1 Jesus Christ Superstar Proudly presents Music by ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER Producers Daiva Paulis & Marsha Rutenberg Music Director Robert Deason Lyrics by TIM RICE Director/Choreographer Stacey Flaster § Assistant to the Director Carrie Weis Stage Manager Daiva Paulis Costume Design David Lundholm Lighting Design Matt Kooi Set Design Scott Sumerak Lighting Execution Aaron Andrews Set Construction Jason Clark Sound Design & Execution Rich Neumann § 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 JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is presented through and exclusive arrangement with R & H Theatricals and Two Knights Rights Limited. www.rnh.com 847.604.0275 * www.bignoise.org * [email protected]
Transcript
1Jesus Christ Superstar
Proudly presents
Music byANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
ProducersDaiva Paulis & Marsha Rutenberg
Music DirectorRobert Deason
Lyrics byTIM RICE
Director/ChoreographerStacey Flaster §
Assistant to the DirectorCarrie Weis
Stage ManagerDaiva Paulis
Costume DesignDavid Lundholm
Lighting DesignMatt Kooi
Set DesignScott Sumerak
Lighting ExecutionAaron Andrews
Set ConstructionJason Clark
Sound Design & ExecutionRich Neumann
§
Big Noise Theatre Company is a division of Winnetka Theatreand 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
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is presented through and exclusive arrangement withR & H Theatricals and Two Knights Rights Limited. www.rnh.com
Jesus Christ Superstar, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s first musical to be produced on a profes-sional stage, opened in New York in 1971. It was first and foremost, a rock opera-a very 70’s style rock opera. Its subject – the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.
Over 40 years later, I approach this staging with a great sense of responsibility. For, while Jesus and Judas are characters in a drama, they are so much more to so many people.
It is my objective to tell the story through this remarkable music. With my team of artists, I have chosen a setting that serves as a canvas for the dramatic and moving tale. Because the story is timeless, we felt the “stuff” should not overpower the story. These are characters in a drama – they do not stand for anything other than who they are. They don’t need to.
The concept of “superstar” and celebrity is, of course, just as relevant today as it was in biblical times. In this Webber/Rice work, I felt it was important to emphasize that Jesus never called himself a superstar. Judas did.
Jesus Christ Superstar is not meant to be an airy theological experience. It is an immediate and personal story of two men, Jesus and Judas. It is a musical. I am honored and humbled to bring this piece of theatre to you, the audience.
Stacey Flaster
SPECIAL THANKS
Shelli Sarg and the Prairie Lakes Community Center staff
Gina Di Sandro and the Winnetka Community House Staff
Jim and Nancy Moran
Dan Primozic and Oce North AmericaThe SaintsAbracadabra ProductionsWR ImagingM13 Graphics
B IG NOISE THEATRE / WINNETK A THEATRE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Jon Cunningham, PresidentMichelle Cunningham, Vice-
The action takes place in the last seven days in the life of ChristThere will be one 15 minute intermission.
3Jesus Christ Superstar
CAST OF CHAR ACTERS i n o r d e r o f a p p e a r a n c e
Judas Iscariot ....................................................................................................................................................Roy J. BrownJesus of Nazareth ............................................................................................................Jonathan Lee Cunningham *Mary Magdalene ..............................................................................................................................................Lauren ParisSimon Zealotes ............................................................................................................................................Jeremy SonkinPeter ....................................................................................................................................................................... Nick BaileyApostles ...................................................................................... Matthias Austin, Christie Burgess, Danielle Davis, David Hathway, Dwayne Everett Johnson, Kyle Kuhlman, Reid Harrison O’Connell, Patrick Stengle, Brent WalkerCaiaphas ..................................................................................................................................................... Ken RubensteinAnnas ...................................................................................................................................................... Sarah Jane BlevinsPontius Pilate ...................................................................................................................................................Mike WeaverKing Herod ............................................................................................................................................Tommy BullingtonPriests .......................................................................................Michael James Graf, Steve Malone, David WhitlockWomen ..............................................................................................................................Christie Burgess, Danae Ervin, Mary Franke, Ashley Preston, Carrie Weis**, Crystal Corinne Wood
* The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
** Dance Captain
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Act IOverture
Bethany, Friday NightHeaven on Their Minds .............................................................................................................................................. JudasWhat’s the Buzz ........................................................................................................................ Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Apostles and WomenStrange Thing Mystifying ...................................................................................Judas, Jesus, Apostles and WomenEverything’s Alright .....................................................................................................Mary Magdalene, Jesus, Judas, Apostles and Women
Jerusalem, SundayThis Jesus Must Die ..................................................................................... Caiaphas, Annas, Priests and CompanyHosanna ........................................................................................................................Jesus, Caiaphas and CompanySimon Zealotes..............................................................................................................................Simon and CompanyPoor Jerusalem ............................................................................................................................................................... Jesus
Pilate’s House, MondayPilate’s Dream ...............................................................................................................................................Pontius PilateThe Temple ....................................................................................................................................... Jesus and CompanyEverything’s Alright ..................................................................................................................Mary Magdalene, JesusI Don’t Know How to Love Him ..........................................................................................................Mary Magdalene
TuesdayDamned for All Time/Blood Money ............................................................ Judas, Annas, Caiaphas, Priests, Choir
The Last Supper .................................................................................................................Jesus, Judas, Apostles, MaryGethsemane..................................................................................................................................................................JesusThe Arrest ...................................................................................Peter, Apostles, Jesus, Caiaphas, Annas, PaparazziPeter’s Denial .................................................................................................................... Peter, Mary Magdalene, Maid, Old Man, Soldier, Pilate’s Palace, FridayPilate and Christ ................................................................................................................... Pilate, Jesus and Company
House of HerodHerod’s Song ...........................................................................................................Pontius Pilate, Jesus, Soldier, MobKing Herod’s Song.................................................................................................................King Herod and his CourtCould We Start Again, Please ............................................................................................. Mary, Peter, and CompanyJudas’s Death ...................................................................................................................Judas, Priest, Caiaphas, Choir
Pilate’s PalaceTrial by Pilate .....................................................................................................Pilate, Caiaphas, Jesus, and the MobSuperstar ......................................................................................................................................... Judas and Company
GolgothaThe Crucifixion ................................................................................................................................... Jesus and CompanyJohn 19:41 ....................................................................................................................................................The Orchestra
5Jesus Christ Superstar
THE CAST
MATTHIAS AUSTIN (Apostle) A Wheaton Illinois native, Matthias thrilled to be debuting at Big Noise. Matthias received his Bachelors of Arts in Theatre Performance from Hunting-ton University in 2010 and his
Masters of Music from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England, in 2011. Other Chicago area performances include El Gallo in The Fantasticks (Williams Street Rep), Juan Peron in Evita (The Unity Event), Francesco in The Gondoliers (Chicago Gilbert and Sullivan Society), and Reverand Wooley in Leading Ladies. Some other of favorite past roles include: Beast (Beauty and the Beast), Jaimie (The Last 5 Years), Ralph Rackstraw (H.M.S. Pinafore), Nanki-poo (The Mikado), Jesus (Godspell), and Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors) to name a few. He would like to thank his fiancée Cassie, his wonderful family, friends, and teachers who have encouraged him along the way.
NICK BAILEY (Peter) Recent Credits include Urinetown (Bobby Strong), Bare (Matt),West Side Story (Tony), Clue the Musical! (Mr. Boddy), and Evita (Che U/S). Nick has found himself a busy theater life here in
Chicago after moving from Wisconsin, but he still finds time to upkeep his piano and violin skills as well as learn the bass guitar! In 2010-2011 Nick had the fortune of singing on one of Holland America’s cruise ships down in the Caribbean, and thus has had his last two winters spoiled with warmth and lack of snow. He holds a BS in Musical Theatre from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. Many many thanks to all at Big Noise and to his ever faithful family and friends driving from Packerland.
SARAH JANE BLEVINS (Annas) is very happy and very honored to be working once again with Big Noise! Some of Sarah’s past show’s with Big Noise include Trix, The Aviatrix-The Drowsy Chaperone, Mayor Matilda
Hyde-All Shook Up, Beehive, Footloose , & Jane Eyre The Musical. Some of Sarah’s other Musical credits include Meg-Brigadoon , Rizzo-Grease & Patsy Cline in Always, Patsy Cline. Sarah is also a singer with the country band The RoadHouse
Prophets & the Ocean Blu Big Band. Sarah would like to thank everyone from staff to crew to cast for all of their hard work and patience. It’s been FUN! I’m so glad I got to work with all of you! And to my Queen Mum & Prince Bob…Thanks for all your help with everything!! Love ya!
ROY J. BROWN (Judas) Thrilled to finally get to do this role in this show that he grew up listening to & watching… the first musical he ever saw! Although it’s not the first time he’s done JCS, having appeared as
King Herod/Apostle in high school. Recent theater credits include: Jason in Rabbit Hole (Aston Rep), Student Ensemble in Student Prince (Light Opera Works), Munkustrap in CATS (Theo Ubique), Josh in Stand Up! (The R.e.d.i. Founda-tion), Johnny Harmon in Curtains, and Pippin in Pippin. Apart from doing theater, Roy is a huge music buff and is self-taught on guitar (no EP’s or Albums though.......YET!). A huge thank you to anyone & everyone who ever taught me something, challenged me, or did something to me that made me stronger (esp. The Brown Clan and Ashley. Love you guys!!!)
TOMMY BULLINGTON (Herod) is thrilled to return to Big Noise where he was last seen as Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business. Other theatre credits include Emerald City Theatre, Beef and Boards
Dinner Theatre, Wishing Star, AlphaBet Soup Productions, Civic Opera Studio and Booth Tarkington Theatre. Upcoming: Emerald City’s Cinderella at the Broadway Playhouse Graduate of Ball State University in Musical Theatre. Thanks to Stacey, Nancy, Marsha and Robert.
CHRISTIE BURGESS (Apostle/Woman) is excited to return to Big Noise Theatre in this stellar production of JCS. Past shows include Big Noise Theatre’s production of Leader of the Pack (Ellie
Greenwich), Marriott Theatre’s Shout! (Swing), Light Opera Works’ 2012 productions of Camelot and Man of La Mancha (Fermina), Urinetown (Hope Cladwell), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
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(Christine), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Miss Peretti), Metropolis Theatre’s The Andrews Brothers (Peggy u/s), The Little Foxes (Regina), Lend Me a Tenor (Maggie), and as the leading ingénue in the world premiere cast of Meredith Wilson’s biographical musical Banjo Boy, (Zi Ling, Cast Recording). A BFA Acting graduate from UW- Stevens Point and an actor with Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, Northbrook’s Equity children’s theatre troupe, she sends thanks to the BNT artistic team, to her director Stacey for the tremendous experience, her friends, family, and her fiancé, Dan, for his never-ending love and support.
JONATHAN LEE CUNNINGHAM (Jesus) is back on the Big Noise stage for the first time since playing Bobby Strong in Urinetown back in 2008. This is Jonathan’s 3rd go around with Jesus Christ Superstar,
having played Simon for Winnetka Theatre in 2002, and Peter for Theatre at the Center in 2010. Jonathan was last seen as Seymour in Theatre at the Center’s critically acclaimed production of Little Shop of Horrors, which was also directed by JCS director, Stacey Flaster. Other shows include Baby, Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly, Joseph, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, and Phantom at Theatre at the Center, John and Jen at Apple Tree Theatre, Something’s Afoot and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Drury Lane Oakbrook, Little Women at Marriott Theatre, and Tommy, I Sing! The Musical, and Merrily We Roll Along (Jeff Citation Best Actor Nomination) with White Horse Theatre Company. Jonathan has also performed and directed with Big Noise Theatre Company, of which he is proud to be the President of the Board of Directors. Thanks to Stacey, Nancy, and Marsha for figuring out a way to get Jon in this! He would mostly like to thank Michelle, Liam, Kyle, and Veronica for all their love and support. Jonathan is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
DANIELLE DAVIS (Apostle) is so happy to return to Big Noise where she was last seen in Leader of the Pack! She received a B.F.A. in Acting from the Theatre Conserva-tory at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt
University. Other credits include: Wigmaker and Cobbler’s Wife in Rapunzel at Winnetka Theatre;
Little Shop Of Horrors, The Wiz And Nunset Boulevard (Theatre At The Center); In Darfur (TimeLine Theatre); Scapino! (Roosevelt University); Quest Theatre Ensemble’s Drum Circle Pandora and Evolution/Creation; Godspell (Maples Repertory Theatre in Macon, Missouri), and A Midnight Cry (Auditorium Theatre/Tour). Enjoy the show!
DANAE ERVIN (Woman) is thrilled to be back on stage with Big Noise. She holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Columbia College. Her favorite roles include Angustius in Bernarda Alba, Lettie in Something’s Afoot,
and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. She is so excited to share the stage with her fellow Elaine Place gang members! Thank you to Scrabble for never missing a wakeup call!
MARY FRANKE (Woman) is proud to be a recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago where she studied theater and minored in musical theater. In her last year at Loyola Mary had the chance to play Blanche
DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. She studied classical acting at the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England during the summer of 2011. She is immensely grateful to Stacey Flaster for her continued support and guidance and for the opportunity to be a part of Jesus Christ Superstar. Mary thanks Robert Deason for his incredible music direction and Kelli Morgan McHugh for her vocal training. Mary dedicates her performance in Jesus Christ Superstar to her grandfather and Grandma Honey.
MICHAEL JAMES GRAF (Priest/Guard) Michael is thrilled to be making his Big Noise Theatre debut in Jesus Christ Superstar! He has enjoyed roles in the past such as Curly in Oklahoma!, Charlie Brown in You’re A Good Man,
Charlie Brown, and as Michael Bolton in a stage adaptation of the film Office Space. Michael is a product of Illinois State University where he studied both acting and musical theatre. Much love goes out to the terrific cast, crew, and production staff of JCS. Many thanks to Michael’s family and friends for all of their support!
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DAVID HATHWAY (Apostle) is pleased to be appearing in his first production with Big Noise. Other Chicago credits include Married Alive! [Metropolis] Barnum [Quest Theatre Ensemble] and The Argument [Interrobang
Theatre Company]. Regional credits include: Cabaret, A Christmas Carol, The 39 Steps, and Death of a Salesman [Milwaukee Rep], Tap and Unfailing Prayers to St. Anthony [NOLA Fringe] and Joseph...Dreamcoat [Casa Mañana].
DWAYNE EVERETT JOHNSON (Apostle) – is very excited to return to Big Noise after last appearing with the company in RENT (Angel). Dwayne is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago where he received a BA in
Musical Theatre Performance. Other memorable credits include Chicago, Songs for a New World, High School Musical, Annie, and as a featured dancer in many musical revues. Special thanks to all of my family and friends for their eternal support.
KYLE KUHLMAN (Apostle) is so excited to be back on stage with Big Noise in Jesus Christ Superstar. Kyle was most recently seen in the Jeff Recommended Reefer Madness at Circle Theater. Other productions include:
Leader of the Pack (Big Noise), Barnum! (Quest Theatre Ensemble), Let My People Come (Street Tempo Theater), Duke’s Place, Spring Awakening, and Bat Boy: The Musical (Columbia College). You can see Kyle next playing Ratson in Cinderella at the Broadway Playhouse this winter! Thanks to all his family, friends, Alex, Phineas, and Pherb for all their support!
STEVE MALONE (Priest) is honored to be in JCS alongside so many friends in this incredibly talented cast, crew, and production staff (Stacey, you Opera Rock!) in his fifth Big Noise musical. Steve, a Big Noise Board Member, is a
veteran of over 70 productions in the Chicagoland area, and was just seen in Sunset Boulevard for
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Theatre Jedlicka, Music in the Air in Lake Geneva and Legally Blonde for Art Reach. Steve thanks his family and friends for their continual support. A big THANK YOU to the audience… without your support, the show would not go on!
REID HARRISON O’CONNELL (Apostle) was most recently seen as Don Baker in last season’s Butterflies Are Free, and is thrilled to be back onstage at Big Noise with such a talented cast and crew.
Other Chicago area credits include It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, A Wondeful Life, The Producers, Scrooge! The Musical (Theatre at the Center); Kuni-Leml, Babes in Arms, Fiddler on the Roof, Picnic (Illinois Theatre Center); The Matchmaker, 1776, and A View From the Bidge (The Drama Group). Reid has also appeared in Children’s Theatre Productions with Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, Chicago Kid’s Com-pany, and Theatre at the Center. Reid sends lots of love to his family.
LAUREN PARIS (Mary Magdalene). Lauren has spent the past year in the first Chicago productions of Rent (American Theatre Company/About Face Theatre, dir. David Cromer) and Spring Awakening
(Griffin Theatre Company, dir. Jonathan Berry). Other credits include Emerald City Theatre, Chicago Cabaret Project, and Canterbury Summer Theatre. This winter, Lauren can be seen in The Gifts of the Magi at Porchlight Music Theatre. Proud 2011 Loyola Chicago graduate. Huge thanks to Stacey and Robert for the amazing and challenging opportunity and Melissa for the pipes. For her parents, as always. www.laurenparis.net
ASHLEY PRESTON (Woman) is very excited to be making her Big Noise debut in Jesus Christ Superstar! She was recently seen as Alexi Darling in Rent (Columbia College Chicago) and Charity in Jesus Camp:
The Musical. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support and this amazing cast and Stacey for a great experience!
KEN RUBENSTEIN (Caiaphas) is beyond thrilled to be working with Stacey, Robert and this extraordi-narily talented group; his first show with Big Noise and, hopefully, the precursor to many more. This will also be
the first time, in ages, that he gets to use his regular voice (sans dialect) for a role, and his lower registry (a surprise to many). Ken has appeared in numerous productions across the Northern and Western Suburbs. Most recently he appeared as Arvide Abernathy in North Shore Theater’s Production of Guys & Dolls. Among his favorite roles are: Fagin in Oliver, which he has deliciously done four times, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Smokey in Damn Yankees, Sir Harry in Once upon a Mattress and Sir in The Roar of the Greasepaint - the Smell of the Crowd. Ken dedicates his performance to Earl, his father’s dear friend, who first inspired Ken to get on stage and sing. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This one is for you and Dearest (who I am thankful for every day of my life).
JEREMY SONKIN (Simon) Jeremy is thrilled to be appearing in his second Big Noise show. Previously seen in ...Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney), Jeremy has performed in Chicago with Light Opera Works (Camelot)
and The Music Theatre Company (Pippin – Equity Jeff Nominated), and Alphabet Soup Produc-tions (Jack and the Beanstalk). Prior to moving to Chicago, Jeremy toured North America with the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, starring Ted Neeley! Other favorites include Hairspray (Gilbert), A Flea in Her Ear (Victor/Goshe – Broad-way World San Francsico Winner for Best Leading Actor in a Play), The Piano Lesson (Wining Boy), and Forever Plaid (Frankie). This fall, Jeremy will be appearing with Emerald City at The Apollo in The Knuffle Bunny. A graduate from The University of Wisconsin, Madison with a B.A. in Theatre, Jeremy would like to thank Stacey for this incredible opportunity to again be a part of a show so close to him, John Komasa for his amazing guidance and friendship, and his family for their continued love and support!
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PATRICK STENGLE (Apostle) Patrick is excited to return to Big Noise after making his Chicagoland debut in last fall’s How to Succeed... (Mr. Ovington/Junior Executive). Prior to that appearance, he was a part of the Young
Playwrights’ Festival at CENTERSTAGE in Baltimore, MD. Other recent notable credits include Peter Pan (Columbus Children’s Theatre) and Noises Off! (The Ohio State University). Patrick is a member of the award-winning sketch comedy troupe Sketch By Number which is now based in Los Angeles, CA. Much love to Barb and Jim.
BRENT WALKER (Apostle) is delighted to be back with Big Noise this season after last season’s productions of Rapunzel and Leader of the Pack. Other previous credits: Thoroughly Modern Mille, Hortensio in Kiss Me, Kate, Evil
Eye Fleegle in Li’l Abner, Mortimer in Arsenic and Old Lace, Tulsa in Gypsy, Frog in A Year with Frog and Toad, Snoopy in Snoopy!!!, Rooster in Annie, Aladdin in Disney’s Aladdin, Mikey in Hairspray, Hugo Peabody in Bye Bye Birdie, and Charlie in Willy Wonka. Offstage, Brent works at WMS Gaming, where he makes art for slot machines, yes...slot machines. And no, he has no tricks for winning. Schmee!
MIKE WEAVER (Pontius Pilate) is thrilled to return home, to Big Noise Theatre, and to join this wonderful cast for this incredible show. Mike is a veteran of productions in and around the North Shore and
appeared most recently as Professor Callahan in the Devonshire Playhouse production of Legally Blonde. Past Big Noise credits include the Reverend Shaw Moore in Footloose, the Soldier in Sunday in the Park with George and Mr. Brocklehu-rst/Richard Mason in Jane Eyre, the Musical.
CARRIE WEIS (Woman, Dance Captain) is so excited to be returning to the Big Noise stage where she was previously seen as Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone. Other credits include Michelle in 10 Ways to Kill
Your Husband (Metropolis), Erin u/s in Married Alive (Metropolis), Rapunzel in Rapunzel (Winnetka Theatre), in addition to shows at Northbrook Children’s Theatre, Circle Theatre, and Wagon Wheel. Thank you to Stacey, Nancy, my HLM, my boo, the fam, and my fabulous new husband! I love you all! Enjoy the show!
DAVID WHITLOCK (Priest/Guard) Big Noise credits: Leader of the Pack (Gus Sharkey), How to Succeed… (J.B. Biggley), All Shook Up (Jim Haller), Sunday in the Park with George (Mr./Charles Redmond), On
Golden Pond (Charlie Martin), and Over the Tavern (Chet Pazinski). Other credits include Married Alive (u/s Ron) with Metropolis Theater, Hello Dolly (Rudolph) with Light Opera Works and Annie (Drake) with Highland Park Players. Love to A, B and H for their support and encouragement.
CRYSTAL CORINNE WOOD (Woman) Crystal hails from Shaker Heights, OH. She recently graduated from Columbia College as a double major in Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance. There she
participated in the Blues Ensemble, Pop/Rock Ensemble, and Spectra (Advanced Chorus). Her previous theatre roles include Roger’s Mom (Mimi u/s) in Rent, Gilmer in Godspell, and a Folly Girl in Crazy For You. She is thrilled to participate in her first production with Big Noise Theatre. She’d like to thank Tucker and her family for their love and support. Crystalcorinnewood.com
PRODUCTION STAFF
STACEY FLASTER (Director/Choreographer) Stacey has directed numerous “Especially For Kids” productions for Big Noise Theatre’s parent company, Winnetka Theatre. Most recently, Stacey directed and choreographed A Class Act for Porchlight
Theatre. For Theatre at the Center, Stacey directed and choreographed Little Shop of Horrors, The Wiz, Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway World Award-best musical and best choreography), Footloose, Cats (Jeff Nomination-choreography), A Wonderful Life
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and Nunset Boulevard; and she choreographed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Jeff Nomination-choreography), among many others. Recently, Stacey directed and choreographed Joseph…Dreamcoat and Route 66 for Paramount Theatre; and Married Alive for Metropolis. Stacey also directed and choreographed the critically acclaimed Carousel and The Secret Garden for Light Opera Works. Choreography credits: My Fair Lady, Carnival, Oklahoma! and Darling of the Day (Light Opera Works), Miss Saigon and Something’s Afoot (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Willy Wonka (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Marriott Theatre); I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (No-ble Fool Theatricals); The Spitfire Grill and Smoke on the Mountain (Provision Theatre); Master Harold…and the boys (Steppenwolf Theatre); and Madame X (Alley Cat Productions). Stacey worked on the film The Dilemma, directed by Ron Howard.
DAIVA PAULIS (Producer/Stage Manager) is shocked to realize that Jesus Christ Superstar is her twenty-second Big Noise and Winnetka Theatre production! During this time, her contributions to Big Noise Theatre have been invaluable. In addi-tion to helming the show as producer and serving as stage manager, Daiva is a one woman produc-tion staff, manning the desk at auditions, setting up for rehearsals, running sound and light boards, serving as projectionist, operating a spotlight, building, painting and always doing the unimagi-nable. We couldn’t put up a show without her! Most recently, she was the producer for Leader of the Pack and The Drowsy Chaperone, and Stage Manager for How to Succeed in Business… and Winnetka Theatre’s “just for kids” production of Rapunzel. As if all that isn’t enough, Daiva is also a member the Board of Governors of Big Noise/Winnetka Theatre, just another endeavor she was “dragged” into smiling and laughing all the way.
MARSHA RUTENBERG (Producer, Box Office Manager) is thrilled to collaborate with and grateful for the endless abilities of the incred-ible Daiva, whose contributions to Jesus Christ Superstar are incomparable. She celebrates the dream team of Stacey and Robert who bring so much talent and enthusiasm to the project mak-ing this such an exciting and stimulating experi-ence! Bravo to a fabulous cast with gratitude for their heartfelt dedication to the show and for creating such a cohesive ensemble. Thanks also and grateful appreciation to our talented production staff! Working with all of you has been a pleasure. Marsha is a proud member of the Board of Governors of Big Noise Theatre.
ROBERT DEASON (Music Director) Robert is THRILLED to be returning to Big Noise, working on one of his favorite shows with one of his favorite directors! Previously, Robert has worked with Big Noise as a music director on Leader of the Pack, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and The Drowsy Chaperone. Earlier this summer, he served as associate music director of Call My Name, a new show conceptualized for the Smithsonian folk arts festival in Washington D.C. He has served as music director for Timberlake Playhouse, Circle Theatre, and Artreach educational theatre, among others. Additionally, Robert is working on Shakin the Rafters, his first full length musical, set to premiere in Atlanta next summer. A million thanks to this in-credible cast, and the wonderful (as always) artistic team for this opportunity.
CARRIE WEIS (Assistant to the Director) See cast profile
MICHAEL GOLDMAN (Conductor/Keyboard) Big Noise Theatre is thrilled to welcome back Mike for his third Big Noise show following Leader of the Pack and How to Succeed…..last season. A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and recipient of the Caldwell Piano Scholarship, Mike Goldman is an active pianist, accompanist, arranger and music director in the Chicago area. He has an extensive background in musical theater and in addition to Big Noise, he has per-formed with Light Opera Works, ShawChicago, Up & Coming Theatre, and many other regional theater companies. An invaluable asset to our production staff, we are so fortunate that he has shared his talent and upbeat attitude with us throughout the rehearsal process. We hope to be fortunate to work with Mike on many future productions!
SCOTT SUMERAK (Set Design) Scott is happy to return to Big Noise for Superstar. On the Big Noise stage, he has directed and designed RENT, How to Succeed in Business, On Golden Pond, Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Over the Tavern. He has appeared on stage in numerous BN productions: Barnum (PT Barnum), Big River (Huck), Sunday in the Park (George), Superstar (Judas), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Valentine), and Amadeus (Mozart). Recently, Scott has designed scenic elements for Men Exposed, Married Alive, and Marvelous Wonderettes at Metropolis Performing Arts Center , and will be designing further shows for them this season. He currently serves on the Board of Governors at Big Noise Theatre. For Jenni and Rory.\
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PRODUCTION STAFF c o n t.
DAVID LUNDHOLM (Costumer) David has been designing costumes and makeup for over eight years. He is currently responsible for costumes for all the live entertainment at 6 Flags Great America including their annual Fright Fest Event. He is thrilled and honored to have the opportu-nity to work on this production of Jesus Christ Superstar with Stacey, Robert and Big Noise! A special thanks to his partner in crime, Joanne, for all of her hard work. Check out my website, DavidLundholm.com!!
MATT KOOI (Lighting Design) is happy to be working on his fourth season with Big Noise Theater. His previous Big Noise credits include: RENT, All Shook Up, Spelling Bee, Beau Jest, How to Succeed in Business, Butterflies are Free, and Leader of the Pack. Matt also works with Oakton Community College, Triton College, and House of Blues Chicago. He would like to thank the pro-duction team, cast, and crew for the opportunity and his wife, Kathryn, for her support.
RICHARD NEUMANN (Sound Design & Execution) this is the tenth Big Noise/Winnetka Theatre show for which Rich and his company
Abracadabra Productions have provided sound design. Previous productions on this stage include Rent, Sleeping Beauty, All Shook Up. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Little Red And Her Friends, The Drowsy Chaperone, How to Succeed… Rapunzel and Leader of the Pack Abracadabra Productions is a full service audio, video and production company located in Skokie, Illinois. www.abraprovideo.com
JASON CLARK (Set Construction) Big Noise wel-comes Jason back for his third production with us after Jason built our set for Leader of the Pack and Butterflies are Free. It is a pleasure to work with Jason as he always seems agreeable to any task he is presented by our designers! Jason has much experience in set construction and we hope to have him on our team for many more shows.
AARON ANDREWS (Light Execution) Aaron is pleased to continue his role with Big Noise Theatre as the company lighting technician. Past productions include Sunday in the Park with George, RENT, All Shook Up, Putnam County Spell-ing Bee, Beau Jest , The Drowsy Chaperone, How to Succeed…, Butterflies are Free, and Leader of the
12 Big Noise Theatre Company
BECOME AN ANGEL .. .
Angels are the financial backers of theatre productions. Your financial support allows us to produce excellent shows at affordable prices. Send your check (payable to Winnetka Theatre, our corporate parent) along with your name as you wish it to appear in the program to Marsha Rutenberg, Trea-surer, 1895 Clavey Road, Highland Park, IL, 60035. Winnetka Theatre is a 501(c)3 organization, so your contribution is tax deductible. Thank you!Corporate SponsorRobert W. Baird & CompanyPeter Latto and Associates
Archangels $1000 +Sandy & Nancy FlasterBill and Marsha Rutenberg
Angel - $200 - $900Michelle and Jon L. CunninghamMarian & Stan Kaderbek
Cherub $5 - $199Joan & James Leeney, Jr.Lorraine Tancredi
Contributions from the following were made to Big Noise TheatreIn Memory of Peter B. Verdico
Susan and Joe AdlerGene & Lovi AielloJoyce BishopGail and James BrophyChicagoland Italian American
Charitable OrganizationChurch of the Holy GhostChristine & Anthony ClementiRosie & Al ColettaMichelle & Jon CunninghamNancy & Ralph Dantino
Mr & Mrs, John FletcherMaureen FloodJoanne & Jim JaremsDawn & Mark JohnsonRobert and Gretchen Kimmeth
and FamilyJudy KlarfeldMichael & Joyce LopushinskyMichael T. LopushinksyJoAnn & Herbie MindsAmie & Roger Orzell
Antonella & Annunziato PuliceValerie & Robert RobinsonMarsha & Bill RutenbergNancy & Sandy FlasterLisa & Michael StambulyTom, Ginny, Lori and
Kim(Moustis) SkubichDeborah & Bruce ThesenJulie Verdico
PRODUCTION STAFF c o n t.
Pack. Whether in the booth or clambering the catwalks above he is always ready to light up the stage. He sends his love to Linda, and congratu-lations to the cast and crew for another great production. Enjoy the show!
MILDRED SCHMALZ (Stage Crew) “As a lifetime devotee of the theater, when circumstances placed me at a cross roads of life, I found time to indulge my passions to help in many ways and view the world from my favorite spot, “back
stage”. Thanks to Big Noise for making me a part of each production.” From the time that Millie approached Big Noise and offered to volunteer, her involvement as a part of our production fam-ily has been all encompassing. We marvel at all Millie can do…whether painting sets, serving as stage crew, dressing our actors, handling ticket orders, or distributing publicity materials, Millie inspires us all with her wonderful stories, fabu-lous attitude, and generosity of spirit.
With great admiration and appreciation, Big Noise Theatre dedicates this season in honor of Joyce Bishop and in memory of Peter B. Verdico.
Joyce Bishop is a founding member of the Winnetka Theatre Board of Governors. She is the longest serving board member in our theatre’s history, tirelessly and graciously devoting her time to the Board of Governors of both Winnetka Theatre and Big Noise Theatre until her re-cent retirement. With much gratitude for her devoted commitment, we applaud Joyce’s many contributions to our theatre both as a board member and onstage as an actor.
Peter Verdico was a beloved actor appearing on our stage in Over the River and Through The Woods, Damn Yankees, Footloose, Urinetown, and The Drowsy Chaperone. He was a mentor and dear friend of Big Noise Theatre and many in the Chicagoland theatre community. His warm personality, energetic presence, hearty laugh, wisdom and guidance will be truly missed. We are truly grateful to Peter and his family for designating Big Noise Theatre for his memorial donations.
