Cleveland’s Classic Company at the Hanna Theatre presents
May 5 – 21, 2017
Photo: Roger Mastroianni
Great Lakes Theater
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Welcome..................................................................................................................... 4 About Great Lakes Theater............................................................................................ 5 News & Notes.............................................................................................................. 6 Forever Plaid................................................................................................................ 9 Spotlight on Forever Plaid........................................................................................... 10 Cast of Characters...................................................................................................... 11 The Songs................................................................................................................. 12 The Artistic Company................................................................................................. 14 Donors....................................................................................................................... 20 Trustees..................................................................................................................... 26 Staff.......................................................................................................................... 27 Guest Services........................................................................................................... 30 May/June at Playhouse Square.................................................................................... 31
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WELCOME Dear Friends,
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n behalf of our artists, staff and Board of Trustees, welcome to Great Lakes Theater’s 55th season! Our mission, “to bring the pleasure, power and relevance of classic theater to the widest possible audience,” guides our mainstage productions as well as our educational programming. It is our belief that theater holds the capacity to illuminate truth and enduring values, celebrate and challenge human nature and actions, and provide our student audiences with a glimpse of a broader world and the wellspring of learning made possible through the arts.
This finale to our 2016-17 season is our first-ever production of Stuart Ross’ beloved jukebox musical, Forever Plaid. Resident Director Victoria Bussert brings her usual flair to a production starring four rising stars of the musical theater whose “angelic voices” will transport you to a nostalgic world of the 1950s. I encourage you to read through your program and look around the theater tonight. You will see the names of many friends, partners, corporations and foundations whose generous support makes all of this possible. We hope that you will consider joining these donors by becoming a member of the Great Lakes Theater family with your gift! We extend our special appreciation to The Kulas Foundation, which has sponsored our musical productions for the last several years as “The Kulas Musical Theater Series at Great Lakes Theater.” We are also grateful to the First Energy Foundation for their generous support of Forever Plaid as a production sponsor. Additionally, we thank all of our sponsors and annual members, with continued appreciation to our partners of over 30 years at Playhouse Square and the tireless efforts of our Board of Trustees, dedicated administrative staff, gifted artists and the tremendous generosity of this community! I hope to see you in our audience again in 2017-18 for our extraordinary upcoming season.
Charles Fee Producing Artistic Director
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Gift Shop is open pre-show & during intermission.
ABOUT GREAT LAKES THEATER
T
he mission of Great Lakes Theater (GLT), through its main stage productions and its education programs, is to bring the pleasure, power and relevance of classic theater to the widest possible audience. Since the company’s inception in 1962, programming has been rooted in Shakespeare, but GLT’s commitment to great plays spans the breadth of all cultures, forms of theater and time periods –– including the 20th century –– and provides for the occasional mounting of new works that complement the classical repertoire. Classic theater holds the capacity to illuminate truth and enduring values, celebrate and challenge human nature and actions, revel in eloquent language, and preserve the traditions of diverse cultures and generate communal spirit. On its main stage and through its education programs, GLT seeks to create visceral, immediate experiences for participants, asserting theater’s historic role as a vehicle for advancing the common good and helping people make the joyful and meaningful connections between classic plays and their own lives.
The company’s commitment to classic theater is magnified in the educational programs that surround its productions. Since its inception, GLT has had a strong presence in area schools, bringing students to the theater for matinee performances and sending specially trained actor-teachers to the schools for weeklong residencies developed to explore classic drama from a theatrical point of view. GLT is equally dedicated to enhancing the theater experience for adult audiences. To this end, GLT regularly serves as the catalyst for community events and programs in the arts and humanities that illuminate the plays on its stage. Great Lakes Theater is one of only a handful of American theaters that have stayed the course as a classic theater. As GLT moves into a new era with a permanent home in the Hanna Theatre, the company reaffirms its belief in the power of partnership, its determination to make this community a better place in which to live, and its commitment to ensure the legacy of classic theater in Cleveland.
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Great Lakes Theater’s fall 2016 production of My Fair Lady (Photo by Roger Mastroianni)
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NEWS & NOTES Anniversary Accolades
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As we commence the final production in our 55th season, we are proud to commemorate two other amazing anniversaries. The 2016-17 season marks Charles Fee’s 15th year of helming Great Lakes Theater as producing artistic director. In addition, Victoria Bussert celebrates her 30th season as a resident director. We look forward to charting many more anniversary accolades and memorable future productions in the decades to come. But in this moment, we say “bravo” and “thank you” to Charlie and Vicky for their extraordinary contributions to the legacy of Great Lakes Theater.
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Road Trip
Spotlight on Support
Play’s the Thing
This month, the artists, technicians, sets, costumes and props from our recent productions of Wait Until Dark and Hamlet begin a 2,000 mile journey. They’re headed west to Boise, Idaho, to commence the 41st season of Idaho Shakespeare Festival — our cross-country producing partner since 2002. The team will make the trip back to Cleveland this fall with two brand-new productions in tow to open our 56th year — The Hunchback of Notre Dame and A Midsummer Night’s Dream — after successful Boise runs. Join us in wishing the entire company safe travels and Mountain Time Zone standing ovations in the meantime.
Donald and Anne Palmer are classic theater aficionados who have traveled the world to see great live productions. The Palmers also appreciate and support classic theater right here in Cleveland as generous financial contributors to Great Lakes Theater. In 2014, the Palmers offered to help create a special new section in our playbills. The Spotlight: An Insider’s Guide section now includes a variety of informative and entertaining articles designed to provide historical context and behind-thescenes insights into the company’s Shakespeare productions. We thank Donald and Anne Palmer for their vision and support to enhance the patron experience!
Play is the thing at Camp Theater!, Great Lakes Thea ter’s summer camp for students ages 4 -18 at BereaMidpark High School, June 12-23. Students discover the stage in a safe and supportive environment while engaging with GLT’s professional teaching artists, gain confidence performing scene work, work as a team in Club Improv and learn valuable skills in dance, stage makeup and combat. There’s never a dull moment! For complete information or to register, visit GreatLakesTheater.org.
FROM THE PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING SONGWRITERS OF NEXT TO NORMAL AND THE WRITER OF TV’S PARENTHOOD “A POLISHED, PEPPY, MODERN FAIRY TALE!” Washington Post
2017-18 SEASON SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Sept 9 – Oct 1, 2017
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK Oct 21 – Nov 12, 2017
A CHRISTMAS STORY Nov 24 – Dec 23, 2017
MARIE AND ROSETTA Jan 20 – Feb 11, 2018
THE INVISIBLE HAND Feb 17 – Mar 11, 2018
APR 15 – MAY 20 book by BRIDGET CARPENTER music by TOM KITT • lyrics by BRIAN YORKEY based on the novel by MARY RODGERS and the Walt Disney motion pictures directed by CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Apr 14 – May 6, 2018
THE ROYALE May 5 – 27, 2018
TICKETS START AT $25
SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW
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Cleveland’s Classic Company AT THE HANNA THEATRE
presents...
2017/18 season
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE UP TO 28%! Great Lakes Theater’s Production of a Soaring Musical Epic
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
September 29 - November 4, 2017 / Hanna Theatre
Music by Alan Menken / Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz / Book by Peter Parnell Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film
Shakespeare’s Magical Comic Masterpiece
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM October 6 - November 5, 2017 / Hanna Theatre By William Shakespeare
Northeast Ohio’s Favorite Holiday Tradition
A CHRISTMAS CAROL November 25 - December 23, 2017 / Ohio Theatre
By Charles Dickens / Adapted and Directed by Gerald Freedman
Stephen King’s Unforgettable Thriller
MISERY
February 16 - March 11, 2018 / Hanna Theatre Based on the novel by Stephen King / Adapted by William Goldman
Shakespeare’s Towering Tragedy
MACBETH
March 30 - April 15, 2018 / Hanna Theatre By William Shakespeare
Off Broadway’s Groovy Retro-Hit Revue
BEEHIVE - The 60s Musical
May 4 - 20, 2018 / Hanna Theatre Created by Larry Gallagher
216.640.8869 / GreatLakesTheater.org
Hanna Theatre | May 5 – 21, 2017
Charles Fee Producing Artistic Director
With generous support from: Presents
Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by Originally Produced by Directed by
JAMES RAITT
GENE WOLSK
VICTORIA BUSSERT Company
Andrew Kotzen*
James Penca*
Mickey Patrick Ryan*
Choreographer Gregory Daniels Scenic Designer Jeff Herrmann Stage Manager Tim Kinzel*
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STUART ROSS
Written and Originally Directed and Choreographed by
Mack Shirilla*
Music Director Matthew Webb Lighting Designer Mary Jo Dondlinger
Sound Designer David Gotwald
Assistant Stage Manager Amy Essick
*Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
There will be one fifteen-minute intermission. Forever Plaid is part of the Kulas Musical Theater Series at Great Lakes Theater. Student subscriptions to Great Lakes Theater are subsidized in part by a generous gift from Eaton Corporation. Forever Plaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, New York, NY. Tel: 212-541-4684. Fax: 212-397-4684. www.MTIShows.com
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SPOTLIGHT ON FOREVER PLAID
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tuart Ross, book writer and creator of Forever Plaid, was just a boy of five in 1956 when his older brother went off to college and left him a collection of vinyl 45s. It included The Four Freshman, The Four Aces and The Four Lads. His parents also owned … wait for it … a diner! Who better to write a 1950s jukebox musical about a foursome of aspiring clean-cut, close-harmony singing, plaid-wearing young men? Ross has written us the story of Frankie, Smudge, Sparky and Jinx, a quartet returning from the afterlife (they had been killed in a collision with a bus full of Catholic girls) to play their dream gig. With 28 songs, including “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “Lady of Spain” and “Shangri-La,” we’re transported to a time where four-part boy bands harmonized their way from gig to gig. The tightly arranged vocals are lush, romantic and swoon-worthy. It’s a style that personified romance and innocence, a style that both parents and kids listened to together in the 1950s. It’s important to remember that Forever Plaid is not a spoof or parody. It is truly earnest and sincere. It just happens to be funny along the way. There’s an innocence and a charm in the notion that four high school chums might rehearse in the family basement, might talk of young love and squabble about dance moves and harmony parts. The true joy of a jukebox musical is that you could strip the set and lights, and enjoy a concert of 28 nostalgic tunes that transport you to a bygone era of music. Forever Plaid is no exception. —D ave Pepin, Music Director, Forever Plaid, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, 2016
Be the Star of the Show PHOTO: JULIE HAHN/SUGARBUSH DESIGN
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CAST OF CHARACTERS (Characters are listed in order of speaking.) Francis...................................................................................................Mack Shirilla *† Sparky................................................................................................... Andrew Kotzen * Jinx............................................................................................... Mickey Patrick Ryan * Smudge.................................................................................................... James Penca * Musicians Matthew Webb..................................................................................... Conductor/Piano Timothy Powell...................................................................................................... Bass † Dance Captain * Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
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The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
- Jim Simon & Craig Libman
Find out more at ideastream.org/support
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THE SONGS ANNIVERSARY SONG by Al Jolson and Saul Chaplin. ©MCMXLVI Mood Music Co. Inc., New York New York. Copyright renewed. Worldwide Copyright Administrator: Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc. Used by permission.
MOMENTS TO REMEMBER by Al Stillman and Robert Allen. Used by permission of Larry Spier, Inc.
CATCH A FALLING STAR by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss. Used by permission of Emily Music Corp.
PAPA LOVES TO MAMBO by Al Hoffman, Dick Mannning and Bix Reichner. © MCMLIV Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc. New York, NY. Used by permission.
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CHAIN GANG Written by Sam Cooke. Published by Abkco Music, Inc. Used by permission. CRAZY ‘BOUT YA BABY by Pat Barret and Rudi Maugeri. Used by permission of Wanessa Music Production, Co. CRY by Churchill Kohlman. ©MCMLI Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., Inc., New York, NY. Copyright renewed. Used by permission. DAY-O by Erik Darling, Bob Carey and Alan Arkin. Used by permission of Cherry Lane Music Publishing Co., Inc. DREAM ALONG WITH ME by Carl Sigman. Used by permission of Major Songs Co. GOTTA BE THIS OR THAT by Sonny Skylar. Used by permission of Music Sales Corporation (ASCAP), copyright owner.
PERFIDIA by Milton Leeds and Alberto Dominguez. Used by permission of Peer International Corp. RAGS TO RICHES by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. Used by permission of Major Songs Co. SHANGRI-LA by Carl Sigman, Matt Malneck and Robert Maxwell. Used by permission of EMI Robbins Catalog Inc. SHE LOVES YOU by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Used by permission of Gil Music Corp. SING TO ME MR. C by Charles Ray. Used by permission of Roncorn Music Company. SIXTEEN TONS by Merle Travis. Used by permission of Unichappel Music, Inc.
HEART AND SOUL by Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser. Used by permission of Famous Music Corp.
TEMPTATION by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown. Used by permission of EMI Robbins Catalog Inc.
JAMAICA FAREWELL by Lord Burgess. Used by permission of Cherry Lane Music Publishing Co., Inc.
THEME FROM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY by Ennio Morricone. Used by permission of EMI Unart Catalog Inc.
KINGSTON MARKET by Irving Burgie. Used by permission of Cherry Lane Music Publishing Co., Inc.
THREE COINS IN THE FOUNTAIN by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne. Used by permission of WB Music Corp. and Chappell & Co.
LADY OF SPAIN by Robert Hargreaves, Tolchard Evans, Stanley J. Damerell and Henry Tilsley. Used by Permission of Sam Fox Publishing Co., Inc.
UNDECIDED by Sid Robbin and Charles Shavers. Used by permission of MCA Music Publishing, a division of MCA Inc.
LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING by Paul Francis Webster and Sammy Fain. Used by permission of EMI Miller Catalog Inc.
SH BOOM Published by Warner/Unichappell Music, Inc.
MAGIC MOMENTS by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Used by permission of Famous Music Corp.
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NO, NOT MUCH by Al Stillman and Robert Allen. Used by permission of Kitty Anne Music.
MATILDA by Harry Thomas. Used by permission of MCA Music Publishing, a division of MCA Inc.
Dedication: Forever Plaid is dedicated to the “good guys;” to the guys who wheeled the projector carts, for the AV club; to the guys who saved their allowance to give their parents a special night on the town for their anniversary; to the guys who carried an extra handkerchief; to the guys who never went beyond first base, and if they did, they didn’t tell anyone. We Salute You!
Cleveland’s Classic Company at the Hanna Theatre, Playhouse Square
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THE ARTISTIC COMPANY
at Playhouse Square
Andrew Kotzen* Sparky Great Lakes Theater debut
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Andrew is thrilled to be making his Great Lakes Theater debut! He was most recently seen portraying the role of Sparky at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Other credits include Greg in A Chorus Line, Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street, Fleet in Titanic and Melchior in Spring Awakening. Proud Baldwin Wallace music theater graduate. Thanks to Vicky, Greg, Charlie and the entire cast, crew and staff at GLT for this incredible opportunity. Endless love to Mom and Dad for everything you do. James Penca* Smudge Three seasons with Great Lakes Theater James is thrilled to return to GLT after appearing at the Hanna five years ago in Sondheim on Sondheim. Favorite NYC: The Artist and the Scientist (CAP21 Theatre Company) as Scientist, Save the Date (NYC Fringe) as Michael and The Joe Iconis Christmas Extravaganza ’13, ’14, ’15 and ’16 (54 Below) as Mr. Jensen-Myer. Favorite regional: The Fantasticks (Idaho Shakespeare Festival) as Mortimer, The Circus in Winter (Goodspeed) as Ollie, Nine Wives (Sharon Playhouse) as Henry and Forever Plaid (Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival/Idaho Shakespeare Festival) as Smudge. Proud Cleveland native, member of Actors’ Equity, and graduate of the Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre Program where he helped found the annual Baldwin Wallace Beatles Festival, now in its seventh year. James would like to dedicate his two songs to the greatest Plaids a Smudge could ask for: Andrew, Mickey, Mack and Peter. Big thanks to Vicky and Greg for doing this a third time, and Mama and Dada for, once again, everything. Go Cavs. jamespenca.com
Mickey Patrick Ryan* Jinx Two seasons with Great Lakes Theater Mickey Ryan is beyond excited to be back in the Hanna Theatre. Mickey was last seen at GLT as Joly in Les Misérables and Simple in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Other credits include The Comedy of Errors, Carousel, Dogfight and Carrie. Mickey is a proud graduate of BWU. Endless gratitude to all his friends and family, BWMT’15, Vicky and Mom. Mack Shirilla* Francis Great Lakes Theater debut As a homegrown Cleveland boy, Mack couldn’t be more excited to join the Great Lakes family! Previous credits include Huck Finn (Big River), Mike (Theory of Relativity), Cain/Japeth (Children of Eden), Chad (All Shook Up), Bobby C (Saturday Night Fever), Lockwood (History Boys) and George (Spring Awakening). Mack is also the owner/creative director of his own design studio (bigstachedesign.com) and a proud graduate of the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory. He sends his love to Mom, Dad and Kristin, as well as his friends and everyone at Abrams Artists Agency for their never-ending support. @mackshirillla
Understudies Jason Goldston, Chandler Smith
Directors Victoria Bussert Director Thirty seasons with Great Lakes Theater Victoria Bussert returns for her thirtieth season at GLT, balancing the professional and academic worlds between her active life as an award-winning free-lance director while holding the position of Director of Music Theatre for Baldwin Wallace University. Nationally, her work has been seen at
Manhattan Theatre Club, York Theatre, New World Stages, Goodspeed Opera, Playhouse Square, Portland Stage, Dallas Theatre Center, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Anchorage Opera. Her international credits include Friar Tuck in Russia, The Who’s Tommy in Brazil, the Danish premiere of Avenue Q (2012 Reumert Award nomination) and the European premieres of Lizzie and [title of show] for the Fredericia Teater in Denmark. This past February, Victoria made her London directorial debut with the critically acclaimed production of Lizzie. Other recent directing assignments have included the award-winning My Fair Lady for ISF/GLT, In the Heights for Beck Center and West Side Story for BW. Many thanks to Matt, Greg, Charlie and those crazy Plaids! victoriabussert.com
Gregory is thrilled to return to GLT after choreographing My Fair Lady, The Fantasticks, The Secret Garden, Les Misérables, Cabaret and Sondheim on Sondheim. Credits include the regional premieres of In the Heights, Dogfight, Carrie: The Musical and Spring Awakening (2012 & 2014 Cleveland Critics Circle award for Best Choreography), all at Beck Center. Other choreographic credits include Anything Goes; the world premiere of a new musical, My Own Song; and Putting It Together (Syracuse Stage) starring Tony Award winners Lillias White and Chuck Cooper; Dreamgirls; Lizzie; Murder Ballad
Charles Fee Producing Artistic Director Fifteen seasons with Great Lakes Theater Directing credits at GLT: Hamlet (2017 & 2003), And Then There Were None, Dial “M” for Murder, Deathtrap, Blithe Spirit, Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, All’s Well That Ends Well, Hay Fever, The Importance of Being Earnest, Arms and the Man and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Charles holds a unique position in the American theater as producing artistic director of three independently operated, professional theater companies: Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland, Ohio (since 2002); Idaho Shakespeare Festival in Boise, Idaho (since 1991) and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival in Incline Village, Nevada (since 2010). His appointments have resulted in a dynamic and groundbreaking producing model for the
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Gregory Daniels Choreographer Five seasons with Great Lakes Theater
and Saturday Night Fever. He also had the rare honor of creating and choreographing a brand-new number for The Rockettes for The Commerce Bank Wow Awards. As the head of the Dance Department at Baldwin Wallace University since 2010, he has choreographed many shows, including A Chorus Line and most recently West Side Story. He is a proud member of SDC. Special thanks to his creative collaborating partner Vicky, to Charlie, Chris, Bob and the entire GLT family, and especially to his husband, Jared, for always being there with smiles, support and inspiration. For more info, please visit gregorydaniels.net.
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companies, in which more than 60 plays have been shared since 2002. In 2009, Charles was honored to receive recognition for his leadership by the Cleveland Arts Prize as a recipient of the Martha Joseph Award. Other awards include The Mayor’s and Governor’s awards for Excellence in the Arts, Idaho. From 1988 to 1992, he held the position of artistic director at the Sierra Repertory Theatre in California. He has also worked with The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, the Milwaukee and Missouri repertory theaters, Actor’s Theatre of Phoenix and the Los Angeles Shakespeare Festival. In addition to his work with the companies in Ohio, Idaho and Nevada, Charles is active within the community. He has served as a member of the strategic planning committee for the Morrison Center, as producer of the FUNDSY Award Gala (’96, ’98 and 2000), and as producer of the 1996 Idaho Governor’s Awards in the Arts. Charles has served on the board of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Downtown Rotary Club. He received his BA from the University of the Pacific and Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, San Diego. Along with his wife, Lidia and daughter, Alexa, Charles resides in Boise, Cleveland and Lake Tahoe –– a feat that is only possible because of the incredible love and support of his family, and the generous communities he serves! Matthew Webb Music Director Ten seasons with Great Lakes Theater
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Matthew is a graduate of the Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music, resides in New York City and hails from Cordova, Illinois. Earlier this season: sound design for Hamlet. Previously at Great Lakes Theater: The Fantasticks, Sweeney Todd, Sondheim on Sondheim, Guys & Dolls, Cabaret, Bat Boy: The Musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Into the Woods, Macbeth, Two Gentlemen of Verona and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Matthew is currently the music supervisor for the acclaimed corporate entertainment group, The Water Coolers, and has performed for such clients as AT&T, Adobe, Citibank,
Toastmasters, Gogo Air, Pitney Bowes and Dunkin Brands. For two years, he created the sound design for Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s Shakespearience, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in cooperation with Arts Midwest, and their productions of Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing. He sends abundant love and gratitude to Vicky, Sara, Charlie and his amazing parents, Carol and Jerry.
Designers Mary Jo Dondlinger Lighting Designer Thirty seasons with Great Lakes Theater Career design credits include productions for Circle in the Square, The Irish Repertory, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, TheatreWorks (Hartford) and many others. Mary Jo had long been associated with the York Theatre Company off-Broadway where she designed the original production of The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!), as well as many other musicals and plays. Most recent credits at Great Lakes Theater are The Fantasticks, Les Misérables, Sweeney Todd, Sondheim on Sondheim, and co-designer of the annual holiday presentation of A Christmas Carol. In NYC, her work can currently be seen in The Fantasticks at The Theater Center in Times Square. David Gotwald Sound Designer Three seasons with Great Lakes Theater A native Clevelander, David is thrilled to be returning to the Hanna Theatre — where he experienced his first Broadway road show. Over the last three decades, he was the sound mixer for numerous Broadway productions, including A Chorus Line (1981), Dreamgirls (1983), Sweet Charity (1986), Cabaret (1988), Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (1989), Crazy For You (1991), Passion (1994), Fosse (1998), The Producers (2000), Gypsy (2007), The Addams Family (2009) and the 2014 Best Musical: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. In 2006, David designed the sound for the Tony Award-winning Jay
Johnson - The Two and Only and the off-Broadway hit The Musical of Musicals. In 1975, he designed El Grande de Coca Cola at the State Theatre as part of the rejuvenation of Playhouse Square. He has worked as a concert sound engineer for Tommy Tune, Mandy Patinkin and Patti LuPone and for special events at The Brooklyn Academy of Music, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and NY City Center Encores series. Before heading to New York City, he was a member of the Cleveland Play House Youth Theatre and Production Manager at The Fairmount Center in Novelty, Ohio. Currently, David is teaching at Carnegie Mellon University and designing at Baldwin Wallace University. Jeff Herrmann Scenic Designer Eleven seasons with Great Lakes Theater
Stage Management Tim Kinzel* Stage Manager Seven seasons with Great Lakes Theater Previous Stage Management credits for Great Lakes Theater include A Christmas Carol, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, An Ideal Husband, Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet, Imaginary Invalid, Blithe Spirit, Much Ado About Nothing, Richard III, Deathtrap, As You Like It, Merry Wives of Windsor, Dial “M” for Murder, The Tempest, King Lear, And Then There Were None, Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Fantasticks,
It’s time for a new identity. One that tells the story of creativity in Ohio and illustrates it. Expression is an essential need. By better illustrating our story, we can better help you express yours.
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A resident scenic designer for Great Lakes Theater and Idaho Shakespeare Festival, past designs include My Fair Lady, Sweeney Todd, Cabaret, Bat Boy: The Musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Sondheim on Sondheim, A Funny Thing Happened on the
Way to the Forum, Into the Woods, Les Misérables, The Secret Garden, The Spitfire Grill, Little Shop of Horrors and Noises Off. Jeff is a professor of theater at Baldwin Wallace University and holds an MFA in scene and lighting design from Southern Illinois University. He is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829.
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Twelfth Night, My Fair Lady and Hamlet. Tim has multiple stage management credits from the following companies: Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival; Idaho Shakespeare Festival; Playwrights Horizon; Cherry Lane Theatre, NYC and Houston’s Stages Repertory Theatre. Love to his family and friends. Cleveland native and diehard sports fan. Thank you for supporting the arts at Playhouse Square. Go CAVS! ROLL TRIBE!
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Amy Essick Assistant Stage Manager Three seasons with Great Lakes Theater Previous Production Assistant/Assistant Stage Manager credits include Wait Until Dark, Twelfth Night, The Fantasticks, And Then There Were None, The Secret Garden, A Christmas Carol, The Tempest, Les Misérables and The Merry Wives of Windsor with Great Lakes Theater. Other Assistant Stage Management credits include Damn Yankees, And the World Goes Round, The Sound of Music, Hello Dolly, Chicago and The Sunshine Boys with Porthouse Theater. Amy earned her BA in theater studies from Kent State University. She has also worked as the company manager for Porthouse Theater and The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Love to all my family and friends – thank you for all of the support!
Playwright Stuart Ross Stuart Ross staged the premiere of The Boswell Sisters a new musical, which he co-rote with Mark Hampton at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Conference for the Nation Music Theatre. Prior to this, he directed his new play Tea With Bea at Chicago’s Royal George Theatre and Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theatre. He directed three productions for HBO’s New Writers Project. Also this season, he won Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Director of a Musical. Stuart wrote and
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NIGHTCAP SATURDAYS
directed the musical phenomenon Forever Plaid. He directed the original New York production, as well as subsequent productions across the United States, Japan, Canada and on London’s West End. On Broadway, he co-authored the Tonynominated musical Starmites and the acclaimed Radio City Music Hall Easter Show. Off-Broadway, he wrote Fun With Dick and Jane (workshop Playwrights Horizons), The Heebie Jeebies: The Musical and The Not-So-New Faces. As a director, his work includes Breaking Up; Nasty Little Secrets; Conrack; Creeps; The Lunch Girls; It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman among others. For six seasons, Mr. Ross has been a director and dramaturge for The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Conference. About MTI Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theaters from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theater as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to more than 70,000 professional, community and school theaters in the US and more than 60 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theater, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.
Stick around after Saturday (non-opening night) evening performances to meet and mingle with the cast and crew of the show in the Hanna Theatre lounge. The Hanna’s bar is open ninety minutes after the show on Nightcap Nights!
camp THEATER !
JUNE 12-16 and JUNE 19-23, 2017 FULL- and HALF-DAY camps available! A SUMMER THEATER CAMP FOR STUDENTS AGES 4‐18
Presented by Great Lakes Theater at Berea‐Midpark High School Register online at: Greatlakestheater.org/educa�on Or contact Director of Educa�onal Services, Kelly Schaffer Florian at 216.453.4443 Or via email at korian@greatlakestheater.org
DONORS The trustees, staff and artistic company of Great Lakes Theater express our deepest gratitude to the hundreds of supporters of “Cleveland’s Classic Company.” The donors listed below and on the following pages made generous gifts between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. “I can no other answer make but thanks.” Twelfth Night, Act III, Scene iii
at Playhouse Square
Make a Contribution Great Lakes Theater served more than 100,000 students and adults last year through its Hanna and Ohio Theatre mainstage productions and education programs throughout northeast Ohio. This would not have been possible without the annual support of the hundreds of generous donors listed below. Please join the Great Lakes Theater family by making a tax-deductible contribution to support Cleveland’s Classic Company. Visit the “Support Us” section of our website (GreatLakesTheater.org) or call us at (216) 453-4442 to learn more about our membership and donation programs.
Sponsors: Company Sponsors $100,000 and above The Cleveland Foundation***
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture** Lead Sponsors $50,000 to $99,999 The David & Inez Myers Foundation*** Ohio Arts Council*** The Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Foundation***
The George Gund Foundation*** The Kulas Foundation*** The John P. Murphy Foundation***
Sponsors $25,000 to $49,999 The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation The GAR Foundation*** The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation*** PNC Foundation*
Season Sponsors:
The Reinberger Foundation*** Shakespeare for a New Generation – National Endowment for the Arts
Season Media Sponsors:
The Great Lakes Theater Business Alliance:
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*3 – 5 consecutive years as a donor **6 – 9 consecutive years as a donor ***10 or more consecutive years as a donor
THE LEGACY SOCIETY
Great Lakes Theater’s Legacy Society honors individuals, families, foundations and other generous donors that make gifts to Great Lakes Theater’s Endowment Fund or have made a provision for Great Lakes Theater through their estate plans. Please consider becoming a member of the growing list of generous Great Lakes Theater Legacy Society supporters and help ensure that classic theater endures for future generations in northeast Ohio by designating Great Lakes Theater a beneficiary in your will, trust or other estate plans.
“Evermore thanks.” Marilyn* & Paul* Brentlinger Willard & Donna Carmel Mary* & Leigh Carter Natalie & Morton Epstein* Edward S. Godleski Samuel S. Hartwell Jack & Mary Ann Katzenmeyer Kate Lunsford Mary Anne* & Jack McGrath Janet & Bob Neary
Richard II, Act II, Scene ii James A. Nelson* Donald & Anne Palmer Lynn & Tim Pistell Professor Alan Miles Ruben & Judge Betty Willis Ruben The John Sherwin Family George* & Marjorie* Springer Thomas G. & Ruth M. Stafford Arthur L. Thomas Audrey* & Dick* Watts
*Deceased: The legacy of these generous donors lives on for future generations.
LEAVE A LEGACY!
For more information regarding planned gifts, please contact Don Bernardo, Director of Development. (216) 453-1068 | dbernardo@greatlakestheater.org.
THE SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY
at Playhouse Square
Individual donors of $1,000 and above are members of Great Lakes Theater’s “Shakespeare Society” and are entitled to certain benefits, including invitations to special Society events and activities. For more information, contact Don Bernardo at (216) 453-1068.
Avon Circle $10,000 to $24,999
Globe Circle ($2,500 to $4,999)
Folio Circle ($1,000 to $2,499)
The Abington Foundation* The Community Foundation of Lorain County*** Eaton Corporation*** Jack & Mary Ann Katzenmeyer*** Janet & Bob Neary*** The Lubrizol Foundation*** The Nord Family Foundation*** Nordson Corporation Foundation** Dr. & Mrs. Donald Palmer*** Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Pistell*** Mrs. James O. Roberts*** John & Barbara Schubert*** The Shubert Foundation*** Thomas G. & Ruth M. Stafford***
Chuck & Bonnie Abbey** Michelle R. Arendt*** Walt & Laura Avdey** Dalia & Robert Baker*** David & Carolyn Bialosky* Kim & Bart Bixenstine* Mitch & Liz Blair*** Glenn & Jenny Brown*** Mr. & Mrs. Homer D. W. Chisholm*** The George W. Codrington Charitable Foundation*** Gail Cudak & Thomas Young*** Richard & Evelyn Dolejs* Timothy J. Downing & Ken Press* Charles, Lidia & Alexa Fee** Elizabeth Grove & Rich Bedell* Susan C. & Jeffery A. Hastings** Mary Elizabeth Huber William W. Jacobs*** Katie Kennedy & Doug White Victor C. Laughlin, M.D. Memorial Foundation Trust*** Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Mayer*** Donald W. Morrison*** Nicholas & Sue Peay*** Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Peterman*** Dr. Scott & Mrs. Judy Pendergast*** Thomas A. Piraino & Barbara C. McWilliams** Prof. Alan Miles Ruben & Judge Betty Willis Ruben* Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Ruhl*** Kim Sherwin** Steve Gariepy & Nancy Sin*** Brit & Kate Stenson*** Arthur L. Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Paul L. Wellener IV*** Robert & Emily Williams* Ms. Rebecca A. Zuti & Mr. Anthony D. DeCello**
John & Laura Bertsch** H.F. & J.C. Burkhardt*** Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP** Jack & Janice Campbell*** Beverly J. Coen* Carolyn & Charles Dickson*** Ms. Leslie C. Dickson* Mr. & Mrs. John Dunn Dr. Howard Epstein Leigh L. Fabens Mr. James Graham & Mr. David Dusek Henry G. Grendell* The Gries Family Foundation*** Drs. Thomas & Cynthia Gustaferro Virginia Hansen*** Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Heller Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.*** Faisal Khan & Angela DiCorleto Donna M. & Alex I. Koler Charlotte R. Kramer* John J. & JoAnn D. Lane* Ken & Mary Loparo*** Mr. & Mrs. William E. MacDonald III* Jack McGrath*** John J. Meiburger* Mr. & Mrs. John C. Morley*** Ms. Danielle M. Morris Ms. Karen Nemec** Pamela G. Noble & E. Macke Bentley IV John & Norine Prim*** Ms. Ana G. Rodriguez Linda Schlageter*** Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph K. Schmeller* Sally J. Staley*** Diana & Eugene Stromberg*** Gerald F. Unger*** Mary C. Warren** Mr. & Mrs. Kevin M. White* Julie Sabroff Willoughby Patrick M. Zohn*** John & Jane Zuzek***
Stratford Circle ($5,000 to $9,999) Bridgewater Associates, Inc.** The Eva L. & Joseph M. Bruening Foundation*** Mr. Todd M. Burger & Ms. Kristie Beck Bill & Judie Caster* Barry & Suzanne Doggett*** Carol Dolan & Greggory Hill** Mr. & Mrs. Morton G. Epstein*** Ernst & Young, LLP*** Dianne V. Foley* The Harry K. & Emma R. Fox Foundation*** The Giant Eagle Foundation** Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Hartwell*** Paul R. & Denise Horstman Keen** Diane Kathleen Hupp The Laub Foundation*** Mr. & Mrs. Leslie H. Moeller*** David P. Porter & Margaret K. Poutasse*** Laura & Alvin Siegal The Thomas H. White Foundation, a KeyBank Trust**
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*3-5 consecutive years as a donor. **6-9 consecutive years as a donor. *** 10 or more consecutive years as a donor.
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Welcome! The following individuals made their first gift or returned as active donors to
at Playhouse Square
Great Lakes Theater during the period July 1, 2016 through March 17, 2017. The Great Lakes Theater family welcomes you!
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Joel & Teresa Andreani Kimberley Barton Mr. Thomas Basco Ms. Dolores P. Bastaich Mrs. Viia Beechler Ms. Laura Berick Tom & Dorothy Bier Denise Blanda Dr. W. H. Boom & Ms. Anne L. Batzell Ms. Susan Brenneman Mike & Carole Brown Mr. & Mrs. Eric J. Carlson Mr. & Mrs. Lucien H. Case Eileen Kennedy & Greg Cloyd James Collins Robert & Susan Conrad Virginia Dybicz Dr. & Mrs. Robert L. Fairchild
Sustainers ($500 to $999) Mrs. Al A. Archambault Mr. & Mrs. Glenn G. Anderson, Jr. Robyn & David Barrie*** Mr. Gary D. Benz & Ms. Betsy Karetnick Ms. Melanie Bingham Jeffrey Boecker & Susan Iler Bette Bonder & Patrick Bray** Steven & Sharon Broz* Beverly & Bruce Cameron* Donald & Annamarie Chick*** Mary Dolan & David Haracz James Eschmeyer*** Evans Charitable Foundation Dale & Linda Gabor Janet & Patricia Glaeser*** Ted & Nancy Goble Mr. & Mrs. Randall J. Gordon Gary & Joanna Graeff Mr. A. Allen Howell Kenneth Karosy*** Stewart & Donna Kohl Ms. Shirley Lanzieri Eva & Rudolf Linnebach* Rosa & Samuel Lobe Memorial Fund of the Jewish Federation** Mr. & Mrs. Thomas M. Lynch*** Mark & Barbara Mazzone* Francis & Viola McDowell** Helen & Harry Mercer** David & Leslee Miraldi*** Mr. Ken Myles Deborah L. Neale*** Mr. & Mrs. William Osborne, Jr.*** Mr. John Rampe Thomas & Helen Rathburn** Robert & Linda Jenkins Naomi G. & Edwin Z. Singer Family Fund, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland**
Jon & Mary Fancher Daniel Fishwick Carmela Freeman Gary & Holli Goodman Elaine Green Ms. Roe Green Ms. Lynne Hammerschlag Robin Herrington-Bowen Mr. & Mrs. Stephen H. Hoffman Thomas Jecker Stephen L. Kadish Mr. Kenneth R. Kessler Bill & Susan Kirchner Chris & Laura Larson Susan & John Lebold James Marino Francis Martin Mr. & Mrs. Bruce V. Mavec Gary & Jane Small Mr. Terry Szmagala Kathleen Turner*** Margaret & Loyal Wilson* Women’s Committee of Great Lakes Theater ***
Patrons ($250 to $499) The Thomas and Joann Adler Family Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland** Ms. Laura Aquila Ms. Nancy J. Arndt Mr. & Mrs. Benham S. Bates** Fred & Mary Behm*** Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Berges Jerry & Kathy Berkshire Roger Bielefeld Martha & Wayne Bifano Paul & Heather Blonsky Gary & Kay Bluhm** Bernice A. Bolek*** Tim & Cindy Carr* Larry & Nancy Case Ms. Megan Casserlie* Mr. & Mrs. John Clarry Dr. & Mrs. Kevin D. Cooper* Brian Wynne & Patrick Cozzens* Bruce & Maryellen Cudney Audrey DeClement*** William Demboski Mr. & Mrs. Steve deMoulpied Ms. Anne B. DesRosiers & Mr. Stephen Kadish* Pete & Margaret Dobbins Mr. & Mrs. L. William Erb Ann & Harry Farmer Mr. Joseph A. Ferritto Catherine Fishbach Mary Ann & Joseph Fischer Ms. Michelle Frygier Chad & Ivy Gaizutis* Mr. & Ms. Patrick F. Gallagher
Connie May James L. Mayer Joshua Mayers Mr. & Mrs. Douglas McGregor Mr. Dale R. Montgomery Donald W. Morrison Mr. John M. Moss & Mrs. Karen J. Moss Ms. Barbara H. Nahra Thomas & Jo Ann Neff Mr. & Mrs. Robert Neides Mark Norris Mr. & Mrs. Patrick W. O’Connor Maura O’Donnell-McCarthy Doug Perkowski Ms. Bette M. Prendergast Linda Schlageter Ms. Sue N. Siefert Larry & Jean Gilbert* Ms. Michelle Goad Mr. Richard Goddard Gary & Frances Goins Ilona K. Gram* Douglas Gray Mr. & Mrs. Richard S. Gray** Ms. Jackie Grimm Lee & Peter Haas Ms. Kathleen E. Hancock Ms. Brighid Hillmuth Rick Hoch Mr. Herbert J. Hoppe, Jr. Mr. Richard Hyde Robert & Linda Jenkins** Amy & Jeff Johnson Bernie & Nancy Karr*** Ms. Joylen J. Kent* Mr. & Mrs. Donald Kimmel** Charles King & Catherine Keating Bob & Nanci Kirkpatrick*** James & Rosemary Koehler Ronald G. Kollar** Mr. Gene Kratus Jacob Kronenberg & Barbara Belovich** Stephen & Carolyn Kuerbitz Anne R. & Kenneth E. Love** Thomas & Sheryl Love The Mersol Family*** Mr. Salvatore Mileti Mary & Steve Mitchell*** Dale Sr., Dale Jr. & Gayle Montgomery Mr. & Mrs. Wilmer M. Piper*** Mr. & Mrs. James M. Petras Michael & Paulette Poklar James & Susan Prince Dr. Edward J. Rockwood*** Mrs. Sharon M. Rogers** Otmar & Rota Sackerlotzky*** Jim & Joan Schaefer Mr. Jon Shaffer Ms. Laura Shaw Dr. & Mrs. Lynn A. Smith***
Edward W. & Donna Rae Smith Anthony Smits James & Susan Spallino Christopher & Gail Steward Rabbi Eddie & Dr. Roxanne Sukol Karl & Carol Theil Wulf & Moira Utian Mr. & Mrs. David I. Warren Chris & Mary Weaver David Wildermuth William Wilkinson Todd Wilson & Jennifer Eppich Ms. Janet R. Wolf Mr. Lee C. Zeiszler
Albert Stratton** Bob Taylor & Jeff Herrmann Frank & Vicki Titas** Robert & Marti Vagi* Mr. & Mrs. James D. Vail** Carol Lee Vella*** James L. Wagner** Mr. & Mrs. James L. Wamsley III Dr. & Mrs. Gregory A. Watts* Nancy-Anne Wargo* Mr. Matthew T. Wholey & Dr. Leland L. Metheny Mr. John Wiedemann & Ms. Pamela Schnellinger* Ms. Margaret E. Zellmer* Donald & Dorothy Zito
Associates ($125 to $249) Chuck & Maureen Adler Donna Beletic* Ms. Pamela Benson* John & Jeannene Bertosa** Susan Bobey** John Bolton** Ms. Dorothy F. Borer* Joanne R. Bratush*** Richard & Mary Ann Brockett James F. Brown Mike & Carole Brown* V. Elizabeth Brown** Larry & Andi Carlini** Jean McQuillan & Richard Christ*** John & Donna Clifford*** Rollin & Anne Conway** Douglas Court Stan & Lisa Corwin David & Gayle Cratty** Dr. Ben S. Curatolo Lowell & Carole Davis*** Chad & Andrea Deal** Marilyn P. Demeter*** Daniel & Joyce Dyer *
Mrs. Betty S. Weiss** Bobby Withrow Thomas M. Wladyka James & Sandra Wood** John & Dianne Young
Friends ($75 to $124) Ms. Josephine B. Anderson Ms. Nancy M. Barnes Brian & Teresa Bester Elizabeth A. Billings Dr. & Mrs. Dieter F. Bloser*** Phyliss M. Boggs Mr. & Mrs. Charles P. Bolton*** Carol Brenneman Mr. Stanley C. Brandt & Ms. Mary K. Whitmer*** Mr. & Mrs. Jim Britenbach Julia & Ben Brouhard* James F. Brown Barbara J. Burke* Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Charlick* Dr. & Mrs. Dale H. Cowan Samuel Cowling** Judith Darus* Shirley B. Dawson Chris & Mary Ann Deibel*** The DeMinico Family Donna Douglas*** Ms. Patricia R. Esposito Janice Evans* Mr. & Mrs. Frank L. Field*** Laura & Donald Ford Mr. Bob Fowler Mr. & Mrs. Ralph C. Frey* Mr. & Mrs. Lou Galizio*** Greg & Gail Gibson*** Virginia T. Goetz Linda Grau Jean E. Gubbins** Marian Hancy** Ms. Charlene S. Harner Linda A. Heath Jean Heller* Ms. Eleanor W. Helper Mr. and Mrs. Douglas M. Hicks Frank & Gerry Hoffert** Mark & Lynn Hofflund* Ms. Sharon J. Hoppens Mary Immormino Chet & Greta Insolia* Marie Ivkanec Brittany Jackson Deb & Gar Kaminski Dennis Kelly* Mr. & Mrs. Joseph C. Kelley Mr. Gilbert P. Kenehan* Samuel C. Kennell William & Marion Kettering* Mr. & Mrs. Mark D. Kozel*** Mr. & Mrs. Gregory G. Kruszka* Eleanor & Stephen Kushnick Gregory Leach Ms. Linda K. Lefkovitz Gregory & Vickie Leyes* Morton & Lola Litt Ken & Mary Loparo Mr. & Mrs. John M. Lovett Gretchen Mates** Rev. Edward E. Mehok***
Antoinette Miller*** Frances Stewart & David Mook Tom & Mary Neff* Friends of Nordonia Hills Library Gerald Norton Fulton & Thea O’Donoghue Joan M. Oravec*** Meribeth Pannitto Lou M. Papes** Mr. & Mrs. Harold I. Pittaway III Mr. William Plesec Mr. Alan A. Pomiecko Maria Poulos Larry & Susan Rakow* Judy & Clifford Reeves** The Reinker Family*** Mr. & Mrs. Gerald P. Rencehausen Ms. Jacqueline Y. Rhodes* Ms. Ellen Roberts Robinson Family Philanthropic Fund of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland* Mark & Monica Schie Mrs. Lois Schneider Steve & Kathy Schultz* Linda Sebald Jeff & Beth Ann Sedam Randall & Sara Shaner Dr. Dave & Faye Sholiton* Mary Slowey Mr. James Smekal Alma L. Smith* Mr. & Mrs. Tony Smits Tom Wagner & Malinda Smyth* Darwin L. Steele *** Gail Stroud Ms. Elizabeth Swenson The Edward & Katherine Thomas Family Mr. & Mrs. Frederick C. Tyler, Jr. Carol A. Vidoli*** Adele Viguera Michael Wagner Rev. & Mrs. David M. Walker*** Mrs. Alice H. Webster Mr. & Mrs. Zach Wemple Sharon & Yoash Wiener*** Ms. Hope Wright Mr. A. Paul Ziegler Ruth & Sidney Zilber*** Arthur & Deborah Zinn *3 – 5 consecutive years as a donor **6 – 9 consecutive years as a donor ***10 or more consecutive years as a donor
Matinee Idols Donors who underwrote tickets to 2015-2016 Student Matinees so more students can attend. Michelle R. Arendt Carol Barnak Robyn & David Barrie Jack & Janice Campbell Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Chernus Beverly J. Coen Carol Dolan & Greggory Hill Dianne V. Foley
Ron & Joanne Hulec Jack & Mary Ann Katzenmeyer Bob & Nanci Kirkpatrick Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Mayer Ms. Danielle M. Morris Janet & Bob Neary Rita Schneider & Sandra Beichler Sally J. Staley John & Dianne Young
Matching Gift Corporations ArcelorMittal Corning Incorporated Foundation Eaton Corporation GlaxoSmithKline Foundation IBM Corporation The Lubrizol Corporation PNC Foundation Nordson Corporation Foundation
Gifts were received in honor of: Todd Krispinsky Lisa Ortenzi Sally Staley Diana & Gene Stromberg Bob Taylor & Jeff Herrmann
Gifts were received in memory of: Beverly Dilling Hildegard Gebhardt James O. Roberts
The Women’s Committee Formed in 1961, the committee is Great Lakes Theater’s longest standing volunteer support group. Members act as hosts for our actors, provide support in our administrative office & at events, & cheer us on throughout the season. If you would like to become a member, call Joanne Hulec at (216) 252-8717 for more information.
GreatLakesTheater.org
Bob & Ginny Eckardt* Mr. & Mrs. Robert Eikenburg*** Howard P. Erlichman** Gene & Patricia Ewald Susan L. Fike*** Mary Eileen Fogarty*** David V. Foos** Mr. & Mrs. Gerald R. Frei** Mrs. Carla Gallagher* Deborah A. Geier*** Dr. Richard J. Goetsch John Greene* Tom & Kirsten Hagesfeld** Michael & Suzanne Harris* Curt & Karen Henkle** Kathy & Jamie Hogg*** Clyde A. Horn*** Ron & Joanne Hulec*** Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Janson* Marilyn & Howard Karfeld*** Lauren Kawentel** Michael & Lynn Kleinman* Mr. Thomas Knox* Ursula Korneitchouk Fred & Joann Lafferty*** Leslie Lahr Jennifer & Robert Larson* Mr.& Mrs. Brian Lawler* Brian & Renee Lowery** Robert & Beth MacMurray* Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. McDonald*** Jennifer & Peter Meckes* Rita C. McLaughlin* Nan Miller** Diane Moffett Toni & Linda Moore** Mr. D. Stephen Botorff & Ms. Patricia J. Moyer** Marion Murfey Robert & Margery Orth Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Patalon* Brian Perry & Ka Pi Hoh* Ms. Mary L. Pollak Andrew & Brenda Pongracz* Mr. & Mrs. Louis Pongracz** Ms. Betsy R. Quinn Ms. Lori Riga* Reinhold & Ginny Roedig*** Mr. & Mrs. James A. Saks** Donna Schuerger*** Doris A. Schultz** Richard Shirey Dr. Howard Simon* Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Slavin** Mr. & Mrs. John Southworth* William E. Spatz** Kathlyn & Harry Stenzel*** Susan St. John** Katherine Stokes-Shafer Anita K. Stoll Mr. & Mrs. Timothy L. Sullivan** Mr. & Mrs. William W. Taft Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Tatman* Dr. & Mrs. Ken Tomecki** Dorothy Ann Turick Anne Unverzagt & Richard Goddard** Christine and Daniel Vento Mr. Kenneth Vinciquerra Ms. Kimberly A. Vivolo Raymond Voelker*
Officers
Barbara Cercone, President Janice Campbell, Vice Chair Viola McDowell, Recording Secretary Bernice Bolek, Corresponding Secretary Nanci Kirkpatrick, Treasurer
Every effort is made to ensure that our Donor records are current and correct. Please call the Development Office at (216) 453-4442 with questions or to report updates and revisions.
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TRUSTEES Chair
Thomas G. Stafford
President
Timothy J. Downing
Secretary
Kim Bixenstine
Treasurer
at Playhouse Square
Walter Avdey
Trustees
Michelle Arendt Jennifer Dowdell Armstrong Dalia Baker Gary D. Benz David Bialosky Mitchell G. Blair
Todd M. Burger William Caster Beverly J. Coen Gail L. Cudak Leslie Dickson Carol Dolan Dr. Howard G. Epstein Natalie Epstein Dianne V. Foley Stephen H. Gariepy Elizabeth A. Grove Samuel Hartwell Mary Elizabeth Huber Diane Kathleen Hupp William W. Jacobs John E. Katzenmeyer Denise Horstman Keen Kathleen Kennedy Faisal Khan
John W. Lebold Mary J. Mayer John E. McGrath Katie McVoy Leslie H. Moeller Danielle Morris Janet E. Neary Robert D. Neary Pamela G. Noble Michael J. Peterman Timothy K. Pistell David P. Porter Georgianna T. Roberts Ana G. Rodriguez Sally J. Staley Diana W. Stromberg Gerald F. Unger Thomas D. Warren Nancy Wellener
Kevin M. White Julie Sabroff Willoughby Patrick Zohn Rebecca A. Zuti
Life Trustees
Carolyn Dickson Barry Doggett William MacDonald III Ellen Stirn Mavec John D. Schubert Peter Shimrak Laura Siegel
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE In 2002, Great Lakes Theater (Cleveland, Ohio) and Idaho Shakespeare Festival (Boise, Idaho) conceived a unique, strategic producing alliance designed to maximize return on organizational investments, increase production efficiencies, create long term work opportunities for artists and share best practices. In 2010, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (Incline Village, Nevada) joined the collaborative — further contributing to the momentum of the revolutionary producing prototype's success. The long term results have been remarkable. The alliance's three independent, 501c3 regional theaters have shared over 50 jointly-created productions — each featuring long term, multi-city employment opportunities for artistic company members. This revolutionary producing model has realized its vision and exceeded expectations while simultaneously resulting in notable audience growth for each company.
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STAFF
Director of Development.........................Don Bernardo Production Manager...............Christopher D. Flinchum Director of Educational Services.................Kelly Schaffer Florian Director of Marketing & Strategic Advancement......................Todd Krispinsky Director of Educational Programming...... Lisa Ortenzi
Costume Shop Manager.............. Esther M. Haberlen Assistant Shop Manager / Draper.............Leah Loar Original Costume Designer........... Kerri Lee Robbins Costume Intern .................................Peter Sherman Wardrobe Supervisor.................................Ian Smith Master Electrician................................ Tammy Taylor Charge Scenic Artist................................Ruth Lohse Audio Supervisor................................ Brian Chismar Stage Manager....................................... .Tim Kinzel* Assistant Stage Manager.........................Amy Essick Run Crew..........................Tammy Taylor, Gary Zsigrai Hanna Theatre Crew......... Thomas Boddy, Chris Guy, Shaun Milligan, Nathan Tulenson
Artistic
Volunteers
Leadership Charles Fee, Producing Artistic Director Bob Taylor, Executive Director
Management Team
Artistic Associate..............................................Tom Ford
Development Manager............................Chris Fornadel Audience Engagement Coordinator........ Jeremy Lewis Assistant Production Manager...........Corrie E. Purdum Manager of Finance & Administration.....................................Stephanie Reed Donor Relations Associate...............Elizabeth Steward
Education Education Outreach Associate................David Hansen School Residency Program Actor-Teachers........................................... Luke Brett, Chennelle Bryant-Harris, Chelsea Cannon, DeLee Cooper, Khaki Hermann, Tim Keo, Shaun O’Neill, Will Sanborn
Special Thanks Arrow Video Great Lakes Theater is a member of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT) and operates under agreements with LORT, Actors’ Equity Association, American Federation of Musicians, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, and the United Scenic Artists, which are unions representing professional actors, stage managers, musicians, stagehands, directors, choreographers, and designers, respectively, in the United States.
GreatLakesTheater.org
Administration
Company Doctor.....Dr. Donald Ford & Cleveland Clinic Trinity High School Intern......................Maxwell O’Neal Baldwin Wallace University Intern.... Shaelin Maresco
LORT
Production Technical Director.................................. Mark Cytron Assistant Technical Director.......William Langenhop Master Carpenter................................. Lindsay Loar Carpenter/Welder...........................Richard Haberlen Properties Master..........................Jessica Rosenlieb
1501 Euclid Ave., Suite 300 Cleveland, OH 44115 P: (216) 241-5490 F: (216) 241-6315 W: GreatLakesTheater.org
Playbill Editor: Linda Feagler For advertising information, please contact Matthew Kraniske: 216-377-3681
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PLAYHOUSE SQUARE HISTORY HANNA THEATRE Trivia
at Playhouse Square
Since its opening in 1921, the Hanna Theatre has been the site of two world premieres: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Me and Juliette in 1953 and, in 1974, Odyssey by Michel Legrand starring Yul Brynner. Another first occurred in 1937, when Gilbert and Sullivan’s first Cleveland-staged opera was performed at the Hanna by the D’Oyly Carte Company from London.
Kennedy’s Cabaret Trivia The bar in Kennedy’s (the lower level cabaret space accessed by way of the Ohio Theatre lobby), might be familiar to Cleveland oldtimers. The former home of the bar was the Elegant Hog Saloon when the tavern was located on Buckeye Road.
The GE Chandelier Officially the world’s largest outdoor chandelier, the 20-foot tall GE Chandelier is adorned with 4200 crystals. To find out how it was made, visit the Playhouse Square YouTube channel.
What Would It Cost to Build Them Today? Even though the Connor Palace is not the largest of the Playhouse Square venues, it was the most costly to build ($3.5 million) by the time it premiered on Nov. 6, 1922. The largest theater, the State, (opened Feb. 5, 1921) was built at a cost of $2 million; the Ohio (Feb. 14, 1921) also cost $2 million, and the Allen’s costs totaled $1.9 million when it opened April 1, 1921. (Exact building costs for the Hanna Theatre — which opened March 28, 1921 — have yet to be uncovered.)
World’s Longest Lobby Explained
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In 1920 as the Loew’s chain anticipated building in the area that would come to be known as Playhouse Square, it was discovered there wasn’t sufficient room to build two theaters side by side in the available space.
Since it was important that the proposed theater marquees be located on Euclid Avenue, an architectural plan was devised. Even though the State Theatre would be completed and open 21 months before the Connor Palace, it was decided to build the State behind the Connor Palace. This led to the construction of the State’s 320-footlong lobby, reported to be the longest theater lobby in the world. The Ohio Theatre would then be built on the other side of the State, giving all three theaters the desired Euclid Avenue marquee frontage.
CONNOR PALACE: A Three Stooges Favorite In his biography, Moe Howard & The Three Stooges, Moe Howard wrote about the plight of dressing rooms on the road. Although dressing rooms were usually spartan at best and a hovel at worst, Howard had nothing but praise for the Connor Palace (known then as the Palace Theatre): “This theater was built without missing a thought for the actors’ comfort. The Palace was beautiful not only outside and in the auditorium, but also backstage. Most impressive was the second floor, which sported a regulation-size pool table, chess tables, comfortable chairs, an ice machine and soft drinks, playing cards, cigars — it had all the facilities of a private club. In the basement was a laundry room. There was even a nursery for youngsters. Best of all were the dressing rooms, heavily carpeted with mirrored walls and make-up tables. They had everything in them, right down to padded coat hangers.”
Say Goodnight, Gracie Legendary comedy duo George Burns and Gracie Allen were married in Cleveland January 7, 1926 during their Playhouse Square booking. A brief, early-morning ceremony was performed by a Justice of the Peace, after which the newlyweds checked into the Statler Hotel. George’s older brother and his family (who lived in Akron) came up to Cleveland that afternoon to celebrate with the couple before George and Gracie returned to their room to honeymoon.
At 2 a.m. the phone rang. It was fellow comedian Jack Benny calling from Omaha. Immediately recognizing Jack’s voice, George cut him off saying, “Send up two orders of ham and eggs,” then hung up. Ten minutes later the phone rang. It was Benny again. This time George interrupted his friend with, “You forgot the ketchup!” and hung up on Benny a second time. Half an hour later came a knock at the door. It was a waiter with two orders of ham and eggs. Trying to keep a straight face the waiter announced, “Compliments of Mr. Jack Benny from Omaha!” As George liked to tell it, the newlyweds ate their Benny breakfast at 2:30 a.m., and, when they were done, Gracie said, “George, this was the high point of the night!”
The STATE THEATRE Murals
Performers Help Restore Playhouse Square During her 1996 run of Kiss of the Spider Woman, legendary Broadway star Chita Rivera was given a guided tour of Playhouse Square. As she followed her tour guide into the State auditorium, an excited Chita pointed to the mezzanine railing and proudly exclaimed, I helped paint that! Indeed, she had. In 1984, Chita had last played Playhouse Square when much restoration remained, and during her free time willingly added her brush strokes to the history of the State. Likewise, Mary Travers of Peter, Paul & Mary
A Change in History? One of many fascinating items to be found in the book Playhouse Square: An Entertaining History deals with the infamous John Wilkes Booth. Booth performed locally at the old Academy of Music, which was one of the first drama schools in the country and was located at 1371 W. 6th Street. It was at that Cleveland Academy where he would play his last role prior to performing at Washington D.C.’s Ford Theatre where he would assassinate President Lincoln. (Might history have been changed if the Academy had held over Booth’s play for an extended run?)
CONNOR PALACE Trivia Before the days of clothes dryers, touring performers were often forced to pull stilldamp clothes off the drying line when it was time to pack and leave. During the vaudeville era, the Connor Palace (known then as the Palace) became known as one of the most performer-friendly venues in the country because of its many backstage amenities, one of which included a drying room. In this large room, wet clothes could be hung and hot air was continuously blown into the area to hasten the drying time.
GreatLakesTheater.org
The four murals on the walls of the State Theatre lobby were painted by American Modernist James Daugherty (1890-1974), whose work hangs in the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum and the Smithsonian. One of the murals, The Spirit of Cinema, was featured on the cover of Life magazine on February 20, 1970. It was that national attention that became the convincing argument to save the venue from the wrecking ball. Destruction of the State would also have meant the loss of the original historic Daugherty murals, since they are painted directly on the walls. Today they are the only Daugherty works which remain at the original site where they were painted.
fame also performed at the State Theatre several times during its early restoration. She became so enthusiastic over the restoration process that she would climb the scaffolding and help paint the ceiling. Like Chita, on a return visit, Mary pointed out the ceiling area that she had helped paint (just-above-and-to-the-left of the Men’s Room doorway on the mezzanine).
Singers’ Secrets Repeat three times: Performer packs pickle for perfect pipes. Singer Anita Baker surprised backstage workers during her sold out shows by keeping an ample supply of pickle juice in her dressing room — using it to gargle! (No report as to whether Anita acquired the pickle practice during her two pregnancies.) Likewise, another unusual gargling agent was the preference of singer Millie Jackson who required a certain imported beer as her gargle-of-choice.
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PLAYHOUSE SQUARE GUEST SERVICES Guest Assistance For questions or service that may provide a quality, entertaining experience, please see the House Manager on duty. A RedCoat usher can direct you to their office location.
at Playhouse Square
We Love Hearing From Our Guests Your feedback is important. For matters that are not immediate or for additional questions you may have, please access our online comment form at playhousesquare. org/contact-us. We read and share all comments with the staff and meet often to discuss how we can improve upon your experience at Playhouse Square. You may also find us on Facebook at facebook.com/playhousesquare, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/playhousesquare.
Beware of Ticket Scalpers Buy your tickets ONLY from the Playhouse Square Ticket Office, at playhousesquare. org, by phone at 216-241-6000 or your licensed group/travel leader. (We cannot guarantee validity or admittance for tickets purchased elsewhere, nor can we issue replacement tickets if they are lost or stolen). Help us keep ticket prices affordable and fair for everyone.
Service for Our Guests with Special Needs Large type programs and wireless headsets are available in the House Manager’s office.
Camera Policy Cameras, including cameras on cell phones and other personal handheld devices, audio/ video tape recorders and flash photography are strictly prohibited.
Emergency Phone Number In emergency situations, family members or babysitters may call 216-771-5537 (evening hours) or 216-771-4444 (daytime hours) should they need to get a message to a guest in our theaters.
Cell Phones The experience of a live performance can be ruined by the interruption of ringtones, vibrating phones or conversation. The magic of a darkened theater can be disrupted by the light of someone text messaging as well. Please be considerate to others and remember to turn off your cell phone for the duration of the show.
Thank You
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Playhouse Square gratefully acknow ledges the people of Cuyahoga County for their historical support to theater restoration, upkeep and programming, as well as through their ongoing contributions through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.
MAY/JUNE AT PLAYHOUSE SQUARE OUTCALT/ HELEN/ ALLEN ALLEN ALLEN Sunday
HANNA
Monday The Man Who Planted Trees
Something Rotten! Freaky Friday Forever Plaid The Moon’s a Balloon Grug and the Rainbow Morgan’s Journey Pedal Punk Justin Roberts
KENNEDY’S
Tuesday
OHIO
Wednesday
M AY
Something Rotten! Freaky Friday The Man Who Planted Trees
CONNOR PALACE Thursday
STATE
US BANK WESTFIELD PLAZA STUDIO
Friday Something Rotten! Freaky Friday Forever Plaid
Saturday
Something Rotten! Freaky Friday The Man Who Planted Trees
Something Rotten! Freaky Friday
Something Rotten! Freaky Friday Forever Plaid
Something Rotten! Freaky Friday Forever Plaid These Mortal Hosts
Something Rotten! Freaky Friday Forever Plaid These Mortal Hosts
Something Rotten! Freaky Friday Forever Plaid Anthony Hamilton These Mortal Hosts
Forever Plaid Kris Kristofferson These Mortal Hosts
Forever Plaid These Mortal Hosts
Forever Plaid The Dazzle Awards These Mortal Hosts The Chinese Lady The Nolan Williams Jr. Project
Something Rotten! Freaky Friday Forever Plaid The Moon’s a Balloon Grug and the Rainbow Morgan’s Journey Pedal Punk Justin Roberts
1 2 3 4 5 6 Something Rotten!
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Something Rotten! Freaky Friday Forever Plaid These Mortal Hosts
Forever Plaid
Forever Plaid These Mortal Hosts
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 lllustration: Don Oehl; Logo: Esther Wu
JUNE
Malpaso
Malpaso
Celebration of the 70’s Tour
28 29 30 31 1 2 3 June 20 – July 9
AHA! Festival: Learn to Dance Like a Star The Vietnam War
SoSoSUMMER 17 TOUR
AHA! Festival: African American Exp. Creativity & Collab Astral Stories Jonathan Safran Foer Love, Loss and What I Wore
AHA! Festival: King Solomon Lives Love, Loss/Wore MJ Live Art of Leadership Stories/Musical Notes Dr. Gregory D’Alessio The Frog Bride King Solomon Lives
GreatLakesTheater.org
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Forever Plaid Dancing Classrooms Singing Angels
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Daniel O’Donnell
Temple Grandin
Center Stage! 2017 Arts Education Benefit
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 An American in Paris An American in Paris An American in Paris An American in Paris Chris Botti/Dianne Terence Blanchard/ Reeves Kenny Barron/Ravi Coltrane Boney James/Norman Brown
An American in Paris Jane Bunnett/Alicia Olatuja Diego Figueiredo/Anat Cohen Kamasi Washington Boz Scaggs/Catherine Russell Terence Blanchard
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 An American in Paris
An American in Paris An American in Paris An American in Paris An American in Paris
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New shows are announced every week. Sign up for the Playhouse Square newsletter at playhousesquare.org to get advance notices by email!
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Fairmount Santrol is proud to support Playhouse Square. Making Northeast Ohio a great place to live, work – and play.
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