LOUDERTHAN WORDS

an inspiring collection of songs and stories

JULY 16–18, 2021

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director BRIAN FARNHAM

Music Director ANGIE SCHWAB

Emcee MATT OTTINGER

Producers SHANNON BOWEN, LAURA CROFF

Sound Tech JOE DICKSON

Drums POLLY BASHORE

LOUDERTHAN WORDS

an inspiring collection of songs and stories

CAST

ERIN BIEL

NY’KIERIA BLOCKER

CAILA CONKLIN

JOHN HENRIKSON

KAYLA HENRY

LUKA PAWSEK

Special thanks to: DAVID SCHWAB, JEFF MAGNUSON, CHRIS ORDIWAY

PROGRAMWhat’s Inside Caila Conklin and female ensemble

Opening Up Full ensemble

All That Matters Kayla Henry

I’m All Alone John Henrikson, Luka Pawsek, and Caila Conklin

My Strongest Suit Erin Biel and female ensemble

I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today Luka Pawsek

Maybe Caila Conklin and Kayla Henry

You Will Be Found Full ensemble

INTERMISSION (10 minutes)

Dear Theodosia Brian Farnham and Luka Pawsek

Kids Erin Biel and Kayla Henry

‘Til I Hear You Sing John Henrikson

You Could Drive a Person Crazy Erin Biel, Ny’kieria Blocker, and Caila Conklin

Only Us Brian Farnham and Angie Schwab

For Now Full ensemble

I’m Here Ny’kieria Blocker

Louder Than Words Full ensemble

FROM THE DIRECTOR: When I was asked to create and direct this production, I knew that I wanted to speak to people in a way that was meaningful. As with all theatrical performances, we hope to entertain — but tonight we invite you also to feel. Each song in Louder Than Words has been specifically chosen to say something meaningful; about the shock, loneliness, and despair of having our lives turned upside down in 2020. About the hope that we feel and continue to embrace as our world begins to heal. And about what it means to live our lives with a sense of renewed purpose and meaning.

I’ve spoken with many people about the ‘silver linings’ of the past year and a half. I truly believe that steel is forged in fire, and that in many ways the turmoil in our past can lead to a brighter, more hopeful future. As you absorb tonight’s production, it is my sincere hope that you not just hear the lyrics, words, and music — but that you can embrace the call to make our lives better in the ‘new normal’.

We are so thankful to be performing and sharing our art with you again. With that, I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy Riverwalk Theatre’s production of Louder Than Words. —Brian Farnham

ERIN BIEL – Erin is a graduate of Michigan State University and is definitely your favorite barista. When not on stage she can probably be found on her yoga mat or singing with Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus. Not a stranger to the Riverwalk stage, Erin was last seen in the theatre’s season 31 opener, “Pippin”.

NY’KIERIA BLOCKER – Ny’kieria is a 23 year old singer, actress, and dancer. She is thrilled to be singing with others and sharing the stage again. You may have previously seen her in Riverwalk’s production of “Hairspray”, LCC’s online performance “We Shall Overcome” where she performed a monologue, and at the Capitol/Downtown singing and protesting for Justice and Change. She hopes that you pay close attention to the message of this show and take it

home with you to share, grow and learn. We can think about change, and we can say we want to change but it means absolutely NOTHING without ACTION.

CAILA CONKLIN – After what has proven to be a trying year for us all, Caila is overjoyed to be back onstage again at Riverwalk Theatre. Caila has previously been seen in Riverwalk’s Winter Cabaret, onstage as MaryJo in “A Piece of My Heart” (RWT), and in the ensembles of “Hairspray” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (RWT). When not acting onstage, Caila serves as a member of Riverwalk’s Volunteer Resource Committee, and performs with her band, Our

Attic. Caila hopes that this show will uplift, inspire, and remind you even after so many dark days that you are not alone.

ABOUT THE CAST & CREW

JOHN HENRIKSON – John is excited to return to the stage after a year of absence. Having graduated with a Masters in Vocal Performance, he has been studying classical opera and theater for many years. Most recently John was involved with the MSU opera production “Orpheus in the Underworld” as Pluto (Thespie Award for Featured Actor). Other notable operatic roles include: Dorvil in “La Scala di Seta” (2018), Dr. Blind in Johann Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus”

(2017), Abe Kaplan in Kurt Weill’s “Street Scene” (2017) and Don Curzio in Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro” (2016). Henrikson has portrayed many characters over his tenure at Riverwalk theater children’s workshops, including: Mr. Smee in “Peter Pan”, Aslan in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, and Wilbur from Joseph Robinette’s adaptation of “Charlotte’s Web”.

KAYLA HENRY – Kayla is back at Riverwalk after a year and a half hiatus and she is THRILLED TO BE BACK! Last seen as Lin in Over the Ledge’s production of “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”, Kayla is excited to be reunited with Brian and Angie! Other notable roles include Tracy Turnblad in Riverwalk’s “Hairspray” and Shylah in “I Have A Name” at LCC. Much love to her family and friends!

LUKA PAWSEK – Luka Skrbinsek Pawsek is a multi-lingual Starbucks barista of European descent with a passion for acting and singing. He lives in Mason, Michigan with his husband and pets. He enjoys playing video games and taking walks with his dog. Luka has had no professional acting training, but his parents – who were both classically trained actors – pushed him into acting and performing at an early age. His earliest performances were overseas, in

Slovenia, where he grew up. His biggest achievement from that time was his role in Jean Paul Sartre’s drama “No Exit”, in which he played Garcin. In June of 2016, Luka moved to the United States. After a few-year hiatus, he decided to pursue acting once more, and landed the role of Wilbur Turnblad in the 2019 production of “Hairspray!” at Riverwalk. He was nominated for a Barney award for his work. Luka is ecstatic to be a part of the “Louder Than Words” cabaret, and is hoping to get more involved in theatre from here on out, musical or otherwise.

Cages or wingsWhich do you prefer?

Ask the birds

Fear or love, babyDon’t say the answer

Actions speak louder than words

BRIAN FARNHAM – Brian is overjoyed to be back in person singing again! He has previously directed “A Doll’s House”, “Boy Gets Girl”, and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” for Riverwalk Theatre as well as “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” for Over the Ledge. He has performed in many local productions, most notably as Frank Abagnale, Jr. in “Catch Me if You Can” and Galahad in “Spamalot” (both RWT), as well as Kurt Kelley in “Heathers” and Jeff

Bennet in “I Love You Because” (both PCTC). When not on the stage, Brian spends his days being a Biochemist and his nights playing board games, singing, and going on adventures! He would particularly like to thank his (evil?) twin, Angie, for always being there to play pool, obsess over things, and generally be silly. He’s not sure how he would have survived the pandemic without her.

ANGIE SCHWAB – Angie is excited to be performing in live theater again! She last music directed “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” at Over the Ledge Theatre Company. She has previously music directed shows such as “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”, “Hairspray”, and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” at Riverwalk Theatre and “I Love You Because” at Peppermint Creek. She would like to thank her partner in crime, Brian for giving her this opportunity, the cast of

“Louder than Words” for making this such a fun experience, and her husband Dave for holding down the fort at home so she can come out and play!

MATT OTTINGER – Matt is delighted to be hosting tonight’s event, but he’s really here for the same reason you are: To listen to these terrific performers sing Broadway hits in front of a live audience. Matt is the telecommunications coordinator for Okemos Public Schools. He used to be a game show host. Enjoy the show!

POLLY BASHORE – Polly has been playing drums for local theatre for the past 25 years, and is excited to be back playing again! Before the shutdown year, Polly played at Riverwalk Theatre for “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, “Hairspray”, and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. Other recent productions include “I Love You Because” at Peppermint Creek, and “9 to 5”, “Sister Act”, “Shrek” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” for the Owosso

Community Players. Retired from General Motors, Polly currently teaches for Baker College and is the Program Director and Department Chair for Business Online. She lives in Haslett and enjoys golfing, her dogs, and of course, playing music.

SONG CREDITS

What’s InsideWaitress | Sarah Bareilles

Opening UpWaitress | Sarah Bareilles

All That MattersFinding Neverland | Eliot Kennedy and Gary Barlow

I’m All AloneSpamalot | John Du Prez and Eric Idle

My Strongest SuitAida | Elton John and Tim Rice

I’m Not Wearing Underwear TodayAvenue Q | Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx

MaybeNext to Normal | Tom Kitt

You Will Be FoundDear Evan Hansen | Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

Dear TheodosiaHamilton | Lin-Manuel Miranda

KidsBye Bye Birdie | Charles Strouse and Lee Adams

‘Til I Hear You SingLove Never Dies | Andrew Lloyd Webber

You Could Drive a Person CrazyCompany | Stephen Sondheim

Only UsDear Evan Hansen | Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

For NowAvenue Q | Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx

I’m HereThe Color Purple | Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray

Louder Than Wordstick, tick...BOOM | Jonathan Larson

riverwalktheatre.com | @riverwalktheatre228 Museum Drive | downtown Lansing

Program design and layout by Gruner Graphics | grunergraphics.com | @grunergraphics

AUGUST 21–22, 2021Salt Shed at Adado ParkDowntown Lansing • 3:00 p.m.

Produced by Riverwalk TheatreMore info at riverwalktheatre.com

Join us downtown for performances reflecting

a message of hope, optimism and reopening

Dancing • Songs • Poetry Dramatic Readings

FEATURINGThe Habibi Dancers

Happendance

Lansing Children’s Choir

Curtainless Theatre

Riverwalk Theatre

STAGED READINGSMichigan Summer

COMING EVENTSIchabod staged reading performance at RiverwalkJULY 22 7:00 p.m.FREE ADMISSION | Donations encouraged

Outdoor stage in front of theatreBring your own chairs, or rent for $5

Enjoy a staged reading of Ichabod, written by Michigan-based playwright Joseph Zettelmaier and directed by Sue Chmurynsky. See complete details on Riverwalk’s Facebook Events.

It’s a blustery October night in 1810. A tiny roadside tavern just outside of a the quiet village of Sleepy Hollow is visited by a strange man with an even stranger tale. Twenty years earlier, this fellow had a ghostly encounter with the Headless Horseman, and his story has now become legend. But not all tales are told truthfully, and Ichabod Crane has returned to the town that cast him out to finally get his revenge.