1Big Noise Theatre Company

presents

by Leonard GersheJanuary 13 - February 5, 2012

Catherine Davis, Director

Peter Rasey, Producer

Big Noise Theatre Company is a division of Winnetka Theatre and a proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres.

The use of recording devices, as well as the taking of flash photographs, is strictly prohibited without the prior consent of Big Noise Theatre

Company. No smoking is allowed.

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

847.604.0275 * www.bignoise.org * info@bignoisetheatre.org

Scott Sumerak,Set design

Matt Kooi,Lighting design

Martha Shuford,Costume design

Maggie Neumayer,Stage Manager

Lauren Friedman,Assistant Director

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SET TING

PROGR A M

Don Baker’s apartment on East 11th Street in New York City, 1969

ACT I:Scene 1: A morning in June

Scene 2: Two hours later

15-minute intermission

ACT II:Scene 1: A moment later

Scene 2: That night

*Excerpts from the song “Butterflies Are Free,” words and music by Steve Schwartz

CAST ( i n o r d e r o f a p p e a r a n c e)

PRODUCTION STAFF

Don Baker ..............................................................................................Reid Harrison O’ConnellJill Tanner ................................................................................................................. Philena GilmerMrs. Baker ..................................................................................................................... Karen Doyle Ralph Austin ........................................................................................................... Aaron Rumack

Producer .........................................................................................................................Peter RaseyDirector .................................................................................................................. Catherine Davis Assistant Director .............................................................................................Lauren FriedmanScenic Design ........................................................................................................Scott SumerakCostume Design ................................................................................................. Martha Shuford Lighting Design............................................................................................................... Matt Kooi Master Carpenter ........................................................................................................ Jason ClarkScenic Painter .....................................................................................................Sharon DamischSound Design .............................................................................................................. Tom French Stage Manager ............................................................................................. Maggie Neumayer Properties Mistress ................................................................................................Mary BeaversAssistant Stage Manager ....................................................................................Ashley Gronek Lighting Execution ..............................................................................................Aaron AndrewsMakeup Design .....................................................................................................Linda AndrewsWig/Hair Design ..................................................................................... Michael BuonincontroPR Manager ...............................................................................................................Tom CoppolaPhotography .......................................................................................................Kathleen DennisHouse Manager ..........................................................................................................Evie MurphyTickets ................................................................................................................Marsha Rutenberg Program ..........................................................................................................................Peter RaseyGraphics and Website ................................................................................................. Ann StuartAuditions .......................................................................................................................Daiva Paulis

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CAST

Karen Doyle (Mrs. Baker) Karen’s first appearance with Big Noise Theatre was 14 years ago in a one-act play called THE TRYSTING PLACE. She returned over the years to portray the Queen in CINDERELLA and Meg in DAMN YANKEE and is happy to be back for another production. Her performances on other stages have included M’Lynn and Ouiser in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Big Mama in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, Vita Louise in HARVEY, Fraulein Schneider in CABARET, Arlene in BABY, Mrs. Potts in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and most recently, the suspicious Mrs. Swettenham in A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED. Karen was also featured in several cabaret shows for Shoestring Productions and spent a year performing with the USO of Illinois. She would like to especially thank “my family and friends, who have sat on uncomfortable folding chairs, sweltered in summer productions in theaters without air conditioning, battled the elements at outdoor venues, let me ransack their wardrobes for costume pieces, and trekked far and wide just to support me - it is greatly appreciated!”

Philena Gilmer (Jill Tanner)Philena is so grateful to be a part of this lovely play. Most recently, she performed with The Organic Theatre in THEOPHILUS NORTH and at the Attic Playhouse in ETHAN CLAYMORE. Favorite past credits include CRIMES OF THE HEART, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS, and THE WHO’S TOMMY. She has a degree in theatre from the University of Richmond and was a Barter Player at the Barter Theatre, the state theatre of Virginia. She would like to dedicate this performance to the late Jennifer Bradley, a beloved mentor.

Reid Harrison O’Connell (Don Baker)Reid is grateful to be making his Big Noise debut. Chicagoland credits include IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS, A WONDERFUL LIFE, THE PRODUCERS, and SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL with Theatre at the Center; PICNIC, KUNI-LEML, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and BABES IN ARMS with Illinois Theatre Center; and A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, THE MATCHMAKER and 1776 with the Drama Group. Reid has also appeared in Theatre for Young Audiences productions at Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences and Theatre at the Center. He sends lots of love to his family and friends.

Aaron Rumack (Ralph Austin)Aaron is thrilled to be onstage with such talented actors as Reid, Philena, and Karen! This is Aaron’s second Big Noise show, following HOW TO SUCCEED... Previous plays include MOON OVER BUFFALO (Paul), ANY NUMBER CAN DIE (Jack), and RUMORS (Glenn). Among many musical credits are FOREVER PLAID (Smudge), KISS ME, KATE (Fred/ Petruchio), THE WIZARD OF OZ (Scarecrow), and THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Graydon). Thank you to Catherine for a great education, Lauren for her commitment and kindness, Peter for being totally awesome at everything, and the entire production staff for their hard work. Special thanks to Andy for a place to live following a year in Bogota, to Kelly for dinners along Metra routes, and to my sponsors: Intelligentsia, Lavazza, Iguana Cafe, and the state of Texas.

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PRODUCTION STAFF

Catherine Davis (Director) Catherine Davis is delighted to be directing again this season at Big Noise Theatre. Catherine has worked as a director and educator since earning a master’s degree in theatre, accumulating over 110 full length productions to her directing credit. Catherine was a Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee member and served on the Advisory Board and as Suburban Coordinator for SEASON OF CONCERN. Ms. Davis has also created several improvisation troupes, has put together full length original mime shows, and toured with children’s theatre which she wrote and directed. Catherine recently retired from a very long teaching career. Every performance is dedicated to her family, without whom inspiration and opportunity would not exist.

Scott Sumerak (Set Design) Scott has considered Big Noise his artistic home for the ten years, and currently serves on the Board of Directors. He has been involved with over a dozen productions with the company, having previously directed and designed OVER THE TAVERN, ON GOLDEN POND, RENT, SPELLING BEE, and this season’s HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS. He has also appeared on stage several times with the company: BIG RIVER (Huck), AMADEUS (Mozart), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Judas), KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN (Valentin),BARNUM (P.T. Barnum), and most recently as George in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. Other stage credits include: THE WHO’S TOMMY (Tommy), WEST SIDE STORY (Tony), SWEENEY TODD (Toby), INTO THE WOODS (Jack), FOOTLOOSE (Ren), and PIPPIN (Pippin- Jeff Nomination for Best Actor). He performs as a stunt actor with Asylum Stunts of Chicago, and has appeared in several films and video games in that capacity. For Jenni and Ripley.

Matt Kooi (Lighting Design) Matt is a freelance Lighting Designer working in the Chicago area for the last six years. He is happy to be working on BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE, his seventh production with Big Noise Theatre. Previous experience on this stage includes light design for HOW TO SUCCEED, BEAU JEST, SPELLING BEE, RENT, I HATE HAMLET, and ALL SHOOK UP. Matt currently lights performances at

Oakton Community College where he is the resident lighting designer and master electrician. In addition, he is also a lighting designer and theatrical consultant at Triton College. Matt thanks his wife Kathryn for her love and support.

Martha Shuford (Costume Design)Martha is happy to return to Big Noise and join this talented group of actors and staff for BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE. She provided the contemporary costumes in last year’s BEAU JEST and is happy to design something with a period flair! Martha has been costuming in Wilmette for Wilmette Children’s Theater, The North Shore Theater of Wilmette, and The Starlight Theater for the past several years. Most recent shows include JOSEPH, HAIRSPRAY, OLIVER!, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR. She also has costumed for Prairie Lakes Theater here in Des Plaines. This keeps Martha pretty busy and out of trouble for the most part. “Thanks Peter for the opportunity! Congratulations to the cast and staff on a great show!”

Maggie Neumayer (Stage Manager) Maggie is thrilled to join BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE for her Big Noise debut. She recently stage managed A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Citadel Theater and BYE BYE, BIRDIE and ANNIE for Highland Park Players. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Technical Theater from Columbia College Chicago. Since graduation, Maggie has stage managed for St. James Theatre in Arlington Heights, and The Artistic Home in Chicago. She is also an experienced Hair and Make-up Designer and Scenic Painter. Maggie would like to thank her family and friends for constantly supporting her in the art that she loves, especially her mom.

Mary Beavers (Props Mistress)Mary feels fortunate to be back with BNT in their production of BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE. Previously, she worked as Props Mistress for BEAU JEST and Highland Park Player’s BYE BYE, BIRDIE, ANNIE, and THE WIZARD OF OZ as well as Stage Manager for MUSICAL OF MUSICALS, THE MUSICAL (where she made her stage debut as a falling chandelier). This past December, she also assisted A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Citadel Theater. By day, Mary works as a Forecast Analyst for Solo Cup and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

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PRODUCTION STAFF

She would like to thank her wonderful husband, Douglas, for supporting her theater hobby.

Lauren Friedman (Assistant Director)Lauren Friedman is very happy to be working at Big Noise Theatre. Along with BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE, she has served as assistant to director Catherine Davis on BEAU JEST, HEAVEN CAN WAIT, WIZARD OF OZ, FULL MONTY, JOSEPH…, BIG, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, GYPSY, HARVEY, LOST IN YONKERS, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE,…FORUM, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, ANGEL STREET, MOON OVER BUFFALO and ENTER LAUGHING. Lauren has her master’s degree in elementary education. She and her wonderful husband Sam live in Glenview. Her special thanks go to him, her supportive father David, her loving sister Alexa, and to her amazing mom, Catherine Davis.

Ashley Gronek (Assistant Stage Manager) This is Ashley’s third production with Big Noise. She was ASM for last year’s BEAU JEST and also worked on ALL SHOOK UP in 2010. A Chicago native, Ashley’s been involved in theater for several years. She’s directed community variety show productions, acted in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (Anne), INVISIBLE MAN, and ensemble roles in JOSEPH, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and CINDERELLA. Ashley’s work behind the scenes include set construction, painting, and lighting design. Thanks to family and friends!

Peter Rasey (Producer) Peter has produced or co-produced Big Noise Theatre’s productions of BEAU JEST, AMADEUS, LOST IN YONKERS and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE as well as LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS for Up and Coming Theater. A former member of the Big Noise Board of Governors, Peter has also appeared in many of their productions over the years as well as working on scenic painting and publicity on occasion. Peter enjoys choreography and other directing, most recently for Highland Park Player’s BYE BYE BIRDIE (choreography) and upcoming for HPP’s WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (director). When not on stage, Peter enjoys a good martini, extra olives. “Many thanks to the talented staff and cast - cheers!”

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B IG NOISE THEATRE / WINNETK A THEATRE

BOARD OF GOVERNORSJon Cunningham, President

Michelle Cunningham, Vice-PresidentMarsha Rutenberg, Treasurer

Secretary, Rob SmithNancy Flaster, Artistic Director

Linda AndrewsJoyce BishopMarian Kaderbek

Steve MaloneEvie MurphyDaiva Paulis

Scott J. SumerakTom WalkerMelissa Young

SPEC IAL THANKS

Shelli Sarg and the Prairie Lakes Community Center staffThe Saints

Gina Di Sandro and the Winnetka Community House StaffJim and Nancy Moran

WR ImagingFast Signs of Morton Grove

Preliminaries$40.00 per person

Dinner, Tax & Service Charge included, $10.00 Tax Deductible

Feb. 12, Feb. 19, Mar. 4 & Mar. 11 – 5:30

Semi-Finals$50.00 per person

Dinner, Wine, Tax & Service Charge included, $10.00 Tax Deductible

Mar. 18 – 5:30 & Apr. 14 – 6:30

Grand Prize Evening$75.00 per person

Hors d'oeuvres, Dinner, Wine, Tax & Service Charge included, $20.00 Tax Deductible

Sat. Apr. 21 – 6:30

Bravo Awards$60.00 per person

Dinner, Wine, Tax & Service Charge Included, $10.00 Tax Deductible

Sun. May 20 – 5:30

For Reservations call 773-588-2515

Monastero’s Ristorante & Banquets

3935 W. Devon AvenueChicago, IL 60659

39th Opera Contest Season

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ANGELS

Angels are the financial backers of theatre productions. Your financial support allows us to produce excellent shows at affordable prices. Winnetka Theatre is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization, allowing your contribution to be tax deductible.

Corporate SponsorRobert W. Baird &

Company

Archangels $1000 or moreSandy & Nancy FlasterBill and Marsha

Rutenberg

Angel - $200 -$999Marian & Stan KaderbekPeter Rasey

Cherub - $5 -149Marlon & Dennis Barden

in memory of Dan Loftus

Joyce Bishop in honor of Nancy Flaster and Marsha Rutenberg

Nancy Goodman in honor of husband Selwyn Goodman

Joan & James Leeney, Jr.Leonard & Ricki Levine in

honor of Nancy FlasterNancy & Jim MoranJoe SchmittLorraine Tancredi

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Dear Friend,Thank you for your continued support of Big Noise Theatre Company. We are now celebrating our 10th year of performing at the Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines, and Big Noise is happy to continue to bring you memorable performances that rival any downtown theater.

After bringing you 37 years of programming (1974-2004 as Winnetka Theater & 2004-present as Big Noise Theatre Company) we are excited and proud to present this year’s season. We opened this fall with the Broadway classic How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - directed by Scott J. Sumerak, and continue with our winter production of Butterflies are Free – directed by Catherine Davis, January 13 – February 5 and our “Especially for Kids” Rapunzel at the Winnetka Community House, directed by Stacey Flaster, January 21 – February 5. We close the season this spring with Leader of the Pack – directed by Nancy Flaster, April 27 – May 13.

Big Noise would like to offer you the opportunity to be an integral part of our 2011-2012 season. Friends who donate become an Angel and are proudly listed in all of our programs. A donation of $1000 or more makes you an Archangel, $500-$999 a Saint, $200-$499 an Angel and $5-$199 a Cherub. As we are a 501C not for profit corporation, your donations are entirely tax deductible.

Big Noise Theatre Company’s mission is to produce high-quality shows that stretch the creative talents of our actors and staff and surpass the expectations of our audience. With your help, we hope to continue to bring you our wonderful productions for many years.

Sincerely-Nancy Flaster, Artistic Director

Archangel Saint Angel Cherub $1000 or more $500-$999 $200-$499 $5-$199

Name: _____________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

In honor/memory of: _________________________________________________

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Or make checks payable to Big Noise Theatre Company and mail to Big Noise Theatre

c/o Marsha Rutenberg, 1895 Clavey Road, Highland Park, IL