Presents
That Was Then By Gerard Stembridge Directed by Carolyn Klein+ Co-Artistic Directors Director of Development and Marketing Production Stage Manager Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Set Design Lighting Design Original Music and Sound Design Costume Design Properties Designer Properties Assistant Dialect Coach Fight Choreography Graphic Design Art Director Production Assistant Technical Director
Sarah Wellington+ and Michael Grant+* Rebekah Johnson Michael Grant+* Erin Diener+* Tara Malpass Robert Groth & Jenniffer J. Thusing Julian Pike Joe Court Beth Laske-Miller Emily Duffin Nathalie Ayala Eva Breneman Joe Foust Robert Kauzlaric+ Emmy Kreilkamp Jeri Frederickson Adam Vaness
This program is partially supported by grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, the City Arts I Program of the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Richard H. Dreihaus Foundation, and the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. *Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association +Denotes member of Seanachaí Theatre Company Seanachaí Theatre Company 1
CAST Noel..................................................................................................................................................Ira Amyx May.......................................................................................................................................... Molly Glynn* Julian.................................................................................................................................. Joseph Wycoff* June.............................................................................................................................. Sarah Wellington+ April......................................................................................................................................Anne Sunseri+ U/S for Julian.......................................................................................................................Nathan Pease U/S for June.................................................................................................................Jacqueline Davies U/S for May/April................................................................................................................. Katie Cheely The play will be performed with one ten minute intermission.
T H E S E A N AC H A Í E N S E M B L E Jeff Christian, Erin Diener, Barbara Figgins, Jacquelyn Flaherty, Coburn Goss, Michael Grant, Robert Kauzlaric, Carolyn Klein, Mary Rose O’Connor, Anne Sunseri, Kevin Theis, Dan Waller and Sarah Wellington
S E A N AC H A Í W E S T Mac Brandt, Thomas Vincent Kelly, Ann Noble, Catherine O’Connor and Andrew Turner
S E A N AC H A Í E N S E M B L E E M E R I T U S Dan Michel
T H E S E A N AC H A Í B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S Amie Marks (President), Marlena Ascher, Jack Blakey, Michael Cox, Michael Grant, Jean Haley, Carrie Hall, Sam Harrod, Jolanda Krawczyk, Ann Noble, Leslie Spiller, and Martin Rouine, Consul General of Ireland
SPECIAL THANKS Belinda Bremner, Bob McNamara, Tim McDonnell, Kathy O’Neill, Leslie Singel, Frank Gleeson, the folks at the Irish American Heritage Center, the Fifth Province pub, Chicago Spotlight, Designlab, the Seanachaí Board of Directors, Rebekah Johnson, Julie Love & The Holby Gallery, Jeanmarie Reed & Rent-a-Chef, Benton Bullwinkel, Brad Armacost, Eamonn McDonagh, Lynne Jordan & the Shivers, Dove Chocolates, Lisa Aguilar, Julie Sakici, John Mossman, Fran Sunseri, John Grant, John & Dawn Palmer, Al Wyatt, Jackie Jasperson, Adam Belcuore, Courtyard Wines, Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop, Shokran Moroccan Restaurant, Smoque BBQ, Toujours Salon, Sunflower Day Spa, Giordano’s Oak Park, the Great Frame Up, Chris Moran, Kendra Zusag, Joseph Moore, Andria Smith, Jenny Diluciano, Eileen Moloney, Kara McCarthy, Martha Levin, Joanna Rolek, Rose Hopkins, Suzanne Rotter, Christine Casorso, Amanda Kulczweski, Janice O’Neil, Hilary Ann Feldman, Satyam Premraj Muench, P.J. & Claudia Hine, Shakti Linda Bracilano, Dawn Silver, Old Irving Park Association, Gerard Staniszewski, Portage Park Neighborhood Association, the Office of the Alderman Thomas Allen, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Crosstown Scenic, the City Arts Program and the City of Chicago, the Illinois Arts Council, the Driehaus Foundation and the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation. And a special thanks to Peggy Murphy for her contributions to the promotion of Irish theatre here at the Irish American Heritage Center.
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CAST Ira Amyx (Noel) Ira is thrilled to be making his first appearance with Seanachaí. Originally from Boise Idaho, he is a freelance artist based in Chicago, where he works in the art department of film production and as a theater practitioner. Most recently, Ira directed/co-produced Shakespeare’s King Phycus at The Building Stage with The Strange Tree Group. Ira performed in 5 seasons with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Other favorite credits include Chris in All My Sons, Vladimir in Waiting For Godot, Owen in Translations and James Tyrone, Jr. in A Moon For the Misbegotten. A recent transplant from New York City, That Was Then is Ira’s Chicago stage debut. He holds a B.A. in Dramatic Writing and Acting from Boise State University and an M.F.A. in acting from Indiana University.
Molly Glynn* (May) Molly is delighted to be working with Seanachaí again! Chicago: ORANGE FLOWER WATER (Steppenwolf Theatre Company and The Galway Arts Festival), THE UNEASY CHAIR (Writers’ Theatre), PERMANENT COLLECTION (Northlight), SHORT SHAKES! THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), THE COMEDY OF ERRORS (First Folio), HERITAGE and STRICTLY DISHONORABLE (American Theatre Company, now American Blues Theatre), HOLIDAY (Remy Bumppo), THE BOARDING HOUSE (Next), SUBURBAN MOTEL and HELLCAB (Famous Door), PYGMALION (Apple Tree), PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE (Steppenwolf/Fox Theatricals), as well as work with The Goodman, Strawdog, The Playwrights’ Center, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, and many years ago, in AND NEITHER HAVE I WINGS
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C A S T ( c o n t .) TO FLY with Seanachaí. Regional: First Stage Children’s Theatre; American Stage Festival. Film/TV: Something Better Somewhere Else; No Sleep ‘til Madison; And Then I Woke Up (Project Greenlight); “Early Edition” (CBS), and numerous television commercials. This summer, Molly will be appearing in MIDDLETOWN at Steppenwolf. Anne Sunseri+ (April) Though she has worked with the company in various capacities since she was fifteen, Anne became a company member with Seanachaí Theatre Company in 2001, after graduating from Columbia College Chicago. She has since been seen in the company’s productions of War (Niamh), Scenes from the Big Picture (Maggie), and most recently Dancing at Lughnasa (Rose). She would like to thank the cast and crew for a great experience, her family for their constant love and inspiration, and all of Seanachaí’s patrons for their continual support and enthusiasm. Sarah Wellington+ (June) Sarah joined the Seanachaí ensemble in 2006 after appearing as Betty in A Whistle in the Dark. She has since appeared on the Seanachaí stage as Valerie in The Weir, Maggie in Dancing at Lughnasa, Theresa in Scenes from the Big Picture and Briget in War. Previous credits in Chicago include originating the role of Joan in Steppenwolf Theatre’s Orson’s Shadow, directed by David Cromer, with subsequent
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transfers to Williamstown Theatre Festival and Westport Country Playhouse. Other roles include Sara in the world premiere of Graceland by Ellen Fairey (Profiles), Gabby in Serenading Louie (Roadworks), as well as productions with Next, Rivendell, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble and CCPA. Favorite roles in her native England include Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and Kate in The Taming of the Shrew. Film and TV: The Unborn (David S. Goyer), The Company (Robert Altman), Casting About (Barry Hershey), The Bill, London Bridge, and Crime Monthly. Sarah also works as a voiceover artist in Chicago and trained with the late, great David Bennett in London. Sarah would like to thank the whole Seana-family, cast and crew, as well as the three Soccer fans she loves at home. Joseph Wycoff* (Julian) Joseph is thrilled to be doing his first show with Seanachaí. In and around Chicago, Joseph has been seen most recently doing Love’s Labour’s Lost with Oak Park Festival Theatre, and Next Theatre’s War with the Newts. Joseph is proud to be an Artistic Associate with Next. Around town, Joseph has also worked with About Face, the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, City Lit Theater, the Bailiwick, Lifeline Theatre, and First Folio Theatre. Outside Chicago, he has been seen with Montana Shakespeare, the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, and recently joined up with Centerstage in Baltimore for their production of Working It Out.
The Seanachaí ensemble & board of directors would like to recognize Ms. Julie Love of the
for her continued support in hosting Seanachaí’s annual Ceili Gala! Visit Ms. Love’s new gallery space, located in River North: Holby Gallery, LLC 222 West Huron Street Chicago, Illinois 60654 (312)280.8888 info@holbygallery.com twitter.com/holbygallery Holby Gallery specializes in the works of well known American masters, while remaining equally dedicated to championing the contributions of lesser-known and rediscovered artists.
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PRODUCTION TEA M Gerard Stembridge (Playwright) Gerard Stembridge was born in County Limerick, Ireland and rose to prominence in Ireland when he co-created the satirical comedy radio program, Scrap Saturday for RTE Radio. Mr. Stembridge is an Irish playwright, actor, screenwriter and film director. His plays include That Was Then, Melting Penguins, Love Child, The Gay Detective and Denis and Rose. Film work includes the screenplay for Ordinary Decent Criminal and co-screenwriting credit for Nora (a film about James Joyce and Nora Barnacle). He also directed the films Guiltrip, Black Day at Black Rock, Alarm and About Adam. In addition to his many theatre, radio and film credits, he is also the author of two novels, Counting Down and According to Luke. Carolyn Klein+ (Director) Carolyn is making her Seanachaí directing debut. Carolyn most recently directed The Artist Needs a Wife at the side project and won first place for her directorial debut at Wildclaw Theatre’s Deathscribe this past winter. She has also directed The Mysterious Elephant And The Terrible Tragedy Of The Unlikely Addington Twins* (*who Kill Him) and Mr. Spacky, The Man Who Was Continuously Followed By Wolves with The Strange Tree Group where she is an Artistic Associate. Additionally, she has directed for Strawdog’s Hit Factory and Dry Hump Sketch Comedy. While pursuing her MFA at Indiana University - Bloomington, Carolyn directed Fool for Love, Lysistrata (Ranjit Bolt adaptation) and Art Whore. Carolyn is a proud Ensemble Member with Seanachaí Theatre Company where she has appeared in Dancing at Lughnasa, Scenes from the Big Picture and Drink Me. As an actor, Carolyn has also worked with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Next Theatre, Strawdog Theatre, Profiles Theatre, The Hypocrites, Wildclaw Theatre, Theo Ubique, The Strange Tree Group and New Leaf. Erin Diener+* (Stage Manager) Erin is excited to be back with the gang at the IAHC as an official member of the Seanachaí Family. Erin returns as our stage manager after stage managing Mojo Mickybo and Dancing at Lughnasa. She most recently finished working with ATC on It’s a Wonderful Life 6 Seanachaí Theatre Company
and is just trying to get back into the swing of life after she had to take a slight hiatus. She would just like to thank the Big Guy upstairs for the greatest family and friends ever and for all the love and support they give every day! Tara Malpass (Assistant Stage Manager) Tara is happy to be working with Seanachaí Theatre Company for the first time. Recent works include Redeemers with New Leaf Theatre, The Wedding Singer, A Perfect Wedding, Escanaba In Love, Boy and Tent Meeting with Circle Theatre, Orange Flower Water with Backstage Theatre and Rhymes With Evil, Intrigue With Faye, Creole and The Last Supper with InFusion Theatre Company. She’s also had the pleasure of working with Sinnerman, The Side Project and Eclipse Theatre Ensemble. Tara is a Company Member with Circle Theatre and InFusion Theatre Company. Joe Court (Sound Design) is excited to work with Seanachaí again, having previously designed Dancing at Lughnasa and The Weir. Joe is the sound engineer for the Chicago production of the Tony Award winning musical, Million Dollar Quartet. He is also a company member of Mary-Arrchie theatre Company. His designs have been heard at A Red Orchid (Jeff nomination, The Unseen), Theatre7, The Gift, Backstage, Emerald City, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and the Clarence Brown Theatre in Knoxville, TN. Robert Groth and Jenniffer J. Thusing (Set Design) Robert and Jenniffer are very happy to be returning to Seanachaí, having designed the set for their last production, The Weir. Their design work as a team has previously been seen at the Pritzker Pavilion for Chicago Dramatists’ production of Aiming for Sainthood. Robert is also co-owner of Crosstown Scenic LLC. Current projects for Crosstown Scenic include Spamalot at Drury Lane Oakbrook and both stages at Second City. Jenniffer is also an Equity Stage Manager and a Props Designer. Her work as a Props Designer and Stage Manager can currently be seen at Chicago Dramatists on their current production, Bordello. For more about Robert and Jenniffer, go to www.randjdesign.com
P R O D U C T I O N T E A M ( c o n t .) Julian Pike (Lighting Design) Julian returns to collaborate with Seanachaí Theatre Company after last fall’s successful production of The Weir. Based in Chicago he has designed for: Porchlight Music Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, BoHo Theatre Ensemble, The Strange Tree Group (company member), Inaside Chicago Dance, Mordine & Co. Dance Theatre, Chicago Folk’s Opera, Chamber Opera Chicago, among others. Upcoming projects include Medee, and He/She with Chicago Opera Theater. Julian has an M.F.A. in Theatrical Design & Technology from the University of Missouri –Kansas City. Beth Laske-Miller (Costume Design) Beth Laske-Miller is a Chicago-based Costume Designer whose recent design credits include; Pridelands, Fiddler on the Roof, The Jungle Book, and The Sound of Music for CYT Youth Theatre. She has also designed Clue, Jekyll & Hyde, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Greenroom Productions; The Seagull and Joy of the Desolate at CalArts; and the short films Hot Java and Crashers in Los Angeles. Beth also works as a costume draper and stitcher at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Goodman Theatre & DePaul University Theatre. A Chicago native, she received her BA in Costume/Fashion Design from Indiana University-Bloomington and her MFA in Costume Design from CalArts. Emily Duffin (Properties Design) This is the first production Emily will be working on with Seanachaí Theatre Company. Most recently, she was the production assistant for TimeLine Theatre Company’s To Master the Art. She designed props for Sinnerman Ensemble’s Too Much Memory. She stage managed The Gimmick at Pegasus Players. She also props designed for The Artist Needs A Wife and props assisted for Rewind at the side project. She traveled to Novafeltria, Italy as a stage manager for La Traviata, and production assistant for Don Giovanni, and Il Mundo Della Luna
for the program La Musica Lirica. She is currently the production manager at the Chicago Dramatists. Special thanks to my mom and dad. Nathalie Ayala (Properties Assistant) Nathalie is pleased to be working with the Seanachaí Theatre Company for the first time. Most recently Nathalie was props designer for Departure Lounge with Bailiwick Chicago. In the last year, she completed her second year as props designer for La Musica Lyrica’s summer opera program in Italy and she has worked at Redmoon Theater as an intern and as a project artist for the Redmoon Neighborhood Arts Program. Eva Breneman (Dialect Coach) DO THE HUSTLE, TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT, THE MAIDS, THE PUPPETMASTER OF LODZ (Writers’); TO KILL A MOCKNGBIRD, BROTHER/SISTER PLAYS, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS (Steppenwolf ); IN DARFUR, TO MASTER THE ART, THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION, HISTORY BOYS (Timeline); A LIFE, THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE (Northlight); ETHAN FROME, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, BLACK DIAMOND (Lookingglass); CAROUSEL (Court). Regional: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (Centerstage Baltimore & Kansas City Repertory). Off-Broadway: MAMMA MIA! (National Tour & Vegas). Television: THE CHICAGO CODE (Fox, upcoming); THE BEAST (A&E Television). Eva is an Associate Artist at Timeline, and a Production Affiliate of Lookingglass. Emmy Kreilkamp (Art Director) Emmy works in Chicago as a teacher, dramaturg, and director. She most recently was the dramaturg for The Lord Chamberlain’s Men and The Strange Tree Group’s production of Shakespeare’s King Phycus and directed the Chicago premiere of My Name is Rachel Corrie with Purple Bench Productions. She teaches at DePaul University and City Colleges of Chicago.
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