December 6-22, 2019 Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sunday Matinees at 3:00pm
4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, OH www.MetroParks.cc
Coming Soon!
French Creek
Theatre
French Creek Nature Center
Cultural Arts Manager / Site Manager..................................Brian McNally Cultural Arts & Nature Programmer.............................................. Erin Moran Senior Naturalist................................................................................. Aimee Potonic Naturalist II.............................................................................................Rachel Mazzola Front Desk Staff..................................................Camille Olsen, Mary Johnson FCNC Building and Grounds Crew................................................Tim Barrett, Thomas Bourque, David Davis
Lorain County Metro Parks
Director......................................................................................................James Ziemnik Assistant Director...........................................................................Jennifer Bracken Operations Supervisor..............................................................................Paul Hruby
Lorain County Metro Parks Board of Park Commissioners
Chairman ..................................................................................... Ms. Cookie McLoda Board Member................................................................................Mr. Joseph Hribar Board Member..............................................................................Mr. Kenneth Lieux
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French Creek
Introducing the ‘19/’20 seas on!
Theatre 2019-2020 season A Christmas Carol (Barlow)
The Drowsy Chaperone
In this fresh and lively adaptation of the beloved Charles Dickens’ classic, five actors tell the entire redemptive story of Ebenezer Scrooge through puppetry, song and a lot of imagination. Fast paced and funny, this intimate production still honors the true the spirit of the season as Scrooge comes to learn and remind us “…we are all of us upon this earth a great family all together, Sir! Are we not dear Bob!”
Take a seat, dust off your old record collection, and reminisce on the unforgettable 1928 Broadway hit that never was: The Drowsy Chaperone. In this screwball satire of Great White Way clichés, brides, grooms, gangsters, and one inebriated chaperone come together for a hilarious night of musical mishaps and mayhem.
Dec 6 - 22, 2019
By Charles Dickens A New Adaptation by Patrick Barlow
And Then There Were None Apr 24 - May 10, 2020
Ten strangers arrive on an isolated island after receiving mysterious invitations. Stranded by a violent storm, their holiday soon turns deadly as scandalous secrets are revealed, and one-by-one they begin to die. As a children’s nursery rhyme counts down the murders, it’s up to the guests to discover the killer before none are left. By Agatha Christie
Feb 7 - 23, 2020
Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar Original Broadway production of The Drowsy Chaperone produced by Kevin McCollum, Roy Miller, Bob Boyett, Stephanie McClelland, Barbara Freitag and Jill Furman.
The Music Man July 10 - 26, 2020
Con man Harold Hill strolls into town, and the good people of River City are woefully unprepared for his quick talking trickery as he rolls out a ruse to start a boys’ band, bought and paid for by the townsfolk. This timeless and wholesome American musical features a rousing score and story that will have audiences of all ages humming a tune and tapping their toes when the final curtain falls! Book, Music & Lyrics by Meredith Willson Story by Meredith Willson & Franklin Lacey
Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Rd., Avon
MaCbeth
Aug 14 - 16, 2020 (Shows at 7pm) In the aftermath of bloody battle, a great Scottish general meets three weird sisters who reveal that he will be king. The eerie encounter sets a murderous melee into motion as Macbeth will stop at nothing to keep the crown. Shakespeare’s tragic tale of greed, ghosts and gore is performed free and outdoors at Miller Nature Preserve. By William Shakespeare
Shakespeare in the Park!
French Creek
Theatre
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens A New Adaptation by Patrick Barlow Original Off-Broadway Production produced by Terri & Timothy Childs and Rodger Hess Originally presented by Delaware Theatre Company Bud Martin, Executive Director A CHRISTMAS CAROL was first premiered at Delaware Theatre Company in Wilmington, Delaware opening on December 8, 2012. It was directed by Joe Calarco and Produced by Delaware Theatre Company; the set design was by Brian Prather; the costume design was by Anne Kennedy; the lighting design was by Chris Lee; the sound design was by Victoria DeIorio; the puppet design was by Thomas Getchell; the musical supervisor was Mary-Mitchell Campbell; the stage manager was Brian V. Klinger; and the assistant stage manager was Annie Halliday. The cast was as follows: SCROOGE………. Andrew Long ACTOR ONE……..Mark Light-Orr ACTOR TWO……..Jessie Shelton ACTOR THREE…..Tina Stafford ACTOR FOUR…....Steve Pacek A CHRISTMAS CAROL opened Off-Broadway at the Theatre at St. Clement’s in New York City on November 25, 2013. It was directed by Joe Calarco and Produced by Terri & Timothy Childs and Rodger Hess; general management by DR Theatrical Management; the set design was by Brian Prather; the costume design was by Anne Kennedy; the lighting design was by Chris Lee; the sound design was by Victoria DeIorio; the musical director was Mary-Mitchell Campbell; the stage manager was Michael Danek; and the assistant stage manager was Sara Sahin. The cast was as follows: SCROOGE………. Peter Bradbury ACTOR ONE……..Mark Light-Orr ACTOR TWO……..Jessie Shelton ACTOR THREE…..Franca Vercelloni ACTOR FOUR…....Mark Price
“A Christmas Carol (Barlow)” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.
–– PLEASE NOTE ––
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
Cast Bob Keefe.............................................................................................................Scrooge John Bassett.................................................The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and others Emmy Cohen....................The Ghost of Christmas Past and others Barb Dragony....................................The Ghost of Christmas Present and others Jessica Dupee......................................................................Isabella and others Corey Knick.............................................................Bob Cratchit and others Michael Knobloch.....................................................Frederick and others Mandy Solis...........................................................Jacob Marley and others
Production Team Director......................................................................................Jacqi Loewy Costume Designer................................................D. Justin Bilewicz, III Stage Manager...........................................................Julie Billinghurst Sound Designer........................................................................Stan Kozak Properties Master................................................................Jacqi Loewy Lighting Designer.....................................................Michael Martinek Scenic Designer...................................................Nicholas Thornburg Technical Director............................................Nicholas Thornburg Sound Board Operator.................................................Sarah Rounds
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A Note from the director Happy Holidays to all of you who celebrate whatever it is you celebrate, even if it is just a hot chocolate at home on the couch! This version of A Christmas Carol comes to us from Patrick Barlow where in his author’s notes, he states “I am most inspired and liberated by the great periods of simplicity in theatre ... where the story, the text and the performer are central”. My hope is that we are giving you enough environment and material to make the story clear, while leaving you enough space to imagine Scrooge’s world as you might see it. Since we all know how the story ends, our backstage setting should allow imaginations to explore the ways in which the story relates to people and circumstances that reach far beyond the world of Dickensian London. And, if there are young ones in your midst, perhaps you might even find yourselves directing them in their own version, with whatever clothing and items lie around their homes. As we must, since it is, after all, A Christmas Carol, we shall quote our little Tiny Tim: God Bless us each and every one! Merry & Happy Everything to you and yours - thanks for sharing part of your day with us.
Jacqi Loewy Director
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Actor/Actress Bios
John Bassett (The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Others) Since moving back to Ohio, John has been involved in local community theater for the past four years. This is his seventh show at French Creek. Others include Jesus Christ, Superstar!, White Christmas, Bonnie & Clyde, Oliver!; and Mary Poppins with LCMT. He started with a number of shows at the Black River Playhouse in Elyria; and a theater minor while at BGSU in the 60’s. Then featured roles with the Blackhawk Players in Chicago in the 70’s; followed by the Bay Players in Duxbury, MA in the 80’s; and with T.A.O.S. in Boston in the 90’s.
Barb Dragony (The Ghost of Christmas Present, Others) is thrilled to be making her French Creek Theatre debut with this great cast and crew! Barb was most recently seen in the recurring show Flanagan’s Wake as Fiona, a role that she will be reprising for her 11th year this January at Kennedy’s Theatre at Playhouse Square. A veteran of many shows, she counts among her favorites Nunsense (Mother Superior), Lucky Stiff (Rita), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Domina), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Nurse Ratched), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Company) and The Bigfoot Letters (Sheila). When not on stage, Barb is an illustrator…giving life to the characters that live in her head.
Emmy Cohen’s (The Ghost of Christmas Past, Others) last French Creek appearance was as Emily Webb in Our Town. Other favorite credits include The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Jess) at Strongsville Community Theatre and The Heartless Giant (The Prince) at Talespinner Children’s Pg. 10 Theatre.
Jessica Dupee (Isabella, Others) is thrilled to be performing on the French Creek stage for the first time! Last season, she was the Assistant Stage Manager for Gifts of the Magi, She Loves Me, and Little Women. She holds a BA in Theatre Design and Technology from Ashland University and has stage managed for Ohio Shakespeare Festival,
CAST
Actor/Actress Bios Porthouse Theatre, and Weathervane Playhouse. Jessica would like to thank her family and friends for their endless encouragement. Enjoy the show and Merry Christmas! Bob Keefe (Scrooge) is a native Clevelander. After three summers of Porthouse Theatre at Kent State University, Bob moved to Chicago where he worked in local and regional theaters. Favorite roles in Chicago include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetruis) with Pegasus Players, What the Butler Saw (Dr. Prentice) at the Theatre Shoppe, and Where’s Charlie? (Brasset) directed by Gary Griffin at the Apple Tree. He also toured as Stanley in A Bed Full of Foreigners with The Old Creamery Theatre in Iowa. Since returning to Cleveland in 2001, Bob has appeared frequently at The Actor’s Summit in Akron, occasionally at Dobama, the Cleveland Public Theatre, The Cleveland Playhouse, and in two long running improvisational shows at Playhouse Square; We Gotta Bingo and Flanagan’s Wake. Corey Knick (Bob Cratchit, Others) was last seen at French Creek in I’m Not Rappaport. Recent credits include Anything Goes (Billy Crocker) with LCMT and The Explorers Club at Clague Playhouse. Other shows include Buried Child, Death of a
Salesman, Jekyll and Hyde, The Diviners, The Glass Menagerie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cabaret, and The Fantasticks! Corey has also worked with the Cleveland Public Theatre and the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival. He wishes to thank his family and friends for their constant love and support. M i c h a e l Knobloch (Frederick, Others) is thrilled to be returning to French Creek Theatre in A Christmas Carol. Past productions with French Creek include some of Michael’s favorites: last year’s The Gift of the Magi (Jim), Bonnie & Clyde (Clyde), and Jekyll & Hyde (Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde). Aside from French Creek, Michael has performed in several theatres across NE Ohio including Beck Center for the Arts, Blank Canvas Theatre, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Near West Theatre, Western Reserve Playhouse, and Weathervane Playhouse among others. You can see Michael next as Lucas in If/Then at Lakeland Civic Theatre opening January 31st. Thank you SO much for supporting live theatre and have a wonderful holiday season!
Actor/Actress Bios Mandy Solis (Jacob Marley, Others) grew up in Sheffield Lake and now currently resides in Elyria. She has been with her husband for 25 years, has a 23-year-old daughter, and enjoys spending time outdoors in nature. Mandy currently works at Paws by the Lake where she has been for the last eleven years. She has always been interested in participating in a play, and is very excited to be part of A Christmas Carol!
Production Team: Jacqi Loewy (Director) is celebrating 4 decades as a professional theatre artist. French Creek productions include I Do, I Do, Gifts of the Magi, Jekyll & Hyde, Blooms of Steel, I’m Not Rappaport, The Nutcracker, Last Five Years and choreography for Into the Woods. Jacqi’s direction has also been seen at Cleveland Public Theatre, Blank Canvas, Dobama, Ensemble, LCMT, Weathervane, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Playhouse Square and The Cleveland Play House. Additionally, her work as a playwright, stage manager and actor has spanned the country and includes Broadway and several international tours. Thanks to Brian, Erin, Julie and all the creatives on this show. And THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING LIVE THEATRE!!
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D. Justin Bilewicz III (Costume Designer) Justin is the costume shop supervisor at Ashland University, and the Technical Adviser at Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst, Ohio. He serves as a board member, and Costume Designer for Sandstone Summer Theatre in Amherst, Ohio, and he is the Director for The Lorain Palace Youth Theatre in Lorain, Ohio. Recently Justin designed Sandstone Summer Theatre’s 50th anniversary show Beauty and the Beast. This past summer, he directed the Lorain County area premiere of Disney’s Frozen, Jr. for The Lorain Palace Youth Theatre in Lorain, Ohio. His favorite past shows include Carrie the Musical (Sandstone Summer Theatre), Parade (French Creek Theatre), Little Women (Ashland University), and Mothers and Sons (Beck Center). Justin will be designing Ashland University’s 2020 spring production Mamma Mia!. Merry Christmas! Michael S. Martinek (Lighting Designer) is currently the technology director at Gesu Catholic School in University Heights has been involved in Northeast Ohio performing arts for over 10 years. He has conducted various choral and instrumental ensembles; provided theatrical, technical, box office, and event oversight; and served in various behind the scenes roles to vast number of productions at Saint Ignatius High School’s Breen Center for the Performing Arts, Notre Dame College, French Creek Theatre, and Mercury Theatre Company. He is extremely excited to return to French Creek and would personally like to thank the cast
Actor/Actress Bios for their wonderful talent, hard work, and enthusiasm; and the production staff for all their wonderful direction, dedication, and leadership in this production. Nicholas Thornburg (Scenic Designer /Technical Director) is very pleased to be working with French Creek Theatre for the first time this season! His previous work has been seen at the Cleveland Playhouse, Mercury Theatre Company, Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Arts Festival, Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Virginia Opera, Old Dominion University, Cortland Repertory Theatre, Virginia Musical Theatre. Mr. Thornburg is also a freelance scenic designer, actor, entrepreneur, has taught stagecraft and production, and has served as Theatre Editor for AltDaily.com. nicholasthornburg.wix.com/nthornburg Julie Billinghurst (Stage Manager) is excited to return to French Creek Theatre for her fifth season as SM. Some of her favorite shows she’s worked on at French Creek include She Loves Me, As You Like It, Parade, Bonnie & Clyde and Big Fish. She has also worked as the stage manager for LCCC, LCMT and TrueNorth. She hopes this show will bring a little more magic to your holidays. Merry Christmas! Stan Kozak (Sound Designer) Stan Kozak, currently in his twenty-eighth season at Great Lakes Theater, has more than 50 design credits including Bat Boy: The Musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Comedy of Errors, Amadeus, You Can’t Take It With You, Private Lives,
Into the Woods and the Tom Hanks’ benefit performances. His work in 1979 and 1981 with Geraldine Fitzgerald on Streetsongs at GLTF led to the original cast album. Mr. Kozak was the resident sound designer for four seasons at the Porthouse Theatre Company, including productions ofDriving Miss Daisy, Niteclub Confidential and a Nightingale Sang. His collaborations with Victoria Bussert at Baldwin-Wallace College include productions of Chess, Hair, Company, Cabaret, West Side Story, Tommy in Concert, Parade, the Ohio premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion, and one of the first nonprofessional productions of Phantom of the Opera. For Cain Park, his design credits include Secret Garden, Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Bat Boy, Tick, tick…Boom, Nine, The Wiz, Harold and Maude and Pippin. Mr. Kozak has also designed sound for Wit and Last Five Years for the Dobama Theater, Iolanthe and Sweeney Todd for the Cleveland Opera, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Forbidden Broadway SVU for the Hanna Theatre and A Shayna Maidel, Brooklyn Boy and Pangs of the Messiah for the JCC. He has served as sound designer for the All-City Musical for the Cleveland school system for eight seasons. He also had the good fortune to have worked with Bebe Neuwirth in her concert performance for the Ideastream Gala in 2005. He was honored to be among the first group of LORT sound designers to achieve recognition in USA 829. Sarah Rounds (Sound Board Operator) is excited to be back working on her twelfth show at French Creek!
Actor/Actress Bios She graduated from Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Recording Arts and currently works at Playhouse Square as a Ticketing Concierge. She is an Avon High School alumni where she was hugely involved in the drama club and was inducted into the Thespian Society.
She enjoyed being on stage as much as working off stage in running crew and as head of the makeup/hair crew. In her free time, Sarah likes to sing, teach herself new instruments, hang out with friends and family, work on her sound design skills, and cuddle with her puppy.
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