Come From Away Program

BROADWAY SERIES

Sponsored By

WELCOME TO THE ROCK! MARCH 13 - 29, 2026

Thank you to our Season Sponsors!

PROFESSIONAL COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES SINCE 1963

PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE LA CROSSE COMMUNITY THEATRE p. 2

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.

• The box office accepts cash, checks, and credit/debit cards.

• Single tickets become available for purchase 60 days before a production’s opening night.

NEED TO EXCHANGE YOUR TICKETS? Any ticket exchanges must be done through the box office in person or over the phone.

Tickets may only be exchanged for another performance of the same show.

UNABLE TO USE YOUR TICKETS? 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.

CAMERAS AND/OR RECORDING EQUIPMENT 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.

GREETING THE ARTISTS Flowers may be left in the box office for the stage manager to deliver or you may hand them to the cast member once they are in the lobby at the conclusion of the performance. Audience members are not allowed backstage.

BAD WEATHER POLICY If you have concerns about the weather facing an upcoming performance, please call the box office to double check that the performance will still continue. On rare occasions, LCT has canceled performances due to bad weather or cast conditions. If this occurs, exchanges or refunds will be issued.

BABIES AND SMALL CHILDREN 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.

SEAT RESERVATIONS Reservations for the general public begin at least 60 days before the opening of each show; season ticket reservations open the week prior. Patron donors may reserve their seats at any time. Please call the box office at 608-784-9292 if you have any questions.

LATE SEATING POLICY 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.

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A Note from our Executive Director One of the most remarkable things about Come From Away is that it reminds us that community isn’t something abstract. It isn’t just an idea. It isn’t just a word we put in our name, on a website, or in a mission statement.

Community is something we do. Something we have to practice.

In this story, when the world stopped on September 11, 2001, a small town chose to open its doors and its hearts to people from all over the world. They didn’t have a concrete plan. They didn’t have time to prepare. They simply saw people who needed care and decided to show up.

A similar thing happens with every production you see on our stage. Everyone involved helps create a community ready to welcome others. And I’m not just talking about the actors you see under the lights, but also the directors shaping the vision, the designers building the world, the crews working behind the scenes, the volunteers welcoming you at the door, and the staff helping bring each show together. For Come From Away, we are especially grateful to director Greg Parmeter, a former Artistic Director of LCT, for creating a welcoming environment for all. We also thank our dedicated production team and this extraordinary ensemble of performers who so beautifully capture the heart, humor, and humanity of this story. Together they have created a place ready to welcome you, though they had a bit more time to plan than the people of Gander.

And in that way, you, the audience, are a bit like the “plane people.”You are the ones being welcomed into a new community to share in an experience together, though you had a little more choice in the matter than the "plane people."

Community theatre only works because a community chooses to gather. Your presence here tonight isn’t just attendance. It’s participation in something larger. It's practicing community.

At the heart of our mission at LCT is creating community through theatre. Come From Away reminds us that this only happens when people are willing to open up to each other. In theatre, that doesn’t just happen between performers and the audience. It happens between audience members too, in the conversations before the show, the laughter during it, and the connections we make afterward.

That’s why, after every performance, we invite you to stay for Welcome to the Bluffs. Inspired by the spirit of the show’s “Welcome to the Rock,” this is our way of extending a La Crosse welcome. It's another opportunity to practice community, to meet neighbors, talk with artists and community partners, and simply spend a little more time together.

Because in this theatre, and in this community, nobody is a stranger.

Thank you for being part of this story, and thank you for being part of LCT.

ERIK VOSE Executive Director p. 5

Director’s Note Jenna Boyd, who originated the role of Beulah in London, said in an interview “You

Jenna Boyd, who originated the role of Beulah in London, said in an interview “You know about where the pebble drops, but not about where the ripples went.” Come From Away is a show all about ripples. The ripples from 9/11 continue to touch us and the world is a different place. America is a different place.

On September 11, 2001, a pebble caused by the attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania dropped in the unlikeliest of places: Gander, Newfoundland. Or rather, 38 pebbles in the form of passenger jets forced to land short of their destinations when the United States closed their airspace for the first time in history. Suddenly, 7,000 people from all over the world became refugees in a town of 9,000 people. It’s as if the city of La Crosse had to take in 41,000 people in a matter of a few hours. The task facing the local populace was staggering. It was less a pebble making some ripples and more a meteor making a tsunami.

For five days in the fall of 2001, the people of Newfoundland welcomed 7,000 strangers into their towns, their churches, their clubs, and their homes. But they didn’t see what they were doing as extraordinary. (It was.) They didn’t feel heroic. (They were.) They believed they were simply doing the right thing. The only thing. The people on those planes were lost in a foreign land, many unable to speak the language, and were welcomed with open arms, warm beds, ample food, and above all, love. From September 11 to September 16, they weren’t strangers.

They were Newfoundlanders.

The ripples that flowed out from these simple, innumerable acts of kindness continue to spread. Memories were made and lasting friendships were forged. Those that lived these events found themselves irrevocably altered by the experience. Their story has inspired people all over the world thanks to productions of Come From Away. The story of Gander isn’t about 9/11 so much as a story about who we are, and who we can be. More importantly, who we should be. How far will the ripples from the pebbles you drop go?

This production is for all those who are lost, afraid, and just trying to find their way home. This is for all those who welcome those from away with open arms and say, “as long as you are here, you are home.”from the pebbles you drop go?

This production is for all those who are lost, afraid, and just trying to find their way home. This is for all those who welcome those from away with open arms and say, “as long as you are here, you are home.”

Greg Parmeter Director p. 6

Don’t miss our final two guests!

Travis Head

Charissa Bertels

Artist talk and opening reception ________________________ Thursday, March 26, 4 p.m.

Room 116, Lowe Center for the Arts

In conversation and performance ________________________ Friday, March 27, 7:30 p.m.

Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts

ALL EVENTS FREE & OPEN

2025-26 SEASON

TO THE PUBLIC UWLAX.EDU/ARTSFEST SCAN HERE

Community Theater Ad-26.indd 1

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2/18/26 10:45 AM

Franciscan Spirituality Center

. SPIRITUAL DIRECTION . OVERNIGHT RETREATS . YOGA & QIGONG CLASSES . ART WORKSHOPS . SUPPORT GROUPS . VIRTUAL PROGRAMS . MEDITATION GROUPS . MEETING ROOM RENTALS

920 MARKET ST., LA CROSSE www.FSCenter.org 608-791-5295

Dedicated to anyone seeking God, meaning and wholeness.

People of all faith traditions (or none) are welcome!

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Patron Donor List Director's Circle Patrons ($100-$249) ($1,000+) Fran Dieter Terry Benson Steve and Karen Lind J. Michael and Vicki Hartigan Dave and Abbie Gerzema Chris and Vicki Born Clem and Addie Bott David and Christine Papke Karen Guptill Randy and Lynn Nelson Sandra Proksch Troope Duane Lom Cari Fleischer Julie Keitel Barbara and James Hemker Thomas and Jan Brock Patrice and Tony Vander Wielen Russ and Katie Wilson Robert and Maureen Freedland Joe and Linda Kastantin Theron and Julie Wilson Bill & Jackie Pritchard Kyle Jaeger and Laura Mackey Robert and Silvana Richardson Jean and Mark Ledman Karl and Julie Noll Daryl and Nancy Ertl Mark and Carol Solyst Mary Hubbard Tim and Sue Durtsche Mike and Cheri Herro Kristin Albrecht Charitable Fund Cheryl Loehr Elsie Patterson Mike and Lynn Hickey Mark and Cari Burmaster

Designers ($500-$999)

Kathy Spelker Corine Neuman, Teresa Mears, and Kathy Niefeldt Brad & Leslie Weber and Ellen Pedretti Richard and Pamela Strauss Jolene DemaiffeFendt Tom and Heidi Grau Edgar Storey & Wanda DuCharme Drexler Donor Fund Tina Ruskey Marilyn Franzini and Jim Brickl Bruce Kerr Vantage Architects Actors ($250-$499) Judy and Dick Williams Aurel and Sue Mailath Pat and Dick Spencer Joan Allen Brian and Karen Rude American Marine Kathleen and Joe Zietlow Joe Hammes & Aaron Wickesberg Cam and Carlene Roberts Kenna and RogerChristians Bob and Kay Conzemius

Patrons

($100-$249) Cont. (anonymous) Marla French Jane Miller Jim and Monique Howe Dave Larsen Terry and Loran Zibrowski Larry and Beth Peterson Robert and Laurel Allen Dr. Robert Howman Kathy and Paul Callan Sue Hammersmith Barbara and Herbert Heili Sandy Sechrest Eileen Walsh Doyle Eric Westerberg Colleen Walsh Bob and Kay Conzemius Theresa Brennan Lisa Martin Terry Benson Roger & Jean Klousia

Michelle and Thomas Kelley Susan and Fred Heuer Dianne Pogreba Tom and Lori Nigon Janine and Ken Merkitch Rosemary Nelson Maureen and Lou Guillou Eric Westerberg Colleen Walsh Bob and Kay Conzemius Leah Reimann Joan and John Peter Temple Joyce Wichelt Steven and Katie Fleis Tom and Sharon Ryan

Become a Patron Donor!

Mary Cate Wesling, Artistic Operations Director | 608-784-9292 | www.lacrossetheatre.org/donate

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La Crosse Community Theatre Presents

Book Music and Lyrics by

Irene Sankoff and David Hein

Original Broadway Production Produced by Junkyard Dog Productions Original Orchestrations by August Eriksmoen Arrangements by Ian Eisendrath

STARRING

Katie Bakalars Michelle Walker Makenna Johnson Colleen Schulz

Brittany McGuire Kelley Manson Brad Weber Dustin Luecke Lanie The Kissing Cod DIRECTED BY GREG PARMETER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TAYLOR RAMMER

ACCOMPANIST EDDIE KIM DRAMATURG LAURIE KINCMAN COSTUME DESIGNER JESSICA RIGDON

MUSIC DIRECTOR DIANE FOUST CHOREOGRAPHER EMMA FRAYER

TECHNICAL DIRETOR & SCENIC DESIGNER LEX VIOLETTE

Jeremiah Galvan Aaryn Jones Brandon Harris Ryan Rosenberg STAGE MANAGER MEGAN PENCE PROPS MASTER KRISTI BECHTEL LIGHTING DESIGN CASSIE VORBACH

SOUND DESIGN CONDUCTOR SRINIVASA RAO KRISTIN CHANDANA FREEDLUND Come From Away was originally co-produced in 2015 by La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theater and presented in 2016 by Ford's Theatre.

Come From Away (NAMT Festival 2013) was originally developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project, Michael Rubinoff Producer, Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, and was further developed at Goodspeed Musicals' Festival of New Artists, in East Haddam, Connecticut. The Canada Council for the Arts, The Ontario Arts Council, and The Fifth Avenue Theatre, Seattle, Washington, also provided development support.

Come From Away is Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com p. 11

The Company

KATIE BAKALARS

MICHELLE WALKER

MAKENNA JOHNSON

COLLEEN SCHULZ

BRITTANY MCGUIRE

KELLEY MANSON

BRAD WEBER

DUSTIN LUECKE

JEREMIAH GALVAN

AARYN JONES

BRANDON HARRIS

RYAN ROSENBERG

LANIE

GREG PARMETER

TAYLOR RAMMER

DIANE FOUST

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The Company

LAURIE KINCMAN

MEGAN PENCE

EDDIE KIM

EMMA FRAYER

LEX VIOLETTE

KRISTI BECHTEL

JESS RIGDON

CASSIE VORBACH

SRINIVASA RAO CHANDANA

KRISTIN FREEDLUND

TODD OLSON

CAITLIN CALIRI

KATYA CARTER

LIZZ BRANNON

PAUL JEWSON

DAVID STOLESON

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The Company

AARON FROST

KYLE RENFRO

JACOB SHAMBAN

STEPHANIE BROOKMAN

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NATHAN OLSON

News with a little more humanity NO PAYWALL. NO AGENDA. NO CORPORATE FILTER.

WISCONSIN TODAY NEWSLETTER Sign up for the newsletter today at wpr.org/newsletters.

WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO p. 15

A delighted sponsor of the La Crosse Community Theatre since 2006

vendiadvertising.com brand | research | marketing | digital design | content | web/mobile | video p. 16

Friends of LCT Donors The Friends of LCT Campaign aims to continually raise operational funds for LCT from large gift givers sustained over five-year long pledges. We thank the following for their pledges:

EXECUTIVE (Pledged $25,000+) Russel L. and Vera M. Smith Foundation Keith and Mary Isaacs ASSOCIATE (Pledged $12,500 - $24,999) Pat and Joe Heim Karl and Julie Noll CONTRIBUTOR (Pledged $5,000 - $11,499) Tom and Jan Brock Vicki and Chris Born Michael and Sharon Markee Randy and Lynn Nelson Theresa and Scott Smerud Julie Keitel Cheryl Vieth Laux Family Partners Kurt and Julie Shroeder Michael and Rose Porter Duane Lom Become a Friend of LCT!

Erik Vose, Executive Director | 608-615-1556 | www.lacrossetheatre.org/donate

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Cast

Diane, Crystal, Brenda......................................................................KATIE BAKALARS Hannah, Margie, Mickey.............................................................. MICHELLE WALKER Janice, Britney, Flight Attendant................................................MAKENNA JOHNSON Beulah, Delores, Customs Officer.................................................... COLLEEN SCHULZ Bonnie, Martha............................................................................BRITTANY MCGUIRE Beverly, Annette, Reporter.............................................................. KELLEY MANSON Oz, Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, Head Cardiologist....... BRAD WEBER Kevin T., Garth, President Bush.......................................................... DUSTIN LUECKE Kevin J., Dwight, Ali, Officer Stephenson......................................JEREMIAH GALVAN Bob, Muhumuza, Captain Bristol..........................................................AARYN JONES Claude, Derm, Brenda's Brother, Eddie...........................................BRANDON HARRIS Nick, Doug, Male Townsperson..................................................... RYAN ROSENBERG Band

Conductor....................................................................................KRISTIN FREEDLUND Bass...................................................................................................... PAUL JEWSON Drums...............................................................................................DAVID STOLESON Percussion.............................................................................................AARON FROST Guitar............................................................................................... JACOB SHAMBAN Mandolin, Guitar 2.................................................................................KYLE RENFRO Fiddle..................................................................................................NATHAN OLSON Whistles, Flutes.....................................................................STEPHANIE BROOKMAN Piano, Accordion..........................................................................................EDDIE KIM p. 18

Production Team

Director............................................................................................. GREG PARMETER Assistant Director & Intimacy Director............................................ TAYLOR RAMMER Music Director........................................................................................DIANE FOUST Accompanist................................................................................................EDDIE KIM Dramaturg....................................................................................... LAURIE KINCMAN Stage Manager.....................................................................................MEGAN PENCE Choreographer.................................................................................... EMMA FRAYER Technical Director, Set Designer............................................................ LEX VIOLETTE Props Master...................................................................................... KRISTI BECHTEL Costume Designer............................................................................. JESSICA RIGDON Lighting Designer.............................................................................CASSIE VORBACH Audio Designer...................................................................................SRINI CHADANA Conductor....................................................................................KRISTIN FREEDLUND Assistant Soundboard Operator............................................................. TODD OLSON Light Board Operator.................................................................... MALANA KINSTLER Crew................................................CAITLIN CALIRI, KATYA CARTER, LIZZ BRANNON Costume Shop Volunteers.............................CHARLOTTE GRANT, SHARON MARKEE, SUZANNE YOUNG, NANCY MAHLUM, RUTH DRISCOLL, CHRISTINE PAPKE, CHERYL VEITH, PAT CHILSEN, TRINA SCHLIFER, JANE KRUGER, CAROL SOLYST, JULIE KEITEL LCT Staff Executive Director................................................................................................. ERIK VOSE Artistic Director................................................................................................MARY CATE WESLING Director of Education................................................................................... KATELYN KLIEVE Technical Director............................................................................................ LEX VIOLETTE Costume Shop Supervisor........................................................................THERESA SMERUD Marketing Manager | Assistant Costume Shop Supervisor....................... JESSICA RIGDON Weber Center Operations Manager | LCT Audio/Visual Manager.........RYAN VAN BERKUM Front of House............. SHARON SINGER-DAWIDOWSKI; ADDIE ZANER; ANNA GOODMAN; ANGIE STRITTMATER; MIKE SPECK; STEVEN WALKER; AMANDA WIESE Head Carpenter and Flyman..........................................................MACKINLEY BRUEMMER Resident Scenic Designer and Charge Artist........................................... AUGUST JENNINGS Scene Shop Staff......................................................................................... JAMES MURPHY Youth Apprentice....................................... ANTHONY KENDHAMMER, LAKEN BUCHHOLTZ p. 19

Thank You to Our Backstage Sponsors!

LCT Board of Directors

Lighting and Sound shop sponsored by

Jay Lokken President

Neal Meier First-Vice President

Joe Hammes Second Vice-President

Mary Rathgaber Secretary

Pat Heim Past-President

Mary Isaacs Treasurer

Costume Shop sponsored by

Mary Isaacs At La Crosse Community Theatre, our mission is to honor and celebrate our rich theatrical heritage while establishing a sustainable foundation for the years to come.

With collaboration as a cornerstone, we are a dynamic, educational, and visionary force shaping the destiny of our community by adapting to the ever-changing arts landscape and showcasing excellence in local community entertainment.

Bradley Weber Dick Reynertson Kelly Galván Member-At-Large Member-At-Large Member-At-Large

Marlene De La Cruz-Guzman Member-At-Large

Michelle Kelley Monica Organ Member-At-Large Member-At-Large

LCT Advisory Board Chair of the Board - Katie Fries Alex Lueck Anna Taylor Arla Clemons Bill Pritchard Brady Lowe Gregory Parmeter Joan Temple John Lyche Jon Lamb Karen Fries Kenna Christians Kristin Freedlund

Mary Ann Gschwind Randy Nelson Mark Solyst Chris Kahlow Matthew Curtis Member-At-Large Member-At-Large Member-At-Large Megan Pence Nate Mohlman Peter Bosgraaf Richard Walters Shannon Kummerow Shaundel Washington-Spivey Stacie Schmidt Susan Durtsche Carolyn Colleen Stephen Conrad Bostrack HR Representative Thomas Behrenbeck Member-At-Large Vendi

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Who's Who KATIE BAKALARS (Diane, Crystal, Brenda) Katie is

now works as a law librarian. She thanks her friends,

humbly elated to be a part of this wonderful creative

family, and amazing fiancé for their support! Enjoy

team. Past credits include The Wicked Witch in "The

the show!

Wizard of Oz", Kate Monster in "Avenue Q" and Slyvia in Grey Area's production of "The Thin Place". This

COLLEEN SCHULZ (Beulah, Delores) La Crosse

show is such a special testimony to the goodness

Community Theatre debut! Previous productions:

in all of us. Thank you for supporting local arts and

Mamma Mia! (Tanya), Hair (Sheila), Spring

enjoy the show!

Awakening (Martha), Legally Blonde (Serena), Into the Woods (Stepmother), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

MICHELLE WALKER (Hannah, Margie, Mickey)

(Jolene Oaks), Dracula (Mina). Endless gratitude to

Michelle is absolutely elated to be a member of this

Andrew for his unwavering support and allowing this

all-star cast! It is shows like Come From Away that

to be possible, to Dad for nurturing my love for music

make theatre so important, especially in times like

and theatre, and to Greg and this incredible cast

these. She hopes you laugh, cry, see yourself, and

and crew for taking a chance and welcoming me so

are left with a lasting impression of tolerance and

warmly. For Mom.

acceptance. You may recognize her from past shows including: Les Miserables as Madame Thenardier,

BRITTANY MCGUIRE (Bonnie, Martha) Brittany is

Guys and Dolls as Adelaide and as a sketch comedy

beyond thrilled to be part of this production and back

artist in Live! From La Crosse. Outside of theatre you'll

on the LCT stage for the first time since 2019! Past

find her teaching preschool children, a career she is

shows include 9 to 5 (Judy), Cinderella (Stepmother),

quite passionate about. Thank you for coming and

and Elf (Ensemble). Brittany is a high school social

supporting local theatre!

studies teacher and often works behind the scenes as a middle and high school drama director. So

MAKENNA JOHNSON (Janice, Britney, Flight

much love and thanks to Sean and the boys for their

Attendant) MaKenna is thrilled to be back on the

constant support and willingness to share her with

LCT stage! Previously, she was in White Christmas

theatre. Enjoy the show!

with LCT. She earned her Bachelor’s in Theatre performance from UWL. A couple of her favorite

KELLEY MANSON(Beverly, Annette) Kelley is

roles there include Susan (Company) and Stella (A

thrilled to a part of this production and truly honored

Streetcar Named Desire). After graduating, she went

to stand on the LCT stage with her friends and share

on to earn her Master’s from UW-Milwaukee and

this beautiful story with you. Past credits include Next p. 21

Who's Who to Normal (Diana), Bad Seed (Christine), and Blood

JEREMIAH GALVAN (Kevin J., Dwight, Ali, Officer

Brothers (Mrs. Johnstone). She is deeply grateful to

Stephenson) Jeremiah Galván is grateful to share

her husband and two daughters for their unwavering

this deeply human story about loss and hope with

love and support. To the ones who've left, you're

such a wonderful gaggle of, well, humans! While not

never truly gone.

his first production—The Odd Couple (Felix), The Diary of Anne Frank (Otto Frank), Elf: The Musical

BRAD WEBER (Oz, Joey, Customs Officer,

(Buddy), 12 Angry Men (Juror 8)—this one is

Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, Head

special. Endless thanks to his fabulous wife and kids

Cardiologist) Brad is grateful to be back on stage

for keeping a candle in the window and the kettle on.

at LCT participating in his 15th production. Previous

Wherever you've come from, welcome. Matt. 25:35

productions include Next to Normal (Dan), Secret Garden (Archibald), Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus),

AARYN JONES (Bob, Muhumuza, Captain

and Les Misérables (Thénardier). By day, Brad is a

Bristol) Aaryn is so excited to join this production of

Healthcare Administrator supporting the Department

Come From Away. His previous roles include; Newsies

of Surgery at Mayo Clinic Health System and serves

LCT 2019 (Specs), Rent LCT 2023 ensemble and The

on several community-based boards. Brad, Leslie

Wizard of Oz 2023 (Crow).

and their 3 children (Charley, Marie, Andrew) love to

Aaryn has also participated in many of the choral

spend time camping, flying (well, at least Brad and

ensembles at Viterbo from 2016 to 2020 including

Andrew), and participating in the performing arts.

Platinum edition, 9th St Singers, and Concert Choir.

It's been some time since Aaryn's involvement in

DUSTIN LUECKE (Kevin t., Garth, President Bush)

the theater and he's glad for a chance to return to

Dustin returns to the Lyche Theatre stage for the

performing.

first time since LCT's Newsies (Davey). Other credits include: The 39 Steps (Hannay), The Misanthrope

BRANDON HARRIS (Claude, Derm, Brenda's

(Alceste), and The Weber Center's [title of show]

Brother, Eddie) Everyone has a story about how

(Jeff) Film: Come Here Brother Wolf (director/

they started that day; Brandon was in an acting class

producer) TV: Wake Up Wisconsin on WXOW 19

at 73rd and Broadway in NYC when the first plane

(anchor). All my love to Dominique (who always

hit the WTC, and he experienced the events of that

believes in me), my kids, and family(s). "Because we

day firsthand. He and his roommate walked down to

come from everywhere, we all come from away."

ground zero to see the tragedy with their own eyes.

He is grateful to tell this story of another perspective p. 22

Who's Who of those events with an amazing group of people.

love and support, as well as the entire cast, crew, his

We can all be kinder to each other. Thank you for

colleagues in the department of theatre and dance,

supporting local arts. Much love to Alison, my family,

and the LCT staff for making it possible to direct this

and friends.

powerful piece of theatre. When Greg joined LCT as a come from away, he found his artistic heart. When he

RYAN ROSENBERG (Nick, Doug, Townsperson)

left, he left a part of it behind.

Ryan Rosenberg (Doug/Nick) is thrilled to return to the LCT stage. Most recently seen at LCT in Next

TAYLOR RAMMER (Assistant Director) Taylor is

to Normal, you may also find him gigging locally,

incredibly grateful to be assistant directing LCT’s

sharing his love for musical theater within his

production of Come From Away! Taylor recently

acoustic sets. When not conducting analytical

directed SDLAX’s production of Witches?! In Salem?!

research at Fastenal, or keeping up with his boys, he

Last year, she was also seen on stage in UW-La

enjoys outdoor and music related adventures with

Crosse’s productions of What the Constitution Means

loved ones. He would like to thank Jolie and his

to Me (Heidi) and Cabaret (Sally Bowles). Come From

family for all their support.

Away has been an absolute dream to work on and she is so honored to have been a part of it! Enjoy the

GREG PARMETER (Director) Greg teaches voice,

show!

movement, and performance at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Before joining the faculty at

LAURIE KINCMAN (Dramaturg) Laurie is Chair

UWL Greg served as the artistic director of La Crosse

of the Department of Theatre & Dance at UW-La

Community Theatre for nine years where he directed

Crosse, where she teaches stage management, arts

the regional premiers of Les Miserables and Mary

administration, and dramaturgy. Recent credits

Poppins, plus the world community theatre premier

include dramaturgy for The Game’s Afoot and What

of Billy Elliot the Musical. While at UWL, Greg has

the Constitution Means to Me, projections design for

won two national awards for directing from the

Cabaret, and stage management for Art in Motion.

American College Theatre Festival for his productions

This production is especially meaningful because

of What the Constitution Means to Me and Severe

it brings full circle Laurie & Greg’s September 11

Clear: 9/11 From Memory to History, which he

storytelling, which began in 2019 with the project

co-wrote with his friend, colleague, and Come From

that would become Severe Clear.

Away dramaturg, Laurie Kincman. Greg would like to thank Mandy, Benjamin, and Matilda for their p. 23

Who's Who MEGAN PENCE (Stage Manager) I’m so grateful

deeper connections in serving one another, especially

to LCT for letting me be back in the tech booth to

across lines of national origin, sexual orientation, and

stage manage this amazing show! Thank you to the

religious affiliation (including no affiliation). We all

cast and crew for all their dedication in bringing it

come from away.

to life. By day, I’m the office manager for ABRA Auto Body, and I love volunteering with the Onalaska

EMMA FRAYER (Choreographer) Emma loves

Lions Club and Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest—because

staying involved in LCT through choreography,

Oktoberfest is life! Special thanks to my family and

costume design, and volunteering wherever needed.

friends who traveled to be here, and to those who

She would like to thank her family for supporting her

kept me fed and my dogs cuddled while I was at

lifetime interest and her husband for putting up with

rehearsal.

a crazy schedule.

DIANE FOUST (Music Director) I am so proud to be

LEX VIOLETTE (Technical Director, Set Designer)

a part of the telling of this story—this true story—

Lex is overjoyed to be the Technical Director and

about how some islanders took care of people

Scenic Designer for this production! Lex has been

who literally came down from the sky because of a

involved in theatre for 16 years, in a wide variety of

tragedy not of their making. I get inspiration from

roles. Some of their favorite past credits include: Deer

their generosity, their humor, their grit, and their

Camp (Scenic Designer/TD), Sex Tips for Straight

persistence to make the world a better place for

Women from a Gay Man (Director, Scenic Designer,

those 6600+ travelers (and their pets!) for a few

TD), and Dog Sees God (Tricia, TD). When not at the

days. Thanks to all this wonderful cast, crew, and

theatre, she can be seen thrifting, watching Netflix,

production team for their hard work and dedication

or hanging out with her cat, Esper. Lex would like to

to this show. And thanks, as always, to the love of my

thank their chosen family for their continued support.

life for his unconditional support.

Enjoy the show!

EDDIE KIM (Accompanist, Piano, Accordion)

KRISTI BECHTEL (Props Master) Kristi is thrilled

Eddie Kim (Accompanist, Piano/Accordion)

to be part of this production! Past credits include

remembers being woken up by friends to the news

Scrooge in Rouge (Stage Manager), [Dog Sees God]

on that fateful morning, since it was still early in the

(Stage Manager), [Fiddler on the Roof] (Stage

day on the West Coast. He hopes that the messages

Manager), [Sex Tips from a Gay Man to a Straight

inside this beautiful journey urge us all towards

Woman] (Sound Design), [Lend Me A Tenor] (Props p. 24

Who's Who Designer), and One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall

passion for storytelling through sound, Srini brings a

(Stage Manager). For Kristi's day job, she is a mental

keen ear for crafting immersive and dynamic audio

health therapist and teaches for UWL and WSU. Kristi

landscapes that elevate the emotional journey of

would like to thank the LCT staff for their support.

the audience. He is grateful for the opportunity to

Enjoy the show!

collaborate with the talented artists at LCT and looks forward to creating memorable soundscapes for

JESS RIGDON (Costume Designer) Jess is very

many productions to come.

excited to work on this monumental piece of theatre. Come From Away is an interesting challenge

KRISTIN FREEDLUND (Conductor) By day, I am

costume-wise with over 50 characters being played

the band director at Longfellow Middle School, and

by 12 performers, most of whom don't leave the

by night I’m grateful to serve as the pit conductor

stage! Her previous design work for LCT includes

for Come From Away. Previous conducting credits

Adventures Await, White Christmas, A Doll's House

include Waitress, Bright Star, Fiddler on the Roof,

Part 2, and many more. She serves as LCT's Marketing

and Rent. I’m incredibly thankful to work alongside

Manager/Assistant Costume Shop Manager. She'd

musicians who care deeply about the craft and trust

like to thank everyone in her life for their patience

the process. A heartfelt thank you to my parents, Barb

and support over the last few months!

and Phil, for always encouraging and helping me bring my ideas (yes—even the ugly stick!) to life.

CASSIE VORBACH (Lighting Designer) This is

Much love to my very patient husband, Kyle. May we

Cassie's fourth season designing for LCT. Her past

leave tonight a little kinder, a little warmer, and ready

designs at LCT include Frozen, Waitress, Bright Star,

to greet the next person we meet. So grab a beer, say

Diary of Anne Frank, White Christmas, Charlie and the

hello to your neighbor, kiss the cod, and heave away,

Chocolate Factory, Wizard of Oz and 5 Lesbians Eating

me jollies—heave away!

a Quiche. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons.

TODD OLSON (Assistant Soundboard Operator) Todd is thrilled to be part of this production! He is

SRINI RAO CHADANA (Audio Designer) Srini is

fairly new to theatre but was in the LCT production of

thrilled to join the team for Come From Away at LCT.

White Christmas as the Radio Announcer, Jimmy, and

He has previously designed sound for productions

a member of the ensemble. This is his first experience

including One Christmas Eve, Adventure Awaits,

supporting behind the scenes. Todd is recently retired

Oliver, Deer Camp, and Steel Magnolias. With a deep

and has too many hobbies to list. A big thanks to the p. 25

Who's Who amazing cast, crew, and supportive humans in the

and enjoy the many costume changes and prop hand

audience. Here's to trying something new - enjoy

offs- the real star of the show!

the show!

PAUL JEWSON (Bass) Paul returns from the pit for CAITLIN CALIRI (Crew) Caitlin is honored to help

Waitress back on the stage, but like Rent and Bright

bring Come From Away to life at LCT! You may have

Star previously, is bringing his basses with him! Paul

seen her previously in Twilight Bowl as Maddy, in

has been active in the La Crosse area for the last

Frozen as Bulda, or in White Christmas as either Rita

decade, playing everything from rock and pop to

or Judy, with an occasional special appearance as

orchestral and jazz. He has been fortunate enough

Chorus Boy #2. As the proud daughter of a firefighter/

to play theater productions with the La Crosse

EMT, this show is very meaningful to her. So she is

Community Theatre, UW-La Crosse, and Viterbo

very excited to help share this story with you and

University, and is excited to perform Come From

would like to thank her family, especially her dad and

Away!

her husband, David, for being extra supportive during DAVID STOLESON (Drums) This is David’s fifth

this process!

production playing drums for LCT. His previous shows KATYA CARTER (Crew) As a Canadian and proud

include Lizzie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,

Newfoundlander, Katya is thrilled to be part of Come

Rent, and Fiddler on the Roof.

from Away and to return to LCT. A crew person at

He has performed with several local bands and is

heart, she most recently stage managed Small Mouth

currently the drummer for Porcupine.

Sounds with Gray Area Productions. Her hobbies

He is grateful to the cast, crew, and fellow musicians

include cross stitch, Eurovision and watching cult

for the chance to share in the music and be part of

movie classics at the Riv. She would like to thank

such a supportive community.

her boyfriend Xavier and her friends and family for

Special thanks to his wife, Joy, for her steady love and

encouraging her to get back into theatre.

support.

LIZZ BRANNON (Crew) Lizz is so excited to be back

AARON FROST (Percussion) Aaron is so grateful

in the wings for another delightful show! She spends

to be able to be on stage for this show. Past

her days delivering the gift of music to local students,

performances either on or under the stage at LCT

and is thrilled to add more song and dance to her

include Waitress, Elf, Newsies, and... Titanic. He'd like

nights and weekends! Thanks to family and friends,

to extend a huge thank you to his family for letting p. 26

Who's Who him make so much noise in the house trying to learn

Penzance in the old theatre building and has played

these instruments!

in several of the pits including the Weber Center musical debut of Les Miserables in 2013. She is

JACOB SHAMBAN (Guitar) Jacob is stepping into

looking forward to playing for this amazing show

his first theatre production, bringing prior stage

with a very talented director and fellow musicians.

experience from Sunday services and local open

Stephanie appreciates being asked to be part of the

jams. Originally from Texas, he played baseball

pit orchestra for Come From Away.

at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse before LANIE (The Kissing Cod) Born and raised in the

transitioning into a career in wealth management

brisk, slightly judgmental waters of Newfoundland, KYLE RENFRO (Mandolin, Guitar 2) Kyle is

Canada, Lanie has been professionally kissing

excited to be back in the pit for his 10th year at

strangers since birth. What began as a small-town

LCT. As a Guitar player and Mandolin hobbyist,

greeting quickly escalated into a full-scale maritime

any opportunity to play a Mandolin book is a fun

career. She trained extensively in Advanced Puckering

challenge. Thank you to the cast, crew, his fellow pit

and Method Moisture before making her stage debut

members and his wife Kristin (the pit director!) for

in Come From Away. Critics describe her performance

being the glue at home and in the show. Welcome to

as “bracing,”“unexpected,” and “surprisingly

the Rock!

committed.” When not on stage, Lanie enjoys practicing her dramatic side-eye from the prop table,

NATHAN OLSON (Fiddle) Nathan is a third-year

rehearsing her puckering technique, judging actors

undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin

silently from her perch, and advocating for equal

- La Crosse, double majoring in music composition

representation of fish in musical theatre. She would

and English rhetoric. He has played in the pit for a

like to thank the Atlantic Ocean, modern 3D printing,

variety of musicals for LCT including Fiddler on the

and anyone brave enough to lean in. Please. No tartar

Roof, Bright Star, and Waitress. He is both incredibly

sauce.

thankful and incredibly excited for this production run of Come From Away.

STEPHANIE BROOKMAN (Whistles, Flutes) Stephanie is excited to be playing again for LCT. She played in her first LCT orchestra for The Pirates of p. 27

The advertisements in these pages were created by youth businesses participating in the Acton Children's Business Fair. Each ad represents a real business launched by a young entrepreneur. From handmade products to creative services, these businesses reflect the imagination and initiative of local kids learning how to turn ideas into reality.

Before the fair, participants go through the process of creating their own business. They brainstorm ideas, develop products or services, set prices, design logos, and create marketing materials like the ads you see here.

The goal is simple: give kids a hands-on opportunity to experience entrepreneurship and the excitement of bringing their ideas to life.

This fair is part of the global Acton Children’s Business Fair, the largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America.

Across the country and around the world, young entrepreneurs participate in similar events where they launch a business for a day and learn about creativity, leadership, and problem-solving through real-world experience.

Meet the young entrepreneurs behind these ads at the Acton Children's Business Fair Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Misty’s Dance Unlimited Community Center, 923 12th Ave S, Onalaska, WI.

2024-2025 Advertisement 2026-2027 Advertisement Opportunities Opportunities

Advertise for the whole season!

Full-page (4.75 in x 7.75 in) ..................................................................................... $975 Half-page (4.75 in x 3.5 in) ...................................................................................... $650 Quarter-page (2.25 in x 3.5 in) ................................................................................. $500 Have your ad featured in LCT programs all season long!

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Pick your ad size: quarter page, half page, or full page

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For more Advertising information, please contact: Erik Vose

Jess Rigdon

Executive Director 608-615-1556 erik@lacrossetheatre.org

Marketing Manager 608-615-1559 jess@lacrossetheatre.org

428 Front Street South • La Crosse, WI 54601 • www.lacrossetheatre.org p. 34

Thank You to Our Season Sponsors!

p. 35

2025-2026 SEASON

FLE X & SE RIE S PASSES NO W AVAILABLE

608-784-9292 | www.lacrossetheatre.org

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