Big Noise Theatre - Born Yesterday_single

presents

by Garson Kanin

January 18-February 3, 2013

Catherine Davis Director Martha Shuford Costume Design

Emily Guthrie Scenic Design

Matt Kooi Lighting Design

Theresa Kerrigan Associate Costumer

Jason Clark Master Carpenter

Ashley Gronek Assistant Stage Manager

Maggie Neumayer Stage Manager

Gail Soberski Associate Producer Peter Rasey Producer

Big Noise Theatre Company is a division of Winnetka Theatre and a member of the League of Chicago Theatres. The use of recording devices, as well as the taking of flash photographs, is strictly prohibited. No smoking allowed.

“Born Yesterday” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatist’s Play Service, Inc, New York

847.604.0275 * www.bignoise.org * info@bignoisetheatre.org Born Yesterday

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c a s t o f c h a r ac t e r s Billie Dawn...................................................................................................................................Justine Klein Harry Brock......................................................................................................................... Jerome Marzullo Paul Verrall..................................................................................................................................... Ross Currie Ed Devery........................................................................................................................................Brian Parry Eddie Brock............................................................................................................................... Lane Wheeler Senator Norval Hedges........................................................................................................Frank Murphy Mrs. Hedges/Helen, a maid.............................................................................................. Mary Campbell Assistant Manager/Bootblack.................................................................................................Peter Rasey Maid/Manicurist.....................................................................................................................Ashley Gronek Bellhop/Barber/Waiter................................................................................................................Erik Martin set ting A Washington, D.C. hotel, 1946

progr a m Act I:.................................................................................................................................................. September **Intermission** Act II, scene 1:......................................................................................................About two months later Act II, scene 2:........................................................................................................................ Late that night Appreciation is hereby acknowledged to Cole Porter, the author and composer of the song “Anything Goes.”

With great admiration and appreciation, Big Noise Theatre dedicates this season in honor of Joyce Bishop and in memory of Peter B. Verdico.

Joyce Bishop is a founding member of the Winnetka Theatre Board of Governors.

She is the longest serving board member in our theatre’s history, tirelessly and graciously devoting her time to the Board of Governors of both Winnetka Theatre and Big Noise Theatre until her recent retirement. With much gratitude for her devoted commitment, we applaud Joyce’s many contributions to our theatre both as a board member and onstage as an actor.

Peter Verdico was a beloved actor appearing on our stage in Over the River and Through the Woods, Damn Yankees, Footloose, Urinetown, and The Drowsy Chaperone. He was a mentor and dear friend of Big Noise Theatre and many in the Chicagoland theatre community. His warm personality, energetic presence, hearty laugh, wisdom and guidance will be truly missed. We are truly grateful to Peter and his family for designating Big Noise Theatre for his memorial donations.

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p r o d u c t i o n s ta f f Producer.........................................................................................................................................Peter Rasey Associate Producer..................................................................................................................Gail Soberski Director.................................................................................................................................. Catherine Davis Stage Manager...............................................................................................................Maggie Neumayer Scenic Design...........................................................................................................................Emily Guthrie Costume Design................................................................................................................. Martha Shuford Associate Costumer.........................................................................................................Theresa Kerrigan Lighting Design............................................................................................................................... Matt Kooi Light Execution....................................................................................................................Aaron Andrews Sound Design.............................................................................................................................. Tom French Master Carpenter......................................................................................................................... Jason Clark Scenic Painter.....................................................................................................................Sharon Damisch Assistant Directors.........................................................................Maggie Neumayer, Ashley Gronek Assistant Stage Manager....................................................................................................Ashley Gronek Wig Design......................................................................................................................Gretchen Kimmeth Make Up Design....................................................................................................................Linda Andrews Fight Choreography Consultant...................................................................................Zach Livingston Stage Crew.......................................................................................................................... Mildred Schmalz Tickets................................................................................................................................Marsha Rutenberg Press/Media Relations Manager.........................................................................................Tom Coppola Website/Graphics......................................................................................................................... Ann Stuart Photography............................................................................................................................ Amy Sumpter Auditions........................................................................................................Daiva Paulis, Ashley Gronek Program..........................................................................................................................................Peter Rasey House Manager...............................................................................Big Noise Theatre Board Members special thanks Shelli Sarg and the Prairie Lakes Community Center staff Gina Di Sandro and the Winnetka Community House staff Jim and Nancy Moran Dan Primozic and Oce North America

DeMarco, Kinnaman, Lewis & Company Brad Rose and Highland Park Players The Saints WR Imaging M13 Graphics

b i g n o i s e t h e at r e / w i n n e t k a t h e at r e b oa r d o f g ov e r n o r s Jon Cunningham President Michelle Cunningham Vice-President Marsha Rutenberg Treasurer Rob Smith Secretary Nancy Flaster Artistic Director 4

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Aaron Andrews Daiva Paulis Linda Andrews Scott J. Sumerak Marian Kaderbek Tom Walker Steve Malone Melissa Young Amanda Nianick

cast Biogr aphies MARY CAMPBELL (Mrs. Hedges/Helen) is so happy to be a part of yet another Big Noise production; she is also pleased as punch to once again work under the guidance of Catherine Davis. Mary was last seen on stage as Maggie in Highland Park Players’ 42nd Street.

Big Noise audiences may remember her as Mrs. Tottendale in The Drowsy Chaperone, and as Vi in Footloose. Mary welcomes the opportunity to perform in a show not requiring choreography or musical rehearsals-for now! She is excited to meet so many wonderful people and thanks to all involved in the production for your support, to the audience for your support, and to Peter Verdico for watching over all of us to make sure we behave.

ROSS CURRIE (Paul Verrall) was born in Muskegon, Michigan, but spent most of his life in Scotland where he began acting at age nine. After high school, he studied acting for three years at Reid Kerr College where he performed Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Good Person of Szechwan. After graduating with Diplomas in Performance and Dance, he enrolled at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he studied for another three years to get his BA. Along with performing in The Ruling Class and playing the lead in Dying for It, his training included workshops led by industry professionals such as Dennis Lawson and Kevin Spacey, as well as touring to Germany with The Tempest.

Ross’s other projects included seven short films and two features, and after a part in Lip Service for the BBC, he decided to move back to America. Since then, he has been involved in productions in Muskegon and Whitehall including Boeing-Boeing, Joseph…, and Cymbeline. He currently lives in Evanston.

ASHLEY GRONEK (Maid/Manicurist) is ecstatic to be involved in another Big Noise production; this is her 4th show with the group! She is thankful for the opportunity to co-assistant direct and assistant stage managing for Born Yesterday. It has been fun, rewarding, and a great learning experience. In addition to these roles, Ashley returns to stage performance as the manicurist and maid, after a few years of strictly behind-the-scenes theater work.

Thank you to the cast and crew for your hard work and deduction, you are an inspiration! Special shout outs to: Maggie and Catherine - for taking me under your wing and giving me the tools to succeed; and my fiancé Andrew - for believing in me and supporting my love of the arts.

JUSTINE KLEIN (Billie Dawn) is so excited to have this opportunity to play one of her dream roles. Some other Chicago area credits include The 25th Annual...Spelling Bee, Hairspray, LaChiusa’s The Wild Party, and various roles as a company member with Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences.

Other credits include Grease, Sunday in the Park with George, Moby Dick! The Musical, Assassins, and Beauty and the Beast. My most heartfelt thanks to my wonderful friends and incomparable family, who have shown me more love and support than I deserve, and especially to Katie for enabling an unhealthy obsession and, of course, to Judy Holliday for setting such a brilliant example.

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ERIK MARTIN (Bellhop/ Barber/Waiter) has been very active in the last year, appearing in Rehearsal for Murder, Parish Craft Show, and See How They Run at James Downing Theatre and in The Dining Room at Theatre in the Woods. He graduated from UW-La Crosse with a B.A. in Communication Studies and worked in radio in La Crosse for two years. He was also in a sketch comedy group in Milwaukee. Recently, he was the assistant director for Squabbles at James Downing Theatre and appeared in the short play Land of Lincoln for Table and Chairs 2012 at the Viaduct Theatre.

JEROME MARZULLO (Harry Brock) Big Noise debut. Originally from Chicago, Jerry received a BA in Theater from the University of Illinois Chicago, where he appeared as Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire, Ernesto Roma in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, and Leslie in Seascape. After a 25-year hiatus from the stage, favorite roles in Minnesota include Santiago in Anna in the Tropics, Duke Mantee in The Petrified Forest, (one of City Page’s 10 best of 2006), Claudius in Hamlet, MacDuff in Macbeth, Sir Anthony Absolute in The Rivals, Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, Martin in Nimbus Theater’s 2006 area premier of Edward Albee’s The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? and Pops Nunzio in Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding. He recently appeared as Don Corleone in Commedia Beauregard’s

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Corleone, and as The Wolf in their production of Bard Fiction. He’d like to thank Peter and Catherine for the opportunity to work with such a talented ensemble.

FRANK MURPHY (Sen. Norval Hedges) has been working in Chicago theatre since 1993. He was last seen in Actletigo’s production of Throwing Heat as Mgr. Eric Risner.

Other Chicago credits include Detective Cole in Stop Kiss with Brown Couch Theatre, Dr. Stockman in Enemy of the People with Keyhole Players, Officer Pete Scanlon in Offbeats, and Giles Corey in The Crucible, both with Infamous Theatre Co. Frank is excited to debut with Big Noise and this talented cast and crew. Thanks to my friends and family for their constant support, and last but not least to my wonderful wife, Vera, for always being there for me.

BRIAN PARRY (Ed Devery) is delighted to reunite with so many theatre friends (as well as making many new ones) in his first Big Noise production.

Other suburban appearances include Attic Playhouse, Lake Zurich Players, Northshore Theatre of Wilmette and Starlight Theatre. An ensemble member of Redtwist Theatre in Chicago’s Edgewater district, favorite roles there include Johnnypateenmike in The Cripple of Inishmaan, Carl in Opus (reprised at Theatre on the Lake), Shelly Levene in the infamously gender-bent Glengarry,

Glen Ross, Dysart in Equus, Jack Lewis in Shadowlands and John in Shining City, for which he received the Jeff Award for best performance in a supporting role.

He’s also been seen on the stages of Lifeline, Steep, Eclipse, Northlight, Court, Wisdom Bridge and Oak Park Festival Theatres. Thanks, Carol.

PETER RASEY (Asst.

Manager/Bootblack) See Production profile.

LANE WHEELER (Eddie Brock) Lane’s first collaboration with Winnetka Theater/Big Noise was in 1993, when he ran the spotlight for Closer than Ever, followed by his WT on-stage debut in Oklahoma. Since that time, Lane has appeared in more than 45 shows with several theater companies throughout Chicagoland, as well as stage crew, stage managing, directing, and producing. Some favorite roles with BNT are Preacher Haggler in Dark of the Moon, The Body in Lucky Stiff, Esteban in Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Lady Boxington in The Little Mermaid, and The Dragon in Sleeping Beauty, a role that involved some interesting adventures on stilts. Lane is very excited to be performing with this remarkably talented cast and crew. He thanks his lovely wife Sheila for encouraging him to “go out and play,” and his talented daughter Starae for encouraging him with “Sure, Dad, whatever.”

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p r o d u c t i o n s ta f f B i o g r a p h i e s CATHERINE DAVIS (Director) is honored to be directing Born Yesterday, having also directed Beau Jest and Butterflies Are Free for Big Noise Theatre. Catherine has worked as a director and educator since earning an MA in theatre, accumulating over 110 full-length productions to her directing credit, was a Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee member, was Suburban Coordinator for SEASON OF CONCERN, created improvisation troupes, put together original mime shows, and toured / created / wrote / directed children’s theatre. She recently retired from teaching after a thirty-seven year career.

Every performance is dedicated to her loving family, without whom inspiration and opportunity would not exist.

MARTHA SHUFORD (Costumer) is happy to return to Big Noise and join this talented group of actors and staff for Born Yesterday.

BNT credits include Butterflies Are Free and Beau Jest, and she’s happy to design something with a period flair! Martha has been costuming in Wilmette for Wilmette Children’s Theater, The North Shore Theater of Wilmette, and The Starlight Theater for the past several years. Most recent shows include The Producers, The Little Mermaid, Brigadoon, Guys and Dolls, and Blithe Spirit.

She also has costumed for Prairie Lakes Theater here in Des Plaines, which keeps Martha pretty busy and out of trouble for the most part. “Thanks Peter for the opportunity! Congratulations to the cast and staff on a great show!”

MAGGIE NEUMAYER (Stage Manager) is excited to be back at Big Noise this winter!

Since earning her Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre from Columbia College Chicago, Maggie has stage managed for Citadel Theatre Company, Highland Park Players, Chicago Folks Operetta, and Metropolis Performing Arts CentreSOPA. Recently, she has also dabbled in props design at Metropolis, and loves every minute of it. She’d like to thank her family and friends for supporting her in the art that she loves! And big thanks to the production team and cast for all their tremendous work!

THERESA KERRIGAN (Associate Costumer) is very happy to return to Big Noise and to work with such a wonderful cast and crew.

Previous Winnetka/Big Noise costuming credits include Lost in Yonkers, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, and Sunday in the Park with George. She is also currently costuming the Winnetka Theatre for Young Audience’s production of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. Theresa thanks Peter, Catherine, and Martha for including her in Born Yesterday.

EMILY GUTHRIE (Set Design) Originally from Cincinatti, OH, Emily earned a BFA/ Scenic Design from the Theater School at DePaul University and is a graduate of the Properties Apprenticeship Program at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Emily is a company member of Red Tape Theatre and a freelance designer and artist in Chicago.

Area credits include TimeLine, Redtwist Theatre, Highland Park Players, Emerald City, Greenetree Productions, Theatre 7, Harpo Studios, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Emily is currently the properties overhire at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

MATT KOOI (Lighting Design) is happy to be working on his fourth season with Big Noise Theater. His previous Big Noise credits include: RENT, All Shook Up, Spelling Bee, Beau Jest, How to Succeed in Business, Butterflies are Free, Leader of the Pack, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Matt also works with Oakton Community College, Triton College, and House of Blues Chicago. He would like to thank the production team, cast, and crew for the opportunity and his wife, Kathryn, for her support.

JASON CLARK (Set Construction) Big Noise welcomes Jason back for his fourth production with us after Jason built our sets for Jesus Christ Superstar, Leader of the Pack and Butterflies are Free. It is a pleasure to work with Jason as he always seems Born Yesterday

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p r o d u c t i o n s ta f f B i o g r a p h i e s agreeable to any task he is presented by our designers! Jason has much experience in set construction and he is also a talented actor and director. We hope to have him on our team for many more shows.

ASHLEY GRONEK (Asst Director/Assistant Stage Manager) See Cast profile.

AARON ANDREWS (Light Execution) Aaron is pleased to continue his role with Big Noise Theatre as the company lighting technician. Past productions include Sunday in the Park with George, RENT, All Shook Up, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Beau Jest, The Drowsy Chaperone, How to Succeed…, Butterflies are Free, and Leader of the Pack. Whether in the booth or clambering the catwalks above he is always ready to light up the stage. He sends his love to Linda, and congratulations to the cast and crew for another great production. Enjoy the show!

GAIL SOBERSKI (Associate Producer) is thrilled to be working with Big Noise on Born Yesterday. Some prior producing credits include You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Joseph…, Scrooge, the Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie with Footlighters Theatre and Jekyll & Hyde, Miss Saigon, and Steel Magnolias with NSTW. In a previous life, Gail was on the other side of the stage acting and singing in favorite shows, such as, Joseph…, The Music Man (Alma Hicks), Singin’ in the Rain (Dora Bailey), Miss Saigon, Damn Yankees, Anything Goes, Sweet Charity, and State Fair. Gail thanks Catherine, Peter, and Marsha for the opportunity. I have enjoyed working with all of you and I hope I have more opportunities to do so again in the future.

Much love to her kids, Mike and Meg. To my wonderful husband, Frank, I love you and thank you for your love and support.

Enjoy the Show!

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PETER RASEY (Producer) has produced or co-produced Big Noise Theatre’s productions of Butterflies Are Free, Beau Jest, Sunday in the Park with George, Lost in Yonkers, Amadeus, and Chess, as well as Little Shop of Horrors for Up and Coming Theatre. A former member of the Board of Governors, he has also appeared in a number of their shows over the years, most recently in Leader of the Pack. He has also enjoyed working on publicity and scenic painting on occasion. Elsewhere, Peter is a choreographer and director, most recently on HPP’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Peter is very fond of vodka martinis, extra olives. Cheers and thanks to the cast and staff. Dedicated to my dear Aunt Marion.

b e c o m e a n a n g e l ...

Angels are the financial backers of theatre productions. Your financial support allows us to produce excellent shows at affordable prices. Send your check (payable to Winnetka Theatre, our corporate parent) along with your name as you wish it to appear in the program to Marsha Rutenberg, Treasurer, 1895 Clavey Road, Highland Park, IL, 60035. Winnetka Theatre is a 501(c)3 organization, so your contribution is tax deductible. Thank you!

Corporate Sponsor Joan & James Leeney, Jr. Peter Latto & Associates Archangels $1000 + Sandy & Nancy Flaster Bill and Marsha Rutenberg

Angels $200-$900 Michelle and Jon L. Cunningham Marian & Stan Kaderbek Emilie and Jesse Lynn Lois and Howard Samuels

Cherub $5 - $199 Robert W. Baird & Company Nancy and Jim Moran Lorraine Tancredi

donors Contributions from the following were made to Big Noise Theatre In Memory of Peter B. Verdico Susan and Joe Adler Gene & Lovi Aiello Joyce Bishop Gail and James Brophy Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization Church of the Holy Ghost Christine & Anthony Clementi Rosie & Al Coletta Michelle & Jon Cunningham Nancy & Ralph Dantino Nancy & Sandy Flaster Mr. & Mrs. John Fletcher Maureen Flood Joanne & Jim Jarems

Dawn & Mark Johnson Robert and Gretchen Kimmeth and Family Judy Klarfeld Michael & Joyce Lopushinsky Michael T. Lopushinksy JoAnn & Herbie Minds Amie & Roger Orzell Antonella & Annunziato Pulice Valerie & Robert Robinson Marsha & Bill Rutenberg Lisa & Michael Stambuly Tom, Ginny, Lori and Kim(Moustis) Skubich Deborah & Bruce Thesen Julie Verdico

R e c e n t B i g N o i s e T h e at r e s h ow h i s to r y 2005-06

2008-09

2011-12

Once Upon a Matress Over the River and Through the Woods Jane Eyre

Beehive On Golden Pond Sunday in the Park with George

How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying Butterflies Are Free Leader of the Pack

2006-07

2009-10

2012-13

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change The Beard of Avon Aspects of Love

Rent I Hate Hamlet All Shook Up

Jesus Christ Superstar Born Yesterday Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

2007-08

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Beau Jest The Drowsey Chaperone

Footloose Over the Tavern Urinetown

2010-11

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Book by Neil Simon, Music by Cy Coleman, Lyrics by Dorothy Fields Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano Produced for the Broadway stage by Fryer, Carr and Harris Conceived, Staged and Choreographed by Bob Fosse

Musical Direction by Doug Peck Choreographed by Jessica Redish Directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam

Performed at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe

JANUARY 22 - MARCH 31, 2013 The classic dance musical scored for a live jazz combo!

By John W. Lowell Directed by Kimberly Senior Featuring Kate Fry and Mark L. Montgomery

Performed at 664 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe

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