The Servant of Two Masters Playbill

MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY’S J. WILLIAMAND MARY DIEDERICH COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION

DIGITALMEDIAAND PERFORMINGARTS MARQUETTE THEATRE

DEBRAKRAJEC,ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

PRESENTS

by Carlo Goldoni

September 30-October 7, 2023

Directed by Jonathan Hetler

Scenic Design by Stephen Hudson-Mairet

Costume Design by Connie Petersen

Lighting Design by Stephen Hudson-Mairet

Sound Design by Sam Robertson

Stage Managed by Will Reames

Video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Marquette University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

CAST

PANTALONE DEI BISOGNOSI……………………….……...Ethan Jacoby-Henrickson

CLARICE…………………………………………………….………..Naomi Kriege

DR. LOMBARDI…………………………………………………...Nate Rodriguez

SILVIO…………………………………………………..……………..Ben Shields

BEATRICE RASPONI………………………………………………Patricia León de la Barra Gomez

FLORINDO ARETUSI…………………………………………..…Josh Soape

BRIGHELLA………………………………………………………….Matthew Read

SMERALDINA……………………………..……………………....Natalie Murray

TRUFFALDINO……………………………………………………..Matthew Torkilsen

FIRST PORTER……………………………………………………..Mia Figueroa

SECOND PORTER……………………………………………….…Erin Cavender

THIRD PORTER……………………………………………………..Michael Kratzer

FOURTH PORTER…………………………………………………..Shannon Burke

Porter u/s…………………………………………………………..….Jay Roche

Silvio, Florindo & Brighella u/s……………………….………Grayson Buesing

Pantalone dei Bisognosi & Dr. Lombardi u/s……………Matthew Schacht

SETTING

Venice, 1970s

There is a 15-minute intermission. The show runs approximately 2 hours.

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Welcome to The Servant of Two Masters! What you will see tonight is an exploration of commedia dell’arte in the 21st Century. With that said, what is Commedia dell’arte or literally translated, ‘comedy of the profession’? It is a theatrical form characterized by improvised dialogue and a cast of colorful stock characters that emerged in northern Italy in the 15th century and rapidly gained popularity throughout Europe. It involved masks, music, and the classic joker. Today you will see our interpretation of those devices and hopefully make you laugh. Sometimes we just need to escape our everyday and be a little zanni….that is what it is all about. Enjoy!

CAST BIOGRAPHIES (in alphabetical order)

Grayson Buesing (Silvio, Florindo & Brighella u/s, Assistant Stage Manager)

Grayson is a freshman from Mequon, Wisconsin, studying Theatre Arts and Journalism. The Servant of Two Masters is his first mainstage production at Marquette University, but he was last seen as Creon in Homestead High School Drama Department’s production of Antigone. Grayson would like to thank the incredibly talented and wonderful cast and crew of The Servant of Two Masters for being so open and welcoming throughout the entire process, and he hopes you have a fantastic experience!

Shannon Burke (Porter #4, Beatrice u/s)

Shannon (she/they) is a sophomore from St. Louis, Missouri who’s majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Theater Arts. Though they have been in a few other productions at Marquette, like as Beth Powell in John Proctor is the Villain or Anna in The Amish Project, this is their first time in an official Marquette Theater production! They are so thrilled to be working with one of the funniest casts they’ve ever encountered. As always, she would like to thank her friends and family, especially those who couldn’t make it. And finally, mmm mmm mmm mmm ooo!

Erin Cavender (Porter #2, Clarice u/s)

Erin is a sophomore Theatre Arts major and Communication Studies minor from Prospect Heights, IL. She has previously been seen onstage as Velda in The Amish Project for MUPS as well as behind the scenes sound designing for The Importance of Being Earnest. She also works as an Administrative Assistant at the Helfaer Theatre. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support, and she cannot wait for everyone to see the hard work The Servant team has put into this production!

Mia Figueroa (Porter #1, Smeraldina u/s)

Mia is a second-year pre-pharmacy biology major from Hainesville, Illinois, who is so excited to be back on the Marquette mainstage! Last seen as Soccer Mom in The Wolves, Mia has also been in capstone production John Proctor is the Villain as Beth Powell u/s, along with writing and performing as part of The Comet Project ensemble. Mia has had so much fun working on this show and hopes you have just as much fun watching it!

Ethan is a Senior from Combined Locks, WI and is excited to be participating in his 3rd Mainstage production at Marquette. He is a double major in Theatre Arts and Digital Media. Previous experiences at Marquette include Hortensio in Taming of the Shrew, Merriman in The Importance of Being Earnest and Eddie in The Amish Project through MUPS. Outside of theater, he is the E-board Treasurer of the MU Logrolling Club, and member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. He would like to thank his Family for their continued support, as well as the Director, his fellow Castmates, and Crew.

Michael is a freshman Theatre Arts major from Denver, Colorado. Servant of Two Masters is his first mainstage production at Marquette, but was in a variety of shows, including but not limited to Big Stone in Eurydice, Ben Jonson in The Book of Will, Father in The Book of Everything, as well as director of The Addams Family Jr. all through the Denver School of the Arts Theatre Company. He is so grateful for the opportunity he has been given and cannot wait to spend the next four years here honing his skills.

Naomi is beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to portray Clarice in The Servant of Two Masters. She is a sophmore from Kansas City, MO who is majoring in Theatre Arts and minoring in Dance and Graphic Design. Her previous work at Marquette includes acting in Detroit ’67 as Caroline, stage managing The Importance of Being Earnest, assistant stage managing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and working in the Marquette scene shop. Naomi would like to thank the whole team that brought The Servant of Two Masters to life and her family for encouraging and supporting her, always.

Ethan Jacoby-Henrickson (Pantalone Dei Bisognosi)

Michael Kratzer (Porter #3, Truffaldino u/s)

Naomi Kriege (Clarice)

Patricia León de la Barra Gómez (Beatrice Rasponi)

Patricia is a sophomore student majoring in Psychology from Caracas, Venezuela. She is filled with gratitude and excitement as this is the third Marquette production she has had the pleasure of participating in. She was last seen as Miss Prism in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest and as #46’s understudy in Sarah DeLappe’s The Wolves. Patricia would like to thank her family back home as well as her friends and the Marquette Theatre for all of their love and support. Working on this show has been a privilege and she hopes that you find it as wonderfully silly as she did. ¡Disfruten de la función!

Natalie Murray (Smeraldina)

Natalie Murray is a senior from St. Louis, MO, majoring in Writing Intensive English and Theatre with minors in French and Digital Media. Her previous production and performance credits include assistant director of John Proctor is the Villain, props master of The Importance of Being Earnest, 13 in The Wolves, and Leaf Coneybear in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She is also directing Words, Words, Words for the upcoming production of All in the Timing. She wishes as well to give a shout out to the Fugees comedy improv group and the Comet Project. Natalie is grateful to all involved in producing this wonderfully silly show and thanks you for supporting and (hopefully) giggling along with them on stage

Matthew Read (Brighella)

Matthew Read is thrilled to be performing on the Marquette stage for his final year in the department. He has appeared previously as Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest, William Barfee in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Harry in Mamma Mia! He wants to thank his roommates Tork, Charlie, Josh, and Will for their constant support, and, most importantly, his parents, who have been his biggest fans his whole life.

Jay Roche (Porter u/s)

Jay Roche (they/them) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre Arts with a minor in Social Welfare and Justice. Their recent credits include America in the Amish Project and Caroline’s Understudy in Detroit ‘67. They will also be portraying Al in Marquette Theatre’s upcoming production All in the Timing! They can’t wait for you to see the show and hope you come back for the next one!

Nate Rodriguez (Dr. Lombardi)

Nate Rodriguez is a sophomore majoring in Theatre Arts and Journalism from Bartlett, IL. This is his second Marquette show as an actor, having last been an understudy for The Importance of Being Earnest. Some of his recent roles include Buckley in Father of the Bride, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and Thénardier in Les Misérables. He has also participated in shows as a crew member, including being the assistant stage manager for Detroit ’67. He would like to thank his mom, dad, sisters, stepdad, family, and friends for supporting him, and he hopes that you enjoy the show!

Matthew Schacht (Pantalone Dei Bisognosi & Dr. Lombardi u/s)

Matthew Schacht is a freshman, double majoring in Psychology and Theater at Marquette. A Servant of Two Masters is his first mainstage production at the university, and he is incredibly excited to continue to get to know everyone in Marquette’s theater program. Matthew grew up doing theater, doing shows such as Shrek Jr. (8th grade). He then took a break from theater aside from taking 3 classes throughout high school, until the second half of senior year when he was Rapunzel’s Prince Into the Woods. In his free time, Matthew loves to participate in tennis, sailing and friendships. He thanks his tennis coach, family, and middle/elementary school music teacher for his determination and love for life and theater.

Ben Shields (Silvio)

Ben is a freshman Theater Arts and Chemistry double major from Scarborough, Maine. He was most recently seen as Lumiere in the Cheverus Drama Society's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast and as Paul in their production of The Rocking Horse Winner, which earned him entry into the Maine Principal Association's All State Cast. This is his first show at Marquette University and his 38th production overall. He is very grateful to have the opportunity to act with all the incredible artists that share the Helfaer stage and would like to thank everyone that has worked on this production for being incredibly welcoming and supportive.

Joshua Soape (Florindo Aretusi)

Josh is a junior psychology and theatre major from Flower Mound, Texas. He has previously been onstage at Marquette as Lucentio in Taming Of The Shrew. He has had a blast putting on this production, and hopes you have an unforgettable evening!

Matthew Torkilsen (Truffaldino)

Matthew Torkilsen is honored to be returning to the Marquette Theatre mainstage in Servant of Two Masters. Some of his previous works includes Macbeth (Summit Players Banquo) The Importance of Being Earnest (Jack Worthing) and Mamma Mia (Bill Austin). He would like to thank his friends, his family, and the silly little monkey that sometimes visits him at night and fills his mind with delusions of grandeur.

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES

(in alphabetical order)

Debra Krajec (Artistic Director)

Deb serves as a faculty member, a Stage Director, and a Costume Designer at Marquette. She received her MFA from Texas Christian University, and has worked professionally as a costume designer, a director, and an actor. Deb has been part of the Marquette Theatre Department for 40 years, and knows her time there is growing short. To all her students, past and present, you will always have a piece of her heart.

Jonathan Hetler (Director)

Jonathan is a producer, director, and teaching artist based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He currently serves as the Artistic Producer overseeing all casting and special events at Milwaukee Rep. Notable directing highlights include Dino! An Evening with Dean Martin (Milwaukee Rep), Romeo and Juliet, Venus in Fur, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, and Glengarry Glen Ross (Ohio University), Pippin (Ohio Valley Summer Theater), the world premiere of La Mujer Barbuda (Seabury Quinn Jr. Playwrights' Festival), and the Associate Director for Titanic and the annual production of A Christmas Carol (Milwaukee Rep). He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Ohio University and a Master of Business Administration from Regent University. @hetlerj / hetlerj.com

Stephen Hudson-Mairet (Professor, Scenic Design, Lighting Design)

This season marks Stephen’s 24th at Marquette. Thank you so much for your support of Marquette Theatre and Marquette’s theatre arts students and your support of the arts across our community – live performances help keep Milwaukee and Marquette amazing places to live and work. Stephen wants to especially thank Jonathan and Deb for their joyful energy and support of our students. Thank you as well to the student body for their artistry and energy in bringing these stories to life. Stephen lives quite happily in a very old house in Wauwatosa with his wife Heidi.

Connie L. Petersen (Costume Designer, Costume Shop Manager)

Connie is excited to return to this 22nd season at Marquette with such energetic new freshmen and seasoned upperclassmen along with Deb and Jonathan, two very well-respected Milwaukee directors. She received her B.S. degree in theatre from Northwest Missouri State University and M.F.A. degree in Costume and Scenic Design from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. She has worked professionally for Door Shakespeare, Central City Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Denver Center Theatre Company, and Playmakers Repertory Company at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Connie spends her free time with her two daughters, Emma and Olivia who are quite busy around Brookfield. Connie was recently nominated and elected to serve as a Board of Director with the Elmbrook Education Foundation.

Will Reames (Stage Manager)

Will is a Junior at Marquette majoring in Theatre Arts and Political Science. His credits at Marquette include ensemble in Mamma Mia!, Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and stage-managing Marquette’s The Wolves. He looks forward to being a part of Marquette Theatre’s upcoming production of All in the Timing. Will is grateful to his family, friends, and God for all their support and love. Enjoy the show!

Sam Katter Robertson (Sound Designer)

Sam is a junior from Green Bay, WI studying Digital Media and Music. Usually found recording sound for film and TV in Milwaukee, Sam is very excited to back in the stage world and to immerse you all in the 70's! The Servant of Two Masters is also his first show at Marquette! Thanks much to professors, friends, and family for supporting him and the arts.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Milwaukee Repertory Theater

PRODUCTION STAFF

Technical Director Stephen Hudson-Mairet

Scene Shop Supervisor Peter O’Neill

Costume Shop Manager Connie Petersen

Asst. Costume Shop

Supervisor/Cutter/Draper Amelia Straham

Stage Manager Will Reames

Assistant Stage Manager Grayson Buesing

Light Board Operator Miranda Croll

Sound Board Operator Draylin Pickett

Deck Crew Charlie Hobert

Wardrobe Crew Evelyn Blasius, Gabriela Shulman

Costume Shop Assistants Bailee Barton, Eva Hesse, Alex Merkel, Lauryn Middleton, Michael

Mingus, Matthew Read, Nate Rodriguez, Sophia Stockhausen

Costume Shop Build Crew Bailee Barton, Evelyn Blasius, Shannon Burke, Lynn Choi, Iris

DeWeerdt, Brandon Engel, Andrea Estrella, Draylin Pickett, Hunter

Thein, Jonalie Zamora

Scene Shop Assistants Brandon Engel, Ethan Jacoby-Henrickson, Kelsie Kasky Naomi

Kriege, Jack McMahon, Will Reames, Mack, Rosales, Jackson Sheerin, Josh Soape, Matthew Torkilsen

Scenic Shop Build Crew Olivia “Babs” Babolea, Grayson Buesing, Miranda Croll, Michelle, Cecchin, Susie Dobbs, Christina Espinoza, Jameson Fagan, Hunter

Ho, Michael Kratzer, Gabriela Shulman, Tristen Yang, Jonalie

Zamora

Administrative Assistants Cassidy O’Neil, Erin Cavender

Box Office Staff Taylor Mundt, Trevor Holt

House Manager Michael Mingus

DON’T FORGET TO COME BACK TO SEE THE OTHER SHOW IN OUR SECOND STAGE SERIES

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