Cardinal Stritch University - The Spitfire Grill

Playwrights Horizons, New York City, produced the New York Premiere of The Spitfire Grill Off-Broadway in 2001 The Spitfire Grill received its World Premiere production by the George Street Playhouse on November 5, 2000 David Saint, Artistic Director / Michael Stotts, Managing Director

2 013 - 2 014 T H E AT E R S E A S O N Hello and welcome to our 37th year of bringing you great theater at Cardinal Stritch University. This season we have chosen to present shows that deal with new beginnings and overcoming obstacles. Whether it is unemployment, the loss of a child, or dealing with a broken relationship, the characters this season are all forging a new beginning in their lives; and we will examine their journey to a better place.

This year our department is in the midst of dealing with our own journey to a new beginning. David Oswald, former Chair of Theater at Cardinal Stritch University retired last July after a 35 year career at Stritch. We dedicate this season to David, who was our friend, teacher, colleague and leader for so many years. He will be greatly missed.

David came to Stritch in 1978 only a year after the theater department was started in the basement of Dun Scotus Hall. After several years, David became Chair of the Theater Department. Through his leadership the department grew and thrived, first moving to the newly built Schroeder Auditorium, then finally in 1997 coming to our new home, the beautiful Nancy Kendall Theater in the Joan Steele Stein Center. David taught and inspired countless students, many of whom are working in the professional theater in Milwaukee and across the country. David had a reputation for being tough, but necessarily so. Even if you didn’t always agree with him, you knew he had your best interests in mind. David has formed many lasting relationships with his students, many of whom continue to seek his advice long after graduation.

David had a favorite quote about the theater he liked to read at special occasions and I think it sums up the philosophy of our department.

No show is completely over The lights are dim The stage is empty The members of the audience have gone back to their daily life But the echoes of what once was will ring forever in the memories of all of us who helped make it happen Theater is magic It is being a part of something larger than yourself In a world so often dimmed by hard times and discontent theater is a heartening reminder that wonderful things can happen when we work together This season, as we face our own new beginning, we carry on the legacy David has left for us. The legacy of creating great theater focused on education and creating a caring community.

The tradition continues. Enjoy the show!

Robert J. Liebhauser Chair of Theater 2

Cardinal Stritch University

D I R E C TO R ’ S N O T E S THE SPITFIRE GRILL by James Valcq and Fred Alley had its first preview at Playwright’s Horizons in New York two days before 9/11 and four months after the untimely and tragic death of author Fred Alley. These dramatic events would be enough to dismantle any show, but Spitfire survived and has thrived with more than 500 productions from across the U.S. to London, Korea and Singapore.

I have been privileged to work with both authors in Milwaukee and New York, with James Valcq on his ever delightful ZOMBIES FROM THE BEYOND, and in Door County with Fred Alley who was a founding member of American Folklore Theatre. Their collaboration gave voice to each of them and it has given us this wonderful piece of theater. On opening night of the New York production, Stephen Sondheim found James at intermission and said, “I’m touched, I’m moved, it’s glorious, and I love it!”

With respect, admiration and love, I’d like to dedicate my work on this production in honor of James Valcq and in memory of Fred Alley.

Enjoy your time in Gilead.

Pam Kriger CAST Percy Talbott...............................................................................................................................Natasha Laws Hannah Ferguson...............................................................................................................Olivia Ludwiczak Shelby Thorpe..........................................................................................................................Rebecca Crane Caleb Thorpe............................................................................................................................. Austin Gomez Sheriff Joe Sutter...............................................................................................................Michael Wright Jr. Effy Krayneck.................................................................................................................................... Izetta Voss The Visitor...................................................................................................................................Hugh Blewett ORCHESTR A Pit Conductor...............................................................................................................................Jayne Latva Keyboard..................................................................................................................................... Chris Wszalek Guitar/Mandolin................................................................................................................................ Fred Pike P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Director............................................................................................................................................. Pam Kriger Music Director.....................................................................................................................Ruben Piirainen Pit Conductor...............................................................................................................................Jayne Latva Scenic Designer.....................................................................................................................Rick Rasmussen Lighting Designer..................................................................................................................... Justin Peters Costume Designer.......................................................................................................Robert J. Liebhauser Technical Director........................................................................................................................ Allyn Weber Stage Manager..................................................................................................................... Roxanne Dobbs Assistant Stage Managers/Props................................................. Megan Linzmeyer, Steven Thomas Sound Designer...........................................................................................................................Seth Hallett Wardrobe........................................................................................................................................Anna Hecht Program Layout................................................................................................................. Karen Mihopulos Promotional Material.......................................................................................................... Brianna Dorney The Spitfire Grill

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Photographs..............................................................................................................................Cassie Goulais Set Construction Crew......................................................Alex Bouchard, Mario Funcic, Haleigh Gill, Austin Gomez, Seth Hallet, Devin Jackson, Natasha Laws, Katelyn Lindgren, Megan Linzmeyer, Hallie Bissett, Diana Nunez, Sadie Rockett, Steven Thomas Light Board Operator........................................................................................................ Katelyn Lindgren Sound Board Operator..............................................................................................................Seth Hallett Spotlight Operators.............................................................................. Alex Bouchard, Monty Sanford Concessions.................................................................................................................................. Erin Schilder MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT ONE A Ring Around the Moon...................................................................................................................... Percy Something’s Cooking at the Spitfire Grill..................................................................................Company Out of the Frying Pan............................................................................................................................. Percy When Hope Goes..................................................................................................................................Shelby Ice and Snow.................................................................................................................. Caleb, Joe and Effy The Colors of Paradise.................................................................................................... Percy and Shelby Digging Stone..........................................................................................................................................Caleb This Wide Woods.....................................................................................................................Joe and Percy Forgotten Lullaby.............................................................................................................................. Hannah Shoot the Moon.....................................................................................................Hannah and Company ACT TWO Come Alive Again..................................................................................................Hannah and Company Forest for the Trees..................................................................................................................................... Joe Wild Bird..................................................................................................................................................Shelby Shine.......................................................................................................................................................... Percy Way Back Home................................................................................................................................. Hannah Finale.................................................................................................................................................Company There will be one 15 minute intermission.

CAST BIOGR APHIES Hugh Blewett, The Visitor. Senior Theater/Writing major. Hugh has performed in community/ semi-professional theater in Milwaukee and has worked on many films in the Milwaukee area including the feature horror film THE HOMECOMING QUEEN. This is his 16th performance on the Stritch stage. Hugh has also worked as an actor and coordinator for Flash Theater at Stritch, as the head of Strimprov, 4

Cardinal Stritch University

and worked on several student directed shows in the studio space. A few of his past favorite shows include ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, INDIAN BLOOD (Lambert), RUMPELSTILTSKIN (Rumpelstiltskin), THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, CHARLOTTE’S WEB (Templeton), SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE (Professor Moriarty), IRENA’S VOW (Roman Haller), AN EVENING WITH NOEL COWARD, and RABBIT HOLE (Jason). Hugh has just started his own film company, Lost Star Films, LLC. This is Hugh’s last show. It’s been a thrilling and exciting four years.

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Rebecca Crane, Shelby Thorpe. Senior Musical Theater major. Rebecca is very honored to be involved with THE SPITFIRE GRILL. Past roles at Stritch: the Old Lady/ Princess in THE SHOEMAKER AND THE ELVES, Beth in LITTLE WOMEN, Charlotte in CHARLOTTE’S WEB, Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS, Janet in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, an ensemble member in RUMPELSTILTSKIN, a Courtesan in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, and Hope in URINETOWN THE MUSICAL. She is grateful to have worked with such a wonderful group of students and faculty over the years. Much thanks to Carol, Chris and Wendelin, and to Pam, Robert and David. Hugs to family and friends, and all her love to Kyle and her son Colton.

Austin Gomez, Caleb Thorpe. Senior Theater major. Austin has been lucky enough to be in several shows including THE SHOEMAKER AND THE ELVES as Lockhart Cobblestone, SHAKESPEARE’S WOMEN as Male #1, RABBIT HOLE as Howie, PIRATES OF PENZANCE, LITTLE WOMEN as John Brooke, AN EVENING WITH NOEL COWARD as Hubert Charteris and Henry Gow, THE LITTLE MERMAID as King Neptune, IRENA’S VOW as Schultz, SHERLOCK HOLMES; THE FINAL ADVENTURE as Watson, CHARLOTTE’S WEB as Wilbur, QUIET IN THE LAND as Christy, INTO THE WOODS as Cinderella’s Father, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE as Ganster 2, RUMPELSTILTSKIN as Father, ALMOST, MAINE as Phil and Lendall, COMEDY OF ERRORS as Egeon, COYOTE ON A FENCE as Sam, URINETOWN as Barrel and a few others.

A very special thanks to his family and friends who have been absolutely fantastic throughout my entire college run. I hope everyone enjoys the show and is ready for a little takeout from the one and only SPITFIRE GRILL!!

Natasha Laws, Percy Talbott. Sophomore Musical Theater major.

This is Natasha’s seventh production at Cardinal Stritch, having played Minnowmaid in THE LITTLE MERMAID, Lily Pepper in AN EVENING WITH NOEL COWARD, Amy March in LITTLE WOMEN, Izzy in RABBIT HOLE, Female Four in SHAKESPEARE’S WOMEN, and recently Schwartz in THE SHOEMAKER AND THE ELVES. Natasha would like to thank the Theater Department for giving her this wonderful opportunity, her parents for their support, the cast for being amazing people, and her friends for dealing with her busy schedule. Ready or not, here I go. Olly olly oxen free!

Olivia Ludwiczak, Hannah Ferguson. Senior Musical Theater major.

Olivia is excited to participate in her final show on the Cardinal Stritch stage. After working offstage in Tennessee Williams’ CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, she made her Stritch debut in ALMOST, MAINE (Sandrine, Marvalyn, Marci). She performed in RUMPELSTILTSKIN (Princess Gabrielle), THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Mrs. Tottlendale), INTO THE WOODS (Jack’s Mother), CHARLOTTE’S WEB (Lamb), QUIET IN THE LAND (Lydie Brubacher), SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE (Irene Adler), IRENA’S VOW (Fanka Silberman), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Sea Witch), AN EVENING WITH NOEL COWARD: WE WERE DANCING (Clara Bethel) & RED PEPPERS (Mable Grace), LITTLE WOMEN (Marmee), RABBIT HOLE (Nat), SHAKESPEARE’S WOMEN (Third Woman), and THE SHOEMAKER AND THE ELVES (Mortz). She has participated in student directed scenes from HOLLYWOOD ARMS (Nanny), TO GILLIAN ON HER 37TH BIRTHDAY (Rachel Lewis), THE INFORMER (Maid), and directed her own scene from ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Olivia has been an active member of the Genesians’ Executive Board for two years. She hopes you enjoy the show tonight, and would like to thank her parents and fiancé for their love and support. A very special thank you to David Oswald, Robert Liebhauser, and Pam The Spitfire Grill

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Kriger for their guidance and wonderful stage opportunities. “Thank you for making these past four years something I can be proud of.”

Izetta Voss, Effy Krayneck. Junior Musical Theater major/ Communications and Art double minor. Izetta is very excited to be wrapping up her junior year as Effy in THE SPITFIRE GRILL. Some of Izzy’s past roles include (but are not limited to) Jo March in LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL, Mayor Clankbattle in THE SHOEMAKER AND THE ELVES, The Little Mermaid in THE LITTLE MERMAID, The Cowardly Lion in THE WIZARD OF OZ and Emily Webb in OUR TOWN. Izzy would like to thank her loving friends and family for always putting up with her

“dramatic side” and love her for it! She would also like to thank her fiancé, Trevor who has truly been the best support system with love and encouragement. “You’re my rock and my best friend and I love you! To all of you, thank you for supporting live theater and joining us for a fun afternoon/evening of incredible music, talent and creativity! Enjoy the show!”

Michael Wright Jr., Sheriff Joe Sutter.

Freshman Political Science major. Michael’s past roles have been through his high school, Oconomowoc High School. There, he played various roles including Ike Skidmore in OKLAHOMA! and Tom Robinson in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

PRODUCTION BIOGR APHIES Pam Kriger, Director Pam is delighted to be directing THE SPITFIRE GRILL, written by long time pal and colleague, James Valcq, who was also responsible for the ever delightful ZOMBIES FROM THE BEYOND. Pam is a 20 year member of the theater faculty at Stritch and has worked extensively as a director and choreographer for the past 40 years at a wide range of Milwaukee and regional theaters. At CSU she has directed WAITING FOR THE PARADE, THE LARAMIE PROJECT, OKLAHOMA!, ZOMBIES FROM THE BEYOND, URINETOWN, THE MUSICAL, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, INTO THE WOODS and LITTLE WOMEN, THE MUSICAL. Recent credits at other theaters include GROUCHO, A LIFE IN REVIEW for Next Act Theatre, A DAY IN HOLLYWOOD/A NIGHT IN THE UKRAINE, DAMES AT SEA and WHITE CHRISTMAS for the Skylight, CHEESEHEADS, THE MUSICAL and BING, THE CHERRY MUSICAL for American Folklore Theatre, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE for Nicolet High School. Her next project is to co-direct STRINGS ATTACHED, the newest musical for American Folklore Theatre.

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Ruben Piirainen, Music Director Ruben is a Milwaukee-based pianist and music director. He is a staff accompanist at Florentine Opera Company and has also worked extensively with Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Present Music, Festival City Symphony, and Kenosha Symphony Orchestra. He is on the theatre faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp and is Director of Music at Unitarian Universalist Church West in Brookfield. He holds a bachelor of music degree from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and a master of music degree from Bowling Green State University, both in piano performance.

Rick A. Rasmussen, Scenic Designer Rick is happy to be working with the students, faculty and staff at the Cardinal Stritch Department of Theater again. Calling Seattle, Washington his home, he works extensively in the Milwaukee area. His last two productions for Cardinal Stritch were LITTLE WOMEN and INTO THE WOODS. He thought the work was rewarding and successful. He is enjoying the process of getting SPITFIRE GRILL on stage and looks forward to future projects with the department.

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Robert J. Liebhauser, Chair/Costume Designer Robert is an Assistant Professor of Theater, has been on the theater faculty of Stritch since 1992, and has served as department costume designer since 1989.

He is also an accomplished actor and director and currently is Director of Theater for Young Audiences at Stritch. Prior to Stritch, he received his B.A. in Theater Arts from Marquette University and his M.F.A. from the Professional Theatre Training Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

He also taught at Marquette University and has worked extensively throughout the Milwaukee area as a costume designer and as a stage and commercial actor. Credits include work with Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Northern Stage Theatre, and the Bay View Players.

Justin Peters, Lighting Designer THE SPITFIRE GRILL is Justin’s first production at Cardinal Stritch after working with Pam for the past several years across the street at Nicolet High School. Justin holds a BFA in Technical Theatre Production from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has had the privilege of working with many of Milwaukee’s top theatre and dance companies including The Rep, Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Ballet, Youngblood, and Your Mother Dances.

Allyn Weber, Technical Director This is Allyn’s first year as Technical Director for Cardinal Stritch University Theater.

His recent work includes RABBIT HOLE, SHAKESPEARE’S WOMEN, THE SHOEMAKER AND THE ELVES for Stritch, THE CRADLE WILL ROCK, THE MOUSETRAP, TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, and EURYDICE for University of Wisconsin-Madison, University Theatre, WERTHER for Washington National Opera (as Assistant Technical Director), and GREASE and THE MUSIC MAN for The Heartland Festival at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. Allyn would like to thank his loving wife Anne Marie, daughter Katelyn, and his family for their support. He would also like to thank his fearless Boston Terriers, Guinness Stout and Jude, for keeping his yard squirrel free.

Jayne Latva, Pit Conductor Pianist Jayne Latva is pleased to return to Stritch’s amazing Theater Department. She is an active free-lance performer. Jayne completed her doctorate in Piano Literature and Pedagogy at Indiana University in 2003.

Chris Wszalek, Keyboard Chris loves the piano and he loves computers.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance from UW-Madison and an Associates in IT Networking from MATC. Chris is active in the Milwaukee theater community, providing music for companies such as First Stage Children’s Theater, Windfall Theatre, Shorewood Intermediate School, and Marquette University. Past teaching gigs include piano teacher at Milwaukee High School for the Arts and musical theater accompanist for First Stage’s Summer Academy.

Fred Pike, Guitar/Mandolin Fred is a die-hard pit musician. He’s played some combination of guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass, banjolele, or keyboards for over 90 productions. Highlights include SPITFIRE GRILL and RENT at the Skylight, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Milwaukee Rep, SPRING AWAKENING at Shorewood HS, and NEXT TO NORMAL at Greendale Community Theater and Kenosha Bradford HS. Fred is a proud member of the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra (going strong since 1900), and a founding member of Hot Damn!, a strongband-jazz group of mandolin, violin, guitar, bass, and percussion.

Roxanne Dobbs, Stage Manager Roxanne is ecstatic to be stage managing again. She stage managed RABBIT HOLE in the fall and LITTLE WOMEN last spring. She would like to thank Pam for this wonderful opportunity and the Theater Department.

She would also like to thank her family for being supportive in her decisions. Lastly, she’d like to thank the cast for being amazing and her amazing assistants, Megan and Steve, for bringing joy to every rehearsal. Enjoy the show!

Megan Linzmeyer, Assistant Stage Manager This is Megan’s fourth and final show at Cardinal Stritch. She would like to thank her fellow stage managers as well as the rest of the crew and cast. Break a leg everybody!

The Spitfire Grill

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Steven Thomas, Assistant Stage Manager Steve has held many roles backstage, but is reprising one of his favorite roles as assistant stage manager. After acting in THE SHOEMAKER AND THE ELVES, he’s glad to back on tech. He wants to thank

his wonderful family and friends for such a wonderful time and all of the support. He also wants to thank his amazing stage manager and co-assistant stage manager Roxie and Megan for the fun times in and out of rehearsal. Welcome and have a nice show.

AC K N OW L E D G E M E N T S Special thanks to Lisa Schlenker and The Skylight Opera Theatre; James Valq; Marquette University Theater Department; Bill Theisen 2 014 C A R D I N A L S T R I TC H U N I V E R S I T Y M U S I C E V E N T S New Music Concert

Friday, April 25, 2014

6:00 pm

WSMA State Festival

Saturday, May 3, 2014

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Piano Showcase

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

6:00 pm

For information on all Stritch music events contact Dr. Eun-Joo Kwak, Music Department Chair, (414) 410-4662, ekwak@stritch.edu.

N O R T H W E S T E R N M U T UA L A R T G A L L E R Y E X H I B I T S Triangulation: Locating Creative Perspectives at Three Milwaukee High Schools Opening for CSU students on March 20 from 12:00-1:30 pm.

The public is invited to an opening reception on March 21 from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Show runs until April 20.

An exhibition of some of Milwaukee’s most talented student artists from three local high schools Senior Showcase Opening for CSU students on May 1 from 12:00-1:30 pm.

The public is invited to an opening reception on May 2 from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Show runs until July 27.

A celebration of the accomplishments of this year’s graduating seniors. The show will feature a variety of media, working processes, and artistic visions!

Gallery hours for Spring/Summer 2014 Monday-Saturday 12:00-4:00 pm Closed Sunday Gallery open by appointment only after May 12. Please call 414-410-4105 to schedule a visit.

Food and Beverages Please remember that food and drink (except bottled water) are not allowed in the theater.

Weather Policy Cardinal Stritch University does not cancel or reschedule performances due to inclement weather, nor do we offer refunds.

Late Arrivals Out of courtesy to the actors and audience, patrons arriving after the performance has started will be seated at the discretion of House Management.

Recording Equipment and Cameras The use of recording equipment and cameras in the theater is strictly forbidden.

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Cellular Phones/Electronic Paging Devices Please remember to turn off your cell phones and electronic paging devices. Also, as a courtesy to your fellow theatergoers and the actors, please refrain from text messaging during the performance. Thank you!

Cardinal Stritch University