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Be Sure to Join Us for our upcoming Christmas Concert
December 22 at 3:00 PM!
We believe that
it is not important
where you have been —
it is only important where you
are going!
At First Presbyterian Church,
you will be cared for,
and you will be called upon
to care for others.
Service Times:
8:15 AM Blended Service
9:30 AM Liturgical Service
10:50 AM Contemporary Service
http://www.fpcvalpo.org/
“God does not Call the Equipped,
but God Equips the Called.”
3401 North Valparaiso Street Valparaiso, IN 46383
Check It Out! Nominate your favorite charity and help them to possibly receive some funding courtesy of
1st Source Bank! Just complete this form and turn it in at any 1st Source branch by November 30. Help one of our partner charities from this show — or write about how
VTC’s partnering with charities is an inspiring way to integrate philanthropy and the arts, and help us raise funds towards a permanent home!
President John F. Kennedy respected and admired acts of political
courage. His book, Profiles in Courage, published in 1956, recounts the
stories of eight U.S. Senators who risked their careers by taking public
stands for unpopular positions. The Profile in Courage Award, presented
each May by the Kennedy Library Foundation, honors elected officials who
have demonstrated exceptional political courage.
The Profile in Courage Essay Contest invites United States high school
students to consider the concept of political courage by writing an essay on a
U.S. elected official who has chosen to do what is right, rather than what is expedient. A “Profile in Courage” essay is a carefully researched recounting
of a story: the story of how an elected official risked his or her career to take
a stand based on the dictates of the public good, rather than the dictates of
polls, interest groups or even constituents. The contest challenges high
school students to discover new profiles in courage, and to research and
write about acts of political courage that occurred after the 1956 publication
of John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage.
The winner of the competitive annual contest is awarded a $10,000 prize and
is invited to accept the award at the Profile in Courage Award ceremony held
each May at the Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. The
student’s nominating teacher receives a John F. Kennedy Public Service
Grant in the amount of $500 and is also invited to attend the Profile in
Courage Award ceremony. A second place winner receives $1,000 and up
to five finalists each receive $500. All finalists receive a hardcover copy
of Profiles in Courage. The essay contest is sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and generously supported by John Hancock
Financial.
For information on this ongoing legacy of President Kennedy, visit http://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest.aspx
“P
ro
file
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” E
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The Specter of Treason:
The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald
15 Minute Intermission
A Play Written by
J. E. Ballantyne, Jr.
Act Two
Act One
Scene 1 - Offices of Federal Prosecutor Gerald Michaelson, Dallas, March, 1964 Scene 2 - Lounge of local New Orleans restaurant - Three weeks later
Scene 3 - Offices of Defense Attorney, Richard Donnally, New Orleans, Sept., 1964 Scene 4 - Street Corner somewhere in the French Quarter in New Orleans - Next Day Scene 5 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas - October, 1964
Scene 6 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas - November, 1964
Scene 7 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas - November, 1964
Scene 1 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas, November, 1964
Scene 2 - Offices of Guy Banister, New Orleans, La. - The Next Day
Scene 3 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas, December, 1964
Scene 4 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas, January, 1965
Scene 5 - Interrogation Room at County Jail, Dallas, Texas - January, 1965
Scene 6 - The Jury Votes — Cast Your Ballot Now to Decide His Fate!
Scene 7 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas - An hour later
Prologue
3rd Floor Basement Garage in the Dallas Police Station - Nov. 24th, 1963
Directed by
Craig Kozora and Steve Zana
Produced by
The Valparaiso Theatrical Company, Inc.
Through Special Arrangement with J&B Production Arts Services
Youngstown, Ohio
www.jandbproductionarts.com
Valparaiso Theatrical Company is a Proud Member of
www.nietf.org www.aact.org
Th
e C
ast (
in A
lpha
beti
cal
Ord
er
by A
cto
r)
Julia Ann Mercer/Woman ~ Amy Aurelio
Court Bailiff ~ Larry Bingham
Commander James J. Hume, USN ~ Matthew Byerly
Jury Foreman ~ Tom Byerly
D. Att. Sharon Dunne ~ Vickie Cash
David Ferrie/Man on Phone ~ Joe Culley
Jacqueline Kennedy ~ Mary DeBoer
Jean Hill ~ Linda Didelot
Marina Oswald ~ Chloe Hoeksema
Albert Guy Bogard ~ Jerry Jascoviak
Guy Bannister/Arlen Specter ~ Craig Kozora
Judge Clarence G. Underwood ~ Michael "Doc" Kuhn
P Att. Gerald Michaelson ~ George Maslankowski
Lee Harvey Oswald ~ Eric McCann
Buell Wesley Frazier/ Dr. Robert McClelland ~ Mark McColly
Det. James R. Leavelle/ Dr. Cyril H. Wecht ~ William Milhans
D
ay
-Aft
er
Fr
on
t-P
ag
e N
ew
s —
No
ve
mb
er 2
3,
19
63
A N
ote
fr
om
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e D
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What would have happened if Lee Harvey Oswald had survived the wounds
inflicted by Jack Ruby and he had gone on trial for the assassination of
President Kennedy? The possibilities are almost endless. It most certainly
would have been the trial of the century. This is the basis for tonight’s
production. Of unique interest to you, the audience member, is the fact that
you as the jury and render the verdict at each performance. With the 50th
Anniversary of the JFK assassination taking place this year, VTC is proud to
bring you a taste of history as it might have been, transporting you from a
federal courtroom in Dallas to various meetings with potential witnesses, to
intimate asides between Oswald and his beleaguered defense attorney. Many
thanks are due to the thankless work of actors, volunteers in the box office, our
charities — so many people to make our largest production yet happen. I,
personally, want to make sure that I take the time to thank my wife, Coleen, for
keeping the directors (including myself) on track, having the vision for this
group, and working for hours on end to make things happen. Words are not
enough to express how special you are! Hope that everyone enjoys the
performance, and thank you for your support. ~ Steve Zana
I cannot thank this entire cast & crew enough for all of their hard work and
dedication to helping me fulfill a passion for History and the incredible stories
that accompany its march through time. The Kennedy Assassination is one
heck of a story that has gone down in history as one of the great mysteries of
all time! The perfect storm, the "Crime of the Century." A lot of hard work has
gone into this production to bring forth the dramatic events that happened on
that faithful weekend fifty years ago this week. I hope you will enjoy tonight's
production as much as I have enjoyed the entire experience. Thank you,
VTC, for allowing a first-time director a chance to fulfill his dream. Thank
you, Steve, for Co-Directing this huge production. I know how much of a
sacrifice it has been! Thank you, Colleen Zana! None of this would have
happened if it wasn't for all that you have done for VTC. You are the true hero
in all of this! Thank you, cast, for the fun and your professionalism during all
of those long rehearsal hours we put in. Thank you to my family for putting up
with me during this whole process. Thank you to all of my friends who came
out to support us! And, thank you, dear audience, to you for supporting a great
cause! Every ticket sold means somewhere, somehow, someway, a difference
is being made by all of us! ~ Craig Kozora
Th
e C
ast (
in A
lpha
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cal
Ord
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by A
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Mary Ann Mooreman ~ Deb Porter
Captain Will Fritz/Jail Guard ~ Mike Porter
FBI Agt. James Hosty/PTLM Bobby Hargis ~ Nick Russ
Court Stenographer ~ Rhonda Russ
Abraham Zapruder/PTLM Marion L. Baker ~ Steven Collings Russell
Tom Pettit ~ Timothy Slatton
Grace/ Waitress ~ Candice Smith
Ruth Paine ~ Jen Stevens
Marguerite Oswald ~ Pam Tschida
Dr. Earl Rose/Reporter ~ Matt Valuckis
D Att. Richard Donnally ~ Nelson Velazquez
Texas Gov. John Connolly ~ Bob Winchlinski
SS Agent Clinton Hill ~ Steve Zana
P Att. William Schaffer ~ Mike Zelisko
Reporter/Person on the Street ~ Glenn Hodshire
Jury of Peers Our Gracious Audience
VT
C B
oa
rd
of
Dir
ec
to
rs
V
TC
Tru
ste
es
Colleen Zana President /Development Chair
Steve Zana Vice President/Marketing Chair
Mike Porter Treasurer
Pam Tschida Recorder/Secretary
Vickie Cash Artistic Chair
Deb Porter Charity Liaison
Michael “Doc” Kuhn
Lawrence Bingham
Members At-Large
Patrick Johnson ~ Web Design
and Artist
George Zana Sr. ~ Accountant &
Tax Preparer
Craig Kozora Patty Bird
Celeste Smith Florence Cole
Our Mission
The mission of the Valparaiso Theatrical Company Inc. is to offer
professional-quality theatre at an affordable price while giving to
charitable causes. Whether the plays are socially relevant classics,
contemporary or new plays with vision, giving back in an artistic and
monetary way to the world is our mission. While performance is its own
reward, the VTC Board is committed to giving a portion of its own
profits from each show to other non-profit and charitable causes.
Me
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Matt Valukis (Dr. Earl Rose/Reporter) Matt is proud to return to VTC, having last appeared on
stage as Lendall with his wife, Kerianne, playing opposite of him in Almost, Maine. He is the
Principal Designer/Overthinker/Owner of V as in Victor, a regionally-based marketing and design
firm. He is also the co-host of The Ad Men, a weekly radio program airing on Lakeshore Public
Radio (89.1 FM). When not obsessing over his designs, you’ll find him strumming his acoustic
guitar, creating a logo or designing sound for the latest local theatre production, curled up on the
couch with his wife falling in love with the latest show Fox is sure to cancel, and on a certain
weekend in July, roaming Whiting promoting his love of all things Eastern European and playing
his best Clark Kent to the Superman that is Mr. Pierogi.
Bob Wichlinski (Gov. John Connolly) returns to the stage following a 33-year absence. Bob was
active in theatre throughout his High School career at Bishop Noll Institute and as a freshman at
Valparaiso University, where he received a Bachelors Degree in History & Philosophy in 1982 and
Masters Degree in Ethics in 2013 Today, Bob and his wife, Lynnette, are raising their 4 children
on their 4-H farm located near Boone Grove, Indiana. He serves as Auditor of Porter County, as
well as limited term lecturer at Purdue University Calumet, research consultant to the Purdue
Homeland Security Institute, and managing partner of ON-SITE Computer, LLC; the information
technology company he founded 21 years ago. Bob also enjoys writing music and playing golf. “I
truly appreciate the opportunity to return to the stage. Being a student of history and elected offi-
cial, this play is of natural interest to me. I was 3 years old on Nov 22nd, 1963; the television
images broadcast on that day remain in my brain to this day.”
Steve Zana (SS Agent Clinton Hill/ Director) Many in the Region are familiar with Steve’s voice,
if not his face – he’s been host of the Indiana 105 Dawn Patrol for 15 years, and also runs Let the
Good Times Roll DJ & Photo Booth Services. Originally from Louisiana (Go Saints!), he’s lived
in Indiana since 1983, so he thinks it’s safe to call him a Hoosier. He loves being on the radio, but
is just as fond of the theatre. In addition to being VTC’s Vice President, he serves on the NIETF
Board of Directors and the Memorial Opera House Foundation, and has been involved with over
50 plays in the NWI area at various venues. When not DJ’ing or playing around on stage, Steve
enjoys his Man Cave (the “Voodoo Lounge Deux”), colleting various hot sauces, and spending
time with his wife, Colleen, their two sons (and their significant others) and their grandchildren.
Th
e C
re
w
Sp
ec
ial
Th
an
ks T
o…
Sound and Lighting Design Colleen Zana
Set Design Colleen and Steve Zana, Craig Kozora
Set Construction Steve and Colleen Zana, Doc Kuhn,
Mike Porter, Fernando Porras
Costuming Colleen Zana
Millinery Stanlee Hodsden
Hair and Makeup Pam Tschida
Stage Manager
Stage Hands
Natalie Franks
Chad Franks, Tessa Bingham
First Presbyterian Church for use of their building, chairs onstage and off, and their hospitality through rehearsals & construction
Our Charities for efforts in ticket sales and marketing, and all they do in the community.
Christopher Ebert for his tireless efforts in facilities scheduling
Stephanie Naumoff for the lending and styling of wigs.
Matthew Byerly for Program Design, use of tables, and facilities assistance
The Genesius Guild for use of Props
Presbyterian Resale Shop for donation of Vintage Costuming
“Doc” Kuhn for assistance with police props
Patty Bird for printing of Posters
Joe Culley for printing of Playbills
Stanlee Hodsden and “Another Row of Sequins” for wonderful hats!
Volunteers in construction, box office, jury balloting, historians, and small details...
Special Olympics Porter County for donation of Canvas Flats
Our wonderful ad sponsors, for without you, there would be no Playbill!
JFK Gala Committee for their time, cook-ing talent, decorations, and silent auction set-up
Celeste Smith for use of rifle and Texas flag
Linda Goble for donation of uniforms. They will get much use! We’re honored to receive your late husband’s collection, grateful for his service to our country and town.
And last by not least, all of our audiences. We thank you for your support!
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Rhonda Russ (Court Stenographer) - This is Rhonda's first appearance in a play, though she is
no stranger to the stage. She has appeared in several productions of the Indiana Ballet
Theatre's Nutcracker as well as Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty. She would like to thank the
VTC board, especially the Zanas, for all their hard work to make this company a success!
Steven Collings Russell (Abraham Zapruder/ Patrolman Marrion L. Baker) This is Steven’s
first time working with VTC, and he is pleased to be back involved in his favorite hobby after
a long hiatus. The last time he was seen on the stage was as The Baker in Into The Woods at
South Bend Civic Theatre. Favorite roles include (many, many years ago): Berger in Hair,
Tobias in Sweeney Todd, and Louis in Angels in America.
Timothy Slatton (Tom Pettit) is elated to be returning to VTC as part of this outstanding cast
after last appearing in 2011’s Awesome 80s Prom! Previous theatre credits include: Guys and
Dolls, Urinetown, Jekyll & Hyde, State Fair, and Scrooge among many others. This January,
he will be portraying Sir Robin in Spamalot at Ross Music Theatre. When not on stage, Tim
spends his days as a Financial Analyst at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, MI. Many
thanks go out to Craig, Steve, Colleen, and most importantly, the audiences of community
theatre for keeping the arts alive.
Jennifer Stevens (Ruth Pain) Jennifer’s past acting credits include All I really Need Know I
Learned in Kindergarten, Dearly Departed, Play On!, and To Gillian On Her 37th
Birthday. She says she loves following her passion for the stage and thanks her loving family
for all of their support. In her spare time, Jennifer loves cooking and pursuing her Pampered
Chef business. “I have loved working with this amazing cast! Thanks so much for letting me
be a part of this amazing production!”
Pam Tschida (Marguerite Oswald) Pam is returning once more to the VTC stage, having
made her stage debut in Prelude to a Kiss. She joined VTC in 2011 serving as a rehearsal
assistant for The Kitchen Witches, and now serves on the VTC Board of Directors. She is
thrilled to be satisfying a lifelong passion for the theatre. Outside of the theatre realm, Pam
recently opened her own salon in Valparaiso – look for the ad in tonight’s program! She would
like to thank her Mother for giving her the acting bug, and her children for keeping it alive.
Nelson Velázquez (D Att. Richard Donnally) is excited to perform with VTC. For the last 9
years he’s performed across the nation showcasing his talent in improvisation, sketch comedy,
stand-up, and musical sketch/improv. Nelson is currently serving as Salsation Theatre
Company's Artistic Director while directing and performing in Los Improviachis, an
Improvised mariachi band. He's also features his diverse talents
via MusicalChairsPodcast.com, a weekly music-related comedic podcast, and via Nelson
Velazquez Graphic Design and Production, a graphic arts and production company serving
blackbox theatre productions. He’d like to send special love to his family, friends, and fellow
cast mates and crew for allowing him to be a part of this production.
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Michael “Doc” Kuhn (Judge Clarence G. Underwood) Doc is pleased to be doing another show
with VTC. No theatrical novice, Doc has been involved in over 100 productions from NWI to
Heidelberg, Germany. This is Doc’s 4th show with VTC; his first was as Oscar in The Odd Couple,
then more recently as the Old Man in Prelude to a Kiss (2013 NIETF Nomination) and as Phil in
Almost, Maine. A few of his most recent shows are A Few Good Men as Col. Jessep at Crown
Point Community Theatre and Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grille as Jake Ballard at
4th Street Theatre.
George Maslankowski (P Att. Gerald Michealson) George thanks the directors for the chance to
be in his first VTC production. Active in community theatre for 34 years, he has worked over,
under and around many stages/venues in NW Indiana. He has directed often for Indiana Theatre
Works, which promotes the development of new plays written by Indiana playwrights. Having
retired earlier this year, he plans to tread the boards rather than herding cats and pulling virtual
rabbits out of his hat. Thanks to this diverse cast for reinvigorating this latent desire. Remember,
television is a medium, but theatre is an Extra-Large.
Eric McCann (Lee Harvey Oswald) Eric has been involved in theatre in “The Region” for the past
7 years. During that time, he has made many amazing friendships. One of those has turned out to
be one of the best friendships and loves he has ever been blessed with -- his fiancée, Bev (who he
proposed to onstage as part of VTC’s Almost, Maine). Eric has appeared on stage in a variety of
productions at several different venues. Additionally, he has made appearances as an extra on
several TV programs filmed in Chicago, including Chicago Fire and Boss. Outside of the theatre,
Eric works in education. He thanks all of the cast members for their hard work, the directors for
their trust, the audience for their energy, the playwright for reimagining history, and the audience
for supporting the arts.
Mark McColley (Frazier / Dr. McClelland ) Mark hails from Valparaiso, and has built sets, ran
lighting and performed throughout the NWI region. This marks his second time performing with
VTC. Past stage appearances have included productions at the Memorial Opera House, Dunes
Summer Theatre, Portage Community Theatre, and Fourth Street Theatre. He is the Master
Carpenter at the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso. Thanks for supporting Community Theater
and enjoy the show!
William Milhans (Det. James R. Leavelle/ Dr. Cyril H. Wecht) The character must not run from
William Milhans. William Milhans is the mind-killer. William Milhans is the little-death that
brings total obliteration. The character will face William Milhans. The character will permit him to
pass over and through it. And when he has gone past the character will turn its inner eye to see its
path. Where William Milhans has gone there will be nothing. Only the character will remain. In
the wake of William MIlhans, these characters remain: Ragueneau of house Cyrano, Bart of house
The-Thugs, Hans Rolfe of house Judgement-at-Nuremberg, Salarino of house Merchant-of-Venice,
Dave of house Almost-Maine and Linus Van Pelt of house You're-a-Good-Man-Charlie-Brown.
Deb Porter (Mary Ann Mooreman) Deb is usually more than happy to remain behind the scenes
of any production. She offers many thanks to Craig and Steve for allowing her to be in this
production and for “helping me channel my ‘inner Mrs. Moorman!’”
Mike Porter (Captain Will Fritz/Jail Guard) Mike thanks his son Aaron for getting him into live
theatre, a desire he has had since working on the stage crew for his High School musical. Mike is
usually working on stage building sets for VTC and CTG. He is stepping out on stage and out of
his comfort zone as a first time actor and he is both nervous and excited. Mike has secretly wanted
to do a small part for some time and thanks Craig and Steve for giving him the opportunity to do
so. He is thrilled to be sharing the stage with his lovely wife Deb.
Nick Russ (FBI Agent James Hosty/ Patrolman Bobby Hargis) Nick is happy to be making his
VTC debut with this show. No stranger to the theatre scene Nick has been frequently seen over at
Crown Point Community Theatre where he has performed in Cyrano, Othello and A Midsummer
Nights Dream among others. He would like to thank the directors, crew, and cast for coming
together and making a great show.
Many Thanks to our Charities for this Show! 14th And 21st Thursdays ~ Student Educational Night – benefitting VTC Building Fund
15th. Friday ~ 500 Turkeys (500turkeys.com)
16th. Saturday ~ Sacred Transformations (sacredtransformations.org)
17th. Sunday ~ First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso
22nd. Friday ~VTC / JFK Gala / VTC Sponsored / 50 Years to the day!
23rd. Saturday ~ Portage Tri Kappa (www.trikappa.org)
24th. Sunday ~ Coats for Kids
American Cancer Society
American Heart Association
Toys For Tots
Porter County Animal Shelter
Portage Tri Kappa
St. Katherines' Ladies'
Philoptochos Society, St. Iakovos
Greek Orthodox Church
Simiyu House Kenya
Christian Food Pantry
Memorial Opera House Foundation
Habitat For Humanity
Family House
The Valparaiso Elks
Ivy Tech Foundation
Business Woman’s United Network
NWI Literacy Foundation
Opportunity Enterprises
March Of Dimes
National Alliance for Mental Health
Porter County Aging and
Community Services Ramp Fund
Valparaiso Women’s Club
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Vickie Cash (D. Att. Sharon Dunne) Vickie has been involved in theatre on and off stage for
many years. She is on the board of VTC and Footlight Theatre in Michigan City. She has
appeared on stage at Memorial Opera House, VTC, Chicago Street, Footlight, and Fourth
Street Theatre. This summer, Vickie played Marge in the forthcoming John Hancock film
“Swan Song,” which filmed throughout the region. Other stage productions include Cat on a
Hot Tin Roof, All My Sons, Caberet, Wizard of Oz, and the list goes on. She won a best actress
award for her portrayal of nanny in Hollywood Arms, the story of Carol Burnett’s life. She is a
past member of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus performing at the Star Plaza. Vickie
is married has two children and four grandchildren.
Joe Culley (David Ferrie/Man on Phone) Having taken the director’s chair for VTC’s Almost,
Maine, Joe is once more returning to the stage as an actor. Joe was bitten by the Am-Dram bug
WAY BACK in high school and has suffered with occasional fits and bouts ever since. His
local credits include Witness for the Prosecution, Othello, Merchant of Venice, and Glengarry
Glen Ross at Crown Point Community Theatre, Romanoff and Juliet at Genesius Guild, and
several other roles. Aside from directing Almost Maine, he also co-directed Cyrano at Crown
Point Community Theatre, where he currently serves as the Vice President. He’s been in
plays, radio plays, and even improve comedy shows in places as diverse as Missouri and New
Hampshire to Edinburgh, Scotland (where he was in great demand for his ability to “fake” an
American accent.
Mary DeBoer (Jaqueline Kennedy) This is Mary’s maiden voyage with VTC, and she is still
in complete awe that she was given the chance to perform in this show as Jackie. Mary has
been fairly active in community theatre around NWI for the past decade, and was most
recently seen as Salyer in Hammond Community Theatre’s NIETF nominated The Last of the
Boys. Some favorite roles have been Blanche in CTG’s Brighton Beach Memoirs; Mrs. Van
Daan in HCT’s The Diary of Anne Frank; and Lucienne in CTG’s A Flea in Her Ear. Mary
would like to thank Craig, Steve and Colleen for inviting her to play with them and her
husband, David, and daughter, Lindsey, for encouraging her to go for it.
Linda Didelot (Jean Hill) Linda is pleased to be returning to a VTC production, having last
performed with the group in Almost, Maine. She is pleased to be working both with familiar
faces and several new folks on the stage. She would like to thank Steve, Colleen, and Craig for
offering this stage experience that benefits so many worthwhile causes. Last, but not least,
Linda would like to thank her husband for making sure that all of her lines were memorized
correctly.
Chloe Hoeksema (Marina Oswald) The lovely and talented Chloe Hoeksema appeared as the
mime at the VTC Mardi Gras fundraiser, Almost, Maine as Ginettte, and also in Chicago Street
Theatre’s production of The Less Than Human Club as Julie. She is grateful for the chance to
join this fantastic group of people in mounting this provocative work, and also wishes to thank
her cats Oliver and Cat for helping her learn lines.
Jerry Jascoviak (Albert Guy Bogard) Jerry is happy to once more be returning to the stage,
and to make his VTC debut. Jerry holds a BA in Theatre from Valparaiso University, currently
serves on the NIETF board as the Community Development chair, and is also on the board at
Crown Point Community Theatre, where he and his wife, Becky, recently directed You’re a
Good Man, Charlie Brown (NIETF Best Musical Nominee, 2013). He also serves as a Musical
viewer for NIETF. Jerry would like to thank Craig, Steve, and Colleen for the opportunity, his
friends and family for their love and support, and most of all, his loving wife, for supporting
him through everything, and whom he loves very much.
Craig Kozora (Guy Bannister/Arlen Specter/Director) Craig is very fortunate to have a great
cast supporting him off stage as much as he has on. Thanks to great friends, a very supportive
family, and an awesome girlfriend. Craig normally is running lights, but returned to the stage
to strain the ‘ol vocal cords. Yes, that’s right, he’s yelling again – onstage, and when directing
(usually only playfully!). Thank you, Steve, for Co-Directing. I know how much of a sacrifice
it has been! Thank you, Colleen; none of this would have happened if not for all that you have
done for VTC. Special thanks to the entire cast for making this show become a reality after it
has been trapped in his head for several years (boy, what a jail term THAT must have been!)
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Amy Aurelio (Julia Ann Mercer/Woman) Amy has played a trial witness before – twice – in
Inherit the Wind and in Judgment at Nuremberg, both with Crown Point Community Theatre.
Outside a courtroom setting, she was last seen as Glory in VTC’s Almost, Maine. Offstage, she
works for a nonprofit in Chicago and serves on the board of Sacred Transformations in Gary
(www.sacredtransformations.org). Way, way offstage, she hunts for the perfect macaroni and
cheese recipe and the perfect red lipstick. Therefore, she spends way too much time on Pinterest.
She thanks Craig and the Zanas for being fantastic directors and, well, people in general; her
fellow cast and crew, for making this look easy; and John, for being her human lighthouse. And
you. Definitely. She especially thanks you.
Lawrence Bingham (Court Bailiff) Larry’s interest in theater started in High school, when he
worked the lighting and sound for the drama club productions. For the past three years, he has been
blessed to be involved with VTC, assisting on set construction, lighting, and serving as a Trustee
with the Organization. “I would like to thank the directors Craig Kozora and Steve Zana for
allowing me my first acting appearance. It is great to be a part of such a talented and community
centered organization.”
Matthew B. Byerly (Commander James J. Hume USN) majored in music & journalism at
the University of Indianapolis and has performed in plays, operas and musicals throughout the
region and in Central Indiana. Matt sits on the Board for several area theaters, and currently serves
as the Secretary and a Viewer for the Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation
(NIETF). When not pursuing theatrical endeavors, Matt volunteers extensively in the community,
writes, dabbles in genealogy, plays trombone, and works as a freelance writer/editor and substitute
teacher. As a history buff, he is excited to play a small part in the "What if..." scenario presented
tonight. This marks his debut with VTC.
Thomas E. Byerly (Jury Foreman) is proud to make his VTC debut. Tom first gained interest in
theatre in college, though he only picked up the hobby again within the last decade. He has worked
on technical aspects of several productions, and appeared on stage at the Genesius Guild,
Memorial Opera House and Chicago Street Theatre in roles such as Omar Khayyám
(Kismet), Buffalo Bill (Annie Get Your Gun), Isidor Straus (Titanic, NIETF Supporting Actor
Nomination), and Senex (Forum). When not on stage, Tom works at ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor,
sings in the church choir at First Presbyterian Valparaiso, plays String Bass in the Valparaiso
Community/University Concert Band, and volunteers with Porter County Special Olympics. He
thanks his wife for being a ‘theatre widow’ again and temporarily putting the ‘honey-do’ list on
hold so he could step into this role.
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Leave the world a better place. That is what I have learned in my short
50+ years. You don’t have to be rich, well-educated and know all of the right
people to be able to make a difference.
About 64.3 million people volunteered through or for an organization at
least once between September 2010 and September 2011. My heart was
lightened by that statistic – a statistic that reflects well on us as a society. For
a short time, you just need to care about someone else as much as you do
about yourself. Most of the time, it’s just about lending people a helping
hand. VTC was founded upon that principle. By attending a show with VTC,
you can say that you did your part to give back this week, to about the tune
of $6 from your $10 ticket. That is the amount that we have committed to
giving back to each charity we are assisting on any given performance night.
Our funds to produce these shows are acquired mostly through donations.
Truthfully, I feel as if VTC is, when you truly look at things, a philanthropic
organization or charity group with a theatre problem!
Please give generously of your time to those in need, and if you have it,
your funds, as well. Thank you, and I sincerely hope that you enjoy tonight’s
performance. ~ Colleen M. Zana, VTC President