Preview the playbill Capital City Theatre - GYPSY Program

CAPITAL CITY THEATRE
Presents
MICHELE RAGUSA
In
Music by
JULE STYNE
Lyrics by
STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Book by
ARTHUR LAURENTS
Suggested by the Memoirs of GYPSY ROSE LEE
Also Starring
LIZ GRIFFITH
SEAN THOMAS
SARAH M. O’CONNOR CHRISTOPHER MACGREGOR
KYLEE HENNES DONAVON ARMBRUSTER DEE KING
BARRY ABRAMS SABRA MICHELLE
GAIL BECKER AMY WELK JANE HOBSON
KAILEY BOYLE JOEL ROBERTS JACOB RANKIN
COLLIN KHAMPHOUY SHERIDAN HEARN ANNA PFEFFERKORN JENNY MARSLAND
CONNOR MARTIN BEN BROWN FLYNN MARCUS JONAH JOHNSON
Scenic Design
Costume Design
RYAN SEIFERT
Sound Design
CONRAD ST. CLAIR
Lighting Design
CARLY MCCABE
BRIAN WEINKAUF
Prop Design
Production Stage Manager
LARRY KEEN
TONY REITANO
Musical Director/Conductor
ANDREW ABRAMS
Choreographer
W. EARL SMITH
Directed by
JEFF WHITING
Gypsy is generously sponsored by:
GYPSY is presented by arrangement with
TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC. | 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022
N O T E F R O M T H E D I R E C TO R
My mother is nothing like Rose – however, like Rose, - she did have a dream. While
watching me on the soccer field bored out of my mind at age 10, she had the vision – the
‘dream’ - to realize that there was something better for me – and she knew it wasn’t to be
found on that soccer field. She took me to my first audition the next week and from that
day forward I never looked back from the theatre. I thank her for that everyday.
It’s a real dream of mine to bring what is arguably one of the greatest musical theatre
pieces of all time to the stage in Madison. Gypsy tells the compelling tale of a relationship
between the most iconic mother and child – the legendary Gypsy Rose Lee and her wellknown stage-mother, Rose.
The thing I love most about Gypsy is that Rose has an incredible drive and passion that
pushes her to do extraordinary things – launching her family into what will ultimately
become iconic status. The question is, what drives her to do what she does? Is it fear of
failure? Or is it the desire to see her dreams come true? Does she go too far? Push too
hard?
These are the questions we ask ourselves every day: How far do you go and how hard do
you push to make your dreams come true? Rose pushes insatiably hard on her dreams
and Louise finally asks, “Why did you do it?” The answer rings true to all of us:
“I just wanted to be noticed.”
That’s it – we all just want to be noticed in life. No matter what pathway we take, we want
to be noticed. We want our teacher to notice how smart our answer was. We want our
boyfriend to notice how cute our haircut turned out. We want our mother to be proud of
us on the soccer field (or whatever field we choose).
I wasn’t going to get noticed on that soccer field at age ten, but I’m very grateful to my
wise mother who was smart enough to see where I could make a difference – where I
could be noticed – and I’m honored to help tell the story of Gypsy on this stage – a story
definitely worth noticing.
-Jeff Whiting, Director
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Capital City Theatre
N O T E F R O M T H E A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R
Welcome to the second season of Capital City Theatre! I’m absolutely thrilled that we are
back and bigger than ever. After the great artistic success of Violet last year, I wanted
to turn our attention to an old classic musical, with a big orchestra and cast as well as a
big story; Gypsy is just that. Broadway’s own Michele Ragusa leads a cast of 25 talented
performers aged 7 to 70 in what is called by many “the greatest of Broadway musicals.”
CCT will always strive to bring musicals to the stage that span the entirety of musical
theatre history: Golden age or new; large or small; already existing or completely new
works. In a way, Momma Rose’s drive and determination to see her child succeed in
show business is much like our desire to parent this new organization into that very same
milieu. CCT was in its infancy last summer with our very first show, Violet. This year we
enter our adolescence complete with all the growing pains, of course, but also that sense
of wonder of what the future holds. Fortunately, we know what the next year holds and
it’s an expanded season with double the educational programming.
Not only will we do two musicals in 2017 but I’m thrilled to announce the inaugural
Young Musical Theatre Writers Competition and as a creator of new works, this program
is very near and dear to me. Having been through the New York BMI workshop and a
Masters program in musical theatre writing, it’s such treat to be able to provide young
musical theatre writers a creative outlet for their work.
I would like to say a big thank you to our guest director, Jeff Whiting, for bringing Gypsy
alive on the Capitol Theater stage! Jeff has worked with some of the best and brightest in
NYC and all over the country and it’s such a delight to have him here to shape this classic
piece. Please enjoy the show and keep checking our website, www.capitalcitytheatre.org
for all the wonderful new shows, events, and educational opportunities coming up next
year and beyond.
- Andrew Abrams, Artistic Director
Gypsy
3
CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEAR ANCE)
Uncle Jocko................................................................................................................Donavon Armbruster
Georgie...........................................................................................................................................Joel Roberts
Balloon Girl.......................................................................................................................Genevieve Raasch
Clarinet Player...................................................................................................................Raia Ottehneimer
Auditioners.....................................................................Fiona King, Zane Smith, Donovan Lonsdale,
Connor Martin, Ben Brown, Jonah Johnson
Baby June.................................................................................................................................. KyLee Hennes
Baby Louise................................................................................................................................. Jane Hobson
Rose....................................................................................................................................... Michele Ragusa*
Pop................................................................................................................................................ Barry Abrams
Young Newsboys.............................. Ben Brown, Jonah Johnson, Flynn Marcus, Connor Martin
Mr. Weber................................................................................................................................... Barry Abrams
Herbie.........................................................................................................................................Sean Thomas*
June..................................................................................................................................Sarah M. O’Connor*
Louise................................................................................................................................................Liz Griffith*
Tulsa......................................................................................................................... Christopher MacGregor
L.A....................................................................................................................................... Collin Khamphouy
Yonkers.........................................................................................................................................Jacob Rankin
Angie...............................................................................................................................................Joel Roberts
Kringelein....................................................................................................................Donavon Armbruster
Mr. Goldstone....................................................................................................................................Dee King
Miss Cratchitt.................................................................................................................................Gail Becker
Agnes.............................................................................................................................................. Kailey Boyle
Marjorie May......................................................................................................................... Sheridan Hearn
Dolores....................................................................................................................................Jenny Marsland
Thelma.................................................................................................................................. Anna Pfefferkorn
Cigar......................................................................................................................................................Dee King
Pastey............................................................................................................................Donavon Armbruster
Tessie Tura................................................................................................................................Sabra Michelle
Mazeppa..........................................................................................................................................Gail Becker
Electra..................................................................................................................................................Amy Welk
Renée.................................................................................................................................... Anna Pfefferkorn
Phil...................................................................................................................................................Joel Roberts
Bourgeron-Cochon..................................................................................................Donavon Armbruster
Chowsie............................................................................................................................................. Mia Dolce
Child Swing...................................................................................................................................... Fiona King
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association,
the union of professional actors and
stage managers in the United States.
SETTING:
Various cities throughout the U.S.A.
TIME:
The early 1920’s to the early 1930’s
There will be one 15-minute Intermission
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Capital City Theatre
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Act 1
“Overture”...........................................................................................................................................Orchestra
“May We Entertain You”..................................................................Baby June, Baby Louise, and Rose
“Some People”............................................................................................................................................Rose
“Small World”....................................................................................................................... Rose and Herbie
“Baby June and her Newsboys”........................................Baby June, Baby Louise and Newsboys
“Mr. Goldstone”.............................................................................................Rose, Herbie and Ensemble
“Little Lamb”............................................................................................................................................ Louise
“You’ll Never Get Away from Me”................................................................................. Rose and Herbie
“Farm Sequence”.......................................................................................................... June and Farmboys
“Broadway”.................................................................................................................... June and Farmboys
“If Momma Was Married”.................................................................................................June and Louise
“All I Need is the Girl”........................................................................................................ Tulsa and Louise
“Everything’s Coming up Roses”..........................................................................................................Rose
Act 2
“Entr’acte”...........................................................................................................................................Orchestra
“Madame Rose’s Toreadorables”.................................. Louise, Rose and the Hollywood Blondes
“Together Wherever We Go”...........................................................................Rose, Herbie, and Louise
“You Gotta Get a Gimmick”........................................................... Mazeppa, Electra, and Tessie Tura
“Small World” (reprise).............................................................................................................................Rose
“Let Me Entertain You”......................................................................................................................... Louise
“Rose’s Turn”.................................................................................................................................................Rose
ORCHESTR A
Violin 1
Reeds
Olga Pomolova
Les Thimmig
Tim Kamps
Greg Smith
Pat Dorn
Violin 2
Doug Terhune
Wes Luke
Brian Ellingboe
Laura Mericle
Trombone
Tom Macaluso
Matt Bragstad
Will Porter
ViolaHorn
Diedre Buckley
Paul Letterio
Katrin Talbot
Percussion
Keith Lienert
Mike Koszewski
Cello
Lindsey Crabb
Derek Handley
Bass
Carl Davick
Harp
Jenny DeRoche
TrumpetPiano/Celeste
Jon Schipper
Andrew Kreigh
Eric Siereveld
Matthew Onstad
Gypsy
5
ARTIST BIOGR APHIES
Michele Ragusa (Rose)
is thrilled to be
stepping into Rose’s
shoes once again,
having received stellar
notices for her
portrayal of the iconic
role. Her credits
include: Broadway: Young Frankenstein
(Elizabeth - succeeding Megan Mullally);
Urinetown; Ragtime; A Class Act; Titanic;
Cyrano. Off-Broadway: Adrift In Macao–
Primary Stages (Lortel/Drama League nom;
Barrymore Award); Titanic -Lincoln Center
Anniv. Concert (Alice Beane); Craving for
Travel – Playwrights; Disaster - St. Marks
Theatre. Regional: Drowsy Chaperone (The
Chaperone); Mary Poppins (Winifred Banks);
Little Dancer (Mme Theodore); “Sweeney
Todd” (Beggar Woman); Gypsy (Rose); King
and I (Anna); Annie (Hannigan); The Cottage
(Marjorie); The Full Monty (Vickie); Boeing,
Boeing (Gabriella); Spamalot (Lady/Lake);
Singing in The Rain (Lina); Into The Woods
(Witch); Kiss Me Kate (Kate); She Loves Me
(Amalia); Guys and Dolls (Adelaide); Noises
Off (Belinda); Lend Me A Tenor (Maria); Me/
My Girl (Jacquie). She also headlines with
Symphonies across the country.
Liz Griffith (Louise) is a
Madison native who
recently transplanted
back to Madison from
NYC. She is a proud
member of Actors’
Equity Association and
a graduate of The
University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre
Department (BFA). Favorite credits include:
Kristina and Showboat at Carnegie Hall;
Kristina at the Royal Albert Hall, London; It’s
a Wonderful Life, Oklahoma! and Annie at
the Encore Musical Theatre Co.; The Scarlet
Pimpernel at The Airport Playhouse; Evita at
The Arkansas Rep; Shout! at The Meadow
Brook; The Marvelous Wonderettes at The
Depot; Aida, Cabaret and Cats (twice!) at
Gateway Playhouse. Madison: MTM’s Nine
and Nevermore; FST’s Grand Night for
Singing; Heartline Theatrical’s The Haunting
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Capital City Theatre
of Hill House. She also served as Assistant
Director on Capital City’s inaugural
production of Violet.
Sean Thomas (Herbie)
is delighted to be in
Madison with Capital
City Theatre doing
Gypsy! New York and
National Tour credits
include: Phantom of the
Opera, Les Misérables
(Broadway and National Tour); The Lion, The
Witch and The Wardrobe (Promenade
Theatre and National Tour); Three Tall
Women (Promenade Theatre) and The
Threepenny Opera (Lucille Lortel). Chicago
credits include: Titanic (Griffin Theatre); The
Christmas Schooner 2013 & 2014 (The
Mercury Theatre); Hot L Baltimore
(Steppenwolf ); A Christmas Carol (Drury
Lane Oak Brook); Aspects of Love (Theo
Ubique); Macbeth and Picasso At The Lapin
Agile (Organic Theatre); Amadeus,
Veronica’s Room, Ghosts, Big River and
Tartuffe (BoHo Theatre Ensemble);
Wreckage (Caffeine Theatre); The King and I
(Porchlight Music Theatre); Elephants
Graveyard (Red Tape);Inventing Van Gogh
(Strange Bedfellows); Ruby Wilder
(Tympanic Theatre) and Sandalwood
(Coproduction of Tympanic and Side
Project). Sean was last seen in A Wonderful
Life at The Fireside Theatre in Ft. Atkinson.
Sarah M. O’Connor
(June) is delighted to
join the Capital City
Theatre family! Grateful
to once again be
sharing the stage with
her future husband
Eric; say hi to the
trumpet section! Tour: Young Frankenstein.
Regional: Oliver! (U/S Bet), Guys and Dolls, 9
to 5 (Maria), Meet Me in St. Louis (Rose),
Oklahoma! (Laurey). Jersey Girl, graduate of
Syracuse University, and proud AEA
Member. Love to Eric Matthew. Thanks to
Mom and Dad for your endless support.
ARTIST BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
Christopher
MacGregor (Tulsa) As a
Wisconsin native
currently working in
Chicago, Chris is proud
to be back home
performing with
Capital City Theatre.
Chicago credits include The Fantasticks as
The Boy/Matt, Guys and Dolls, and South
Pacific (Light Opera Works); The Producers
(Nightblue Performing Arts Co.); Mamma
Mia! (Paramount Theatre). Chris received
his BFA in musical theatre from UWMilwaukee. Endless thanks to family,
friends and mentors along the way.
Barry Abrams (Pop, Mr.
Weber) is delighted to
be appearing in Gypsy
with Capital City
Theatre. Most recently
Barry has been touring
both the Madison and
Naples Florida areas
with his one-man show “The Many Faces of
an Actor”. Barry has worked with
numerous (that means he’s old)
professional theater Company’s, mainly in
the Madison and Washington D.C areas.
Perhaps most fun was touring Ireland with
the Keegan Theater’s production Glenn
Gary Glen Ross. When asked, he is happy to
tell you his favorite role to date was the
endearing Sausage Man in Slaughter City
with Theater Alliance. Barry has done radio
and TV commercials as well as
independent films.
Donavon Armbruster
(Jocko, Weber,
Kringelein, Pastey,
Bourgeron-Cochon) is a
familiar Madison actor
- he’s has appeared
with Forward Theater,
Children’s Theater of
Madison, Four Seasons Theatre, Strollers
Theater, Madison Savoyards, Madison Rep
and several other local companies. His
most recent appearances include CTM’s To
Kill a Mockingbird, MTG’s Mauritius and
UW-Theater’s Beaux Strategem. He is a
former member of AEA and has appeared
in several productions Off-Broadway and in
regional and stock theaters around the
country.
Gail Becker (Miss
Cratchitt/Mazeppa) See
Director of Education
Bio.
Kailey Boyle (Agnes)
attends Middleton
High School where she
was most recently seen
as Rona in The 25th
Annual Putnam County
Spelling Bee and
Leading Player in
Pippin. Other favorite roles include Beatrice
in Much Ado About Nothing (MHS) and
Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables (CTM).
Kailey has been recognized as both a
three-time Tommy Award recipient and
WSMA exemplary soloist. Kailey studies
with Gail Becker, is a member of Overture’s
Tommy Ensemble and an alum of CCT’s
“Find Your Light.”
Ben Brown (Young
Newsboy) is really
excited to be part of
the show! He’d like to
give a big thanks to
Andy Abrams, Krystal
Lonsdale and W. Earle
Smith for giving me this
opportunity. He also wants to thank my
dance teachers at M.P.D.C. This past year
he went to go to the Youth American
Grand Prix semi-finals, and he’s been in the
Madison Ballet’s Nutcracker for five years.
He’d like to give a shout out to my family
for all their support over the years.
Gypsy
7
ARTIST BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
Sheridan Hearn
(Marjorie May) is
thrilled to be in her first
Capital City Theatre
production. She is a
Madison native who
recently graduated
from Viterbo University
in Musical Theatre & Marketing. Past roles
include: Laurey in Oklahoma!, Maria in West
Side Story, and Orange in Shout! Many
thanks and love to her incredible family,
and friends for their endless support and
love.
KyLee Hennes (Baby
June) lives to entertain
and appreciates her
first opportunity at
Capital City Theatre.
She possesses skills in
dance, playing guitar,
singing and acting.
Favorite credits: Marta (Sound of Music,
Lyric Opera of Chicago), Baby June (Gypsy,
Northwestern), Young Eponine/Gavroche,
(Les Misérables), Lil’ Jake (Annie Get Your
Gun) and Tiny Tim (Scrooge) (Fireside
Theatre). KyLee rocks with her sisters in
The BAND Hennes. Thank you to Lori Kay
of Prevail Artist Management.
Jane Hobson (Baby
Louise) is reprising her
role as Young Louise,
which she previously
played with Oregon
Straw Hat Players.
Other recent credits
include Zaneeta in The
Music Man (St. Bernard Players), Nancy in
The Boy Friend (Madison Theatre Guild), and
Olga in Nine (Music Theatre of Madison).
Jane has participated in Capital City
Theatre’s “Find Your Light” workshop for
two summers, and is excited to be part of
this production. Thanks and love to family,
friends, and teachers for all their support!
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Capital City Theatre
Jonah Johnson (Young
Newsboy) is a 5th grader
at Barneveld Elementary
School. His performing
credits include: Many
vocal and dance shows
with Forte Studios, Mt.
Horeb; A Culligan Water
commercial; Voice over work for a Nebraska
hospital; Lyncoya Jackson in Bloody Bloody
Andrew Jackson (Music Theatre of Madison).
Jonah has a huge passion for basketball and
hopes to play in the NBA someday. He is
very thankful and excited to have a role in
Gypsy!
Collin Khamphouy
(L.A.) has performed
extensively throughout
the Madison area,
including professionally
at the Fireside Dinner
Theater. He began his
formal dance training
under the direction of Jojean Retrum when
he was 14 years old and has since trained at
a number of schools, including the
prestigious Miami City Ballet School on full
scholarship. Collin just finished his
sophomore year at Point Park University
where he studies Jazz Dance.
Dee King (Mr.
Goldstone, Cigar), a
former Equity actor, has
performed throughout
the country in regional
theatre, summer stock,
physical theatre, and
Shakespeare. He is
featured on the OCR of The Wind in the
Willows, composed by Diane AdamsMcDowell (vocal arranger for the Tony
winning A Gentleman’s Guide...). His directing
with Belligerent Muse has been called “...
stunningly confident, virtuosic...” by the
Philadelphia Weekly. Training: B.F.A, Musical
Theatre, Syracuse University; PTTP, the Dell’
Arte International School of Physical
Theatre.
ARTIST BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
Connor Martin (Young
Newsboy) is thrilled to
be joining Capital City
Theatre in Gypsy!
Recent roles include
Oliver (Oliver Twist),
Mary Poppins (Michael
Banks), Sound of Music
(Kurt von Trapp) and The Lion King (Young
Simba). Connor recently finished Peter Pan
(John Darling) at The Fireside Theatre. He
would like to thank all of the staff at Capital
City Theatre for this amazing opportunity.
Connor would also like to thank his entire
family for their continuous support.
Flynn Marcus (Young
Newsboy) Soon to be
an 8th-grader at Wingra
School, Flynn is excited
to be part of the cast of
Gypsy! Recent
productions include
CTM’s Shrek, the Musical
(Pinocchio) and Goodnight Moon (Mr.
Nobody), and UW’s Legally Blonde
(ensemble). Watch for him in the upcoming
independent film, Aquarians. Flynn would
like to thank Abby, Roseann, Lynn, and his
family for supporting his passion.
Jenny Marsland
(Dolores) is a junior at
The Boston
Conservatory studying
for a BFA in Musical
Theater, and is so
excited to be part of
the cast of Gypsy! Jenny
has been very active in the Madison Area
Theater Community, this summer playing
Mary Magdalene in Middleton Player’s
Jesus Christ Superstar and ensemble/Mayzie
understudy in Seussical. She has also
toured with the Kids from Wisconsin as a
singer/dancer and choreographed for St.
Abrose Academy. Thanks to Andy and Gail
for this awesome opportunity!
Sabra Michelle (Tessie
Tura) Favorite roles:
Roxie, Chicago; Lola,
Damn Yankees; Cassie, A
Chorus Line; Morticia,
Addams Family; Ellie,
Showboat (starring
Robert Cuccioli); Vera, MameE; Mayzie,
SeussicalL; Tottendale, Drowsy Chaperone;
Frenchie/us Sally Bowles, Caberet.
Broadway Bares 23 & 24. National Tours: The
Pajama Game. Other: Norwegian Cruise
Lines, Producer of The Cougar Ball. Find out
more at www.SabraMichelle.com
Anna Pfefferkorn
(Thelma, Renée) earned
her BFA in musical
theatre from UWMilwaukee. Anna has
performed with
companies such as
Skylight Music Theatre,
Middleton Players Theatre, and The
Alchemist Theatre. Favorite credits include
Fantine in Les Misérables, Carrie in Carrie,
and Nancy in Oliver!. She will next appear
in Spamalot with Four Seasons Theatre.
Learn more at annapfefferkorn.com.
Jacob Rankin
(Yonkers) is thrilled to
be returning to Capital
City Theater in Gypsy!
He was last seen as Billy
Dean Elum in their
inaugural production
of Violet. He is a recent
grad of Oconomowoc High School, and is
currently perusing a BFA in Musical Theater,
at the University of Cincinnati, CollegeConservatory of Music. Much love and
thanks for the support from family, friends
and God.
Gypsy
9
ARTIST BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
Joel Roberts (Georgie,
Angie, Phil) is thrilled to
a part of Gypsy. Recent
credits include: How To
Succeed…, Be
Aggressive (Univ. of
Wisconsin-Stevens
Point); Guys and Dolls,
Kiss Me Kate, She Loves Me, Les Misérables
(Four Seasons Theatre); Bonnie and Clyde
(Music Theatre of Madison); UW Varsity
Marching Band Spring Concert (Guest
Vocalist). BFA Musical Theatre at UW
Stevens-Point.
Instagram - @JOELBRIANROBERTS,
Twitter - @JoelbRoberts7.
Amy L. Welk (Electra)
National tour: Cabaret
(Fraulein Schneider);
Regional: Sweeney
Todd ( Lovett), White
Christmas (Martha),
Guys/Dolls (General),
Oliver (Nancy), Robber
Bridegroom (Salome), Showboat (Julie).
Madison: Three Penny Opera (Mrs.
Peachum), Fiddler (Golde), Anne of Green
Gables (Marilla), and FST Follies, Thoroughly
Modern Millie, Great American Songbook
Series, and Cabaret @ Circle’s “Amy Welk: So
What?”.
PRODUCTION BIOGR APHIES
Jeff Whiting (Director) RECENT: Chasing
Rainbows (World Premiere), Loch
Lomond (New 42), Big Fish (Milwaukee),
Single Wide (NYMF) James Taylor Live
(Carnegie), Faustus (NYFA), The Baker’s Wife
(upcoming). NATIONAL TOURS: Bullets Over
Broadway, Young Frankenstein. REGIONAL:
The Scottsboro Boys (Philadelphia),
Big (Milwaukee). ASSOCIATE CREDITS
– BROADWAY: Bullets Over Broadway,
The Scottsboro Boys, Hair, Wicked (5th
Anniversary), Young Frankenstein, Big Fish.
NATIONAL TOURS: Hairspray, The Producers.
Jeff is the creator and founder of Stage
Write Software and Artistic Director of
Open Jar Institute.
W. Earle Smith (Choreographer) has
over 30 years of professional experience
choreographing, teaching and performing.
This is Mr. Smith’s sixteenth season with
the Madison Ballet as Artistic Director.
Some of Mr. Smith’s choreography credits
in New York, New Orleans, Hawaii, Seattle,
Texas and Madison include Cinderella, The
Nutcracker, Night Dances, Le Luce d’ Amore,
Four Movements, CTM’s Hello Dolly, Madison
Symphony Orchestra’s Viennese Ball, and
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Halloween
Concert. W. Earle Smith’s passion is sharing
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Capital City Theatre
his love for the performing arts with young
people and an important part of his artistic
vision is to develop and expand education
and outreach programs, making the
performing arts affordable and accessible
to all.
Andrew Abrams (Musical Director/
Conductor) See Artistic Director Bio.
Carly McCabe (Costume Designer) Recent
design credits include Goodnight Moon
(Children’s Theater of Madison), Guys and
Dolls (Four Seasons Theatre), Les Misérables
(CTM Summer Stage), and Rimers of
Eldritch (Lawrence University). Carly is a
recent graduate of Lawrence University.
She moved to Madison last June and has
been enjoying her time designing for
Madison theaters. Carly is thrilled to be a
part of Capitol City Theatre’s Gypsy! She
would like to thank Karin Kopischke for her
ongoing support and guidance.
www.carlymccabedesigns.com
Ryan Seifert (Set Design/ TD) Ryan
graduated with a theatre degree from
Winona State University and has since
been working as a stage technician.
Previously, Ryan worked with Riverside
PRODUCTION BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
Theatre Shakespeare Festival in Iowa
City, IA, Madison Savoyards, and Forward
Theater Company. Ryan was the technical
director for Capital City Theatre’s inaugural
production of Violet. He is currently the
technical director for the Children’s Theater
of Madison.
Brian Weinkauf (Lighting Designer) A
well-respected professional stagehand
in Madison for the past 18 years and a
member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 251 since 2002,
Brian has worked in virtually every venue in
town. He is currently the Master Electrician
for the prestigious Capitol Theatre at
the Overture Center for the Arts and the
Production Manager for The Madison
Ballet. He toured the U.S. for 6 years with
“The Music Box” company of The Phantom
of the Opera. Brian recently designed and
installed the lighting system for the new
Gobbler Theatre in Johnson Creek.
Tony Reitano (Stage Manager) started
as a NY actor, then moved to Los Angeles
and discovered the lucrative world of
commercials. He ultimately landed a tenyear stint as Vince the Crash Dummy in
the award-winning Safety Belt campaign,
recently inducted into the Smithsonian.
He is longtime Production Manager for Pat
Hazell’s The Wonder Bread Years, Cocktails
with Larry Miller, and Stage Manager for
Bunk Bed Brothers and Follies. He is the
author of the Live Radio Plays Young St.
Nick, Sleepy Hollow & Other Headless Tales
and Legends of the Leprechauns. Tony and
his wife, Leslie Esser-Reitano, are founders
of HEARTLINE THEATRICALS, production
company. Tony is a proud member of
Actors Equity Association.
Conrad St. Clair (Production Manager) has
been a professional musician, producer,
and audio engineer for over 25 years.
Originally trained as a flutist under Julius
Baker at Julliard, he soon switched to bass
and began to study arranging extensively.
He has since performed with some of
the most recognized artists in the music
business, including Mick Fleetwood,
Pinetop Perkins, The Crawdaddies, and
the Native American performance artist,
Robert Mirabal. As a sound designer, he
has worked with clients ranging from
CTM to Madison Opera. As a mix engineer,
he has mixed an incredibly wide array of
artists, from BB King to HH Dalai Lama.
Conrad is currently the chief audio
engineer at Overture Center, and leads the
renowned arts collective and multimedia
performance group, Kicksville.
Camps, classes & more!
therumpusroom.org
Gypsy
11
S TA F F B I O G R A P H I E S
Andrew Abrams
(Artistic Director) has
worked Off-Broadway,
regionally and on tour
as a professional
director, musical
director, conductor,
composer and Equity actor. Off-Broadway:
Pirates of Penzance (New York Gilbert and
Sullivan Players). Tours: Cinderella (with
Eartha Kitt), State Fair (with John Davidson),
Cabaret (with Andrea McCardle), Kiss of the
Spider Woman, Fiddler on the Roof (with
Theodore Bikel); Regionally: Between the
Lines (Luna Stage), Masterclass (with
Rosemary Prinz), Mikado (Theatre Virginia)
and numerous others. Andrew holds a
Bachelor of Music degree from UWMadison and a Master of Arts, in Musical
Theatre, from University of LondonGoldsmiths. He is also a graduate of the
advanced year of the BMI Musical Theatre
Writing Workshop in New York City where
he wrote But I’m a Cheerleader, the Musical
which had a reading in London in
December, 2013 directed by Tony-Award
winner Jerry Mitchell and starring Hannah
Waddingham. This show previously
headlined the New York Musical Theatre
Festival in September 2005. Andrew has
also worked as a vocal coach, voice teacher,
and Acting through Song coach at NYU,
New York Film Academy, AMDA,
Mountview Academy (in London), Hofstra
University and privately in New York City
and Madison.
[email protected]
Krystal Lonsdale
(Managing Director)
has been involved in
the performing arts for
over ten years. She has
performed in
productions OffBroadway: A Funny
Thing Happened… (Gemini), UK: in The
Gondoliers (Gianetta), and across the
United States (Philadelphia, Aspen). She
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Capital City Theatre
has also done extensive work in television
and film. Locally, Krystal serves on the
board for the Madison Savoyards and has
performed with MTM, Stoughton Village
Players and at the Bartell Theatre. When
not performing or teaching, Krystal is a
mother to two small children, helps to run
a family non-profit organization, and
operates a small farm in Cross Plains.
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs,
Krystal brings her unique business
experience and perspective to Capital City
Theatre. [email protected]
Gail Becker (Director of
Education) Gail is a
seasoned musical
theater artist and voice
teacher from Chicago
now living in Madison.
Performing credits
include - Tour: Babes in
Toyland. Chicago: High Society (Sunny) at
Theatre at the Center, Chicago (June) at
Prologue Theatre, Sunday in the Park with
George (Frieda/Mrs.) with Pegasus Players,
Merrily We Roll Along (Gussie), and Pirates of
Penzance (Edith) at Circle Theatre.
Madison: James and the Giant Peach,
Aladdin and A Christmas Carol with CTM,
Into the Woods (Witch) with Middleton
Players, Sweeney Todd, Dead Man Walking,
and many others with Madison Opera, HMS
Pinafore with Madison Savoyards, American
Songwriters - Gershwin, Cole Porter, and
Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley In Concert
with Four Seasons Theatre. Her Cabaret
engagements have included Overture
Center, Portage Center for the Arts, New
York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Naples,
Florida. For the past 15 years she has made
it a priority to further the careers of
aspiring musical theatre artists by working
independently as a Music Director and
Voice Instructor and is the Director of
Education for Capital City Theatre. She also
directs the Tommy Ensemble through
Overture Center and has led numerous
workshops including Find Your Light,
Madison Tommy Awards with Overture
S TA F F B I O G R A P H I E S
c o n t.
Center, Four Seasons Outreach Program,
UW Summer Music Clinic, TYA Director for
MadCap and CTM’s Nancy Thurow Acting
Academy. Learn more at
www.gailbeckertalent.com and
www.gailbeckerstudio.com.
Chris Giese (Digital
Media Producer) is a
graphic designer and
video production artist
from the small arts
community of Spring
Green, WI. After briefly
pursuing a Theatre
degree from Viterbo University he became
a member of American Players Theatre’s
Actor Apprentice Training Program,
appearing in four productions and a
self-produced artist showcase on the
outdoor stage. He has worked on
commercials and television shows for CBS,
FOX and MTV among others, and was
signed to an artist development deal under
the Grammy winning production team
“The Underdogs.” Local work includes
Marius (Les Misérables) with Four Seasons
Theatre and Gilbert Blythe (Anne of Green
Gables) with CTM as well as writing and
directing “Matter of Doubt” for the 48hr
Film Festival (Best Director Award). He
enjoys letterpress and screen printing in
his free time and is a proud member of
SAG/AFTRA, the professional union for film,
radio and television artists.
[email protected]
Ellie Herman (Social
Media Consultant), a
sophomore at UWMadison, became
interested in writing at
The Daily Cardinal
newspaper on campus
where she works as the
College News Editor. She furthered her
work in social media through a summer
internship in her hometown of La Grange,
Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Ellie is
pursuing a degree in Journalism and Mass
Communication with a Certificate in
French.
lose yourself
find yourself
NEW SUBSCRIBERS:
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MADISONSYMPHONY.ORG • (608) 257-3734
Gypsy
13
C A P I TA L C I T Y T H E AT R E S TA F F
ARTISTIC
Artistic Director...................................................................................................................Andrew Abrams
Director of Education/Associate Artistic Director.............................................................Gail Becker
ADMINISTRATIVE
Managing Director.............................................................................................................Krystal Lonsdale
Digital Media Producer............................................................................................................... Chris Giese
Publicity Coordinator..........................................................................................................Bonnie Abrams
Publicity Consultant................................................................................................................. Cindi Krause
Office Administrator................................................................................................................... Lisa Spierer
PRODUCTION
Production Manager.......................................................................................................... Conrad St. Clair
Production Stage Manager................................................................................................. Tony Reitano*
Assistant Stage Managers........................................................................Kate Goodall, Holly Willinski
Technical Director...................................................................................................................... Ryan Seifert
Assistant Technical Director......................................................................................... Andrew Lonsdale
Company Manager...................................................................................................................Meg Stevens
Assistant Director...............................................................................................................Tucker Stampen
Wardrobe Mistress.......................................................................................................................Mara Jarvis
Wig and Make-Up Supervisor..............................................................................................Nicole Nilson
Wig Stylist.......................................................................................................................................Gary Matori
Production Assistant........................................................................................................Andrew F. Turner
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association,
the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
Capital City Theatre is honored to work with the members of the
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Erin Burke, President, Robert W. Baird and Co
Chad Kemp, Vice President, Kemp Law Firm
Jed Sanborn, Treasurer, CPA
Dr. Lucian Lozonschi, UW Hospital Cardiothoracic
John Stevens, Emeritus Professor of Music
Pattie Ann Tuscic, Restaino & Associates
Leslie Watkins, Marketing Manager Hilldale Shopping Center
Rick Wolff, Hospitality Coordinator at Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC)
Claire Zaiman-Keen, Teacher at Waunakee School District
14
Capital City Theatre
DONORS
CORPORATION, FOUNDATION, AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Capital City Theatre wishes to thank the following organizations for their generous support.
The following donations were made from June 20, 2015- May 23, 2016
$25,000
The Great Performance Fund
for Theater, a component
fund of the Madison
Community Foundation
Pleasant T. Rowland
Foundation, In Support
of: The Rights for Gypsy,
Capitol Theater
$5000-10,000
Anonymous
Elisabeth Veltman, Blue Pearl
Customer Strategies
$2,500-5,000
A Paul T. Jones Charitable
Trust, In Support of:
Two Equity Actors, Any
Given Child, and Tuition
for FYL student
Madison Gas & Electric
Promega
$1,000- 2,000
ETC Foundation
Madison Arts Commission
Up to $1,000
Left Foot Branding
INDIVIDUAL GIVING Capital City Theatre (“CCT”) expresses a heartfelt thank you to these generous donors who have
made Gypsy possible. The following donations were made from June 20, 2015- May 23, 2016
Capital Club
Members
(gift of $1,000+)
Andrew Abrams
Bonnie Abrams
Gail Becker
Erin Burke
Tiffany Dreher
Sandra Fernandez
Chris Giese
Krystal Lonsdale
Lucian and Leona
Lozonschi
John and Meg Stevens
Standing Ovation
($500-$999)
Dina and Paul Boyle
and family
David Lawver
Larry Keen and Clare
Zaiman-Keen
Charlene Royce
William Richardson, In
Support of: Three
musicians, including
trombone
Jed and Lisa Sanborn
Beth Schlieger
Applause
($250-499)
Barry and Martha
Abrams
Dana Asmuth
Norman Fost
Lynda Sharpe
Curtain Up
($101-$249)
Brandon Benson
Steven and Kim
Bobeck
Dustin Brown and
Duane Draper
Marie and Dorothy
Gondek
Kate Goodall
Michael and Megan
Kling
Olivia Kroll
Karen Moncher
Vicky Nonn, In
Support of:
Two Orchstra
Members
Scott Skavlen
Netalee Lev Shienman
John Stampen,
In Support
of: Marketing
Consultant, Chorus
member, one Prop
Jennifer Unitan
Ann Wallace
Leslie Watkins
Julie and David Wood
Spotlight
(up to $100)
Joy Bauman
Connie Burke
Kelly Dwyer
Benson Gardner
Catie Glogovsky
Zachary Gondek
Cathy Hardy
Gregory Hudson
Dee King
Anita Krasno
Andrew Lonsdale
Diane Lonsdale
John Lonsdale
Aly Lynch
Tura Patterson
Jean Smith
Ron Smith
Doug and Anne
Vriezen
Art Wynne, In Support
of: Daily tuition for
FYL student
Rikhil Bhavnani
Capital City Theatre is organized under Federal Tax Code 501 (c)(3) as a nonprofit organization.
Your donation is tax deductible and a check can be mailed to:
Capital City Theatre---219 Nautilus Drive---Apt. A---Madison, WI 53705
Donations can also be made electronically by clicking
“PLAY A PART” at www.CapitalCityTheatre.org
Gypsy
15
“ E V E R Y T H I N G ’ S C O M I N G U P R O S E S ...”
T H A N K S TO T H E S E L O C A L B U S I N E S S E S !
Please thank our advertisers and tell them you saw their ad in our program
16
Capital City Theatre
N O T E F R O M T H E D I R E C TO R O F E D U C AT I O N
The Education program is a cornerstone of the CAPITAL CITY THEATRE (CCT) mission.
CCT is committed to providing unique and comprehensive opportunities to future
generations of musical theatre professionals and ardent devotees.
What are we accomplishing?
We are grooming future performers.
We are paving a way to higher education.
We are providing our students more in depth experience.
We are sparking a greater interest in the many non-acting aspects of a musical
theatre career.
We are inspiring future lyricists and composers!
We are creating programs to fill the needs of our talented community.
Our successes started 5 years ago with Find Your Light, our
premiere musical theatre intensive focused on the stage
performer. The College Prep Course provides guidance to
those preparing for the college programs audition circuit.
Internships are offered during productions to immerse students
in professional circles of musical theatre.
Today we proudly announce two additional
upcoming exceptional programs!
Stagecraft Studio is a four-hour workshop
that focuses on the crucial “behind the scenes”
components of a production. Local experts provide
insight and HANDS ON experience in areas such as
lighting, sound design, costumes, props, etc. Our
new Young Musical Theatre Writers Competition
is open to all high school aged students. Each
participant will be asked to create a 10-15 minute
musical on their own. Experienced guidance will be
provided in workshops and seminars, and winning
entries will be produced by CCT and performed by
local professionals.
The future of Capital City Theatre is now! These exciting and tailored programs will
encourage and motivate young people to explore careers in the arts. Capital City Theatre
plans to build upon these passionate minds and proudly help them thrive and flourish
in a vibrant community such as Madison and beyond! We thank you for your continued
support.
-Gail Becker, Director of Education
Gypsy
17
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Capital City Theatre
Gypsy
19
T H A N K YO U
Capital City Theatre is only as strong as our friends, family, supporters and these
incredible people/organizations to whom we owe a very special THANK YOU:
Props and Costumes provided by:
Madison Theatre Guild, Middleton Players Theatre and Lawrence University
Housing Provided by:
Wendy Bedale, Bonnie Abrams, Scott Teemple and Matt Schaefer, Meg and John Stevens
Transportation provided by:
Meg Stevens, Bonnie Abrams, Krystal Lonsdale
Capital City Theatre Internships:
Beth Schlieger, Tucker Stampen, Andrew F. Turner
Spring Fundraiser Venue provided by:
BTCI Sponsored by Promega
Trumpet provided by:
Ronald and Jean Smith
Audition Volunteers:
Mallory Murphy, Bonnie Abrams, Beth Schlieger,
Lisa Spierer, Matt Orlando, Bob Wolohan
Thank you to Wade and Pamela Crary for their wonderful dog, Mia Dolce!
Overture Center, Madison Ballet, Madison Theatre Guild, Promega, Stoughton Village
Players, Lawrence University, Wild Rumpus Circus, Find Your Light alum, Matt Marsland,
Nathan Lucas, Emily Skavlen, Jane Hobson, Kailey Boyle, Andrew Lonsdale, KyLee
Hennes, Dee King, Liz Griffith, Krystal Lonsdale, Crown City Merch, Banzo, Freshii, Bang
Salon, Nicole Nilson, Susan and Jonathan Lipp, Terry Haller, ETC, Madison Community
Foundation, MG&E, Madison Arts Commission, W. Earle Smith, Bonnie Abrams, Children’s
Theatre of Madison, Madison Opera, John and Meg Stevens and family, Elisabeth Veltman
(Blue Pearl Customer Strategies), Joy Bauman, Baird, Madison Opera, Children’s Theater of
Madison, Capital City Theatre Board of Directors, Sarah Krahn
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Capital City Theatre