STAGED READING SERIES
YOU THINK THESE THINGS CAN ACT?! OCTOBER 16-17, 2026 LEAP CENTER
Thank you to our Season Sponsors!
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La Crosse Community Theatre Presents
Comic Potential By Alan Ayckbourn STARRING Julia Cain................................................. JCF 31333 Sunny Deters............................. Marmion, and Others Sophia Dummer. .................. LJM 548233, and Others Nick Fenn. ......................................................Chance Aidan Indal.....................................Lester, and Others Breann Lawrence. .............................................Carla Adam Scholze...................................................Adam Sudha Schulz......................... CW 77502, and Others Ashley Walden. ................................................. Prim Roella Weiss. .................................. Trudi, and Others Lucas Wienken........................LM 05623, and Others DIRECTED BY MIKE SPECK STAGE MANAGER NICHOLAS MARTIN Written by Alan Ayckbourn Originally produced in the United States by the Manhattan Theatre Club on October 24, 2000. COMIC POTENTIAL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com p. 3
Director’s Note
Alan Ayckbourn is not strictly a science fiction playwright…but by the time you write your 92nd play, you almost have to have some recurring themes. Comic Potential marked Ayckbourn’s first step into questions of robotic intelligence, awareness, and culpability. He has revisited the topic several times over the years including 2003’s My Sister Sadie, 2023’s Constant Companions, and this year’s The Trial of Romeo Oscar (his first courtroom drama in 92 plays!).
Comic Potential arguably marks a high point of Ayckbourn’s techno-optimism: he doesn’t dwell on the potential for human-android hostility or a robot takeover of civilization. His androids are durable and strong, certainly, with extensive memory, but humanity in this play is still ascendant. This comparative optimism rhymes with ST:TNG’s Data, writing poetry (“Felis catus is your taxonomic nomenclature”), rather than successively more murderous Cyberdyne systems chasing John Connor. (Twenty-five years later, Ayckbourn’s Constant Companions has a much darker take on humans’ survivability compared to robots.)
Comic Potential is a comedy in the Chekhovian vein – finding its humor in humanity, even while it mines humanity for pain and pathos as well. “I’m very happy to be privileged enough,” Ayckbourn said in 1999, “to write comedy. It doesn’t mean seriousness has to go out the window.”
Mike Speck Director
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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 A/V 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
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Season Opens On October 17, 2026
26
th 17 Mahler Symphony OCTOBER
27
No. 1
th 13 Rising Stars and MARCH
The Firebird Suite
st 21 Gershwin with
th 19 Holiday Collection
rd 3 Salute to The Big
MAY st
NOVEMBER
Michelle Cann
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with Handel’s Messiah
APRIL
Bands
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Conductor Wannabes and Sibelius Symphony No. 2
Upper Balcony
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Find LSO Performance information and purchase tickets online. lacrossesymphony.org/concerts-events/
(608) 783-2121 p. 7
LaCrosseSymphony.org
2025-2026 Patron Donor List Director's Circle ($1,000+) Tom and Jan Brock Penny Ammerman J. Michael and Vicki Hartigan Karl and Julie Noll Terry Benson Scott and Mary Rathgaber Keith and Mary Isaacs Charlotte and Roger Grant
Patrons Patrons(cont.) ($100-$249) Maureen and Lou Guillou Dr. DeAnn Almond Mike and Cheri Herro Teri Booth Fred and Sue Heuer Gary and Mary Bubbers Patrick, Erin, and Nola Kelly Cari and Mark Burmaster Kent and Jan Koppelman Keely Chrest Ken and Janine Merkitch Jolene Demaiffe Rosemary Nelson Daryl and Nancy Ertl Randy and Lynn Nelson Marla French and Charles Tom and Lori Nigon Anderson Dianne G Pogreba Jim and Jo Glasser Michael Porter Joseph Gleason Leah A. Reimann Lauren Gourley & Paraic Kenny Delores Sauer James and Barbara Hemker Mark and Carol Solyst Designers Scott and Sue Horne Kathleen and Joseph Zietlow ($500-$999) Jim and Monique Howe Michelle Kelley David and Julie Boen Barbara Jordan Tom and Heidi Grau Bruce JA Kerr David & Christine Papke Deb Kettner-Sieber Mary Jean Sartz Roger and Jean Klousia Richard and Pamela Strauss Eric and Marcia Knudtson David and Julie Boen Tess and Dave Larsen Cheryl and Steve Loehr Joe Hammes & Aaron Teresa Mears Wickesberg Corine Neuman Kathy Spelker Katherine Niedfeldt Brad & Leslie Weber Robert and Silvana Richardson Why become a Patron Donor? Catherine E Roraff Becoming a Patron Donor of the La Ole Ryan Crosse Theatre isn't just about supActors Thomas & Sharon Ryan porting the arts; it's about becoming a ($250-$499) part of our vibrant family. As a Patron, Paul Sampson you'll experience a sense of belonging Joan Allen Kurt and Julie Schroeder never before. You'll be at the heart Roger and Kenna Christians Thomas and Jean Thompson like of our mission to enrich lives through Barbara and Herbert Heili Anthony and Patrice Vander exceptional performances and transforWielen mative experiences. Plus you get your Doc and Cori Howman name listed in the program book for each Colleen Walsh Aurel and Sue Mailath production, just like all those listed here! Eileen Walsh Doyle Krister Mattson Joyce Wichelt Brian and Karen Rude Chuck Zabel Pat and Dick Spencer Theron and Judie Wilson Dick and Judy Williams Theresa Brennan Bob and Kay Conzemius Tom Byerly Hope Sutton Dependable Solutions Inc Bill & Jackie Pritchard Karen and Steve Lind Ben Bockenhauer Scan Here to become a Bob and Laurel Allen Patron Donor today! Joel Greiner p. 8
Who's Who
Julia Cain (JC 333) Julia is thrilled to make her LCT debut! Julia is a graduate of the UW-Oshkosh Theatre department. She was apart of many shows including Twelfth Night (Olivia) and The One Act Play That Goes Wrong (Sandra), in which she received an Irene Ryan Award Nomination. Julia wants to send a special thanks to her Fiancé Jacob for being her #1 supporter.
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is proud to support the La Crosse Community Theatre (608) 785-1727 | (800) 444-0578 201 Main Street, Suite 101 La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com
Who's Who
Sunny Deters (Marmion, and Others) Sunny is rekindling his love for theater, returning after finding his passion for the art of acting once again! The director, the cast, the crew, everyone makes it even more worthwhile. They go by He/They, and are a senior at Holmen High, and he would love to thank everyone who has been cheering him on along this journey. Enjoy the show! p. 10
Who's Who
Nick Fenn (Chance) Nick is excited to be coming back to the stage after nearly 6 years. He’s spent the majority of that time away pursuing a master’s in mental health counseling. Now that he’s got both his degree and license, he’s ready to get back into performing! He’d like to thank his husband and his parents for their endless support. Enjoy the show! Aidan Indahl (Lester, and Others) Aidan is thrilled to be back on staged with LCT! Past credits include The SpongeBob Musical (Patrick Star), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (William Barfée), and Frozen (Ensemble/Olaf u/s). Aidan is also a playwright and composer. Check out the original musical he wrote, Day by Day, on Instagram and TikTok @musical_daybyday!
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Who's Who
Nicholas Martin (Stage Manager) Nicholas was asked to come back and stage manage after doing so for last season's production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. He was excited about this production's short schedule. Shout out to WKBT for supporting his theatre ambitions. And yes, this was actually written by him. Adam Scholze (Adam) Adam is participating in his second Production at LCT! Previously they were an Understudy for the character Dan in "Sex Tips for a Straight Woman from a Gay Man." Adam is excited to step into another comedy role, this time as a character with the same name! Thank you for all the love, laughs, and support for those who are here to enjoy this place.
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Who's Who
Sudha Schultz (CW 77502, and Others) Sudha is thrilled to be a part of her first Staged reading at LCT. Past credits include Oliver! The Musical as Strawberry Seller, and she has also been a part of Opera scenes at Lawrence University. Sudha would like to thank her family and friends for their support.
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NO DRAMA JUST GREAT SERVICE www.dahlhondaonalaska.com
Who's Who
Mike Speck (Director) Mike Speck makes his LCT directing debut! Other LCT credits include performance, fight direction, and box office. Other directing includes readings of Snake in the Grass, Pride & Prejudice, 12 Angry Jurors, and Bach at Leipzig. He teaches and choreographs stage combat regularly for Viterbo, and his Ayckbourn library is the best in the Driftless. p. 14
Who's Who
Ashley Walden (Prim ) Ashley is thrilled to return to the LCT LEAP stage. She was last seen as Narrator in both Defying Gravity and Day By Day and has loved working with this amazing team. She enjoys reading and preparing for her first 25k trail race in Hixon. She thanks her family for supporting her adventures into theater and beyond. Enjoy the laughs!
Locally Roasted, House Made Syrups, Livable Wages Paid, Community Focused, Tip Free Coffee Shop... Just Next Door! Tuesday - Saturday 8am - 3pm 332 Front St p. 15
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Roella Weiss (Trudi, and others) This is Roella's first show with LCT and she is incredibly grateful for the opportunity. She is currently attending Viterbo University for a BFA in Acting. Some of Roella's past credits include Eurydice in Hadestown and Sandy in SpongeBob the Musical. Roella would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support! p. 16
Who's Who
Breann Lawrence (Carla) This is Breann's first time on stage, unless you count her 5th-grade debut as Lucy in A Charlie Brown Christmas! She's loved stepping outside her comfort zone and meeting so many wonderful people. A huge thank you to the cast and crew for making this such a welcoming experience, and to the audience for their support!
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Who's Who
Sophia Dummer (LJM 548233, and Others) Sophia is so excited to be part of this production! Past credits include Matilda as Michael Wormwood, Understudied for Horror Movies 101, and various roles in Descendants. He is a student at Holmen High School. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support. Have a great laugh. Enjoy the show! Lucas Wienken (LM05623, and Others) Lucas Wienken is tickled pink to be making his LCT debut in Comic Potential. Lucas is a sophomore musical theatre major at Viterbo University. His previous roles include Son in “Strawberry Fields” and Professor Hidgens in “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals.” Lucas would like to thank the production team, and his family for their endless support.
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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. • 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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Thank You to Our Backstage Sponsors!
LCT Board of Directors
Lighting and Sound shop sponsored by
www.interstatesound.com
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.
Alyssa Balboa Member-At-Large
Samuel Lindner Kelly Galván Member-At-Large Member-At-Large
Taylor Ledvina Member-At-Large
Michele Kelley Monica Organ Member-At-Large Member-At-Large
Randy Nelson Member-At-Large
Mark Solyst Member-At-Large
Carolyn Colleen Bostrack Member-At-Large
Tony Beyey Member-At-Large
LCT Advisory Board Chair of the Board - Katie Fries Alex Lueck Anna Taylor Bill Pritchard Brady Lowe Gregory Parmeter Joan Temple Jon Lamb Karen Fries Kenna Christians Kristin Freedlund Mary Ann Gschwind Matthew Curtis Megan Pence
Nate Mohlman Richard Walters Shannon Kummerow Stacie Schmidt Thomas Behrenbeck Vendi Josh Fruechte Pat Boge Willaim Garcia Brad Weber Stephen Conrad Sarah Arendt-Beyer Libby Zafft
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Chris Kahlow Member-At-Large
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 Become a Friend of LCT!
Erik Vose, Executive Director | 608-615-1556 | www.lacrossetheatre.org/donate
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THE ARTS ARE POWERFUL . IT’S NO SURPRISE WE’RE BIG FANS.
Xcel Energy is a proud supporter of the La Crosse Community Theatre. Through sponsorship and community investment, we’re dedicated to delivering support to the people and organizations that inspire us all. Visit xcelenergy.com to learn more.
© 2019 Xcel Energy Inc.
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8/5/19 11:51 AM
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
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608-784-9292 | www.lacrossetheatre.org PURSHASE ONLINE OR AT THE BOX OFFICE Military & student discounts available
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