here. - University of Pittsburgh

Studio Theatre, Oakland
DOG IN THE MANGER ADVERTISEMENT
WITH LABS AT BOTTOM?
Book by Jeff Whitty
Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Based on an Original Concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Directed by Bria Walker
Musical Direction by James Rushin
Assistant Director
Chris Collier
Sound Design
Angela Baughman
Dramaturg
Vicki Hoskins
Scenic Artist
Stephanie Shulman
Scenic Design
Gianni Downs
Assistant Scenic Artist
Lindsey Ericson
Costume Design
Ayushi Dwivedi
Assistant Costume Design
Kayla Meyer
Assistant Puppet Supervisor
Alathia Joy Campbell
Lighting Design
Annmarie Duggan
Assistant Lighting Design
Megan Bresser
Stage Manager
Monica Meyer
Vocal Coach
Kim Griffin
Puppet Coach
Sam Turich
Projection Design
Joe Spinogatti
Assistant Stage Managers
Valerie Huang
Stefanie Maier
Puppet Design
Rick Lyon
The use of cameras and recording equipment during performances is prohibited.
Please silence all electronic paging devices, beepers, and cellular phones.
Restrooms are located to the left and right of the stairwell.
Smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted in the theatre.
Avenue Q is 2 hour and 15 minutes long
With a 15 minute intermission
The world premiere of Avenue Q was presented by the Vineyard Theatre and The New Group, New York City, February
2003. Avenue Q premiered on Broadway at the Golden Teater on July 31, 2003, produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn
Goodman, Jeffrey Seller, Vineyard Theatre and The New Group. Avenue Q is presented through special arrangement with
Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street,
New York, NY 10019, Phone 212-541-4684, Fax 212-397-4684, www.mtishows.com.
Director's Notes
Hello Friend,
Cast List
Lucy T. Slut........................................................Molly Balk
Christmas Eve....................................Chih-hsuan Chang
Princeton.......................................................Alex Dittmar
Trekkie Monster/ Boy Bad Idea Bear..............Jay Garcia
Rod................................................................Tim Kaniecki
Nicky...........................................................Charles Kronk
Gary Coleman.............................................Daria Sullivan
Kate Monster.............................................Lauryn Thomas
Mrs. Thistletwat/Girl Bad Idea Bear........Madrid Vinarski
Brian......................................................James Williamson
Musicians
Music Director, Keyboards........................James Rushin
Drums.................................................................CJ Young
Reeds.............................................................Collin Phillip
Bass............................................................Ben Rossman
Welcome to Avenue Q! Avenue Q isn’t your typical New York City block.
Well, I take that back. It sort of is. It’s small, cramped, and filled with
lots of different creatures from all walks of life intermingling and creating
a community. A community of puppets and humans. Puppets live here.
Puppet monsters live here too. Or, excuse me, the politically correct term
would be “People of Fur.” That brings me to another point. This show is
not politically correct. I repeat, it is not politically correct.
If you are one who is easily offended, you should leave. Now. Go! Get
up, walk out and exit the theatre, because during the duration of the show,
you will be offended at some point. Something we say or do will make
you bust out laughing and at the drop of hat may make you cringe. Either
way, you’ll have a good time! You will also come to love these puppets
and root for them. You may find yourself getting caught up in emotions
that you never thought you could have for a puppet. That is the power
and beauty of this work. It has the ability to uplift our spirits and make us
connect with one another on a different level.
I must let you know that not one of the actors you see tonight had any
experience with puppetry before rehearsals began. They all came in to
the process ready and willing to challenge themselves. To be able to
sing, act, do choreography, and lip sync with a puppet on your hand (and
all at the same time, mind you) is a feat. My actors rose to the challenge.
Get ready to be impressed.
I grew up in the generation of Sesame Street, The Muppets, and MTV.
So, the intermingling of pop culture, media, educational tools and music
make complete sense to me as an artist. Art must stay relevant. It must
comment on what is happening now. It should break the fourth wall
whenever necessary. It should not be afraid to offend. Art should also
make you ask yourself questions. For example, “What am I a little bit
racist about?” Notice I didn’t say, “Am I a little bit racist?” Cause, face
it…you are. Racist. A little bit. About something. I bet you are sitting in
your seat right now thinking to yourself, “Pssh. I’m not.” Sorry to break it
to you but you are. Just own up to it, giggle about whatever it is, sit back,
relax, and enjoy the show!
Sincerely,
Bria Walker
Director
The Company
Lauryn Thomas (Kate Monster) is ecstatic to make her UP Stages debut!
A sophomore theatre and English major and Spanish minor, Lauryn had a
blast working with the cast and crew. Most recent credits include Bell in
Alarum Theatre's Slowly and Female 1 in Pitt Musical Theatre Club’s Love
is Love. Enjoy the show!
Molly Balk (Lucy T. Slut) is ecstatic to be in her second mainstage Pitt
Stages production! Last semester, she could be seen as Daniela in In
the Heights. Other favorite roles include Tracy in Hairspray and recently,
director of Little Shop of Horrors. She is a sophomore communication
sciences and disorders major and theatre minor.
Madrid Vinarski (Mrs. Thistletwat/Girl Bad Idea Bear) is very excited to
be in her first Pitt Stages production! She is a junior Theatre Arts and
Chinese double major. She is also the department liaison for the Pitt
Musical Theatre Club. Previous credits: Ata Windust in Criminal Hearts
(Performance Collaborative) and Jenny in Company (MTC).
Chih-hsuan Chang (Christmas Eve) can’t be more excited to make
her debut in a University of Pittsburgh main-stage musical. She is a
sophomore psychology and business duel major with a theatre minor.
Her previous (only) acting performance was in a TV drama, and she was
a band member (keyboard) for MTC’s musical Spamalot.
James Williamson (Brian) is very excited to make his debut in a University
of Pittsburgh Stages' show. He is a junior theatre arts major. James was
most recently in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Les Miserables,
and Spamalot. ​
Alex Dittmar (Princeton) is excited to perform in his first mainstage role at
the University of Pittsburgh. He is a freshman political science and theater
double major.
Jay Garcia (Trekkie Monster/Boy Bad Idea Bear) is honored to be part
of another University of Pittsburgh mainstage production. Jay is a junior
biology major and theatre arts minor. Past UP Stages credits include In
the Heights (Ensemble, u/s Sonny), and Zanna, Don’t! (Tank). Jay will be
the dramaturg in the upcoming production of “The God Committee”.
Tim Kaniecki (Rod) is a senior chemistry/theatre arts double major who
is excited to be returning for his third Pitt Stages show, following In the
Heights and Zanna, Don't. He has also been seen in numerous MTC
productions, and will be directing the regional premiere of Big Fish with
them this spring.
Charles Kronk (Nicky) is excited to make his debut in a University of
Pittsburgh Stages show. He is a sophomore majoring in bioinformatics
with a double minor in neuroscience and German studies, with a focus
in Eurozone studies and health policy. Charles hopes to work again with
Pittsburgh Stages in the near future.
Daria Sullivan (Gary Coleman) is ecstatic to make her debut in a
University of Pittsburgh Mainstage production. She is a sophomore
pursuing a double major in theatre and communications and hopes to
also minor in creative writing. Her credits include motormouth ensemble
in Hairspray and the loudspeaker in David Ives's "English Made Simple."
CONTINUING A LEGACY
The Richard McMillan Fund is new fund for undergraduate
theatre students at the University of PIttsburgh named in
honor of Richard McMillan, a long time friend of the
Department of Theatre Arts. The Richard McMillian Fund
continues Rick's legacy and deidacition to excellence as the
Department of Theatre Arts teaches the next generation of
theatre artists.
To make a donation by check, designate
"MCMILL" in the memo section and send
to the following address:
University of Pittsburgh Records
Management Park Plaza
128 North Craig Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Donate online at
play.pitt.edu/support
The Production Team
Angela Baughman (Sound Designer) is thrilled to be part of Pitt’s
production of Avenue Q. Her design credits include Observe the Sons
of Ulster Marching Toward the Somme and Blithe Spirit at PICT Classic
Theatre, and parts of Bricolage’s STRATA. She is the resident sound
designer at Prime Stage Theater and the executive producer of The Union
Edge, a progressive talk radio show. Angela made her way to Pittsburgh
after earning a degree from Berklee College of Music.
Megan Bresser (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a freshman theater arts
major. She is excited to work on her second University of Pittsburgh Stages
show. Megan was the light board operator for Stop Kiss​​in October. She
was also the lighting designer for Performance Collaborative’s production
of Criminal Hearts earlier this semester.
honored with The Bellet Teaching Excellence Award. Professionally her
work has been seen Off Broadway and Regionally at such theatres as
Cumberland County Playhouse, Orlando Rep, Capital Repertory Theatre,
Skylight Music Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare, St. Michaels Playhouse,
Stoneham Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, American Stage, Utah
Musical Theatre, Theatrefest, Merrimack Repertory, Hampton Playhouse,
New Victory Theatre, Seacoast Rep. to name a few.
Ayushi Dwivedi (Costume Designer) is excited for her first big role
with the University of Pittsburgh stages. Ayushi is a sophomore double
majoring in theatre arts and neuroscience. She worked as the sound
board operator for Agamemnon last semester.
Kim Griffin (Vocal Coach) is an actor and educator Regionally, she has
performed at Quantum Theatre, Round House Theatre, Olney Theatre,
Ford’s Theatre, The Old Globe, Boston Playwrights Theatre, and The
Humana Festival. As an educator, she has been fortunate to work with
The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Actor’s Theatre Louisville, San Diego
Junior Theatre, Boston University’s Summer Theatre Institute, and the
California Young Playwright’s Festival.
Alathia Joy Campbell (Puppet Wrangler) is a senior arts major with a
certificate in gender studies. Their work as a costume designer has been
seen in several student lab productions and will be seen on Pitt Stage’s
mainstage production of Curse of the Starving Class in the spring.​
Vicki Hoskins (Dramaturg) is a second year Ph.D. student in theatre
and performance studies here at Pitt. She has worked as a dramaturg
for roughly ten years, in both new play development and in production
dramaturgy. She has experience working on plays, musicals, devised
pieces, and dance performances.
Chris Collier (Assistant Director) is a senior theatre arts major who is
very happy to have been given the opportunity to work on his second
mainstage show. Last fall he was in Venus, which was his first show ever.
This semester in addition to assistant directing Avenue Q, he co-directed
the Performance Collaborative's production of Criminal Hearts. He is also
excited to direct his lab The God Committee next semester.
Valerie Huang (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to work on her first
University of Pittsburgh Stages musical. She is a sophomore theatre arts
major. Past productions for the University of Pittsburgh include Venus,
and “The Fever Chart.” Valerie will also be a stage manager in the
upcoming production of God Committee in the spring.
Gianni Downs (Scenic Designer) is a nationally recognized scenic
designer with a Kevin Kline Award for In the Next Room, or the vibrator
play at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, two Kevin Kline nominations for
Crime and Punishment and The Lieutenant of Inishmore at the Repertory
Theatre of St. Louis, and an Irene Ryan nomination for his design for The
Dazzle at Stoneham Theatre. His portfolio can be viewed at his website
www.giannidesigns.net.
Annmarie Duggan (Lighting Designer) serves as the chair of the theatre
arts department and teaches in the areas of Stage Management, Lighting
Design, and Computer Aided Drafting. Professor Duggan was recently
Stephen Kromka (Technical Director) is a senior at Pitt with a double
major in theatrical engineering and communications and rhetoric. Stephen
is the first student to technical direct a Pitt Stages Mainstage musical
and was the first student TD for last spring's play Agamemnon. He has
previously worked on many other Pitt productions and looks forward to
graduating this December to broaden his horizons with new theaters.
Stefanie Maier (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman theatre arts
major and economics and studio arts minor. She is excited to work on
her first University of Pittsburgh show. Past experience include acting
as Miranda in The Tempest with Garfield Park Shakespeare Company in
Indianapolis and crew for Buck Creek Players in Acton, IN.
Monica Meyer (Stage Manager) is a senior theatre arts, English literature,
and psychology major with an emphasis in stage management. She’s
held a variety of roles for University of Pittsburgh Stages, primarily stage
management (Company, Matt & Ben) and assisting (In the Heights,
Machinal). Professionally, she’s stage managed at Cortland Repertory
Theatre, Theater Works, and with MTAP. This spring she will sound design
Pitt’s Dog in the Manger.
James Rushin (Music Director) is excited to once again work with Bria
Walker, this time on the Pitt stage. He is currently working on his own
puppet webseries, tentatively titled The PIYL Project. You can hear him
elsewhere with his band (performing as Avenue Q's pit orchestra), Soul
Distribution.
Joe Spinogatti (Projection Designer) is thrilled to be working on Avenue
Q. Joe is a sophomore theatre arts and information sciences dual degree
student. Joe is currently researching Google Glass in theatre and is
looking forward to sound designing the University of Pittsburgh Stages’
production of Curse of the Starving Class this spring.
Love
Letters
Written By
A.R. Gurney
Directed By
David Hogan
Starring
Richard McMillan and
Anne Louise Bannon
NOVEMBER 7-9, 2014
Sam Turich (Puppet Coach) returns to University of Pittsburgh Stages
after directing As You Like It in the Charity Randall, Shakespeare's Lovers
& Fighters in the Heymann and Alice (featuring many wonderful puppets)
in the Studio. Other puppetry experience includes Intoxication and the
New York premiere of Sockpuppet Showgirls.
Bria Walker (Director) is an actress, singer, writer, director and guest
lecturer in the theatre arts department. Directing credits include Ten
by Ten by Ten (Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts), “Got Love?”
(The Neighborhood Academy), a staged reading of Off With Her
Maidenhead, which was cowritten by her good buddy James Rushin
(Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival at Merry-Go-Round-Playhouse).
www.briawalker.com
Robert Lopez (Music and Lyrics) Robert Lopez shared a Tony Award
and Grammy nomination for Avenue Q, the 20th longest running
Broadway musical, which he co-wrote and conceived. More recently he
collaborated with South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker to write
and compose the smash Broadway comedy The Book Of Mormon. With
his wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez, he wrote Finding Nemo: The Musical
(playing in Orlando since 2006), the Broadway-bound original musical Up
Here, and songs for Winnie The Pooh (Disney Feature Animation 2011).
He shared two Emmy awards for his music for The Wonder Pets, and
an Emmy nomination for the SCRUBS musical episode. Member BMI
Workshop, Dramatists Guild, WGA, AEA, Yale grad, native NY'er.
Jeff Marx (Music and Lyrics) met Robert Lopez at the the BMI Lehman
Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. It was there that Avenue Q was born.
Originally from Hollywood, FL, Jeff attended the workshop as a as a young
lawyer, looking for clients, and ended up leaving law and becoming a
songwriter. Forever grateful to the BMI Workshop, he has worked on such
projects as NBC's SCRUBS and Disney's Bear In The Big Blue House.
Jeff Whitty (Book) won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical
for Avenue Q. Plays include The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler,
The Hiding Place, The Plank Project, Suicide Weather, and Balls. Theaters
presenting his work include the Atlantic Theater Company, Oregon
Shakespeare Festival, South Coast Repertory, and the Eugene O'Neill
Theater Center. Upcoming: Tales of the City: The Musical with music
by Jake Shears and John Garden of the pop group Scissor Sisters, as
well as Bring It On: The Musical with music by Tom Kitt, Amanda Green,
and Lin-Manuel Miranda. As an actor, Jeff has appeared Off-Broadway,
regionally, and in films and TV.
TRUST FRANKLIN ADVERTISEMENT
University of Pittsburgh
Department of Theatre Arts
University of Pittsburgh
Department of Theatre Arts
Faculty
Chair............................................................................................Annmarie Duggan
Director of Graduate Studies......................................................Bruce McConachie
Head of Performance..........................................................................Cynthia Croot
Head of MFA Performance Pedagogy............................................Dennis Schebetta
Full Time Faculty...............................................Gianni Downs, Kathleen George
Karen Gilmer, Michelle Granshaw, Lisa Jackson-Schebetta
Chosky Teacher Artists-in-Residence.............................................Kimberly Griffin
Richard E. Rauh Teaching Artist-In-Residence............................Ricardo Vila-Roger
Guest Artists/Lecturers............................................................................Bria Walker
Production Crew
Assostamt Master Electrician.................................................................Amy Wooler
Scenic Artist...............................................................................Stephanie Shulman
Assistant Scenic Artist........................................................................Lindsey Ericson
Spot Ops................................................................Davis Caramanico, Mel Vittulo
A2......................................................................................................Austin Nebbia
Administrative Staff
Department Administrator....................................................................Pamela Weid
Operations Manager...............................................................Laura McCarthy-Blatt
Department & Graduate Secretary....................................................Connie Markiw
Marketing Coordinator..............................................................................Josh Storey
Patron Services Specialist....................................................................Andy Meholick
Light Board Operator............................................................................Jessica Schatz
Projections Board Operator................................................................Laura Kweller
Production Staff
Master Electrician/ Shop Foreman............................................................JC Bardzil
Staff Technical Director...............................................................................Jon West
Costume Shop Foreman........................................................................Cindy Albert
Assistant Costume Shop Supervisor.....................................................Venise St. Pierre
Prop Shop Supervisor.................................................................Johnmichael Bohach
Marketing..............................................................Christiana Molldrem Harkulich
Amanda Olmstead, Miranda Saralyn Scharf
Box Office & House Management...............................Shelly Burke, Ellen Connally
Hayden Doty, Jay Garcia, Rachel Golden, Steve Krhovsky
Andie Markijohn, Heidi Baldt Matthews, Ben McClymont
Amber Montgomery, Samantha Nuttall, Taylor Staiger, Lauryn Thomas
The Department of Theatre Arts in the School of Arts and Sciences is an accredited
member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre and offers BA, MA,
MFA, and PhD degrees in Theatre Arts. The Department maintains a philosophy
of theatre education based on the firm conviction that theory and practice,
academic and creative work, and educational and professional theatre must be
fully integrated for a successful program of theatre education.
Stage Hand.......................................................................................Lauren Sunday
Puppet Wrangler.........................................................................Kevin McConville
Student Master Electrician.................................................................Lauryn Thomas
Shop Crew.............................................Megan Bresser, Chad Howard, Kaitie Hughes
Micky Krenek, Monica Meyer, Miranda Scharf
Kristin O'Malley, and the Stagecraft students
Costume Crew.................................................................Denise Chow, Erin Burruto
Kelia Morrison, Jenna Simmons, Claire Werkiser
and the students in Costume Crafts Class
Dressers................................................................................................Kaleigh Ruiz
Special Thanks
William Brown, the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, Hayden M. Gilmer
Karen Gilmer, Hunter Kloss, Kristina Kloss, Mary Koller, Robert Perkoski
Ricardo Vila-Roger, and you for supporting the arts!
auditions
spring semester
December 1 and 2, 2014
Auditions are open to the entire campus.