The Players Guild of Dearborn presents BLITHE SPIRIT

2 02 3– 2 024 | VO L U M E 9 6 , N U M B E R 3

by Noël Coward

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

January 12–14, 19–21, and 26–28, 2024 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. | Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

PLATINU M SEASON SPONSOR

P R E S I D E N T ’ S

M E S S A G E

New Year Greetings and Welcome to the 3rd Production of our 96th Season!

Blithe Spirit marks the halfway point of our main season. Our first two shows this year, Young Frankenstein and A Christmas Carol, were big hits and Blithe Spirit promises to join those ranks. This “spirited” cast directed by the wonderful Kristen Campbell-Lynch, brings new life to Noel Coward’s gleefully dark comedy. You are in for a treat!

As we move into 2024 the Guild has much to be grateful for and even more to look forward to. Through the great generosity of so many of our donors and sponsors and the wonderful loyalty of our audiences, I am proud to announce that we have been able to fix and replace the roof that we have desperately needed to do, make continued improvements to our sound system and we have made the final payment on our mortgage (that paid for the structural renovations to the Clubroom and the renovation of the auditorium featuring our new seats)!

There is much more to do (owning your own theater comes with the responsibility of maintenance and improvements) So this year we need to replace the HVAC in the Clubroom and work on replacing the East Parking Lot as well as continued work on the stage riggings and sound and light systems. I am confidently hopeful that we will be able to do these and many more things as we countdown to the celebration of our 100th Anniversary because of the amazing support from you, the community that has supported this theater for all these years.

I am also confident of our continued forward momentum as I watch my fellow members and their tireless stewardship of the Guild. All of the work that it takes to keep the building in operating shape, to keep a non-profit community organization working, to continue to produce shows of the quality that we do and to create the welcome, creative community the Players Guild is, is a testament to the OUT Standing membership of this organization.

Watch for news about upcoming shows for the rest of this season, Our Town and Into the Woods and news of the Guildlings summer activities as well as our plans for next season.

Together with you, our wonderful patrons, we will continue to bring the Magic of Live Theatre to Dearborn and beyond in 2024 and for years to come!

Thank you and enjoy the show!

— Mike Moseley, President

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THE PLAYERS GUILD OF DEARBORN PROUDLY PRESENTS

T H E

C A S T

Ruth Condomine.................... Kori Bielaniec Charles Condomine................. DJ Schneider Elvira............................Lindsay Frischmuth Madame Arcati................. Hosanna Phillips Dr. Bradman........................Kenyada Davis Mrs. Bradman............Madeleine Dickerson Edith........................................... Sam Volpe T H E

S E T T I N G

The Condomines’ house in Kent, England, over the course of a few days.

ACT I

Scene 1: Before dinner on a summer evening Scene 2: Later that night after dinner ACT II

Scene 1: The next morning Scene 2: Late the following afternoon Scene 3: An evening several days later ACT III

Scene 1: After dinner. A few days later Scene 2: Several hours later There will be one 15-minute intermission.

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P R O D U C T I O N Director.....................................................................................Kristen Campbell-Lynch Assistant Director........................................................................................... Josh Beurer Producers.................................................................. Tim Carney and Rachel Marengere Set Design.................................................................. Gordon Mosley & Will Daguanno Set Construction and Painting..................... Josh Bodary, Will Daguanno, David James, Gordon Mosley, John Sczomak, and David Wood Stage Manager.............................................................................................. Mo Thomas Stage Crew........................................................................Dave Wood and Odera Office Light Design............................................................................................. Will Daguanno Sound Design............................................................... Will Daguanno and Jeff Flannery Lighting & Sound Operators..................... Will Daguanno, Steve Nazarek, Jeff Flannery, Bella Valentini, and the Lights and Sound Committee Costumes.................................Mary Calder, Karen Drugacz, and the cast of Blithe Spirit Hair & Makeup....................Frann Stempek, Julie Ballantyne-Brown, and Odera Office Membership................................................................................................. Tom Varitek Properties.....................................................................................................Leslie Garber assisted by Will Daguanno, Brad Garber, Katie Garber, Diane Manko-Cliff, and Karen Drugacz Programs................................................................. Nancy Valentini and Carissa Lokken Publicity....................................................................................................... Sue Suchyta, Branden Omoregie, Kori Bielaniec, Brian Townsend, Jenn Deckert, Mike Moseley, Karen Drugacz, Amy Moore, Justine Moore, Julie Ballantyne Brown, and John Sczomak Social Media.............................................................................................. Kori Bielaniec Tickets.......................................Megan Lizbinski, Nathan Booth, Tom & Julie Sparrow, Ellen Rindlisbacher, John Sczomak, and Mike Moseley 50/50 & Intermission.................................. Members of the Ways & Means Committee Ushers........................................................... Members of the Players Guild of Dearborn Website................................................................................ Phil Booth and Brian Kemp Original Artwork................................................................................... Brian Townsend If you helped with this production and your name was inadvertently left off our list, please accept our sincere apology and heartfelt thanks for your part in making Blithe Spirit a success.

WE VALUE YOUR OPINION. If you did not receive a survey link with your ticket purchase, please use the link below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3CKV97G or scan this QR code with your smartphone.

THANK YOU! 4

It shall be the purpose of the Guild to promote and foster community interest in good drama and all its forms; through group endeavors in the training of persons interested in theatrical arts—acting, directing, play production, scenery and costume design, and playwriting in apprentice workshops, youth productions, and actual presentation of plays by novices and experienced persons.

2023–2024 OFFICERS, BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS President . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Moseley Vice President . . . . . . . . . . Tom Varitek Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patti Jones Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Sczomak Casting . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maura Donovan Costumes . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Drugacz House & Hospitality . . . Renae Hayward Lights & Sound . . . . . . . Will Daguanno Make-up & Hair . . . . . . Frann Stempek Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Varitek Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Carney Programs & Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . Carissa Lokken Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leslie Garber PR/Marketing . . . . . . . . David Culliton Script . . . . . . . . . . . . Marc Walentowicz Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Wood Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Lizbinski Ways & Means . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Jones Building Committee . . . . . . . Phil Booth Finance Committee . . . . Richard Moore Guildlings . . . . . . . . . . Molly Boudreau and Jenn Deckert IT Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . Phil Booth Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David James

Advertise with Us! Did you know hundreds of people read Players each season?

Don’t miss your opportunity to reach such a variety of potential customers.

Let us help you by placing an advertisement or a personal message with The Players Guild of Dearborn.

Contact Carissa Lokken at programs@playersguildofdearborn.org to reserve your space today!

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Last season, you helped us Raise the Roof.

This season, it’s time to

Our club room serves many purposes — from auditions to intermissions, from Board meetings to costume fittings, from opening night afterglows to closing night parties. We want to ensure the comfort of our members and patrons by installing a new air conditioning system in the club room.

Your donation, no matter the size, will help us to reach our goal.

(Seriously, whatever you can give will be totally cool!)

TO D O N A T E T O T H E C A M P A I G N , VIS IT

www.playersguildofdearborn.org 6

T O

O U R

Opening Night Afterglow Patrons joining us on opening night (Friday, January 12), are welcome to join the cast and crew after the show for an afterglow reception in our club room.

Cell Phone Usage Please refrain from texting or other phone usage during the performance. If you need help silencing your cellular device, please ask one of our ushers.

Restrooms For the convenience of our patrons, restrooms are located on the main floor outside our club room. Go through the front, right double-doors, then down the hallway to the left.

P A T R O N S 50/50 Raffle for the Renovation Fund Don’t forget to buy your ticket (or tickets!) for our famous 50/50 raffle. One lucky winner will take home half the pot! Tickets will be sold in the lobby prior to the performance and in the club room during intermission. Buy one for $1, six for $5, or 25 for $10. The winning ticket will be drawn at the end of intermission.

Photography and Recording Prohibited Please refrain from taking photos of this performance. Any video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

A Non-Smoking Facility The Guild is a non-smoking facility.

Refreshments Refreshments will be offered in our club room during intermission. To enter the club room from the theater, use the right double doors as you face the stage.

Thank you for your continued generosity!

As a non-profit organization that is run by an all-volunteer membership, the Players Guild of Dearborn continually needs to raise funds to support our mission and maintain and improve our theater.

Your donations make a great difference in our ability to continue to bring you the Magic of Live Theatre.

PLEASE SEE OUR DIGITAL DISPLAYS FOR OUR EVER-GROWING LIST OF DONORS, PATRONS, AND BENEFACTORS.

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Thank You to

THE DEARBORN CABLE COMMUNICATIONS FUND for their generous grant which allowed us to perform needed improvements to our sound equipment.

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Or over there … or on the next page … somewhere in this program!

Thousands of people come to the Players Guild of Dearborn every season and read our program. Why not get your business in front of them by advertising with us?

Email programs@playersguildofdearborn.org to get our 2023–2024 ad rate package today!

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There’s No Business Like Show Business Consider becoming a member of the Players Guild of Dearborn! Contact our membership governor at membership@playersguildofdearborn.org for more information.

FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS

564 Oak Street • Wyandotte, MI 48192 • 313-561-1173 www.dearbornoffset.com

We are grateful for the federal COVID Relief grant administered through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Nonprofit Association.

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A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Welcome to the Player’s Guild of Dearborn and the third show in our 96th season, Blithe Spirit. This show has been my dream show for almost a decade and to be able to direct it at PGD has been nothing short of a dream.

Tonight, we are stepping into the madness that is Noel Coward. Described as “An Improbable Farce in Three Acts,” Blithe Spirit is full of surprises, disappearances, reappearances, and a final act that threatens to bring the house down (literally). This comedy follows fussy, cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine and his wife Ruth, who invite medium and clairvoyant Madame Arcati to their home to perform a séance as research for Charles’ next book. In the process, the ghost of Charles’ deceased first wife is brought back from the dead.

The play originally ran in London’s West End for four and a half years, and since that time it has rarely been out of production – reproduced in theatres all over the world.

Choosing the cast was the biggest piece to this show. This is truly an ensemble show and making sure we had a cast that could gel and vibe with one another was super important.

We got beyond lucky with getting a cast who instantly became friends and built that oneof-a kind chemistry on stage. This group is some of the most talented, beautiful, hilarious people I have ever met and without each and every one of them, we wouldn’t be able to put on this production.

I hope that you, the audience, enjoy this production of Blithe Spirit as much as we had in bringing it to you.

-Kristen Campbell-Lynch, Director

SPECIAL THANKS Directing a show truly is an “ensemble” job. I owe a great deal of thanks to so many people: First, this amazing cast for their long hours and hard work... you have made this show everything and more. Josh Beurer, my right hand who I could have not done this show without, thank you for your invaluable help, insightful input, humor and friendship through this entire process. A huge thank you to Nancy Valentini, Mike Moseley, and Maura Donovan for being my sounding board and support when I needed someone.

Thank you to Will Daguanno, Dave Wood, Gordie Mosley, Karen Drugacz, Mary Calder, and Leslie Garber who took all my chaotic ideas with set, costumes, and props and gave me more than I could have ever imagined. Finally, thank you to the Players Guild of Dearborn for giving us the safe and fun space to do what we love to do.

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T H E

P L A Y E R S

Kristen Campbell-Lynch............ Director Kristen is excited to be making her main season directorial debut for her dream show, Blithe Spirit. Previously, Kristen directed the teens in Zombie Prom. Before directing, Kristen was assistant director for Laughing Stock and has produced for our productions of Sister Act, Heathers, and Lend Me a Tenor. Kristen was last seen on stage as Rheba in You Can’t Take it With You. Some of her previous credits include Ferguson, a Hot Box Dancer, in Guys and Dolls; Chelsea Thayer Wayne in On Golden Pond; Eliante in The Misanthrope; Kate Keller in The Miracle Worker, and Ophelia in Hamlet. She has also served on the Board of Governors, serving as our Publicity and Marketing governor. She is thrilled to work with this amazing cast and creative production team.

Josh Beurer................... Assistant Director Blithe Spirit marks the first time Josh has assistant-directed at the Guild. Recent roles at PGD include Fezziwig/others (A Christmas Carol), Viktor/ensemble (Young Frankenstein), Hanna (La Cage aux Folles), TJ (Sister Act), and Moonface (Anything Goes). During Josh’s first show here (You Can’t Take It With You), he had an enthusiastic co-star who could not contain her excitement for the idea of directing Blithe Spirit one day. He is beyond proud to be here almost five years later helping Kristen bring her vision to the stage!

Tim Carney..........................Co-Producer Tim co-produced our previous show, A Christmas Carol, and last appeared onstage as Mr. Hilltop and in the ensemble of our production of Young Frankenstein.

He’s also appeared in La Cage aux Folles (Reaud), Anything Goes (Rev. Henry T. Dobson); Guys and Dolls (Angie the Ox); Promises, Promises (Mr. Kirkeby);

U M A S K E D

Seussical (Mr. Mayor); Joseph... (Simeon), among many others; and in the ensembles of Young Frankenstein, Sister Act; Sweet Charity; Sugar; White Christmas; Spamalot; Kiss Me, Kate; Drood and more. By day, Tim takes on the role of elementary school teacher. He thanks his wife, Joyce, and his daughters, Megan and Meredith, for their love and support.

Rachel Marengere.................Co-Producer Rachel has been around the Guild on and off for over 20 years. Her first appearance on stage here was a Guildlings production of Jack. Over the last 20 years Rachel has been seen onstage and now backstage as a stage manager or assistant stage manager.

Her onstage Guild credits include: Jack, Hunchback, Rapunzel… Uncut, Honk Jr., and Seussical Jr. Rachel’s backstage credits include: Guys and Dolls, It Shoulda Been You, Anything Goes, The Players Guild: Encore!, Sister Act, and The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition (as a producer).

Just a few of Rachel’s favorite productions are Woody’s Order! at The REP, Lottery Day at Goodman Theatre, On Golden Pond at Tibbits Summer Theatre, Next to Normal at Tibbits Opera House, and Sister Act at The Players Guild of Dearborn.

Rachel attended Point Park University and graduated with a BFA in Theatre Production concentration in Stage Management. Thank you to everyone for coming out and seeing this incredible cast & crew. Please enjoy the show.

Kori Bielaniec................ Ruth Condomine Kori is happy to once again be on the Guild stage. You may have seen her last season as the sassy and sparkly Daria Chase in The Game’s Afoot. This past year she also had the privilege of performing in continued on page 12 11

T H E

P L A Y E R S

Time Stands Still at Monroe Community Players and in The Play That Goes Wrong at The Croswell. She would like to dedicate this performance to her Papa Jim and her Aunt Pat. Kenyada Davis................... Dr. Bradman This AMDA Graduate & Detroit native thanks God above for his return to the Guild stage after last being seen in Sister Act the Musical as Sweaty Eddie. He’s so excited to be joining this talented cast & crew. Some of his previous roles include A Chorus Line (Richie), In The Heights (Benny), Dreamgirls (Curtis, Jimmy), Sweet Charity (Oscar) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy). He wishes love and blessings in the new year to his family, boyfriend and to YOU. Follow him on IG: SkipperFenOfficial.

Madeleine Dickerson......Violet Bradman Madeleine is thrilled to make her Guild debut in this production of Blithe Spirit alongside such a talented cast. Madeleine is a recent graduate of Eastern Michigan University. She has also performed in While the Lights Were Out (Bibi Cavendish). In her free time, Madeleine enjoys singing and playing tennis.

Lindsay Frischmuth........................Elvira Lindsay, who haphazardly juggles numbers by day, steps into Elvira’s ethereal shoes with the enthusiasm of a bird with a french fry. A lover of singing (most recently appearing as Elizabeth in PGD’s Young Frankenstein) and dated references, her performance is expected to thrill you as much as you’d prefer. No more, no less.

Offstage, she’s often found vexing her family, navigating furniture like a bumper car with an inner ear imbalance, and loudly declaring her elder millennial status far more than anyone cares to hear. She 12

U M A S K E D

may or may not have gone full method and become an actual ghost for this role, but that’s for you to find out.

Hosanna Phillips............. Madame Arcati This is Hosanna’s first show at the Guild!

Some favorite credits include Allison/ Google Girl (First Date), Donni (Nerve), Karen Andre (Night of January 16th), Handler (Talking With), and Alexa Vere De Vere (As Bees in Honey Drown). When not at the theater, she enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and hitting up the local thrift and antique stores! She would like to thank her husband, Kyle, for his constant support and encouragement.

If you’re reading this, you should head out to Grosse Pointe this April to see him in The Play that Goes Wrong!

DJ Schneider............. Charles Condomine DJ has been in love with theater since 2004 when he played Rolf in the Port Austin Community Players production of The Sound of Music. Since joining the Guild in 2019, he’s enjoyed playing Tony in You Can’t Take It With You and Tom in The Glass Menagerie. He would like to thank his mother and sisters for their love and support; and his Uncle John for getting him into this mess. He would also like to thank his fellow biddies for having his back. His free time is usually spent tinkering with computers and other nerdy activities.

Sam Volpe.......................................Edith Sam is thrilled to be participating in her third show of the season here at the Guild!

A huge thank you to Kristen, Josh, and the rest of the casting team for this amazing opportunity and to the rest of the cast for making this show so much fun to be a part of!

NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO TAKE YOUR SEAT...

As you may know, the Players Guild of Dearborn’s auditorium and clubroom were substantially renovated in 2013. Our auditorium received a new floor and comfortable new seats, and the clubroom floor was leveled and tiled.

The improved seating, re-plastering, and re-hanging of lighting bars as well as the leveling and re-flooring of our clubroom were desperately needed, and have been a resounding success. But the cost of doing all this renovation was substantial.

The Players Guild is an all-volunteer community theater and we need the help of our community to keep it strong and providing high-quality arts entertainment. One way you can help is to sponsor a seat in our auditorium.

SPONSOR A SEAT: You can sponsor a seat for $300.

In doing so, we will imprint your name (or whatever name you want) for posterity on a plaque that will be placed on an available seat. Anyone purchasing a seat in this season will get a seat plaque and a listing in our program/digital displays.

SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN: We also welcome any donations! Any contribution you’d like to make, from $10 up, will help our organization and you will be listed in the program throughout the season.

To sponsor a seat or to support the campaign, please contact Amy Jones at waysandmeans@playersguildofdearborn.org.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

WWW.PLAYERSGUILDOFDEARBORN.ORG 13

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL THEATRES!

The Players Guild of Dearborn is proud to support our fellow actors, musicians, dancers, directors, and technicians as they present their 2023–2024 seasons.

WELCOME TO SEASON 68 THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL YOUTH THEATRE JULY 14 — JULY 23, 2023

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL MAIN STAGE MUSICAL NOVEMBER 3 — NOVEMBER 19, 2023

ROMEO & JULIET MAIN STAGE DRAMA FEBRUARY 9 — FEBRUARY 25, 2024

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT MAIN STAGE MUSICAL SEPTEMBER 8 — OCTOBER 1, 2023

DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL YOUTH THEATRE DECEMBER 14 — DECEMBER 17, 2023

CHILDREN OF EDEN MAIN STAGE MUSICAL MARCH 29 — APRIL 21, 2024

THE SPITFIRE GRILL 2ND STAGE MUSICAL OCTOBER 13 — OCTOBER 22, 2023

GIRLS’ WEEKEND 2ND STAGE COMEDY JANUARY 12 — JANUARY 21, 2024

SILENT SKY 2ND STAGE DRAMA MAY 3 — MAY 12, 2024

FO R T IC K E T S & MORE , VISIT STAG ECRA FT E RS .ORG 14

SUNSET BOULEVARD MAIN STAGE MUSICAL MAY 31 — JUNE 23, 2024

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Funeral Home & Cremation Services Celebrating 150 years of excellent service

Burial, Cremation, Memorial and Reception Services

Dearborn Location 313-561-1500

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Next On Stage

by Thornton Wilder

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

AUDITIONS:

January 15 and 16, 2024 ON STAGE:

March 8–10, 15–17, and 22–24, 2024 DIRECTED BY:

Brian Townsend

This Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells the story of a small town—Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire—in order to tell the story of every town, the whole world over. Narrated by a Stage Manager, we follow the Gibbs and Webb families, and many other of the town’s locals, through twelve years of life changes, turning the simple events of life into universal musings of what it means to be human.

AUDITIONS:

March 11 and 12, 2024 ON STAGE:

May 3–5, 10–12, and 17–19, 2024 presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)

DIRECTED BY:

Kim Donovan MUSICAL DIRECTION BY:

Beth Wondowlowski

313.561.TKTS | www.playersguildofdearborn.org 21 73 0 MAD I SO N | D E A R B O R N, M I 4 8124