"On the Verge"

2023 - 2024 Carthage THEATRE Department Presents

March 15, 16, 21-23 | 7:30 pm March 17 | 3:00 pm Written by Eric Overmyer Directed by Herschel Kruger

facebook.com/carthagefinearts instagram.com/carthagefinearts 2001 Alford Park Drive Kenosha, WI, 53140

Get Tickets 24/7 carthage.edu/tickets Fine Arts Box Office | 262-551-6661 Tuesday - Friday, Noon - 5 p.m.

time and setting The play begins in 1888.

In Terra Incognita.

There will be one-fifteen minute intermission

cast and crew cast Mary......................................................................................... Annaliese Ruhs Fanny............................................................................... Paige “PJ” Hebbring Alex.......................................................................................... Jessie Skonesey Grover, Alphonse, The Gorge Troll, ................................Matthew Andresen The Yeti, Gus, Madame Nous, Mr. Coffee, Nicky Paradise

production and design team Director .................................................................................Herschel Kruger Stage Manager ............................................................................Lilia Hackert Scenic Designer....................................................... Maureen Chavez-Kruger Costume Designer ......................................................................Ani Gebauer Thesis Advisor for Costume Designer .....................................Kim Instenes Technical Director ............................................................. Zackary Simonini Sound & Projections Designer.................................................. Alyssa Sargis Scenic Charge .................................................................. Martin McClendon Assistant Scenic Charge ............................................................ Theresa Kalb Dramaturg/Assistant Director .......................................... Katie Layendecker Assistant Stage Manager......................................................... Lauryn Klinger Piano Recording ...............................................................Matthew Hougland Dialect Coach ................................................................... Martin McClendon Choreographer ........................................................................... Ellie Neybert Run Crew..................................................... Jasminda Hall, Emma Gilmann Sound Board Operator .............................................................. Alyssa Sargis Light Board Operator............................................................ Matthew Corgiat Spot Light Operator ................................................................... Juan Navarro Costume Crew Head..............................................................Emma Mehnert Costume Crew ..................... Sarah Loster, Maria Romero, McKenna Dehn

special thanks Ellie Neybert Dean Corinne Ness Professor Matthew Hougland

director’s note Welcome to our production of ON THE VERGE. I am thrilled to be sharing this production with you today. This play, written by Eric Overmyer, invites us to step into the shoes of three intrepid Victorian-era women as they embark on a journey through the uncharted fictional land of Terra Incognita.

These women are on a quest for knowledge as they share a keen sense of curiosity, wonder, and imagination. From the story of Adam and Eve to the curiosities of Galileo and Henrietta Leavitt, the daring of Amelia Earhart and Jessica Watson, and our friend the fictional Buzz Lightyear who strives to reach “infinity and Beyond” the human quest for adventure and the unknown is ever inspiring, and elevates the human condition into a deeper and more profound awareness of existence and ultimately the geography of yearning. As we delve into the world of ON THE VERGE, it is essential to grasp the whimsical and surreal nature of the script. The play is a unique blend of comedy, fantasy, and philosophical exploration. The characters, Mary, Fanny, and Alex, are not just travelers in space but also explorers of the mind and human spirit. The time and setting are open for interpretation in this production. Although we start in 1888, the forward action takes us to a magical and fictional world, and this flexibility provides us with a vast playground for creativity. Above all, remember that ON THE VERGE is an exploration – both for the characters on stage and for the audience. Allow the play’s enigmatic nature to captivate and provoke thought. We are on a journey of discovery, embracing the unknown with open minds and hearts.

Enjoy the exploration, and let the adventure begin!

cast biographies Annaliese Ruhs (Mary) is a Sophomore Music Theatre and Direction double major. Her past Carthage credits include Margaret White in CARRIE and Opera Workshop IN MEMORY OF MOZART. Annaliese has been a part of the WCDA Collegiate Honors choir in 2023 and 2024 as well the 2nd place finalist in the 2022 NATS Lower Collegiate Musical Theater Competition.

This past summer she served as a Music Operations Apprentice at the Glimmerglass Theatre and Opera Festival. She is also a member of the Carthage Choir, Lincoln Chamber Singers, and the Wind Orchestra. She would like to thank her parents for the love and support they’ve given her throughout her theatrical career.

Paige “PJ” Hebbring (Fanny) is a sophomore Theatre Major and a double minor in education and English. She is excited to take part in her fourth Carthage College production and to have been allowed to be a part of such a great team of artists. Her previous Carthage College Theater credits are for You 4- The Performer in THE GENDERLESS PLAY EXPIREMENT, chorus member in ANTIGONE, and as the Stage Manager for LUNGS. She is also a member of the Merely Players Improv Group. She wants to thank her friends, family, boyfriend, and bulldog Lucy for always supporting her theatrical endeavors (and busy schedule). She wishes everyone to have fun and enjoy the show! IG: itspjhebbring Jessie Skonesey (Alex) is a Theatre Performance major with a French minor.

Previous roles Jessie has played at Carthage were Antigone (ANTIGONE) in fall 2022 and Ms. Delaney (FML: HOW CARSON MCCULLERS SAVED MY LIFE) in spring 2023 and played the STRANGER in the 15th annual play initiative titled (THE GENDERLESS PLAY EXPERIMENT) in the fall of 2023 But most of all, she would like to thank Brian and Michelle Skonesey for their endless love and support in all that she does.

Matthew Andresen (Grover et. al) is a freshman Music Theatre major with a minor in Graphic Design. He is ecstatic and beyond grateful to be performing in his first production at Carthage! Past credits include: Pippin in PIPPIN, Uncle Fester in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and Juror 8 in 12 ANGRY JURORS. He has also performed a few seasons at Six Flags Great America. Matthew especially wants to thank his parents, family, friends, and boyfriend for their continuous support and encouragement along his performing journey! He hopes you enjoy the show! @matthewmandresen

production team biographies Herschel Kruger (Director, Department Chair and Professor of Theatre) Professor Kruger joined the Carthage faculty in 2005. During the 20082009 school year Professor Kruger established the New Play Initiative commissioning original works each year for the Carthage Theatre Program.

Professor Kruger has directed four of the new plays from this series including UP AND AWAY, written by Eric Simonson (KCACTF Citizen Artist Award, Distinguished Costume Design, and eight commendations for Distinguished Achievement, 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe participant) NO NAME, written by Jeffrey Hatcher (2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe participant), GHOST BIKE, written by Laura Jacqmin (2013, five KCACTF national awards including; Distinguished New Play, Directing, Lighting Design, Sound Design, and Outstanding Scenic Design) HONEST, written

by Eric Simonson (2010, winner of four KCACTF national awards including Distinguished Curricular Development, Playwriting, and two Distinguished Performance awards). Additionally, Herschel directed the staged reading of Mikaley Osley’s One-Act play MATILDA’S CHARACTER which was named a KCACTF Region 3 winner. This past January Professor Kruger was honored with the KCACTF Gold Medallion. The Medallion honors individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theatre and who have significantly dedicated their time, artistry and enthusiasm to the development of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Professor Kruger has directed more than 30 productions at Carthage, and teaches both acting and directing classes, and a variety of other theatre classes. He has led ten separate J-term study tours to Greece, New York City (6), Scotland (2), and Germany to study and perform theatre.

He has worked as an actor and director in New York, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Professor Kruger earned his MFA in acting from the University of Illinois, is a graduate of the National Shakespeare Conservatory Professional Actors Training program in New York City, and holds a BA in Theatre Communication from Cardinal Stritch University. Herschel is thrilled once again to be collaborating with his wife Maureen on this production. We’re always better when we’re together.

Katie Layendecker (Dramaturg/Assistant Director) (She/Her) is a junior Theater Performance and English major with a Creative Writing emphasis at Carthage College. She played messenger/chorus in ANTIGONE Fall 2022, was a part of the SURE project to help write the Kenosha Verbatim Project Summer 2022-Spring 2023, and played You 2- The Educator in THE GENDERLESS PLAY EXPERIMENT. She has also been in THE GLASS MENAGERIE Fall 2021 and ELEEMOSYNARY Fall 2022 for directing scenes.

This is her first time being a dramaturg and assistant Director at Carthage.

production team biographies She has loved the opportunity to learn how to assistant direct and be a dramaturg throughout this process. She would like to thank all of her family and friends who have always supported her in her theatre dreams. She is very excited to have everyone see this show and have as much fun with it as she did.

Zackary “SLiM” Simonini (Technical Director) is thrilled to be working with the Carthage team yet again. SLiM is professor of Stagecraft here at Carthage and enjoys being able to continue to make theatre magic! Check him out in his movie debut of Planetquake as Foreman Davis. He would like to thank his family, friends, Tommy, and his lovely superstar of a wife Allison Simonini.

All of these wonderful people are owed a thank you for encouraging SLiM to continue to pursue a life in the arts.

Kim Instenes (Thesis Advisor of Costume Designer, Associate Professor of Theatre) holds an MFA in Costume Design and Technology from Ohio University, and a BA in Theatre from UW-Whitewater. Kim continues to work as a freelance costume and make-up designer in the Milwaukee/ Chicago area. Professional design credits include THE SNOW and BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, as well as the musical BIG at Milwaukee’s First Stage Children’s Theatre, the JEEVES Trilogy and INDECENT at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and numerous shows at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Renaissance Theatre Works, Utah Shakespearean Festival and the Racine Theatre Guild. Design work at Carthage includes SOMETHING ROTTEN and costumes for the world premieres of NO NAME

by Jeffrey Hatcher and GHOST BIKE by Laura Jacqmin, to name a few.

GHOST BIKE won her a Certificate of Merit from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for costume and makeup design and an invitation to show her work at the Festival. Kim is excited to be a part of the Theatre Department here at Carthage as it strengthens and strives to create theatre artists of the highest quality. She enjoys the thrill of watching a student understand what a costume does for their character and watching that character come to life as a result. She would also like to thank her family, husband Doug, and children, Lauren and Dalen, for their continued support of her creative endeavors.

Maureen Chavez-Kruger (Scenic Designer and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theatre) is delighted to be a part of the 2023-24 season and celebrating the return of in person theatre to the Carthage and Kenosha community.

Regional design work includes productions at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, First Stage, Next Act Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Lawrence University, and UW-Milwaukee: Peck School of the Arts. Most recent scenic design: Nuncrackers, Beehive: The 60’s Musical, My Way at the

production team biographies Milwaukee Repertory Theatre: Carrie, fml: How Carson McCullers Saved My Life, Patience and Fortitude, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, and Romeo and Juliet Walk into a Bar at Carthage College; and Bonnie and Clyde, Twelfth Night at UW-Milwaukee: Peck School of the Arts. Maureen holds an MFA in Scene Design from Boston University and served as a board member for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (2014-2020).

Lilia Hackert (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is a freshman at Carthage, who is double majoring in stage management and business management. She is so excited to be working on her first college play and jumping into this new opportunity! Previously, she has worked on IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, NEWSIES, UNHEARD, and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her in this new stage of her life, as well as this amazing cast and crew. She would also like to thank the cast and crew of GPE and especially thank Paige Downey for being such a wonderful stage manager and mentor to her throughout this process.

Lauryn Klinger (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman at Carthage, and a double major in English and Theater Directing. This is her second show at Carthage, as she previously was one of the Assistant Stage Managers in CARRIE. Performance credits include: The Captain in ANYTHING GOES and Rudolfo in MATILDA, and King Agnaar in FROZEN JR. with FORTE THEATER COMPANY. She is thrilled to be working with this wonderful cast and crew, and is excited for you to see the show! IG: laurynamelie_ Ani Gebauer (Costume Designer, she/they pronouns) is a senior costume design major and is very excited to present the costume design for On The Verge as their senior thesis. Their previous designs at Carthage College include MEMENTO MORI and CONSTELLATIONS. They received a certificate of merit from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for their designs for Memento Mori. They would like to thank their family, friends, and professors for their constant support for her creative endeavors.

Ani Gebauer (Costume Designer, she/they pronouns) is a senior costume design major and is very excited to present the costume design for On The Verge as their senior thesis. Their previous designs at Carthage College include MEMENTO MORI and CONSTELLATIONS. They received a certificate of merit from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for their designs for Memento Mori. They would like to thank their family, friends, and professors for their constant support for her creative endeavors.

production team biographies Alyssa Sargis (Sound and Projection Designer) is a freshman theatre major.

Alyssa’s focus is on theatre education as well as technical theatre. This past fall she was the sound mixer for the production of THE GENDERLESS PLAY EXPERIMENT. She is excited to bring her first designs to the Carthage stage.

the kennedy center

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, part of the Rubenstein Arts Access Program, is generously funded by David M. Rubenstein.

Special thanks to The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust for supporting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

Additional support is provided by The Honorable Stuart Bernstein and Wilma E. Bernstein; and the Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation.

Kennedy Center education and related artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts.

This production is entered in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The aims of this national theater education program are to identify and promote quality in college-level theater production. To this end, each production entered is eligible for a response by a regional KCACTF representative, and selected students and faculty are invited to participate in KCACTF programs involving scholarships, internships, grants and awards for actors, directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, designers, stage managers and critics at both the regional and national levels.

Productions entered on the Participating level are eligible for invitation to the KCACTF regional festival and may also be considered for national awards recognizing outstanding achievement in production, design, direction and performance.

Last year more than 1,500 productions were entered in the KCACTF involving more than 200,000 students nationwide. By entering this production, our theater department is sharing in the KCACTF goals to recognize, reward, and celebrate the exemplary work produced in college and university theaters across the nation.

upcoming events You Do Not Walk Alone - A Benefit Concert Saturday, March 16 • 2 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel Lakeside Piano Festival Concert, featuring students from Carthage College Friday, March 22 • 7:00 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel Lakeside Piano Festival Community Concert Saturday, March 23 • 5:45 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel Lakeside Piano Festival, PAS Concert featuring guest artist Winston Choi Saturday, March 23 • 7:30 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel Ticket purchase required.

PAS Kaia Quartet and Philharmonic Joint Concert Tuesday, March 26 • 7:30 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel Ticket purchase required.

Away from the Mirror Friday, April 5 • 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 6 • 7:30 p.m.

Wartburg Theatre Ticket purchase required.

The Arts at Carthage acknowledges that the land on which our building stands is part of the traditional Potawatomi, Sioux, Peoria, Kickapoo, and Miami peoples past, present, and future. These homelands reside along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes. We honor with gratitude the land itself, and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations. Many Indigenous peoples thrive in this place—alive and strong, and this calls us to commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the land we inhabit as well.

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Get tickets 24/7 at carthage.edu/tickets or 262-551-6661 noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday