1Miss Saigon

Miss SaigonMusic by Claude-Michel Schönberg

Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Alain Boublil Original French Lyrics by Alain Boublil

Additional Material by Richard Maltby, Jr.

Miss Saigon is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by:

Music Theatre International421 West 54th St

New York, NY 10019

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PRODUCTION NOTES

For our first theatrical production in the beautiful Wendy Joy Lindsey Theater inside the amazing Robert V. Carney Performing Arts Center, we have chosen one of the most ambitious musicals in recent theater history, Boublil and Schönberg’s Miss Saigon. The play was inspired by a photograph taken during the fall of Saigon – the image of a Vietnamese mother leaving her child at a departure gate at Tan Son Nhut Air Base to board a plane headed for the United States where her father, an ex-GI, would be in a position to provide a much better life for the child. Schönberg considered this mother’s actions for her child to be “The Ultimate Sacrifice,” an idea central to the plot of Miss Saigon. And while this play is woven around a tragic love story, it is also filled with powerful examples of the triumph of the human spirit. This brings me to Wendy Joy Lindsay and Father Robert V. Carney – the namesakes of our brand new arts facility.

Wendy Lindsey was an amazing woman, wife and parent. Her husband, Kevin is a great friend and longtime supporter of Pius XI High School. Her daughter, Renee, is a Pius XI grad and now exceptional Pius XI English teacher. Dawn, her oldest daughter, is an attorney and was a bright and dedicated assistant director on countless Pius productions during the early 2000s.

While dealing with major health issues, Wendy Lindsey never missed a production once her children were enrolled at Pius XI. Wheelchair space for Wendy - whether in the black box, second floor gym, or any outside venue – was always reserved. Her support of the Pius XI Theater program never wavered. Her insightful and positive comments to Peter, Bonnie, JoAnne or I were always accompanied by her warm smile. She was an inspiration to her family, friends, and all of us here at Pius XI.

“Hey Kevin! I got my tickets! Front row.” These were often the first words out of Father Bob Carney’s mouth when we’d see each other in the main office. The day tickets went on sale for any Pius XI production, Father Carney would grab his favorite ticket location – the first row. His enthusiasm, kindness and leadership were on display in his work at Pius XI as a Theology teacher and Director of Alumni. But Father Carney’s work on the Big Buddy Program at Pius XI may be his most powerful legacy. The Big Buddy Program helps first year students assimilate to Pius XI with the help of their senior “Big Buddies.” Bob Carney refined the program until it was the envy of any high school in terms of helping students feel comfortable and welcome as well as assuring Pius XI an extremely high retention rate.

As a perpetual honor to these two extraordinary people, the Performing Arts Center and the Theater promise to bring our audiences the best work of our students and faculty in Performing and Visual Arts. When we feel tired or challenged, we’ll remember the brilliance of Wendy Joy Lindsey and Father Robert V. Carney, and continue to move forward with grace, spirit and dedication.

3Miss Saigon

CAST L IST

Kim .............................................................................................Angi Smolik (11/9, 11/10, 11/16, 11/18) Lauren Smrz (11/11, 11/17)Engineer .......................................................................................................................................Joey CheliusChris ........................................................................................ Joseph Gallo (11/9, 11/10, 11/16, 11/18) James Lieven (11/11, 11/17)Ellen ...................................................................................... Emilie Thomas (11/9, 11/10, 11/16, 11/18) Amelia Acompanado (11/11, 11/17)John ....................................................................Romond Buggs-Barnett (11/9, 11/10, 11/16, 11/18) Sam Skogstad (11/11, 11/17)Thuy .......................................................................................Kristof Fischer (11/9, 11/10, 11/16, 11/18) Jack Taylor Klingbeil (11/11, 11/17)Tam ............................................................................................................................................Lexi HueschenBargirls/Ensemble ........................................Angela Stodola (Gigi), Cassi Stecker Janssen (Mimi) Gabriella Klotz (Yvette), Dani Wallace (Yvonne) Katie Nguyen, Rebecca Kraetz Erin Oberdorf, Katherine Folz, Emma NelsonEnsemble ..................................................................................................Christon Sykes-Smith (Owner) Mary Nink, Sam DeDecker, Grace Riekkoff Noah Zouine (Asst. Commissar), Ryan Gonzalez John Slavinsky, Will Komas (Captain Schultz), Thomas Chelius

Young EnsembleNORTH CAST (11/10, 11/16, 11/18)

Grace Fischer ..............................................................................................................................Saigon childAnna LaGrange .........................................................................................................................Saigon childBronwyn Thomey .................................................................................................................... Saigon childElisabeth Nelson .......................................................................................................................Saigon child

SOUTH CAST (11/9, 11/11, 11/17)Kloee Richter ..............................................................................................................................Saigon childGrace Kelley ................................................................................................................................Saigon childAidan Bagley ..............................................................................................................................Saigon childAnthony Bagley .........................................................................................................................Saigon childMaya Poquette ..........................................................................................................................Saigon child

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MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT 1Saigon, April, 1975Overture........................................................................................Gigi, Kim, The Engineer and Bar Girls The Heat is On in Saigon ................ Soldiers, Bar Girls, The Engineer, Kim, John, Chris and Gigi The Movie in My Mind .........................................................................................Gigi, Kim and Bar Girls The Transaction ............................................................. The Engineer, John, Soldiers, Chris and Kim The Dance .................................................................................................... Kim, Chris and The Engineer Why, God, Why? ........................................................................................................................................Chris This Money’s Yours ................................................................................................................Chris and Kim Sun and Moon ........................................................................................................................Kim and Chris The Telephone Song...........................................................................................................Chris and John The Deal ................................................................................................................. The Engineer and Chris The Wedding Ceremony ......................................................................... Gigi, Kim, Bar Girls and Chris Thuy’s Arrival ................................................................................................................Thuy, Chris and Kim Last Night of the World .......................................................................................................Chris and Kim

Ho Chi Minh City, 1978The Morning of the Dragon ...........................................................Soldiers, The Engineer, and Thuy I Still Believe ............................................................................................................................. Kim and Ellen Coo Coo Princess ......................................................................The Engineer, Kim, Thuy and Soldiers Thuy’s Death / You Will Not Touch Him ......................................................................... Thuy and Kim This is the Hour ...............................................................................................................................Ensemble If You Want to Die in Bed...................................................................................................... The Engineer Let Me See His Western Nose ............................................................................Kim and The Engineer I’d Give My Life for You .............................................................................................................................Kim Finale Act I ........................................................................................................................................Ensemble

There will be one fifteen minute intermission between the Acts.

ACT IIAtlanta, 1978Bui Doi .................................................................................................................................Chorus and John Post Bui Doi ................................................................................................................Chris, John and Ellen

Bangkok, 1978Bangkok ..................................................................... The Engineer, Hustlers, Tourists, John and Kim Please ......................................................................................................................................... John and Kim Chris is Here ........................................................................The Engineer, Kim, Club Owner and John Kim’s Nightmare (Part 1) .......................................................................................................................Thuy Kim’s Nightmare - Fall of Saigon ........................................Soldiers, Chris, Kim, John and Citizens Sun and Moon (Reprise)..........................................................................................................................Kim Kim and Ellen .......................................................................................................................... Kim and Ellen Now That I’ve Seen Her .........................................................................................................................Ellen Ellen and Chris ...........................................................................................................Chris, Ellen and John Paper Dragons ........................................................................................................The Engineer and Kim The American Dream ...............................................................................The Engineer and Ensemble This is the Hour (Reprise) ........................................................................................................................Kim Finale Act II...............................................................................................................................Chris and Kim

5Miss Saigon

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director .................................................................................................................................. Kevin SchwartzMusical Director .................................................................................................................... Bonnie ScholzSet Design ....................................................................................................................... Rick A. RasmussenLighting Design................................................................................................................................Lori VocaCostume/Make-up Design ....................................................................................Judith Tucker-SniderChoreographer .........................................................................................................Catey Ott-ThompsonWig Designer........................................................................................................................ Erica CartledgeProp Coordinator ............................................................................................................ Andrea ToussaintAssistant Musical Director ..................................................................................................Michelle KlotzSound Engineer ..........................................................................................................................Matt WobstSound Design .............................................................................................. Professional Audio DesignsTechnical Director ....................................................................................................................Terry HarveyStage Crew Coordinator............................................................................................... Jeanne LindstadtSet Construction .............................................................................................. Terry Harvey/Stage CrewProgram Contents/Design .................................................................................................. Donna BaileyPhotography ................................................................................................................Terry Clark BaumanLobby Boards/Lobby Concepts .............................................................................Terry Clark BaumanPublicity ................................................................................ Brian Meehan, Meghan Boyle, Celtic, Inc.Managing Director of PAC ....................................................................................... Michael KirkpatrickHouse Manager ............................................................................................................................ Betty HuntStudent Directors .................................................................................... Angelica M. George, Joe Graf, Elizabeth Seidl, Anthony Rodriguez

COSTUME/MAKE-UP CREW

Lauren GambillDezi HowardIsabella KlotzKhai Le Dombroe

Sydney LeeErin MaloneAddie McCauley

Jessica SchampersAlly SekulaRachel Soliday

Colin AlbertHannah BrownCatherine CesarCharlie CharekEmily ChmielewskiCody CiocarelliSam DeDeckerDavid FerentchakSam Fitzwater-ButchartAngelica George

Peter de GuzmanAdrianna GilgenbachChip GonzalezSheyla GonzalezJoe GrafHelen HardingerCyrena HernanadezEamonn HigginsAaron HowellAndy Klug

Dylan LjujicCasey MatsonRebecca MessnickNina MoralesEvelyn MulloolyAnthony RodriguezSydney SchlagerElizabeth SeidlRachel SolidaySara Weier

PAC TECHNICAL CREW

PIUS PARENT PRODUCERS

Kelty CheliusRita ClarkMaralea DeDeckerMary Jane GalloDawn HaertelKatie HeinenJohn Hyland

Carol KlingbeilSue LievenAngela MulloolyKevan OberdorfRita RiekkoffLinda SaafirMolly Schissler

Lynn SkogstadIsabel SmolikGreg SmrzDarla TiltonDavid TiltonKaren Zouine

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PRODUCTION STAFF c o n t.

From left to right, front row: Hannah Brown, Sara Weier, Adrianna Gilgenbach, Patricia GomezSecond row: Cody Ciocarelli, David Ferentchak, Eamonn Higgins, Alex BrennerNot pictured: Emily Watters, Dylan Ljujic, Joe Graf, Catherine Cesar, Damaris Guzman, Crystal Lopez, Jocilyn Scheid-Traversie

STUDENT P IT ORCHESTR A

Matt Castelaz and Sarah Bubik

PIT ORCHESTR A

Flute/Piccolo/Asian Flute ................................................................................................Ms. Carol MevesOboe .......................................................................................................................................Mr. Dan SchultzSaxophone, Clarinet and Flute ...................................................................................Mr. Blair BielawskiTrumpet .....................................................................................................................................Matt CastelazTrumpet .........................................................................................................................Mr. Kevan OberdorfTrombone ....................................................................................................................Mr. Jake BrumbaughHorn I ...................................................................................................................................Mr. Irwin LacknerHorn II ...............................................................................................................................................Sara BubikKeyboard I .................................................................. Ms. Michelle Klotz, (Assistant Musical Director)Keyboard II ......................................................................................................................... Ms. Addy StoiberKeyboard III .........................................................................................................................Ms. Elna HicksonPercussion I ...................................................................................................................Mr. Dave MagedanzPercussion II ..................................................................................................................Mr. Michael HaydenPercussion sub ...................................................................................................................Mr. Mark MarianiBass ............................................................................................................................................. Mr. Bill Drimel

7Miss Saigon

B IOGR APHIES

AMELIA ACOMPANADO – Senior (Ellen – November 11 and 17)Previously seen in Hairspray, Fame and Student Play Festival, Amelia is also active in Madrigals, Concert Choir,

Women’s Vocal Jazz, National Honor Society, Pius XI Student Ambassadors, the Track and Field team, and Basketball team. She writes for SCOPE and is co-President of Student Activities Council. “I am so stoked to have the chance to perform at home in the new Performing Arts Center. I like participating in theater to do something I love while having loads of fun.” Although unsure of which school or major, Amelia is sure she wants to run track in college next year.

AIDAN BAGLEY – (Young Ensemble – November 9, 11 and 17)Aidan joins our cast from Bethesda Elementary School in Waukesha. He is in 1st grade and last performed in his school’s

production of The Great Kapok Tree. Aidan really liked that play felt it “was just like being a real animal!” He plays drums and piano and is currently a Tiger Scout.

ANTHONY BAGLEY – (Young Ensemble – November 9, 11 and 17)Also from Bethesda Elementary School, Anthony is in the 4th grade. He is every excited about being part of this

production for many reasons. He gets to become the character, he gets to work with his cousin, Rebecca, and he’s “never been in a play with people that are over 12 years old!” His last theater experience was The Great

Kapok Tree. Anthony is in the Chess Club, plays piano, sings and is also a Webelos 1 in Cub Scouts.

ROMOND BUGGS-BARNETT – Senior (John – November 9, 10, 16 and 18)A Pius XI Student Ambassador, Romond is also a member of Students Against

Destructive Decisions, Campus Ministry, Multicultural Club, Concert Choir and Madrigals. He has performed in Hairspray, Fame, The Phantom of the Opera and Student Play Festival. He is excited by “how realistic this plot is and how the story expresses a large amount of different emotions. Theater allows me to express my inner self and makes me who I am. Theater is my life.” Next year, he plans to attend either Clark Atlanta University or the University of Southern California and major in Music Theater and Business Administration.

JOEY CHELIUS – Junior (Engineer)“I love what theater teaches me about myself. With each new character, I learn a little bit about Joey Chelius that I didn’t know. I’m a long-time fan of the composers of

Miss Saigon, and I think that audiences will really be drawn in by the dark, brooding, powerful messages being conveyed. Plus, being a sleazy club owner is pure fun.” Joey’s acting credits include The Secret Garden, Hairspray, Bomb-itty of Errors, Madrigal Dinner, The Phantom of the Opera, and Student Play Festival. He is a member of Concert Choir, Madrigals, Popes for Hope, Pius XI Student Ambassadors, National Honor Society, Thespian Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Dudes of Earl and the Varsity Cross Country team.

SPECIAL THANKS

UW-Milwaukee Theater Department, UW-Parkside Theater Department, Isabel Smolik, Carthage Theatre Arts Department, Kim Instenes, Trien Le, Joel Claassen, Jerry Martynski.

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B IOGR APHIES c o n t.

THOMAS CHELIUS – Freshman (Ensemble)A graduate of the Pius XI Summer Musical Theater Workshop, Miss Saigon will be Thomas’ debut as Pius XI student. He is also a member of the Cross Country team

and Mixed Choir. “I think the atmosphere and the history of Vietnam in this musical is very interesting. I like theater because I’m able to have a good time and be with friends.”

SAM DEDECKER – Freshman (Ensemble)“I really like the music of this show and the fact that I get to be many different parts. I like participating because I was never really into

sports or any other activity. So singing, dancing and acting are my main hobbies that I love. It’s just a huge community I get to be a part of.” A graduate of the Pius XI Academy Summer Musical Theater Workshop, this will be Sam’s debut as a Pius XI student. He is also a member of Thespian Society, Yearbook Committee, Pius XI Student Activities Council and Mixed Choir.

GRACE FISCHER – (Young Ensemble – November 10, 16 and 18)Grace is a 2nd grader at St. Dominic School - one of the Pius XI Performing Arts Academy Theater schools. She

has participated in Theater Camp at St. Dominic’s and although she does get nervous on stage, she still loves performing. Grace plays the cello and is active in Brownies and soccer.

KRISTOF FISCHER – Junior (Thuy - November 9, 10, 16 and 18)A member of the Pius XI Concert Choir, Kristof made his debut

performance last year in The Phantom of the Opera. “I like the dark, suspenseful nature of the play. I also like the morally grey nature of the characters.”

KATHERINE FOLZ – Freshman (Bar Girl/Ensemble)A member of the JV Poms team and a Pius XI Student Ambassador, this production will be Katherine’s debut on

the Pius XI stage. Miss Saigon is such an interesting story; rich with history and it exhibits some things that not many people think of happening during the Vietnam War. Theater gives me a chance to come away from stress and have something to work on.”

JOSEPH GALLO – Senior (Chris – October 9, 10, 16 and 18)A veteran on the Pius XI stage, Joe previously appeared in Titanic, Hairspray, The Crucible, The Phantom of the Opera and

Madrigal Dinner. He is an active member of the Pius XI Band, Concert Choir, Madrigals, Jazz Ensemble, Tri-M Musical Honor Society and National Honor Society. Next year, he plans to attend Marquette University and study Nursing or Pre-Med. “The music in this show is absolutely gorgeous. I have always loved this show and am honored that this role will be one of my final bows at Pius XI.”

ANGELICA GEORGE – Senior (Assistant Director)Although Angelica was a director for Student Play Festival and assistant director for Madrigal Dinner, this will be her

debut for a major Pius XI production. She is a Pius XI Student Ambassador, a Big Buddy, and a member of Student Activities Council, Multicultural Club, and both Scope (newspaper) and yearbook staffs. She plans to attend Clark Atlanta University, Howard

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University or Alabama State and major in Film, Journalism and Business next year. “The things that excite me about the play are the music, the energy of the characters and how the plot is a realistic one.”

RYAN GONZALEZ – Senior (Ensemble)Previously seen in Madrigal Dinner, Student Play Festivals and Buffalo Nation, Ryan is also active in Dudes of Earl, Philosophy Club,

Madrigals and Concert Choir. “I’m excited about the fact that the play is about the Vietnam War, a war that is fascinating to me. I’m also excited that I am playing many different characters like marines, Vietnamese soldiers, hustlers and vendors, etc. I really got into theater after Student Play Festival. I like escaping my own reality to play in another character’s world.” Next year he plans to study Music and Writing with a minor in Photography at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee or Madison.

JOE GRAF – Senior (Student Director)An active member of Stage Crew and ComedySportz for many years, Joe was also involved in a directorial role for Hairspray, The

Phantom of the Opera and Bomb-itty of Errors. He notes “I’m excited to be a part of the very first production in our new Performing Arts Center.” He plans to study Culinary Arts at MATC next year.

LEXI HUESCHEN (Tam) Lexi is thrilled to be making her debut and reprising the role of Tam here at Pius, this was the first role she ever played earlier this year in Waukesha Civic’s

production of Miss Saigon. She was last seen as Minnie May in Anne of Green Gables at the Acacia Theatre Company! Lexi is 3 years old

and is the youngest of 3 girls. She splits her time with mom and dad in Milwaukee and South Milwaukee. Lexi would like to thank Mom, Dad, and Tracy for helping her to achieve her dreams!!

CASSI STECKER JANSSEN – Junior (Bar Girl/Mimi)“The role I’m playing is completely different from anything else I’ve done.” Cassi is excited to be “learning about the

past of the war and applying that to my character. I love being involved in theater because it is so much fun to play someone you aren’t, and the people in this cast have become like a family to me.” Active in Dance, Choir, Student Activities Council, Pius XI Student Ambassadors, Campus Ministry and the Thespian Society, you may have seen her previously in The Secret Garden, Fame or The Phantom of the Opera.

GRACE KELLEY – (Young Ensemble – November 9, 11 and 17)Grace comes to us from St. Boniface School and is in the 4th grade. This will be her first performance. When asked how she

deals with nervousness on stage, Grace quickly answered, “I breathe in, and then out. In and out.” She is a member of her school’s Book Club and Jump Rope Club.

JACK TAYLOR KLINGBEIL – Junior (Thuy – November 11 and 17)Previously seen in Fame and The Phantom of the Opera, Jack is also very involved in the Visual Arts program at Pius XI. “I am

excited that this play touches on some of the past issues that were really conflicting for many of our older generations. We get to portray this scenery for the first time in our large theater. What an experience!”

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B IOGR APHIES c o n t.

GABRIELLA KLOTZ – Sophomore (Bar Girl/Yvette)A veteran of the Pius XI Academy Summer Musical Theater Workshop where she was a choreographer for

Fame, Jr., Gabriella has previously appeared in Beauty and the Beast, Fame, The Phantom of the Opera and Madrigal Dinner. She is also a member of the JV Golf team, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Ladies in Waiting, Women’s Vocal Jazz, Advanced Treble Choir, Thespian Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society and Pius XI Student Ambassadors. “My role challenges me to step outside of my comfort zone. I’m really excited to be portraying something that was a world-wide issue. I’ve learned a lot about history through this show.”

WILL KOMAS – Junior (Captain Schultz/Ensemble)Last seen in The Importance of Being Earnest, Bomb-itty of Errors and Student Play Festival and in the pit

orchestra for The Phantom of the Opera, Will is a member of the Cross Country team, Dudes of Earl and Orchestra. “This play excites me to be someone I’m not. I love that idea about transforming into someone I’m not and going back in time. Creating this atmosphere is magical in my mind.”

REBECCA KRAETZ – Sophomore (Bar Girl/Ensemble)Rebecca is a member of the Varsity Poms team, Yearbook staff, newspaper staff, Popes for Hope, and Pius XI Student

Ambassadors. You may have seen her in Bomb-itty of Errors or Student Play Festival. “I find it so exciting that this play makes me go completely outside of my comfort zone; this is what I love about theater.”

ANNA LAGRANGE – (Young Ensemble – November 10, 16 and 18)A 3rd grader at Wilson Elementary School, Anna really likes acting and says she feels happy when she is acting. Anna plays

piano and is active in softball, basketball, soccer and Girl Scouts.

JAMES LIEVEN – Senior (Chris - November 11 and 17)A veteran on the Pius XI stage, you may have seen James in Titanic, Hairspray, or The Phantom of the Opera and Fame. He is

active in National Honor Society, Student Activities Council, the Tennis team, Concert Choir, Madrigals, String Quintet, Pius XI Student Ambassadors, and is a Kairos leader. “I am excited to be a soldier. I definitely need a haircut!” Although unsure at this time, he will most likely attend Iowa State University next year to major in Industrial Design or Architecture.

ELISABETH NELSON – (Young Ensemble – November 10, 16 and 18)“I like the feeling when I am on stage. When I see someone else performing, I think, ‘Wow – I really want to do that!’”

Elisabeth has also performed in The King and I and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She is in Girls Scouts and Karate and plays the flute.

EMMA NELSON – Freshman (Bar Girl/Ensemble)Although this is Emma’s debut performance as a Pius XI student, she is a graduate of the Pius XI Academy Summer

Musical Theater Workshop where she performed in Fame, Jr. She is also active in

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Mixed Choir and the JV Tennis team. “I’m excited because this is the first real Pius XI theater production that I’ve ever been in, and it’s the first show to be performed in the new PAC! I like participating in theater because I love the challenge and thrill of performing in front of an audience and I always meet new, fun and exciting people when I do theater!”

KATIE NGUYEN – Sophomore (Bar Girl/Ensemble)Miss Saigon really resonates with me and my family. I would like to dedicate this show to my parents, who emigrated

from Saigon during the Vietnam War.” Katie was in the pit orchestra for Fame and The Phantom of the Opera. She is active in many Pius XI organizations including String Orchestra, Student Forum, Cross Country, Soccer and Forensics teams, Mock Trial, Model UN, Student-Faculty Senate, Student Activities Council, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Pius XI Student Ambassadors and Thespian Society. In addition, she is a member of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and Milwaukee Children’s Choir.

MARY NINK – Sophomore (Ensemble)Previously seen in Bomb-itty of Errors, Madrigal Dinner, The Phantom of the Opera and Student Play Festival, Mary is also a member of the Cross

Country team, Ladies in Waiting, Advanced Treble Choir, ComedySportz, Thespian Society, Pius XI Student Ambassadors, Student Activities Council, Tri-M Music Honor Society and the Scope newspaper staff. “I like participating in theater because you get to explore a new world with each different performance. It is so exciting to see all our hard work pay off!”

ERIN OBERDORF – Senior (Bar Girl/Ensemble)A veteran on the Pius XI stage, Erin has previously appeared in The Secret Garden, Hairspray, Student Play Festivals, After Image Dance

Show, Fame, The Phantom of the Opera, Jolt Theater and Madrigal Dinner. She is also active in Concert Choir, Women’s Vocal Jazz, Madrigals, National Honor Society, Thespian Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society and the Glencastle Irish Dancers. She plans to attend college next year, but is still undecided where. “I’m excited to do something completely out of my element. This whole musical is new for me so it’s fun learning all of the music and the history behind it. I love participating in theater because I can be a completely different person and explore who I am at the same time.”

MAYA POQUETTE - (Young Ensemble – November 9, 11 and 17)Maya is in Kindergarten at Lake Bluff Elementary School in Shorewood. A Daisy Girl Scout, Maya will be making her debut in

acting with this performance.

KLOEE RICHTER – (Young Ensemble – November 9, 11 and 17)The youngest member of our cast, Kloee is a very energetic and outgoing 2 year old. Her Aunt Elizabeth is one of our

student directors.

GRACE RIEKKOFF – Sophomore (Ensemble)A relative new-comer to the Pius XI stage, Grace previously appeared in Madrigal Dinner and Student Play Festival. She is a member of

Advanced Treble Choir, Pius XI Student

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Ambassadors, Yearbook staff and Forensics team. “I am excited because this is my first Pius production and it’s the first musical performed in the PAC. This musical’s feeling is so serious, which is completely opposite of my personality. I like performing in theater because I get to play someone that’s totally opposite from me.”

ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ – Junior (Assistant Director)Miss Saigon will be Anthony’s debut in a directing role. You may have seen him in The Phantom of the Opera,

Fame and Student Play Festival last year. He has also been involved in Pius XI productions as a sound technician. Anthony is excited to have a chance to work with Kevin Schwartz.

ELIZABETH SEIDL – Junior (Student Director)“I am very privileged to be student directing the very first show in the Performing Arts Center. The cast is absolutely

sensational! I have always wanted to learn more about the Vietnam War and what people had to go through, and what better way to do that than putting on a production about the Vietnam War! In theater, you escape the stressful, hardworking life to be anything but ordinary and be that care-free adventurous person inside of you.” Elizabeth’s directorial credits include The Phantom of the Opera and Student Play Festival, and she also appeared on stage in The Importance of Being Earnest. She is also a Pius XI Ambassador.

SAM SKOGSTAD – Junior (John - November 11 and 17)Previously seen in Student Play Festivals, Hairspray and Madrigal Dinner, Sam is active in Concert Choir,

Madrigals, Dudes of Earl and Pius XI Student Ambassadors. “The subject of the Vietnam War fascinates me and I just like singing and performing in general.”

JOHN SLAVINSKY – Senior (Ensemble)A new student to Pius XI, Miss Saigon will be John’s debut performance on the Pius XI Stage. He is a member of the Concert Choir and enjoys judo

and chess. Next year he plans to attend Northwestern University to major in English, Math or Theater. “I’m thrilled to be part of my first Pius XI production. I love theater because it’s one of the few places where I feel alive.”

ANGI SMOLIK – Senior (Kim – November 9, 10, 16 and18)“My favorite part of theater is being able to tell a story. This story is truly beautiful, and I hope we will be able to

tell it well.” Angi has appeared in many Pius XI productions over the years, including Titanic, The Secret Garden, Student Play Festival, Hairspray, Fame, The Phantom of the Opera, Dance Shows, The Crucible and Jolt Theater. She is President of Tri-M Music Honor Society, and active in National Honor Society, Pius XI Ambassadors, Concert Choir, Madrigals, Thespian Society and Dance. Although undecided on a college, she plans to study Education or Psychology.

LAUREN SMRZ – Junior (Kim – October 11 and 17)Lauren is a member of Concert Choir, Ladies in Waiting, Women’s Vocal Jazz, Student Activities Council and Popes for Hope. You may have seen

her in Bomb-itty of Errors, Madrigal Dinner, The Phantom of the Opera and Dance Shows. “I am most excited to be a principal for the first time. It will challenge me, but I cannot wait!”

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ANGELA STODOLA – Senior (Bar Girl/Gigi)Previously seen on the Pius XI stage in Titanic, The Secret Garden, Fame, The Crucible and Student Play Festival, Angela is also a member of

Student Activities Council, Concert Choir and the Powder Puff Derby. She plans to study International Relations and Spanish at either University of Wisconsin – Whitewater or Green Bay. “Gigi is a role I’ve never done before. The music and dances are so much fun. I love theater because I get to do things I’d never do in real life.”

CHRISTON SYKES-SMITH – Senior (Owner/Ensemble) A member of the Varsity Football team, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Tennis team and Mock Trial team, Christon has

previously performed in Hairspray and Fame. He is excited about is role in Miss Saigon because “this is the first time that I have been in an opera.” He hopes to attend Morehouse College and major in Accounting and/or Business Administration.

EMILIE THOMAS – Senior (Ellen – November 9, 10, 16 and 18)New to Pius XI this year, Emilie is excited to be in her first Pius XI production. She is also a member of Concert

Choir, National Honor Society, First Stage-Young Company and KIDS from Wisconsin. She’s undecided on a college for next year, but plans to study either Musical Theater or Theater and Business. She notes, “The character I am playing is a complicated character and therefore I have been challenged to form my perception of her character. I love all the people I have met at Pius XI. Both directors and the cast have been hard-working, dedicated and caring, making this an amazing experience for me.”

BRONWYN THOMEY – (Young Ensemble – November 10, 16 and 18)Bronwyn is a 3rd grader at Eisenhower Elementary School. She was in her school play A Christmas Carol last year.

When asked how she feels about acting, Bronwyn says, “It just comes naturally to me. Once you practice it – and practice it and practice it – you don’t feel nervous anymore – it feels fine!”

DANI WALLACE – Senior (Bar Girl/Yvonne)“I’m so thrilled to be part of my first Pius XI Theater production! I think the story of Miss Saigon is so beautiful and important to share, and I’m so

honored to help bring it to life.” As a new transfer student, this will be Dani’s debut performance on the Pius XI stage. She is also a member of Concert Choir and Ladies in Waiting. She hopes to study English or Psychology next year, but has not yet decided on a college.

NOAH ZOUINE – Junior (Asst. Commisar/Ensemble)Noah made his debut performance last year in The Phantom of the Opera. He is also a member of Concert Choir, Dudes

of Earl and Scope (newspaper) staff. “What excites me about the play is that its story takes place in a time in our history that was really bad, but at the same time this is the story of what went on within the war outside of the violence.”

14 Pius XI High School

Upcoming Events

Vocal and Instrumental Jazz Concert November 14 (7:00 PM) Wendy Joy Lindsey Theater Father Robert V. Carney Performing Arts Center

Fall Dance Show November 30 (7:00 PM) Wendy Joy Lindsey Theater Father Robert V. Carney Performing Arts Center

Christmas at the Cathedral December 4 (7:00 PM) Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Barnes and Noble Performing Arts Fundraiser December 8 (9:00 AM–9:00 PM) Barnes and Noble - Brookfield Square

Holiday Band Concert December 11 (7:00 PM) Wendy Joy Lindsey Theater Father Robert V. Carney Performing Arts Center

Christmas at Pius XI December 15 (7:00 PM) Father Robert V. Carney Performing Arts Center Wendy Joy Lindsey Theater

Playing with Fire February 8–9, 15–17 (Fri/Sat, 7:00 PM, Sun, 2:00 PM) Black Box Theater

For tickets, call the Pius XI Box Office at 414-290-0204 or order online at www.piuspac.org

15Miss Saigon

16 Pius XI High School