, Rob Sim, Noah Vanderburgh

STRIKE ................................................... Saul Coria, Antonio Schoaps, Rob Sim, Noah Vanderburgh

STAGE MANAGER ...................................................... Anthony Barghini

PROPS Diane Clingerman, Quinn Connolly, Scott Ramp, Denise Zahradnik

HAIR CONSULTANT Doug Gray

COSTUMES Alexa Gray, Sandy Gray

PHOTOGRAPHY ................................................................. Vicki Woods

POSTER DESIGN .............................................................. Isaac Mitchell

PROGRAM DESIGN ........................................................ Carlee Wright

HOUSE MANAGER .......................................................... Chris McCarty

BOARD LIAISON ................................................................. Bryan Toller

My heart is bursting with gratitude. On March 6, I announced to my boss that I planned to retire as of March 31 after more than 32 years of serving the State of Oregon. That evening, I was invited to a Pentacle Theatre Governing Board meeting to present a proposal for Exit Laughing. You see, they had planned another show for this time of year, but unfortunately, it needed to be replaced. The requirements for the replacement seemed pretty simple: the show must include an easyto-build set, and it must fit into the budget and timeline of the show being replaced. I had already read Exit Laughing and planned to propose it for 2024. I would be retired soon and would have plenty of extra time to devote to a show that was already way behind schedule for planning. It seemed like all the criteria was met, so I submitted my proposal.

Later that same evening I received a call from the Board President, Emma, telling me that the board had approved my proposal. I was honored that Pentacle Theatre trusted me to put a show together in such a short timeline, and super excited. For a minute. Then reality hit. Auditions were scheduled to take place in just two weeks! We needed to obtain the rights to the show, I needed a production team, a set design, a costumer, music, props, a poster design. Oh yeah, and scripts! And then my boss asked me to work through June until he hired my replacement. So much for having extra time on my hands. Oh my! Could I pull this off? Nobody had this play on their radar, so we needed to get the word out quickly so people would show up for auditions. It was all hands on deck.

From the very moment my proposal was approved I felt completely supported by the Governing Board. Everybody showed up to help with all the tasks it takes to produce a play. I made phone calls to friends, ran into an acquaintance at a store, recruited an employee from work, called in all my favors. Rights were obtained. Scripts were ordered. Chris built a set, Liz designed temporary artwork, Isaac got to work on the poster, Katie navigated the music industry to gain music rights. I am beyond grateful for their assistance!

And then rehearsals. As I said, nobody had this show on their radar, so this was a last-minute decision for everyone who turned up for auditions. I am grateful that the right people auditioned so I could put together an amazing cast!

This show reminds us to help our friends and family when we’re faced with unexpected circumstances. Whether you show up with cookies, provide a moment of comfort, or do something that makes them laugh. It all makes a difference. I am grateful to all the people in my life who have taught me to have fun, no matter what life brings my way. And to all the people who had a hand in bringing life to this show.

My all-time favorite quote: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” — Hunter S. Thompson

Karen McCartyDirector

Karen McCarty Director

You might recognize Karen as a member of Pentacle Theatre's Hospitality Guild, which she and her husband, Chris, co-chaired for 20 years. Or you might recognize her from one of the more than 30 plays she has volunteered on as the director, assistant director, costumer, or one of the many other behind-thescenes roles. Karen's most recent shows include director for Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike (2016), and the last two musicals performed as fundraisers, The Little Mermaid (2019) and Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (2020). She assistant directed and costumed Dancing at Lughnasa (2018) and Macbeth (2014). Karen most recently costumed a cast of six men and one woman in fur and sweaters in the heat of August of 2022 so they could accurately recreate the discovery of the South Pole in Terra Nova. Karen served on the Pentacle Theatre Governing Board, serving as Board President in 2015, and has volunteered many hours on several of Pentacle Theatre's committees. Karen recently retired from the State of Oregon after 32 years (well, sort of, she's still working until they hire her replacement). Karen loves to spend time with family, crafting, camping, sewing, making music and doing all the things that make her happy. She lives her life to the fullest and when her time comes, she will definitely exit laughing.

Tom Wrosch Assistant Director

Tom was last seen at Pentacle running QLab for She Kills Monsters, and his Pentacle stage appearances have included being in The Mousetrap, Murder on the Orient Express, And Then There Were None, Macbeth, Moon Over Buffalo, Bus Stop, Sound of Music, My Fair Lady and Oliver. He also played Philip Marlowe and Death in Radio Theater at Spotlight Community Theatre, directed reader's theater and played Harry Brock in Born Yesterday at Gallery Theatre, and does voice work whenever he can. Tom has been a public servant in one capacity or another for more than 40 years and currently works for the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission. He would like to thank his wife, Elizabeth, for patiently enduring hasty meals and delayed chores during the run.

Jodi Deming

Connie Harland

Jodi is thrilled to be back in Salem and performing at Pentacle Theatre after moving away for 1.5 years to Eastern Washington. Her last show at Pentacle was The Cake, which had to shutter its run halfway through due to Covid, so her return to this Salem stage is a welcome relief. You may have seen Jodi onstage in other productions including Yellow, The Desperate Hours and Moon Over Buffalo, to name a few. She has also served as stage manager and assistant director for several shows, as well as Board President. Jodi performed at Verona Studies in Annapurna and other productions. When not at the theater, Jodi is busy working at a job she loves, spending time with her family and friends and pursuing her next international vacation.

Brent Didde Bobby

Grayson

Brent returns to Pentacle after being a part of She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition and the annual fundraiser show production of Cinderella. Other theater experience includes in Seussical at Enlightened Theatrics as well as many high school shows, including The 39 Steps and Newsies. When not on the stage, Brent enjoys spending his free time with his partner, as well as cooking, and playing video games and DnD.

Patti Hasbrouck Millie

New to Pentacle Theatre in this production of Exit Laughing, Patti has acting experience from high school but not since. She is thrilled to be cast as Millie, and very grateful to director Karen McCarty for giving her this opportunity. Patti also expresses gratitude for Jo Dodge's excellent workshops for helping to give her the confidence to audition. She hopes to continue to participate in Pentacle activities and shows in the future. Patti lives in Salem and enjoys all types of art, jewelry making, a good road trip and hiking in the beautiful Oregon hills.

To celebrate turning 40, The Book Bin is partnering with local community nonprofits.

On Sunday, August 13th, 20% of sales— in-store, over the phone (503-361-1235), and at bookbin.com—will be donated to Pentacle Theatre. Stop by & join us in the celebration!

The Book Bin | 450 Court St NE

JBF semi-finalist Best Chef Northwest Region 2022 and 2023

Brunch Served Friday to Sunday

Happy Hour 3-5 pm & 9-close

Service Industry Specials Sunday Night

Trivia Monday Nights at 6 pm

Educator & Student Discounts on Thursdays

Open for dine-in at 508 State Street

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED Make Yours At epiloguekitchen.com

Kelli Jaecks Leona

Kelli is delighted to work on this show, which is full of humor and heart. Having just finished her role as the Wicked Witch in Shrek the Musical, Kelli’s other recent credits include Mamma Mia (Tanya), 9 to 5 The Musical (Violet Newstead), Calendar Girls (Chris), and Chicago (Roxy Hart) with Pentacle Theatre; Love, Loss & What I Wore with Verona Studio; Much Ado About Nothing (Leonata) with Struts & Frets; and Acts of Creation (Reed) with Studio33. She thanks her very supportive husband, Ron, for always encouraging her to pursue her passions and do the things that bring her joy. Kelli speaks professionally on stages around the world, focusing on women’s health and wellness strategies. She currently serves on the Pentacle Theatre Board of Directors and encourages you all to live out loud so you can exit laughing!

Emilie Sass Rachel

Emilie was most recently seen as Kaliope in She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition (2022). She also played the role of Gracie Westmoreland in Yellow (2019). Previous theaterrelated experience includes seven years of acting and doing tech with Central High School. She assistant coaches the Western Oregon University cheerleading squad, where she is a 2022 alumni. She likes to spend time with her cats, her family and her fiance (who she will be marrying in September).

UPCOMING AUDITIONS

THEATRE

LIFETIME MEMBERS

Every five years the Pentacle Theatre Governing Board honors as Lifetime Members five people who have been active in Pentacle Theatre for at least 20 years. We also remember fondly those Lifetime Members who are no longer with us.

Lifetime Members

Pamela Abernethy

Dick Bond

Robin Bower

Maggie Dayton

Jo Dodge

Chris Fletcher

Lois Hanson

Ken Hermens

Robert Herzog

Deborah Johansen

Cec Koontz

Dave Leonard

Katie Lindbeck

Pauli Long

Nancy Moen

Debbie Neel

Jeff Sanders

Ed Schoaps

IN LOVING MEMORY

Wayne Ballantyne

Dean Bartell

Jack Bellamy

Dr. E.B. Bossatti

Edith Bossatti

Benny Bower

Virginia Choate

Ken Collins

David Cristobal

Bill Cross

Phyllis Cross

Dave Davis

Ron Fox

Rose Ann Hansell

Mrs. Ray Loter

Marian Milligan

Alice Norton

Peg Pink

Bob Putnam

Margaret Ringnalda

Murco Ringnalda

Larry Roach

Susan Schoaps

Larry Stevens

Kathryn Straton

Faye Trupka

Cherie Ulmer

Jeffrey D. Witt

De Zajic

Tony Zandol

Dick Schmidt

Pat Schmidt

Helen Shepard

Meryl (Bill) Smith

Barbara Sullivan

Tom Ulmer

Claytene Vick

Madison Vick

Stephen Warnock

Rollie Zajic

Honoring the generous individuals who make a provision in their estate plans for Pentacle Theatre:

Pamela Abernethy

Karen & Edward Arabas

Robin Bower

Laurene & Roger Brousseau

Eden Rose Brown

Cherie & Craig Cline

Susan Elliott

Carol Farber

Chris Fletcher

Linda Gilbert

Lois Harris

Ron & Kelli Jaecks

Ed Kramer

Louise Larsen

MaryKate Lindbeck

Dennis & Linda McIntire

Jackie Miller

Jeanne Miller

Janet Neuburg

Jackie & Al Pierce

Larry Roach

Cesie & Tom Delve Scheuermann

Laurelyn Schellin

Barbara & Bruce Thompson

Bright Lights Society

If you have included Pentacle Theatre in your estate plans, we’d like to know and honor you here. Contact 503-485-4300 or emma@pentacletheatre.org

Dear Friends,

In times of grief, we are drawn to dwell on the negative. In missing what we've lost and navigating the unknown, it's difficult not to feel stuck and afraid.

This has been the harsh reality for our theater. You've heard it all - COVID has been hard on us, regrowth continues to be a challenge, and big changes seem to be around every corner.

At the height of uncertainty and grief, I truly believe laughter can be the best medicine. The love and support of your friends which lifts you when you're down is the stuff that keeps our theatre's heart beating. Every day we grow stronger as an organization because we are built and maintained by a web of passionate, dedicated, and loving people who give everything to see this place thrive.

I'm so grateful to this community - that's YOU - for supporting Pentacle Theatre through times of such change. Thank you for supporting us financially, thank you for your kind words, and thank you for joining us for an evening of laughter and love.

Emma Thurston Pentacle Theatre Governing Board President

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Pentacle Theatre in Salem is located within the ancestral homelands of the Kalapuya, Yamhill, and Luckiamute people who had lived here since time immemorial.

In the 1850s, these tribes were displaced by colonization and were eventually resettled on reservations. We celebrate and honor the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz members, their resilience and their present and future right to this land.

Mission Statement

Pentacle Theatre provides community members a collaborative opportunity to create and experience theater in an atmosphere of respect, support and enjoyment.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for upcoming productions will be available online at pentacletheatre.org. In 2023, Pentacle Theatre is introducing a new pricing structure designed to improve access to our productions. You can read all about it here. In partnership with Salem For All, Pentacle Theatre offers half-price tickets to individuals who have an Oregon Trail card.

LATECOMERS POLICY

Pentacle Theatre productions will begin on time. At intermission you will be ushered to an available seat. If you leave your seat during the performance, you will not be reseated. Sorry, no refunds for latecomers.

MASK REQUIREMENT

Pentacle Theatre values the safety and health of our patrons and volunteers. Masks are encouraged and recommended at all times in the theater building.

CONCESSIONS

Some concessions are available in the lobby. Wine and beer can be purchased along with an assortment of other beverages and brought with you to enjoy during the show. Remember, there is no food permited in the auditorium –but you CAN bring a beverage back upstairs with you. Purchase a souvenir cup and receive $1 off your next drink.

SMOKING

Smoking is allowed only in the designated area outside the lobby.

Exit Laughing in dress rehearsal. Photos by Vicki Woods.

PENTACLE THEATRE COURTESY

Cameras (with or without flash) and recording devices are strictly prohibited. Please turn off beepers and cell phones during the performance.

ADVERTISING

Advertise in Pentacle Theatre programs! All proceeds benefit Pentacle Theatre. Contact the business office for more information. Call 503-485-4300, or email operationsmanager@pentacletheatre.org.

HOW TO REACH US

Pentacle Theatre tickets and business office: 503-485-4300.

Online: pentacletheatre.org

MANY, MANY THANKS…

To our ushers. Pentacle Theatre could not be successful without the continued and dedicated help of our community.

PENTACLE THEATRE GOVERNING BOARD

Pentacle Theatre is an established not-for-profit theater company, providing a five-play season. A nine-member governing board assisted by committee chairpersons and countless other volunteers run the theater. Membership is open to all.

2023 GOVERNING BOARD AND STAFF

Secretary

Treasurer

Members-at-Large

Operations Manager

Technical Director

Lindbeck

Jaecks

Erik Davis, Kaelynn Kappes, Ken Hermens, Dani Potter, Bryan Toller

Steven Trahan

Chris Benham

Box Office Manager Kimberly Houser Taylor

Facilities Maintenance Coordinator Quinn Connolly

Bookkeeper Christie Smith

Pentacle Theatre would not be possible without the support of the following grantors:

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

August 11 to September 2

Written by Simon Stephens. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon. Directed by Debbie Neel.

Sponsored by Duchess and The Munchkn.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

September 29 to October 21

Book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and the music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak. Directed by Loriann Schmidt. Sponsored by David Hackleman and Stephanie Schoap, in Memory of Deb Hackleman and Mike Schoap.

The Play That Goes Wrong

November 17 to December 9

Written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields. Directed by Susan Schoaps.

Your Guide to the Weekend in Salem

Every week, get the rundown on Salem's can't-miss events in arts + entertainment + culture

YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

Ticket sales alone do not cover the cost of our productions. Your membership and donation help make this theater possible. Thank you! This list represents gifts between 1/1/2021 and 04/17/2023.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

($2,000+)

Clyde Otis Berry

Business Oregon, State of Oregon

City of Salem Urban

Renewal

Pamela Abernethy & Chris Fletcher

Beverly & Michael Carrick

Jean M. Linck & Forrest A. Colling

Sherry Collins

Sherry Collins, in Memory of Dr. Peter Ronai

Erik & Laura Davis

Jo Dodge

Leslie & Bill Glassmire

Linda & Dick Haglund

Kelli & Ron Jaecks

James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation

Jennifer Martinak

Patrick Moser

Oregon Arts Commission

Oregon Community Foundation

Donald and Lizabeth Rogers

Betsy & Richard Scott

U.S. Small Business Administration

Barbara & Bruce W. Thompson

Cherie & Craig Cline

Sally & Ray Hollemon

PRODUCER ($1,000+)

Allegheny Technologies in Honor of Emma Thurston

American Endowment Foundation

Sharlen R. Bennett

Sherry & Alan Bennett

Penny Blackwell

Virginia & Alex Bourdeau

Nancy & Doug Bovee

Laurene & Roger Brousseau

Eden Rose Brown

Mike Cechovic

Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Collada

Donations Made in Memory of David Cristobal

Fidelity Charitable

Jo Rita Gann

Jody & Mark Gordon

Gail A. Harbert

Tom M. Hewitt

Joe & Linda Hillesum

Lisa & Marty Johnson

Bruce E. Kepford

Bruce E. Kepford, in Honor of Dawn Hull, Richard Alexander, Ket Kwan, Lauren Klimoff and Kirk

Hansen

Bruce E. Kepford, Match to Robyn Chadwick

Bruce E. Kepford, in Honor of Anthony Redelsperger

Katie & Laslo Kolta

Shirley Koontz

Judith & Greg Linder

Lynelle Littke

Ann Lyman

Marion Cultural Development Corporation

Rus McCracken

Lorene McMurrin in Memory of Mrs. Althea

Stevens Ferris

Judith Morris

Vanessa Nordyke

Beverly A. North

Kay & Scott Reichlin

Robin & Benny Bower

Robin Bower

Joan Robinson

David Saewert

Salem Theatre Network

Kathy D. Saviers

Schwab Charitable

DIRECTOR ($500+)

David R. Ballantyne

Sibylle & Richard Beck

Linda D. Cress

Jeanne & Bill Dalton

Dick Day

Dean & Beth Vargas Duncan

Joyce & Mark Eklund

Pam & Roger Elliott

Pam & Roger Elliott, in Memory of Dallas Northcott

Oddny & Brad Everson

Darlene Fletcher

Beverly L. and Michael A. Freitas

Holly Giesbrecht

Frank Graney

Lois Hanson

Lois Harris

Paula Hartwig

Robynn & John L. Hayek

Cornelia B. Hoppe, in Memory of Ken & Marg Limbocker

Carolyn & Bob Howard

Jay Howe & Janet Gros

Jacques

Sherril & Lynn Hurt

Mary Ann B. Kosiewicz

Paul Allen Kyllo

Ellen Langsather

Connie Elaine LaRoche

Katie Lindbeck

Katie Lindbeck in Memory of David Cristobal

Linda Ann Lockwood

Ruth McGuire

Roberta W. Moore

Laurel & Hinrich Muller

Debbie & Mike Neel

Louise Larsen Fund of Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Community Foundation, Bob and Marypat Hill Family

Fund of Oregon Community Foundation

Liz & Don Oswalt

Peter & Cindy Rasmussen Charitable Fund

Sam's Transmission Llc

Scott Ramp

Kristin Ramstad

Susan & Richard Ray

Carol Kay Riedl

Susanna Rose

Ed Schoaps

Tom & Cesie Delve

Scheuermann

Lisa Godwin & Rick Segal

Christie L. Smith

Jim & Rhonda Lyn Thompson

Emma C. Thurston

Heather & Bryan Toller

Juanita & Lloyd Weigel

Gerald & Henrietta Wimer, in Memory of Ken Limbocker

Steven K. Wollenburg

Penny & Bill Wylie

Autumn Lynn Yongchu

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ($250+)

Arabas Family

Gayle McMurria & George Bachik

Katy & Charles Bayless

Leora Berger

Jenni E. Bertels

Jenni E. Bertels in Memory of David Cristobal

Carol Coley & Ron Boucher

Megan Brazo-Erickson in Memory of Charlene

Riley

Marlene Buker

Tracie B. Burger

Greg & Donna J. Burgess

Grover & Cheryl Carter

Susan F. Christensen

Diane & Aaron Clingerman

Tylee Cloyd

Gretchen Coppedge, in Memory of Dr. Jack Bellamy

Terry Cristobal

Dennis & Barbara Curtin

Miles

Merry Davidson

Annette Day

Lois & Dale Derouin

Edna Denton & Carel Dewinkel

Carol Doolittle

Patricia Ehrlich & James Willhite

Karen & Bill Farmer

Jean Kathy Fleck

Albert & Ginny Furtwangler

Thomas & Margaret Grove

Frank & Pat Gruber

David Hackleman

Walter D. Haight

Franca Hernandez

Brett Hochstetler

Gloria & Alan Holland

Nancy Hull

Patricia Johnson

Lisa Joyce

Norma Jean Standlea & Hank Keeton

Gail & Gary Knighten

David Kuhns

Fran J. Lattin

Ann & Joe Little

Jonathan Logan

Pauli Long

Sherry & Terry L. Lowells

Dr. Betsy McDowell & John Gussenhoven

Scott F. McGowan

Rachel McMillen Pratt

Nancy Moen, in Memory of Kevin Moen

Nancy & Kevin Moen

Ruth & Roger Monette

Network for Good

Jim & Sondra Nice

Hella Nordberg

Lisa J. Norris-Lampe

“This smartly written and insightful play offers hope and love in the end, even if things aren’t perfect. And how we see and respond to that journey to love and hope and second chances sort of tells us more about ourselves and how we see the world …” MD Theatre Guide