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.
What Is A Hearing Loop?
Hearing Loops allow people who wear hearing aids to directly receive the sound from the theatre’s sound system in their own hearing aids, much like Wi-Fi for laptops. If you wear hearing instruments, and they have a wireless receiver called a T-coil or Telecoil built-in, you will benefit from the hearing loop in our theatre. The T-coil program is accessed by pushing a button on your hearing aid. This T-coil setting has to be activated before use. Please consult your audiologist to ensure your t-coils are properly adjusted.
If you do not have a T-coil equipped hearing instrument, please feel free to stop by the box office to pick up a hearing assist device.
UFAH enhances the cultural life of the area by encouraging and providing opportunities for businesses to invest in the programs of local Arts and Humanities organizations in an efficient and effective way.
The La Crosse Community Theatre is a
Welcome to Waitress at La Crosse Community Theatre!
There’s something uniquely powerful about a story that blends everyday resilience with the courage to start again. Waitress celebrates those quiet acts of bravery—choosing love, choosing change, choosing yourself. It’s a story about finding your voice in the middle of life’s chaos, and I can’t think of a better reflection of the mission we hold at LCT: to create transformative experiences that connect, uplift, and inspire.
I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to our extraordinary production team for their creativity, dedication, and care in shaping this heartfelt and hilarious world. And to the phenomenal cast—thank you for bringing these complex, lovable characters to life with such sincerity and strength. Your talent and commitment remind us why theatre matters.
As we continue to serve our community through bold stories and meaningful engagement, I’m excited to share that the future of LCT is rising just down the road. The LEAP Center—our Lyche Education and Production facility—is quickly becoming a home for education, innovation, and collaboration. It’s a key part of our Expansion Project, designed to give our programs room to grow and to ensure that everyone in our community can access the transformative power of theatre.
Whether you’ve been part of our journey for years or are seeing your first LCT show tonight, we’re so grateful to have you with us. Thank you for believing in the arts—and for helping us build what’s next.
With gratitude,
Erik Vose
Executive Director, La Crosse Community Theatre
ERIK VOSE Executive Director
Waitress in every medium would not exist if not for badass women. Adrienne Shelly, may she rest in peace, wrote the screenplay and starred in the movie. Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson wrote the musical together. The Broadway premiere was the first production to have an all-female production team. The moral of Waitress, which is so beautifully exemplified by every woman who has ever worked on the story, is that no matter how hard one tries they cannot keep a woman down or from being who she truly is.
This cast personifies this moral in every move they make. Their hard work and perseverance over these 8 weeks has culminated into the breathtaking production you’re about to watch. The production team, comprising primarily of women, creates a world that fosters beauty and joy in every inch of this stage. I have worked hard to bring it all together in an environment full of acceptance, love, and laughter.
I’ve learned from the best how to build others up to their fullest potential. My mother has been my cheerleader since I made her a mother 32 years ago. She has built herself up by heading up an all-male department, switching career tracks and working her way upwards again, putting herself through college and grad school, all while raising 4 children. She is empathetic, quick to admit her shortcomings, always willing to learn, and growing every day to be the best version of herself. She enhances the lives of my father, myself, my husband, and my siblings and I am grateful she is mine every day.
I would like to dedicate this production of Waitress to my mom, Susan Elizabeth Cichock. You are all of the above mixed up and baked in a beautiful pie. I love you and I hope to be you when I grow up.
Mary Cate Wesling, Director
The La Crosse Community Theatre Proudly Presents
BASED UPON THE MOTION PICTURE WRITTEN BY ADRIENNE SHELLY
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY SARA
BAREILLES
STARRING
BOOK BY
JESSIE NELSON
BRITTANY BARA BRAD WEBER KYLIE OLESEVICH ELLIOT RICKERT SHAWN TUPPER
CHEY CLARK JOEY GONZALEZ BRAYDEN HAHN RACHEL HANKE COLE JACOBSON KATIE FRIES ADAM KRUSE AFTON FUSON DUSTIN BENZING BRI FROST ANGEL HERNANDEZ KATHERINE SHULMAN KALENE RUELOW MATTHEW OLSON SARANASH KEN BROWN QUINN SULLIVAN VINDEMIA LULI KATELYN KLIEVE ZANE RADER
DIRECTED BY MARY CATE
WESLING
INTIMACY DIRECTION BY HANNAH LOUISE FERNANDES
CHOREOGRAPHY BY EMMA FRAYER
MUSIC DIRECTION BY ALLI LANGER
SCENIC DESIGN BY SADIE WARD COSTUMES BY THERESA SMERUD
LIGHTING DESIGN BY CASSIE VORBACH
SOUND DESIGN BY ROBERT STUBER
PROPERTIES BY BONNIE BRATINA
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR LEX VIOLETTE CONDUCTED BY KRISTIN FREEDLUND-RENFRO
STAGE COMBAT BY GREG PARMETER
STAGE MANAGER RYAN MORSTATTER
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER ALLI AUSTIN
WAITRESS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
PLEASE SILENCE ALL CELL PHONES, WATCHES AND OTHER DEVICES, AS USE OF THESE IS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE OF THE LYCHE THEATRE. ANY VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Jenna ...........................................................................................................Kalene Ruehlow
Becky ................................................................................................................ Brittany Bara
Cal ....................................................................................................................... Brad Weber
Dawn ........................................................................................................... Kylie Olesevich*
Dr. Pomatter .................................................................................................... Elliot Rickert*
Earl ................................................................................................................. Shawn Tupper
Ogie ..................................................................................................................... Zane Rader
Joe ....................................................................................................................... Ken Brown
Francine Pomatter/Ensemble ..............................................................Katherine Shulman*
Jenna's Father/Ensemble............................................................................. Matthew Olson
Jenna's Mother/Ensemble.................................................................................... Sara Nash
Nurse Norma/Ensemble ................................................................................ Katelyn Klieve
Ensemble/Becky Understudy ............................................................................... Katie Fries
Ensemble/Cal Understudy ................................................................................ Adam Kruse
Ensemble/Dawn Understudy ......................................................................... Afton Fuson*
Ensemble/Dr. Pomatter and Earl Understudy ............................................. Dustin Benzing
Ensemble/Jenna Understudy .......................................................................... Brianna Frost
Ensemble/Ogie Understudy ................................................................... Angel Hernandez*
Ensemble ......................................................... Chey Clark; Joey Gonzalez*; Brayden Hahn Rachel Hanke*; Cole Jacobson
Lulu (Lemon) ................................................................................................ Quinn Sullivan
Lulu (Lime) ................................................................................................... Vindemia Luli*
PIANO 1 ................................................................................. SARAH LEITZEN; EDDIE KIM
PIANO 2/PERCUSSION ....................................................................... MARY STUTESMAN
DRUMS ......................................................................................................... AARON FROST
GUITAR 1/SYNTHESIZER KYLE RENFRO
GUITAR 2................................................................................................. ANDREW MOORE
CELLO ..................................................................................................... KATHY BOARMAN
BASS ........................................................................................................... PAUL JEWSON
Viterbo Theatre, Mayo Health/Brad Weber, Mayo Clinic Health System Department of Surgery, Dan' Shoe Repair, Rachel Hanke, Emma and Anthony Freyer
Orchestra
Production and Design Team
Director .............................................................................................. MARY CATE WESLING
Music Director .................................................................................................. ALLI LANGER
Stage Manager RYAN MORSTATTER
Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Chief ............................................................... ALLI AUSTIN
Choreographer .............................................................................................. EMMA FRAYER
Intimacy Director .............................................................................. HANNAH FERNANDES
Accompianist SARAH LEITZEN & EDDIE KIM
Costume Designer ................................................................................... THERESA SMERUD
Lighting Designer ..................................................................................... CASSIE VORBACH
Scenic Designers .............................................................................................. SADIE WARD
Props Designer BONNIE BRATINA
Sound Designer .......................................................................................... ROBERT STUBER
Technical Director ............................................................................................ LEX VIOLETTE
Carpenters/Painters ........ STEVE LIBERA, RYAN ROSENBURG, DENNIS DORMAN, KATIE FRIES, SAM HANSON, SHERRY TUMA, GREG MEEUWSEN
Spotlight Operators ..................................... ERIC STOUGHTENGER, RACHEL ECKWRIGHT
Run Crew ............................................... RACHEL ROOKER, MAHLIVANH FLECKENSTEIN, KIERALYNN TUPPER, JAMES MURPHY
Costume Shop Volunteers ...... CHARLOTTE GRANT, SHARON MARKEE, SUZANNE YOUNG, CHRISTINE PAPKE, NANCY MAHLUM, JULIE KEITEL, CAROL SOLYST, PAT CHILSEN, TRINA SCHLIFER, KELLY FARROW, RUTH DRISCOLL, CHERYL VIETH, DENISE DUSS, ANNTTE HERZ, ANNMARIE JACOBSON, JANE KRUGER, CAROL SOLYST
Executive Director ................................................................................................. ERIK VOSE
Artistic Operations Director............................................................................ MARY CATE WESLING
Artistic Advancement Director .................................................................................... ALEX ATTARDO
Director of Education ...................................................................................KATELYN KLIEVE
Technical Director ............................................................................................ LEX VIOLETTE
Costume Shop Supervisor ....................................................................... THERESA SMERUD
Marketing Manager | Assistant Costume Shop Supervisor ....................... JESSICA RIGDON
Weber Center Operations Manager | LCT Audio/Visual Manager ........ RYAN VAN BERKUM
Finance Manager ....................................................................................... MELANIE NIMMO
Front of House ........................................ SHARON SINGER-DAWIDOWSKI; DAWN HAVICAN
Scene Shop Staff .............. MACKINLEY BRUEMMER, AUGUST JENNINGS, JAMES MURPHY
Youth Apprentice .................................................................................... AK KENDHAMMER
LCT Staff
Musical Numbers
ACT I
WHAT'S INSIDE .............................................................................................................
Jenna
OPENING UP.................................................................. Jenna, Dawn, Becky, Cal, Company
THE NEGATIVE ..................................................................................... Jenna, Becky, Dawn
WHAT BAKING CAN DO ............................................................................................. Jenna
WHEN HE SEES ME ..................................................................................................... Dawn
IT ONLY TAKES A TASTE ......................................................................... Dr. Pomatter, Jenna
YOU WILL STILL BE MINE .............................................................................................. Earl
A SOFT PLACE TO LAND ...................................................................... Jenna, Becky, Dawn
NEVER GETTING RID OF ME Ogie, Company
BAD IDEA................................................................................................Jenna, Dr. Pomatter
There will be one 15 minute intermission
ACT II
I DIDN'T PLAN IT .......................................................................................................... Becky
BAD IDEA (REPRISE) ..................................... Jenna, Dr. Pomatter, Becky, Cal, Dawn, Ogie
MAMA'S PIE SONG ...................................................................................................... Jenna
YOU MATTER TO ME .............................................................................. Dr. Pomatter, Jenna
I LOVE YOU LIKE A TABLE ................................................................ Ogie, Dawn, Company TAKE IT FROM AN OLD MAN ......................................................................... Joe, Company
SHE USED TO BE MINE ............................................................................................... Jenna
WHAT'S INSIDE (REPRISE) ................................................................................... Company
EVERYTHING CHANGES .................................................... Jenna, Becky, Dawn, Company
OPENING UP (FINALE) .......................................................................................... Company
The Company
KEN E. BROWN
DUSTIN BENZING
CHEY CLARK KATIE FRIES
BRITTANY BARA
JOEY GONZALEZ
AFTON FUSON
BRAYDEN HAHN RACHEL HANKE
BRIANNA FROST
KATELYN KLIEVE
COLE JACOBSON
ADAM KRUSE VINDEMIA LULI
ANGEL HERNANDES
MATTHEW OLSON
KYLIE OLESEVICH
ZANE RADER ELLIOT RICKERT
SARA NASH
QUINN SULLIVAN KATHERINE SHULMAN
SHAWN TUPPER BRADLEY WEBER
KALENE RUEHLOW
The Company
Commitment to Inclusion and Safety
La Crosse Community Theatre is committed to being a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where creativity and collaboration thrive. In alignment with our mission and vision, we celebrate diversity, uphold respect, and ensure that everyone—onstage, backstage, and in our audience—is valued and supported through the art of theatre.
EMMA FRAYER
SADIE WARD
MARY CATE WESLING
LEX VIOLETTE CASSIE VORBACH
THERESA SMERUD
KRISTIN FREEDLUND-RENFRO
ROBERT STUBER
ALLI LANGER
ALLI AUSTIN
EDDIE KIM
HANNAH FERNANDES
GREG PARMETER BONNIE BRATINA
SARAH LEITZEN
La
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Who's Who
BRITTANY BARA (Becky) is an actor, director, and educator in her third year as assistant professor of theatre and music theatre at Viterbo. Recent Viterbo credits: Sweeney Todd (Director), Tar Beach (Director), The Hello Girls (director). As an actor and director, she has worked extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. As a performer, favorite roles include Jen in John and Jen, Reno in Anything Goes, Woman 2 in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Mme. Thenardier in Les Miserables, and Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Bara holds a BFA in musical theatre from Emerson College in Boston and an MFA in performance pedagogy from the University of Pittsburgh. thanks to the cast and creative team for trusting me through this process; and endless thanks and love to Dan, for everything. www.brittanybara.com
DUSTIN BENZING (Ensemble; Doctor Pomatter/ Earl Understudy) Dustin is excited to be part of LCT production of 'Waitress'! This is his second show with the LCT, having previously appeared as Scarecrow in 'The Wizard of Oz.' He is grateful for the opportunity to share his passion for performing and to work alongside such talented individuals. Thank you for supporting local theatre!"
KEN E. BROWN (Joe) Ken likes pie. His mother is an excellent pie maker and his father a pie connoisseur. Ken is probably backstage eating some pie right now. Past LCT productions include Billy Elliott, Guys on Ice, The Producers, The Fantasticks, and many more. Ken would like to thank his wife, Sue La Crosse, who also likes pie.
CHEYENNE CLARK (Ensemble) Hello All! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to come and see it. It has been such an amazing experience working on this show. My name is Cheyenne (Chey) and this is my 4th
show onstage here at LCT. When I'm not at the theatre I work at a daycare and spend as much time as I can with my nephew Kaeden. Thank you and enjoy the show."
KATIE FRIES (Ensemble/Becky understudy)
Katie is thrilled to be serving up her 11th onstage role at LCT! When not performing, she’s busy cooking up magic behind the scenes as a music director, carpenter, props designer, or audio engineer. She’s beyond grateful to be part of this sweet production and sends a heartfelt “thank you” to the entire cast and crew (especially Katelyn and Brianna) for making this experience as warm and wonderful as a fresh-baked pie!
BRIANNA FROST (Ensemble, Jenna understudy) Brianna can’t seem to leave the stage alone! Waitress will be her 15th show at LCT. Favorite roles include Lucy in Bright Star, Jovie in Elf, and Kate McGowan in Titanic. When she’s not on stage, Brianna is the lead baker at Festival Foods in Onalaska. She also has a small at home bakery! Check it out on instagram or facebook: @nibsbaking. All the love in the world to her friends, family, husband, and son! Oh, and Katie and Katelyn, we did it!!
AFTON FUSON (Ensemble/Dawn Understudy)
Afton (they/them) is elated to be here at the Weber Center, performing for you. Afton currently attends Viterbo University for Musical Theatre, with a minor in dance. Afton's last production at Viterbo was in Bat Boy: The Musical in the role of a swing. This is Afton's 1st production with LCT! They are so excited to be here with you, and hopes that you enjoy the show! XOXO
JOEY GONZALEZ (Ensemble ) is a current freshman at Viterbo University! He is getting his BFA in Musical Theatre and 2 minors in
Who's Who
psychology and family studies! He is from Milwaukee, WI and San Antonio, TX! He has played a variety of roles such as Snoopy (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown) Jack (Into the Woods) and Albert (Bye Bye Birdie)! This is his first LCT show and he wants to thank everyone who came out to see the show, especially his beautiful family and close friends for always supporting him no matter what!
BRAYDEN HAHN (Ensemble) Brayden is thrilled to return to LCT having previously appeared in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Beauty and the Beast! When not on stage he enjoys getting puppy snuggles all day working as a dog trainer. He's also proud dog mom to Reilly and Buzz and loves nothing more than seeing them after a long day. Following this production, he will be moving to Colorado to pursue opening his own dog training facility! Enjoy the show!
RACHEL HANKE (Ensemble) Rachel is excited to make her debut with LCT! It’s been over a decade since she’s been on stage, and she’s thrilled to be back under the lights. She works as a local tattoo artist by day and spends her free time with her two cats and drinking lots of coffee. She’s grateful for the chance to return to theater and join such a talented cast and crew.
ANGEL HERNANDEZ (Ensemble / Ogie
Understudy) Angel is thrilled for his LCT debut! A sophomore at Viterbo University pursuing a BFA in Music Theatre, past roles include Lumière in Beauty and the Beast, Motel in Fiddler on the Roof, Frog in A Year With Frog and Toad, and the Bird Seller in Sweeney Todd. He loves music, interior design, and new adventures with friends. Endless thanks to my family and close friends for their love, support, and inspiration.
COLE JACOBSON (Ensemble) Cole is thrilled to be in his first regional premiere production at LCT. He was most recently seen in LCT’s productions of White Christmas and Bright Star. When he’s not performing, he is teaching 1st grade (but soon to be Kindergarten) at Summit Environmental School. He would like to dedicate his performance to his rock of 26 years, his mom. “Love Ya Mama!”
KATELYN KLIEVE (Nurse Norma/Ensemble)
Katelyn decided it was time to get back on stage after a long string of stage management and youth theatre opportunities here at LCT. She is honored to get to share this experience with so many of her best friends. She would like to thank her family, friends, partner, and students for believing in her and pushing her to believe in herself.
ADAM KRUSE (Ensemble, Cal u/s) Adam is thrilled to be a part of LCT's production of Waitress. This is his third time appearing on the LCT stage. You may have seen him as Daddy Cane in Bright Star and the Winkie General in Wizard of Oz. He was also a part of Appleseed Community Theatre's performance of Frog and Toad. Adam also enjoys the backstage life volunteering for crew, recently stage managing for LCT's production of Oliver, and supporting the amazing kiddos in Penguin Project. Besides theatre, Adam enjoys his work with Chileda supporting the extraordinary youth in their program. He is so grateful for all of his friends and family who continue to come see every performance, as well as his fiancé Dylan and their two puppies, Minnie and Dolly.
Who's Who
VINDEMIA LULI (Lulu) Vindemia loves ice skating, dancing, and performance. She also loves to read (lately she is a huge fan of The Dork Diaries), write, and tell stories. She has been dancing at LDC for almost four years. She is really excited about Waitress. She has participated in two Star Academy Summer Programs before (i.e., Aristocats and Lion King). She adores cats and has two kittens at home: Cena and Toodles. She has been to Shanghai, Singapore, and this summer she will visit Japan! This is her debut performance at LCT!
SARA NASH (Jenna’s Mother/Ensemble)
Sara is thrilled to be part of this amazing cast, and honored to play this role. Sugar, butter, flour! After seeing Waitress in 2019 and taking her mom to it in 2022, it means the world to Sara to play Jenna’s mother, celebrate family bonds, and showcase the incredible strength of women. Sara has been a part of LCT’s past production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Appleseed’s Into the Woods. Thank you for coming! And special thanks to Sara’s friends and family!
KYLIE OLESEVICH (Dawn) Kylie is an ecstatic newcomer to the LCT family! After a few years away from the stage, Waitress is Kylie’s first professional production. She has previously been a part of various other performances through her academics, such as Mamma Mia! (Rosie) and Urinetown (Mrs. Pennywise), as well as worked crew for Heathers through Viterbo’s Student Theater Project. She dedicates her continued passion for theater to her loving and supportive family.
MATTHEW OLSON (Jenna's Father/Ensemble)
Matthew is excited to return to the LCT stage after a long hiatus! His last community production was in 2018 which was Oklahoma!
(Jud Fry) for Appleseed Community Theatre. Since then, he has graduated from Viterbo University with a degree in vocal performance, held a job at Disney World, and arrived back in early August 2024 to begin working at Leithold Music. He would like to thank his friends and family for their constant support.
ZANE RADER (Ogie) Zane is proud to be working with LCT again in his 3rd production in La Crosse. Previously, he has been seen as Aaron Schultz/ ensemble in Legally Blonde and Princeton in Avenue Q. He works as part of the events team at Viterbo University. In his limited spare time he enjoys playing D&D, frisbee golfing, and listening to all kinds of music. He hopes you enjoy this magical show!
ELLIOT RICKERT (Dr. Pomatter) Elliot Rickert is excited to make his La Crosse Community Theatre stage debut! By day, he teaches middle school choir, working with wonderfully wild and awkward students—making his role as Dr. Pomatter feels like the perfect fit. Elliot is grateful for the chance to perform alongside such a talented cast and thanks his loved ones and students for always keeping life unpredictable (and musical).
KALENE RUEHLOW (Jenna) Hi, I’m Kalene! This is my 3rd production at LCT. Past productions include “The Sound of Music” (nun) and “RENT” (ensemble). Thank you so much to my husband and kids who have been listening to this soundtrack with me nonstop for months. To my three little “Lulus”, thank you for changing my life and making truly happy, not just happy enough. I hope you all enjoy the show!
KATHERINE SHULMAN (Francine Pomatter/ Ensamble) Katherine is excited to be joining LCT in her first production since her high school
Who's Who
theater days. The experience has reminded her how fulfilling working with a cast is and she hopes you enjoy the show!
QUINN SULLIVAN (Lulu ) Quinn is a third grader at Irving Pertzsch in Onalaska. Her love of theater has led to roles in several La Crosse Community Theatre productions, including a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, a mouse in Cinderella, and an orphan in Oliver. Quinn has a big heart and a natural talent for making friends wherever she goes. She is currently taking voice and dance lessons in hopes of being in future LCT productions! She thanks everyone for coming out and supporting the show!
SHAWN TUPPER (Earl) This is his fourth performance with LCT! He is thankful to the entire Production Team for their trust and this opportunity to perform this role! Some of his favorite past credits include Zeke/Lion in The Wizard of OZ (LCT), and Charlie in Annie Get Your Gun (Sherman Players TX). Shawn is thankful for all the support and encouragement of his wife Lissie, and five kids! Without her I would be unable to have this incredible opportunity. To the cast - Be in the moment and tell the story, and as always, Break-A-Leg!!
BRADLEY WEBER (Cal) Brad is excited to be back on stage at LCT participating in his 11th show. Previous productions include Next to Normal (Dan), Secret Garden (Archibald), Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus), and Les Misérables (Thénardier). By day, Brad is a Healthcare Administrator supporting the Department of Surgery at Mayo Clinic Health System and serves on a number of community-based boards. Brad, Leslie and their 3 children (Charley, Marie, Andrew) love to spend time camping, flying (well, at least Brad and Andrew), and
participating in the performing arts.
KATHY BOARMAN (Cello) Kathy is happy to return to LCT as part of a live pit orchestra. She has been a part of live music for Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mary Poppins, Secret Garden, Fiddler on the Roof, Lizzie, Music Man, Newsies, White Christmas and many many more. When not playing in a pit orchestra Kathy can be found at Pleasoning Seasoning with her son Dominic and daughter Jaime. She also plays in the La Crosse Symphony and for many other musicals in the area. Kathy would like to thank LCT for keeping live music a part of their musicals as it adds so much to the performances.
KRISTIN FREEDLUND-RENFRO (Conductor) Kristin is grateful for the opportunity to conduct Waitress. She remains an active performer in the area, playing with the La Crosse Wind Symphony, Concert Band and Da Capo Concert Band. She recently conducted Bright Star, Rent, and UWL's Cinderella. Much love goes to her husband and parents for their unwavering support and love. She would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the orchestra for their time and commitment!
AARON FROST (Drums) Aaron is thrilled to return to LCT to help serve up this show! This will be his third show under the stage, and fifth show at LCT. He's also played in many others shows at Appleseed, Sparta High School, and UW-L. He's so grateful to be able to perform this show with so many of his friends and his wife. A huge thank you to our families for being so encouraging and helpful with this whole process. Pie for everybody!
Who's Who
PAUL JEWSON (Double Bass/Bass Guitar) A graduate of UW-La Crosse, Paul has played in many shows around La Crosse, including Hair, She Loves Me, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Bat Boy, The Marriage of Figaro, Titanic, Secret Garden, Rent, Bright Star, and more. He is also the bassist of local band Fly Casual, the bass coach for LYSO, a member of Driftless Urban Orchestra, and many other musical ventures. He's passionate about everything music related and loves learning new things.
EDDIE KIM (Accompanist)is thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled thrilled!
SARAH LEITZEN (Piano 1) has been part of over 25 LCT productions, such as Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, Les Misérables, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, RENT, and Bright Star. She is grateful for the joys and challenges that have come with each show and thanks Eric, Cyndi, and Tim for their patience with the late nights.
ANDREW MOORE (Guitar 2) Andrew Moore is a music educator and performer from La Crosse, WI. Andrew teaches at Leithold’s Music in downtown La Crosse, and performs with a number of groups in the area. He has performed as a pit member in a number of shows like Rent!, Brightstar, and Chicago. He would like to thank Abby Pickett, Jane Anderson, and Phil Moore for their constant support through the years.
KYLE RENFRO (Guitar 1) Kyle is a local musician and former guitar instructor currently in school pursuing a new passion. He has played Guitar in multiple productions at LCT including Sister Act, Lizzie, Newsies, and most recently played
Mandolin in Bright Star. Kyle would like to thank the cast, crew, and his pit orchestra family. Most importantly his wife/conductor Kristin. Enjoy!
MARY STUTESMAN (Keyboard 2) Mary Stutesman currently teaches choir and general music at Longfellow Middle School and has been teaching in the LaCrosse School District since 2000. When not doing music at school or church she also loves to be outside gardening, paddling, and camping, doing yoga, travelling and creating. She would like to thank her family and colleagues for talking her into this and especially Andy for his amazing love and support! Enjoy your pie!
ALLI AUSTIN (Assistant Stage Manager) Alli is currently a second year at Viterbo University pursuing a BFA in Theatre-Stage Management! This is her first show with LCT, and it has been a blast working with and learning from so many talented people. She would like to thank her family, friends, and her amazingly supportive roommate Madalaine. Enjoy the show!
HANNAH LOUISE FERNANDES (Intimacy Director) (she/her) Thank you for supporting the arts! Notable Credits: Into The Woods (Cinderella, Paramount Theatre), The King and I (Anna, Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre), Fiddler On The Roof (Lyric Opera of Chicago), She Loves Me (Amalia, Citadel Theatre), The King & I, Steel Magnolias (Drury Lane), A Christmas Story (Marriott Theatre), Carousel (Carrie, MTWichita). Education: Wichita State University, Maggie Flanigan Studio, IDC Professionals. Instagram: @HannahLFernandes | Website: HANNAHLFERNANDES.COM
ALLI LANGER (Music Director) Alli is thrilled to be part of the Waitress production team! This marks her fifth production with LCT as
Who's Who
Music Director, having previously worked on Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Wizard of Oz, Matilda Jr., and Legally Blonde. In addition to music directing, she also loves performing and recently appeared onstage as Betty Haynes in LCT’s White Christmas. Alli teaches vocal and general music at Longfellow Middle School and loves sharing her passion for theatre with her students.
RYAN MORSTATTER (Stage Manager) Ryan is excited to get to work at LCT on Waitress as the Stage Manager! He has most recently worked at LCT as a Lighting Designer on Steel Magnolias and as a Stage Manager on A Doll's House Part 2. Please enjoy the show!
ROBERT STUBER (Sound Designer) Robert is pleased to be back for another LCT production. A live sound engineer from Winona, MN, his work at LCT includes A Doll's House Part II, The Wizard of Oz, Legally Blond, Beauty and the Beast, Rent, and Next to Normal. Other recent credits include Sondheim on Sondheim and Legally Blond at St. Mary's University; Elephant and Piggie: We're in a Show and Footlose at Winona State University.
LEX VIOLETTE (Technical Director) Lex serves as the Technical Director at LCT, having joined the team in 2021 after graduating from UWL. She has played a pivotal role in numerous productions, with favorites including directing the staged readings of Church and State and Come Back, as well as her work on Dog Sees God (Patricia/TD) and The Odd Couple (Scenic Designer/TD). Lex thanks the audience for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!
CASSIE VORBACH (Lighting Designer) This is Cassie's third season with LCT. Past shows that she has designed include White Christmas, Bright Star, Wizard of Oz, Dairy of Anne Frank and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Cassie
has been doing theatre since high school and enjoys helping bring shows to life with her lighting.
SADIE WARD (Scenic Designer) Sadie is a Minneapolis designer, her representative theatres include, Park Square, Theatre in the Round, Theatre Pro Rata, History Theatre, Mixed Blood and Pangea World Theatre. In our disposable modern world, she tries to incorporate upcycled elements into her theatre designs and art work. Sadie has degrees in Theatre Studies and Arts Administration from Viterbo University and a Diploma in Architectural Technology from Minneapolis College. She also works as a Theatre Specialist at Schuler Shook.
MARY CATE WESLING (Director) Mary Cate is thrilled to call Waitress her 11th overall directing credit! Previous credits include White Christmas, Bright Star, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Lizzie the Musical, 'Night Mother, The Sound of Music, and Miracle on 34th Street with LCT as well as Oklahoma! with Appleseed Community Theatre. She has a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education from Viterbo University and has been participating in theatre since she was 9 years old. She would like to thank Lucas for his love, her family of blood, in-laws, and friends for their support, and her coworkers for their hard work alongside her.
Director's Circle
($1,000-$2,000)
Arla Clemons
In Memory of Thomas F. Brock
J. Michael and Vicki Hartigan
John Mason
Kristin Albrecht Charitable Fund
Mary and Scott Rathgaber
Rhonda Akeson and Duane Lom
Sue Gelatt Foundation
($500-$999)
Brandon & Jen Corcoran
In Memory of Tom Brock
Jackie and Bill Pritchard
Julie Keitel
Kathy Spelker
Ken and Janine Merkitch
Mary Jean Sartz
Pamela and Richard Strauss
Roger and Charlotte Grant
Russ and Katie Wilson
Tom and Heidi Grau
Vantage Architects
($250-$499)
Ann Brice and Bill Haviland
Aurel and Sue Mailath
Bob and Kay Conzemius
Brad & Leslie Weber
Brian and Karen Rude
Carey and Suzanne Falkenberry
Cleary-Kumm Foundation
Dependable Solutions/Joe & Tina Ruskey
In Memory of Tom Brock
Jennifer French
Jim and Jo Glasser
Joan Allen
Joe Hammes and Aaron Wickesberg
Karen Komay, Bryan Jostad, Ruth Kohnert
Kevin and Krista Drewiske
Pat and Dick Spencer
Richard and Judy Williams
Richard Melvin
Robert and Mary Hubbard
Roger and Kenna Christians
Patron Donor List
($250-$499)Cont.
Ross & Lynn Marie West
Sharon Singer- Dawidowski and John Dawidowski
Vicki & Dan Markussen
($150-$249)
Bruce JA Kerr MD
Cam & Carlene Roberts
Dale and Jacqulyn Pertzborn
Gale Bruessel
In memory of JoAnn Jenkins
Jan Koppelman
Jean Thompson Tom Thompson
Kent and Jan Koppelman
Krister Mattson
Kurt and Julie Schroeder
Leah Reimann
Mark and Carol Solyst
Mike and Mary Bottcher
Rosemary Nelson
Sally Miner
Sandra Proksch-Troope
Tom and Kathryn Ready
Tom and Lori Nigon
($100-$149)
Alma and Pete Kohnert
Alice & Chip Backlund
Andrew & Libby Winga
April Farrell
Barb Burchill
Barb Peplinski
Barbara Heili
Bill and Margaret Andersen
Bill and Maureen Schwartz
Cameron and Carlene Roberts
Cari Burmaster
Cheryl and Steven Loehr
Clara Gelatt
Corine Neuman
Daryl and Nancy Ertl
Dianne Pogreba
Donna and Ken Birnbaum
Douglas and Kay Baumann
Eileen Walsh Doyle
Elsie Patterson
Harvey and Pat Witzenburg
Herb and Barbara Heili
In Memory of Tom Brock
Jane Miller
Jay Lokken and Ken Riley
Jean and Mark Ledman
Jean and Tom Thompson
John and Charlene Hopkins
John Hoehn
Jolene DeMaiffe & Ellen Pedretti Fendt
($100-$149)Cont.
Joyce Wichelt
Judie and Will Wilson
Karen Guptill
Kari & Brian Shaw
Kathleen and Joseph Zietlow
Kathleen Danaher
Kay Baumann
Ken Birnbaum
Lynne & Keith Valiquette
Marcia Knudtson
Margaret Andersen
Margie Mason
Mark and Cari Burmaster
Marla French and Charles Anderson
Mary Colleen Walsh
Maureen & Lou Guillou
Maureen Schwartz
Michael and Cheri Herro
Michael and Rose Hammes Porter
Mike & Lynn Hickey
Nancy Ertl
Ole Ryan
Patrice Vander Wielen
Paul Sampson
Philip and Melissa Gelatt
Richard & Kristine Meunier
Robert and Silvana Richardson
Roger Klousia
Ron & Becky Dehli and kids
Ruth and Marc Williams
Scott and Sue Horne
Sharon and Thomas Ryan
Steve and Karen Lind
Steve and Peg Manson
Susan Custer
Susan Ring
Teagan & Cara Tierney-Morrison
Terry and Loran Zibrowski
The Aleckson Family
Thomas Byerly
Tim and Sue Durtsche
Tom and Kathryn Ready
Tom Pahs
Tony and Patrice Vander Wielen
Wayne and Sandi Oliver
Woodworth family
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+)
Scott and Mary Rathgaber
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
Dr. J Michael and Vicki Hartigan
Scott and Sue Horne
Vicki and Chris Born
Dick Record
Michael and Sharon Markee
Arla Clemons
Randy and Lynn Nelson
Theresa and Scott Smerud
Cheryl Vieth
Laux Family Partners
Become a Friend of LCT!
Erik Vose, Executive Director | 608-615-1556 | www.lacrossetheatre.org/donate
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; DICK RECORD
HR Representatives ......................................................................................STEPHEN CONRAD AND PAT HEIM
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.
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Thank You to Our Season Sponsors!
