PRODUCTION SPONSOR Aegon Transmaerica Foundation
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY AEGON TRANSAMERICA FOUNDATION.
LETTER FROM OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT
DAVID LAWRENCE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Lawrence | President
Vannessia Klinsky | Vice President
Ryan Buresh | Treasurer
Jim Miller | Secretary
It has been an incredible journey for Revival Theatre Company over the past decade. An idea was hatched in a few living rooms around Cedar Rapids that a professional theatre company using local talent and professional actors from around the country was not only possible but would fill an artistic need in our community. Now, ten years later, RTC has emerged through both economic struggles and personal tragedy to be stronger than ever and ready to start its next decade of professional musical theatre.
We have seen tremendous growth in the past year, with an administrative office and performance auditorium at CSPS Hall, new rehearsal spaces, and expanded props and costume storage at the Cherry Building. None of this would be possible without YOU and the generous support of countless individual donors. I would encourage everyone who enjoys their experience to consider investing in RTC’s future.
Finally, I invite you to consider becoming a season subscriber for the 2025-26 season and enjoy the courtesies we have to offer you as a patron. Thank you for your enthusiastic support of RTC, a jewel of our community and region.
See you at the theatre!
Nina Brundell
Julie Kraft
Lorelle Lindo
Janet Shepherd-Meier
Susie Streit
Jill Wilkins
Abby Scheitlin Victor/Victoria
IMON AD COMING SOON.
LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
BRIAN GLICK
For ten years it’s been an honor to bring many wonderful and inspiring musicals to the stage. The people I’ve come to know as RTC advocates have cemented the idea that RTC is meant to be here at this time. RTC was founded on being the premiere place to see exceptional musical theatre. A place where excellence in art was key to what we do, every day. Some of the greatest composers and lyricists of the American musical have graced our stages, and this season will be no different.
Our tenth season is eclectic and glorious. We began the fall with the funny and endearing musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee . Now we are bringing to stage Next to Normal , with a surging score that tells the story a family coming to terms through the struggle of mental illness. This show won the Pulitzer Prize and three Tony awards. Be sure to join us in May/ June for the hilarious, poignant, and flamboyant musical love story La Cage aux Folles starring ZaZa and featuring the fabulous Cagelles.
We have much to be thankful for, a vibrant and growing company, spectacular creative teams and gifted artists. Relationships are the bedrock of the arts and we couldn’t do it without you. Cheers to year ten, and a transcending experience with one of the greatest artforms there is, the American Musical Theatre.
On with the show!
FOUNDING BOARD
Nina Brundell
Steve Ginsberg
IN MEMORIAM
Carma Lou Beck
Brian Glick
Vannessia Klinsky
Cameron Sullenberger
Tiffany O’Donnell
Matt Stoner
CREATIVE TEAM
JAI AUZENNE
{ Stage Manager }
Jai Auzenneis delighted to kick off Pride Month by telling this story with REVIVAL THEATRE COMPANY. Her most notable stage management credits include Company (Sub ASM) with ROUSTABOUT THEATRE COMPANY, Stage Manager for MOUNT HOPE ESTATE’s 43rd & 44th Season, and the world premiere of Nightbird (PSM) with AUSTIN PLAYHOUSE. As a multifaceted theatre artist, Jai is also credited as Assistant Company Manager for AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE’s 45th Season, COVID Safety Manager for WESTON THEATER COMPANY’s 87th Season, and Charge Artist, Carpenter, and Welder at ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL in her hometown of Austin, TX. Much love to Mom, Jordan, Joaquin, Brydon, and Tori for being in her corner. And, many thanks to Harriet for introducing her to this lovely group of people. <3
CARTER BROSZEIT
{ Sound Designer }
Carter Broszeit is excited to be working with RTC as the Sound Designer and Engineer for this production! He has previously sound designed Coe College’s productions of Next to Normal, Sheltered, and Fun Home. In addition to his work in theatre, Carter also works as an audio and lighting tech, having worked with national touring acts like The Beach Boys, Bared Naked Ladies and Air Supply, just to name a few. Carter also works as a recording and mixing engineer and has mixed multiple songs and albums, with some of his work being featured on NPR! Currently, Carter is working on his Masters of Music in Music Production from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.
CAMERON BYRD
{ Drag Consultant }
Nevae Love has been entertaining audiences since 2014. Nevae Love is a Show Cast memeber at Belle's Basix here in Cedar Rapids and performs all over Iowa and the U.S. Nevae is apart of The House of Love. The house has been a sisterhood for over 20 years. "I am thankful to have learned from some of the best'. Nevae Love is a Former Miss Studio 13 2017, a former Miss Gay Des Moines 2022, A former Miss Gay Iowa USofA 2024 and the current reigning Miss Basix 2025. You may have also seen Cameron on the RTC stage in productions such as Pippin, Violet, Ragtime and The Color Purple just to name a few. "I am exctied to join RTC and this amazing cast!" "Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; DEFINE YOURSELF!" - Harvey Fierstein
WILL FARRIS
{ Assistant Stage Manager / Props Manager }
Will Farris is very excited to be working with Revival Theatre Company on La Cage aux Folles ! He is from Springfield, TN which is right outside of Nashville. He received his BFA in Performing Arts with a concentration in tech and design from Western Kentucky University. Past Stage Management credits include Nashville Repertory Theatre, Surflight Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, Tent Theatre, and Nashville Children's Theatre. He would like to thank his parents for always encouraging him to chase his dreams.
SARAH FRIED
{ Hair & Makeup Designer }
This is Sarah Fried’s thirteenth show as Wig and Makeup Designer for Revival Theatre Company. She also designs for Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre and is on call for wigs at Theatre Cedar Rapids. For 15 years, Sarah was Wig and Makeup Designer for Arizona Opera before moving back to Mount Vernon. Sarah also has worked for several Midwest theatre and opera festivals.
BRIAN GLICK
{ Executive and Artistic Director }
Brian is the Executive and Artistic Director of Revival Theatre Company. During the past 10 years he has directed more than 30 stage productions, earning him high praise for his dynamic and richly layered productions. The Gazette wrote, "Artistic Director Brian Glick has a knack for his wonderful elite talent for his productions on stage and behind the scenes..." In recent seasons, Brian has directed the Midwest premiere of Dogfight and staged the Iowa premieres of White Christmas and Grey Gardens . Brian has developed musical pieces in non-traditional spaces, creating intimate and contemporary experiences for actors and audiences.
As a freelance director, Brian has worked on operas, musicals, and plays. Brian produced and directed Side Show as a fundraiser for Families Helping Families and Baby for The Young Parents Network. Most recent credits include: Jim McDonough's Holiday Grande tour; Victor/ Victoria , Parade In Concert , Evita , and Funny Girl with RTC; Amy at the Opus ; A Sondheim Cabaret and Brucemorchestra with Orchestra Iowa; and La Boehme , Carmen , Don Giovanni , and La Traviata with Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre.
Brian spent nine seasons with Starlighters Theatre as resident director – Forever Plaid , Oliver , Some Enchanted Evening , Last Five Years , My Way , Scrooge ,
Anything Goe s and Honk! His work with Theatre Cedar Rapids and Orchestra Iowa on The Music Man won a collaboration award, and he’s directed multiple concerts and fundraisers. Brian has also worked with the Cedar Rapids Follies as a designer and stage manager.
Brian was honored to work with The New York Drama League and Tony-nominated director Marcia Milgrom Dodge. He also collaborated on Opal with Broadway composer and lyricist Robert LindseyNassif and served as an Academy and First Stage teacher with the Omaha Playhouse.
Brian's strong leadership and vision has caught the attention of industry professionals across the region. In 2019 Brian staged a world premiere of the musical Chaplin before its London debut. In 2020, Brian was the recipient of the Corridor Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 of most influential leaders.
Brian is the founder, creator, and producer of Iowa Concert of Hope, a relief concert to benefit those who suffered loss from the 2020 derecho that hit Cedar Rapids and the state of Iowa. Concert performers included, most notably, Ron Livingston, Tim Shew, Linda Eder, Betty Buckley, Edwin McCain, Kim Scharnberg, Elena Shaddow, and Chris Brubeck.
MEGAN HELMERS
{ Musical Staging }
Megan Helmers is a Minneapolis-based choreographer whose work has been featured across the Midwest. Megan’s recent choreography includes Beauty and the Beast, Carrie the Musical, Something Rotten!, Cabaret, The SpongeBob Musical, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Sound of Music and Hello, Dolly! for Theatre Cedar Rapids; Spelling Bee, Titanic, Brucemorchestra XIV, Oklahoma! and Chaplin for Revival Theatre Company; Little Shop of Horrors, Kinky Boots, Cabaret, Godspell, A Christmas Story, Disney’s Newsies, Elf the Musical, and Billy Elliot at the Des Moines Playhouse; and Adore Us! Line, Fun Home, and Company at Iowa Stage Theatre Company. In addition to her work with area theaters, she has choreographed productions for the University of Central Missouri, Simpson College, Iowa State University, Grandview University, and many more.
Megan’s most recent work as a Director/ Choreographer includes Theatre Cedar Rapids’ School of Rock; Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre’s Heathers: The Musical and Bring it On; The Des Moines Playhouse’s A Chorus Line and Disney’s Freaky Friday; Noce’s Tick, Tick . . . Boom! and Murder Ballad; Tallgrass Theatre’s Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, The Revolutionists, The Bridges of Madison County, and Ordinary Days.
Megan works in digital marketing for the arts at Capacity Interactive and has taught various dance styles for the Drake University Theatre Department, The School of Classical Ballet and Dance, and more. meganhelmers.com
JASON LESTER
{ Lighting Designer & Lead Builder }
Jason Lester (Lighting Designer/Lead Builder ) teaches computer science and theatrical production at Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School. His recent designs include Hadestown, Sweeney Todd , and Chicago for Kennedy High School. This will be Jason’s first lighting design for Revival Theatre after serving as the lead builder for multiple shows in the past. He holds a BA in theatre from Central College and a BA in education from UNI. Jason also serves as a freelance theatrical and concert lighting designer as well as the technical director for Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre.
MATTHEW MECKES
{ Music Directon & Conductor }
Recent credits include Broadway: MJ The Musical. Regional: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Revival Theatre Company), Passing Through, Cyrano (Goodspeed), 42nd Street (Riverside), Knoxville (Asolo Rep), In The Heights, Man Of La Mancha ( PCPA), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble Theatre Company). Most recently he published his first volume of poetry titled “A Smile Remembers.”
MELONIE STOLL
{ Costume Designer }
Melonie Stoll is in her fifth season as costume designer for Revival Theatre Company. She is a freelance designer who has worked with many area theatres, including TCR, RHCR, and Riverside Theatre. Favorite shows include Honk! (RTC), Chaplin (RTC), Mamma Mia (TCR), A Doll’s House (TCR), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (RHCR) The Wizard of Oz Jr. (RHCR), and Comedy of Errors (Riverside Theatre).
ROB SUNDERMAN
{ Scenic Designer }
Rob Sunderman graduated from the University of Iowa with a BFA, MA, and MFA degrees. He is a fine artist, scenic designer, scenic artist, and Associate Professor Emeritus of Theatre at Iowa State University. He was the Resident Scenic Designer/Scenic Artist and Associate Professor of Theatre Design at ISU for 21 years. Prior to that, he was the Scenic Designer at Iowa Public Television for 16 years. Rob continues to teach metal art classes at the Des Moines Art Center, where he has taught for 44 years. He has scenic designed more than 294 productions of theatre, opera, and TV during his career. He received Iowa Film, National Broadcasting Designers, Kennedy Center, and American College Theatre Festival awards for his scenic designs and many fine art awards. He has been a fine artist throughout his life and has exhibited his work in more than 315 exhibitions nationally and internationally. He recently has been working on art pieces dealing with renewal, fleeting moments, and human intervention of natural cycles. Most of his artwork deals with nature, humanities, intrusive nature, and climate issues. His sculpture work was recently published in the book, Chunghi Choo and Her Students . Rob recently exhibited his work in national and international online and in-person exhibitions at the The Holy Art Galleries, Athens, Greece; Cedar Rapids Art Museum; The Boomer Gallery, London, England; Artist League of Denver; Gallery Metalmorphasis, Denver; and KBM Art Gallery, California. This past year Rob designed sets for Theatre Cedar Rapids’ School of Rock , Iowa PBS’s Studio 3 Live , Iowa PBS’s Texas Tenors , ISU Music Theatre’s opera Die Fledermaus , and ISU Theatre’s Fairly Tales of Anthropocene.
Our operations are partially supported by a Hotel Motel Tax grant from the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Next to Normal 2024-25 Season Anthony Hendricks, Amy Friedl and Antonio Porciello photo by Seth Walters
Revival Theatre Company presents
LA CAGE aux FOLLES
BOOK by Harvey Fierstein
DRAG CONSULTANT: Cameron Byrd
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Jason Lester
MUSIC & LYRICS by Jerry Herman
BASED ON THE PLAY by Jean Poiret
CREATIVE TEAM
SOUND DESIGNER: Carter Broszeit
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER & PROPS MANAGER / Will Farris
COSTUME DESIGNER: Melonie Stoll
SCENIC DESIGNER: Rob Sunderman
CHOREOGRAPHY by Megan Helmers
REVIVAL THEATRE COMPANY THANKS THE GENEROUS SUPP ORT FROM
PRODUCTION SPONSOR / A egon Transmaerica Foundation
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR THIS PRODUCTION WAS GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY / Jon & Cathy Koebrick, Sherri & Tom Voss, Wilma McGrane, and ImOn Communications
HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGNER: Sarah Fried
STAGE MANAGER: Jai Auzenne
MUSIC DIRECTION & CONDUCTED by Matthew Meckes
DIRECTED by Brian Glick
FRIENDS OF RTC
GUILD CO-CHAIRS
Amy Blades and Tina March
GUILD MEMBERS
Karen Delaney
Sara Hofer
David Maier
Janelle Miller
Tracie Van Pelt
HOST FAMILIES
Roger and Colleen Cassill
Ben Fashimpaur & Hilery
Livengood
Gayle Glick
Janet Oja
Janet Shepherd-Meier
{ THIS SHOW CONTAINS STROBE LIGHTS, ADULT HUMOR, AND THEMES } La Cage aux Folles is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals • concordtheatricals.com
CA ST
ANNE / Catherine Blades
ANGELIQUE / Benjamin Brackley
CHANTAL / Sam Brackley
JEAN-MICHEL / Brandon Burkhardt
JACQUELINE / Allison Dixon
JACOB / Bryant Duffy
PHAEDRA / Jackson Gifford
MARIE DINDON & MME RENARD / Anne Ohrt
BAND
TROMBONE / David Anderson
KEYBOARD 1 / Emma Campbell
DOUBLE BASS / Ken Dekeyser
TRUMPET / Denny Hodge
PRODUCTION TEAM
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT / Elizabeth Kimmel
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER & PROPS MANAGER / Will Farris
DANCE CAPTAIN / Sam Brackely
MASTER ELECTRICIAN / Jim Vogt
SCENIC CHARGE / Leslie Delavan
SCENIC ARTISTS / Leslie Delavan & Tyler Brogla
CARPENTERS / Seth Walters, Adam Christy, Tom Voss, Justin Coughlin, Steve Tolly
ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR & MUSIC DIRECTOR / Kyra Kanz
STAFF
EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / Brian Glick
DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR / Hilery Livengood
BOOKKEEPER / Janna Murra with ESG
EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATOR / June Schumacher
IN MEMORIAM
CO-FOUNDER & MUSIC DIRECTOR / Cameron Sullenberger
MERCEDES / Evan Pouch
ALBIN/ZAZA / Casey Prince
FRANCIS & TABARRO / Tommy Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt
EDOUARD DINDON & M. RENARD / Steve Rezabek
ETIENNE / Caleb Rivera
HANNA / Troy Serena
COLETTE / Victoria Shellady
GEORGES / Greg Smith
WOODWIND 1 / Alex Hoffner
DRUMS / Greg Kanz
WOODWIND 2 / Sarah King
KEYBOARD 2-CONDUCTOR / Matthew Meckes
ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER / Sonja Woerner
WARDROBE SUPERVISORS / Grace Black & Ashlee Elliott
LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR / Will Hancock
VOCAL AUDITION CONSULTANT / Bradly Barrett
AUDIO VISUAL SUPERVISOR / David Medin
PRODUCTION & PUBLICITY PHOTOS / Alisabeth Von Presley with Tint
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES ARTWORK / James Lacey at Dennard Lacey and Associates
FRONT OF HOUSE / Barb Colehour
HEAD USHER / Jim Miller
ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS / KZIA Inc.
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS / James Lacey & Shyann Haught, Dennard Lacey and Associates
FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER / Carma Lou Beck
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT 1
"WE ARE WHAT WE ARE" "MASCARA"
"WITH ANNE ON MY ARM "
"WITH YOU ON MY ARM"
"SONG ON THE SAND "
"LA CAGE AUX FOLLES"
"I AM WHAT I AM"
THERE WILL BE A 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION.
ACT 2
" SONG ON THE SAND- REPRISE " "MASCULINITY"
"LOOK OVER THERE " "COCKTAIL COUNTERPOINT " "BEST OF TIMES"
"LOOK OVER THERE- REPRISE"
"AU REVOIR " "FINALE "
* PLEASE BE ADVISED THERE WILL BE STROBE LIGHTING AND STRONG MATURE THEMES DURING THIS PERFORMANCE.
CAST
CATHERINE BLADES
{ Anne }
Catherine co-hosts Everyday Iowa on KCRG and is thrilled to be part of La Cage aux Folles ! She grew up performing on Cedar Rapids stages and moved to New York in 2009 when she was cast in the Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie . While in New York, she also played Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly! at the Goodspeed Opera House and appeared in several TV episodes and indie films. Other Revival roles include Kate McGowan in Titanic and Laurey in Oklahoma ! Thanks to Brian, Matthew, Megan, Mel, and everyone who made this show come to life. Love always to Cameron!
BENJAMIN BRACKLEY
{ Angelique }
Benjamin is a New-York-based actor who has acted across the country and sang across the globe. A graduate of Christopher Newport University with a BA in Musical Theater, Benjamin has been seen successfully performing in theaters around the nation and on board cruise ships around the world!
Originally from Richmond Virginia, he began performing at Shuffles Dance Center; where he got his foundation in acting, singing, and dancing.
Benjamin then enrolled in the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community where he began to fine tune his craft and worked hard to improve his skills.
When Benjamin is not performing, he enjoys collecting antiques for his absolutely gorgeous apartment and running around Manhattan with his friends! Feel free to look around his website and get to know him a little better. Hope you enjoy!
SAM BRACKLEY
{ Chantal / Dance Captain }
Thrilled to be back in the birdcage for the third time! National Tour: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical , NYC: Broadway Backwards Regional: La Cage aux Folles (Signature Theatre, Music Theatre of Connecticut), Joseph… Dreamcoat, 42nd Street, The Wizard of Oz (Kansas City Starlight), Saturday Night Fever (Theatre by the Sea), Beauty and the Beast (John W. Engeman Theatre), Mary Poppins. Television: Sam can currently be seen in the first season of Julia(MAX) as the fabulous Coco Van! Love to Mom and Dad, Thom, The Roster Agency, and friends!
BRANDON BURKHARDT
{ Jean-Michel }
Brandon Burkhardt (Jean-Michel) is thrilled to be performing again with Revival, where his previous roles have included Parade (Young Soldier), Titanic (Charles Clarke/Stevedore), Honk! (Greylag), and soloist in An Evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein with the Brucemorchestra . Other area performances include Hairspray (Corny Collins), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston), Carrie (Tommy), Something Rotten! (Nick Bottom), Wizard of Oz (Tin Man), Meet Me in St. Louis (Lon), The Sound of Music (Rolf), Cinderella (Prince), Newsies (Race), Mamma Mia, and SpongeBob with Theatre Cedar Rapids; A Little Night Music (Henrik), Bright Star (Billy Cane), and Light in the Piazza (Giueseppe) with TCR at Brucemore ; Something Rotten ((Nick), HMS Pinafore (Captain Corcoran) and Sunday in the Park …(Soldier) with UI Theatre; and Camelot (Lancelot), Beauty and the Beast (Beast), and Side Show (Terry) with City Circle. Thanks to Brian, Megan, Matt, and the entire cast and team!
ALLISON DIXON
{ Jacqueline }
Allison Dixon (Jacqueline) is elated to be returning to the Revival Theatre Company stage! She is a L.A. native (that’s Lower Alabama) and currently calls Nashville home by way of NYC. She is a proud alumnae of Western Carolina University BFA Musical Theatre, and NYC Stella Adler School of Acting. Select regional credits include: The Boy Who Kissed The Sky (Alliance Theatre), Les Misérables (Connecticut Repertory Theatre), Beehive (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), A Chorus Line (Springer Opera House), SUDS! (Highlands Playhouse), The Yellow Wallpaper (Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival), Honk! (Revival Theatre Company), Mary Poppins (City Circle Theatre Company), The Lost Colony (2014), and Della’s Diner National Tour (2015). | IG: @allisonpdixon | “In here, life is beautiful.”
BRYANT DUFFY
{ Jacob }
This marks Bryant’s seventh production with Revival Theatre Company, he was previously seen in, Parade: In Concert (Det.Starnes), Honk! (The Cat), Titanic (Henry Etches), Chaplin , (ensemble) and, 9 to 5 (Dick Bernly). Other recent credits include: School of Rock (ensemble) T he Rocky Horror Show (Brad Majors), Eddie & Dave (Valerie Bertinelli), The Importance of Being Earnest (Algernon Moncrieff), and Cabaret (Ernst Ludvig).
Bryant is on the board of directors for RHCR Theater, and studied theatre performance (acting) at the University of Northern Iowa. Thank you for supporting the arts in Cedar Rapids! Please support Revival Theatre Company by attending the rest of their fantastic 2024-25 season! Enjoy the show!
JACKSON GIFFORD
{ Phaedra }
Jackson Gifford (he/him) is a New York City–based actor and producer. He has performed with The Muny, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, and other regional theatres across the country. Jackson holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Otterbein University and is an alumnus of Interlochen Arts Academy. He is deeply grateful to his family, friends, and the team at TPG for their support. Follow along: @jacksongifford
ANNE OHRT
{ Marie Dindon & Mme Renard }
Anne Ohrt (Marie Dindon/MME Renard) welcomes you all to experience the magic of La Cage aux Folles! Anne spends her days teaching voice and piano, running Allen's Orchard in Marion, IA with her family and being a momma to her amazing daughter Rigley. A few of her favorite on-stage theatre moments include: Alice in Titanic, Mrs. in Sunday in the Park with George , Celia in Calendar Girls , Drowsy Chaperone in Drowsy Chaperone, Countess Lily in Anatasia and Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins . Much love to Shane and the G family. "Fitting in is boring - be fiercely you"!
Evan is so excited to return to La Cage Aux Folles! Previous credits include Angelique, La Cage Aux Folles (Winnipesaukee Playhouse); Dancer for Regent Severn Seas Cruise Line; Tom u/s Mark, Mike, Bobby, A Chorus Line (Cape Playhouse); Mark Anthony, A Chorus Line, Mame, Anything Goes, The Music Man (Reagle Music Theater); Hair, Fiddler on the Roof (Hofstra University). He’d like to thank his family and friends for their long lasting support. (Instagram: evanpouch).
CASEY PRINCE
{ Albin/Zaza }
Casey Prince (Albin/Zaza) is humbled to be performing in La Cage , 20 years after playing Cagelle Hanna. This is his second Revival show, having played Tateh in 2018’s Ragtime . In the years since he’s been more stage dad than actor, making this return a daunting one. Past favorite roles include Billy in Anything Goes, Joe in Damn Yankees , Kenickie in Grease , Drake/Greylag in HONK! , Frank in Rocky Horror , and a variety of musical turns in Follies at the Paramount. Recently elected board president for WHS’s Patrons of the Performing Arts, he would gladly discuss your financial support for local youth programs. After you’ve made your RTC contribution, of course.
;) A year ago, Casey had life-altering spinal surgery and has been on a risk-taking tour since.
La Cage is the next step in that journey, trekking further from pain toward new experiences and the passions he’d let go. Although he hopes you enjoy the show today, all he really wants is to know he made Eloise and Phoebe proud.
TOMMY RATKIEWICZSTIERWALT
{ Francis & Tabarro }
Tommy Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt (Frances) is thrilled to be making his debut at Revival Theatre Company in La Cage Aux Folles ! Tommy is an actor known for NBC’s Chicago Fire and Miguel in Max Allan Collins’ (Road to Perdition), Death by Fruitcake Favorite credits include: Tarzan in the area premiere of Tarzan and Joseph Bell/Wallace Hartley in Titanic (The Spotlight Theatre), Motel in Fiddler on the Roof (QCMG), Robert in Company (BBT), Marcellus Washburn in The Music Man (CCSP) and Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show (Circa 21). “Love to my Fans, Friends & Family!”
B.A. Musical Theatre, Graceland University. FB/IG: @tomratstie www.tommyratkiewicz-stierwalt.com
STEVE REZABEK
{ Edouard Dindon & M. Renard }
Steve Rezabek (Edouard Dindon/M. Renard is very excited to be a part of the La Cage aux Folles cast for a second time, and to be on the stage once again with this amazingly talented ensemble. He has been doing regional theater for over 40 years and has been seen is such shows as Titanic, Ragtime, Funny Girl, Parade, Grey Gardens, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, LaCage Aux Folles (in 2003 at TCR), The Full Monty, and many other regional productions. He thanks Brian for the chance to share the Revival Theater stage once again, and thanks his wife Traci for her love and support, and God for his family, talent, health and happiness. And you for your support of live theater.
CALEB RIVERA
{ Etienne }
Caleb Rivara (Etienne/Ensemble) is excited to be back for his fifth RTC show. Caleb is a sophomore at Drake University studying music performance. His most recent credits are Honk! (RTC) and the opera Die Zauberflöte as Tamino at Drake.
TROY SERENA
{ Hanna }
Troy Serena (Hanna) Revival Theatre Company debut! Alabama boy living in NYC. Credits include: SpongeBob SquarePants in T he SpongeBob Musical , Chicago (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Hairspray (White Plains PAC), Bright Star, Dreamgirls, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Red Mountain Theatre), Home for the Holidays (Mountain Theatre Company), 9 to 5 The Musical (Virginia Samford Theatre), BROADWAY BROS! Tour, A New Brain, Godspell (Theatre UAB). Blaze on, baby! Hugs and kisses to the bloc NYC team. Instagram: @troyserenaa
VICTORIA SHELLADY
{ Colette }
Victoria Shellady (Colette/Ensemble) is thrilled to be joining "La Cage ," her first show with Revival. She most recently played the role of Quennie in City Circle's The Wild Party and Dawn in the TCR regional premier of Waitress . Other credits include: Sherrie in Rock of Ages , Cinderella in Into the Woods , and Elle in Legally Blonde . Victoria is a seasoned performer and writer. Victoria would like to thank friends, family, and Ryan for their continued support of her creative endeavors.
GREG SMITH
{Georges }
Greg Smith (Georges) in his seventh production with RTC, most recently seen in Parade (Old Soldier) and Titanic (Captain Smith). Greg has performed with many other local theaters, with his last two productions being Jersey Boys (Gyp DeCarlo) and Beauty and the Beast (Maurice)both with Theatre Cedar Rapids. Greg would like to thank his entire family - Marcia, Michael, Emily, Beth, Zach, his parents, and his inlaws - for their constant love and support.
SPONSORS
PRODUCTION SPONSOR
Aegon Transamerica Foundation
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
SPONSOR
Jon & Cathy Koebrick
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
SPONSOR
The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery
VENUE SPONSOR
Tom & Sherri Voss
COSTUME SPONSOR
Wilma McGrane
PAY WHAT YOU CAN
SPONSOR
ImOn Communications
WINE SPONSORS
Westside Spirits & Best Case Wines
TRANSPORTATION
SPONSOR
Cassill Motors
FRONT OF HOUSE
SPONSOR
Hills Bank
WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM:
Alicia Aguiar & Jason Fuemmeler
Jeff & Mary Beth Standerski
Matthew Van Maanen & Robert Lancaster
DONORS
Donations received between May 1, 2024, and May 16, 2025
FOUNDER, $20,000+
Patrick McGrath
FOUNDER, $10,000+
Aegon Transamerica Foundation
City of Cedar Rapids Hotel-Motel Tax Grant
Giacoletto Foundation
Ann Lawrence
David Lawrence, MD
Mark & Tracy Zimmerman
FOUNDER, $5,000+
Terry & Johanna Abernathy
Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust
Mike & Karen Delaney
Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman
PACESETTER, $2,500+
Cassill Motors
Cedar Memorial
GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation
In Tolerance Contract Manufacturing
Hilery Livengood & Ben Fashimpaur
Wilma McGrane
Susan & Gary Streit
TrueNorth Companies
Tom & Sherri Voss
PATRON, $1,000+
Alicia Aguiar & Jason Fuemmeler
Betty & Brian Anderson
Mike & Karen Barnotes
Catherine Basile
Roderick & Elizabeth Blocksome
Randy and Nadine Borngraeber
Ryan & Katie Buresh
Terri & Brian Cohen
Jack & Nancy Evans
Bob & Ana Filippone
Vannessia & David Klinsky
Jon & Cathy Koebrick
Julie Kraft & Richard Haynes
Lorelle Lindo & Chris Ellis
John & Dina Linge
MidAmerican Energy Foundation
Jim & Elaine Miller
Dick & Kate Minette
Darrel & Middie Morf
Tiffany & Michael O’Donnell
Tom Peffer & Carroll Reasoner
Janet Shepherd-Meier
Raytheon Technologies Matching Gifts
Shuttleworth & Ingersoll
Siegel’s Jewelry & Loan
Libby Slappey & Charles Crawley
Adam Woods, MD
ARTIST, $500+
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We strive for accuracy. Our apologies for any errors or omissions in this listing. We applaud the many individuals on this page who have invested in RTC with generous donations and sponsorships. Space limitations do not allow us to recognize the many donors of $50 or less. Please know that all gifts are appreciated!
RTC’s productions and educational programs would not be possible without private contributions. If you’d like to join this list of donors, you may make a tax-deductible contribution by scanning the QR code below, by visiting RevivalTheatreCompany.com, or by mailing a check.
Revival Theatre Company
329 10th Ave SE, Suite 005, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Office: 319-200-4849
Box Office: 319-364-1580
The history of LA CAGE aux FOLLES
by Katie Gilson
Permission. We ask for this often. When you’re young, you ask for permission to stay out past curfew. Between friends, you might ask for permission to borrow a sweater. At any age, with anyone, you may consciously or unconsciously request permission to be yourself. It’s not uncommon, that strange inclination to want permission to be yourself.
However unspoken, the fear that seeps into that sort of thinking is visceral. Fear that a person you love might disappoint you by asking you to hide who you are for the “comfort” of others or the fear of complete rejection, among countless other fears. Being your full self is a beautiful thing that many people take for granted. But considered against the backdrop of a continuing news cycle reporting rights being taken away from the LGBTQ+ community, it’s a very real issue facing more people than we might like to think.
Reading this while awaiting the start of La Cage aux Folles , you may wonder how a production from the early ’70s can speak to this very modern issue. The answer is that the issue is age old. And with that, let us take you on a journey from St. Tropez, France, 1973, to Stratford, Ontario, 2024, and allow a trip through time to prove the constant relevance of six-time Tony Award winner La Cage aux Folles.
Four years after the Stonewall Riots (1969) and three years after the first Pride marches (1970), La Cage aux Folles premiered at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal in 1973. Originally created by Jean Poiret, and starring Michel Serrault as Albin and Jean Poiret as Georges, it was a surprise success, running for more than 2,000 performances from 1973 to 1978. It was a groundbreaking farce, the first play to have a same-sex couple as the main romantic relationship and the first stage
Photography
representation of a “modern family.”
Following a successful stage run, in 1978 La Cage aux Folles was adapted into a film seen by more than five million people across France.
It premièred in the U.S. in 1979 and, at the time, was the highest-grossing foreign film, even earning itself three Oscar nominations, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Roger Ebert wrote, “This isn’t a bitchy, cruel comedy, as so many gay-oriented considerations of straights tend to be. It’s about people who are goodhearted, who mean well, and who cannot help being true to their natures.” The film was so successful and popular that it spanned two sequels, La Cage aux Folles II (1980) and La Cage aux Folles: The Wedding (1985).
After conspicuously missing from mainstream stages for decades, a love story between a samesex couple finally made its Broadway debut in 1983, two years after the first AIDS case was discovered in the United States, with a musical adaptation of La Cage aux Folles.
Significantly, the production’s run fell between the Canadian decriminalization of homosexuality in 1969 and the American Psychiatric Association removing homosexuality from the list of “mental disorders” in 1973, and the legalization of gay marriage in these two countries, in 2005 and 2015 respectively.
In the book for the musical by Harry Fierstein, the playwright, introduced the perfect image of two men in a committed 20-year relationship. Fierstein explained his approach to La Cage aux Folles as “showing that marriage, commitment, family, don’t have to belong to heterosexuals. We decided early on that our greatest enemy would be the tendency to hide, to avoid being honest. If a gay show is a hit and doesn’t make a statement, what’s the point?”
The musical version of La Cage aux Folles was nominated for nine Tony Awards and won six, including Best Actor, Best Original Score and Best Musical. The underlying theme of La Cage aux Folles is acceptance and familial unity, and Mike Nichols’s 1996 film adaptation, The Birdcage, is no exception. The LGBTQ2+ community was still rebuilding itself after the height of the AIDS epidemic when The Birdcage was released. In this way, the happy and carefree portrayal of a queer family in the movie—one devoid of suffering, danger or death—was revolutionary. And so, as you can see, from 1973 through 2024 the key themes of La Cage are still acceptance, love, laughter and family.
Being raised in what some could describe as a “modern family,” I consider my family the norm. I was raised by a single mom with three siblings, and one of those siblings is my younger brother, who happens to be trans. And when people ask me whether it was hard for my family to accept my brother, the answer is easy: “He is my brother and the same person
I grew up with. Nothing has changed other than he has the freedom to be more himself than he did as a kid, which makes life so much better!” No one should need permission to be themselves, especially within their own family.
The core of this production is love, unity, acceptance, self-love and family. Those themes are timeless and in that way, La Cage aux Folles has arrived at Revival Theatre Company at what the French call the moment idéal! Now, not only should we all be able to shout out Albin’s anthem, “I Am What I Am,” but we should also support others to do the same.
Director's Note:
As I look back to 1979 and the early 1980s, discos and clubs were all the rage, a stamp was 15 cents, Johnny Carson was the funniest man on late night TV, and Grease was the most watched movie. Jimmy Carter was president, with a well known actorturned-presidential candidate Ronald Reagan soon to be his successor. You were coming out of the seedy ‘70s full of culture, but you could see that family values were soon to be at the forefront of politicians and their idea of morality and what the American family “should look like.”
One of the main themes of the show is how we struggle to self-actualize inside our family—be it blood or chosen family. In the world of La Cage aux Folles , we have a family at the center, made up of Georges, Albin, Jean-Michel, and Jacob. Some may call this family …
unconventional, but their love for each other is just as real as any straight, “normal” nuclear family. Just a whole lot more fun! When you’re an outsider, it’s amazing how healing outrageous humour can be. The deeper the love in a relationship, the more boundaries get crossed, which in life is fraught from the inside but for an audience can be hilarious.
What is farce made of if not humans struggling to be understood? For instance, when the “maid” Jacob has driven Georges to madness and JeanMichel says, “He only acts that way because he loves you,” Georges responds with, “If he loved me, he’d vacuum.” We can only speak like that with people who love us enough to get away with it. And nobody loves us like family. But no one pushes our buttons like family either. There is something so deeply moving to me about the journey that Georges, Albin, and Jean-Michel travel. When JeanMichel asks his father to put his 20-year life partner, Albin (who also helped raise Jean-Michel like a mother), out of their home and pretend the family is straight in order to win over his fiancé’s ultraconservative parents, it’s not about homophobia, it’s a family dispute.
Through the hilarious escapades that ensue, the trio must come to terms with what love looks like. This is about more
than affection; it's about acceptance, protection, care, respect, patience, compromise. The colors of familial love are as endless as they are vivid. But ultimately, there is a line that love can never cross, and that is asking the one you love to be someone else.
Photography by TINT
INVEST IN RTC
RTC THRIVES THANKS TO GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THEATRE LOVERS LIKE YOU.
Revival Theatre Company proudly acknowledges its individual donors and corporate partners for their generosity to the arts and their leadership as a civic neighbor.
RTC exists because of people like you. Less than half of RTC’s $330,000 annual operating budget comes from ticket sales. So how do we pay actors, musicians, technical crew, royalties, rent, and other bills? The answer is charitable contributions – sponsorships, donations, and grants. We invite you to consider joining those who have already committed to helping RTC achieve and secure a strong future.
Individual donations, corporate, foundation and public partnerships help to support outstanding theatre experiences for Cedar Rapids audiences. The generosity of our philanthropic community ensures that Revival Theatre Company is part of Cedar Rapids vibrant cultural landscape.
Revival Theatre Company is thrilled to be celebrating its tenth season! Now is the time to add your support to ensure success and vitality for our next ten years and beyond. As we look forward to the joys and challenges ahead, we rely on the generosity of friends such as you to help Revival Theatre Company build a sound future.
CONSIDER GIVING:
• Cash or check
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End of the Rainbow The Color Purple
REVIVAL THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS
A DECADE OF
EXTRAORDINARY MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS
SEPTEMBER 2014 / Children of Eden
OCTOBER 2014 / Dogfight
JUNE 2015 / Pippin
NOVEMBER 2015 / Parade in Concert
FEBRUARY 2016 / Violet
JUNE 2016 / Funny Girl
NOVEMBER 2016 / Evita
FEBRUARY 2017 / Grey Gardens
JUNE 2017 / Victor/Victoria
MARCH 2018 / Ragtime in Concert
JUNE 2018 / The Bridges of Madison County
NOVEMBER 2018 / Sunday in the Park with George
MARCH 2019 / Nine to Five
JUNE 2019 / Chaplin
NOVEMBER 2019 / Oklahoma!
SEPTEMBER 2021 / Brucemorchestra XIV: The Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein
OCTOBER 2021 / End of the Rainbow
JUNE 2022 / T he Color Purple
SEPTEMBER 2022 / Titanic: The Musical
MARCH 2023 / Million Dollar Quartet
JUNE 2023 / Honk!
APRIL 2024 / Parade in Concert
OCTOBER 2024 / The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
MARCH 2025 / Next to Normal
MAY/JUNE 2025 / La Cage aux Folles
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Photo by Seth Walters
UPCOMING SHOW
PERFORMED AT CSPS HALL / DATES: June 20 & 21, 2025 / TIME: 7:30 p.m.
ELIOT NESS IN CLEVELAND
Eliot Ness in Cleveland tells the bizarre story of Ness vs. the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run, American’s first serial killer. It is 1933. Ness is already famous, having been credited with bringing in notorious gangster Al Capone back in Chicago, where Ness headed an elite group of police called the Untouchables. Ness is brought to Cleveland with much fanfare and the lofty expectation that he will clean up rampant crime and corruption in the city and stop the Mad Butcher’s murderous spree. Haunted by the specter of Al Capone, Ness spirals into madness as he tries to capture the Butcher and salvage his own reputation.
FOR MORE INFO SCAN THE QR CODE!
CO-ADAPTATION BY NICK CORLEY
(Based on the play In the Shadow of the Terminal Tower by Peter Ullian)
This workshop presentation is presented by The Second Stage Series. The Second Stage Series is supported by Giacoletto Foundati on and Siegel's.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Photo by Seth Walters 37
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