Silent Sky Program

BLACKBOX SERIES

IN OUR TROUBLED DAYS IT IS GOOD TO HAVE SOMETHING OUTSIDE OUR PLANET FOR COMFORT APRIL 10 - 19, 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

Welcome to Silent Sky. There are moments in history when our understanding of the world quietly shifts and often, those moments begin with people whose names we don’t always hear.

Silent Sky tells the story of Henrietta Swan Leavitt and the remarkable women of the Harvard College Observatory, including Williamina Fleming and Annie Jump Cannon. Through their work studying the stars, they helped unlock a way to measure the universe itself, laying the foundation for discoveries that reshaped how we see our place in the cosmos.

Their story is one of curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance—values that feel deeply connected to the work we do at La Crosse Community Theatre.

Every production you see on our stage is built by a community of artists, technicians, and volunteers, many working behind the scenes. Like the women in this story, their contributions may not always be visible, but they are essential. This is why we continue to create opportunities for people to learn, grow, and discover their potential through the arts.

And this spirit of discovery continues today. Thanks to the work of many at NASA, the Artemis II mission just sent astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, reminding us that exploration is always a shared effort, built on the work of many.

My sincere thanks to director Brittany Bara and the talented cast—Charis, Melissa, Jake, Danielle, and Rachel —as well as the many individuals behind the scenes who have brought this story to life, Addie, Lex, Bob, Theresa, Krissa, and especially our volunteers who work backstage and in the shops.

Silent Sky asks: Where do we fit in the universe?

Perhaps the answer is found not just in the stars, but in the stories we share and the community we create together.

ERIK VOSE Executive Director p. 4

Director’s Note I sit here writing this just days after the Artemis II mission launched the Orion spacecraft into orbit, “marking a defining moment for our nation and for all who believe in exploration.”While these astronauts will not be landing on the moon (this time), this mission marks Christina Koch as the first woman to orbit the moon. What would Henrietta Leavitt have to say about that?

I sit here writing this just days after the Artemis II mission launched the Orion spacecraft into orbit, “marking a defining moment for our nation and for all who believe in exploration.”, while these astronauts will not be landing on the moon (this time), this mission marks Christina Koch as the first woman to orbit the moon. What would Henrietta Leavitt have to say about that?

In 1912, from the “corner of someone else’s chance,” as Williamina describes it in Act 1, Scene 3, Henrietta Leavitt made a discovery that would change our understanding of the universe. It is this discovery - the relationship between the luminosity (brightness) and period (length of pulsation) of Cepheid variable stars - that would be a key step in measuring distance in space. Paving the way to keep science moving forward – to the Apollo missions of the 1960’s and 70’s to today’s Artemis missions and beyond.

Regardless of your sex, or of your scientific acumen, I encourage all of us to stay curious about what’s out there and beyond our understanding.

Carl Sagan reminds us that, “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” So, whether you look to the sky or keep your eyes fixed here on earth and what’s right in front of you – keep asking questions. Because “wonder will always get us there” (Act 2, Scene 5).

Brittany Bara Director p. 5

S MBO O C JAZZNCERT &N CO SESSIO JAM

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Jazz Combos Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

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OR DUCT , CON R E H RTS Y FIS THE A AMM .

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Art Exhibition Friday, 5:30 p.m.

BLE SEM N S E M A WIND AN DRDEUCTOR N ERINIC ES, CO UCTOR GAIN AM COND T I. UEST . MAR ,G DR DILLIE GAVIN

.M. THE :30 P NTER FOR 25 | 7 CE APRIL LL | LOWE RDAY HA SATU RECITAL TT ANNE

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ARTS

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2025-26 SEASON

Spring Musical Sunday, 2 p.m.

(Runs April 24-May 3) SCAN HERE

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3/24/26 8:29 AM

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Dedicated to anyone seeking God, meaning and wholeness.

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

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Cast

Henrietta Leavitt.................................................................................. CHARIS JACOB Margaret Leavitt.............................................................................MELISSA SCHMITZ Peter Shaw................................................................................................... JAKE LEIS Annie Cannon................................................................................DANIELLE BARILAR Williamina Fleming.......................................................................... RACHEL ROOKER Production Team

Director...............................................................................................BRITTANY BARA Assistant Director.....................................................................................COLIN CADA Stage Manager.........................................................................................ALLI AUSTIN Technical Director.................................................................................. LEX VIOLETTE Set Designer...........................................................................................ADDIE ZANER Props Master.................................................................KRISSA VALENTINE-HARNISH Costume Designer..........................................................................THERESA SMERUD Lighting Designer........................................................................................ ERIK VOSE Audio Designer........................................................................................ BOB STUBER 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 Crew................................................................... ERIC STOUGHTENGER, STEPH SPEER 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. 8

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 and Rhonda Akeson 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

Written by Lauren Gunderson

STARRING

Charis Jacob Melissa Schmitz Jake Leis Danielle Barilar Rachel Rooker TECHNICAL DIRECTOR DIRECTED BY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR STAGE MANAGER BRITTANY COLIN ALLI LEX BARA CADA AUSTIN VIOLETTE SCENIC DESIGNER COSTUME DESIGNER PROPS MASTER ADDIE THERESA KRISSA ZANER SMERUD VALENTINE-HARNSH LIGHTING DESIGN SOUND DESIGN ERIK BOB VOSE STUBER

SILENT SKY was commissioned and first produced

by South Coast Repertory with support from the Elizabeth George Foundation SILENT SKY is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing Global. (www.broadwaylicensing.com) p. 10

The Company

CHARIS JACOB

MELISSA SCHMITZ

JAKE LEIS

DANIELLE BARILAR

RACHEL ROOKER

BRITTANY BARA

COLIN CADA

ALLI AUSTIN

LEX VIOLETTE

ADDIE ZANER

KRISSA VALENTINE-HARNISH

THERESA SMERUD

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The Company

ERIK VOSE

BOB STUBER

Preshow audio/video: NASA Data Sonifications NASA has taken observational data from telescopes like NASA’s Chandra Xray Observatory, Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope and others, and translated it into corresponding frequencies that can be heard by the human ear. A team of scientists, musicians, and a member of the blind and visually impaired community worked to adapt the NASA data. The audio tracks support blind and low-vision listeners first, but are designed to be captivating to anyone who tunes in.

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, and K.Arcand (CXC/SAO), M.Russo & A.Santaguida (SYSTEM Sounds), Q.Hart & C.Blome (STScI), and C.Malec (consultant).

You’ve seen her as Margaret in Silent Sky. Now listen to Melissa Schmitz interview Lauren Gunderson and other playwrights on the 101 Stage Adaptations podcast, which Lauren calls “a gift to the theatre community.”

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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. 13

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Who's Who

CHARIS JACOB (Henrietta Leavitt) Charis is beyond excited to be part of Silent Sky! After taking a long break from theater following high school, she recently returned to the stage in Letters from Max (Sarah) and remembered how much she missed it. She graduated last spring from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. She is deeply grateful for the production team and cast for their diligence and hard work. She would also love to thank her friends and family for their love and support!

third production with LCT, previously playing Robert in Don’t Dress For Dinner and Vinnie in The Odd Couple.

He is extremely excited to return to the stage, feeding his lifelong need to help people laugh. When not on stage, Jake can be found staring longingly out the window praying for good enough weather to go hiking. Pronouns are He / Him.!

DANIELLE BARILAR (Annie Cannon) Danielle is thrilled to return to the stage after a decade-long hiatus. Past credits include The Sound of Music (Maria), Rhinoceros (Botard), and The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). She thanks MELISSA SCHMITZ (Margaret her husband, Nic, for nudging her Leavitt) Melissa Schmitz is thrilled back onto the stage. She’s grateful for to be making her LCT debut, after an the opportunity to perform again, for unintentional 12-year hiatus from the the collaboration of this wonderful stage. Melissa was born and raised in cast and creative team, and for the the La Crosse area, she and has worked audience’s support of live theatre. and performed in theatres across the country. She is an actor, director, RACHEL ROOKER (Willamina playwright, arts administrator, and Fleming) Rachel is excited to be in the the host of the 101 Stage Adaptations VST for another production with LCT! podcast, where she was over the She last appeared on stage in Oliver! as moon (and stars) to interview Silent Mrs Sowerberry. She would describe Sky playwright Lauren Gunderson and herself as a lover of gardens, tabletop other notable theatremakers. games, coffee and D&D. Love to her two kiddos, 3 fur babies and ever JAKE LEIS (Peter Shaw) This is Jake’s loving husband. Looking forward to p. 15

Who's Who

the next show already!

first time! Cada is incredibly grateful to be working with Brittany again, and BRITTANY BARA (Director)Brittany for all of her support and mentorship.

Bara is an Associate Professor of He would like to thank his loving Theatre and Musical Theatre at Viterbo and supportive parents, friends, and University. As an actor and director, boyfriend Braeden for always having she has worked extensively throughout his back in and outside of the theatre. the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. You are all stars! @colincada colincada.

Brittany is a Designated Linklater com Teacher, director, dialect designer, intimacy director, and actor.

ALLI AUSTIN (Stage Manager) Alli is Recent La Crosse theatre credits: Becky so excited to be involved in yet another in LCT’s Waitress. Viterbo Directing: LCT production. Previous credits from Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of LCT include Waitress (ASM), as well as Fleet Street, Tar Beach, The Hello Girls. working with Altra Star Academy over Brittany is VASTA’s 2024 Dorothy the past summer as a Camp Counselor/ Mennen Research/Development Grant Manager! Away from LCT, Alli is awardee. currently a junior working towards a She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre BFA in Theatre-Stage Management at from Emerson College in Boston and Viterbo University. She would like to an MFA in Performance Pedagogy from thank her family, friends, and those at the University of Pittsburgh.

LCT for their continued support and belief in her work.

COLIN CADA (Assistant Director) Colin Cada is a recent graduate of LEX VIOLETTE (Technical Director) Viterbo University, completing his BFA Lex is overjoyed to be the Technical in Acting last May. He has previously Director for this production! Lex has performed on the Weber Center’s been involved in theatre for 16 years, Lyche Stage in Viterbo Conservatory in a wide variety of roles. Some of productions CARRIE: The Musical, their favorite past credits include: Deer Measure for Measure, and Rosencrantz Camp (Scenic Designer/TD), Sex Tips And Guildenstern Are Dead, but is for Straight Women from a Gay Man joining the LCT production team for the (Director, Scenic Designer, TD), and p. 16

Who's Who

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!

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.

ADDIE ZANER (Scenic Designer) Addie is excited to Scenic Design this beautiful show with LCT this season!

Earlier credits this season with LCT includes Props Manager for Vanya, Sonya, Masha, and Spike and Stage Manager for Twilight Bowl and Letters From Max. Addie hopes this show inspires many women of all ages to pursue their passion and to look to the stars! Addie would also like to shout out to astronaut Christina Koch and thank her for continuing the work of Henrietta and helping women reach the stars KRISSA VALENTINE-HARNISH(Props Master) 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

ERIK VOSE (Lighting Designer) Erik Vose is a multifaceted theatre professional with expertise in creative design, production, and arts management. He has worked as a Lighting and Set Designer on multiple productions for over 25 years, and is currently the Executive Director of LCT. He is a versatile and creative individual who enjoys telling stories through art.

He is married to a wonderful wife and has two little boys who he'd like to thank for their consistent support.

Bob Stuber (Audio Designer) Bob is pleased to have the opportunity to design and mix another musical at LCT. Recent designs at LCT include Frozen, White Christmas, Waitress, Rent, and Next to Normal. Yes, there really are musicians below the stage.

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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

Michele 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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A delighted sponsor of the La Crosse Community Theatre since 2006

vendiadvertising.com brand | research | marketing | digital design | content | web/mobile | video p. 19

Upcoming Performances!

BROADWAY SERIES

STAGED READING SERIES

EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES!

A FREE-STRUCTURED LOOK AT THE 1986 CHALLENGER DISASTER.

May 1st-14th Thursday, Friday, Saturdays at 7:30pm Sundays at 2:00pm

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May 22nd-23rd Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm

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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428 Front Street South • La Crosse, WI 54601 • www.lacrossetheatre.org p. 22

Thank You to Our Season Sponsors!

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2025-2026 SEASON

FLE X & SE RIE S PASSES NO W AVAILABLE

608-784-9292 | www.lacrossetheatre.org

BROADWAY SERIES

STAGED READING SERIES

BLACKBOX SERIES