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.
A Note from our Executive Director
Welcome to Lend Me A Tenor!
This madcap comedy is one of those rare shows that keeps audiences laughing from curtain to curtain. Set in the glamorous world of 1930s opera, it’s a perfect storm of mistaken identities, slamming doors, and musical mayhem. What makes Lend Me A Tenor so timeless is its blend of precision and chaos—the kind of well-crafted farce that challenges a cast to stay one step ahead of the laughter.
That’s exactly what makes this production special. It’s the first show with a set primarily built in our new scene shop at The LEAP Center, a huge step forward for LCT. This milestone reminds us how far we’ve come—we like to think it helps make all the door slams sound extra satisfying!
A very special thank-you goes to volunteer and donor Steve Libera, whose skill, dedication, and generosity made the LEAP shop possible. Steve spent countless hours ensuring that the space was ready this fall. His commitment is a true reflection of what community theatre stands for: creativity, collaboration, and heart.
Thank you also to director William Garcia, the talented cast, crew, and production team for their incredible work on this show. Their humor, timing, and teamwork make this production sing—both literally and figuratively.
As we grow into The LEAP Center, we are reminded that our mission—to create, celebrate, and share the experience of live theatre as a vital part of our community life—extends beyond the stage. It’s about building spaces and opportunities that allow art, laughter, and connection to thrive.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Now enjoy some much-needed laughter—and a few very well-built door slams!
ERIK VOSE Executive Director
In life, timing is everything.
Director’s Note
Perhaps that's why we love a good farce. There's something comforting about laughing at the near misses, petty squabbles, and small blunders of characters onstage—it makes it a little easier to forgive our own. Every slammed door, exasperated sigh, and bewildered groan reminds us that chaos is temporary, and more often than not, things tend to work out in the end.
The plot of our play centers around a performance of Leoncavallo's Pagliacci—an inspired choice, as it's the emotional and thematic opposite of Lend Me a Tenor. In the opera, a clown is driven to madness and murder by his wife’s betrayal; it’s a tragedy steeped in the despair of unfulfilled greatness. Our characters, by contrast, are far more human—and humane. Jealousy, anger, and heartbreak still make an appearance, but here they unravel not into violence, but into confusion, awkwardness, and, ultimately, forgiveness.
I’d like to thank the cast and crew for their dedication and focus throughout the rehearsal process. Staging a farce is like training for a marathon—it requires stamina, precision, and impeccable timing. I can assure you, by the time the actors take their final bows, they’ve earned every laugh.
We truly hope you enjoy the show as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to life for you.
Director
Steven Gage
Jim Warsinske
Stella Hagen
Jordan Rooker
STARRING
Emily Brown
Tracie Banning
Faith Wheat
Dominique Sicard Luecke
The Company
STELLA HAGEN
STEVEN GAGE
JIM WARSINKSKE
KATIE FRIES
BRITTANY BARA
FAITH WHEAT
DOMINIQUE SICARD LUECKE
KEEGAN JAMES ERIC STOUGHTNER
TRACIE BANNING
THERESA SMERUD
JAMES MURPHY
KRISTINA BECHTEL MAHLIVANH FLECKENSTEIN
WILLIAM GARCIA
LEX VIOLETTE AUGUST JENNINGS
EMILY BROWN
JORDAN ROOKER
BRADLEY WEBER
RHIANNON BAASCH
Who's Who
STEVEN GAGE (Max)Steven works in Marketing for the Fastenal company. He discovered his love for theater in high school, with productions like Grease and Westside story. He furthered his acting journey at UWLAX and is especially proud of his performance as Paris in Romeo and Juliet. He currently lives in La Crosse with his fiancée, where he enjoys hobbies like mead making and table top games.
STELLA HAGEN (Maggie) Stella is happy you are here! She is ecstatic to be back on stage for the first time in over a year! A few of Stella's past productions include Beauty & The Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, and many more. Stella is currently a second-year student at Winona State University studying elementary education in hopes of becoming a kindergarten teacher. Stella would like to thank her family and friends for their ever-loving support. Toodles!
JIM WARSINSKE (Saunders)Jim is excited to be back on the stage and be a part of this fun show. He has been away since 2016 when he was a miner in Billy Elliot at LCT. That year, he also participated in Dancing with the La Crosse Stars for the Red Cross and won Judges Choice with a score of 10 from all three judges. Jim likes to play soccer, board games and Dungeons & Dragons. He thanks family and friends for their support and has a special "Hey!" to any of the players of his soccer team, the 'Chicken Wings' that come to see the show.
JORDAN ROOKER (Tito) Jordan is excited to let his humor make its way to the stage of LCT! This is his 6th show with LCT, most recently in the role of Mr Sowerberry/Mr Bumble (depending on when you went) in last year’s
Oliver! He couldn’t be here without the loving support of his wife Rachel and kiddos Wyatt and Layla - for which he is forever grateful!
EMILY BROWN (Maria) Emily is so excited to be making her debut with LCT! Her past credits include [The Whale] (Ellie), [Little Shop of Horrors] (Audrey), [Noises Off] (Brooke Ashton), [Our Town] (Mrs. Soames), and [Peter Pan] (Slightly). She hails from Houston, TX and works as an evening news anchor at WKBT News 8. She wants to thank her friends and family for all of their unwavering support and humor throughout her wild journey, and to the cast and crew for being so cool and welcoming. Best of luck everyone!
TRACIE BANNING (Julia)Tracie is excited to be back on the LCT stage in Lend Me a Tenor! She was in LCT’s production of the show in 1993, so this is really a full circle moment. Tracie played Ouiser Boudreaux in last season’s Steel Magnolias, and over the summer she was thoroughly evil as Maleficent in Appleseed’s Descendants. Thanks to the cast, William, James, mom, Brent and the kids, and to our audience - enjoy the chaos!
DOMINIQUE SICARD LUECKE (Diana) Dominique thanks Ken Ludwig for giving her so many opportunities to misbehave onstage. You may have seen her in a tizzy as Charlotte Hay in 'Moon Over Buffalo' or with a knife in her back as Daria Chase in 'The Game's Afoot'. No spoilers for tonight's antics, but please know that her incredible husband thoroughly enjoyed helping her practice her blocking. Here's hoping this show hits the high note for you. It did for her ;)
Who's Who
FAITH WHEAT (Bellhop) Faith is thrilled to be a part of this hilarious and energetic show, and is lucky to be surrounded by such a talented cast and crew! She is so happy to be involved in her 7th performance here at LCT and would like to thank her family and friends for their support. Enjoy the show!
KEEGAN JAMES (U/S for Saunders/Tito) This is Keegan's second time working with LCT and second time working with William Garcia! They are excited to be back, and rehearsing this hysterical show with such a talented crew has been a joy.
ERIC STOUGHTNER (U/S for Max)Eric Stoughtenger is overjoyed and incredibly grateful to be part of this hilarious cast! He was last seen onstage at LCT in the Oliver! ensemble and backstage spotlighting for Waitress. He sends thanks to his wife Marissa—the real superstar—his wonderful supportive friends and family, his theatre crew besties, and everyone at LCT. He couldn’t do it without them! Eric also extends thanks to the audience for supporting local theatre. Enjoy the show. Grazie!
WILLIAM GARCIA (Director) William Garcia first appeared on stage at the age of 6 and has been working to stay there ever since. He loves acting, but directing is where his passions truly lie. He is proud to have directed many shows at LCT, including The Diary of Anne Frank, The Odd Couple and Proof. He holds a Masters in English Letters from Middlebury College and teaches at Western Technical College. He thanks his incredible wife, Merideth, and his wonderful daughters, Merlin and Genevieve, for their constant love and support.
THERESA SMERUD (Costume Designer)
Theresa has been involved with LCT since she was 10 years old, when she was cast in The Music Man. Over the years, she participated on stage, but then gravitated to working with costumes. She designed costumes on and off over the years, even before a costume shop was established, with volunteers meeting at her home. Theresa has been LCT’s photographer, capturing most of the productions for the archives and PR. What she enjoys most is working with volunteers and teaching them new skills, along with creating order from chaos.
KRISTINA BECHTEL (Props Master)Kristi is thrilled to be part of this production! Past credits include Scrooge in Rouge (Stage Manager), Dog Sees God (State Manager), Fiddler on the Roof (Stage Manager), Come Back (stage reading, Stage Manager) and Sex Tips (Audio Designer). Theater has always been a passion hobby for Kristi and for her day job she is a Mental Health Therapist and Teacher. Kristi would like to thank everyone at LCT for giving her these amazing opportunities to be a part of this wonderful community and would like to thank them for their support. Enjoy the show!
MAHLIVANH FLECKENSTEIN (Sound Designer)
Mahlivanh is an actor & filmmaker who now works at the La Crosse Film Academy and the Rivoli Arts District. As a first-time sound designer, they couldn’t be happier to be part of this production! This is their second first-time production position this year—Mahlivanh assistant directed & stage managed The Wizard of Oz at Holmen Middle School this past spring. Mahli is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this operatic comedy and hopes you & your ears enjoy the show!
Who's Who
BRADLEY WEBER (Lighting Designer) Brad is excited to be back at LCT designing lighting for his 3rd show. He spent many years as a technical director as well as scenic, sound and lighting designer for various theatre companies. Brad recently designed lights for LCT’s productions of Oliver and Sex Tips. By day, Brad is a Healthcare Administrator supporting surgical specialities at Mayo Clinic and is a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol. Brad, Leslie and their 3 children love to spend time camping and participating in the performing arts!
KATIE FRIES (Music Supervisor) Katie is deeply grateful to director William for including her in bringing this “grand opera of comedy” to life. She is delighted to return for her 26th production with La Crosse Community Theatre, serving in previous roles as sound engineer, music director, carpenter, props designer, or volunteer actor.
LEX VIOLETTE ( Co-Scenic Designer & Technical Director) Lex is overjoyed to be the Technical Director for this production! Lex has been involved in theatre for 16 years, in a wide variety of roles. Some of their favorite past credits include: Deer Camp (Scenic Designer/ TD), Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man (Director, Scenic Designer, TD), and Dog Sees God (Tricia, TD). When not at the theatre, she can be seen thrifting, watching Netflix, or hanging out with her cat, Esper. Lex would like to thank their chosen family for their continued support. Enjoy the show!
AUGUST JENNINGS (Co-Scenic Designer) August joined the LCT staff in 2023 as a part-time scenic painter, and he now serves
full-time as their Charge Artist and Resident Scenic Designer. He previously designed shows such as Adventures Await (Scenic Design), Steel Magnolias (Scenic Design), and The Wizard of Oz (Props/Puppet Design). Outside the theatre, he crafts, cares for his plants, and adventures with his family. Thank you to his partner for always seeking out the whimsy in life with him.
JAMES MURPHY (Stage Manager) James is excited to once again be stage managing for LCT. This will be his 3rd main stage show and 5th overall production as a stage manager; however he has appeared both onstage and backstage in many shows over the last few years. Outside of shows, James is once of LCT's carpenters, helping to bring together the sets for all of LCT's productions. He would like to give a huge thank you to the cast, production team, crew, and LCT staff for once again pulling together an incredible and hilarious show.
BRITTANY BARA (Intimacy Director) Brittany Bara is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Musical Theatre at Viterbo University. As an actor and director, she has worked extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. Brittany is a Designated Linklater Teacher, director, dialect designer, intimacy director, and actor.
Recent La Crosse theatre credits: Becky in LCT’s Waitress. Viterbo Directing: Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Tar Beach, The Hello Girls.
Brittany is VASTA’s 2024 Dorothy Mennen Research/Development Grant awardee. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College in Boston and an MFA in Performance Pedagogy from the University of Pittsburgh.
LCT Board of Directors
President ........................................................................................................... JAY LOKKEN
First Vice-President .......................................................................................... NEAL MEIER
Second Vice President .................................................................................... JOE HAMMES
Treasurer MARY ISAACS
Secretary ............................................................................................... MARY RATHGABER
Past President ........................................................................................................ PAT HEIM
Members at Large ...... BRADLEY WEBER; RICHARD REYNERTSON; STEPHEN CONRAD; KELLY GALVÁN; MARLENE DE LA CRUZ-GUZMAN; CAROLYN COLLEEN BOSTRACK; MONICA ORGAN; RANDY NELSON; MARK SOLYST; CHRIS KAHLOW; MICHELLE KELLEY
HR Representatives .................................................
STEPHEN CONRAD AND PAT HEIM
LCT Advisory Board
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
Matthew Curtis
Megan Pence
Nate Mohlman
Peter Bosgraaf
Richard Walters
Shannon Kummerow
Shaundel Washington-Spivey
Stacie Schmidt
Susan Durtsche
Thomas Behrenbeck
Vendi
Chair of the Board - Katie Fries
Cast & Production Team
Max ................................................................................................................ STEVEN GAGE
Maggie ......................................................................................................... STELLA HAGEN
Saunders..................................................................................................... JIM WARSINSKE
Tito ............................................................................................................ JORDAN ROOKER
Maria EMILY BROWN
Julia ...........................................................................................................TRACIE BANNING
Diana ...................................................................................... DOMINIQUE SICARD LUECKE
Bellhop ........................................................................................................... FAITH WHEAT
U/S Saunders/Tito ....................................................................................... KEEGAN JAMES
U/S Max .................................................................................................. ERIC STOUGHTNER
Director ..................................................................................................... WILLIAM GARCIA
Stage Manager JAMES MURPHY
Costume Designer .................................................................................. THERESA SMERUD
Props Master .......................................................................................... KRISTINA BECHTEL
Sound Designer ....................................................................... MAHLIVANH FLECKENSTIEN
Lighting Designer ........................................................................................... BRAD WEBER
Music Supervisor KATIE FRIES
Co-Scenic Designer ........................................................ LEX VIOLETTE, AUGUST JENNINGS
Technical Director ........................................................................................... LEX VIOLETTE
Intimcy Director.......................................................................................... BRITTANY BARA
Scene Shop Volunteers ..................................................STEVE LIBERA; DENNIS DORMAN
Costume Shop Volunteers SHARON MARKEE, SUZANNE YOUNG, NANCY MAHLUM, CHARLOTTE GRANT, CHRIS PAPKE, CHERYL VIETH, TRINA
SCHLIFER, JANEKRUGER, CAROL SOLYST, JULIE KEITEL, BEVERLEE CLEARMAN
LCT's Mission
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.
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; DAWN HAVICAN
Head Carpenter and Flyman ......................................................... MACKINLEY BRUEMMER
Resident Scenic Designer and Charge Artist AUGUST JENNINGS
Scene Shop Staff ........................................................................................ JAMES MURPHY
Youth Apprentice .................................................. A. KENDHAMMER, LAKEN BUCHHOLTZ
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Thank You to Our Season Sponsors!
