A Doll's House Part 2 Program

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APRIL 19-28, 2024

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Audience Services

PURCHASING TICKETS

• The box office is open from 3 pm until 5 pm Monday through Friday and for one hour prior to each performance.

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Please contact the box office to see if an exchange for a different date can be made. On rare occasions, LCT has allowed a ticket for one production to be used at a different production. If no exchanges can be made, the ticket price may be written off as a donation tax credit.

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The use of cameras and/or recording equipment is strictly prohibited in the theatre. If you need to answer a call, please do so in the lobby so as to not disrupt the performance.

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Every individual, no matter the age, must have a ticket in order to attend the performance. If you would like to bring your children, please purchase seats for them even if they will be seated on someone’s lap.

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Late arrivals will be seated at the house manager’s discretion during an appropriate point in the performance. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the show begins, we reserve the right to release your seat(s) to someone else.

What Is A Hearing Loop?

The

Hearing Loops allow people who wear hearing aids to directly receive the sound from the theatre’s sound system in their own hearing aids, much like Wi-Fi for laptops. If you wear hearing instruments, and they have a wireless receiver called a T-coil or Telecoil built-in, you will benefit from the hearing loop in our theatre. The T-coil program is accessed by pushing a button on your hearing aid. This T-coil setting has to be activated before use. Please consult your audiologist to ensure your t-coils are properly adjusted.

If you do not have a T-coil equipped hearing instrument, please feel free to stop by the box office to pick up a hearing assist device.

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La Crosse Community Theatre is a

If you’re sitting in your seat worrying you won’t understand this play because you know nothing about Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, don’t despair. Lucas Hnath’s writing has bridged all the gaps for newcomers to the Helmer family in order for this play to be able to stand on its own.

Ibsen’s play was both controversial in its time and famous for its ending when a domestic housewife, Nora Helmer, decides to leave her husband, Torvald, and family to pursue her own goals and happiness. It has etched itself into the culture of theater as a classic. Premiering in 1879 in Norway, the play then premiered on Broadway in 1883 and has had countless Broadway revivals including the most recent last year.

A Doll’s House explored the ideas of gender equality in marriage and women making difficult choices in a male dominated society. What Hnath has done with A Doll’s House Part 2 is explore the ramifications of those choices and what new choices must be made in the face of societal, financial and legal jeopardy. This play also asks the hard questions many marriages face about fulfilling vows in the face of an incompatible union or separating for the greater good despite the collateral damage and emotional fallout to follow. At what point are we staying in relationships for other people instead of ourselves, and is it selfish to pursue your own happiness if it means abandoning those closest to you?

In lesser hands these heavy topics could make for a maudlin script, but Lucas Hnath has continued the story for these characters with flecks of sharp wit and banter that make this play both poignant and quite funny.

I hope you enjoy getting to be a fly on the wall of the Helmer house to witness this awkward, tense and comical confrontation fifteen years in the making.

DANIEL PIVOVAR Director

La Crosse Community Theatre Presents

WRITTEN BY LUCAS HNATH

ORIGINALLY PRODUCED ON BROADWAY BY SCOTT RUDIN, ELI BUSH, JOEY PARNES, SUE WAGNER, AND JOHN JOHNSON

COMMISSIONED AND FIRST PRODUCED BY SOUTH COAST REPERTORY

A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 BENEFITED FROM A RESIDENCY AT NEW DRAMATISTS

PROERTIES DESIGN BY KATIE FRIES STARRING

SHANA LADWIG MATHEW HERMAN

RHIANNON BAASCH KRISTINE STARKEY-GASCH

MACK MIKSHOWSKY

SOUND DESIGN BY ROBERT STUBER

SCENIC DESIGN BY JESS MILLER

TECHNICAL DIRECTION BY LEX VIOLETTE

COSTUME DESIGN BY JESSICA RIGDON

STAGE MANAGEMENT BY RYAN MORSTATTER

LIGHTING DESIGN BY ALEX ATTARDO

DIRECTED BY DANIEL PIVOVAR

A DOLLS HOUSE, PART 2 is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)

A Note from the Executive Director

As we gather to experience another remarkable production, I'm compelled to reflect on the profound themes that resonate throughout A Doll's House Part 2. This play, serving as a thought-provoking sequel to Henrik Ibsen's classic, delves into the complexities of marriage, identity, and the pursuit of personal freedom.

At the heart of this production lies a theme of growth and expansion. The characters grapple with the consequences of their past choices, and confront the challenges of forging new paths forward. Just as our characters evolve and confront the realities of their lives, so too does our community theater. We've realized we've outgrown having a single home in the Weber Center for the Performing Arts, and look to the future with an expansion into a second building. With the purchase and renovation of the First Church of Christ Building, LCT will continue to grow and evolve in new ways, and I'm excited to see where we'll find ourselves in 15 years.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our talented director, Dan, whose vision and guidance bring this production to life with such depth and authenticity. His commitment to storytelling and insightful direction enrich our stage and engage our audiences in meaningful dialogue.

Jess R., your exquisite costume designs transport us seamlessly into the world of the play, capturing the essence of each character with precision and elegance. Your attention to detail and creative flair elevate every scene, enriching the overall experience for our cast and audience alike.

To Alex, who courageously takes on the challenge of handling lights for the first time at LCT, we are immensely grateful for your dedication and hard work. Your contribution illuminates our stage and heightens the emotional impact of every moment.

And Jess M., your beautiful yet minimal set design provides the perfect world for our actors to inhabit their characters and explore the complexities of their relationships. Your talent and artistic vision leave an indelible mark on this production.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers behind the scenes. From the scene shop to the costume shop, your passion and commitment are the driving force behind the success of A Doll's House Part 2. Your hard work and dedication are the unsung heroes of our theatre community, and we are endlessly grateful for your contributions.

As you watch this production, keep in mind the spirit of growth and expansion that it embodies. May we as a community continue to push the boundaries of artistry, challenge perceptions, and enrich ourselves through the transformative power of theatre.

ERIK VOSE Executive Director

Cast

Nora ................................................................................................... SHANA LADWIG

Anne Marie ...................................................................... KRISTINE STARKEY-GASCH

Torvald.......................................................................................... MATHEW HERMAN

Emmy ....................................................................................... RHIANNON BAASCH*

SWINGS

Swings never substitute for a listed performer unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.

For Nora, Emmy, & Anne Marie: MACK MIKSHOWSKY

ACT ONE

The Helmer Household Norway, 1894

There will be one 15-minute intermission.

ACT TWO

The Helmer Household

The Next Day

Production and Design Team

Director DANIEL PIVOVAR

Stage Manager....................................................................................... RYAN MORSTATTER

Scenic Designer ................................................................................................. JESS MILLER

Costume Designer ...................................................................................... JESSICA RIGDON

Lighting Designer ........................................................................................ ALEX ATTARDO

Props Designer ................................................................................................... KATIE FRIES

Sound Designer .......................................................................................... ROBERT STUBER

Technical Director ............................................................................................ LEX VIOLETTE

Painters AUGUST JENNINGS, JESS MILLER

Carpenters ............................................................................ KAILYN W, DENNIS DORMAN

Costume Shop Volunteers .................................................................... CHARLOTTE GRANT SUZANNE YOUNG; NANCY MAHLUM, CHRISTINE PAPKE, JULIE KEITEL, SHARON MARKEE, CAROL SOLYST, TRINA SCHLIFER, PAT CHILSEN, RUTH DRISCOLL, ANNA GOODMAN, KENNY GOODMAN, BEVERLEE CLEARMAN

* = LCT debut

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The Enduring Families Project is a theatre project which brings to life the stories of 19th Century African Americans that lived in La Crosse and its surrounding area: a presidential candidate, a politically active farmer, a vaudeville musician, a woman boarding house owner, several barbers, including one woman who owned her own barbershop. These stories, told through reenactments, run the gamut of life experiences in 19th Century La Crosse.

May 24-25, 2024

7:30 pm

Presented by the Enduring Families Project which is generously sponsored by the La Crosse County Historical Society

MATHEW HERMAN (Torvald) is a seasoned kitchen designer at The Home Depot, and is so proud to be a part of this production. He had worked in theatre for many years in various states, including California, New York, and Wisconsin (Milwaukee & La Crosse).Thank you to DP for casting me, and thanks to Ryan and all cast and crew who have made my journey back to LCT a delightful one. Mathew is the proud owner of two Jack Russell Terriers, Marco & Morgan!A special thanks to family and friends for your love and support.

KRISTINE STARKEY-GASCH (Anne Marie) returns to the LCT stage following her 2023 performance as Fruma Sarah in Fiddler On The Roof. Kristine also appeared as Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden and Frau Schmidt & Nun (u/s Mother Abbess, u/s Elsa Schraeder) in The Sound of Music. Kristine is a graduate of Viterbo University where she currently enjoys singing with the Viterbo Choral Arts ensemble. She gives thanks to her daughters Harmony Ellen, Heidi Anna & Mona Marie for their love and encouragement.

MACK MIKSHOWSKY (Swing-Nora,Emmy, & Anne Marie) is thrilled to be apart of LCT's honest performance of A Dolls House: Part 2. Their most recent credits include: The Laramie Project, 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, and Come Back. Though, you might not get see them on stage, they would like to thank the director for the opportunity to be in the room and for creating a supportive environment to learn and grow. They would like to thank their loved ones for the endless support. They would like to thank the audience for coming and supporting local theatre and art! Enjoy the show!

KATIE FRIES (Props Master) is thrilled to work with this team on A Doll's House: Part 2. Previous props work was seen onstage in The Diary of Anne Frank. She has also served as music director, actor, carpenter, and costume crew for multiple productions at LCT. During the day, Katie works as an Academic Advisor for the College of Business Administration at UWL. Special "thank you" to her family and coworkers for supporting her passion for theatre.

Who's Who

SHANA LADWIG (Nora) Shana was last seen at LCT in A Nice Family Christmas as Grandma. Shana finds her work at Gundersen Health, as a Medical Assistant, very fulfilling. She also loves spending time with her family, especially game nights! Having a role in A Doll's House Part 2 has felt like a gift from above. Shana is cherishing every moment of this journey with this amazing, uplifting company. Shana wants to thank Chris, Liam, Skylar, Dad, and Mom for their love and support!!!

RHIANNON BAASCH (Emmy) Rhiannon Baasch is a recent graduate from Viterbo University and currently works for the School District of La Crosse. This is her first show with LCT and she is very excited and thankful for this opportunity.

DANIEL PIVOVAR (Director) This is Daniel's LCT directing debut. Daniel has taught theater and worked professionally in theater for 21 years both on and off the stage. Previous directing credits include She Kills Monsters, Twelfth Night, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Diviners, No Exit, American Daughter, and Bat Boy the Musical. Thank you to the entire team at LCT for their incredible support and hard work, to this unbelievably talented cast for putting everything they have into this piece, to my parents for being theater people, to my wife for keeping me grounded and always supporting me, and to my son for making me a better person. Enjoy the show and have a fun debate in the car on the ride home!

RYAN MORSTATTER (Stage Manager) will be making his Stage Manager debut on A Doll's House Part 2! He has previously work as an assistant stage manager at LCT on Fiddler On The Roof and on She Loves Me and A Christmas Carol at UWL. Please enjoy the show!

ROBERT STUBER (Sound Designer) Robert Stuber is a sound designer/mixer, musician, and instructor of English from Winona, MN. This is his seventh production at LTC. Credits include Next to Normal, Rent, The Odd Couple, and The Wizard of Oz. Bob has also designed shows for Winona State University, St. Mary's University, Theater du Mississippi and other theatre projects in and around Winona. He also teaches at Minnesota State College Southeast.

Who's Who

ALEX ATTARDO (Lighting Designer) Alex first appeared at LCT in 2012 as Butch in Leading Ladies. Since then, their involvement in theatre has spanned various roles including actor, director, choreographer, stage manager, intimacy director, house manager, and designer at venues across the Coulee Region: Viterbo University, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Pump House Regional Arts Center, Appleseed Community Theatre, and Aquinas High School. Alex earned a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education from Viterbo University in 2017, and after almost a decade, they returned to LCT as the Director of Education & Outreach, and currently serve as the Artistic Advancement Director.

JESSICA MILLER (Scenic Designer) is delighted to be making her debut with La Crosse Community Theatre. Other recent scenic designs include The Wolves and The Last Train at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. She also works as a scenic artist on many productions at UWL. She plans to graduate in May 2024 with degrees in Technical Theatre Design and Marketing.

JESSICA RIGDON (Costume Designer) Jessica is a graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where she recieved her Master of Fine Arts degree in Costume Design and Technology. Since moving to La Crosse in 2021, she has been involved with LCT's Blackbox series in many capacities including Stage Management and performance in addition to Costume Design. Jess is currently LCT's Marketing Manager and Assisant Costume Shop Manager. She wants to thank her friends and family for all of their support through the years!

LEX VIOLETTE (Technical Director) is currently the Technical Director at LCT. Previous work at LCT includes The Odd Couple (CoScenic Designer/TD), Last Five Years (Scenic Designer/TD), The Wizard of Oz (TD), A Nice Family Christmas (Scenic Designer/TD), Fiddler on the Roof (TD), Legally Blonde (TD), and Dog Sees God (Patricia/TD). She would like to thank her family and friends for the overwhelming support she has received. Enjoy the performance!

LCT Staff

Executive Director ................................................................................................................... ERIK VOSE

Artistic Operations Director ................................................................................................ MARY CATE WESLING

Artistic Advancement Director ........................................................................................................ALEX ATTARDO

Director of Education .....................................................................................................KATELYN KLIEVE

Technical Director .............................................................................................................. LEX VIOLETTE

Costume Shop Supervisor ...........................................................................................THERESA SMERUD

Marketing Manager | Assistant Costume Shop Supervisor ............................................ JESSICA RIGDON

Theatre Technician | Resident Props Designer ......................................................... MACK MIKSHOWSKY

Weber Center Operations Manager | LCT Audio/Visual Manager ............................... RYAN VAN BERKUM

Finance Manager.......................................................................................................... MELANIE NIMMO

Front of House ........................................KALLAN DECKERT; BETH MORATTO; MAYA DOUGHERTY-HARRIS

SHARON SINGER-DAWIDOWSKI; DAWN HAVICAN

Scene Shop Staff .................................. MACKINLEY BRUEMMER, AUGUST JENNINGS, KAILYN WITTROCK

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