the fantasticks - Light Opera Works

June 6 – 14, 2015
35th Season, 101st Mainstage Production
BRIDGET McDONOUGH
General Manager
RUDY HOGENMILLER
Artistic Director
presents
THE FANTASTICKS
Book and Lyrics by
TOM JONES
Music by
HARVEY SCHMIDT
Conductor
ROGER L. BINGAMAN
Scenic Designer
ADAM VENESS
Costume Designer
ALICIA ANNE LEES
Lighting Designer
ANDREW H. MEYERS
Sound Designer
AARON QUICK
Stage Manager
TOM CAMPBELL
Production Manager
KATIE BEEKS
Stage Director & Choreographer
RUDY HOGENMILLER
THE FANTASTICKS
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
The Fantasticks
1
A B O U T L I G H T O P E R A WO R K S
LIGHT OPERA WORKS is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater, founded in
1980. The company’s mission is to produce and present musical theater from a variety of
world traditions. Such works include American and Continental operettas, classic American
musical theater, as well as contemporary fare. Since its inaugural season in 1981, LIGHT
OPERA WORKS continues to be a leader in the United States for the presentation of these
historically important and theatrically delightful works of art in productions similar in
size and scope to their originals, in modern productions with professional artists and full
orchestra. Other programs include musical theater workshops for young performers ages 8
to 18, and small concert performances throughout the Chicago area. LIGHT OPERA WORKS
is a member of the Illinois Arts Alliance, League of Chicago Theatres, National Alliance for
Musical Theatre, the Evanston and Wilmette Chambers of Commerce and Chicago’s North
Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For a listing of LIGHT OPERA WORKS’ repertoire, and information about past productions,
visit our website at www.LightOperaWorks.com.
Found Kitchen and Social House, Oceanique, Prairie Moon, Smylie Brothers Brewing
Co. and Trattoria Demi are the preferred restaurants of Light Opera Works.
Special thanks to Found Kitchen and Social House for sponsoring THE FANTASTICKS
opening night reception.
THE FANTASTICKS is sponsored by The Pauls Foundation.
This project is partially supported by a grant from the Evanston Arts Council, a city agency
supported by the City of Evanston, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
The Light Opera Works Rehearsal Center, Box Office and Administrative Office are
located at 516 4th Street, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. The Box Office phone number is
(847) 920-5360, and Box Office fax line is (847) 920-5358.
The Rehearsal Center is an ideal venue for a variety of events, from rehearsals and
dance classes to meetings and celebrations. For rental information, contact Kyle at
[email protected].
Since its opening in May, 1960, at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York, and its
subsequent revival at the Snapple Theatre Center, THE FANTASTICKS has become the
longest running production of any kind in the history of American theater. Continuing its
run in New York City, please visit www.FantasticksOnBroadway.com.
A F E W WO R D S F R O M T H E A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R
This year, I’m celebrating my 25th anniversary with THE FANTASTICKS. Back
in 1990, the show was celebrating its own 30th anniversary, still going
strong at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York’s Greenwich Village and
enjoying an unprecedented unbroken run of performances going back to
1960! To mark the occasion, authors Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt were
planning a large-scale national tour of THE FANTASTICKS; unlike the simple
original Sullivan Street version of the show, this production would have
elaborate scenery and costumes, full orchestra, an added chorus and a star
as El Gallo, Robert Goulet.
I went to New York to audition for the role of the Mute, who weaves in and out of the action,
setting the scenes, providing props and wordlessly moving the story along; having heard that
for this expanded version they were looking for more of a dancer than in previous productions.
I’m happy to say I got the part, and with it the chance to work with Tom and Harvey.
2
Light Opera Works
A F E W WO R D S F R O M T H E A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R
c o n t.
The tour was a wonderful experience for me. Usually, tours are carbon copies of successful
Broadway shows, but THE FANTASTICKS anniversary tour was a special case. Since there
had never been a dancing mute before, I was working closely with the choreographer Janet
Watson creating my routines from scratch. I saw that for Tom and Harvey, nothing was set in
stone; even 30 years on, THE FANTASTICKS was still a work in progress, and their continuing
creativity was an inspiration to all of us. The tour lasted six months, cut short due to a
movie offer that Mr. Goulet felt he had to take; still, it was a wonderful six months.
Tom, Harvey and THE FANTASTICKS came back into my life in 1992, when they mounted a
Japanese tour; 30 cities in three months. I was back as the Mute, but there was a big change
from the anniversary tour, where Tom and Harvey served as directors. This time around,
they were performers as well, with Tom as the Old Actor and Harvey at the piano. When
actors are touring, they become family, all staying at the same hotels, on the same buses
and planes, seeing the sights together—so not only was I working with Tom and Harvey, I
was becoming their friend.
As usual with this creative team, this touring production was not a carbon copy of what
had been done before. It lacked some of the bells and whistles of the anniversary tour, but
was still more elaborate than the Sullivan Street original. It was fascinating to experience
two beautiful versions of the show in the company of its creators. My experience with THE
FANTASTICKS has remained near and dear to me all these years, and I’ve always dreamed of
sharing it with the Light Opera Works audience.
Taking my cue from Tom and Harvey, the expanded version of THE FANTASTICKS we’re
presenting is my own hybrid, combining what I love from both the anniversary tour and the
Japanese tour, including some of the scenic concepts that opened up the show for larger
houses. The biggest addition is the use of the full orchestra for Harvey’s beautiful music:
when I wrote Harvey to tell him about our plans, he wrote back “ I’m so happy to learn that
you will be creating an expanded version…I’ve always tended to think of big orchestras
and big arrangements when composing, and FANTASTICKS was no exception…. I am very
excited that Light Opera Works will be presenting it that way in your upcoming season!”
Our Light Opera Works orchestra will be the biggest professional orchestra ever to play
the score in a fully-staged production. I’m sure Harvey couldn’t have wished for a more
wonderful thing to happen to his music.
A constant companion of my FANTASTICKS journey has been Chicago actor Jim Harms,
whom you’ll see today as the Old Actor. He was in the cast of the anniversary tour, and
played Bellomy in Japan. Actually, Jim goes back ever further with Tom and Harvey,
having appeared in the 1987 premiere of GROVER’S CORNERS, their musical adaptation of
Thornton Wilder’s OUR TOWN, as well as an earlier Japanese tour of THE FANTASTICKS. Ten
years after our tour of Japan, Jim and I co-directed the show for Chicago’s Pegasus Players,
a production that eventually toured Egypt! As you can imagine, we have many amazing
memories of our work on THE FANTASTICKS, and it’s been wonderful having Jim along for
this production, sharing his experience and love of this magical show.
Working on this FANTASTICKS has been a labor of love for me; more than that, it’s been a
joy to honor the creativity, generosity and artistic vision of two men who have been an
inspiration to me throughout my career: Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt.
Rudy Hogenmiller
Artistic Director
The Fantasticks
3
CAST
El Gallo (The Narrator)............................................................................................................. James Anest*
Luisa (The Girl)....................................................................................................................Meredith Kochan
Matt (The Boy)....................................................................................................... Christopher MacGregor
Hucklebee (Matt’s Father)...............................................................................................................Rick Rapp
Bellomy (Luisa’s Father)................................................................................................................ Kirk Swenk
Henry (The Old Actor).............................................................................................................James Harms*
Mortimer (The Man Who Dies)..............................................................................................Brian Rooney
The Mute...................................................................................................................................... Clayton Cross
Understudies
Billy Dawson (El Gallo and Mortimer), Caroline Zavislak (Luisa and Mute),
Clayton Cross (Matt), Rick Rapp (Henry)
*Appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
ORCHESTR A
(Musicians are members of Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208)
Reed I (Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piccolo)....................................................... James Gailloreto
Reed II (English Horn, Oboe).......................................................................................... Debra Freedland
Reed III (Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Flute, Piccolo, Tenor Saxophone)................................ Gail Crosson
Horn...................................................................................................................................... Kelly Langenberg
Trumpet......................................................................................................John Burson, Charles K. Finton
Trombone........................................................................................................... John McAllister, Tom Stark
Percussion.......................................................................................Debbie Katz Knowles, Tina Laughlin
Harp.................................................................................................................................... Benjamin Melsky
Keyboard / Piano.................................................................................................................... Linda Madonia
Violin I..................................................................................... John F. Ling (Concertmaster), Nina Saito,
Elizabeth M. Brown, Gretchen Sherrell
Violin II............................................................................Diana Brodick, Corinne Brodick, Marty Hackl
Viola............................................................................................................Kjell J. Sleipness, Nora Williams
Cello..................................................................................................................................................Richard Yeo
Bass...........................................................................................................................................Joseph Krzysiak
Orchestrations by Jack Elliott
4
Light Opera Works
P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F
Stage Director / Choreographer..................................................................................Rudy Hogenmiller
Conductor......................................................................................................................Roger L. Bingaman
Production Manager..................................................................................................................Katie Beeks
Scenic Designer..........................................................................................................................Adam Veness
Lighting Designer............................................................................................................Andrew H. Meyers
Costume Designer.............................................................................................................Alicia Anne Lees
Sound Designer..........................................................................................................................Aaron Quick
Properties Designer..................................................................................................................Cassy Schillo
Orchestra Contractor.............................................................................................................Diana Brodick
Assistant to the Director / Choreographer...............................................................Kara Schoenhofer
Stage Manager........................................................................................................................ Tom Campbell
Assistant Music Director.....................................................................................................Linda Madonia
Technical Director....................................................................................................................Adam Veness
Master Electrician..............................................................................................................Megan Snowder
Assistant Lighting Designer......................................................................................................... Will Dean
Lighting Crew.......................................................................................... Alon Stotter, Kaitlyn Stephens
Sound Board Operator..........................................................................................................Corey Vincent
Wardrobe.............................................................................................................................Alicia Anne Lees
Running Crew Chief................................................................................................................Adam Veness
Running Crew............................................................................................................................... Brock Alter
Set Construction.......................................................................................................Means of Production
SUMMERSTAGE 2015
Ethel M. Barber Theater, 30 Arts Circle Drive
INTO THE WOODS
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM
BOOK BY JAMES LAPINE
DIRECTED BY SCOTT WEINSTEIN
JULY 17 - AUG 2
ON SALE NOW
WIRTZ.NORTHWESTERN.EDU
The Fantasticks
5
•
DAILY SOCIAL CALENDAR
•
FURNISHED APARTMENTS
•
FINE DINING VENUES
Join Our Exclusive Club
If you act quickly, you could be the newest member
of The Merion Charter Club.
The Merion is Chicagoland’s newest luxury senior rental community
located in the heart of vibrant downtown Evanston. Just two blocks
from Lake Michigan and steps away from Evanston’s retail and
restaurant hub, you will love living here. But most of all,
you will enjoy the extraordinary food and high-end amenities
at this newly renovated luxury senior residence.
Call today for information to learn how you can join
this exclusive Club.
RETIREMENT LIVING. REDEFINED.
RETIREMENT APARTMENTS
6
Light Opera Works
877.394.3971
MerionEvanston.com
SCENES AND MUSICAL NUMBERS
THE TIME:
Then
THE PLACE:
Act One—In the Moonlight
Act Two—In the Sunlight
ACT ONE
Overture
“Try to Remember”................................................................................................ El Gallo and Company
“Much More”............................................................................................................................................... Luisa
“Metaphor”..............................................................................................................................Matt and Luisa
“Never Say No”......................................................................................................Hucklebee and Bellomy
“It Depends on What You Pay”.......................................................El Gallo, Hucklebee and Bellomy
“A Perfect Time to Be in Love”......................................................................................................... El Gallo
“Soon It’s Gonna Rain”.........................................................................................................Matt and Luisa
“Abduction Ballet”...........................................................................................................................Company
“Happy Ending”................................................................................................................................Company
15-minute intermission
ACT TWO
“The Plum is Too Ripe”............................................................... Matt, Luisa, Hucklebee and Bellomy
“I Can See It”....................................................................................................................... El Gallo and Matt
“Plant a Radish”.....................................................................................................Hucklebee and Bellomy
“Much More” (reprise)............................................................................................................................. Luisa
“Round and Round”............................El Gallo, Luisa, Hucklebee, Bellomy, Henry and Mortimer
“Beyond That Road”......................................................................................................... El Gallo and Matt
“They Were You”.....................................................................................................................Matt and Luisa
“Metaphor” (reprise).............................................................................................................Matt and Luisa
“Try to Remember” (reprise)................................... El Gallo, Matt, Luisa, Hucklebee and Bellomy
BIOGR APHIES
JAMES ANEST (El
Gallo) is making his
Light Opera Works
debut after relocating
to Chicago from Los
Angeles. He has been
seen across the United
States and Europe in opera, musicals and
theater. Selected musical roles include
Franz Liebkind in THE PRODUCERS at
Music Theater Wichita, Gaston in DISNEY’S
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at PCPA Pacific
Conservatory Theatre, Emile de Becque in
SOUTH PACIFIC at Moonlight Stage
Productions and Cabrillo Music Theater, the
Pirate King in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
at Opera a la Carte, and Petruchio in THE
TAMING OF THE SHREW at Torrance Theater
Company. James has recorded two solo
CDs, several singles, the original cast album
of PRESENT ARMS and is creator/producer
of a singing waiter act, “The Amazing
Waiters” as well as an opera-crossover
group, “Popera Men.” www.jamesanest.com
The Fantasticks
7
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
MEREDITH KOCHAN
(Luisa) made her Light
Opera Works debut last
season as Chava in
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.
Other stage credits
include SPRING
AWAKENING (Wendla), THE CRUCIBLE
(Abigail), and MAY 4TH VOICES at
Cleveland’s PlayhouseSquare, which was
broadcast on PBS. In 2011, she made her
film debut in the horror movie 7 NIGHTS
OF DARKNESS and will commence filming
its sequel, THE DEVIL’S TOY BOX, in July.
Meredith has sung with the Cleveland Pops
Orchestra, winning the Jean L. Petitt
Memorial Scholarship Award, and has a
BFA in musical theatre from Kent State
University.
CHRISTOPHER
MACGREGOR (Matt)
is making his Chicago
debut with Light
Opera Works in THE
FANTASTICKS. He
recently graduated
from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee, where he earned a BFA in
Musical Theatre with a strong emphasis
in dance and movement. Some favorite
past performances are Hot Blades in
URINETOWN, Jack in INTO THE WOODS,
and working with Oni-Dance’s Maria
Gillespie in LA HORA DE SALIR.
RICK RAPP (Hucklebee)
is making his fifth
appearance at Light
Opera Works. He was
last seen as Lazar Wolf
in FIDDLER ON THE
ROOF and Coach Van
Buren in DAMN YANKEES. Rick has been a
mainstay of the south suburban theater
scene for the past three decades, as
director and actor. He was recently seen as
Emile de Becque in SOUTH PACIFIC and Big
Daddy in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (the
8
Light Opera Works
latter production will travel to Hastings,
England). A retired English and drama
teacher, Rick is involved with Habitat for
Humanity and has done two local builds
and five international builds in the last
three years. In August he will participate
in his sixth build, this time in Costa Rica,
building an affordable and safe house
for a qualifying family.
KIRK SWENK (Bellomy)
made his Light Opera
Works debut last
season as Joe Boyd in
DAMN YANKEES.
His long career in
theater has
encompassed work as actor, director,
technician, and more. His roles include the
Emcee in CABARET, Samovar in A DAY IN
HOLLYWOOD/A NIGHT IN THE UKRAINE,
Mendel in MARCH OF THE FALSETTOS,
John in FIFTH OF JULY, Major General
Stanley in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE,
Amos Hart in CHICAGO, Pseudolus in A
FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO
THE FORUM, Harold Hill in THE MUSIC
MAN, the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince in
INTO THE WOODS, Lumiere in DISNEY’S
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, FREDRIK in A
LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, and Cladwell in
URINETOWN, among many others. He has
appeared in the revues SIDE BY SIDE BY
SONDHEIM, STARTING HERE, STARTING
NOW, COLE! and A GRAND NIGHT FOR
SINGING!
JAMES HARMS (Henry)
was seen in COLE
PORTER’S GREATEST
HITS, H.M.S. PINAFORE
(Sir Joseph Porter),
OLIVER! (Fagin), MAN
OF LA MANCHA (Don
Quixote), THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
(Major General Stanley), and IOLANTHE
(Lord Chancellor) at Light Opera Works,
where he directed BITTER SWEET. At the
Goodman Theater he appeared in Kander
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
and Ebb’s THE VISIT with Chita Rivera, THE
HAPPIEST SONG PLAYS LAST, and THE
ICEMAN COMETH with Nathan Lane and
Brian Dennehy (including the recent revival
at the Brooklyn Academy of Music). In
1976, he received the first of eight Joseph
Jefferson Awards for playing Henry in THE
FANTASTICKS at the Forum Theater in
Summit, Illinois. Further associations with
the show include the 30th Anniversary tour
with Robert Goulet, two tours of Japan
including a recording of that company,
and directing it for Pegasus Players, which
toured Egypt and had a run at the Mercury
Theater in Chicago. As a member of Actors’
Equity Association since 1963, he has
played most of the area theaters and
toured nationally and internationally in
EVITA and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING
TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.
BRIAN ROONEY
(Mortimer) returns to
Light Opera Works after
his run as Njegus in THE
MERRY WIDOW last
year. Local audiences
have seen him as J. J.
Hunsecker in SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
(Kokandy Productions), Old Joe, Charity
Man and Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(Drury Lane Oakbrook), Richard Sheridan in
THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III and Angelo
in SINCE I SUPPOSE (Chicago Shakespeare
Theater), and Wednesday in THE MAN
WHO WAS THURSDAY (New Leaf Theatre).
Regionally, Brian has appeared in STATE OF
THE UNION, THE CHERRY ORCHARD and
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Milwaukee
Repertory Theater), THE TEMPEST, SCAPIN,
RICHARD III and THE THREE MUSKETEERS
(Illinois Shakespeare Festival), and THE
LOST COLONY (Manteo, North Carolina).
Brian is a member of SAG/AFTRA and has
played major roles in three feature films:
TASMANIAN TIGER, GOD FORGIVE US and
DEAD GIRLS. He holds an MFA in acting
from University of South Carolina and
teaches Musical Theatre for Youth at the
Devonshire Cultural Center in Skokie.
www.brianrooneyactor.com
CLAYTON CROSS (The
Mute) returns to Light
Opera Works after
appearing in the
ensemble of DAMN
YANKEES. Clayton
works nationwide as a
teacher, performer and choreographer
specializing in contemporary, jazz, and
lyrical dance. He serves as artistic advisor,
board member and choreographer for
Renegade Dance Architects in Chicago.
He also regularly works with and judges
competitions for M.A. Dance, a Texas-based
traveling dance company. His television
credits include “Every Dancer Has a Story,” a
PBS special about the River North Chicago
Dance Company, where he was a full
company member for nine seasons,
during which he toured nationally and
internationally to Germany, Luxembourg,
and Switzerland. www.claytoncross.com
RUDY HOGENMILLER (Director /
Choreographer), artistic director of Light
Opera Works, was seen on stage last year as
Mr. Applegate in DAMN YANKEES, and the
Emcee in CABARET in 2013. He has directed
and choreographed many productions
for the company including THE MERRY
WIDOW, COLE PORTER’S GREATEST HITS,
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, ANNIE GET YOUR
GUN, H.M.S. PINAFORE, OLIVER!, MAN OF
LA MANCHA, CAMELOT, BRIGADOON,
HELLO, DOLLY!, MY FAIR LADY, THE
YEOMEN OF THE GUARD, A LITTLE NIGHT
MUSIC, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, KISS
ME, KATE, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE MIKADO
and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. He has been
recognized with six Joseph Jefferson
Awards and 17 nominations for best
direction and choreography in Chicago,
and has been a member of the Society of
Stage Directors and Choreographers for
more than 35 years.
The Fantasticks
9
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
ROGER L. BINGAMAN (Conductor) has
conducted FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, DAMN
YANKEES, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, CABARET,
H.M.S. PINAFORE, OLIVER!, CAMELOT, THE
SECRET GARDEN, THE STUDENT PRINCE,
BRIGADOON, HELLO, DOLLY!, I DO! I DO!,
CAROUSEL, THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD,
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, MY FAIR
LADY and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at Light
Opera Works, where he has held many
positions, including conductor, chorus
master, assistant conductor and pianist. He
was named the company’s music director
in 2005. Since 1999, “Bing” has been the
director of the apprentice program and
chorus master for the Sarasota Opera,
where he began his tenure in 1998 as an
assistant conductor. He is music director
of Irving Park Lutheran Church and artistic
director of the Irving Park Fine Arts Series;
also served as choir director and organist
at Ezra Habonim, the Niles Township
Jewish congregation in Skokie. He has
worked with Lyric Opera’s Opera-in-theNeighborhoods program, Michigan Opera
Theatre, the Savoyaires, Milwaukee Opera
Theatre, Dayton Opera, Opera Lenawee
and Opera Lafayette, among other
companies.
ADAM VENESS (Scenic Designer)
designed THE MERRY WIDOW, FIDDLER
ON THE ROOF, DAMN YANKEES, H.M.S.
PINAFORE, OLIVER!, MAN OF LA MANCHA,
CAMELOT, THE SECRET GARDEN, and
I DO! I DO! for Light Opera Works and
has served in a technical capacity for
more than 25 productions. His work
has been seen on many Chicago area
stages, including Chicago Folks Operetta,
Metropolis Theater, Seanechai Theater,
Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook, Writers’
Theatre, Northwestern University Opera
Theater, the Gift Theatre, and Northbrook
Theater for Young Audiences. He recently
designed JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR for
Theo Ubique, where he is resident scenic
designer, working on Jeff Award-winning
10
Light Opera Works
productions of PASSION, SMOKEY JOE’S
CAFE, ASPECTS OF LOVE, CATS, and SOME
ENCHANTED EVENING, and receiving Jeff
nominations for PASSION and THE LIGHT
IN THE PIAZZA. www.venessdesign.com
ALICIA ANNE LEES (Costume Designer)
returns to Light Opera Works where she
previously designed the youth production
of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and has worked
backstage as a wardrobe assistant for four
seasons. Chicago design credits include
RUTHLESS at Big Noise Theatre and
TWELFTH NIGHT with Foundlings Theatre
Company. In addition to her theater work,
she works as a personal stylist. Originally
from Oklahoma, she has a degree in
Musical Theatre from the University of
Tulsa.
ANDREW H. MEYERS (Lighting Designer)
has lit more than 40 shows for Light Opera
Works, including FIDDLER ON THE ROOF,
DAMN YANKEES, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN,
CABARET, H.M.S. PINAFORE, OLIVER!, MAN
OF LA MANCHA, CAMELOT, THE SECRET
GARDEN, RAGTIME, and OKLAHOMA!
Recently, he designed the highly acclaimed
TRAVESTIES! for Remy Bummpo and lit the
entire season for Northwestern University
Opera Theater. In Chicago his work has
been seen at Apple Tree Theatre, Chicago
Opera Theater, Chicago Shakespeare
Theater, Drury Lane Evergreen Park, Irish
Repertory Theatre, L’Opera Piccola, Pegasus
Players, Red Moon, Steppenwolf, Victory
Gardens and many others. Nationally,
he is a frequent designer for Next Act
Theater (Milwaukee), Florida’s Broward
Stagedoor Theatre, Ballet Memphis, and
Virginia Musical Theatre, and has lit shows
for the Skylight Opera Theatre and the
Repertory Theatres of Arkansas, Madison,
and Milwaukee. He lights corporate events,
fashion shows and trade shows all over
North America, and designed tours for the
Richard Thompson Band.
The Perfect Fit!
For the
Entertainment Lover
Luther Village has an ideal location in
the heart of Arlington Heights, a short
distance to many theaters, symphonies
and performing arts centers.
Go on your own or leave the planning to us—
no worries about tickets, driving or parking.
Join us, sit back, relax and enjoy!
• Low monthly fees & no second person fee
• Activities, enrichment classes and entertainment
• Theater and symphony trips
• Transportation services
• Convenient location
Choose from stunning
studios and spacious
one bedrooms to
Villa and Courtyard
homes.
Unlock your Lifestyle
Live it at
Luther Village!
TAKE A TOUR
of Luther Village
and receive a
Complimentary
Market Analysis
of your
current home.
MUST BE QUALIFIED TO PURCHASE FOR OFFER.
LISTINGS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR PRIOR SALE.
FL0615
Luther Village is a nondenominational
development of The Shaw Company managed
and offered by Shaw Realty Services.
offered by Shaw Realty Services
www.luthervillage.com
847-506-1919
1220 VILLAGE DRIVE, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL
The Fantasticks
11
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
AARON QUICK (Sound Designer) worked
with Light Opera Works for the first time
on last season’s THE MERRY WIDOW. Aaron
attended Northwestern University and
has been a professional sound and video
designer since 2012. His designs have been
heard at the Prop Thtr, Two Pence Theatre
Co., Pegasus Theatre Company, Emerald
City Theatre Company, Northwestern
University, Piccolo Theatre (where he is
an ensemble member), and the Black
Ensemble Theater (where he serves as
resident sound and video designer).
Recent highlights include A MIDSUMMER
NIGHT’S DREAM (Two Pence), THE HEALER
(Pegasus), and SOUNDS SO SWEET (Black
Ensemble).
TOM CAMPBELL (Stage Manager) has
stage managed for Light Opera Works
on THE MERRY WIDOW, FIDDLER ON
THE ROOF, DAMN YANKEES, ANNIE GET
YOUR GUN, CABARET, H.M.S. PINAFORE,
OLIVER! and MAN OF LA MANCHA. Tom is
a graduate of Loyola University Chicago
with a BA in theatre, minor in musical
theatre. Other stage management credits
include THE CAT IN THE HAT and ALICE
IN WONDERLAND (Emerald City Theatre
Company), MEASURE FOR MEASURE
and MISALLIANCE (Loyola University),
MOTHER BEAR (Mortar Theatre). He was
also the company manager for Loyola’s
#3USHAKESFEST touring Shakespeare
festival.
BRIDGET McDONOUGH (General Manager)
has been employed in arts management
since graduating from Northwestern
University in 1978. In 1980, she co-founded
Light Opera Works with Philip Kraus and
others. She holds membership in the
Illinois Arts Alliance, is past president of
the Rotary Club of Evanston, and served
on the boards of the Evanston Convention
and Visitors’ Bureau, Evanston Chamber
of Commerce, the National Alliance for
Musical Theatre, Around the Coyote, as
well as the School of Communication
Alumni Board at Northwestern University
andthe tourism committee of Chicago’s
North Shore Convention and Visitors’
Bureau. She is currently on the board of
the North Shore International Network,
and is Treasurer of the Musicians Club of
Women, In 2008, she served as one of the
international judges at the Second Vladimir
Kurochkin International Competition of
Young Artists of Operetta and Musicals in
Yekaterinburg, Russia, and was honored
by the Evanston Chamber of Commerce
with their 2009 Public Service / Nonprofit
Person of the Year Award.
S P E C I A L T H A N K S TO
The Saints; Pete Dully, Emily Crespo, Northwestern University; G. Todd Hunt;
Dr. John D. McMahon; Tim Pleiman, Bravo Systems; Jane DeBondt; Jennifer Schuman;
Brad Lyons, Jones College Prep; Dan Shaheen; Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt
Smoking is not permitted in Cahn Auditorium.
Food and beverages are not permitted in the auditorium.
12
Light Opera Works
A D M I N I S T R AT I V E S TA F F
General Manager.......................................................................................................Bridget McDonough
Artistic Director.................................................................................................................Rudy Hogenmiller
Music Director...............................................................................................................Roger L. Bingaman
Business Manager.................................................................................................................... Michael Kotze
Director of Audience and Press Services............................................................... Christopher A. Riley
Casting Director / Director of Events...............................................................................Kyle A. Dougan
Interns...................................................................................................... Andie Slein, Alexandra Kramer
House Manager........................................................................................................................ Matt Conlon
Box Office Staff..........................................................................Myra Levin, Sherrie Witt, Jeffrey Rubin
Development Services......................................................................................................Juno Consulting
Marketing Services....................................................................................................... The Hunt Company
Graphic Design................................................................................................................Bill Van Nimwegen
Photography............................................................Rich Foreman, Chris Ocken, Dr. John McMahon
Volunteers..........................................................................................................................................The Saints
Auditors...........................................................................................................................Brook Weiner L.L.C.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Benjamin P. Shapiro, President
Jefferson C. Collins
Steven Bashwiner
Ted C. Fishman
Ralph M. Goren
Joseph Greco, M.D.
Rudy Hogenmiller
Bridget McDonough
Pamela T. Pettibone
Rosie Rees
Morris E. Robinson, Sr.
Pamela P. Rosenbusch
Trudene Westerman
Catherine Westphal
The Honorable Lorraine H. Morton,
Former Mayor of Evanston,
Honorary Board Member
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Stephen G. Baime
William J. Erickson
Sasha Gerritson
Robert Markey
Dominic Missimi
Julian Oettinger
Duckie and Gregg Opelka
Pamela T. Pettibone
James Schneider
Kenneth Shepro
Hugh Smith
Gary Wigoda
Light Opera Works is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization, not affiliated with Northwestern
University. We rent Cahn Auditorium.
Ticket sales cover only about 60% of the cost
of our large productions with full orchestra.
Won't you help with a tax-deductible
contribution? Donate online:
LightOperaWorks.com/donation.html
The Fantasticks
13
T H E O P P O R T U N I T Y F U N D 2 015
THE OPPORTUNITY FUND is the society of donors making gifts of $500 or more to Light
Opera Works’ annual funds, benefits and other fundraising efforts. The care and belief of
these patrons place them among the company’s most valued friends. Light Opera Works
continues to flourish because of their kindness and generosity. To participate in this special
community and enjoy a series of unique events, please call (847) 920-5360.
$10,000 and more
Anonymous (2)
Lyn M. Dickey
Mr. Jack O’Kieffe
$3,500-$9,999
Dr. and Mrs. Robert
Arensman
Mary and Bruce Feay
Ms. Sasha Gerritson
Mr. Howard E. Hallengren
Mr. Walter Keevil
Jessie and Douglas
Macdonald
Bridget McDonough and
Robert Markey
Margo and James Oliff
Ms. Pamela T. Pettibone
Mr. and Mrs. Richard J.
Piggott
Edward and Leah Reicin
Mr. Gene Servillo and
Ms. Rosie Rees
Lois Silverstein, in memory
of Robert Greendale
$1,000-$3,499
Anonymous (2)
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen G.
Baime
Steven Bashwiner and
Donna Gerber
Mr. Roger L. Bingaman
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Blake
Nancy G. Carroll
Mrs. Ramona Choos
John R. Dainauskas, M.D.
Ms. Marilyn Drury-Katillo
Mr. and Mrs. Eldred DuSold
Mr. Ted Fishman and
Ms. Sara Stern
14
Light Opera Works
Mr. Donald Flayton
Mr. David F. Goldberg
Dr. Harold and
Mrs. Jane Goodman
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph M. Goren
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill
Greenberger
G. Todd Hunt
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Joyce
William M. Klein
Ms. Jean Klingenstein
Martin J. and Susan B. Kozak
Charitable Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Steven
Ludington
Rano and Bobbie Mueller
Mr. and Mrs. Julian
Oettinger
Alice and David Osberg
Richard and Margaret
Romano
Ben and Marianne Schapiro
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin
Shapiro
Mr. Kenneth C. Shepro
Mr. L. Walter Stearns
Mr. Peter P. Thomas
James and Trudene
Westerman
Catherine Westphal
and Gary Raphael
Gary Wigoda and
Barbara Gressel
$500-$999
Anonymous (2)
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Altman
Louis Aquila
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce
Bachmann
Janet R. Bauer
Ms. Barbara E. Beck
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beilfuss
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bowen
Nancy G. Carroll
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Cohen
Mr. Jefferson C. Collins
Hon. Barbara Flynn Currie
Celeste and Alan Denton
Joyce and Robert Dunn
Nellie and Sheldon Fink
Robert J. and Julie P. Gordon
Pat and John Grady
Mr. and Mrs. J. Stanley
Graves
Richard and Dorothy Harza
Barbara and Jim Herst
Stanley Hilton
Mr. Edward Kaczmarek
and Marie Graham
Dr. Herb and
Mrs. Adrienne Kamin
Ronald S. Katch
Dr. Claudia Katz
Mrs. Gayle Keefer
Ms. Electra Kontalonis
Ms. Almeda Maynard
Dr. and Mrs. John McMahon
Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin Pakin
Ms. Merle Reskin
Pam and Larry Rosenbusch
Dr. Heidi Rothenberg
Lynne and Ralph Schatz
Muriel and Richard Smock
Manuel Solotke
Vernon T. Squires
Ms. Ann Stevens
Mr. R. Todd Vieregg
C O N T R I B U TO R S TO L I G H T O P E R A WO R K ’ S 2 015 S E A S O N F U N D S
$250-$499
Mr. Richard A. Berz
Mr. and Mrs. Hans Boden
Ms. Penelope Boukidis
Mr. Jonathan Bunge
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bushala
Mr. Ronald Combs
Ms. Marge Czarnowski
Mr. Sanford Finkel
Ms. Katherine Harris
Ms. Mary Louise Jackowicz
Ms. Pamela Johnson
Mrs. Joan Lemasters
Patti and Clifford Levy
Mr. Edward W. Malstrom
Charlene Marcus
Mr. Stephen Marcus
Mr. David Mattenson
Mr. Loren Miller
Mrs. Kay C. Nalbach
Ms. J. Robin NaylorBernardy
Mr. Marcus Nunes
Mr. Lawrence Plotkin and
Ms. Ruth Hansen
Lee and Carol Ramsey
Howard Reisman and
Janet Thau
Mr. and Mrs. H. Zane
Robbins
William Schwaber and
Lorian Stein-Schwaber
Margaret and Alan
Silberman
Ms. Mary Alice Strzalka
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Teske
James and Susan Thompson
Mr. Paul Thompson
Mary Uppena-Weed
Ms. Marion Verp
Mr. Robert Zeller
$100-$249
Anonymous (4)
Mr. and Mrs. James Aagaard
Arthur and Rebecca
Anderson
Mr. Charles Arbetter
Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Aschauer
Les and Leah Axelrod
Dr. and Mrs. Theodore
Balsam
Dr. William W. and Reverend
Deborah Bell
Ms. Carol Ann Black
Mr. Wally Bobkiewicz
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Brooks
Mr. Noel Bushala
Dr. Suzanne and Ald.
Leonard Cahnmann
Mrs. William Carnall
David and Lisa Chinitz
Dr. Robert D. and
Lynn M. Clark
Ms. Carol Cleave
Ms. Monika A. Collins
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Collopy
Ms. Jean H. Cone
Ms. Marjorie Cox
Ms Erica Curtis
Victor DeRenzi and
Stephanie Sundine
Dr. Bernard J. Dobroski
Dr Lawrence A. Domont
Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Donoghue
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill
Eisenstein
Mrs. Barry Elman
Mrs. Marilyn Elrod
Mr. Peter Emery
Charles and Carol Emmons
Ms. Fran Faller
Mr. Alan Ferguson
Ms. Edith Fessler
Mr. H.B. Firestone
Ms. Joan Fragen
Ms. Susan K. Franz and
Dr. Judith Markowitz
Mr. and Mrs. Joel D. Gingiss
Maggie Gleason and
Patrick Loftus
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gohs
Ms. Natalie L. Goldberg
Mr. Henry Gould
Dr. Doris Graber
Judy and Zave Gussin
Mrs. Adrienne Hahn
Mr. James Harms
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Harris
Ms. Eve Heffer
Mr. Rudy Hogenmiller
Mr. Robert L. Holzer
Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Hufnagel
Mr. Jerry R. Jenkins
Mr. John G. Jesse
Mr. Kurt Kaiser
Ms. Darlene M. Kedzior
Ms. Regina Keifer
Mr. Dennis Kelly
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kolar
Mrs. Betty Kolb
Ms. Diane Krier-Morrow
Mr. and Mrs. Konstanty
Krylow
Mr. Rob Landes
Mr. James Latturner and
Ms. Cathleen Combs
Joyce Wallace Lerner
Howard and Myra Levin
Mr. Edward Liszka
Judy and Maynard Louis
Ms. Diane Macewicz
Mr. Joseph Madden
Ms. Judith Markowitz
Mr. and Mrs. Roland Marquis
Rev. Phil Martinez
Ms. Vernadine J. Martlock
Mr. Robert W. Marwin
Mr. and Mrs. Royce
Masterson
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Mattson
Mr. Alexander G. MacNab
Mary Beth Mikrut
Mr. and Mrs. William C.
Mitchell
Ms. Helen Reisch Moore
Ms. Mary P. Morris
Mr. and Mrs. John Nance
Audrey and John Nankervis
Milton Nidetz and
Naomi Yale
Ms. Luba Nowak
Gail and James Paskind
Mr. and Mrs. John Paton
Mr. Donald Perille
Ms. Barbara Perkaus
David and Carole Perlman
Mr. and Mrs. Michael S.
Perlman
Mrs. Madeleine Plonsker
Ms. Jane Purdy
Ms. Marilyn Richman
Mr. Charles Rita and
Ms. Anita Nothdruft
Mr. Anthony R. Roback
The Fantasticks
15
DONORS
c o n t.
Ms. Virginia Rogodzinski
Ms. Mary Rosen Swanson
Mr. Allan Ross
Ms. Penny Rotheiser
Mrs. Valerie Rothschild
Mr. and Mrs. Norman
Rubash
Ms. Judy Rustemeyer
Ms. Joan Safford
Ms. Charlene Salzman
Ms. Mary Sartin
Mr. Michael Schachter
Marianne and Ben Schenker
Alice and Donald Schindel
Mr. James Schneider
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Sersen
Ms. Margaret Shaklee
Mr. Eugene Shepp
Mrs. Charles Simons
Mr. Robert Douglas Sphatt
Howard and Karri Spiegel
Ms Marilyn Stammich
Ms. Lorraine Stastny
Ms. Helen G. Stopek
Ms. Peggy Sullivan
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Swigert
Mr. and Mrs. Casmir
Szczepaniak
Beverly and Thomas Tabern
Cynthia and Neal Toback
Mr. and Mrs. Valentin
Turansky
Ned Turner and Kevin
Hickey
Mr. and Mrs. John R.
Twombly
Mr. Dennis G. Ulman
Ms. Barbara Urban
Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Zawislak
C O R P O R AT E , B U S I N E S S A N D F O U N DAT I O N S U P P O R T 2 015
$20,000 - $75,000
Anonymous
The Paul M. Angell Family
Foundation
Blowitz-Ridgeway
Foundation
The Frank B. Foster
Charitable Trust
The MacArthur Fund for
Arts and Culture at Prince
The Pauls Foundation
$5,000 - $19,999
Elizabeth F. Cheney
Foundation
John R. Halligan Charitable
Fund
Illinois Arts Council Agency
NIB Foundation
North Suburban Youth
Foundation
Victor Herbert Foundation
$2,000 - $4,999
Anonymous
Evanston Arts Council
Richard and Margaret
Romano Charitable Trust
$100 - $1,999
A.R.T. League
Bruce and Ann Bachmann
Family Foundation
Howard and Ursula Dubin
Foundation
Gigi’s Dolls and Sherry’s
Teddy Bears
First Bank and Trust,
Evanston
Ivanhoe Theater Foundation
On Track Fulfillment
The Ted Fund
Matching Gifts
A T & T Foundation
Bank of America
BP
Caterpillar Foundation
Home Depot
Merrill Lynch and Company
Foundation
In Kind-Gifts
$500 and more
Davenport Designs
Gemcraft Jewelry
Marcus Promotions
The Saints
Special Occasions Catering
Viking Printing Solutions
Retail and Dining
Partners
The Celtic Knot Public
House
Downtown Evanston
Flat Top Grill
Found Kitchen and Social
House
Oceanique
Prairie Moon Restaurant
Quartet Digital Printing
Smylie Brothers Brewing Co.
Three Tarts Bakery
Trattoria D.O.C.
Trattoria Demi
Whole Foods Market
Evanston
Media Sponsor
Evanston Now
Opening Reception
Sponsors
Found Kitchen and Social
House
Prairie Moon Restaurant
Smylie Brothers Brewing Co.
Whole Foods Market
Evanston
Includes donations received as of May 15, 2015. We make every effort to keep our list up to date;
if you have been inadvertently left out, please call our box office at (847) 920-5360.
16
Light Opera Works