Please see the sensational work from 2007-2008's Season and prior on this page.
This rich history takes us all the way back to our founding production in 1992!
2007-2008
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie
Death, Love, and Robots, a student written 10-minute play festival
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol - An original student-written stage adaptation
The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project
Oleanna by David Mamet
Closets are for Clothes, a student-written 10-minute play festival
Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig
Bat Boy: The Musical by Laurence O'Keefe, Keythe Farley, and Brian Flemming
Come See Our Shorts, a student-written 2-minute play festival
2006-2007
M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang
EQUUS by Peter Shaffer
Winter One Acts, a student-written one-act festival
It's Kind of About Love, a collection of Valentine's Day themed plays
Catholic School Girls by Casey Kurtti
Proof by David Auburn
The Complete History of America (abridged) by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor
Come See Our Shorts, a student-written 2-minute play festival
2005-2006
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Ten Minutes Resurrection, a student-written 10-minute play festival
Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco
Angels in America: Millenium Approaches by Tony Kushner
How He Lied to Her Husband by George Bernard Shaw
Zoo Story by Edward Albee
Success Has a Thousand Fathers by Dan McArdle
RUMORS by Neil Simon
Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig
Copenhagen by Michael Frayn
2004-2005
11 Mediocre student-Written Comedy Sketches, Staring: Your Friends!
With special Guest Fishing with Dynamite
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Two Chairs and a Table, a student-written ten-minute play festival
Time by Dan McArdle
Baby With the Bathwater by Christopher Durang
Bobby Gould Goes to Hell by David Mamet
Hughie by Eugene O'Neill
Beneath the Trees by Brian Warmoth
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
Cigarettes and Purple Pillz by Steve Stetak
Come See Our Shorts, a student-written 2-minute play festival
The [Comedy] of Hamlet by William Shakespeare [with minor edits by Jim Trapp]
2003-2004
Theater of the Damned featuring Beast from Haunted Cave, experimental theatre
Title Pending, Ideas Overflowing, a student-written 10-minute play festival
Come See Our Shorts, a student-written 2-minute play festival
The Bald Soprano by Eugene Ionesco
A Boat Without an Anchor by J.S. Dallas
Radio Free Theater, A Collection of Student Written Radio Pieces
Legs of Stone by Brian Warmoth
Crazy Grandma Sings the Blues by Matthew Green
...Because 9 Minutes Just Wasn't Enough, a student-written 10-minute play festival
No Exit by Jean Paul Sarte
Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
2002-2003
Foellinger Benefit Night
All My Sons by Arthur Miller
Why Mel Gibson Should Not Wear Clothes and other Hodge-Podge, a student-written 10-minute play festival
So I Killed a Few People by Gary Ruderman and David Summers
The Jerk by Dan Pellant
Shiny Things by Jim Trapp
Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig
Rolling In The Grave, aka The [Comedy] of Hamlet by William Shakespeare [with minor edits by Jim Trapp]
Happy 10th Birthday, 1993!, a student-written 10-minute play festival
The Dining Room by A.R. Gurney
2001-2002
Where the Sun Don't Shine, tribute to "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind"
Mad Scientists in Love by Jim Trapp
Instant Gratification, a student-written 10-minute play festival
The Shadow Box by Michael Cristofer
Flying Solo, A Night of Monologues
Love Letters by A.R. Gurney
The Girl So Far by Michelle Kaffko
The Insanity of Mary Girard by Lanie Robertson
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard
Bye, Bye Birdie by Charles Strouse, Lee Adams, and Michael Stewart
2000-2001
Improv Comedy Festival, with DeBono and Spicy Clamato
Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wasserstein
Lysistrata 3000 by Rory Leahy
Come See Our Shorts, a student-written 10-minute play festival
Radio Free Theatre
Crosswords by Justin Sohl
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Irrelevant Adventures of Jarvis McFadden by Rory Leahy
In Film by Christopher Denham
Penny Arcade, a student-written 10-minute play festival
1999-2000
Don't Drink the Water by Woody Allen
Monks in Trouble by Marc Heiden
A Timely Escape by Ella Rotman
Simpatico by Sam Shepard
The Lover by Harold Pinter
The Stronger by August Strindberg
Radio Free Theatre
Breaking Up is Hard To Do by Jacob Dee
Morbid Humor About Death by Rory Leahy
Anatomy of a Heart by Eric Rampson
Night of the Living Dead Poets by Rory Leahy
B-Side Opera by Marc Heiden
True West by Sam Shepard
The Acme of Things, a student-written 10-minute play festival
1998-1999
Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon
Death Defying Acts, a collection of one-acts by Woody Allen, David Mamet, and Elaine May
Radio Free Theatre
Bad Mojo Working by Nick Baer
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, short stories by Raymond Carver
The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Dale Wasserman from the book by Ken Kesey
Separate Checks by Matt Trupia
It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City Of Champaign by Nick Baer
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
1997-1998
Speed the Plow by David Mamet
Assassins by John Weidman and Stephen Sondheim
Stories of My Family, seven plays
Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet
Shrink by Drew Edwards
1996-1997
Wait Till Dark by Frederick Knott
Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
Beyond Therapy by Christopher Durang
Scarlet Lines: A Gothic Musical by Jennifer Heaton and Andrew Edwards
1995-1996
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard
Radio Plays: Abra Cadaver by Dave Stinton and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern by Tom Stoppard
Poisoning the Dog by Brendan Gardiner
Six Ways Out by Christian Biel
The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens
Italian America Reconciliation by John Patrick Shanley
Yer Ma! Sketch Comedy Show (later, Potted Meat)
1994-1995
One Acts: The Last Straw and An Evening For Merlin Finch, by Matt Burriesci
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon
Painting Hannah by Matt Burriesci
The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard
God by Woody Allen
The Glittering Life and Political Career of Edward Cardner, a one-act by Dave Stinton
Damage Control, a one-act by George Eckart
Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
IntoThe Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine
Dancin' Fiend by Chad Fifer
1993-1994
Sexual Perversity in Chicago by David Mamet
Garden of the North American Martyrs by Tobias Wolff
You're Ugly, Too by Lorrie Moore
Story Theatre II
Lou is the Only Real Guy by Chad Fifer
1992-1993
All My Sons by Arthur Miller
Story Theatre
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie
Death, Love, and Robots, a student written 10-minute play festival
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol - An original student-written stage adaptation
The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project
Oleanna by David Mamet
Closets are for Clothes, a student-written 10-minute play festival
Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig
Bat Boy: The Musical by Laurence O'Keefe, Keythe Farley, and Brian Flemming
Come See Our Shorts, a student-written 2-minute play festival
2006-2007
M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang
EQUUS by Peter Shaffer
Winter One Acts, a student-written one-act festival
It's Kind of About Love, a collection of Valentine's Day themed plays
Catholic School Girls by Casey Kurtti
Proof by David Auburn
The Complete History of America (abridged) by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor
Come See Our Shorts, a student-written 2-minute play festival
2005-2006
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Ten Minutes Resurrection, a student-written 10-minute play festival
Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco
Angels in America: Millenium Approaches by Tony Kushner
How He Lied to Her Husband by George Bernard Shaw
Zoo Story by Edward Albee
Success Has a Thousand Fathers by Dan McArdle
RUMORS by Neil Simon
Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig
Copenhagen by Michael Frayn
2004-2005
11 Mediocre student-Written Comedy Sketches, Staring: Your Friends!
With special Guest Fishing with Dynamite
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Two Chairs and a Table, a student-written ten-minute play festival
Time by Dan McArdle
Baby With the Bathwater by Christopher Durang
Bobby Gould Goes to Hell by David Mamet
Hughie by Eugene O'Neill
Beneath the Trees by Brian Warmoth
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
Cigarettes and Purple Pillz by Steve Stetak
Come See Our Shorts, a student-written 2-minute play festival
The [Comedy] of Hamlet by William Shakespeare [with minor edits by Jim Trapp]
2003-2004
Theater of the Damned featuring Beast from Haunted Cave, experimental theatre
Title Pending, Ideas Overflowing, a student-written 10-minute play festival
Come See Our Shorts, a student-written 2-minute play festival
The Bald Soprano by Eugene Ionesco
A Boat Without an Anchor by J.S. Dallas
Radio Free Theater, A Collection of Student Written Radio Pieces
Legs of Stone by Brian Warmoth
Crazy Grandma Sings the Blues by Matthew Green
...Because 9 Minutes Just Wasn't Enough, a student-written 10-minute play festival
No Exit by Jean Paul Sarte
Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
2002-2003
Foellinger Benefit Night
All My Sons by Arthur Miller
Why Mel Gibson Should Not Wear Clothes and other Hodge-Podge, a student-written 10-minute play festival
So I Killed a Few People by Gary Ruderman and David Summers
The Jerk by Dan Pellant
Shiny Things by Jim Trapp
Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig
Rolling In The Grave, aka The [Comedy] of Hamlet by William Shakespeare [with minor edits by Jim Trapp]
Happy 10th Birthday, 1993!, a student-written 10-minute play festival
The Dining Room by A.R. Gurney
2001-2002
Where the Sun Don't Shine, tribute to "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind"
Mad Scientists in Love by Jim Trapp
Instant Gratification, a student-written 10-minute play festival
The Shadow Box by Michael Cristofer
Flying Solo, A Night of Monologues
Love Letters by A.R. Gurney
The Girl So Far by Michelle Kaffko
The Insanity of Mary Girard by Lanie Robertson
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard
Bye, Bye Birdie by Charles Strouse, Lee Adams, and Michael Stewart
2000-2001
Improv Comedy Festival, with DeBono and Spicy Clamato
Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wasserstein
Lysistrata 3000 by Rory Leahy
Come See Our Shorts, a student-written 10-minute play festival
Radio Free Theatre
Crosswords by Justin Sohl
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Irrelevant Adventures of Jarvis McFadden by Rory Leahy
In Film by Christopher Denham
Penny Arcade, a student-written 10-minute play festival
1999-2000
Don't Drink the Water by Woody Allen
Monks in Trouble by Marc Heiden
A Timely Escape by Ella Rotman
Simpatico by Sam Shepard
The Lover by Harold Pinter
The Stronger by August Strindberg
Radio Free Theatre
Breaking Up is Hard To Do by Jacob Dee
Morbid Humor About Death by Rory Leahy
Anatomy of a Heart by Eric Rampson
Night of the Living Dead Poets by Rory Leahy
B-Side Opera by Marc Heiden
True West by Sam Shepard
The Acme of Things, a student-written 10-minute play festival
1998-1999
Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon
Death Defying Acts, a collection of one-acts by Woody Allen, David Mamet, and Elaine May
Radio Free Theatre
Bad Mojo Working by Nick Baer
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, short stories by Raymond Carver
The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Dale Wasserman from the book by Ken Kesey
Separate Checks by Matt Trupia
It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City Of Champaign by Nick Baer
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
1997-1998
Speed the Plow by David Mamet
Assassins by John Weidman and Stephen Sondheim
Stories of My Family, seven plays
Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet
Shrink by Drew Edwards
1996-1997
Wait Till Dark by Frederick Knott
Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
Beyond Therapy by Christopher Durang
Scarlet Lines: A Gothic Musical by Jennifer Heaton and Andrew Edwards
1995-1996
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard
Radio Plays: Abra Cadaver by Dave Stinton and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern by Tom Stoppard
Poisoning the Dog by Brendan Gardiner
Six Ways Out by Christian Biel
The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens
Italian America Reconciliation by John Patrick Shanley
Yer Ma! Sketch Comedy Show (later, Potted Meat)
1994-1995
One Acts: The Last Straw and An Evening For Merlin Finch, by Matt Burriesci
The Odd Couple by Neil Simon
Painting Hannah by Matt Burriesci
The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard
God by Woody Allen
The Glittering Life and Political Career of Edward Cardner, a one-act by Dave Stinton
Damage Control, a one-act by George Eckart
Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
IntoThe Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine
Dancin' Fiend by Chad Fifer
1993-1994
Sexual Perversity in Chicago by David Mamet
Garden of the North American Martyrs by Tobias Wolff
You're Ugly, Too by Lorrie Moore
Story Theatre II
Lou is the Only Real Guy by Chad Fifer
1992-1993
All My Sons by Arthur Miller
Story Theatre
The Mousetrap
by Agatha Christie Date: October 5th and 6th, 2007 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Newlyweds Mollie and Giles Ralston have just started running a boardinghouse, but a group of quirky guests, including a woman with a curious background, an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef, a retired Army major, a strange man who claims his car has overturned in a snowdrift, and a jurist who makes things miserable for everyone, quickly gets stranded during a snow storm, only to learn that one of them is a murderer. Enter the policeman, traveling on skis, who starts probing everyone's background and rattling the entire house, desperate to find the killer. The perfect formula for a classic whodunit mystery! Mollie Ralston: Alison Maske Giles Ralston: John Zeman Detective Sergeant Trotter: Craig Kurjanski Christopher Wren: Mike Drolet Mrs. Boyle: Lisa Musser Major Metcalf: Dave Knapik Director: Mike McGreevy Producer: Darwin Schafer Tech Crew: Lighting: Becky Horton Sound: Sarah Baisley Make-Up: Kathryn Broderick Alice in Wonderland
A student-written adaptation by Glenn Beckwith, Danny Beckwith, Josephine Loong, Jeff Pastiak, Stephen Snider, Jeff Vazzana Date: November 2nd and 3rd, 2007 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: The classic tale of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Cast List: Alice: Sara Collins White Rabbit: Meghan Mahaney Mr. Mouse / Lead Oyster: Eden Steege Duchees / Gentleman Dressed in White Paper: Paddy Lindley Cheshire Cat / Red Queen: Alyssa Venere Mad Hatter / Jabberwocky / Red Knight's Horse: Mike Braun March Hare / White Knight's Horse: Jessica Barkwill Queen of Hearts / Jabberwocky: Jen Higgins Gryphon: John O'Connell Mock Turtle: Mary Zemaitis White Knight: Cynthia Bangert Tweedledee / Knave of Hearts: Matt Strick Tweedledum / Young Man: Rich O'Dwyer Frog Footman / Goat / Carpenter: Alex Gahan Fish Footman / Seven of Spades / Walrus / King of Hearts: Nick Chrzanowski Humpty Dumpty: Jason Maldondo Lory / Two of Spades / Guard: Liz Rice Crab / White Queen: Meredith Wieck Caterpillar: Erin Green Father William / Cook / Five of Spades: Mita Shewakramoni Eaglet / Executioner: Kathryn Broderick Dodo / Beetle: Veronica Steege Dormouse / Red Knight: Lydia Anderson Director: Jeff Vazzana Producer: Josephine Loong Costumes: Josephine Loong and Jeff Goetz Set: Glenn Beckwith Props: Stephen Snider Lights: Becky Horton Oleanna
by David Mamet Date: February 8 and 9 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Time: 8:00 PM Ticket Price: Five (5) American Dollars Synopsis: A lapse in communication between a college professor and his female student quickly spirals out of control when allegations of rape and sexual assault are made which utterly destroy John's world, but greatly empower Carol. Cast List: Carol: Amy Ricchiuto John: Craig Kurjanski Director: Carl Newman Producer: Josephine Loong Tech Operator: Eric Tsay Closets are for Clothes
a student-written 10-minute play festival presented for the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgendered Ally College Conference Date: February 22nd and 23rd, 2008 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Excuse Me Dr. Dobson by Charlie Johnson The horrifying truth about gay marriage is revealed. Directed By: Charlie Johnson Cast List: Charlie: Charlie Johnson Carl: Neel Chemburkar Ringleader: Mike McGreevy Connect the Dots by C.J. Tuor Henry calls a wrong number by accident, and Jill picks up instead of the Suicide Hotline. Directed by Dave Knapik Cast List: Jill: Veronica Mucha Henry: Andy Jones Cosmo Told Me by Callie Leventis Terri has been reading too much Cosmopolitan, and decides to apply one of the surveys to her husband. Directed by Callie Leventis Cast List: Brad: Ben Leddy Terri: Lisel Neuman No Fats, No Freaks, No Fems! by Paul Lockwood Everybody needs a little love, even if they are fat, freaky, or feminine. Directed By: Sara Collins Cast List: Nate: Charlie Johnson Josh: Alex Gahan Chad: Dave Knapik Acceptance by Darin Bail A funeral leads to a difficult discussion about a mother's gay son. Directed by Brett Emanuel Cast List: Mom: Jillian Martin Sarah: Lisel Neumann Jon: Mike Drolet Allan: Andy Jones Lie to Me by Kellie Powell A casual drinking game leads two young women into a deep conversation about love, and each other. Directed by Crystal Lasky Cast List: Emily: Nikki Belamonte Joan: Liz Corrado A Path or a Choice? by Mike Golaszewski Eric examines whether or not his homosexuality is written out for him, or a choice he has to make. Directed by Erin Gaynor with Mike Golaszewski Cast List: Eric: Tim Anderson Sam: Amanda Villareal Dad/Player: Mike Drolet Mom/Player: Jillian Martin Players: Justin Grasse, Charlie Johnson, John Mackin, Liz Corrado Produced by Mary Zemaitis M. Butterfly
by David Henry Hwang Date: October 2006 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: This play is inspired by Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly and a real-life relationship between a French diplomat and a Chinese performer. The play follows the romantic relationship of, Rene Gallimard, a French diplomat in China in the 1960s and, Song Liling, a beautiful Chinese opera diva who is actually a man masquerading as a woman. The action of the play is depicted as Gallimard's disordered, distorted recollection of the events surrounding their affair. Unbeknownst to Gallimard, Song is also a spy for the communist Chinese government and uses the relationship with Gallimard to extract vital information. Gallimard is eventually sent back to France in political disgrace. He eventually divorces his wife Helga because he is still in love with Song. When Song is no longer useful to the Chinese government after Gallimard is sent home, he is put in a re-education camp for being an artist. Song is eventually sent by the Chinese government to France to resume his affair with Gallimard. They stay together for 20 years until the truth is revealed, and Gallimard is convicted of treason and imprisoned. Unable to face the fact that his "perfect woman" is actually a man, he retreats deep within himself and his memories. Cast List: René Gallimard - Charlie Johnson Song Liling - Abbas Salem Gallimard's Wife - Annie Ratteree Mark - Ananth Devarajan Comrade Chin - Josephine Loong Renee/Pin-up Girl - Kathryn Broderick Director: Crystal Lasky Producer: John Mackin Assistant Producer: Meghan Mahaney Costumes: Information Missing Set: John Mackin and company Sound: Information Missing Lights: Information Missing Winter One Acts
Date: December 2006 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: Four student-written one act plays. My Day as A Superhero by Mary Zemaitis The Rise of Emperor Eric by Dave Ruthenberg The Awakening by Helen Katz Eight Cheese Pasta by Information Missing Cast List: Information Missing Director/Producer: Teresa Rende Costumes: Information Missing Set: Information Missing Props: Information Missing Sound: Chris Jones Lights: Meghan Mahaney Catholic School Girls
by Casey Kurtti Date: March 1 and 3, 2007 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: A satire of Catholic school life in the 1960's, this play uses four actresses to play the nuns and the first through eighth grade girls at St. George's School in Yonkers. As they experience bonds of friendship, reprimands from authority figures and pressures from home and they react to the Beatles, the Addams Family, the Supremes and the election of a Catholic president, an amusing portrait of girls maturing to the threshold of adolescence delightfully emerges. Between classroom scenes monologues give free rein to the students' decidedly secular ambitions. Cast List: Becky Bloom Mary Brennan Teresa Rende Abbey Richeson Director: Chris Jones Producer: Meghan Mahaney Sound: Jamie Gilbert Lights: Becky Horton Proof
by David Auburn Date: Information Missing Location: Channing-Murray Foundation Time: 8pm Ticket Price: $5 Synopsis: The play centers around Catherine, the daughter of Robert, a recently deceased mathematical genius and former professor at the University of Chicago. Catherine had cared for her father through a lengthy mental illness, even dropping out of Northwestern to be at his side when he relapsed. Upon Robert's death, his ex-graduate student Hal discovers a paradigm-shifting proof about prime numbers in Robert's home office. The title refers both to that proof and to the play's central question: Can Catherine prove the proof's authorship? Along with proving who actually wrote the proof, she also finds herself in a relationship with 28-year-old Hal. Throughout, the play explores Catherine's fear of following in her father's footsteps, both mathematically and mentally. Cast List: Catherine - Annie Ratteree Hal - Jeff Pastiak Claire - Jessica Barwkill Robert - Kevin Kurasch Director: Jeffrey Goetz Producer: Kathryn Broderick Lights: Jamie Gilbert Sound: Eric Stay Rhinoceros
by Eugene Ionesco Date: November 4th and 5th, 2005 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco is an absurd play with a deep underlying message against conformity. Ionesco wrote it as an attack of Nazi Germany. It takes place in a small town in France, which is disrupted by the appearance of a stampeding, you guessed it, Rhinoceros. As the protagonist Berenger and the rest of the town must deal with the emergence of rhino herds throughout the town, they must question: Where are these rhinos coming from? Should we stop them? What does it mean to be human? And just what is the difference between an Asiatic and an African rhinoceros?! Cast List: Berenger: Jon Ozaksut Daisy: Rebecca Hermes Dudard: Ananth Devarajan Jean: Joe Delaney Botard: Nick Blegen Logician: Aster Lesle Old Gentleman: Jeff Vazanna Housewife: Abby Caneda Waitress: Lindsey Burt Mrs. Bouef: Mary Brennan Cafe Proprietor: Jon Jocson Grocer/Fireman: Dave Knapik Grocer's Wife: Becky Fandl Director: Ryan Hurth Producer: Mary Zemaitis RUMORS
a Farce by Neil Simon Date: April 7th and 8th, 2006 Location: Channing-Murray Foundation Synopsis: Four couples are at the townhouse of a deputy New York City mayor and his wife to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. The party never begins because the host has shot himself in the head and the hostess is missing. Doors slam and hilarity abounds as the couples get more and more crazed. Cast List: Chris Gorman: Amy Boss Ken Gorman: Stephen Snider Claire Ganz: Stacey Coyne Lenny Ganz: Kevin Schmitt Cookie Cusack: Becky Fandl Ernie Cusack: Blake Hilst Glenn Cooper: Mike McGreevy Cassie Cooper: Ashley Lathrop Officer Pudney: Aster Lesle Officer Welch: Dave Ruthenburg Director: Jeff Vazzana Assistant Director: Kate Spies Producer: Kathryn Broderick Beneath the Trees
by Brian Warmoth Cast List: Liam Keeney Tim McCarthy Theresa Rende John Bezdek Cui Bo Director: Brian Warmoth Producer: John Mackin Set: John Mackin Cigarettes and Purple Pillz
or How My New Bathroom Tile Changed My Life (a melodrama for the post modern age)* *it's about drugs and porn by Steve Stetak Location: Greg Hall Cast List: Daisy White - Anne Taylor Mary White - Sarah Borucki Walter White - Jon Ozaksut Billy White - Steve Woo Guy Gayheart - Joe Delaney (42) The Colonel - Josh Henning Agent #1 - Cecille Isidro Agent #2 - Cole Balogh Rik - Corey Tallent Dr. Babylon - Dave Ruthenberg Lucy Western - Ashleigh Sala Erik Schwarzman - Brian Warmoth Assistant 1 - Carissa Meyer Assistant 2 - Steve Stetak God - Jim Trapp Talk Show Host - Andrew Lusk The Devil Bunnies, Operatives of Sin: Busty Bunny - Ruth Claus Butch Bunny - Teresa Rende Betty Bunny - Kelly Hertrich Blonde Bunny - Amy Ricchiuto Bugs Bunny - Mary Zemaitis Baby Bunny - Josephine Loong The Cast of Three's Company: Chrissy Snow - Vanessa Prokuski Janet Wood - Holly Benavente Jack Tripper - Michael Donovan Hollywood Director - Michael Donovan Movie Star - Vanessa Prokuski Camera Woman - Holly Benavente John - Dan McArdle Police Officer - Carissa Meyer Mind-Controlling Aliens - Steve Stetak and Carissa Meyer Technicians - Dan McArdle, Steve Woo, Jon Ozaksut Super Alien Sperm Squad - Michael Donovan, Becky Fandl, Kathryn Broderick, Steve Woo, Vanessa Prokuski, Holly Benavente, Steve Stetak Unfertilized Egg - Carissa Meyer Producer: Rachael Summins Director: Steve Stetak Assistant Director: Esther Wang Costumes: Ashleigh Sala Set: Steve Stetak Props: Esther Wang Sound: Gianni Pezzarossi, Steve Stetak Light Design: Steve Stetak Light Board: Rachael Summins Spotlight: Dan McArdle Choreography: Mary Brennen, Carissa Meyer Running Crew: Kathryn Broderick, James Laird, John Mackin, Mike McGreevy ...Because 9 Minutes Just Wasn't Enough
Location: Channing Murray Producers: Dan McArdle, Darwin Schafer, Steve Stetak Technical Directors: Darwin Schafer and Jim Trapp Stage Manager: Chanel R. Long Sound: Jessica Francis Lights: Ben Kaduk Crew: Ruth Claus, Heather Gauen, Josh Hammon, Ryan Hurth Night of 1000 Deaths Written & Directed by Snuggle Bear & #2 Henry: James Laird Bill: Dave Meyer Horse: Nick Sala Princess: Sheile Rosen Night of a Thousand Deaths holds a place dear to our hearts. This was the first show that we co-wrote and co-directed. The events of the show are symbolic of the greater meaning behind what we perceive as society. We are looking foward to a flawless show. A Big Thanks goes out to our cast and crew! *Disclaimer: No acters or crew died in the making of the show. Searching Written & Directed by Elizabeth Kempton Ron: Dave Ruthenburg Boys 1 & 2: Nick Blegen & Josh Hammon Walker: Brian Warmoth Runner: Jodi Reinhard Judy: Ruth Claus Elizabeth Kempton is a freshman in Rhetoric and English and this is her first time directing a show, so she would like to thank her cast for the patience. Since Beth is a broke college student, she will be selling the rest of her bio to some large and wealthy coporation. *****YOUR AD HERE***** Uraniborg Written by Matthew Gordon Directed by Mary Brennan Tycho: Dave Wilhelm Kirsten: Carolyn Kelly Manderup: John Bezdek School Chum: Travic Murphy Professor: Dan McArdle Student: List Triexenberg Duke: Steve Stetak Johannes: Nick Blegen Dinner Guests: Norine Mulry & Kunal Shah This is Mary's second show with PDP, but don't worry she is still a sassy freshman in LAS. She hails from the quaint town of Chicago, IL. She would like to thank her fantabulous cast for their incredible tallent and time. Special thanks to Matthew Gordon for his writing skills and to Norine Mulry and Linda Januszyk for their spectacular piano playing abilities. Neither Noir Written & Directed by Andy Emmerich & Brianne Clark Dick Gently: Jon Ozaksut Babs Glisson: Ashleigh Sala Sheila: Ashleigh Johnson Andy is much too old to be doing these kinds of things; he graduated from the U of I in 2001 and has returned in order to confirm his suspicions that everyone else is having more fun. Neither Noir is his first foray into playwriting, but with this expeience he hopes to break into a job as a famous astronaut movie-start. He would like to say hello to his mother, but she is in another town and isn't returning any phone calls. Casino Royality Written by Jeff O'Kelley Directed by Dan McArdle Kurt: Jamies Laird Ed: Nick Belgen Elaine: Mary Brennan Fred: Steve Stetak Bobo: Dave Ruthenburg Woman: Jillian Forestiere Dan is super great and he loves you. Wanna spoon? Thanks to Jeff for another great script and to the cast for their talent Visiting Hours Written by Jim Trapp Directed by Kelly Hertrich and Jim Trapp Abbey: Slava Bekker John: Mike Tolhurst Nathan: Jim Trapp Nurse: Kelly Hetrich If you're one of those who has to look for meaning in these things, here's a hint: it's not really about the guy in his pajamas. Admittedly, those are some damn trendy, yet highly comfortable jammies, but don't let them distract you as much as they distract me. Also, Kelly would like to thank me and the cast for some reason, I can't remember. To which I add, yeah, sure, I mean thanks to all you guys too for, you know, the whole everything... The Orange Juice Chronicles (Inspired by a True Story) Wirtten & Directed by Steve Stetak Steve: Dan McArdle Beth: Tamara Spenny Ben: Jim Trapp Wife: Ashleigh Sala Reporter: Steve Stetak Steve: Adam Berry 1: Travis Murphy 2: Jillian Frestiere Um... I can't say anything. HE's here. THEY're watching... I must be careful... I've already said to much. I fear I may 'disappear' soon. It's okay, I've had a good run. I only wish I had more time to warn the world before I die... Shiny Things
by Jim Trapp February 21- 22 2003 Greg Hall Theater featured several short plays and a one act entitled THE X Cast: John Bezdek Ruth Claus Brianne Clark Jeff DiScala Cynthia Dizikes Jack Komperda James Laird Dan McArdle Ashleigh Sala Darwin Schafer Mike Tolhurst Jim Trapp Theresa Winters Plays: Epilogue The Weather Sure Is Nice 500 Channels and Nothing's On Shy Rights Parade The Savage Beating of a Dead Horse Holy #@$! The X Happy 10th Birthday, 1993!
PDP's Spring 2003 Short Play Festival Date: April 24th and 25th, 2004 Location: Channing-Murray Time: 8pm Producers: Jim Trapp and Ashleigh Sala Tech Director: Darwin Schafer (Lights) Support: John Mackin (Sound), Steve Stetak (Explosives) Particularly Helpful People/Things: Rebecca Nelson, the nice forgiving people at the Channing-Murray, PDP board, Jan Hus, The Coca-Cola Corp., and the Urbana Fire Dept. Institute de la Comedia Written and directed by Jim Trapp Gerard - Alex Hobson Students and Faculty - James Laird, Sean Wade, Mike Tolhurst, Dan McArdle, Steve Stetak, Ashleigh Sala, Ashleigh Johnson, Rebecca Nelson, Nick Blegen, Jim Trapp, Josephine Pinsky, Ruch Claus, Isabelli Dziubinski Notes: JimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrappJimTrapp. And Now for Something Completely Different: A 2-3 Minute Critique of Modern Society Written and directed by Dan McArdle Announcer - Sean Wade Sandy - Isabelli Dziubinski Jessica - Esther Wang Student - Spencer Watson Notes: This is Dan's first attempt at writing...ever. Directing too, he would like to apologize to his cast for being such a hard-ass with the endless rehearsals. And for constantly making them watch the videos for "research". He would also like to thank PDP, and send a shout out to his posse back in cell block 15! And Now the News Written by Chris Kuberski Directed by Jean Sutow Chet - Nick Blegen John - Dan McArdle Kelly - Griselda Mendoza Notes: 'And Now the News' is Chris Kuberski's second production with PDP. He thanks Dan and Nick for their second batch of solid and dependable work (despite the lack of clubbings in the script), and thanks Griselda for her intelligent performance and for not fleeing the cast. Kudos and tons o' thanks to Jean Sutow for directing, as well as for her ideas, input, help with the script and the slides (I love you and appreciate everything you've done!) I Know Why the Aquarium Fish Sings Written by Chris Orban Directed by Chris Orban & Jim Trapp P - Dan McArdle U - Nick Blegen C - Alex Hobson Girl - Ruth Claus Voice - Jim Trapp Notes: This play attempts to be the antithesis of the sappy boy meets girl genre. I'm sure at any given instant thousands of recently introduced characters are falling in love with each on the tv, when in reality the numbers aren't quite so promising. This is my debut as a playwright, having emerged from the halls of Loomis lab to write sleep-deprived works of nerd art, my work has finally come to fruition; making me a writer, and allowing me to use run on sentences, write "unnecessary" punctuation, and constantly mention the word: fruition And in addition to the word: fruition, I'd like to thank Jim Trapp for giving me a chance (I had to bribe him with a pre-paid calling card), and the hardworking and talented cast. Other thanks goes to caffiene, Microsoft Word, and God; the three things holding my life together. My apologies goes to the enormously respected poet, Maya Angelou. My title is a metaphor too. Partnership for an Outside Food and Drink-Free America Written and directed by Ashleigh Sala Brian - Duanne Petty Frank - Dan McArdle Ssh'er - Theresa Winters Swat - Jim Trapp and Ryan Hurth Magical Voices - Steve Stetak and Ashleigh Sala Notes: Ashleigh Sala would like to use this space to proclaim her total and undying love for Jim Trapp, her desire to... whoa, wait. Sorry, wrong program... The Best Marketting Idea Ever!! Written by Kari Vermilion, Matt Traverso, and Elliot Kolkovich Directed by Jim Trapp Kari - Ashleigh Johnson Matt - Jim Trapp Arun - Mike Tolhurst Elliot - Sean Wade Kate - Isabelli Dziubinski Christine - Rebecca Nelson Notes: Hey folks, Jim Trapp here. I'd just like to use this space to thank you for coming out to out little show. Oh, sure there are other student-written play festivals out there you could have gone watched tonight; of course, you would have had to sit outside (where there are bugs) on HARD CONCRETE STEPS. But you chose to come here, to a comfortable indoor show, one that has party hats and cupcakes. So I say kudos to you, my sensible friend... The Thesmophoriazusae Written and directed by Theresa Winters Eugene - Duanne Petty Indy - Nick Blegen Agathon - Steve Stetak Sergio - Alex Hobson Christina - Ashleigh Johnson Michaela - Monica Nanda Corey - Theresa Winters Women - Griselda Mendoza, Esther Wang, Ruth Claus, and Rebecca Nelson Notes: Most people probably didn't write their plays to get honors credit as I did for CLCIV 391. Without the requirements of being a James Scholar, I would not have adapted Aristophanes' play, and thus you wouldn't have gotten to see girls in towels. (Yay for girls in towels!) So thanks to my professor for her idea and to my class to coming to see it, to the cast for being so funny and brave, to all of my friends who've support my theatrical endeavors, and to PDP, which has immeasurably brightened my life these past four years. My First Huffing Kit Written and directed by Steve Stetak and Ashleigh Sala Narrator - Jon Ozaksut Billy - Nick Blegen Dad - Mike Tolhurst Mom - Josephine Pinsky Todd - Ryan Hurth Sam - Jim Trapp Crackwhore - Ashleigh Sala Dancers - Sean Wade, Rebecca Nelson, Ruth Claus, Theresa Winters, James Laird, Duanne Petty Notes: Hey audience! Please join us for our "Party for 1993" immediately following the show...[the crackwhore made cupcakes!] |
Death, Love, and Robots
a student-written 10-minute play festival Producers: John Mackin with Carl Newman and Crystal Lasky Date: October 19th and 20th, 2007 Location: Channing Murray Henry McLaughlin, College Student Average-Star by Chris Jones Henry McLaughlin is a college student. And horrifyingly average. This is his story. Director: Jeffrey Goetz Cast Henry - Tony Schuster Narrator: Alyssa Venere Vern: Evan Johnson Professor: Jeni Reinke T.A.: Katie Devine CompassTronBot: Veronica Steege Julia by Ken Beaver Romance and Death Director: Ken Beaver with Carl Newman Cast Julia: Katie Devine Earnest: Mike Golaszewski The Talk by Mike McGreevy Two parents decide it's time to have 'The Talk' with their daughter as she heads off for college. Director: Kathryn Broderick Cast: Margaret: Amy Ricchiuto Gary: Mike Drolet FUNKBOT 2000 Kelly: Lisel Neumann We'll Get Over Ourselves Some Day by Eric Roth Two people make sandwiches while discussing nudity. Director: Crystal Lasky Cast: Alec: Mike Golaszewski Liz: Veronica Mucha Pete: Tony Schuster The Wait by Carly Churchey People wait. Director: Carly Churchey Cast: Joe: Evan Johnson Bill: Lucas Ho Heidi: Lena Dansdill Alice: Erin Green The Secret World of David Knapik by Mary Zemaitis David Knapik just was just dumped by his girlfriend, and has nothing to live for. Until one night he's visited by the Ghost of Christoper Walken ... Director: Mary Zemaitis Cast: David Knapik: Paddy Lindley Christopher Walken: Andy Jones Ghost of the English Building: Liz Rice Funkbot 2000: Eden Steege Chancellor Herman: Evan Johnson Crew Stage Manager: Jamie Gilbert Lights and Sound:Eric Tsay Running Crew: Sarah Baisley, Alison Maske, Jen Czaja The Laramie Project
by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project Date: December 7th and 8th, 2007 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: In 1998, Matthew Shepard, a twenty-one-year-old gay student registered at the University of Wyoming, was tied to a cattle fence, beaten about the head, robbed, and left to die on a bitterly cold night in October. Eighteen hours later, he was accidentally discovered by a biker, who had trouble believing that the figure he saw attached to the fence was human. Police and ambulances were dispatched, and Shepard was taken to a local hospital; all to no avail. Shepard was beyond recovery. He never regained consciousness and died several days later due to his head injuries. Two local young men were charged with the crime. On November 14, 1998, members of Tectonic Theatre Project traveled to Laramie, Wyoming, and conducted interviews with the people of the town. The play is edited from those interviews, as well as from journal entries by members of the company. Cast: Jeff Pastiak Carl Newman Mike McGreevy Alyssa Venere Evan Johnson Alison Trouy Brittany Martin Elena Levenson Jessica Barkwill Director: Charlie Johnson Producer: Amy Ricchiuto Scenery: John Mackin Lights and Sound: Eric Tsay, Amy Ricchiuto Stage Crew: Paddy Lindley, Dave Knapik, Moon Over Buffalo
by Ken Ludwig Date: March 28 and 29, 2008 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: The hilarious Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950's. At the moment, they're playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York with 5 actors. On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George's dalliance with a young ingénue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if likes what he sees, he might cast them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, abetted by a visit from their daughter's clueless fiancé and hilarious uncertainty about which play they're actually performing, caused by Charlotte's deaf old stage-manager mother who hates every bone in George's body. Cast: George Hay: David Knapik Charlotte Hay: Mary Zemaitis Rosalind, Roz: Jessica Barkwill Howard: Mike Golaszewski Paul: Mike McGreevy Ethel: Abbey Richeson Richard: Tim Anderson Eileen: Alison Trouy Director: Alison Maske Producer: Becky Horton Lighting: Alyssa Durrestein, Sarah Baisley Light Design: John Mackin Sound: Lisel Neumann Props: Jamie Gilbert, and Veronica Mucha Make-up: Meg Seth Bat Boy: The Musical
by Laurence O'Keefe, Keythe Farley, and Brian Flemming Date: April 4th and 5th, 2008 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: This musical is based on a story in The Weekly World News, and is a comedy/horror show about a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia. For lack of a better solution, the local sheriff brings Bat Boy to the home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family and taught to act like a "normal" boy by the veterinarian's wife, Meredith, and teenage daughter, Shelley. Bat Boy is happy with his new life, but when he naively tries to fit in with the narrow-minded people of Hope Falls, they turn on him, prodded by the machinations of Dr. Parker, who secretly despises Bat Boy. Shelley and Bat Boy, who have fallen in love, run away together from the ignorant townfolk and have a blissful coupling in the woods, but their happiness is shattered when Meredith arrives and reveals a secret. Soon the entire town arrives and hears the shocking story of Bat Boy's unholy origin. Cast List: Bat Boy: Jeff Pastiak Meredith Parker: Brittany Martin Dr. Parker: Kamron Kissamis Sheriff: Mike Drolet Rick, Lorraine, Doctor: Liam Keeney Reverend Hightower, Institution Man, Ron Taylor: Andrew Castillo Ruthie Taylor, Ned, Clem: Sara Collins Mrs. Taylor, Roy: Amanda Villarreal Pan, Bud, Daisy: Riley Guillet Mayor Maggie: Meghan Mahaney Director: Kathryn Broderick Assistant Director: Lisel Neumann Producer: Meghan Mahaney Assistant Producer: Jessica Barkwill Vocal Director: Ellen Bachar Choreography: Nick Chrzanowski and Mike Golaszewski Lighting Design: Darwin Schafer Spotlight: Alison Maske Sound Design: Jamie Gilbert, Veronica Mucha Band Director: Crystal Lasky Drums: Dan Conybear Guitar: Greg Nagy Keyboard I: Christine Chen Keyboard II: Karen Cheng Bass: Jenny Trail EQUUS
by Peter Shaffer Date: November 3rd and 4th, 2006 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: Fear Passion Worship Love Commitment Destiny Destruction Violence Pain Harmony A cornerstone of contemporary theatre, Peter Shaffer's Equus thrusts audiences into a world of obsession and passion, fear and destruction. The story focuses on Alan Strang, a troubled teen who has just committed a heinous act. While getting to the core of Alan's motivation behind the act, the ensemble of cast members, including Martin Dystart (Alan's Psychiatrist) and Alan's parents, begin to struggle with their own existences. It won the Tony Award, New York Drama Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, and NY Outer Critics award for best play of 1975. Under the direction of English major Jeff Vazzana, the Penny Dreadful Players are producing the show to be performed November 3rd and 4th in Greg Hall Theatre. Cast List: Martin Dysart: Mike McGreevy Alan Strang: Carl Newman Frank Strang: Jason Markoff Dora Strang: Mary Brennan Hesther Saloman: Lauren Rodriguez Jill Mason: Cynthia Bangert Harry Dalton: Tim Anderson A Nurse: Abbey Richeson Young Horseman/Nugget: Matt Strick Horse 1: Mary Zemaitis Horse 2: Nathan Maisel Horse 3: Amy Ricchiuto Horse 4: William Reed Horse 5: Eleanor Itzkow Director: Jeff Vazzana Producer: Danny Beckwith It's Kind of About Love ...three plays for Valentine's Day
Date: February 16th and 17th, 2007 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre English Made Simple by David Ives A young man and woman meet at a party, and their immediate romantic attraction is translated into comically unromantic grammar lessons as they struggle to free themselves from the banal constrictions of party talk. Directed by Amy Ricchiuto Cast List: Jack: Carl Newman Jill: Kathryn Broderick Narrator: Sharad Bijanki Sure Thing by David Ives Two people meet in a cafe and find their way through a conversational minefield as an off-stage bell interrupts their false starts, gaffes, and faux-pas on the way to falling in love. Directed by Mike McGreevy Cast List: Bill: Charlie Johnson Betty: Mary Zemaitis Love Letters by A.R. Gurney The play centers on just two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepiece Ladd III. Using the epistolary form sometimes found in novels, they sit side by side at tables and read the correspondence - in which they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats - that has passed between them throughout their separated lives. Cast List: Andrew: Mike McGreevy Melissa: Amy Ricchiuto Show Producers: Amy Ricchiuto and Mike McGreevy The Complete History of America (abridged)
by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor Date: April 20th and 21st, 2007 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: Come out and join us for a thrill ride through American history. Our three "experts" will take you back all the way to the discovery of the new world! Then in just 90 minutes we'll cover all the major events in American history from that cooky duo Lewis and Clark, to the first world war and .... and ... the SECOND world war. Along the way you will get the privelage of the teachings and opinions of three fine performers as they act as your guides through the great and proud tradition that is ... The Complete History of America! .... abridged. Cast List: Kevin Schmitt Dave Ruthenberg Sharad Bijanki Director: Dave Knapik Producer: Becky Fandl Props: Meghan Mahaney and Josephine Loong Success Has a Thousand Fathers ...
by Dan McArdle Date: March 3rd and 4th, 2006 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: Written by one of PDP's own, former board member and Managing Director Dan McArdle, Success follows the lives of three workers at a steel mill in a small town in Midwestern America. After an accident in the factory that claims the life of one man, another character is promoted to manager amidst feelings of guilt about the cause of the accident. This play focuses on the value of friendship, and the costs it can have on the already hard lives of factory workers in small town America. Cast List: Raleigh Garren III (Trip): Nick Blegen Jennifer Garren: Mary Brennan Alison Garren: Kathryn Broderick Jerome Connors: Sean Paras Henry Anders: Darwin Schafer Caitlyn Anders: Teresa Rende Kathryn: Crystal Lasky Candace/Jackie: Amy Ricchiuto Robert Hastings/Priest: Pete Meersman Director: Dan McArdle Production Assistant: Samantha Smith Producer: Dan McArdle / Teresa Rende Set Design: John Mackin, Darwin Schafer, and Dan McArdle Running Crew/Props: Jamie Gilbert, Meghan Mahaney, and John Mackin Sound: Eric Tsay Lights: Sarah Baisley Time
by Dan McArdle Date: November 6th and 7th, 2004 Location: Lincoln Hall Theatre Synopsis: <information missing> Cast List: Robert Walker: John Bezdek Angela Walker: Michelle Fieldman Patricia Atkinson: Teresa Rende Andrew Lucas: James Laird Candace Wright: Pamela Wolf Chet Brickley: Corey Tallent Kelly Myers: Whitney Hudson Americans: Mary Brennan Director: Dan McArdle Producer: Dan McArdle and Jessica Francis Set: Dan McArdle and Darwin Schafer Lights: Gianni Pezzarossi Death of a Salesman
by Arthur Miller Date: March 11th and 12th, 2005 Location: Gregory Hall Theatre Synopsis: The classic story of the Loman family and what it means to achieve the American Dream. Cast List: Willy Loman: Dave Ruthenberg Linda Loman: Jess Ferrone Biff Loman: Jason Markoff Happy Loman: Darwin Schafer Charley: Dan McArdle Bernard: Joe Delaney Uncle Ben: Mike McGreevy The Woman: Kristi Zimmerman Miss Forsythe: Mary Zemaitis Letta: Ruth Claus Howard: Sharad Bijanki Stanley: Tim McCarthy Secretary: Laura Simone Director: Ryan Hurth Producer: Jessica Francis Legs of Stone
by Brian Warmoth Cast List: Dave Ruthenberg Melinda Taub Mike Tolhurst Ashleigh Sala Female Voice: Ruth (Claus) Laird Director: Brian Warmoth Producer: Slava Bekker Costumes: Ashleigh Sala Set: Darwin Schafer Props: Esther Wang Crazy Grandma Sings the Blues
by Mathew Green Date: March 5th & 6th Location: Greg Hall Theatre Time: 8 PM Ticket Price: $4 Synopsis: Crazy Grandma Sings the Blues is a student written full length drama by Mathew Green. The story takes place over the course of year following a semi-dissfuctional family in their home. The main characters, Tom and Charlene, are siblings trying to find themselves and understand the changes going on in each other's lives as well as their parents'. Their father is a man who is tired and old from working his whole life and their mother is slowly becoming crazy just like their deceased crazy grandmother. Each family member also has their take on Charlene's boyfriends Mark and Mickey and their impact on Charlene's life. This all while the family's crazy dead grandman speaks to them from the walls of their house. Cast List: Tom: Sean Wade Charlene: Mary Brennan Mark: Dan McArdle Gus: Darwin Schafer Miranda: Brianne Clark Mickey: Sean Paras Director: Rebecca Nelson Producers: Rebecca Nelson & Esther Wang Set Design: Rebecca Nelson, Darwin Schafer, Steve Stetak Props: Esther Wang Lighting & Sound Design: Jessica Francis No Exit
by Jean-Paul Satre Date: April 2004 Location: Courtyard Cafe Synopsis: No Exit is an existential drama that asks the question, "What is one's life?" Its three central character are foreced to confront this question, and each other, for the rest of eternity. Throughout the course of the play they come to a better understanding of themselves and each other, though these revelations bring little comfort. the characters are real and believable. There is nothing particulary extraordinary about their acts. because of this, they force us to look at ourselves and remind us that the real focus of the play is not "How do we die?" but instead, " How have we lived. In short: Hell is other People. Cast List: Valet - Jason Markoff Inez - Carissa Meyer Estelle - Rachael Summins Garcin - Tim McCarthy Director: Rachael Summins Producers and Assitant Directors: Mike Tolhurst, Ryan Hurth Technical: Courtyard Cafe Staff This show was done on Mom's weekend in the illini union's courtyard cafe. The mom's enjoyed the existentialism and the discount on their ticket. This is a great example of tapping into the big event weekends. Master and Margarita
or, The Devil Comes to Moscow by Jean-Claude van Itallie from the novel by Mikhail Bulgakov Date: April 9th and 10th, 2004 Location: Greg Hall Theatre Time: 8:00 PM Ticket Price: $5 Synopsis: The devil, his acrobatic cat and other colorful cronies come to Stalin's Moscow to wreak hilarious surreal havoc on the lives of writers, critics and bureaucratniks who have lost touch with their feelings. Satan sends some to the madhouse, stages a devilish play within a play, and gives the lyrical Margarita a whirlwind witch's ride climaxing in a stanic masked ball as she searches for her lover, a writer known as "Master." The novel Master is writing appears simultaneously on stage. His work, politcially suppressed, focuses on the moral dilemma of Pontius Pialte in biblical Jerusalem. The characters in his book and the characters on the streets of Moscow cast similar lights and shadows around them even as they live in separate worlds. Cast List: Woland - Jeremiah Lewellen Cat - April Lillstrom Koroviev - David Wilhelm Hecate - Ashleigh Sala Master - Joe Delaney Margarita - Melinda Taub Natasha - Carissa Meyer Ivan - Ryan Hurth Berlioz - Nick Blegen Yeshua - Josh Henning Pontius Pilate - Nick Blegen Caiaphas - David Wilhelm Matthew the Levite - Ryan Hurth Secretary - Joe Delaney Ryukhim - Slava Bekker Latunsky - Konstantin Drapkin Pirate Paul - Ashleigh Johnson Glukharyov - Lexi Leaton Styopa - Tim McCarthy Varenukha - Teresa Rende Rimsky - Cole Balogh Telegraph Woman - Alexandra Barabanova Bengalsky - Nick Blegen Arkday Appolonovish - Travis Murphy Arkady's Wife - Rachael Summins Arkady's Female Relative - Christi Dineff Parchevsky - Dan McArdle Hestas - Ashleigh Sala Dismas - Travis Murphy Legionnaires - Cole Balogh and Tim McCarthy Old Woman - Ashleigh Johnson Praskovia Fedorovna - Ashleigh Johnson Derelict - Jim Trapp Young Woman - Esther Wang Woman's Voice - Lexi Leaton Little Girl - Lexi Leaton Policeman - Tim McCarthy Dancer Alyona - Carissa Meyer Dancer Vanya - Teresa Rende Fisherman - Steve Stetak Baron Maigel - Josh Henning Emperor Caius Caligula - Konstantin Drapkin Principessa - Alexandra Barabanova Duchess - Christi Dineff Madame Tofana - Esther Wang Monsieur le Marquis - Tim McCarthy Monsieur Jacques - Travis Murphy Empress Messalina - Teresa Rende Principessa Lucrezia Borgia - Rachael Summins Tortured Souls - Cole Balogh, Slava Bekker, Ashleigh Johnson Director: Jeremiah Lewellen, Steve Stetak, and Brianne Clark Producer: Jeremiah Lewellen, Steve Stetak, and Brianne Clark Stage Manager: Steve Stetak Set Design: Steve Stetak Lights: Steve Stetak and Darwin Schafer Sound: Jessica Francis Spotlight: Sean Wade, David Wilhelm Costumes: Ashleigh Sala Props: Rebecca Nelson and Ashleigh Sala Russian Authenticity: Slava Bekker Flying Solo
A Night of Monologues Date: Feb. 1 and 2, 2002 Location: Greg Hall Time: 8:00 pm Sam Raue - "Sunny Side Up" From the play Table Settings by James Lapine Sean Wade - exceprt from Hold Me by Jules Feiffer A somewhat social commentary on the rol of advertising in our lives. David Wilhelm - excerpts from SLC Punk by James Merendino Ruth Claus - excerpt from Disturbed by Brad Boeson A young woman remembers the Christmas that changed her life forever. Nora Best - excerpt from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams In an attempt to save her marriage, Maggie confronts her husband, Brick, and expresses her feelings towards him. Andrew Werner - excerpt from The Shadow Box by Michael Christofer Mark recounts meeting his homosexual partner, who is now fatally ill. David Wilhelm - more excerpts from SLC Punk Nora Best - excerpt from The Foreigner by Larry Shue Catherine has come downstairs to talk to her foreign neighbor, Charlie. Everyone assumes (incorrectly) that Charlie cannot understand English. Laura Wendel - "What is Poverty" An essay published in America's Other Children: Public Schools Outside Suburbs, by George Henderson. It is a personal account about living in poverty. Ben Barrett - "The Moose" by Woody Allen Sean Wade - excerpt from Action by Sam Shepard A statement about the 1970's. Steve Stetak - "The Professional Logician" A sketch by Monty Python Produced by: Steve Stetak and Julia Dossett Lighting and Sound: Jacob Krimbel Audition Coordinators: Kate Dahl-Kearney and Ruth Claus Tickets: Ashleigh Johnson Publicity: Rebecca Nelson The Insanity of Mary Girard
by Lanie Robertson Date: Information Missing Location: The Wesley Foundation Synopsis: In 1798, Mary Girard was committed by her husband to the Pennsylvania Hospital for insanity. Cast: Mary Girard: Nora Best Stephen Girard: Spencer Watson Warder/ Fury 1: Rob Greskowiak Mrs. Lum/ Fury 2: Laura Wendel Polly Kenton/ Fury 3: Ailsa Mackerras Mr. Phillips/ Fury 4: Brian Skaj Mrs. Hatcher/ Fury 5: Ruth Claus Director: Kelly Hertrich Co-director: Rebecca Nelson Costumes: Laura Wendel and Cathy Bower Set: Rebecca Nelson, Steve Stetak, and Sean Wade Lights: Jessica Fuller and An-Phong Le Penny Arcade
9 Student-written Short Plays Date: 5/4/01 Location: Channing-Murray Foundation Time: 8pm Ticket Price: $3 Producer: Rory Leahy, Navin Prasad, Sam Raue Program: Tom Schorsh Sound: Jim Trapp Lights: Jacob Krimbel Show List: 1. Holding Air Written and Directed by Joseph Grzeskowiak Christian: John Luburic Eva: Theresa Winters Mother: Sam Raue 2. Pinot Grigio Written by Jason Mortensen and Directed by Tom Schorsch Clerk: Andy Schertz Patron: James Laird Patron A: Jason Brown Patron B: Theresa Winters Begger: Navin Prasad Murderer: Rory Leahy 3. Unsaid Written and Directed by Jenny Carroll Edward: Andrew Werner Edward's Voice: Ben Jones Harriet: Faith Goguen Harriet's Voice: Nora Best Waitress: Kelly Hertrich 4. She'll Be Fine Now Written and Directed by Rebecca Nelson Woman: Megg Principe Charlie: Jack Komperda Nurse: Michelle Krichbaum Doctor: Ashleigh Johnson 5. Straight Nonsense Written and Directed by Mike Venezia Jeremiah: Jason Brown Courtney: Jenn Forestiere Holliday: Nick Kryczka Aurelio: Sean Wade Conrad: Gabe Najarro Director Frank: Rory Leahy Art Girl: Lisa Stepien The Academic: Allison Gans The Poser: Navin Prasad 6. The Great White Way Written and Directed by Sam Raue Cowboy Howie: Tom Schorsch Cowboy Bill: Spencer Watson Sally: Julia Dossett Meg: Faith Goguen Anna: Laura Shatkus Lulu: Sheruni Ratnabalasuriar Ray: John Luburic Piano Man: Navin Prasad Chorus: Nora Best, Allison Gans, Laura Fleming, Andrew Werner, Katy Wheatley 7. Just Because You Don't Believe In Starbucks... Written and Directed by Ashleigh Johnson Man: Sean Wade David: Nick Kryczka Woman: Julia Dossett Ann: Jenn Forestiere Old Woman: Kelly Hertrich Mourners: Theresa Winters, Rebecca Nelson, Ruth Claus, James Laird, Joseph Grzeskowiak 8. The Circle of Life Written and Directed by Lisa Stepien Dad: Tom Schorsch Billy: Andrew Schertz Meatman: Spencer Watson Chicken: Matt Meador Pig: Jason Brown Cow: John Lubric Grandma: Laura Shatkus 9. The Kight of Many Names Written and Directed by Rory Leahy Scott: Andrew Werner Sarah: Julia Dossett Rachel: Laura Shatkus Woman 1: Ruth Claus Woman 2: Sheruni Ratnabalasuriar Editor Magician: Tom Schorsch Heroic Youth: Jack Komperda Beautiful Princess: Jenn Forestiere Handsome Knight: Rory Leahy |