White Christmas by La Crosse Community Theatre

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.

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The La Crosse Community Theatre is a

A Note from our Executive Director

Celebrating the Season with White Christmas

Welcome to La Crosse Community Theatre’s production of White Christmas! We are thrilled to bring this heartwarming classic to life, a story that embodies the spirit of giving, community, and connection. With its timeless music, dazzling dances, and heartfelt message, White Christmas aligns beautifully with our mission: to create and foster exceptional performing arts experiences that bring people together. This production reminds us of the power of friendship, generosity, and the joy of coming home—a message that resonates deeply during the holiday season.

We are profoundly grateful to Altra Federal Credit Union for their support of White Christmas. Their sponsorship helps us share the magic of live theatre with our community. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to The Weber Group, whose sponsorship has allowed us to present a free performance to honor and celebrate our veterans, fitting with the themes of the show. Their generosity ensures that we can share this joyful production with those who have given so much in service to our country.

Productions like White Christmas are the result of the passion, creativity, and dedication of an exceptional team. I want to express my gratitude to Mary Cary, our talented director, for her vision and leadership; Katie Fries, our gifted music director, for her work with the incredible score; and Leslie Weber, whose choreography brings energy and elegance to every scene. To ensure that our actors are comfortable with anything they do onstage, Brittany Bara lent us her skills as the intimacy director.

For our designers, I want to give a thank you to Jess Rigdon for crafting stunning costumes that transport us to another time and place; Lex Violette, our technical director, for her meticulously build set; Bob Stuber, for creating an outstanding soundscape; and Cassie Vorbach, for her beautiful lighting design. We also have a local youth who came to us through our summer Star Academy helping us as our props designer. Laken Buchholtz has done an absolutely fabulous job.

A special thank you goes to Andrew Nicholson, who not only conducts but also assembled our exceptional pit orchestra, adding richness to the music you’ll hear tonight.

Finally, I want to acknowledge our phenomenal cast and crew, whose hard work and talent bring this story to life on stage, and Katelyn Klieve, our stage manager, and her assistants who ensure every detail of this production runs smoothly. Your dedication shines through every moment of this performance.

Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting live theatre. We hope this production fills your heart with joy and reminds you of the magic of the season. From all of us at LCT, we wish you a very happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you at the theatre again soon.

ERIK VOSE Executive Director

Dreams can become reality through positivity and hard work.

That is the theme around which this production of White Christmas revolves. We as the audience will explore the character’s dreams of financial and personal success, as well as dreams for snow before or on Christmas.

These dreams are the bedrock of the American dream. These dreams are what we as a country fight for every day through the service of men and women in the armed forces here and abroad. These dreams are what every person in this country strives for in their daily actions. These dreams are good for us to remember during the holiday season, as it helps remind us what we have in common.

This theatre in itself is a dream to work for and has made this process a dream to create. The production team bought into my vision immediately and worked their fingers to the bone to create the world you are about to view.

The cast, consisting of 10 LCT alums and 10 LCT first- timers, dove into my vision head-first and has brought these characters to life that is a wonder to behold. Please “let yourself go, relax!” as this finished product brings you into a living dream this holiday season.

I would like to dedicate this production to La Crosse Community Theatre, its founding members, and every person who has molded it into the company it is today.

Every day that I work here and every production I complete, I get to live a bit more of my dream. I am so grateful for the chance and this organization.

Mary Cate Wesling, Director

The La Crosse Community Theatre Proudly Presents

BASED UPON THE PARAMOUNT PICTURES FILM WRITTEN FOR THE SCREEN BY NORMAN KRASNA, NORMAN PANAMA AND MELVIN FRANK

BERLIN

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY IRVING

BOOK BY DAVID

IVES AND PAUL BLAKE

Original stage production directed by WALTER BOBBIE Orchestrations by Larry Blank Vocal and Dance Arrangements by Bruce Pomahac

STARRING

AARON DURAND ALEX KARAU ALLI LANGER AMY DUPONT

BRANDON HARRIS BRITTANY JANSEN CAITLIN CALIRI COLE JACOBSON CORD BRUNDAGE DANIEL NORTON DELANEY SMALL ELDON BUNDERS

EMILY ZELLER HUNTER EVENSON JULIAN GOLDSTEIN KRISTI MOULTON

MAGGIE MAXWELL MAKENNA JOHNSON MORGAN PEDERSON TODD OLSON

DIRECTED BY

CATE WESLING

SCENIC DESIGN BY ERIK VOSE

PROPERTIES BY LAKEN BUCHHOLTZ

COSTUMES BY JESSICA RIGDON

LIGHTING DESIGN BY CASSIE VORBACH SOUND DESIGN BY ROBERT STUBER TECHNICAL DIRECTOR LEX VIOLETTE

CHOREOGRAPHY BY LESLIE WEBER

CONDUCTED BY ANDREW NICHOLSON INTIMACY DIRECTION BY BRITTANY BARA

MUSIC DIRECTION BY KATIE FRIES

STAGE MANAGER KATELYN KLIEVE

IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.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.

Bob Wallace............................................................................................BRANDON HARRIS

Phil Davis HUNTER EVENSON

Judy Haynes ................................................................................................ EMILY ZELLER*

Betty Haynes ALLI LANGER

General Henry Waverly ........................................................................... DANIEL NORTON*

Martha Watson ........................................................................................ KRISTI MOULTON

Susan Waverly .......................................................................................... DELANEY SMALL

Rita/Ensemble/Judy Understudy ........................................................................ CAITLIN CALIRI*

Rhoda/Ensemble .......................................................................................... MORGAN PEDERSON

Passenger 3/Mike/Ensemble ............................................................................ AARON DURAND*

Cigarette Girl/Dancer/Ensemble/Betty Understudy ....................................... BRITTANY JANSEN

Mrs. Snoring Man/Gloria/Dance Captain/Ensemble/Martha Understudy ......... AMY DUPONT*

Tessie/Seamstress/Secretary's Voice/Ensemble ......................................... MAGGIE MAXWELL*

Passenger 4/Assistant Seamestress/Chorus Girl/Ensemble .................... MAKENNA JOHNSON*

TV Announcer/Jimmy/Club Announcer's Voice/Ensemble .................................. TODD OLSON*

Sheldrake/Mr. Snoring Man/Ensemble/Bob Understudy ........................................ ALEX KARAU

Conductor/Ezekiel/Ensemble .......................................................................... CORD BRUNDAGE*

Scooter/Chorus Boy 1/Ensemble......................................................................... COLE JACOBSON

Marty/Chorus Boy 2/Ensemble ....................................................................... ELDON BUNDERS*

Male Dancer/Ensemble ................................................................................

Marketing

Weber

NIMMO

LCT Staff

Production and Design Team

Director MARY CATE WESLING

Music Director KATIE FRIES

Stage Manager KATELYN KLIEVE

Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Chief KRISTI BECHTEL

Choreographer LESLIE WEBER

Intimacy Director BRITTANY BARA

Accompianist SARAH LEITZEN

Costume Designer JESSICA RIGDON

Lighting Designer CASSIE VORBACH

Scenic Designers ERIK VOSE

Props Designer LAKEN BUCHHOLTZ

Sound Designer ROBERT STUBER

Technical Director LEX VIOLETTE

Carpenters/Painters

STEVE LIBERA, SAGE SWARTWOUT, GREG MEEUWSEN, DENNIS DORMAN, KATIE FRIES, KAILYN WITTROCK, KRISTI BECHTEL, NICKALE BELTRAN, BRI HANSON, SAM HANSON, SHAWN TUPPER, KIERALYNN TUPPER, KELLY GALVAN, CAST OF WHITE CHRISTMAS

Assistant Deck Chief ............................................................................................................... ADAM KRUSE

Spotlight Operators ..........................................................................SOPHIE MARTINE; ASHLEY WALDEN

Dressers ........................................................................SHANA GRAMLING, FAITH WHEAT, KARA BOYLE

Run Crew ............................................................................................................................... JOSH NELSON

Costume Shop Volunteers ............................... CHARLOTTE GRANT, SHARON MARKEE, SUZANNE YOUNG, CHRISTINE PAPKE, NANCY MAHLUM, JULIE KEITEL, CAROL SOLYST, PAT CHILSEN, TRINA SCHLIFER, KELLY FARROW, BEVERLEE CLEARMAN, CLARA KAMMUELLER, RUTH DRISCOLL, CHERYL VIETH

Orchestra

Conductor .........................................................................................ANDREW NICHOLSON

Reed 1 (Lead Flute) ...................................................................... STEPHANIE BROOKMAN

Reed 2 (Lead Clarinet) .............................................................................. STEPHEN MANN

Reed 3 ......................................................................................................DEVANN HARRIS

Reed 4 ...................................................................................................... KRISTIN RENFRO

Reed 5 ..................................................................................... JENNIFER SCHRAUFNAGEL

Reed 6 ............................................................................................................ AVA RIZWAN

French Horn ...................................................................................................... BONNY FISH

Trumpet 1 ........................................................................................................ JOSH BERON

Trumpet 2 .........................................................................................................LIBBY ZAFFT

Trumpet 3 ...................................................................................... MICHAEL DERHAMMER

Trombone 1 .......................................................................................................... JON HECK

Trombone 2 ........................................................................................ MARSHALL DVORAK

Trombone 3 ............................................................................................ CARSON SCHMIDT

Drums ...................................................................................................... CALVIN SWANEY

Percussion .................................................................................................... SUE RETZLAFF

Percussion ............................................................................................... ALEX KNOEPKER

Keyboard 1 .......................................................................................................... EDDIE KIM

Keyboard 2 ................................................................................................. SARAH LEITZEN

Violin .................................................................................................................. SAM HEISE

Cello........................................................................................................ KATHY BOARMAN

Upright Bass ................................................................................................. SYLVIE TOWNE

Musical Numbers

ACT I

Scene I: Somewhere on the Western Front of World War II -Christmas Eve, 1944

HAPPY HOLIDAY .......................................................................... Bob, Phil and Sheldrake

WHITE CHRISTMAS .................................................................. Bob, Phil, Sheldrake and Gls

Scene 2: The Ed Sullivan Show - 1954

HAPPY HOLIDAY/LET YOURSELF GO ........................................... Bob, Phil and the Chorus

Scene 3: Backstage at the Ed Sullivan Show - after the broadcast; Backstage at Jimmy's, a None-Too Classy Nightclub

LOVE AND THE WEATHER .............................................................................. Bob and Betty

Scene 4: Jimmy's Back Room - Later that evening

SISTERS ......................................................................................................... Betty and Judy

THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN WHILE YOU'RE DANCING ......................Phil, Judy and Quintet

Scene 5: A Train Car- Later that night

SNOW ....................... Phil, Judy, Bob, Betty, Snoring Man, Mrs. Snoring Man, Passengers

Scene 6: The Front Desk of the Columbia Inn in Vermont - later

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A GENERAL? ........................................... Martha, Bob, and Phil

Scene 7: The Barn Rehearsal Hall -The next day

LET ME SING AND I'M HAPPY .................................................................................. Martha

Scene 8: The Front Porch of the Inn - That night

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS INSTEAD OF SHEEP ............................................... Bob and Betty

Scene 9: Ralph Sheldrake's Office, New York; Martha's Switchboard - morning

Scene I 0: The Barn Rehearsal Hall - later that day

BLUE SKIES ............................................................................................. Bob and the Chorus

There will be one 15 minute intermission

Musical Numbers

ACT II

Scene I: On stage in the Barn Theater - The next day

I LOVE A PIANO ........................................................................... Phil, Judy, and the Chorus

Scene 2: Betty's Room at the Inn - Soon after

FALLING OUT OF LOVE CAN BE FUN ............................................... Martha, Betty, and Judy

Scene 3: The Barn Rehearsal Hall - Shortly thereafter

SISTERS (Reprise) .............................................................................................. Bob and Phil

Scene 4: The Regency Room, New York -The next evening

LOVE, YOU DIDN'T DO RIGHT BY ME/ HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN ....................... Betty, Bob

Scene 5: The Ed Sullivan Show - The evening after THE OLD MAN ........................................................................................................ Bob, Men

Scene 6: The Front Desk at the Columbia Inn -The next day

LET ME SING AND I'M HAPPY (Reprise) ...................................................................... Susan

Scene 7: Backstage at the Barn Theater -That evening, Christmas Eve

HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN (Reprise) ............................................................. Betty and Bob

THE OLD MAN (Reprise) ............................................................... Bob, Phil, Sheldrake, Men WI-IITE CHRISTMAS ........................................................................................ The Company

Scene 8: Curtain Call

The Company

CORD BRUNDAGE

LESLIE WEBER

EMILY ZELLER

ALLI LANGER

MAKENNA JOHNSON

JESSICA RIGDON

LAKEN BUCHHOLTZ

ERIK VOSE

KRISTI BECHTEL

COLE JACOBSON

ELDON BUNDERS

ALEX KARAU

MAGGIE MAXWELL

ANDREW NICHOLSON

CAITLIN CALIRI

HUNTER EVENSON

AMY DUPONT

MORGAN PEDERSON

KATIE FRIES

ROBERT STUBER

MARY CATE WESLING

LEX VIOLETTE

BRANDON HARRIS

JULIAN GOLDSTEIN

TODD OLSON

DAN NORTON

KATELYN KLIEVE

AARON DURAND

KRISTI MOULTON

BRITTANY JENSEN

SARAH LEITZEN

DELANEY SMALL

BRITTANY BARA

CASSIE VORBACH

ADAM KRUSE

UWL WIND ENSEMBLE | MARTIN I. GAINES, CONDUCTOR

HEARSHEN – MENDELSSOHN – SOUSA – THOMAS

DECEMBER 8, 2024 | 4 P.M.

ANNETT RECITAL HALL, LOWE CENTER FOR THE ARTS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

CONCERT CHOIR & TREBLE CHORUS

Love & Hope Abide

DR. CHRISTOPHER M. HATHAWAY & DR. KOURTNEY R. AUSTIN, CONDUCTORS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 | 7:30 P.M.

CAPPELLA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | 721 KING ST. $10 RECOMMENED DONATION

–

Who's Who

CORD BRUNDAGE (Ezekiel/Conductor/ Ensemble ) Cord is a veterinarian and faculty member at UW-La Crosse. His children have flourished participating in numerous LCT productions. Rather than ushering for them, he gathered enough gumption (with their encouragement) to audition himself. He loves LCT’s mission and is excited to be in his 1st community theater production.

ELDON BUNDERS (Marty/Chorus Boy 2/ Ensemble ) Eldon is thrilled to make his debut on the LCT stage! White Christmas will be Eldon's first production he has participated in since graduating high school. In high school, Eldon was a part of Footloose (Willard), Into the Woods (Narrator/Mysterious Man) and Marry Poppins (Bank Chairman). Eldon would like to thank his high school musical directors for always pushing him out of his comfort zone and for helping him become the performer he is today!

CAITLIN CALIRI (Rita, Ensemble, Judy understudy) Caitlin is excited to make her LCT debut! Previous credits include Eliza (My Fair Lady), Annabel Glick (Lucky Stiff), and Jack’s Mother (Into the Woods). As a dancer, she has performed with Affinity for Dance and I&E Dance Company. When she’s not performing, you may find her treating patients at Tomah Health as a physical therapist, knitting and crocheting for her Etsy shop, or hanging out with her husband, David, and their cat, Rosie.

AMY DUPONT (Mrs. Snoring Man, Gloria, Dance Captain, Ensemble) This is Amy’s first LCT production. She made her theater debut at The Muse this May and took part in an Apple Seed production in August. Amy is a former journalist turned Kwik Trip Creative Media Manager. When

you fuel up, look for her on the pump TVs! A proud wife, mom of two boys, and too many dogs, Amy believes there is never a dull moment and you’re never too full for ice cream.

AARON DURAND (Mike)Aaron is proud to be back on stage! This is his first performance he’s rehearsed for since high school.He loves reading and writing, hanging with his friends, and playing tabletop games.He’s grateful for the people in his life that encouraged him to pursue his passions!

HUNTER EVENSON (Phil Davis) Hunter is ecstatic to jump back into musicals with this role! He will be making his 3rd appearance with LCT! This includes The Music Man (Marcellus Washburn), and Les Miserable (Ensemble). Other roles that Hunter has been casted as are Rocky (Rocky Horror Picture Show), Joe Josephson (Merrily We Role Along), Diesel (West Side Story), and Jupiter (Orpheus and The Underworld). Hunter is now in year seven of being K-12 Choral Director, currently serving his fifth year with the Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton School District. Outside of teaching, Hunter enjoys recording acapella music, playing piano, going to the movies, and taking on escape rooms.

JULIAN GOLDSTIEN (Male Dancer/Ensemble) This is Julian's first show working with LCT and he's very excited to be a part of this community! White Christmas is his first musical production but he's been a part of two other plays within the La Crosse area through UWL. He has been in Doctor Faustus (Beelzebub) and Puffs (Mister Voldy). Offstage, Julian is a personal trainer and a student finishing up his degree in Exercise Sport Science and Theatre Performance at UWL.

Who's Who

BRANDON HARRIS (Bob Wallace) Brandon is excited to be back on the LCT stage after recently performing as Mayor Dobbs in Bright Star, the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. He spends his days working as the CTO for Dependable Solutions in La Crosse. He sends his love and appreciation to his wife Alison, family, and friends for their love and support.

COLE JACOBSON (Scooter/Ensemble) You may not be getting him in your stocking, but you’re getting him in this show! This will be Cole’s 9th LCT production. He just recently was child wrangling children in Oliver! and now is walking in a winter wonderland. Cole is currently a 1st grade teacher at Summit Environmental School. He would like to dedicate this show to his current 1st grade class and hopes everyone is enjoying the holiday season. You can find him next as Director of the La Crosse Middle Schools’ winter musical!!

BRITTANY JANSEN (Cigarette Girl/Dancer/ Ensemble/Betty Understudy) is excited to get out her tap shoes for her sixth LCT production! Past shows include Bright Star (Ensemble), Legally Blonde (Ensemble, u/s Vivienne), and Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble, u/s Mrs. Potts). When not on stage, she works as a copyeditor at Interact Communications. Happy holidays and enjoy the show!

MAKENNA JOHNSON (Assistant seamstress, Passenger 4, chorus girl, ensemble) MaKenna is so excited for her first show with LCT!

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre performance from UW – La Crosse. A couple

of her favorite roles at UWL include Susan in Company and Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire. After graduating in 2017, she went on to get her Master’s degree from UW – Milwaukee and now works as a law librarian. She is very excited to be back in this beautiful city! Enjoy the show!

ALEX KARAU (Ralph Sheldrake/Snoring Man/ Bob Wallace Understudy)Alex is thrilled to be back with LCT! White Christmas is Alex‘s third show at LCT, with previous appearances in Aladdin (Genie) and Fiddler on the Roof (Russian Soloist). Alex studied vocal performance at Luther College, where he participated in two operas and sang with Nordic Choir. Alex currently teaches music lessons in Onalaska and is working on applying for graduate school. He would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting local arts and hopes he can spread the joy of performance to those aspiring to get involved in any form!

ALLI LANGER (Betty ) Alli is a choir teacher at Longfellow Middle School and keeps herself busy doing show choir and drama club. Alli is so excited to be back on stage after a brief performing hiatus- her past LCT performing credits include Mamma Mia, Titanic, Little Mermaid, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Recently, she music directed Legally Blonde, Matilda Jr, Wizard of Oz, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. She would like to thank her family & friends for supporting her and encouraging her to get back on stage!

MAGGIE MAXWELL (Tessie / Seamstress / Secretary’s Voice / Ensemble ) Maggie Maxwell is thrilled to be part of this production of White Christmas, even more so because it is her first show with LCT. She is especially excited

Who's Who

to continue a family tradition, as her father performed with LCT about 20 years ago. Maggie is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a talented cast and crew and hopes you enjoy the show!

KRISTI MOULTON (Martha Watson) After an 8 year hiatus, Kristi is excited to be back onstage for White Christmas! Offstage, she is the librarian at Logan High School and advocates in many ways for our local libraries. She loves to travel, read, eat ice cream, and spend time with her family. Love to Mark, Peter, and Adam--thanks for letting me sing and be onstage... I'm Happy!

DANIEL NORTON (General Waverly) Daniel is so excited to join the cast of White Christmas! This is his first production with LCT. He's thankful to his family for helping him rehearse and practice his lines, and also thankful for the cast and crew of White Christmas for their hard work and their presence.

TODD OLSON (TV Announcer, Jimmy, Club Announcer, Ensemble) This is a first time experience in theatre for Todd. He is a financial planner and advisor in the Onalaska community where he manages and protects the wealth for a wide variety of clients. He has three grown children and four grandchildren. Todd enjoys singing with the Lacrosse Coulee Chordsmen and a quartet named Sound Investment. Special thanks goes to his wife, Chris, for her encouragement to audition and support in preparing for this production.

MORGAN PEDERSON (Rhoda/Ensemble) Morgan is elated to be back on stage in her favorite holiday show! You last saw her in LCT's production of Legally Blonde getting whipped

into shape & attending Harvard Law. Morgan would first love to thank her mom for instilling her love of White Christmas from an early age. Off the stage, you can find Morgan playing outside, romanticizing her life & dancing through life! She is firm believer that the best things do in fact happen while you're dancing. She works as an inpatient social worker at Gundersen and is also a reiki practitioner. She extends the most gratitude to all the beautiful souls in her life that love & support her through all her fun side quests. She hopes you enjoy the show & revel in the holiday magic!

DELANEY SMALL (Susan Waverly ) Delaney is thrilled to be a part of White Christmas! This marks her 14th production and she is so grateful for the opportunity to share her passion with the audience. She was previously seen in Oliver as youth ensemble and Diary of a wimpy kid as Rowley. Special thanks to her family, friends, voice coach, and entire production team.

EMILY ZELLER (Judy!) Emily is so thrilled to be apart of their first LCT Production! They were previously seen in Kids From Wisconsin (2 Year Singer/Dancer) as well as Viterbo STP’s Frog and Toad (Assistant Dance Captain, Ensemble). They would like to thank their friends Adrienne, Afton, and Lydia for being there to support them, as well as their mother, Lisa, for never missing a show. They hope you enjoy White Christmas!

BRITTANY BARA (Intimacy Director)is an actor, director, and educator in her second year as an assistant professor of theatre and mucic theatre at Viterbo. Recent Viterbo credits: Tar Beach (Director), The Hello Girls (Director). As an actor and director, she has worked extensiveley throughout the U.S., Canada, and

Who's Who

Western Europe. As a performer, favorite roles include Reno in Anything Goes, Woman 2 in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, MME. Thernardier 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 Pittsburg. Thanks to the cast and creative team for trusting me through this process; and thanks and love to Dan, for everything. For more information, visit www. brittanybara.com

KRISTINA BETCHEL (Deck Chief) Kristi is very excited to be a part of this wonderful holiday classic. Kristi grew up watching the amazing Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen bring these characters to life and being able to be apart of this LCT production has once again transported her back to those wonderful nights of watching the movie with her family and having all the Christmas feels. Kristi hopes you enjoy the show!!!

JOSH BERON (Trumpet 1)Josh currently works as band director at Central High School in La Crosse where he directs the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Bands, and Riverhawk Marching Band. He is an active musician in the area performing frequently with the La Crosse Wind Symphony, La Crosse Concert Band, Grumpy Old Men, and has played in many past productions at LCT including Titanic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Fiddler on the Roof.

KATHY BOARMAN (Cello Player) Kathy is happy to be back as a member of the orchestra pit. She has played for many LCT productions: Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Lizzie, Jesus Christ Superstar, Music Man, Newsies and many more.

When not playing in the pit Kathy can be found at Pleasoning Gourmet Seasoning which she owns with her son Dominic and daughter Jaime. She is also a member of the La Crosse Symphony, the Da Capo Concert Band and is an avid bowler!

STEPHANIE BROOKMAN ( Flute and Piccolo)

Stephanie is excited to be playing again for LCT! She also plays for Appleseed, UW-La Crosse, Tomah Area Community Theater and Viterbo University’s production of Cats. High School Pits include Tomah, Sparta, Aquinas, Luther, and Black River Falls. She is a member of the La Crosse Wind Symphony, La Crosse Concert Band, Da Capo Concert Band, Black River Falls, Tomah, and Westby Community Bands, Garden FlutesFlute Quartet and the CrosseRoads Woodwind Quintet. She performs with the One Acchord Performance Company in Tomah, the Ridgetones in Viroqua, as well as with the Coulee Region Gospel Orchestra.

LAKEN BUCHHOLTZ (Props Master) Laken is super excited for her first official show as a Props Master! As a high schooler at Holmen High School, she enjoys performing on stage and helping out behind the scenes. Her favorite shows she has participated in are The Addams Family (Alice Beineke), She Kills Monsters (Vera), and Mean Girls (Gretchen u/s).

BONNY J. FISH (Horn) Bonny has played as a pit musician on horn since LCT did Pirates of Penzance in 2012 and then when LCT opened at the Weber Center. She also plays in many Pit Orchestras in surrounding towns to include Tomah, West Salem, La Crosse, and La Crescent. Bonny thanks her family for allowing her to play in so many other different venues as well. Love my Theatre and Pit Peeps.

Who's Who

KATIE FRIES (Music Director) Katie is thrilled to be back music directing at LCT! This is her 23rd production at LCT with previous production roles including pit musician, actor, props designer, carpenter, costume shop volunteer, and sound engineer. During the day, Katie is an Academic Advisor at UWL for the College of Business Administration. She hopes you enjoy the warm hug of jazz, tap, and nostalgia that is "White Christmas" as you celebrate this holiday season with us at LCT.

JONATHAN HECK (Trombone)Jonathan has been in the La Crosse Area for the past three years studying Music Performance and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. When he isn't busy with music and school you can find him painting houses around the La Crosse Area painting houses for JH Painters. This is his 1st show at LCT.

EDDIE KIM (Piano 1)Eddie Kim played in orchestra pits for Bright Star, Fiddler, Newsies, Grease, and James and the Giant Peach. He was rehearsal pianist for Oliver!, Oz, Fiddler, and Legally Blonde. He teaches math at UWL and dance at I&E.

KATELYN KLIEVE (Stage Manager) This is Katelyn's 23rd show that she has stage managed. She is so proud of all the work this cast and production team have put in to create White Christmas. As LCT's Director of Education she has been working closely with both LCT and the SDLAX to create educational programming that will continue to create spaces for young theatre hopefuls to try new things and take the stage! She would like to thank her family and friends for their support, as well as her partner Andrew, their cats- Meatball, Nessie, and Alli, as well as her loving rescue dog Benny

ALEX KNOEPCKER (Percussion) Alex Knoepker is Director of Bands at Tomah High School. A proud alumni of THS himself, he conducts the wind ensemble, directs the jazz ensembles and pep band, and co-directs the THS marching band each fall. He also teaches courses in music theory. During summer break, Alex serves as conductor of the stage band and as a tour director for the “Kids from Wisconsin,” a highlyacclaimed Broadway-style troupe of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists that travels around Wisconsin. He is involved with many musical endeavors around the state, from show choir competitions to marching band to honor bands. Originally from Warrens, WI, Alex holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

DEVANN LOVELESS (Oboe) Devann is thrilled to be back in the pit at LCT! Her previous productions with LCT's pit orchestra include The Secret Garden, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Fiddler on the Roof. She has also performed in pit orchestras for Wit's End Theatre in her hometown and at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. When she's not rehearsing or performing, Devann can be found working or figuring out how to go back to school for another degree. Devann extends her gratitude to her husband and family for their support of her musical endeavors over the years.

STEPHEN MANN (Saxophone and Clarinet) Steve works at UWL as Associate Professor of Linguistics and Interim Chair of the Music Department. This is Steve's 10th show in the LCT orchestra; the first was Thoroughly Modern Millie (2014). Favorite LCT shows include Titanic, Billy Elliott, The Secret Garden, and Cabaret. He also plays in The Grumpy Old Men, Da Capo Concert

Who's Who

Band, and La Crosse Concert Band, and orchestra pits for productions at local high schools, universities, and other community theaters.

ANDREW NICHOLSON (Orchestra Pit Director) In 2015, he was the Drum Corps International World Champion Euphonium Soloist for their Individual and Ensemble Competition in Indianapolis. Andrew has also received the Outstanding Musical Direction Award through the Madison Overture Center's Jerry Awards for Sparta’s productions of ‘Addams Family’ (2022) and ‘Newsies’ (2023). Andrew holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, and two Master’s Degrees in Instrumental Conducting and Euphonium Performance from North Dakota State University.

SUE RETZLAFF (Orchestra) Sue has been involved in music for most of her life. As a fan of musical theater, it has been her good fortune to play auxiliary percussion for several western Wisconsin productions at La Crosse Community Theater, UW-L, OAPC and ACT in Tomah, as well as Sparta and Luther High Schools. It is wonderful to be joining a very talented cast

for this production of the holiday classic White Christmas.

JESSICA RIGDON (Costume Designer) is so very excited to design costumes for the Lyche stage for the very first time! Jess has worked witih LCT as a Costume Designer for the past few years on shows for their Blackbox Series. Some of her favorite past designs you might have seen include last season's A Doll's House Part 2 and The Last 5 Years, and previous season's productions of 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, The Laramie Project, Scrooge in Rouge, and more!. She is so thankful for all the support from her friends, family, and this amazing cast. Finally, she'd like to thank the crew of dressers and costume shop volunteers that worked so hard to help her vision come to life. She couldn't have done it wiithout them and she is so grateful.

JENNIFER SCHRAUFNAGEL (Reed 5) Jen is excited to be a part of another LCT production! She is a middle school and high school band teacher in Tomah and performs with the La Crosse Concert Band and La Crosse Wind Symphony. Jen is also pursuing her master’s in music education from UW-Stevens Point. When she's not making music, she's knitting, crocheting, and playing video games!

ROBERT STUBER (Sound Designer) Robert is pleased to be back for another LCT Christmas 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.

Who's Who

CALVIN SWANEY (Drums) is delighted to be making his debut with La Crosse Community Theatre. Recent Orchestra credits include "Grease" with Sparta High School, "Rock Of Ages" with Sparta High School, and "Addams Family" at Sparta High School. He works full time in La Crosse as a Chef at "Lovechild"

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! Be sure to catch Deer Camp, Lex is the Scenic Designer and TD, currently running in the Veteran’s Studio Theatre.

CASSIE VORBACH (Lighting Designer) This is Cassie's third season with LCT. Past shows that she has designed include 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.

ERIC VOSE (Set Designer)Erik Vose is the Executive Director of La Crosse Community Theatre, where he passionately leads efforts to foster creativity and community engagement through the arts. With a background in theater production and management, Erik is dedicated to enhancing the theater experience for both audiences and participants. Under his leadership, LCT has embarked on an expansion project, ensuring a vibrant future for the local arts

scene. Erik is committed to nurturing talent and fostering a welcoming environment.

LESLIE WEBER (Choreograpgher) Leslie is so excited to be working on another LCT production! Some of her past LCT shows include Bright Star, Newsies, Rent, Scrooge in Rouge, Sister Act, and was even onstage for Mary Poppins! She has been teaching ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and musical theatre for nearly 25 years. She has choreographed for competitive dance groups that have won top honors and special awards. Leslie has choreographed over 50 theatrical productions throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. She wears many hats as a dance and pilates teacher, and works behind the desk of a chiropractic office. Leslie is grateful for the love and support of Brad and their three awesome kids!

MARY CATE WESLING (Director) Mary Cate is thrilled to call White Christmas her 10th overall directing credit! Previous credits include 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

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

Jolene

John and Charlene Hopkins

John Hoehn

DeMaiffe & Ellen Pedretti Fendt

Joyce Wichelt

($100-$149)Cont.

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

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.