Mouse program - Claire VG Theatre

See all five shows in our 2014-2015 Season!
The Sound of Music
Teri Grimes, Director / Cindy Henninger, Music Director
Performances from September 25 through October 12
Auditions August 2, 3 & 4
A Christmas Story, The Musical
Susan Duncan / Laura Nelson, Directors
Performances from November 28 through December 14
Auditions October 6, 7 & 8
Rabbit Hole
Shawn Fuller, Director
Performances from February 5 through February 22
Auditions December 8 & 9
Harvey
Ruth Posthuma, Director
Performances from April 2 through April 19
Auditions February 9 & 10
Shrek, The Musical
Kaleb VanRijswijck, Director
Performances from June 11 through June 28
Auditions April 27 & 28
THE MOUSE THAT
ROARED
by Leonard Wibberley
adapted to the stage by Christopher Sergel
Directed by John Gonzales
Presented in cooperation with Dramatic Publishing
Presented By
ACT 1 Scenes
1. Grand Fenwick National Forest
2. Grand Fenwick Throne Room
3. Secretary of State Beston’s Office
4. Professor Kokintz’s Lab, Columbia University
5. Grand Fenwick Throne Room
6. Broadcast Studio, New York City
7. The Streets of New York City
8. A Secret White House Office
9. Somewhere in Europe
ACT 2 Scenes
1. Grand Fenwick Throne Room
2. Grand Fenwick Throne Room/Broadcast Studio, NYC
3. A Secret White House Office
4. Grand Fenwick Throne Room
5. Grand Fenwick National Forest
6. Grand Fenwick Throne Room
Friends of the Theatre
Director’s Notes:
The LPAG Board thanks the following people for their generous
donations in support of theatre arts in Lynden:
Charles Ewing, Richard Lovaas, Muriel Langley, Cindy & Bruce
Henninger, Lyla Tjoelker.
Since deciding to direct this play for LPAG, I have found that
Mouse, in its various media forms, has a lot of fans. Those
introduced to Grand Fenwick through Leonard Wibberley’s 1955
novel know one version. Those most familiar with the film
adaptation featuring Peter Sellers know another and will find
this take on the story of Grand Fenwick somewhat different.
The Tully Bascom of the play is not a Clouseau-like bumbler
who only succeeds despite himself. Our Tully, while certainly a
bit naïve, is resourceful, astute, and capable. And our Gloriana
is portrayed by a young woman (to great effect if I do say so).
Special thanks to Peoples Bank for its generous donation!
Donations: The Lynden Performing Arts Guild is completely
funded by ticket sales, advertising and donations. A huge thank
you to all our patrons and business partners for their support!
Please consider a donation to keep the arts alive in Whatcom
County. The LPAG is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax
deductible.
Auditions for
The Sound of Music
(The first show of our 2014-15 Season)
August 2, 3, 4
7:00 pm at the
Claire vg Thomas Theatre
Come prepared with a song
and dress for movement
Director: Teri Grimes
Music Director: Cindy Henninger
Regardless of its differences, the play does preserve the fairy
tale quality of its counterparts. Grand Fenwick stands outside
of history and geography as we know them, and dwells in a
reality all its own. Its sovereign and ruler, Gloriana XII, however,
is no Disney Princess. Rather than playing out the story of the
guileless ingénue caught as a pawn in someone else’s game,
Gloriana takes charge from the start, and is instrumental in
setting up the rules of the contest. And while Glory may find
love in this story (you’ll have to wait and see), managing the
affairs of state and doing right by her people come first. If you
happen to spot “historical” inconsistencies and anachronisms,
we congratulate your keen discernment, and ask you to consider
the possible intent behind them.
Wibberley’s novel was produced within the very midst of the
Cold War, and it is a direct commentary on that era of anxiety
and paranoia, a time when power in all forms, political,
economic, or scientific, seemed to be wielded only in the
interests of cyclopean superpowers vying for global supremacy.
And among these colliding titans, Lilliputian Grand Fenwick was
born. Interestingly, and sadly, The Mouse That Roared remains
current and relevant, and ironically, considering the recent
situation in the Ukraine, the major superpowers of his day don’t
seem to come as far as Wibberley might have hoped. Such
specific analogies can get pushed too far though, and our take
on the story, like any good fairy tale, is meant to be timeless in
its themes and ideas, engaging in its
- John Gonzales
characterizations, and appealing to all.
The Duchy of Grand Fenwick
Mijo Buiskool-Price - Duchess Gloriana XII: Mijo, a
theatre student at WWU, would love to welcome you to
Mouse! This is the second LPAG show she's been a part
of, although you may have seen her in various LCHS and
community productions. Thanks to family, the crazy
monkeys she does Bible study with, John, cast and crew!
All glory goes to God! So sit back, and Please Enjoy some
Marvelous Drama And Suspense!
Cameron Stevenson - Tully Bascom: Cameron is
extremely excited to be apart of this awesome
production of The Mouse That Roared. He loves theatre
and has done 3 musicals with Lynden High School. He
would like to thank the wonderful cast and all the others
for this most thrilling experience and the amazing
learning opportunity this has been. Hope you enjoy the
show and laugh like crazy!
Robert Cervantez - Count Mountjoy: Robert is an
actor/director transplant from Southern California. His
recent work in Whatcom County includes 12 Angry Men
and Man of La Mancha at ALTA community theater and
Macbeth at the Bellingham Theatre Guild. He also
recently directed True West at the Guild. He would like
to thank Mary Jo Weslow for her constant love and
support.
Pat Kirby - Benter: Acting: active, action, acting out,
acting up, act right, act normal for once, stop acting, he's
acting, what an act, high wire act, putting on an act, act
fast, fast acting, first act, second act, final act, act of
war, act of love, act of contrition. Patrick would like to
thank his family for putting up with his act for so long
and John our director for his tireless efforts and
guidance.
Spenser Stumpf - Will Tatum: Spenser has loved theatre
ever since he started at the age of 7. Most recently he
was Albert in Creative Youth Theater’s production of
Bye Bye Birdie. When not doing theatre, Spenser enjoys
making and consuming pie, and playing board games.
He would like to thank his parents for being supportive
of his acting through the years. Enjoy the show!
Board of Directors
Trustees
President: Susan Duncan
Vice President: Pat Kirby
Treasurer: Jeff Oetgen
Secretary: Dawn Weidenaar
Stephanie Blankers, Cindy
Henninger, Celeste Larson,
Connie Orfanos, Beth Vonnegut,
Kit Vonnegut
Theatre Staff
Wayne Vogel / Construction
Connie Orfanos / Box Office
Susan Duncan / Costumes
Beth Vonnegut / House
Kit Vonnegut / Programs
Box Office Staff
Irene Buchanan
Bev Cooke
Joyce Harlan
Pat Kingshott
Carole May
Theresa Pomeroy
Publicity Committee
Stephanie Blankers / Amanda Keefe
Carole May / Melissa Nienhuis
Beth Vonnegut / Kit Vonnegut
Claire VanderGriend Thomas 1917-2008
The Claire vg Thomas Theatre is named in honor of Claire
VanderGriend Thomas, who was the force behind the Lynden
Performing Arts Guild.
A Lynden native, she became a nationally renowned pianist,
organist, choir director, and "Matron of the Arts." For a time she
served as an audition accompanist for Broadway’s famous team
of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Upon retiring to Lynden, Claire's
passionate love of music, the arts and her hometown inspired
her as a community leader, patron and benefactor. She was a
founder of the Lynden Pioneer Museum, the Whatcom
Symphony Orchestra and played a significant
role in founding our Community Theatre.
Claire's lasting support of the arts in Lynden
was recognized in 2001 when the Lynden
Performing Arts Guild voted to rename the
Queen Julianna Theater in her honor. The
Claire vg Thomas Theatre is one of Whatcom
County's preeminent cultural venues today,
and is now known simply and affectionately
as The Claire.
THANK YOU!
These people helped make this production possible:
 Brian Watson
 Curt Brisky
 Sue Dodson
 Ron Warner
The Duchy of Grand Fenwick
Amy Landino – Mrs. Bascom: Making her second
appearance at The Claire, Amy is happy to be working
with John again - this time as her director, not her son.
We hope the audience enjoys this show as much as we
the actors have performing in Mouse. Eeek!
 Lloyd’s Electronics
 Troy Lungibill
 JEM Special Events & Beauty
 Elizabeth Holland
 Michael Holland
 Natalie Washington
Caleb Mouat - Page: Caleb started his acting career in
holiday programs at church. He is passionate about
many things but especially sharing his love of Jesus and
knows that God will use his acting experiences to further
His kingdom. He thanks everyone for supporting him
and the cast in this “excellent and unique and spurious
production” and hopes you enjoy the show!
 Value Village
 Bellingham Theatre Guild
 Joyce Vogel
 Lucas and Gina
Briana Dodson - Page: This is Briana's debut in
theatre. She would like to thank John Gonzales for this
opportunity and her family for their encouragement.
Thank you all for your support of this theatre.
Enjoy the show!
Evan Ricci – Soldier of Grand Fenwick: Evan’s previous
stage experience includes Giles Ralston in The Mouse
Trap. That’s just about it! He loves to make people
laugh and smile.
Kyle Pennington – Soldier of Grand Fenwick: Kyle’s
experience includes plays such as The Secret Garden and
Usher, A Totally Teen Comedy. He got into acting to
bring enjoyment to people young and old alike.
www.brisky-bows.com
The Duchy of Grand Fenwick
Laura Williams - Miss Johnson, Norma: Last seen at
The Claire in Bingo, Laura has had so much fun being in
this show with some of her best friends. She has also
enjoyed her conflict of interest being both Fenwickian
and American and hopes one day to resolve it. Many
thanks to John for letting her be a part of this show.
Lynden Music Festival & Lynden Performing Arts Guild Present:
Lynden’s Got
Talent!
- Voice Competition (solo/group)
Michael Holland - Soldier of Grand Fenwick: Michael is
happy to be back on stage after a long break. Appearing
as a soldier, he is proud to wear the colors of Grand
Fenwick under the able command of John Gonzales.
When not on stage Michael enjoys hiking, fireworks and
complaining about kids these days.
Abby Dodson - Ann / Professor Smith: Abigail is
ecstatic to be back on The Claire stage for the seventh
time! She has also loved working with John Gonzales for
the second time. It has been a fantastic experience. She
would like to thank her family for supporting her, and
she hopes you enjoy the show!
Grand Prize $500!
Second Place $300!
Third Place $200!
AUDITIONS
July 19, 2014 - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
at Raspberry Festival outdoor stage
FINALS
Laurel Johnson – Helen: Laurel’s glad to be back at The
Claire for her second production, since there’s no such
thing as too much theatre, in her mind. She even
managed to convince her mother to audition! But when
she’s not on stage she still exercises her creativity
wherever she can, doing anything from web design to
writing novels.
July 19 - 7:00 pm at The Claire
655 Front Street, in the Dutch Village Mall
Download registration form at
www.lyndenmusicfestival.com
Return forms to
Lynden Music Festival Office, 655 Front St, suite 14
For more information, email [email protected]
or go to www.facebook.com/theclairetheatre
or www.clairevgtheatre.com
Production Staff
Director - John Gonzales
The United States of America
Leon Charbonneau – Professor Kokintz: Leon’s last
role at The Claire was Don John in Much Ado About
Nothing. He was a villain. He is pleased to be playing a
good guy in The Mouse That Roared.
Stage Manager - Kit Vonnegut
Set Design - John Gonzales
Artistic Design - Brian Watson & John Gonzales
Costumes - Beth Vonnegut, Dawn Weidenaar, Susan Duncan,
Stephanie Blankers
Set Construction - Wayne Vogel
Lighting Design - Ryan Goelzenleuchter
Makeup Consultant - Julie Zavala-Marantette
Hendor Rodriguez - General Snippet: Hendor makes
his debut on this stage. Originally from Havana, Cuba
he now resides in Lynden. He enjoys mission trips
abroad, weight training and a good steak. He would like
to thank his wife Janelle and two daughters for their
support and encouragement.
Sound Effects - Ron Warren
Lighting Assistant - DeeDee O’Connor
Props - Kit and Beth Vonnegut
Set Painting & Assembly - cast and crew
Additional Production Staff - Laura Nelson, Beth Vonnegut,
Susan Duncan
DON’T MISS THE GUILD’S 85 SEASON!
TH
THE PRISONER OF
SECOND AVENUE
MUSICAL BIRTHDAY
BASH REVUE
Sept 27–Oct 13, 2013
Jan 24–Feb 2, 2014
INSPECTING CAROL
WOMEN OF
LOCKERBIE
Nov 29–Dec 15, 2013
April 11–27, 2014
A CHORUS LINE
June 13–29, 2014
1600 H St., Bellingham
360-733-1811
Sue Dodson - President of the United States:
My fellow Americans - Sue would like to thank John
Gonzales for his nomination of her as your
president. This office is the highest achieved in her 8th
term at CVG. Thank you for your support and God
Bless.
Don McQuarrie - Secretary of State Beston: It's been
several years since Don was in Carousel at The Claire.
He's glad to be back and thanks his wife for putting up
with his hobby. During his spare time, Don plays the
role of a chemistry and physics teacher at Lynden High
School.
Jean Johnson – Mrs. Reiner: Jean is a wife and mother
of five children. The last time she did any acting was
twenty years ago doing skits and puppet shows, but this
is her first real play. She is grateful to the very talented
cast and crew who have made this a wonderful
experience.
The United States of America
Elizabeth Holland - Announcer/Reporter: Elizabeth is
excited to be a part of this production of The Mouse
That Roared. She was last seen at The Claire as Patsy in
Bingo, the Winning Musical. She has enjoyed theatre
since the age of five, so this production will be the 26th
she has been involved with. She enjoys reading books
and playing board games with her husband Michael, with
whom she is happily co-cast in this production.
Adele Clark - Soldier Debbie: Adele became enraptured
by the theatre as a child. She has since been carried
away by many dazzling performances. Previously she
has portrayed the complex and intriguing character of
Pippi Longstocking as well as a nameless oompa loompa.
She has enjoyed exploring feminism, justice and gender
politics through the character Soldier Debbie in this, her
Lynden debut.
Kira Iaconetti - Soldier Jill: This is Kira’s seventh
production at The Claire, and she’s thrilled to finally be
in a play at her favorite theatre with her close friends.
She would like to thank her friends for putting up with
her talking about the play, John for giving her a great
role, and God for giving her this love of acting.
Bethany Holland - Sightseer/Student: The Mouse That
Roared will be Bethany's first play ever, and she is happy
to be performing with her brother Michael Holland and
his wife Elizabeth! She has always enjoyed watching
family and friends perform so she decided to give it a
try. Bethany also enjoys snowboarding, drawing,
reading, hiking and camping.
Olivia Nix - Sightseer/Student: Olivia was last seen on
stage at The Claire in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
She loves being a part of The Mouse That Roared and
loves hanging out with her friends at rehearsals.
The United States of America
Kennedy Rainer - Tourist Fran: Kennedy has been here
for four years. She enjoys hanging out at this theatre
with her theatre family. Her favorite French city is Nice,
and she wants to own a Volkswagen. This is (at least)
her eleventh show. Enjoy the show, Signor!
Sabrina Welter - Tourist Pam: This is Sabrina's first
performance at The Claire but she’s no stranger to
theatre. You may have seen her in the LHS production of
White Christmas. She has enjoyed working with everyone
in this production and thanks her parents for their
support. Thanks to John, Kit and everyone involved in
this show. Most importantly she thanks God for her
strengths and gifts and hopes you enjoy the show!
Julia LaFortune - Tourist Mary: Julia has always had an
interest for the arts. She had done plays in school, but
this is the first experience she has had with community
theatre. She has enjoyed this experience and working
with all the wonderful people involved in Mouse. Enjoy
the show!
Shannon Hagedorn - Tourist Jane/Assistant to Kokintz:
This is Shannon’s ninth show but her second at The
Claire. She is super excited to be back and be with so
many people who love the theatre as much as she does.
Enjoy the show!
Kelly Kirby - Miss Wilkins: It has been a decade since
Kelly was last on The Claire stage and five years since
she was last involved with theatre, stage managing
Lynden High School's Beauty and the Beast. She is
thrilled to once again have the opportunity to be
involved in the theatre community!