Between Kitsch and Quarantine

STREAMING VIRTUALLY

MAY 6, 7, 8 & 9

PRODUCTION STAFF

Elisabeth Majewski......................................................................................Playwright Deb Schrager & Kate McShane...............................................................Directors Barb Cross.............................................................................................................Producer Gabi Cherelli...................................................Graphic Designer/Photographer Julie Kruk.................................................................................................Visual Designer Sue Carney......................................................................................Costume Designer Ryan Kadwill..................................................................................Still Photo Lighting Evan McElhiney.............................................................................Lighting Designer Loretta Rurode..............................................................................................Set Dresser Mike Addice..............................................................................Technical Consultant Fred Majewski..........................................................................................Video Advisor

Special Thanks Ruthie Anderson, Alicia Culleton, Christine Furey, John Gray, John Kruk, Carlene Lawson, Bo Majewski, Matthew Majewski, Bill McShane, Yvonne Montgomery, Harvey Perelman, Ilene Perelman, Brittany Recupero, Judy Rodes, Evan Schwartz, Kelly Shumaker, Ryan Simme, Grace Sobrinski & Lindsay Zimmerman

MCT Would Like to Thank Our Donors: Sue Carney, Diane DiSandro, Ray DiSandro Jr. , John Gray, Johnson and Johnson, Laymen Playmen, Elisabeth & Fred Majewski, Liberty Mutual, Kate McShane, Elizabeth Ruth Parnell, Pfizer Inc., Irene Savage

MCT 2021 Board of Directors: Kate McShane (President) Nicolette Adams (Vice President) Sue Carney (Secretary) Ashley Lawrence (Treasurer) - non-board Barb Cross John Gray Katie McCool Heather McElhiney Lindsay Zimmerman

Funding an all-volunteer nonprofit theater company during a pandemic is a tall order. MCT is immensely grateful to our members, donors and patrons for their unvarying support throughout the COVID crisis. We’ve worked hard to create safe programming and give back to our community during this difficult time. Your generosity made it possible. MCT has embraced virtual theater during 2020, reaching patrons across the US and even a few overseas. Thank you for joining our virtual audience today!

Soon enough, we will be able to greet our supporters in person.

We would love to see you at our Outdoor Comedy Night fundraiser on June 17th at Soul Joel Comedy Club. Not only will it be a great time, but it will help to offset our operating expenses. Then things get really exciting! MCT is thrilled to return to live theater with an outdoor production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on July 22, 23, and 24. Mark your calendars now.

Please visit our website (methactoncommunitytheater.org) for more information about our upcoming events. Thank you!

*Outtake of Skylar Ortiz during the BK&Q photoshoot

Elisabeth Majewski

Directors’ Note When COVID-19 closed theaters in March of 2020, it disrupted a lot of MCT plans, but it also provided us with the inspiration to unite creatively.

We presented a series of Story Time videos for children learning from home. We co-produced Hope and Gravity, a virtual performance benefiting BLM. We entertained children with disabilities at Variety Club’s annual Fall Festival. During the holidays, we produced a streaming version of It’s a Wonderful Life, a Live Radio Play and a virtual holiday cabaret. It’s been an oddly busy time. One project quietly progressed throughout: Between Kitsch and Quarantine.

Playwright Elisabeth Majewski sought a creative project during lockdown. She developed a script that started with a series of COVID-themed monologues and evolved into a piece that unites a delightful cast of well-drawn characters.

Over the past 6 months, Elisabeth engaged with myriad MCT members to consider the piece, brainstorm production methods, and workshop the script. After numerous iterations and input from the actors and directors, Between Kitsch and Quarantine emerged as a gorgeous new piece of virtual theater designed to maintain safety standards and create performance opportunities for our members.

It tells the stories of fifteen people who all take part in a creative endeavor during quarantine, an art contest that challenges them to recreate classic paintings at home.

It has been astonishing to get a peek into Elisabeth’s process and a privilege to collaborate with her. Those of us who know her as a costumer first know that her skill and attention to detail are unrivaled. This became even more apparent as the script evolved.

Elisabeth used every tool at her fingertips to fine-tune this piece in an insightful and judicious way. The result is brilliant, and it is an honor to receive this generous gift. Enjoy the World Premiere of Between Kitsch and Quarantine!

Kate McShane and Deb Schrager, co-directors

*Outtake of Jim Fryer & Bo Majewski during the BK&Q photoshoot

*Outtake of Steve & Yvonne Montgomery during the BK&Q photoshoot

SCENE LIST 1. Missing Games 2. No Contest?

3. Jael and Sisera 4. No Woman, No Cry 5. One Brain 6. Papa Lion 7. War Cries 8. Tea for Two 9. Anatomy Lesson 10. The Great Socrates 11. That Toe, Though!

12. Not My Thing 13. Flirt at Work 14. More War Cries 15. Julia and Her Romeo 16. Tea for Two, Too 17. Photo Finish

CAST

Jen Abrevaya...........................................................................................................Joanne Nicolette Adams........................................................................................Nikki Wilson Steve Arcidiacono.............................................................................................Norman Tyler Ball...........................................................................................................Gabe Russo Matt Bartolotta............................................................................................Bob Mattea Jen Corsanico Berger........................................................................Cynthia Wilson Lucy Fletcher..............................................................................................................Beeca Jim Fryer...........................................................................................Dave Vanderdusen

*Outtake of Norma Kider & Ruthie Anderson during the BK&Q photoshoot

Norma Kider................................................................................................Mrs. Williams Emma Majewski.........................................................................Sarah Vanderdusen Katie McCool...............................................................................................Claire Wilson Steve Montgomery......................................................................Dr. Edward Russo Skylar Ortiz....................................................................................................................Mara Brian Shapella..............................................................................................................Ryan Laura Shapella............................................................................................................Carol

MEET THE CAST Jennifer Abrevaya (Joanne) is thrilled to be a part of this new original work! She was last seen in the MCT/JMT virtual production of Hope and Gravity as Deborah. Other credits during this shelter-in-place time include The Suppliant Women (Swarthmore); Bev and Ensemble in 2 segments of The Mad Ones Lab; and Sheltered Shorts (Black Ice Theater Company, Lake Tahoe). Jennifer’s last in-person performance was in JMT’s 2019 production of Mamma Mia! (Ensemble). She can also be seen in the film The Undertaker by Yael Bartana, currently on view at the Philadelphia Museum of Art through this summer. Jenn would like to give a shout-out to her amazing husband Jack, her family, and friends for all of their love and support... and congratulations to Elisabeth Majewski for her hard work and talent in writing this wonderful play!

Nicolette Adams (Nikki) is so happy to be playing Nikki! From the first reading, this character just “clicked” and it’s only gotten better over the months of experimenting and rewriting. Thank you Elisabeth for including me in this project and writing a character who is so “me.” Love to Jude and Rosalyn!

Steve Arcidiacono (Norm) has been performing and directing for more than 40 years in every aspect of the business - theater, television, radio and movies. A member of SAG/AFTRA, he has performed in many local and area theaters, with favorite roles including Max in The Producers, Tevye in Fiddler, The Emcee in Cabaret, Harold Hill in The Music Man, and Gomez in The Addams Family. Steve has also directed 48 shows, most recently First Date for the Barn in October 2019. Married with three adult children and now a proud first-time grandfather, his favorite vacation spot is home. “My thanks to Elisabeth and the entire production team for a wonderful experience and to my wife Karen for her continued support!”

Tyler Ball (Gabe) is honored to be performing in the world premiere of Between Kitsch and Quarantine. Even though we are still virtual, he is super excited getting a chance to perform with this amazingly talented cast and directors. Tyler has been in numerous musicals and other staged entertainment, most recently playing Hal in the JMT & MCT’s virtual production of Hope and Gravity. Many thanks to his friends and family, especially his wife Jenny and his kids for their love and support!

Matt Bartolotta (Bob Mattea) is thrilled to be involved in his first virtual production. He has performed with MCT in previous shows, such as Beauty and the Beast and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He is incredibly proud to be a part of this wonderful, original show written by the equally as wonderful Elisabeth Majewski! Thank you to everyone involved for making this virtual show so fun.

Jennifer Corsanico Berger (Cynthia Wilson) is so happy to be a part of Elisabeth’s playwriting debut, both during the workshop process and the performance. Jennifer most recently appeared in the MCT/JMT virtual collaboration Hope and Gravity. Favorite onstage roles include Rosie (Mamma Mia!), Penelope Pennywise (Urinetown), Beggar Woman (Sweeney Todd), Miss Hannigan (Annie), Mrs. Potts (BATB), Emma Goldman (Ragtime). Thank you to Elisabeth, Deb, Kate and the amazing cast, crew, and production team for this wonderful experience.

Lucy Fletcher (Beeca) is super excited to be doing any kind of theatre during our own quarantine! She loves how she has a role that she can relate to in this weird time. Prepandemic Lucy has done shows at MCT of SHOUT! The Mod Musical, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, and coming up, she will be in Lend Me a Tenor! Lucy currently goes to Temple University and is studying Theatre where she has done such works as The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, An Enemy of the People, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In her spare time, Lucy studies dance and singing as well as making face masks!

Jim Fryer (Dave) is grateful to have these theatrical outlets during the plague and thanks Elisabeth for her creative efforts and Deb for casting him. A local stage and screen actor, Jim’s favorite roles include the Monster in Young Frankenstein, Trekkie monster in Avenue Q (seeing a pattern here?) and Big Jule in Guys n’ Dolls. On screen, Jim can be seen in Sisters in Freedom, an historical docu-drama on women in the abolitionist movement (Jim plays the monstrous slave catcher, of course).

Norma J. Kider (Mrs. Williams) is thrilled to be performing with MCT for the third time.

It’s a joy to be working with Kate and Elisabeth. Previous plays at various theaters include Arsenic and Old Lace, The Philadelphia Story, Jake’s Women, Fiddler on the Roof, Incorruptible, The Miracle Worker, and The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged and Revised.

Emma Majewski (Sarah Vanderdusen) is excited to be a part of her mom’s play! Elisabeth has done such a great job! Emma’s past roles include: Hope (Anything Goes), Ensemble (My Fair Lady), Panacea (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), Bianca (The Taming of the Shrew) and herself in The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged (Revised). Emma has also worked behind the scenes as Stage Manager for You Can’t Take It With You. Katie McCool (Claire) has been a proud member of MCT for just about 13 years, but she is excited to be in her first virtual production. Some of her favorite past MCT credits include Beauty and the Beast (director in 2018 and The Wardrobe in 2008), Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel), Seussical (Gertrude McFuzz), Nunsense (Sister Mary Leo), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere), and The Music Man (Marian Paroo). When she’s not on stage, she is teaching 10th grade English at Haverford Township High School.

Katie would like to thank the production staff and the cast for this super fun experience and congratulate Elisabeth for writing such an amazing show.

Steve Montgomery (Dr. Edward Russo) This is Steve’s ninth appearance with MCT. He was last seen, virtually, in It’s A Wonderful Life. He played the Mysterious Man in Into The Woods, Fagan in Oliver, Arvide Abernathy in Guys & Dolls, Senix in Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, and multiple roles in The Producers, Evita, and She Loves Me. He is retired, as is his lovely wife, Yvonne, and in addition to theater, they keep busy traveling, cycling, kayaking, singing with the Norristown Chorale, volunteering in the community, and hanging out with their grandchildren. Steve is delighted to be working with this wonderfully talented, hilarious cast and efficient crew!

MEET THE CAST

Skylar Ortiz (Mara) is a junior at Baldwin and thrilled to be part of her eighth show with MCT! Outside of MCT, she has participated in productions for school, Narberth Community Theater, and Jenkintown Music Theater. Some of her previous roles include Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, and the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. Skylar is extremely excited to be involved in this incredible production and wants to thank the amazing cast and crew for all of their support throughout this process!

Brian Shapella (Ryan) has been regularly involved in regional community theater in both the Lehigh Valley and Montgomery County. Directing Credits: Next to Normal, The Wedding Singer, Pippin, and Communicating Doors. Music/Vocal Direction Credits: She Loves Me, Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Honeymoon in Vegas, Hair, ...Forum, The Little Mermaid, Rent, The Secret Garden, and various others. Some favorite on-stage roles include Amos Hart in Chicago, Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, Frog in A Year With Frog and Toad, and Reverend Crisparkle in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. All love and thanks to his wonderful wife, Laura, and kids, Danny and Katie, for their never-ending support.

Laura Shapella (Carol) is honored to be part of this original production! Some favorite roles include Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast), Ursula (The Little Mermaid), Pfeni Rosensweig (The Sisters Rosensweig), Gremio (Taming of the Shrew), Nancy (Pursued by a Bear), Barbara Smith (Caught in the Net), Abigail Britt (The Music Man), Rosalind (Love’s Labour’s Lost), and Miranda (The Tempest). Special thanks to Deb, Kate, and especially Elisabeth for creating this beautiful story and inviting us along.

*Outtake of Tyler Ball, Matt Bartolotta, Alicia Culleton, Christine Furey, Matthew Majewski, Katie McCool, Brittany Recupero, Deb Schrager, Kelly Shumaker, Ryan Simme & Grace Sobrinski during the BK&Q photoshoot

*Outtake of Brian Shapella during the BK&Q photoshoot

THE CA

PRESENTS: A U AT FAMOUS

AST OF

UNIQUE LOOK S PAINTINGS

Ilene & Harvey Perelman

Ilene & Harvey Perelman

“American Gothic“ By: Grant Wood

Carlene Lawson

“Woman with a Mango“ By: Paul Gauguin

John Kruk

“Self-Portrait“ By: Vincent Van Gogh

John Gray

“Self Portrait (Yawning)“ By: Joseph Ducreaux

Ruthie Anderson

“The Girl with the Pearl Earring“ By: Johannes Vermeer

Ryan Simme & Alicia Culleton

“El Beso“ By: Francesco Hayez

Jim Fryer & Bo Majewski

“Napoleon Crossing the Alps“ By: Jacques-Louis David

Steve Arcidiacono

Laura Shapella

“Self Portrait with Pipe and Bandaged Ear“ By: Vincent Van Gogh

Brian Shapella

“Dante Alighieri “ By: Sandro Botticelli

Jennifer Abrevaya & Emma Majewski

“The Arnolfini” By: Jan van Eyck

Skylar Ortiz

“The Corn Poppy” By: Kees van Dongen

Lucy Fletcher

“The Absinthe Drinker” By: Pablo Picasso

Jen Berger

“Lady in Black Furs” By: Pilade Bertieri

Tyler Ball, Alicia Culleton, Christine Furey, Matthew Majewski, Brittany Recupero, Deb Schrager, Kelly Shumaker, Ryan Simme & Grace Sobrinski

“The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicholaes Tulp” By: Rembrandt

Matt Bartolotta & Katie McCool

“Jael and Sisera” By: Artemisia Gentileschi

Steve & Yvonne Montgomery

“Absinthe” By: Edward Degas