PLAYBILL TrueNorth at French Creek 4530 Colorado Ave. (Rt. 611) Sheffield Village, OH
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS & TRUENORTH CULTURAL ARTS PRESENT:
I RVING B E R LIN ’S
WHITE CHRISTMAS TH E M U S I CA L
MUSIC & LYRICS BY IRVING BERLIN | BOOK BY DAVID IVES AND PAUL BLAKE BASED UPON THE PARAMOUNT PICTURES FILM WRITTEN FOR THE SCREEN BY NORMAN KRASNA, NORMAN PANAMA AND MELVIN FRANK DIRECTED BY RICK FORTNEY & AMY HANRATTY CHOREOGRAPHY BY KATY E. RUSSELL & NINA TAKACS
DECEMBER 4 - 20
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 7:30 PM AND SUNDAYS AT 3 PM TICKETS: $10 - $18 | (440) 949-5200 OR WWW.TNCARTS.ORG
COMING SOON! LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS & TRUENORTH CULTURAL ARTS PRESENT:
THE ODD COUPLE
BY NEIL SIMON
JANUARY 15 - 31
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 7:30 PM AND SUNDAYS AT 3 PM TICKETS: $10 - $18 | (440) 949-5200 OR WWW.TNCARTS.ORG
Pg. 2
Lorain County Metro Parks and TrueNorth Cultural Arts
PRESENT:
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin Book by David Ives and Paul Blake Based upon the paramount pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank
Rick Fortney......................................................Co-Director Amy Hanratty....................................................Co-Director Julie Billinghurst........................................Stage Manager Douglas Puskas.................Scenic Designer/Props Master Katy E. Russell.............................................Choreographer Nina Takacs.................................................Choreographer Anthony Trifiletti..........................................Music Director Stan Kozak.................................................Sound Designer D. Justin Bilewicz, III.............................Costume Designer Bryanna Bauman.....................................Lighting Designer
Musical recording provided by The MT Pit L.L.C. www.themtpit.com
Pg. 3
From the Artistic Director, Rick Fortney -- Welcome to White Christmas! -We have discovered the perfect gift for everyone on your list this season! Start with a timeless tale of joy and goodwill, fill it with classic Irving Berlin songs, top it off with glorious dancing and lots of snow and experience IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS! Then add the youth musical taking place Sunday, December 5th featuring The TrueNorth Children’s Choir performing The Nutcracker. This delightful adaptation of the timeless ballet features songs, dances, and a script that created especially young performers. This production provided an opportunity for students in grades K-6 to experience the magical kingdom of the Nutcracker firsthand. Following his defeat of the Mouse King, the Nutcracker escorts Marie on a journey through the Kingdom of Sweets, where they meet many interesting characters! The TrueNorth Big Band is performing twice this month. The Big Band Holiday Show is on Tuesday, December 8th at the Bop Stop at The Music Settlement in Hingetown, and Big Band will also be celebrating the Anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s 100th Birthday, Saturday, December 12th at John Knox Presbyterian Church. Finally, top the season off with The TrueNorth Chorale and Chamber Orchestra in their annual Christmas Concert being performed twice, Saturday, December 19th and Sunday, December 20th. The concert will feature many of your favorite Christmas carols! TrueNorth Cultural Arts is celebrating its 17th season, our 9th season in partnership with The Lorain County Metro Parks! Please stop by the Box Office to pick up our Season Brochure if you have yet to get one. Our website, www.TNCArts.org, is a wonderful way to stay connected and informed. One of the many features on our new site is seeing all past playbills, currently featuring the past three seasons, but more will be following! By visiting these playbills one will see the multitude and diversity offered daily at TrueNorth. TrueNorth offers a multitude of classes, ensemble work, private lessons and performance opportunities. Our purpose is to transform lives through engagement in the arts, and, as a result, we strive to enrich and strengthen our communities through our presence.
Pg. 4
From the Artistic Director, Rick Fortney
TrueNorth Cultural Arts continues to educate, equip and empower artists and audiences, and we are grateful for each new opportunity to serve. All of the growth we have experienced is made possible through your generous financial support. We thank you sincerely and applaud your shared commitment to the arts. Please consider supporting TrueNorth through a tax deductible gift, enclosed you will find a Patron Envelope for the 2015-16 season. It has been an honor co-directing Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. I would like to personally thank the staff, production team, crew, and above all … our cast! White Christmas visits God, country and nostalgia as though it were straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Unfortunately the world we live in is desperately seeking peace as we celebrate this Christmas season. It has been ironic leaving rehearsals late at night, turning on the news and seeing the disarray our country and world are in. Our hearts break and our prayers are lifted. Peace starts within our own hearts and community and then is spread from there. This Christmas share that love. May your hearts be filled and full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written! Thank you for your support as together we celebrate the arts! Hope to see you at one of our upcoming performances! Enjoy the show and above all … Merry Christmas!!!!!
Rick Fortney, Artistic Director, TrueNorth Theatre / French Creek Nature and Arts Center
Pg. 5
From the Director of the Lorain County Metro Parks Welcome to YOUR Lorain County Metro Parks! We hope you enjoy White Christmas from TrueNorth. As the Mainstage Series 2015-2016 season continues, we hope you have a great time! On behalf of Lorain County Metro Parks, I want to personally invite you to a variety of activites and happenings throughout the park district this season. Regardless of where you live, we have an exciting event for you! We are very excited to ring in the holiday season with Holiday Lights, not only at Carlisle Visitor Center, but also Miller Nature Preserve in Avon and Lakeview Park in Lorain. There are also plenty of other events throughout the park district focused on the holiday season. Make sure to pick up an Arrowhead or visit us online at www.MetroParks.cc for a list of the upcoming events. As this theatre season continues, make sure to grab a 2015-2016 season brochure to check out each new production. The next show is part of the Mainstage Series. The Odd Couple kicks off next month in January. We hope to see you there. We thank you for your continued support of Lorain County Metro Parks and hope you continue to enjoy the many offerings we bring through our partnership with TrueNorth Cultural Arts! Sincerely,
James E. Ziemnik, Director, Lorain County Metro Parks
Pg. 6
Pg. 7
The Play
SCENES & Songs Act I
Scene 1: Somewhere on the Western Front of WWII – Christmas Eve, 1944
Happy Holidays..................................Bob, Phil and Sheldrake White Christmas...........................Bob, Phil, Sheldrake and Gi’s
Scene 2: The Ed Sullivan Show – 1954
Happy Holiday/Let Yourself Go.....Bob, Phil and the Ensemble
Scene 3: Backstage at the Ed Sullivan Show – after the broadcast; Backstage at Jimmy’s, a None-Too-Classy Night club
Love and the Weather..........................................Bob and Betty
Scene 4: Jimmy’s Back Room – Later that evening
Sisters..................................................................Betty and Judy The best Things Happen While You’re Dancing........Phil, Judy and Quintest
Scene 5: A Train Car – Later that Night
Snow....................................Phil, Judy, Bob, Betty, Snoring Man, Mrs. Snoring Man, Passengers
Scene 6: The Front Desk of the Columbia Inn in Vermont – Later
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A GENERAL............Martha, Bob and Phil
Scene 7: The Barn Rehearsal Hall – the next day
Let Me sing and I’m happy................................................Martha
Scene 8: The Front Porch of the Inn – that night
Count Your Blessings instead of sheep............Bob and Betty
Scene 9: Ralph Sheldrake’s Office, New York; Martha’s Front Desk – Morning Scene 10: The Barn Rehearsal Hall – Later that day
Blue Skies..................................................Bob and the ensemble
Pg. 8
The Play
Act 2 Scene 1: Onstage in the Barn Theater – the next day
I LOVE A PIANO................................Phil, Judy, and the Ensemble
Scene 2: The Lobby of the Inn – soon after
FALLING OUT OF LOVE CAN BE FUN..........Martha, Betty, and Judy
Scene 3: The Barn Rehearsal Hall – shortly thereafter
SISTERS (Reprise)..............................Bob and Phil
Scene 4: The Regency Room, New York – the next evening
LOVE YOU DIDN’T DO RIGHT BY ME/HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN............. Betty, Bob
Scene 5: The Ed Sullivan Show – the evening after
THE OLD MAN......................................................................Bob, Men
Scene 6: The Front Desk at the Columbia Inn – the next day
LET ME SING AND I’M HAPPY (Reprise)..................................Susan
Scene 7: Backstage at the Barn Theater – that evening, Christmas Eve
HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN (Reprise).........................Betty and Bob THE OLD MAN (Reprise)........................Bob, Phil, Sheldrake, Men WHITE CHRISTMAS......................................................The Company
Scene 8: Curtain Call
I’VE GOT MY LOVE TO KEEP ME WARM.........................The Company
–– PLEASE NOTE ––
Videotaping and flash photography of any kind are strictly prohibited during the performance. Pg. 9
Cast/Crew
Cast
BRETT HALL....................................................................BOB WALLACE JOHN ORAVEC.....................................................................PHIL DAVIS JACKIE LUTHY...............................................................BETTY HAYNES ISABEL BILLINGHURST....................................................JUDY HAYNES BOB KENDERES..........................................GENERAL HENRY WAVERLY BERNADETTE HISEY............................MARTHA WATSON/DOLLY FRAN HAILEY SPIKES...........................................................SUSAN WAVERLY KEVIN CLINE...........................................................RALPH SHELDRAKE JENNIFER JUSTICE........................................................................RITA JILLIAN MESAROS.....................................................................RHODA JOHN BASSETT...........................................................EZEKIEL FOSTER ADAM BOWERS..............................................................................MIKE MEGAN LILLY.............................................TESSIE/ASST. SEAMSTRESS SIMON SEDMAK......................................................JIMMY/ENSEMBLE RANIA ASSILY.................................................CIGARETTE GIRL/MARTY TRACY HOWELL..........................................SNORING MAN/ENSEMBLE LINDA HOWELL..................................MRS. SNORING MAN/ENSEMBLE DEVIN SUGERIK...................................TRAIN CONDUCTER/ENSEMBLE MEG COLLIER...........................................DANCE CAPTAIN/ENSEMBLE LAURIE GARTMAN...........................................................SEAMSTRESS SPENCER RILEY.......................ED SULLIVAN ANNOUNCER/ENSEMBLE CASSIE CLAIR......................................................................ENSEMBLE BIANCA LEGEZA...................................................................ENSEMBLE KAYLA SLATER..........................................................................GLORIA
Pg. 10
Cast/Crew
Production Team
RICK FORTNEY.................................................................CO-DIRECTOR AMY HANRATTY...............................................................CO-DIRECTOR JULIE BILLINGHURST.................................................STAGE MANAGER DOUGLAS PUSKAS........................SCENIC DESIGNER/PROPS MASTER KATY E. RUSSELL.....................................................CHOREOGRAPHER NINA TAKACS...........................................................CHOREOGRAPHER ANTHONY TRIFILETTI.................................................MUSIC DIRECTOR STAN KOZAK.............................................................SOUND DESIGNER D. JUSTIN BILEWICZ, III........................................COSTUME DESIGNER BRYANNA BAUMAN...............................................LIGHTING DESIGNER
Crew
KEN KOWALSKI..........................................SPOTLIGHT OP, STAGE LEFT JOSH COMMITTEE...................................SPOTLIGHT OP, STAGE RIGHT SCOTT HEUERMAN......................................................LIGHTBOARD OP TYLER COCKERHAM..................................................SOUNDBOARD OP BRETT W. HEIDINGER..............................................................DRESSER MIKE STRAMA.............................................PROPS, BACKSTAGE RIGHT MIKE QUINBY.................................................PROPS, BACKSTAGE LEFT DAN DUELLEY...............................................................SET TECH CREW TRACY & CAMERON HOWELL.......................................SET TECH CREW STAN KOZAK................................................................SET TECH CREW GEORGE & DONNA PUSKAS.........................................SET TECH CREW TIM BARRETT...............................................................SET TECH CREW MITCH BEURSKEN.......................................................SET TECH CREW THOMAS BOURQUE.....................................................SET TECH CREW DAVID DAVIS................................................................SET TECH CREW RICK FORTNEY.............................................................SET TECH CREW BRIAN MCNALLY...........................................................SET TECH CREW CAMILLE OLSEN...........................................................SET TECH CREW DREW PORTER.............................................................SET TECH CREW AIMEE POTONIC...........................................................SET TECH CREW REBECCA RUSSELL......................................................SET TECH CREW DYLAN MCFARLAND.................SET TECH CREW/LIGHTING ASSISTANT
Pg. 11
Staff
TrueNorth Staff
Founder/Executive and Artistic Director.................................Rick Fortney Cultural Arts Programmer/Youth Outreach Coordinator......Brian McNally Administrative Assistant.....................................................Nancy Spencer Box Office/Front Desk........................................Drew Porter, Camille Olsen Financial Manager...............................................................Stefanie Corlew Gallery Manager....................................................................Susan Schauer Gallery Assistant-ceramics, glassware, and jewelry............ Teresa Hoenig Greeters, Ushers, and Concessions............................Friends of TrueNorth Marketing/Social Media...........................................................Laura Golden Music Directors.........................................................Rick Fortney (Chorale), Joshua Konow (Chamber Orchestra), Eric Dregne (Big Band), Susan Vance-Koch and Kelsey Geren-Witt (Children’s Choirs) Volunteer Coordinator............................................................ Camille Olsen
TrueNorth Board of Directors
Board Members..............................Hu Auburn, Cathy Dietlin, Rick Fortney, Jim Golden, Jeff Steeber, John Edward Thomas, Anthony Trifiletti, Becky Voit, Jennifer Wilson
French Creek Nature and Arts Center
Cultural Arts Manager / Site Manager ...................................Rick Fortney Ranger Supervisor / Park Manager...................................... Brian Holmes Senior Naturalist.................................................................. Aimee Potonic Cultural Arts Programmer......................................................Brian McNally FCNAC Building and Grounds Crew.............Tim Barrett, Thomas Bourque, David Davis
Lorain County Metro Parks
Director.................................................................................James Ziemnik Assistant Director.............................................................Jennifer Bracken Operations Supervisor................................................................Paul Hruby Chief Naturalist.................................................................Grant Thompson Public Information Officer...................................................Vanessa Klesta Web Developer and Graphic Artist......................................Nicholas Baker
Lorain County Metro Parks Board of Park Commissioners
Chairman ......................................................................... Mr. Fred Alspach Board Member..............................................................Ms. Cookie McLoda Board Member.................................................................Mr. Joseph Hribar
Pg. 12
Bendix
is proud to sponsor TrueNorth Cultural Arts!
Pg. 13
Biographies
Cast Rania Assily (Cigarette Girl/Marty) is a professor of history at Lorain County Community College and C u y a h o g a Community College and has been doing theater since she was very young. She is happy to have performed in past shows at TrueNorth such as The Phantom Tollbooth and Aesop’s Fableous Barnyard Bash, bringing smiles to faces young and old. She is excited to be singing and dancing in White Christmas and wishes all of you an enjoyable experience! Let the festivities begin! John Bassett (Ezekiel) has recently moved back to Ohio and re-entered local theater with his third show here at TrueNorth and Mary Poppins with LCMT after a 20 year hiatus. He started with a number of shows at the Black River Playhouse in Elyria; and a theater minor while at BGSU in the 60’s. Then some featured roles with the Blackhawk Players in Chicago in the 70’s; followed by the Bay Players in Duxbury, MA in the 80’s; and with T.A.O.S. in Boston in the 90’s.
Pg. 14
Isabel Billinghurst (Judy Haynes) is incredibly excited to be a part of such a classic show! Recently, Isabel has been seen as Deb in Ordinary Days and in Hair at Akron’s Weathervane Playhouse. She was last seen on the TrueNorth stage as Laura Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie. Other favorite roles include Joanne Jefferson in HBTI’s Rent, and the title role in The Diary of Anne Frank. Much love to her family and friends, and especially her parents for being so supportive during the college audition season! Happy Holidays! Adam Bowers (Mike) is delighted to be making his first appearance at TrueNorth in White Christmas! He recently appeared in The Addams Family at the Broadview Heights Spotlights as an Ancestor. When not on stage, Adam works as a Campaign Coordinator for Northeast Ohio Media Group specializing in digital advertising. He is very grateful for this opportunity, and wishes to thank everyone involved in the production of the show!
Pg. 15
Pg. 16
Biographies Cassandra Clair (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her TrueNorth debut! A Philadelphian native, she is new to the Cleveland theatre scene. She has recently finished her coursework to obtain her Masters in Theatre at Villanova University. She will soon be performing as an ensemble member in Mighty Goliath’s Production of Urinetown next February. Kevin Cline (Ralph Sheldrake) is thrilled to be returning to the TrueNorth stage in this wonderful production! He was last seen in Big Fish (Amos Calloway) at TrueNorth, where he also appeared in The Pajama Game (Vernon Hines), Jesus Christ Superstar (Priest 3) and A Christmas Story: The Musical (Santa). He has also appeared in The Addams Family (Uncle Fester) at Broadview Heights Spotlights, and Suessical: The Musical (Horton) at Brecksville Little Theater. He will next be appearing in Urinetown (Mr. McQueen) at Mighty Goliath Productions in February. More than anything else, he wants to thank everyone who has helped make his first year in theater such a joy, and to everyone who has supported him. He wants to wish you and yours much peace and happiness throughout this holiday season!
Margaret Collier (Dance Captain/ ensemble) enjoys the following: writing, learning languages, reading, her job as a children’s librarian, and practicing for White Christmas-her first musical! She participated in show choir and drama club back in high school, but that makes it six years since she has been on a stage. Last year, Margaret taught English in SaintQuentin, France. She hopes to return there for a Master’s Degree in modern languages one day. Margaret would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their support, talent, and hard work. She would also like to thank her family for coming out to see her perform! Laurie Gartman ( S e a m s t r e ss / ensemble) is blessed to be making her TrueNorth debut. She has experience as a soloist at many local churches and has been a featured performer in Evita, My Fair Lady, Carousel, and Finian’s Rainbow at Near West Theatre. One of her favorite endeavors was teaching 106 Munchkins (gr. 1-8) their songs and choreography for Westlake High School’s production of Wizard of Oz (2012). She studied voice at Cleveland State University and has sung with several area choirs, including the Cleveland Orchestra’s Blossom Festival Chorus. Pg. 17
Pg. 18
Biographies Super mommy by day, super star by night, she’s most grateful to her loving husband, Matt, and two beautiful sons, Linus (4) and Calvin (1) for supporting her involvement in this production. Brett Hall (Bob Wallace) This is Brett’s 8th show at TrueNorth, the first being Working (‘08), and the most recent as Sid Sorokin in The Pajama Game, this past summer. It has been a pleasure seeing how many great shows have been produced right here, in little old Sheffield Village, in this beautiful venue. Rick and his staff have made sure theater is alive and well here on the far west side of Cleveland. Some favorite credits for Brett have been as Gaston in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Emile de Becque in South Pacific; younger brother in Ragtime, the Musical; Capt Corcoran in Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore; Franklin Hart in 9 to 5, the Musical; and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Bernadette Hisey (Martha/ a cc o m p a n i s t / Dolly Fran) has performed in theatres from Amherst to Kirtland to Salem and many theatres in between. Favorite roles include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Arlene in Baby, Mrs. Anna in The King and I, Kate/Lilli Vanessi in Kiss Me, Kate, Jacqueline in Don’t Dress For
Dinner, Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret, and Woman in A Broadway Christmas Carol, which was actually 11 roles. She recently retired from a 30+ year music teaching career and is now pursuing her acting career. “White Christmas” was her mother’s favorite movie and dedicates this show to her and to anyone else who has lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s. Linda Howell (Mrs. Snoring Man/ ensemble) Linda has performed in Music Man, Sound of Music, Anything Goes and Oliver and is looking forward to being in White Christmas. She’s nicknamed “Howellywood Howell” because of her EXTRA work in movies such as Charnel House, Pickle Recipe, With this Ring, Jenny’s Wedding, Draft Day, Fox Catcher, The Wind is Watching, The Kings of Summer, 3 Day Test, Sparkle, Ides of March, Super 8, Abduction and 25 Hill. Most recently she had an opportunity to be in a Cleveland Clinic Training Video. She wishes Broken Legs to the cast and crew and is grateful for the opportunity to be in the show! Tracy Howell (Mr. Snoring Man) Tracy’s theater experience is from high school, 34 years ago. His passion is still very strong for the Arts. Performing many
Pg. 19
Biographies times on stage in shows and concerts, he enjoys hearing the audience reactions to the performance. Mr. Snoring Man is an incredible name for Tracy as he can really shake a house with his snoring. As of recent, Tracy found his second love, first is his wife of 28 years and second is being on his boat enjoying the lake. Jen Justice (Rita/dance captain) very happily returns to the TrueNorth stage after last appearing as Gladys Hotchkiss in their 2015 production of The Pajama Game. Jennifer has been working in the Cleveland area as both a performer and choreographer for 20 years. Favorite performance credits: Chicago (Roxie Hart), A Chorus Line (Cassie), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Steel Magnolias (Truvy), Early One Evening at The Rainbow Bar and Grille (Virginia), Children of Eden (Aysha/ Snake), You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Sally), Nunsense (Sister Mary Leo) and Something’s Afoot (Lettie), as well as performances for CPT’s Big Box and Pandemonium series. As a choreographer, Jennifer has had the pleasure of working at a variety of regional venues such as Lakeland Civic Theatre, Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, TrueNorth, Willoughby Fine Arts, Brecksville Theatre on The Square, The Cassidy Theatre, Pickwick and Frolic, and several local high school and youth theatres. Choreography credits include Chicago, Pippin, Hairspray, Shrek, Seussical, Grease, Beauty Pg. 20 and The Beast, Legally
Blonde, Anyone Can Whistle, Gypsy, and 4 installments of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Many thanks to Rick, Amy, Anthony and all of the dedicated cast and crew of White Christmas! You all are such wonderful folks! Bob Kenderes (General Waverly) is back on the TrueNorth stage! What a shock, after performing in Aesop’s Fable-ous Barnyard Bash, The Pajama Game and A Midsummer’s Night Dream at TrueNorth this year. Bob is a proud cast member of Cleveland’s award-winning Take-a-Hike Program, and was also recently seen in Wait Until Dark at Olde Towne Hall in North Ridgeville. Bianca Sophia (ensemble) Bianca is a 9th grader at Olmsted Falls High School. Bianca has been performing since she was 5. She has appeared in many local productions at the Beck Center for the Arts, Cassidy Theater and Olmsted Falls Performing Arts, including Chicago, Annie, Peter Pan, Rented Christmas and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. She has performed in This Way to Broadway and A Time to Shine Cabaret on Broadway in NYC. Bianca enjoys singing, dancing, drawing and writing. She is very excited to be part of this show. She appreciates
Biographies the help and support from family, friends, and Amy Hanratty. Megan Lilly (Tessie/Assistant Seamstress) is very excited to be a part of White Christmas the Musical! She is a 3rd grade teacher at St. Peter School, Lorain. TrueNorth’s Jesus Christ Superstar was that first show Megan has done since high school. In October she was able to expand her theatre experience and assistant directed Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical. She would like to thank everyone at TrueNorth for being so supportive and the whole production team!
Jackie Luthy (Betty Haynes) is overjoyed to make her first appearance on the TrueNorth stage, especially opposite her birthday twin, Brett! Before she moved to Cleveland three years ago, Jackie performed with such companies as Trumpet in the Land, The Illusion Factory, The Canton Comic Opera Co., Cedar Point, and the National Theatre for Children. Some of her favorite roles include Annelle in Steel Magnolias, June “Squish” in Chicago, and Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Jackie was an original cast member of Dawg Pounded and is a sometimesvocalist with the Red Satin Cabaret. She would like to thank Dave for being
Pg. 21
Biographies so encouraging and supportive through this whole process - and being her rock when her schedule gets insane. Jillian Mesaros (Rhoda) is a senior at Cleveland State University studying Math and Theatre after retiring her college soccer career at Wheeling Jesuit University. She is a student of Amy Hanratty and Voice Variations and has recently been seen at Blank Canvas Theatre in High Fidelity and Hair, Cameo Theatre in Rent, and Brigadoon at Strongsville Community Theatre. After graduation, she will focus on her passions and continue to pursue a career in film and the performing arts. Thank you to everyone who came to support this show! Special thanks to Rick, Amy, Scooter, Nina, Katie, Julie, and our cast for your amazing efforts. Happy Holiday(s)! John Oravec (Phil Davis) is excited to be in his first TrueNorth production. He recently performed as Bat Boy in Bat Boy in Carnegie Mellon University’s Scotch n’ Soda Theater. His favorite roles include Lamar in Godspell, The Cat in the Hat in Seussical, and Albert in Bye, Bye Birdie. Being his first show at TrueNorth, he is ecstatic to be working with a great cast Pg. 22 and crew. He also thanks
his family and friends for their neverending support. Spencer Riley (Ed Sullivan Announcer/ Ensemble) is excited to be a part of this Christmas classic! White Christmas marks Spencer’s fourth production with TrueNorth; past TrueNorth productions include A Christmas Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Pajama Game. Spencer is a 2014 graduate from Marietta College with a BFA in Theater. He has performed with the Lorain Community Theater, Brookside High School, and Marietta College. Spencer would like to thank his family and friends for being supportive, and to his fellow cast members for a great experience! Happy Holidays and enjoy the show! Simon Sedmak (Jimmy/Ensemble) Commuting from Euclid, Ohio, Simon is proud to play Jimmy and other ensemble characters in TrueNorth’s production of White Christmas. Recently he has graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and is now pursuing a career in acting. He has most previously been in Sisu is in the Heart, an original play about Fairport Harbor, and Avenue Q, during his last semester at Miami University. He thanks his family and friends for all
Biographies of their support and encouragement and wishes everyone happy holidays. Kayla Slater (Gloria/ensemble) is thrilled to be performing at TrueNorth. Her passion for performing started at an early age and has led to many great rolls such as Abigail Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at Playhouse Square, Gloria in Wait Until Dark and Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. She has performed in This Way to Broadway and A Time to Shine Cabaret on Broadway in NYC. Kayla is an eighth grader at Assumption Academy. She is blessed to have her Mom and coaching team supporting her dream of being on stage and in television and film. Hailey Spikes (Susan) is extremely proud to be joining the cast of White Christmas. Hailey lives in Columbia Station and is in the seventh grade. Hailey has been singing and acting since she was 7 years old. Hailey has been in numerous plays at Olmsted Performing Arts. Hailey’s most memorable role was playing
Kayla,
You are my shining Star!
Love, Mom
Fern in Charlotte’s Web. Hailey also had the opportunity to be involved in four local films and has had solo singing performances on Broadway. Hailey enjoys swimming, dancing, spending time with her pets and vacationing in Florida. Hailey would like to thank her family for their love and support. Devin Sugerik ( T r a i n Conductor/ ensemble) is delighted and honored to be asked to perform here at TrueNorth. This may be his first musical here, but Devin has been acting for nearly a decade in a wide variety of shows. However, he doesn’t want to bore you with all the details. He hopes that you’ll enjoy tonight’s performance and wishes you very merry holidays!
Production Team Rick Fortney (Co-Director) is the Founder and Executive Director of TrueNorth Cultural Arts, Artistic Director to the TrueNorth Theatre and Cultural Arts Manager for the Lorain County Metro Parks. He previously served as the Director of Choral Activities at Cleveland’s John Marshall High School (2000 – 2008) Minister of Music at Heritage Presbyterian Church in Amherst (2007 – 2009), Director of Music and Creative Arts Ministries at St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Bay Village (1999 – 2006), and Director of Worship Ministries / Minister of Music at Bay Presbyterian Church in Bay Village (1990 – 1999). His professional singing Pg. 23
Biographies resume includes performances with New York Choral Artists, Musica Sacra, Trevor Pinnock’s Classical Band Chorus, The New York Concert Singers, The Juilliard Singers, The National Chorale, The David Dussing Singers, and featured Soloist within the Calvary Baptist Chamber Concert Series. Theatrically he was Spirit McCoy in The Hatfield’s and McCoy’s in Beckley, West Virginia outdoor theatre; worked with American Entertainment, singing at Convention Shows, State Fairs and Cruise Ships for a number of years; and was in the opera chorus for three seasons with Director Peter Sellers while living in New York City. Since returning to Ohio he has been with Mighty Goliath Productions, Huntington Playhouse, and ACT of Brunswick; as an active chorister, he has been a member of CleveWest Music Consorte, and The Canterbury Singers, USA with which he has sung several choral residencies at Cathedrals throughout England. Rick received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts Degrees from Bowling Green State University. Amy Hanratty (Co-Director) is honored to be making her TrueNorth debut. As the Artistic Director of Voice Variations, Amy provides training in vocal technique and acting locally and abroad. Many of her students are in National Tours, Broadway Musicals, and star on Nickelodeon, ABC, and Lifetime. Amy has been the vocal director for three Broadway shows with This Way To Broadway produced by Thommie Retter (Billy Elliot) where she has worked with the showbiz kids of Broadway NYC. Her passion is to help students develop a love of the Arts, while building confidence and encouraging them to dream. Amy is also the Audition Assistant for Destination Pg. 24 Broadway, directed by Emmy
award winning Broadway Music Director Michael Rafter. She is very proud of the musicians, choreographers, cast, and crew who have worked so hard to make this Holiday Classic come to life on the TrueNorth stage. She thanks her Husband, three children and three dogs for their love and support. www.voice-variations.com Julie Billinghurst (Stage Manager) is happy to be a part of this fantastic production! Previously, Julie was the stage manager for Big Fish at TrueNorth and has performed on the TrueNorth stage as Mama Ogre/Dulacian in Shrek and Farmer Yellow in Aesop’s Fable-ous Barnyard Bash. Making this experience even more rewarding has been the opportunity to work with her daughter, Isabel (Judy). Thanks to Rick, Amy, Anthony, Douglas, Nina, Katy, and the entire crew for putting together an incredible show and the entire cast for all of their hard work and dedication to this production! A big thanks to her husband, Mike, for supporting his girls. She hopes you enjoy this holiday classic. Break legs everyone! Douglas Puskas (Scenic Designer/ Props Master) At Virginia Musical Theater in Virginia Beach, VA: The Little Mermaid (Co- Scenic Designer). At Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA: Shrek the Musical (Scenic Designer). At Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, OH: American Idiot (Co-Projection Design), Legally Blonde (Assistant Stage Manager). At the Public Theater in New York, NY: Shakespeare in the Park 2014 Season, Much Ado About Nothing, King Lear, The Winter’s Tale (Properties Intern). At the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatoryofMusic(CCM): Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. (Scenic Designer), Peter Pan (Associate Scenic Designer),
Biographies Legally Blonde (Assistant Director). www.douglaspuskas.com Katy E. Russell (Choreographer) a native of NE Ohio has an immense background in dance and theatre. Having grown up in the arts, it was no surprise she pursued it further as she graduated from Cedarville University having studied communications and theatre. At Cedarville, Katy was the choreographer and talent coordinator for Elliv, a large scale award show, she performed in and choreographed multiple theatre shows, and received a Day-Tony for her choreography in Cedarville’s production of Hello, Dolly. The arts have taken her everywhere from Australia and Europe, and Chicago to LA where she has trained under Laura Edwards, Kevin Maher, Luther Brown, Donyelle Jones, Rhapsody, Jabbawockeez, and more. Now she is back in NE Ohio teaching and creating choreography for a variety of projects including work at the Lorain Palace Theatre and Playhouse Square in Cleveland. She currently teaches with Dancing Classrooms, teaches dance and theatre with Arts in Stark and the Artful Living program, and is the head coach of the speech and debate team at her alma mater, Louisville High School. Recently, Katy and her choreography were highlighted at the Canton Palace Theatre where she was teaching as a pro in Dancing with the Canton Stars. Katy also works in the talent and casting world, having worked on a myriad of shows, including The Voice, MasterChef, and Dance Moms. Nina Takacs (Choreographer) is so incredibly excited to be choreographing this fabulous production! Nina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pg. 26 Theatre and Dance from
the College of Wooster. Nina has choreographed many local productions including Seussical The Musical, Shrek, and Hairspray. Nina is also a local performer, starring in Songs for a New World, The Glass Menagerie, Cabaret, Much Ado About Nothing, and Mary Queen of Scots Got her Head Chopped Off, Spamalot and many more. Nina has also performed professionally with Ohio Light Opera, College Opera Company, Pickwick and Frolic and Cleveland Public Theatre. Nina is a graduate of the acting program at the Gaiety School of Theatre in Dublin, Ireland and is the recipient of the Allardice-Wise Prize for Excellence in Theatre. Nina was also honored to attend the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival as a semi-finalist in the Irene Ryan Scholarship Competition. Nina enjoys cooking delicious things, watching entire Netflix series’ in one sitting, and espresso. Enjoy the show! Anthony Trifiletti (music director) is an active solo pianist, collaborative artist, and music director throughout much of Ohio. As a pianist and music director, Anthony has held positions at TrueNorth Cultural Arts Center, The Lorain Palace Theatre, Lorain Palace Youth Theatre, Sandstone Summer Theatre, Amherst Workshop Players, Lorain Community Music Theatre, The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton Opera, Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings, and numerous other venues. Anthony is currently serving on the Board of Directors for TrueNorth Cultural Arts Center. He is a recent graduate of the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. While at UD, Anthony was the recipient of the Award for Outstanding Collaborative Pianist and performed at the American Choral Director’s Association National
Pg. 27
Biographies Convention in 2013. Besides working in theatrical and other performance related settings, Anthony is an active church musician having served at numerous parishes throughout the state. He is currently the music director at St. Peter in Lorain. Congratulations cast, crew, and orchestra on a wonderful performance!
All-City Musical for the Cleveland school system for eight seasons. He also had the good fortune to have worked with Bebe Neuwirth in her concert performance for the Ideastream Gala in 2005. He was honored to be among the first group of LORT sound designers to achieve recognition in USA 829.
Stan Kozak (Sound Designer) Stan Kozak, currently in his twenty-seventh season at Great Lakes Theater, has more than 50 design credits including Bat Boy: The Musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Comedy of Errors, Amadeus, You Can’t Take It With You, Private Lives, Into the Woods and the Tom Hanks’ benefit performances. His work in 1979 and 1981 with Geraldine Fitzgerald on Streetsongs at GLTF led to the original cast album. Mr. Kozak was the resident sound designer for four seasons at the Porthouse Theatre Company, including productions of Driving Miss Daisy, Niteclub Confidential and a Nightingale Sang. His collaborations with Victoria Bussert at Baldwin-Wallace College include productions of Chess, Hair, Company, Cabaret, West Side Story, Tommy in Concert, Parade, the Ohio premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion, and one of the first nonprofessional productions of Phantom of the Opera. For Cain Park, his design credits include Secret Garden, Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Bat Boy, Tick, tick…Boom, Nine, The Wiz, Harold and Maude and Pippin. Mr. Kozak has also designed sound for Wit and Last Five Years for the Dobama Theater, Iolanthe and Sweeney Todd for the Cleveland Opera, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Forbidden Broadway SVU for the Hanna Theatre and A Shayna Maidel, Brooklyn Boy and Pangs of the Messiah for the JCC. He has served Pg. 28 as sound designer for the
D. Justin Bilewicz, III (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be designing White Christmas for TrueNorth. Justin is a graduate of Ashland University and works as a freelance Costume Designer for the local area. In addition to designing costumes, Justin is the producer for Sandstone Summer Theatre in Amherst, Ohio, the Drama Director for Clearview High School and the Palace Youth Theatre’s Director in Lorain, Ohio. Some of Justin’s most recent and favorite costume credits include Carrie, The Musical (Sandstone Summer Theatre), A Streetcar Named Desire (Mamaí Theatre Company), Jesus Christ Superstar (TrueNorth Cultural Arts), Antigone (Clearview High School), Gypsy (Lorain Palace Theatre), Waiting for Lefty (Case Western Reserve University), and The Bald Soprano (Case Western Reserve University). Justin would like to say thank you to his loving family & friends and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Bryanna Bauman (Lighting Designer) is a recent graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a double specialization in acting/directing and design technology. She is thrilled to be designing her first show here at TrueNorth Cultural Arts. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her career choices, however hectic. She is wishing the company a safe and successful run. Break legs!
Pg. 29
Pg. 31
Help keep the arts alive! Make a tax-deductible donation today. Remember the thrill you experienced the first time you were on stage? How about the first time you watched your child’s face light up as they were introduced to the magic of the theatre? Or the first time you experienced a beautiful piece of music or work of art? Help TrueNorth bring a set of “first times” to a brand new generation. Keep the arts alive for our children to enjoy and carry on our message. TrueNorth is a non-profit organization that relies on support from people just like you. Your donation is tax-deductible and helps us bring the following to the community: Professional theatre in Lorain County A Family Life Series geared towards younger children Arts Education programs A Chorale & Symphony Fine Arts Free workshops in arts and nature And much more! To make a tax-deductible donation, please contact Rick Fortney at (440) 949-5200 Ext. 229, or simply mail a check to TrueNorth Cultural Arts, Attn: Donations, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village OH 44054.
Pg. 32
Thank you for your continued support!
Ford Motor Company is proud to sponsor TrueNorth Cultural Arts!
Pg. 33
2015 Donors SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS ($1,000 or more) Hu & Jan Auburn Avon Lake Printing Paul Balcom & Cathy Dietlin Bendix Steven Bridge Campana Development CenturyLink Emerson Charitable Trust Ford Motor Company Fortney Family Foundation Hermes, 5K Artsfest Cathy and Eric Harvey (in memory of George and Jane Oechsle) Key Bank Foundation Lorain County Metro Parks Sherrill “Cookie” McLoda Bob & Lynn Miller The Morning Journal Ohio Business College PGA Tour Inc. Carl & Ruth Prokop WOBL/WDLW Jean Young PODIUM PARTNERS ($500 - $999) LCCC Foundation Parsons Insurance Judy Reich (in memory of Bob Reich) CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE ($250 - $499) Jen & Adam Bilczo Daryl & Karen Edwards Laura Golden Benjamin & Sara Jane Norton Paul Balcom CONCERTMASTERS ($100 - $249) Joseph & Sandra Agnello (in memory of Larry Gaynor) Joseph Bacha
Jonell, Keven & Tyler Baker Bruce & Jennifer Barden Charlotte & Bruce Burge Margerita Gerborg Hermes 5K Artsfest David & Mary Ann Heuerman Judith A. Klucas Frida & Michael McGee Navital Inc. Barbara A. Nicol Sara Otts Paul & Janice Peters Carl & Ruth Prokop Charles & Carolyn Reed Joseph & Sally Smith Karen Wagner Konnie Wenneman Kathryn L. Whyte Andrew & Michelle Young FRIENDS OF THE ARTS ($50 - $99) Becker’s Donuts Ted & Terri Brewer Paul & Francis Burik James & Mary Ruth Burns Dustin & Patricia Bush Deb Chelko Constance L Clark Sally Cornwell David & Mary Jane Croston Sandra & Dave Dibbell Doris J. Gaertner Sandi Gerhan Brett Hall Ed & Muriel Homer Kuno A. & Christa Josupeit Mark & Michelle Kelly Barbara Mamrar Julie Mannarelli Leslie R. McGinnis Lila McGinnis
Want to see your name here? Contact Rick Fortney at (440) 949-5200 to find out how you can make your tax-deductible donation
2015 Donors (cont.) FRIENDS OF THE ARTS (cont.) Gene & Joyce Nickley Frank & Sandra O’Dell Dudley & MaryAnn Price Michael & Patricia Sweeney Gaylord & Sandra Tucker Sylvia Upchurch & Edward J. Selavko Carole Z. Warren Allen & Martha West Stand & Muir West Richard & Delores Wyer UNDERSTUDIES Quella Columbaro Lawrence & Claudia Forbes Mark & Robin Johnson Christa Josupeit Margaret Kurta Lynne Medlik Nina Sobel Jeff Steeber The Rock Pile Becky Voit Laura Weichel E.J. Wennerberg Jean Youngs
Want to see your name here? Contact Rick Fortney at (440) 949-5200 to find out how you can make your tax-deductible donation
Connect with TrueNorth
Want to get the latest scoop on auditions, performances, behind the scenes photos, contests, videos, and more? Stay connected with TrueNorth by “liking� our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/TNCArts
Your Ad Here! TrueNorth serves thousands of captive audience members each year. What better way to spread your company’s message? For advertising opportunities call (440) 949-5200 Ext. 228
Lorain County Metro Parks is a proud partner of TrueNorth Cultural Arts!
Let it snow... The TrueNorth Big Band has the holiday music to warm your soul. Big Band Holiday Concert Wednesday, Dec. 8th at 8:00pm
Bop Stop at the Music Settlement 2920 Detroit Ave. Cleveland 44113 Tickets $10 at the door
Sinatra’s 100th Birthday Saturday, Dec. 12th at 7:30pm
Trinity Hall at John Knox Presbyterian Church 25200 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted 44070 Tickets $15 Adults $10 Youth For tickets to all concerts and events call the Box Office at (440) 949-5200 Ext. 221 or visit www.TNCArts.org. TrueNorth Cultural Arts is in partnership with Lorain County Metroparks
WE BELIEVE IN
“We became ideaLeaders because we think investing in ideastream is the way to get involved in supporting the community.� - Donald and Karin Hopkins
Find out more at ideastream.org/support